韩国将17种稀土材料指定为战略资产

Core Viewpoint - South Korea is designating all 17 scientifically identified rare earth materials as strategically important minerals, necessitating government control for national resource security [1][2]. Group 1: Strategic Importance of Rare Earth Materials - The measure is part of a comprehensive plan to enhance national resource security amid ongoing geopolitical risks and increasing global competition for such minerals [1]. - Resources are deemed crucial for advanced industries, particularly in the context of rising demand due to the development of electric vehicles and secondary batteries [3]. Group 2: Government Initiatives - The government plans to expand the list and quantity of rare earth reserves and enhance production infrastructure to strengthen related development capabilities [2]. - Additionally, there are plans to increase the country's oil reserves over the next five years to address supply chain uncertainties [3]. - The Minister of Industry, Trade and Energy, Lee Jeong-gwan, emphasized that the demand for critical minerals is expected to rise due to the development of advanced industries and the supply uncertainties triggered by rare earth competition [3].