South Korea is investing in urban mining within the United States to reduce reliance on Chinese critical mineral exports. By extracting copper, gold, and rare earth elements from electronic waste in hubs like Chicago, Korean firms aim to build a more secure and diversified supply chain for green technology. This shift toward recycled materials also helps manufacturers navigate the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Using recycled minerals typically lowers the carbon footprint of production compared to traditional mining, reducing potential costs for exporters facing strict climate regulations.
