Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources

What Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources does

KIGAM is Korea's only government-funded research institute (정부출연연구기관) specializing in geoscience and mineral resources, operating under the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Institute of Science and Technology. Tracing its origins to the 1918 Geological Survey Office and officially established in 1948 as the Central Geological Mineral Research Institute, KIGAM runs a headquarters in Daejeon (Yuseong-gu) and a Pohang branch, employing 501-1,000 staff across 25+ specialized research centers. Its research mandate covers national geological survey, mineral resource exploration, critical minerals development, groundwater management, geological hazards (including the national earthquake early warning system), carbon capture and storage, space and planetary geology, and resource recycling. KIGAM serves Korean government ministries (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources; Ministry of Science and ICT), domestic mining and materials companies, energy firms, and international organizations under 44 MOUs with 24 countries and partnerships in CCOP, UNESCO, ICDP, and CTBTO.

KIGAM's technology portfolio includes the GeoAI Platform, the Smart Geo-Big Data Open Platform (national data center), the Korea Integrated Seismic Network (KISS), the MiCI Mineral Commodity Information Portal, the KOLAS-ILAC accredited Geoanalysis Center, the Flame Plasma Pyrolysis (FPP) process, 3D digital twin mineral exploration technology, and exclusive operation of the Tamhae 3 deep-sea geophysical research vessel. Operational scale is substantial: 1,435 research projects, 5,850 published papers, 2,550 patents, 15,000+ samples analyzed annually, and IS-GEO international training with 253 courses. Recent outputs include 44 international MOUs, 24-country cooperation network, and active engagement with Bolivia on lithium technology cooperation.

Revenue is anchored by government research funding from Korean ministries, supplemented by fee-based testing and analysis services (with standardized fee schedules), technology transfer and licensing from the 2,550-patent portfolio, and international training and education programs. Distribution is primarily direct to government and corporate clients, augmented by online service portals (gac.kigam.re.kr for sample analysis, data.kigam.re.kr for open data) and technology transfer offices for private sector commercialization. The institute is currently expanding into rare earth processing through the 2026 K-Plant initiative with Korea Zinc and POSCO Holdings, and into circular economy technology through the FPP biochar process, while pursuing critical mineral partnerships with Daesung Group and Natural Resources Canada.

Name

Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources

Legal name

Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (한국지질자원研究院)

Website

https://kigam.re.kr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1948

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Korea's only government-funded research institute dedicated to geoscience and mineral resources, conducting geological surveys, mineral exploration, seismic monitoring, CCS research, and critical mineral processing under the Ministry of Science and ICT, serving government agencies, domestic industry, and international partners across 44 MOUs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government Geoscience Research and Survey Services

NAICS

Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (54136), Testing Laboratories and Services (54138), Support Activities for Mining (2131)

SIC

Oil & Gas Field Exploration Services (1382), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Mineral Exploration & Geoscience Services (Geology, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Resource Modeling) (IMAKAKAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Soil Testing & Nutrient Analysis Services (AFACAKAA), Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring (Settlement, Inclinometers, Piezometers) (IMAFAOAH)

Keywords

• Geoscience research services
• Mineral resource exploration
• Seismic monitoring networks
• Geological survey services
• Carbon capture storage

Headquarters

HQ city

Yusong

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Research Funding: Core funding from Korean government ministries for national strategic research projects in geoscience, mineral resources, energy security, and environmental protection.
2. Testing and Analysis Services: International certified testing and analysis services (KOLAS-ILAC accredited) providing geological, environmental, and material analysis. Annual volume of 15,000+ samples processed.
3. Technology Transfer and Licensing: Revenue from transferring developed technologies to private companies, including mineral processing, recycling, and exploration technologies.
4. International Training and Education: Revenue from international education programs including UNESCO, APEC, ASEAN, and CCOP-linked training programs at the International School for Geoscience Resources.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

KIGAM is South Korea's government-funded geoscience research institute conducting geological and mineral resource surveys, seismic and geohazard monitoring, deep-sea mineral exploration, CCS research, and resource recycling R&D. It sells accredited testing and analytical services, disseminates geoscience data through national open platforms, and commercializes technologies such as the Flame Plasma Pyrolysis biochar system and the K-Plant rare-earth processing initiative. KIGAM also delivers international training programs and policy advisory support to government and industry.

