The accelerated industrialization of Korean economy over the last couple of decades has brought an era of mass consumption of mineral commodities. This increased consumption has been satisfied mainly by imports from abroad. In 1988, the self-sufficiency ratio of domestic demand for 44 nonfuel (metallic and non-metallic) minerals as a whole was no more than 27 percent. The ratio for 26 non-metallic minerals was much higher, about 70 percent. This paper reviews and forecasts the patterns of demand and supply of major non-metallic minerals in South Korea. The methodology used for forecasts of the non-metallic mineral demand is regression analysis using macro-economic indicators and past production trends. The forecasts are made for the period from 1987 to 1996 on domestic demand and supply, imports and exports for the seven non-metallic minerals such as pyrophyllite, talc, feldspar, kaolin, limestone, silica stone and silica sand.
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