KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES

The 1st Workshop between KIGAM and NGS

The 1st Workshop between KIGAM and NGS between Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) and National Geological Survey of Mongolia (NGS) was held virtually on August 24th, 2021 for possible future cooperation. Today’s meeting was previously agreed upon mutual common interests of two organizations, which led by Dr. Bok Chul Kim, the former president of KIGAM, and Dr. Chuluun Oidov, the chairman of NGS, had an unofficial virtual meeting for the cooperation of the two organizations in early July.

The meeting was started by Dr. Kwang-Eun Kim, the current acting president, who gave a welcoming remark on KIGAM’s side, and Dr. Chuluun Oidov gave an opening remark on NGS’s side. Both organizations discussed and suggested to research the following areas: (1) Geo-information Technology; (2) Urban geology in association with main fault system; (3) Joint projects on Earthquake Hazard Minimization; (4) Collaborative research work on mineral resources potential including critical minerals; (5) Exchange of experts for training; (6) Joint data information system; (7) Find ways to attract Korean investors in mine geology and mining sector of Mongolia; (8) Economy related research on value-added supply chain potential based on the known mineral resources and data set; and (9) Continuation of the Tsogttsetsii project.

Also, KIGAM and NGS responded to expand the cooperation to have the KIGAM’s International School for Geoscience Resources (IS-Geo) training programs, as well as participating Coordinating Committee for Geoscience Programmes in East and Southeast Asia (CCOP) activities. Furthermore, KIGAM’s Mineral Resources Development Research Center is interested in cooperating with Mongolia for Mongolia’s Railway Development Strategy in connection with the establishment of the East Asia Railway Community (EARC).

Lastly, KIGAM and NGS have also agreed that a government high-level meeting between Korea and Mongolia in the future, which can be a great opportunity to sign the bilateral MOU.