Empowering Ethiopia’s Resource Potential Through Knowledge Transfer

In a move poised to reshape the landscape of mineral resource development in Africa, the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) has launched an intensive educational program in collaboration with Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU) in Ethiopia. This initiative aims to transfer crucial mineral exploration and processing technologies, fostering a new era of cooperation between the two nations.

Addressing Ethiopia’s Resource Value Chain

Ethiopia possesses significant reserves of valuable minerals, including gold, tantalum, lithium, and nickel. Though, a substantial portion of thes resources are currently exported as raw ore (Wonkwang), limiting the potential for value addition within the country. This educational initiative directly addresses this challenge by equipping Ethiopian researchers with the expertise to process and refine these minerals domestically.

The training program, conducted by KIGAM’s International Geological Resources Development Center, focuses on enhancing the capacity of Ethiopian government and research institutions. By providing in-depth knowledge and practical skills in mineral processing and metal extraction, the program lays a solid foundation for long-term technical collaboration between Korea and Ethiopia.

Curriculum Highlights: From Ore to Refined Metal

The curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics crucial for mineral resource development, with a strong emphasis on light and smelting technology. KIGAM researchers, leveraging their world-class expertise, serve as instructors, sharing the latest technological advancements, real-world case studies, and hands-on experience at pilot plants. The program delves into:

• Mineral Processing Techniques: Focusing on the selection and processing of rare earth elements, including lithium and copper.The program emphasizes the physical principles governing particle and fluid movement, providing a deep understanding of core technologies.
• Resource Recycling: Highlighting the importance of mineral processing in resource recycling and offering practical demonstrations of mineral processing equipment.
• Smelting Technologies: Covering both wet and dry smelting methods, with advanced learning modules on metal extraction from lipid resources and non-ferrous metal smelting.
• Enduring Resource Development: Providing technical foundations for sustainable resource development, including the removal of metal and impurities through wet smelting and refining processes, recycling of waste batteries to secure eco-friendly energy metals, and the introduction of vanadium extraction processes.

Building a Sustainable Future Through Collaboration

KIGAM anticipates that this educational program will serve as a tangible follow-up to the joint declaration made at the Korea-Africa summit last year. It is indeed envisioned as a pivotal model for science and technology cooperation, paving the way for expanded partnerships with other resource-rich African nations. This initiative aligns with the growing global focus on securing critical minerals for a sustainable future. For example, the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act aims to secure access to a safe, sustainable and affordable supply of critical raw materials, essential for a range of strategic sectors, including renewable energy, digital technologies, and defense.

This education is very significant by providing trust with Ethiopia and providing practical technical support. We will cooperate with the world to create a sustainable future by establishing an innovative education program for global resources.

lee Pyeong-gu, director of Geological resources, KIGAM

About AASTU

Addis Ababa science and Technology University (AASTU) is a prominent national university under the Ethiopian Ministry of Science and Technology. It specializes in engineering education and research, playing a crucial role in developing the country’s technical workforce.