Policy Implications of Designating Emergency Rare Earth Element Mobilized Mines in Korea and Future Research Tasks

This study establishes systematic evaluation criteria and priority-setting principles for rare earth element (REE) emergency mobilized mines in South Korea and proposes corresponding policy response strategies.Mine suitability is assessed using five criteria: deposit characteristics, REE grade and distribution, technical feasibility, environmental and permitting risks, and readiness for immediate operation during a resource security crisis.Based on these criteria, the Sancheong, Chungju, and Hongcheon regions are identified as high-potential candidate areas with distinct geological and development conditions.The study further emphasizes that securing domestic REE resources and stabilizing supply chains requires a nationwide cooperative framework among government, academia, industry, and research institutions, alongside strategic policy coordination and strengthened international cooperation.