ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 5. The Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) wants to build a plant in Kazakhstan to produce lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, Trend reports.
This was stated during a meeting between the Minister of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan Kanat Sharlapaev and representatives of KIGAM and SK ECOPLANT companies.
In parallel, the representatives of KIGAM and SK ECOPLANT expressed interest in conducting joint geological exploration and further lithium production.
The minister remarked that the Kazakh side was prepared to back the idea of KIGAM and SK ECOPLANT representatives and to provide the required governmental assistance for the project's execution. The sides decided to have an extended meeting in Astana as well.
To note, lithium is a strategic resource used in the production of batteries for electric vehicles, portable devices, and other technologies.
The construction of such enterprises in Kazakhstan will not only contribute to the development of local industry, but will also provide the country with access to modern technologies for lithium processing. This, in turn, can lead to attracting investment and creating new jobs.
Meanwhile, South Korea is one of Kazakhstan's most important trading partners in Asia.
Thus, trade turnover between the countries in 2023 exceeded $6 billion. Over the same period, $3.8 billion was exported to South Korea, and $2.2 billion was imported from that country.
