Republic of Korea-Australia Lithium Forum strengthens global research collaboration
The origin of the opportunity
Australian and Korean researchers came together in-person and virtually on 23 October for the inaugural Korea-Australia Critical Minerals Forum 2025, Lithium Extraction Technologies. This was a science-focused meeting, bringing together researchers, academics and industry to advance lithium research and collaboration between the two countries.
The forum was a direct outcome of the Australian Critical Minerals R&D Hub’s outbound delegation to Korea earlier this year, which aimed to deepen relationships between researchers and industry partners across both countries and strongly underpins the Hub’s strategic pillar of international engagement and collaboration with like-minded partners.
Connecting the value chain
Forum participants included scientists and representatives from the Hub’s partner agencies (CSIRO, ANSTO and Geoscience Australia), alongside researchers from leading Korean institutions (Korean Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources, Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology) and scientists from the POSCO group of companies. Esteemed Australian and Korean universities also participated in the forum, bringing together around two dozen researchers from each country.
Australia-Korea lithium forum participants in Perth, WA
Australia-Korea lithium forum participants in Perth, WA
With the theme “Lithium: from deposits to primary commodities”, this year’s forum explored the full value chain of lithium science, from resource characterisation through to processing and conversion. While Korea has no geologically significant lithium reserves, it is a global leader in battery materials production and conversion, maintaining strong partnerships with lithium miners around the world. The forum therefore placed particular emphasis on applied science and near-term industrial challenges to strengthen both country’s positions in the global lithium ecosystem.
CSIRO-hosted R&D Hub placing collaboration at the core
CSIRO’s Deputy Director of Mineral Resources Dr Yulia Uvarova emphasised the strategic significance of lithium for both nations.
“Lithium appears on the critical minerals list for both Australia and Korea, reflecting its central importance in lithium-ion batteries that power our phones, our cars, our lives and even our energy grids,” Dr Uvarova said.
“Big challenges are best tackled through meaningful collaboration, that’s how we turn shared challenges into shared progress”.
“The Australian Critical Minerals R&D Hub embodies the spirit of collaboration, bringing together three of Australia’s national science agencies to tackle national and international sector challenges”.
“This forum, connecting like-minded researchers, companies and nations is demonstrating the breadth of talent and how deeply both countries value our collaborative relationships.”
Australia-Korea lithium form participants joining virtually.
Australia-Korea lithium form participants joining virtually.
Meaningful partnerships the foundation for POSCO Group
POSCO Group Chief Technology Officer Dr. Kisoo Kim highlighted the shared opportunities ahead.
POSCO Group participants joining the forum virtually.
POSCO Group participants joining the forum virtually.
“Lithium is central to the secondary battery industry and plays a vital role in the global energy transition,” Dr. Kim said.
“It’s essential that we are making meaningful joint efforts between research institutes, companies and universities from both countries.
“At POSCO Group, we believe research collaboration with Australia is key to ensuring sustainability. This forum has provided an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange, networking and laying the foundation for future collaboration.”
Sowing the seeds for future collaboration
The Korea-Australia Critical Minerals Forum showcased the strength of the research ties between the two countries and underscored a shared commitment to advancing sustainable, science-driven solutions for the global energy transition. This year’s forum was the first of an ongoing international dialogue.
POSCO Group participants joining the forum virtually.
POSCO Group participants joining the forum virtually.
By fostering dialogue between research, industry and academia, the forum not only deepened the understanding of current lithium challenges but also laid the groundwork for future partnerships that will help drive innovation and resilience across both countries’ critical minerals sectors.
