ZGXT(SZ:000831) Guan Cha Zhe Wang·2025-06-19 06:55Group 1 - Oklahoma has become a focal point for U.S. investment in critical minerals, boasting the only nickel refining machine in the country and leading in the number of related facilities [1][3] - The state is home to the largest lithium refining plant, two lithium-ion battery recycling plants, a rare earth magnet facility, and multiple e-waste collection facilities, with more projects underway [1][3] - Companies like Westwin Elements and Stardust Power are establishing operations in Oklahoma, with Westwin aiming to refine 200 tons of nickel annually and Stardust planning to produce 50,000 tons of lithium per year by 2030 [3][6] Group 2 - Westwin Elements is negotiating a nickel supply agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense, intending to keep its production within the U.S. for military applications [4] - The state government is promoting Oklahoma as a business-friendly environment, attracting companies by simplifying regulatory processes [3] - The establishment of a rare earth magnet production facility in Oklahoma is expected to yield an initial output of 1,200 tons, sufficient for over 400,000 electric vehicles [6] Group 3 - Despite the investments, challenges remain, including a weak education system ranked 48th in the U.S., which hampers the attraction of skilled labor [7] - The U.S. Department of Defense has invested over $439 million since 2020 to develop domestic supply chains for critical minerals, with a goal to establish a complete rare earth supply chain by 2027 [8] - Analysts predict that even when new facilities are operational, their output will be significantly lower than China's, potentially less than 1% of China's 2018 production [8]