Objective Give a clear definition of the exploration−production−supply−reserve−sales (EPSSR) system for strategic mineral resources is essential for safeguarding the industrial and supply chains of strategic mineral resources and for the strategic deployment of geological prospecting. This study analyzes the constituent elements of this system, and reviews its current status and existing problems, and proposes relevant recommendations.

Methods By comprehensively analyzing the core production and management activities in each link of exploration, production, supply, reserve, and sales, we clarified the constituent elements and logical relationships within the EPSSR system, and reviewed the current status and existing problems of the industrial and supply chains.

Results The EPSSR system for strategic mineral resources is a complex system encompassing multiple production and business activities, including geological and mineral exploration, mining, ore dressing, smelting and fine purification, material processing, as well as supply, reserve, and marketing of mineral resources. Material processing is the pivotal link in the overall operation of this system and the decisive factor in realizing the technological and economic value of strategic mineral resources. Given the continuous extension and expansion of the strategic mineral industry chain and value chain, coupled with the increasingly complex competition for global resource allocation discourse power, several problems exist: insufficient investment in domestic strategic mineral exploration, overexploitation of most domestic strategic minerals, and imbalanced development of strategic mineral industries.

Conclusions To improve the overall planning and linkage system of strategic mineral resources, it is necessary to strengthen exploration, comprehensive utilization and reserve of strategic minerals, enhance the shortcomings of the industrial chain for forming an overall advantage in the industrial chain, efficiently participate in global resource allocation and consolidate two markets and two resources, and implement the newly revised mineral resources law and improve the legal system for strategic mineral resources.