Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate on securing critical minerals amid rising focus on energy and resource security
Combining global networks with resource development expertise to maximize efficiency in securing critical minerals
Strengthening economic security through securing critical minerals, diversifying supply chains, supporting enterprises, and sharing intelligence

Amid the restructuring of global supply chains and spreading geopolitical instability, energy and resource security has become increasingly vital. In response, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA, President Kang Kyung-sung) and Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM, President Kwon Yi-kyun) have joined forces to secure critical minerals and diversify supply sources.

The two organizations signed a "Memorandum of Understanding for Strengthening Cooperation in Critical Minerals" on August 10 at KOTRA's headquarters in Seoul. By combining KOTRA's global network of overseas offices with KIGAM's specialized expertise in resource development, both sides plan to enhance the effectiveness of acquiring critical minerals overseas and contribute to national supply chain security.

Areas of cooperation included are" △Sharing information on the production, export, investment, and global supply chain trends of critical minerals △Sharing information on overseas resource development projects and investment opportunities △Jointly holding seminars and forums, and conducting collaborative research △Co-promoting international cooperation initiatives, including Official Development Assistance (ODA), with foreign governments, institutions, and enterprises △Identifying and resolving supply chain bottlenecks faced by Korean companies.

This agreement was established following a mutual consensus that addressing overseas supply chain crises requires combining international networks with specialized technical expertise. Through the implementation of this agreement, KOTRA and KIGAM plan to strengthen their early response capabilities to supply chain risks while continuing to discover practical collaborative projects to secure overseas critical minerals and diversify supply lines.

Kang Kyung-sung, President of KOTRA, stated, "In an era of technological hegemony, the importance of securing critical minerals is constantly growing due to geopolitical instability and expanding nationalism," adding, "By combining KIGAM's expertise with KOTRA's overseas network, we will do our utmost to secure critical minerals and diversify supply sources."br />


Source：KOTRA (2026.08.11.)