KOTRA and KIGAM Join Forces to Secure Core Minerals Overseas

Sharing Core Mineral Supply Chain Trends
Collaboratively Pursuing ODA and Partnerships with Overseas Institutions
Combining Expertise and Networks to Diversify Supply Sources

Amid ongoing supply chain restructuring and the spread of geopolitical instability, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) have joined forces to secure core minerals and diversify sources of supply.

KOTRA and KIGAM announced on August 11, 2026, that they had signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the 10th at KOTRA headquarters in Seoul to strengthen cooperation in the core minerals sector. The plan is to combine KOTRA's global network of overseas offices with KIGAM's expertise in resource development, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of securing core minerals abroad and contributing to national supply chain security.

The areas of collaboration include: ▲ sharing information on the production, export, investment, and overseas supply chain trends for core minerals; ▲ sharing information on overseas resource development projects and investment; ▲ holding seminars, forums, and conducting joint research; ▲ jointly carrying out cooperation—including Official Development Assistance (ODA)—with foreign governments, institutions, and companies; and ▲ jointly identifying and supporting corporate challenges related to supply chains.

KOTRA and the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources announced on the 10th that they signed a memorandum of understanding at the KOTRA headquarters to strengthen cooperation in the field of critical minerals. Kyungseong Kang, President of KOTRA (left), and Ikkyun Kwon, President of the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (right), are taking a commemorative photo after signing the agreement. KOTRA.

This agreement was promoted based on the consensus between both organizations that, to stabilize the supply chain of core minerals, it is essential to respond to overseas crises by combining networks and expertise. Both sides agreed that by implementing the agreement, they will strengthen their early response capabilities to supply chain crises and continue to pursue practical collaborative projects aimed at securing core minerals overseas and diversifying supply chains.

Kyung-sung Kang, President of KOTRA, stated, "In this era of technological hegemony, the importance of securing core minerals is increasing due to rising geopolitical instability and the spread of protectionism. By combining the expertise of the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources with KOTRA's overseas network, we will do our utmost to secure core minerals and diversify our sources of supply."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.