一位美国稀土专家说：从地下开采出稀土，最后还得运到中国加工

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the dominance of China in the rare earth industry, emphasizing that despite the U.S. efforts to revive its own rare earth mining and processing capabilities, it remains heavily reliant on China for the entire supply chain [2][6][11]. Group 1: Industry Dynamics - Mountain Pass is the only active rare earth mine in the U.S., which resumed operations in 2017, but the entire processing chain is still controlled by China [2]. - China holds 92% of the global refined rare earth production capacity, with a near monopoly on heavy rare earth elements [4]. - The U.S. attempts to establish processing facilities, such as MP Materials in Texas, are significantly outpaced by China's production capabilities [4][6]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - Chinese scientists have developed advanced techniques for separating rare earth elements, including a new method using nanopores and machine learning, which allows for precise identification of elements [4]. - The U.S. struggles with technological limitations and has faced challenges in establishing competitive processing facilities due to high costs and regulatory hurdles [6][9]. Group 3: Policy and Market Challenges - U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, such as the 125% tax imposed by Trump in 2025, have severely impacted American companies' ability to compete in the rare earth market [6]. - China's government has implemented strict export quotas on rare earth elements, further solidifying its control over the market [6][8]. Group 4: Strategic Implications - The U.S. Department of Defense acknowledges the risks of relying on Chinese rare earth supplies, particularly for critical technologies like the F-35 fighter jet [8]. - The article suggests that the competition for rare earth resources is not just a technical battle but a broader struggle for industrial supremacy, with China having established a robust supply chain over decades [9][11].