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

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Dear Authors! The article has the following comments.

1. The novelty of this manuscript should be emphasized in the introduction.

2. Add a review of previous studies and comparisons of the results obtained in this manuscript.

3. Check the formatting of links in the text (References should be numbered in order of appearance and indicated by a numeral or numerals in square brackets—e.g., [1] or [2,3], or [4–6]). It is also necessary to specify the links, and not provide links to 15-20 sources at once, for example, “Many countries have policy documents on mineral resources policy[1]–[24]”

4. In the introduction, it is necessary to list what circular economy strategies exist.

5. It is difficult to check how the model results obtained by calculations from matrices were obtained. The manuscript does not show calculations, they may be cumbersome, but the entire article is based on these calculations.

6. What are the units of measurement for the data presented in Table 1?

7. It is advisable to add links to sources in Table 1 rather than designate them by letters. Make it the same style as table 2.

8. Comparisons of actual data and the estimated composition of passenger cars raise doubts. There are many different cars and therefore there will be different data. There are also electric cars that contain a high lithium content.

9. (lines 262-297): This is a theoretical part, not a result, please move it to the “Introduction”.

10. This article is more like a review rather than a research article, the type of article is required or original research by the authors must be added

11. The article is based on a review of data from 2015, which makes it not very relevant; perhaps, it would be worth giving examples of testing the proposed methodology, based on data from 2015, on some more current results.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

The manuscript „Mineral resources policy for a circular flow of critical minerals” deals with some aspects of rare mineral resources policy for a circular flow of critical minerals in Japan case study will be interesting for readers and policymakers, but after revision.

Abstract: What does “model shows quite a good similarity between the estimated composition and the actual data of products” mean?

The aim: what is the objective of the manuscript? – there isn't any specific clear aim of the research;

Method: The lack of Input-Output analysis is now insufficient, the method doesn’t answer any questions.

Why the considerations are carried out for 2015? The data should be more accurate, for many years, not only statically, for one year, but in dynamic terms.

Conclusion and outlook – weak, too general, without any connection with the main subject.

Table 1 – in Japanese Jen – in dollars or euro, should be recompeted; it will be more comfortable to understand for an international audience;

Table 2. Subdivided sectors are categorized into "resources" and "materials" in the model. –uninteresting presentation form of elements;

Figures 2 and 3 – to update the data, now were for 2015; lack the scientific sources in both;

The article is very carelessly prepared - there are two Table 1 and similarly - two times Table 2.

-          it should be improved;

Table 1 and 2 (the second) - Comparison between actual data and estimated composition in intermediate goods – what does this mean?

Conclusion: In the Reviewer's opinion, the research topic addressed is interesting, but has not been adequately researched by the authors

Some specific comments:

120, and other: errors – technical 

176: … actual data[61] – without any spaces;

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Dear authors,

In my opinion the manuscript should be Accept with Minor Revisions.

Numerous countries formulate mineral resources policies, emphasizing critical minerals based on expert judgment and unique methodologies. Historically focused on national security, mineral resources policy has integrated recycling as a circular economy strategy. Recycling, however, faces challenges in realizing circular flows for critical minerals due to low self-sufficiency ratios. This study addresses the disconnection between policy objectives and practical implementations. While material substitution is considered, it poses a challenge to efficient recycling. Policymakers must adopt a comprehensive policy approach considering circular economy principles to achieve a sustainable, circular flow of resources.

This research provides valuable insights into mineral resources policy with a focus on circular economy principles. Minor revisions are recommended for enhanced clarity and coherence in certain sections. Additionally, the inclusion of specific examples or case studies may further strengthen the practical implications of the proposed decision flow guidance.

The circular economy emphasizes maintaining a circular flow of resources, posing challenges for policymakers in balancing national security and circular economy objectives in mineral resources policy. Utilizing an expanded input-output table, this study estimates the final destination of critical minerals and base metals in the Japanese economy for 2015.

The results provide insights into prioritized implementation strategies for creating and sustaining a circular flow of critical minerals. Decision flow guidance is developed, offering a comprehensive approach for policymakers, and indicators for implementation possibilities from social and technological aspects are proposed.

This study expands the understanding of mineral resources policy by uniquely expanding the initial input-output table for the Japanese economy. The results offer a comprehensive concept for mineral resources policy, considering national security and circular economy aspects. To facilitate an international circular flow of critical minerals, cooperation through customs clearance and traceability systems is essential. Decision flow guidance is provided to aid policymakers in identifying prioritized post-consumer products for circular economy strategies. Indicators development for inclusive evaluation of post-consumer product collection and efficient liberation and separation is crucial for advanced policymaking.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Dear authors! After making corrections and additions, the scientific significance of the article has significantly improved and the article can be recommended for publication.

Reviewer 2 Report

Revised after comments in reviews, the text is much better. The figures have greatly enhanced the cognitive value of the manuscript.

Good job!