the rare earth ties between China, Japan and Korea

Three models as summed by Dr. Jung-Chan Bae (P127)

Resource-based China: world’s largest production, regulation of export

Import-based Korea: lack of resource, huge commercial industry, weak supporting industry.

Technology-based Japan: world’s 1st materialization. Closed recycling system.

According to Dr. Jung-Chan Bae, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH):
Rare metals are imported from China by Japan. After materialization in Japan, Korea imports these highly refined materials, manufactures finished products, and either exports or consumes them. After use, the waste is either lost or goes back to China and/or Japan. Japan recycles the materials and exports them again to Korea. One of the principal goals of Korea’s rare metals strategy is to design policies that will make Korea self-sufficient by recycling rare metals. (P45)


Source: MIT Critical Elements Report