The partnership between Uzbekistan and South Korea is witnessing significant growth, particularly in the critical minerals sector. The Uzbekistan Technological Metals Complex (TMK) is at the forefront of this collaboration, which integrates scientific research, technology transfer, advanced materials development, and new export opportunities. TMK is currently engaged in joint projects with prominent South Korean research and industrial entities, including KITECH, KAIST, KIGAM, Korea Powder Metallurgy, and CAMP2. These initiatives are centred on the deep processing of critical minerals, advanced alloys, powder metallurgy, magnetic materials, artificial intelligence, and smart metallurgy.
A notable achievement from this scientific collaboration is the creation of 16 new advanced alloys, developed in partnership with Sejong University and the University of Business and Science in Uzbekistan. This initiative lays a crucial scientific and technological groundwork for the development of materials with enhanced properties, which are being tested under industrial conditions before being introduced into production.
A cornerstone of this partnership is the establishment of the Uzbek-Korean Scientific and Technological Center for Rare Metals and Hard Alloys, which operates within TMK’s R&D Park. Funded through the Korean side’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) program with an investment of USD 11.2 million, the centre’s research focuses on critical minerals, high-purity metals, nanomaterials, and pilot technologies.
The collaboration also encompasses professional development, with ten TMK engineers currently receiving training in South Korea. This program provides them with practical experience in advanced manufacturing processes, modern metallurgical technologies, and research activities.
In the industrial realm, TMK Smart Powder and Korea Powder Metallurgy are set to launch the production of high-precision automotive components in Uzbekistan, supported by their long-term partnership. This project aims for an annual production capacity of 50 million units, targeting export markets.
Moreover, TMK is actively negotiating with major South Korean companies and institutions regarding the processing of critical minerals, the adoption of advanced metallurgical technologies, and the development of new investment projects. The evolving cooperation between TMK and South Korea is shaping into a comprehensive industrial partnership, focusing on the deep processing of critical minerals, the development of advanced materials, and the establishment of high-tech production facilities in Uzbekistan, ultimately supplying finished products to global markets.
