The government will support Korean companies' efforts to stably manage and diversify rare earth supply chains, Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo said Thursday, amid shifting global supply chain dynamics involving critical minerals. Yeo made the remarks in a meeting with local companies and state agencies related to rare earths to check issues regarding such elements, which the country depends heavily on imports for. The meeting came after the ministry announced last month a comprehensive strategy to strengthen Korea's supply chains of rare earths. Yeo said the government is utilizing its trade channels to ensure the smooth implementation of strategic cooperation projects in the area with foreign countries, including envisioned investment projects in the United States under the Korea-U.S. trade agreement. Critical minerals is one of the areas of cooperation outlined in the memorandum of understanding on the bilateral trade deal between the two countries. The ministry said local companies, such as POSCO International, called for more efforts to create a stable environment for foreign investment.