Product overview

KIGAM operates as a multi-disciplinary geoscience and mineral resources research institute offering a portfolio of platforms, research services, and public-facing tools. Core offerings include the MiCI Mineral Statistics Portal for commodity data and publications, the Geo Big Data Open Platform (GDR system) for research data sharing, an online KOLAS-ILAC accredited test analysis system, and the Earthquake Research Center providing 24-hour seismic monitoring. Additional services include technology commercialization support through the Tech-biz Department, international geoscience education via IS-GEO (253 courses), KIGAM TV for science communication, the 탐해3호 research vessel for marine surveys, and the Geological Museum for public outreach. These offerings are interconnected — the data platforms feed research while the analysis systems and education center support both external users and KIGAM's own research mandate.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Online Test Analysis Request System (KOLAS/ILAC-accredited) KIGAM's KOLAS-accredited (and internationally ILAC-recognized) testing lab, accessible via an online analysis-request portal, providing certified mineral, petrology, geochemistry, isotope, and chemical analyses to industrial and institutional clients. The service leverages KIGAM's specialized equipment and reference-material heritage, and is governed by the KOLAS Fair Trade Quality Assurance program under the Framework Act on National Standards.
• MiCI (Mineral Commodity Information) Portal Centralized portal providing statistics, prices, and trade data on mineral commodities to support Korean industry and mineral-resource policy. Targets mining and materials companies, government agencies, and researchers needing authoritative mineral commodity intelligence.
• GeoAI Open Platform (구제아이기반 무인탐사 자원플랫폼) GeoAI-driven platform for unmanned exploration and mineral resource discovery, supporting Korean operators and government decision-making through AI-based analysis of geological data, layers, and borehole information.
• Smart Geo Big Data Open Platform (스마트 지오 빅데이터 오픈플랫폼) Smart Geo Big Data Open Platform integrating national 3D geological, topographic, mineral, geophysical and drilling data with 3D digital-twin visualization, designed to support domestic companies, local governments, and exploration of overseas resources.
• Tamhae III Research Vessel Operations (탐해3호 운용) Deep-sea geophysical exploration, submarine mineral resource surveys, and marine geological field studies delivered via KIGAM's national research vessel Tamhae III, supporting Korea's strategic seabed resource assessment and offshore CCS site characterization.
• IS-GEO International School for Geoscience Resources Customized international training and capacity-building program in applied geoscience, minerals, and resource development for overseas specialists and partner-country institutions, supporting Korea's ODA and CCOP commitments.
• Korea Integrated Seismic Network (KISS) Earthquake Monitoring National earthquake and seismic monitoring service operated by KIGAM's Earthquake Research Center and Pohang Research Center, providing continuous seismic data, earthquake analysis, and geohazard support to Korean public agencies and research institutions.
• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Research and Pilot Services CCS research, development, and verification services from reservoir characterization and storage-simulation modeling to onshore and offshore pilot operation, including jointly executed MTI/KIGAM CCS cooperation projects and CO2-PVT experimental support.
• K-Plant Technology Development Support (K-플랜트 기술개발 지원) Plant-technology program establishing domestic rare-earth/plant-material processing chains (including separation and smelting) to reduce Korean industry dependence on overseas supply, jointly executed with KIGAM, KIER, and other national institutes.
• Flame Plasma Pyrolysis (FPP) Biochar Technology Licensing KIGAM-developed Flame Plasma Pyrolysis biochar technology, including decentralized carbonization facilities and patented equipment, licensed to industry as a carbon-sequestration and resource-recycling solution.
• Tech-biz Technology Commercialization and Transfer Services (기술사업화) Technology commercialization and transfer services provided through KIGAM's Technology Transfer Center, supporting licensing, IP mediation, and commercialization pathways for KIGAM-developed technologies (GeoAI, FPP, K-Plant, mineral processing, CCS).
• Geological Museum at KIGAM Headquarters Physical and online geological exhibitions at KIGAM's Daejeon headquarters — operated as a public-facing product/educational service — showcasing minerals, fossils, and Korean geological heritage to students, families, and the general public.
• KIGAM TV (Online Geoscience Content Channel) Online geoscience content and broadcast channel operated by KIGAM, providing accessible geoscience, geological heritage, and National Geopark programming to the Korean public and overseas audiences.

Quantifiable outcome

• 15,000+ samples analyzed annually through KOLAS-ILAC accredited laboratory
• +3 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability9 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.

