POSCO Holdings Partners with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, for Joint Research on carbon-reduced ironmaking and critical mineral refining technologies
“Critical minerals are strategic assets that will drive industrial paradigm shifts… We feel a strong sense of mission for a sustainable future.”
Expecting optimal synergy from POSCO Holdings’ technological capabilities and Australia’s abundant resources
POSCO Holdings has joined hands with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, to collaborate on carbon-reduced ironmaking and critical mineral refining technologies.
In May, POSCO Holdings became the first Korean company to establish a specialized resource research centerlab in Australia – the POSCO Australia Critical Minerals R&D Lab. On September 11, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSIRO to build a strategic partnership in the field of critical minerals.
The signing ceremony, held via video link between Korea and Australia, was attended by Ki-soo Kim, CTO and Head of POSCO Holdings’ N.EX.T Hub (Senior Executive Vice President), and Dr. Louise Fisher, Director of CSIRO’s Mineral Resources Research Unit, along with other senior executives from both organizations.
The scope of cooperation includes: △Carbon-reduced ironmaking technologies such as hydrogen reduction △Lithium refining and utilization technologies for secondary battery materials △Rare earth extraction and separation technologies.
Specific collaboration measures will include: △Identification and execution of joint research projects △Exchange of information and samples related to critical minerals △Operation of regular communication channels △Hosting of annual technology exchange meetings.
The MoU will be valid for five years from the date of signing, with the possibility of extension upon mutual agreement.
Dr. Ki-soo Kim, CTO of POSCO Group, stated, “This MoU marks an important starting point for establishing a strategic cooperation framework between POSCO Group and the Australia Critical Minerals R&D Lab in the fields of carbon-reduced ironmaking and critical minerals. We expect that by leveraging our synergies, we can stabilize the global critical minerals supply chain through technology and work together to create a sustainable future.”
Dr. Louise Fisher, Director of CSIRO’s Mineral Resources Research Unit, emphasized, “Our collaboration with POSCO Holdings reflects our shared commitment to advancing sustainable technologies that support a low-carbon future. By aligning our research priorities in low-emissions ironmaking and critical minerals processing, we are contributing to the development of a resilient, green metals industry in Australia.”
Through this agreement, POSCO Holdings plans to combine Australia’s abundant resources and technological expertise with its own capabilities to enhance upstream competitiveness, positioning the Australia Critical Minerals R&D Lab as a hub for the Group’s critical minerals R&D and leading open innovation initiatives.
Founded in 1916, CSIRO is Australia’s national science agency, employing more than 6000 people across 50 sites globally. Working closely with the Australian government and industry, CSIRO delivers world-leading research and development solutions across the minerals value chain in mineral exploration, efficient mining and sustainable operations.
▲On September 11, POSCO Holdings signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with CSIRO to build a strategic partnership in the field of critical minerals. From left: Dr. Min-young Cho, Head of POSCO Holdings Group Technology Strategy Office, Dr. Louise Fisher, Director of CSIRO’s Mineral Resources Research Unit, Dr. Ki-soo Kim, Director of POSCO N.EX.T Hub.