The South Korea Marine Mining Market was valued at USD 31.2 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 50.3 million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.3% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This growth is driven by increasing global demand for rare earth elements, advancements in underwater mining technologies, and South Korea’s strategic investments in marine resource development.
As nations worldwide turn to ocean resources to meet mineral demands, South Korea has emerged as a key player with its cutting-edge underwater technologies and strong industrial base. This report examines the Top 10 Companies in South Korea’s Marine Mining Industry—from research institutes to industrial giants pioneering deep-sea exploration.
🔟 1. Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST)
Headquarters: Busan, South Korea
Key Offering: Marine mineral research, deep-sea exploration technologies
As South Korea’s premier ocean research institution, KIOST leads marine mining exploration with specialized research vessels and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) capable of operating at depths up to 6,000 meters.
Key Developments:
- Pioneered advanced ROV systems for polymetallic nodule collection
- Discovered significant mineral deposits in Korea’s exclusive economic zone
- Developed environmental impact assessment protocols for deep-sea mining
Download FREE Sample Report: South Korea Marine Mining Market – View in Detailed Research Report
9️⃣ 2. POSCO
Headquarters: Pohang, South Korea
Key Offering: Marine mineral processing technologies
The steel giant has diversified into marine resource development, leveraging its metallurgical expertise to pioneer new mineral extraction and processing methods.
Key Developments:
- Invested USD 20 million in deep-sea mining ventures in 2023
- Developing eco-friendly processing methods for seafloor minerals
8️⃣ 3. Hyundai Heavy Industries
Headquarters: Ulsan, South Korea
Key Offering: Deep-sea mining equipment and vessels
The world’s largest shipbuilder has developed specialized underwater mining systems, including crawler-based collectors and hydraulic lifting systems.
Key Developments:
- Prototype seabed mining vehicle tested at 2,500 meter depth
- Integrated system for nodule collection and surface processing
7️⃣ 4. Samsung Heavy Industries
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Offshore mining support platforms
Samsung specializes in dynamic positioning systems and subsea equipment deployment solutions crucial for precision marine mining operations.
Key Developments:
- Developed AI-powered navigation for underwater mining vehicles
- Patented nodule separation technology increases recovery rates by 25%
Download FREE Sample Report: South Korea Marine Mining Market – View in Detailed Research Report
6️⃣ 5. Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Integrated mining system solutions
DSME combines shipbuilding expertise with mining technology to create complete marine resource extraction systems.
Key Developments:
- Collaborating on Pacific Ocean nodule mining project
- Vertical transport system for deep-sea minerals recovers 95% of material
5️⃣ 6. STX Offshore & Shipbuilding
Headquarters: Changwon, South Korea
Key Offering: Arctic-class mining support vessels
STX provides specialized ships for harsh-environment marine mining operations with advanced station-keeping capabilities.
Key Developments:
- Icebreaking mining support vessel design completed in 2023
- Remote operated systems for extreme depth operations
4️⃣ 7. Hanjin Heavy Industries
Headquarters: Busan, South Korea
Key Offering: Modular mining system integration
Hanjin specializes in combining mining components from various suppliers into turnkey operational systems.
Key Developments:
- Containerized processing modules for mobile operations
- Hybrid power systems for sustainable marine mining
3️⃣ 8. Korea Zinc Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Metal extraction from marine minerals
As one of the world’s leading zinc producers, Korea Zinc actively develops technologies to process seafloor massive sulfides.
Key Developments:
- Invested USD 15 million in undersea sulfide extraction R&D
- Developed zero-discharge mineral processing method
Get Full Report Here: South Korea Marine Mining Market – View in Detailed Research Report
2️⃣ 9. Dongwon Industries
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Marine resource venture investments
Dongwon applies its maritime experience to identify and support promising deep-sea mining technologies and startups.
Key Developments:
- Funding research on deep-sea environmental monitoring
- Partnering with academic institutions on mineral exploration
1️⃣ 10. S-OIL Corporation
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Marine mineral processing solutions
The petroleum refiner has expanded into developing chemical processes for extracting metals from marine deposits.
Key Developments:
- Bioleaching technology for eco-friendly mineral extraction
- Membrane filtration systems for seawater mineral recovery
🌍 Outlook: The Future of Marine Mining in South Korea
South Korea’s marine mining sector shows remarkable progress in developing sustainable underwater resource extraction technologies. With strong government support and industrial capabilities, the country is positioning itself as a global leader in this emerging field.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
- Expansion into international seabed mining contract areas
- Development of environmentally responsible extraction methods
- Integration of AI and robotics in underwater operations
- Growing private sector investment in marine mineral ventures
Get Full Report Here: South Korea Marine Mining Market – View in Detailed Research Report
The companies profiled above represent South Korea’s comprehensive approach to marine resource development, combining cutting-edge technology with environmental stewardship to unlock the ocean’s mineral potential.
