Rare Earth Exchanges

Use of Knowledge Mapping to Understand Critical Mineral Supply Chain Resiliency

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Highlights

  • Scientometric analysis of critical mineral supply chain security research from 1995-2022 shows rapid growth.
  • China leads in publication volume.
  • Research focuses on emerging topics like:
    • Circular economy
    • Lithium battery recycling
    • Technological advancements in mineral supply chains
  • Study recommends a ‘whole chain’ perspective to assess:
    • Vulnerability
    • Resilience
    • Robustness of critical mineral supply chains

The paper titled “Knowledge Mapping of Research on Securing the Supply Chain for Critical Minerals: A Scientometrics and Text Mining Approach” was authored by Wei Liu, Xin Li, Junbo Wang, Jingyi Zhong, Minxi Wang, and Jianbo Yang. The lead author, Wei Liu, is affiliated with the School of Management Science and Engineering at Shandong University of Finance and Economics. Shandong University is a public university in Jinan, Shandong, China. It is affiliated with the Ministry of Education of China This study was published in the Journal of Cleaner Production in 2023.

Hypothesis and Study Design:

The authors hypothesized that a comprehensive scientometric and text mining analysis could elucidate the current state, research hotspots, and thematic evolution in the field of critical mineral supply chain security (CMSCS). To test this hypothesis, they conducted a systematic literature review using the Web of Science database, covering publications from 1995 to 2022. The study employed scientometric methods to assess publication trends, author collaborations, and institutional and national networks. Additionally, text mining techniques, including cosine distance, nearest neighbor classification algorithms, TF-IDF, and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), were utilized to analyze research hotspots and thematic developments.

Findings:

First, on the topic of publication trends, research on CMSCS has experienced rapid growth, particularly after 2010. China leads in publication volume, while the United States, China, and the United Kingdom are identified as the most influential contributors in this field. On the topic of collaborative networks, nine core author collaboration groups were identified. Key institutions include the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Politecnico di Milano. Collaborations are predominantly strong within institutions, with less extensive inter-institutional cooperation.

Next, the authors addressed research hotspots in the study. That is they found that research focuses are influenced by national policies, technological advancements, and societal demands. Emerging topics such as “circular economy,” “lithium battery,” “recycling potential,” and “recycling technology” are highlighted as future focal points. Of course, with President Trump willing to do the election and execute a “drill baby drill” hydrocarbon-based, this will likely impact the green energy push.

Future research is anticipated to concentrate on supply chain risk assessment, resilience enhancement, and recycling strategies. The authors advocate for a “whole chain” perspective to assess the vulnerability, resilience, and robustness of critical mineral supply chains.

Data Evaluation:

The study’s methodology is robust, combining scientometric analysis with advanced text mining techniques to provide a comprehensive overview of CMSCS research. The use of a large dataset from the Web of Science enhances the reliability of the findings. However, the reliance on publication and citation data may introduce biases related to publication frequency and citation practices across different regions and disciplines. The identification of nine core author groups and key institutions underscores the collaborative nature of this research area, though the noted lack of extensive inter-institutional collaboration suggests a potential for broader cooperative efforts.

Limitations and Implications for Rare Earth Resiliency:

While the study provides valuable insights, it is limited by its dependence on the Web of Science database, potentially omitting relevant research not indexed therein. The focus on publication metrics may overlook practical applications and policy developments in CMSCS. For rare earth elements, the findings underscore the importance of developing resilient supply chains through diversified sourcing, technological innovation in recycling, and international collaboration. The emphasis on a “whole chain” perspective is particularly pertinent for rare earths, given their critical role in advanced technologies and the geopolitical complexities associated with their supply.

Rare Earth Exchanges Review

This China-based study offered a comprehensive analysis of CMSCS research, highlighting key trends, collaborative networks, and emerging themes. Its findings are instrumental for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders who aim to enhance the resiliency and sustainability of critical mineral supply chains, specifically those related to rare earth elements.

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