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Explora: Environment
and Resource Critical minerals and battery recycling

problem, it is necessary to change the social paradigm, in Korea’s integrated management system for used
which the mindset of moderating endless human desires batteries is evolving through stronger legal frameworks,
and practicing moderation are recognized as the highest enhanced collection and reuse systems, and advanced
virtues, along with a shift to renewable energy and electric data-management platforms. The focus is on advancing
vehicles subsidized by the government. the used battery management systems to foster the used
As interest in the electric vehicle battery recycling battery industry and proactively respond to global trade
industry grows, countries overseas are implementing regulations. This involves enhancing battery lifecycle
tracking, optimizing recycling processes, and establishing
related legislation, such as the US IRA and the EU’s CRMA,
to mandate the securing of critical battery materials through a robust regulatory framework to ensure sustainability
battery recycling. 42,43 Meanwhile, there is a movement to and international competitiveness. The “Battery
recognize waste batteries and intermediate materials, such Lifecycle Tracking System” was designed to manage and
share comprehensive lifecycle data of batteries, from
as black mass, as products rather than waste to promote
the battery recycling industry. 25,44 However, the CRMA’s manufacturing and electric vehicle operation to vehicle
mandate on the use of recycled materials also applies to retirement and recycling of used batteries. This system
is crucial in promoting battery resource circulation by
waste, creating a contradictory issue. To address this issue, facilitating efficient tracking and utilization. It is expected
the EU is holding workshops with relevant experts to
discuss institutional improvements. to contribute to policy development for battery supply
chain management, trade activation, and safety oversight,
In addition, there is considerable investment in overseas and to ensure transparent transaction information. The
recycling companies. However, companies exaggerate their government aims to establish an integrated portal by 2027,
advertising to attract investment. Therefore, investments allowing users to apply for and share battery lifecycle data.
should not be made solely based on the exaggerated plans of The “Recycled Material Certification System” is
these companies and should be made from a mid- to long- being introduced to proactively respond to global trade
term perspective, considering that even for substantial regulations, such as the EU’s mandatory use of recycled
companies, it is a business that takes a lot of time from materials in batteries. This system verifies the proportion
launch to product production and profit generation.
of valuable metals, such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt,
5. Ongoing policies on critical minerals extracted from used batteries and incorporated into
procurement and battery recycling in Korea new battery production. Under this system, the Korean
Ministry of Environment certifies recycling companies
With the establishment of terminology, the Korean to produce recycled materials (Production Certification),
government established policy recommendations and whereas the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry, and
institutional strategies based on the development of critical Energy verifies the proportion of recycled materials used
minerals procurement and battery recycling technologies. in new batteries (Usage Certification). By introducing this
As concerns grow about resource-weaponizing “Korean-style Recycled Material Certification System,”
strategies and supply chain crises worldwide, the Korean the Korean government aims to ease the certification
government is actively pursuing national policies to secure burden on domestic exporters and ensure compliance with
critical minerals. In February 2025, the “Special Act on international regulations. In addition, the Korean Ministry
National Resource Security” was enacted to prepare for of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport plans to introduce
crises related to resource security and respond effectively a “Pre-Dismantling Performance Evaluation” for electric
when crises occur. The purpose of this act is to contribute vehicle batteries. Based on the research and development
to national security and sustainable development of outcomes related to performance evaluation technologies
the national economy by stipulating matters related to and equipment, specific grading standards were established
the resource security promotion system. The Korean to assess battery conditions before removal. This initiative
government must establish a supply chain for critical aims to enhance the efficiency of battery reuse and
minerals such as nickel, lithium, and tungsten, as well recycling by ensuring accurate classification and optimal
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as oil and natural gas. In the future, public energy and utilization of used batteries.
resource organizations, including the Korea National Oil In addition, the Korean Ministry of Environment has
Corporation and Korea Gas Corporation, will be designated designated used electric vehicle batteries as circulating
as institutions with a reserve obligation in normal times, resources rather than waste, and it has established the
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and will be temporarily required to make additional and “Secondary Battery Circulation Support Group” to create
new stockpiling obligation in cases of emergency. 45 an institutional foundation for revitalizing the circulation

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 6 doi: 10.36922/eer.8140