South Korea is rapidly accelerating its international critical-mineral acquisitions to safeguard raw-material supply for its EV, battery, and semiconductor industries. Facing limited domestic resources, the country is leveraging overseas investments, long-term offtake agreements, and strategic partnerships with mining operators across the Americas, Africa, Australia, and Central Asia.
Korean companies are focusing on lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, and rare-earth elements, essential for electric-vehicle batteries, high-performance motors, advanced electronics, and semiconductor production. Government-backed initiatives—including credit guarantees, diplomatic support, and state investment vehicles—help reduce risks for private-sector investors and accelerate deal execution.
Recent projects include co-investment in South American lithium brine operations, nickel and cobalt ventures in Indonesia, and rare-earth developments in Vietnam and Australia. These upstream investments are designed to integrate with domestic processing, cathode and anode manufacturing, and downstream battery and EV production, creating secure supply chains for global operations.
Timing and competition are critical. Global demand for critical minerals is rising faster than new projects can come online. South Korea faces competition from China, Japan, the U.S., and Europe, all vying for access to the same high-quality deposits and processing capacity. Quick negotiations and strategic midstream development are essential to maintain a competitive advantage.
By successfully executing this global acquisition strategy, South Korea could reinforce industrial resilience, ensuring stable supply for electric vehicles, batteries, and semiconductors—industries that are central to the nation’s economic and technological leadership.
