From Research to Industry... KIGAM Pohang Center Marks 10 Years of Georesource Demonstration

Building Three Pillars: Geological Advanced Materials, Resource Development, and Marine Exploration
Achievements in Localization and Technology Transfer

A key hub is emerging that connects research and development (R&D) achievements in georesources to on-site demonstration and industrialization. The Pohang Geology and Resource Demonstration Research Center at the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) has accumulated industry-linked outcomes over the past 10 years, with a focus on geological advanced materials, resource development plants, and marine exploration technologies.

On March 23, the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) announced that it had reviewed the accomplishments and discussed future directions in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Pohang Geology and Resource Demonstration Research Center.

Panorama of the Pohang Geology and Resources Demonstration Research Center. Photo by Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM)

Since its establishment in 2016, the Pohang Center has focused on serving as an intermediate stage bridging 'research-demonstration-commercialization' in georesource technologies. Currently, about 50 researchers are stationed at the center, conducting studies in the fields of geological advanced materials, resource development plants, and exploration systems. By utilizing the 3D and 4D marine geophysical survey vessel 'Tamhae 3', the center is simultaneously conducting marine geological surveys and demonstrating resource development technologies.

Clay-Based Materials and Drilling Technology... Industrialization Achievements

The Pohang Center has accumulated achievements in the development and industrialization of materials based on georesources.

Through research on clay mineral-based geological advanced materials, the center developed drug delivery materials and established the research-based company 'Biopharma' to commercialize related technologies. The center continues to expand into the bio-material sector by transferring technologies such as clay-based improved drug candidates and active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing techniques to companies.

Additionally, research on marine mud resources in Hupo, Uljin, confirmed the potential for functional materials and laid the groundwork for applications in the cosmetics and bio industries.

In the field of resource development plants, the center developed a drilling system that integrates directional control propulsion devices for onshore drilling and drilling fluid circulation technology, completing pilot demonstrations. This technology was recognized as an achievement in the localization of resource development equipment and was selected as one of the top 100 outstanding national R&D achievements in 2023.

Advancement in Marine Exploration... Strengthening the Demonstration Hub

In the exploration systems sector, the center developed high-resolution seabed exploration technology for shallow coastal areas. This technology enables the analysis of submarine strata to tens of centimeters, even in environments where large survey vessels cannot access, and is being commercialized by transferring both hardware and software to companies.

The recent deployment of the 'Tamhae 3' has further expanded the marine exploration infrastructure, and research in marine geological surveys and resource exploration is expected to become even more active.

Going forward, the Pohang Center plans to continue localizing core technologies for resource development plants, further advance marine exploration technologies, and expand research on bio and environmental materials based on geological advanced materials, thereby strengthening its role as a demonstration-centered research hub.

Lee Kwonik, President of the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, stated, "Over the past 10 years, the Pohang Center has played a role in connecting research results to on-site demonstration and industrialization," adding, "I look forward to its continued growth as a key hub for enhancing the national competitiveness of georesource technologies."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.