South Korean firms showcase AI for mineral supply chains and waste management

South Korean organizations are showcasing advanced digital technologies to optimize resource management and supply chain security. At the 7th Mine-Tech Festa hosted by the Korea Mine Rehabilitation and Mineral Resources Corporation, researchers presented AI-driven solutions to mitigate critical mineral supply chain risks. The top prize was awarded to Sejong University’s K-MIR team for developing a platform that integrates scattered mineral data and utilizes an AI agent to provide quantitative risk diagnoses and decision-making support.

In the field of waste management, environmental technology firm ACI presented an integrated AI-based resource circulation solution at the RETECH 2026 exhibition. The system includes IoT-enabled smart waste collection bins that optimize collection routes to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Additionally, the company showcased ‘Dr. B’, an AI sorting robot that uses machine learning and 2D imaging to identify and sort 112 different types of materials, such as PET, paper, and aluminum, to increase recycling efficiency and safety.