Taiwan Boosts 'Urban Mining' to Secure Rare Earth Supply for Semiconductors
Taiwan is advancing with 'urban mining' to ensure its supply of rare earth metals, vital for its semiconductor industry. The Resource Recycling Act is being transformed into the Resource Circulation Promotion Act, with Lianyou Metals anticipating increased production of key minerals by 2025.
China's dominance in the global rare earth market, holding over 90% of refining capability, has spurred Taiwan's action. Beijing's stricter export limits have led nations to reevaluate the strategic importance of these metals and diversify supply chains.
Taiwan is delving into 'urban mining', extracting rare earth elements from electronic and industrial waste. The island nation plans to partner with the US to develop a 'non-red supply chain' for essential minerals, fortifying its semiconductor industry. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed alignment with US strategic objectives regarding China's rare earth export limits.
Taiwan's urban mining endeavor, supported by the Resource Circulation Promotion Act, aims to enhance production of sodium tungstate and battery-grade cobalt sulfate by 2025, fueled by global ESG demand. This initiative, coupled with US collaboration, seeks to decrease Taiwan's reliance on Chinese rare earth supplies and secure its semiconductor industry.
