稀土关停潮背后：大国重器谁主沉浮？产业变局震撼解析

Group 1 - China produces 70% of the world's rare earths, having shut down over 300 small and scattered rare earth factories in the past five to six years, which reflects a significant environmental and geopolitical strategy [1][4] - The closure of these factories was driven by the need to combat severe environmental pollution and to consolidate the industry, with only two major companies, China Rare Earth Group and Northern Rare Earth, now controlling 90% of the mining quotas [4][6] - Technological advancements have been made, such as the use of biological purification techniques that reduce wastewater toxicity by 90%, and a traceability system that tracks the production of rare earth elements from mines to final products [4][6] Group 2 - The military significance of rare earths is highlighted, with the F-35 fighter jet requiring 417 kg of rare earths, and the U.S. facing challenges due to China's control over high-purity rare earth production [6][8] - Western countries, particularly the U.S. and Japan, are increasingly concerned about their reliance on Chinese rare earths, as evidenced by Tesla's additional expenditure of $2.6 billion for neodymium-iron-boron magnets and Japan's stockpiling of dysprosium [8] - The closure of small factories is portrayed as a strategic move by China to assert control over the rare earth supply chain, shifting from being a low-cost supplier to a leader in technology and environmental standards [8]