I am Pyeong-Koo Lee, President of the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM). It is my great honor to welcome all of you to the 2025 International Forum on Critical Minerals (INFOCM 2025).

Under the theme "Beyond Boundaries: Toward a Sustainable Future," this forum is not merely a discussion about minerals, but a new beginning—a “Time to Share” technologies, knowledge, and resources across borders.

Today, the global critical minerals industry stands at a pivotal turning point. The existing supply chain, long dominated by the United States and China, is undergoing profound transformation. Looking ahead, the midstream sector—encompassing the refining, processing, and value-added stages of mineral development—will no longer be limited to a few traditional players. Asia and Africa are rapidly emerging as the new centers of growth and opportunity.

This transformation offers a Chance for Asia and Africa to rise, a Challenge for all of us to adapt and collaborate, and ultimately, a Change in the global supply chain structure reshaped around these rising regions. As a technology-leading country, the Republic of Korea is committed to sharing its knowledge and capabilities with resource-rich nations. We are eager to pursue investment and cooperation that are future-oriented and mutually beneficial.

This forum goes beyond exploration. It is a global platform to connect technologies and resources, and to lay the groundwork for shared prosperity.

At KIGAM, we regard knowledge-sharing and international collaboration as essential values for sustainable growth. Through this, we aim to build a resilient and stable supply chain for critical minerals, and to open a future of prosperity for all.

INFOCM 2025 will serve as a meaningful milestone in connecting the value of technology and resources across borders, while exploring the potential of future midstream industries centered on Asia and Africa

Once again, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all distinguished guests from Korea and around the world for your interest and participation

Thank you.

Dr. Pyeong-Koo Lee, President of KIGAM