• Daesung GroupmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2026Signed MOU for 'Core Mineral Project Development' focusing on critical mineral resource development. Collaboration addresses global supply chain restructuring and resource nationalism trends affecting lithium, rare earths, and nickel.
• Canada (NRCan GSC, CANMET)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2026Korea-Canada resource security cooperation involving the Geological Survey of Canada (NRCan GSC) and Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) for joint research in critical mineral exploration and development.
• Korea ZinccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 May 2026Joint development partnership for rare earth processing technology under the K-Plant initiative to break China's monopoly on rare earth refining. Aims to develop core equipment for rare earth beneficiating and refining by 2030 with pilot facility targeting 60 tons annual production.
• POSCO HoldingscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 May 2026Joint development partnership for rare earth processing technology under the K-Plant initiative. Collaboration involves technology co-development while POSCO procures raw materials from Malaysia and Philippines.
• USGS (United States Geological Survey)majorTechnology or IntegrationLong-standing MOU partnership for geoscience research cooperation including geological surveys, seismic monitoring, and resource assessment technology exchange.
• BGS (British Geological Survey)majorTechnology or IntegrationMOU partnership for geoscience research cooperation with UK's national geological survey organization.
• CSIRO (Australia)majorTechnology or IntegrationMOU partnership with Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation for geoscience and mineral resources research cooperation.
• CCOP (Coordinating Committee for Geoscience Programmes)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive participation as member of CCOP, an international organization for geoscience programmes in East and Southeast Asia. KIGAM provides training programs and technology transfer to member countries.
• UNESCOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with UNESCO for international geoscience education and training programs, capacity building in developing countries.
• Bolivia Ministry of MiningmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVisit by Bolivia's Vice Minister of Mining for discussion on mineral technology cooperation and eco-friendly mining practices. Bolivia possesses significant lithium resources.
• Japan (AIST, GSJ, JAMSTEC, NIED)majorTechnology or IntegrationMOU partnerships with multiple Japanese research institutions including National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Geological Survey of Japan (GSJ), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), and National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED).

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• United States Geological Survey (USGS): U.S. federal geoscience and mineral resources agency. KIGAM has a longstanding MOU with USGS. Directly comparable as a national geological survey conducting mineral assessment, geological mapping, seismic monitoring, and resource research for a major industrialized economy.
• BGR (Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe): Germany's federal geoscience and raw materials agency. Comparable mandate in mineral resource security, geological advisory services, and international cooperation — including deep geological disposal research that mirrors KIGAM's radioactive-waste disposal center.
• BRGM (Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières): France's national geological survey and a leading European applied geoscience organization. Comparable in breadth of services (geological mapping, mineral resources, environmental geology, geological storage, testing services) and government-affiliated operating model.
• JAMSTEC (Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology): Japan's marine-earth science agency operating advanced research vessels and deep-sea exploration. Direct peer for KIGAM's Tamhae 3 marine geophysical survey operations and seabed resource research.
• Geological Survey of Canada (NRCan / GSC): Canada's national geological survey with a specific mandate in critical mineral exploration and development. KIGAM has signed a major Korea-Canada cooperation agreement covering critical minerals — a direct activity overlap.
• Geoscience Australia: Australian government's geoscience agency focused on mineral potential mapping, resource assessment, and geophysical surveys. Functionally analogous to KIGAM in scope and national mandate.
• Geological Survey of Japan (AIST / GSJ): Japan's national geological survey under AIST, conducting geological mapping, resource assessment, and seismic research. KIGAM has MOUs with AIST, GSJ, JAMSTEC, and NIED. Closely comparable in regulatory function, mandate, and Asia-Pacific operating geography.
• British Geological Survey (BGS): UK's national geological survey and applied geoscience research organization. KIGAM has an active MOU partnership. Operates comparable functions across mineral resource assessment, geochemistry laboratories, and international development training.

Broad incumbents

• China Geological Survey (CGS): China's national geological survey, the world's largest in scale and the benchmark for KIGAM on critical mineral and REE assessments. Indirect peer through the global REE landscape; strategic counterpart for the K-Plant initiative.
• CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation): Australia's national science agency with a minerals resources business unit. KIGAM has an MOU partnership. Broader in scope (multi-disciplinary) but with overlapping mineral processing, critical minerals, and environmental geoscience research.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCAjKGwuLbpAX8hZaRBz7BSA
• Facebookfacebook.com/WCIKIGAM
• Instagraminstagram.com/kigam_official
• Xx.com/kigam_sns
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/korea-institute-of-geoscience-and-mineral-resources

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources