Mineral Resources Policy for a Circular Flow of Critical Minerals: An Input–Output Approach to the Case of Their Final Destination in Japan

Abstract

This study indicates that the volume and distribution of critical minerals’ final destination are essential for an objective decision to create a circular flow of critical minerals from national security and circular economy aspects in mineral resources policy. We demonstrate the estimation of critical minerals’ final destination and propose a decision flow framework to identify the prioritized products and their parts to be reused or recycled. We conclude that policymakers need to consider the final destination of critical minerals, not their economic importance or intermediate volumes or distributions alone, to implement effective actions to ensure critical minerals’ circularity. This study estimates the final destination of several critical minerals (lithium, cobalt, yttrium, lanthanum, cerium, neodymium and dysprosium) and base metals (iron, copper and aluminum) in the Japanese economy for 2015. A uniquely expanded and the latest input–output table is used for the estimation. The results reveal a detailed distribution of critical minerals and indicate prioritized implementation for creating and maintaining domestic and international circular flows of critical minerals. The developed decision flow framework provides a practical approach to national security and circular economy aspects for policymakers. For further actions, inclusive indicator development is required for policymakers to support the determination of implementation possibilities from social and technological aspects.