South Korea Advances Cooperation on Lithium Resources in Kazakhstan and Nickel and Cobalt Resources in Uzbekistan

Published: Sep 16, 2026 15:36

Save

South Korea plans to strengthen cooperation with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in the critical minerals sector, advancing joint exploration and technology development for lithium, nickel and cobalt resources. In Kazakhstan, the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) has signed an agreement with local companies to conduct joint drilling at the Bakennoye lithium deposit and its tailings in 2027. The potential lithium resources are preliminarily estimated at approximately 25,000 tonnes. In Uzbekistan, the two sides will focus on the exploration and development of nickel and cobalt resources in the Sultanbobo area, including R&D on processing and refining technologies and feasibility studies. The cooperation aims to facilitate the participation of Korean companies in subsequent development projects and strengthen the security of South Korea’s critical mineral supply chains.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

1 hour ago

SMM Daily Review: Spot lithium carbonate prices continued to drift lower on September 16

Today, SMM battery-grade lithium carbonate spot prices continued to drift lower compared with the previous trading day. The lithium carbonate 2701 contract opened lower at 129,300 yuan/mt today. After the open, bears kept up the pressure, and prices drifted lower along the average price line, hitting an intraday low of 124,000 yuan/mt in the morning session. Around midday, bargain hunting emerged at lower levels, and prices rebounded, briefly rising to around 127,000 yuan/mt in the afternoon before meeting resistance and pulling back again. Near the close, prices moved sideways around 125,800 yuan/mt, with open interest down 1,204 lots. In the spot market, downstream buyers continued to stockpile at lower prices ahead of the September and October holidays. A small number of material producers remained cautious, with spot order purchase intentions below 125,000 yuan/mt. Upstream lithium chemical plants continued to hold spot order prices firm and held back from selling, though some high-priced offers softened slightly. Overall, market inquiries and actual transactions remained active.

1 hour ago

2 hours ago

[SMM Analysis] Copper Foil Supply: Short-Term Relief, 2027 Bottleneck Risk

2 hours ago

[Solid-state battery: Shanghai Jiao Tong University opens tender for intelligent halide solid-state electrolyte preparation and testing system]

[Solid-State Battery: Shanghai Jiao Tong University Issues Public Tender for Intelligent Halide Solid-State Electrolyte Preparation and Testing System] On September 10, 2026, Shanghai Jiao Tong University issued a public tender announcement for an intelligent halide solid-state electrolyte preparation and testing system. The budget is 5 million yuan, and all equipment must be delivered, installed, commissioned, and accepted within 8 months after contract signing. Bids must be submitted before 10:00 AM on October 8, 2026 (Beijing time).

2 hours ago