Mongolia and South Korea Establish Rare Metal Research and Experimental Center
Montsame, Ulaanbaatar, December 15th - Mongolia has established a rare metal research and experimental center. This geological survey center, set up within the framework of South Korea's official development assistance project, was officially launched on the 12th of this month. The total investment in the center is 9.8 billion won, and it is equipped with 57 pieces of equipment. The center will analyze, process, and explore rare earth metals (including tin, tungsten, coal, etc.) found in Mongolia and provide training in refining technologies.
At the opening ceremony of the center, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources G. Damdinyam said, "This international center has the capacity to conduct high-level scientific analysis and research using modern advanced technology, representing progress in economic cooperation between Mongolia and South Korea. In this period when demand for rare metals and geological exploration is increasing, the establishment of this center will make a practical contribution to the mining industry and economic development."
The South Korean ambassador to Mongolia, Choe Geum-won, said, "Although the two countries have cooperated in various fields since establishing diplomatic relations 35 years ago, cooperation in the mining sector has not been good. South Korean investment in this field accounts for only 1%, and economic indicators are not very satisfactory. Therefore, setting up a mineral exploration research center is a precedent for cooperation in the mining sector. Both sides are working together to achieve results within ten years. In recent years, we have focused on facilities, equipment, and personnel training. With the introduction of rare metal technology and information exchange, enterprises will be able to operate according to commercial principles, thus injecting new impetus into Mongolia's economy."
Zheng Gongyeun (translated name), head of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Energy of South Korea, pointed out, "In the current situation where global supply of rare metals is unstable, countries are taking measures to establish common reserve funds and promote domestic production. South Korea plans to implement supply projects in Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan, and has opened the first center in Mongolia. Given that Mongolia is close to the Chinese market and has railways connecting Russia and China, developing rare metal processing technology is crucial in many aspects."
Naranchimeg Munkhbilig, Director of the State Geological Survey of Mongolia, stated regarding the tasks undertaken by his agency, "The advantage of the rare metal research center lies in integrating geological research and scientific industries. With the creation of an environment for important mineral research and technological localization, and strengthening cooperation, we will create high-value-added products. Our agency will work to coordinate the activities of the center with policies and plans in the mineral resources sector. Thus, Mongolia can develop into a hub center for geological science innovation and important mineral resources."
Kwon Hyun-yeop (translated name), Director of the Korean Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, said, "Mongolia has abundant mineral resources and has the potential to integrate into the international supply chain. South Korea has technical advantages in this field and can become an industrial supplier. The mutually beneficial and complementary relationship between the two countries will play an important role in strengthening Mongolia's industrial base and promoting the development of mining technology in both countries. I believe our institute will fully support the activities of this center and develop together."
Bat-Erkhel, Director of the Geological Research Center, emphasized, "This center marks a historic new chapter in the development of geological research in Mongolia. With the introduction of modern equipment and technology by both sides and joint efforts, it is essential to correctly identify natural resources, work responsibly, and produce high-value finished products."
In addition to in-depth laboratory research on rare metals, the center also establishes business through coordination and development with various mining companies.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1851583863012364/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.