The Western Australian government has signed an agreement with a South Korean organisation to establish a cooperative framework for the exchange of scientific and technical knowledge across the entire mining value chain with a particular focus on critical minerals.
The Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, a geoscience research organisation backed by the South Korean government, is a leading innovator in geoscience and technology solutions designed to respond to current global issues, such as climate change.
“This cooperation is an important step in developing a strong battery chemical industry in Western Australia, in partnership with the Korean industry,” said Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston.
The minister said the memorandum of understanding will boost the WA’s exchange of information with Korean trading partners and reaffirms the state’s significant role in the global supply of critical minerals.
“Transformational change is needed in how we find commodities, extract and process them, and convert them for use in manufacturing processes to support the global efforts in decarbonisation,” Johnston said.
Johnston witnessed the signing of the agreement, which is part of the McGowan government’s mission to promote WA’s capabilities.
The MOU is also intended to strengthen the bilateral ties between WA and the Republic of Korea following the signing of a historic letter of intent by the Premier on 1 February.
