Everything you wanted to know about minerals in the DPRK and their export can be found in these USGS reports (In PDF format):
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Archive for the ‘Graphite’ Category
US Geological Survey of DPRK
Thursday, January 18th, 2007Graphite mine in North open in ’07
Wednesday, December 27th, 2006Joong Ang Daily
Jung Ha-won
12/27/2007
In early 2007 South Korea is expected to begin its first graphite shipments from a new mine in North Korea that has been co-developed by the two countries since 2003.
The mine development project in Jeongchon, which cost $10.2 million, was completed in April, but electricity shortages and diplomatic tension over North Korea’s nuclear test delayed testing operations for months.
According to Korea Resources Corp., South Korea’s state-run mineral developer that took part in the project, the new mine, located near the western part of the border with South Korea, recently began test operations, and graphite shipments will begin early next year.
“North Korea authorities recently guaranteed a stable supply of electricity,” said an official with Korea Resources.
The mine is expected to produce about 3,000 tons of graphite a year, and Korea Resources Corp. plans to bring about 1,830 tons of graphite, or 20 percent of annual production, to South Korea each year for next the 15 years. The firm is also involved in an iron ore mine development project in the North’s Deokhyun, North Pyeongan province.
North Korea is known to have more than 200 varieties of minerals worth about 2.2 quadrillion won ($2.4 trillion) still unexplored in its mountainous areas. Chinese companies have wasted no time exploring those resources, with the North Korean government thirsty for cash and outside investment. China’s state-run steelmaker, Tonghua Iron and Steel Group, last year was granted rights to develop the Musan iron ore deposit in North Korea, the largest open-air iron mine in Asia, for the next 50 years. North Korea also granted exploration rights for more than 10 mines to China’s Wookwang Group and other Chinese developers.
South Korea has been sluggish by comparison, due to political issues and a lack of infrastructure, such as roads and electricity. There remain untapped resources in the reclusive North.
“There is a wealth of magnesite buried in the Dancheon area,” said the Korea Resources Corp. official. “We will carefully review the plan to explore the area.”
DPRK/ROK graphite mine opens
Thursday, April 27th, 2006Korea Times
4/27/2006
South Korea’s state-run resources development corporation on Thursday announced the opening of a joint graphite mine in North Korea.
The 50-50 joint venture between the Korea Resources Corp.(KORES) and a North Korean firm can produce 3,000 tons of graphite per year.
Of that, South Korea will import 1,830 tons every year for the next 15 years. This amount is equivalent to 20 percent of the South’s domestic demand.
The corporation has invested $10.2 million into the mine in Chongchon, South Hwanghae Province. It is estimated to hold 6.25 million tons of graphite.
Graphite from the mine can be used in batteries, brake-lining for cars and flame-proof or heat-resistant materials. The first batch of graphite is to arrive in South Korea in the second half of the year.
The joint development pact was signed in March 2003 with a formal deal signed four months later. South Korea transferred mining materials and other equipment to the mine in early 2004 and development got underway shortly afterwards.
