The Kazakh-Korean rare metals technology center has opened in Almaty. Scientists and engineers from the two countries will develop technologies for the downstream processing of mineral raw materials, the extraction of rare metals and the production of new materials, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education said.
The center was inaugurated on Oct. 21 at Metallurgy and Enrichment Institute at Satbayev University. Its main objective is to promote the production of high-value-added products in Kazakhstan and strengthen the technological capabilities of the country’s industrial sector.
Technologies to be developed
The project is being implemented by the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) and the Korea Institute for Rare Metals (KORAM), with support from government agencies in both countries. The center was established under the Republic of Korea’s official development assistance program.
KORAM Director Park Kyoung-Tae said the cooperation would facilitate the introduction of Korean technologies for rare metal processing and purification. He added that the initiative would help Kazakhstan develop domestic production of materials needed by high-tech industries, including electronics and electric vehicle manufacturing.
The ministry also noted that during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state visit to South Korea, he emphasized the importance of establishing a complete production cycle, from research and raw material extraction to downstream processing and finished-product manufacturing.
Research to meet industry needs
At the first meeting of the center’s joint management committee, the parties discussed laboratory equipment timelines, specialist training and professional development, cooperation with industrial enterprises, joint research and plans for further work.
Meiram Begentayev, rector of Satbayev University, said research priorities would be shaped by the practical needs of industrial partners, with joint testing helping prepare research findings for industrial application.
A congratulatory letter from Kazakhstan’s Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sayasat Nurbek, was also read at the opening ceremony. He highlighted the center’s importance for advancing raw material processing technologies, strengthening Kazakhstan’s scientific and industrial capabilities, and fostering cooperation between the two countries.
The ceremony brought together ministry officials, South Korean diplomats, researchers and representatives of mining and metallurgical companies.
Rare and rare-earth metals are used in electronics, energy, engineering and other high-tech industries. According to the ministry, the center will focus on developing metal processing technologies and strengthening links between research and industry.