33年的逆袭! 中国稀土是如何做到，从“按吨卖”转向“按克算”

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant contributions of Xu Guangxian, known as the "Father of Rare Earth," in transforming China's rare earth industry from a resource-rich country to a technology-driven powerhouse through innovative research and breakthroughs in rare earth separation technology [1][3][20]. Group 1: Xu Guangxian's Contributions - Xu Guangxian dedicated his life to rare earth research, overcoming technological barriers to enhance the value of rare earth elements from being sold by ton to gram [1][20]. - He played a crucial role in developing the separation technology for rare earth elements, particularly praseodymium and neodymium, which are vital for national defense equipment [3][5]. - His work led to the establishment of a scientific operating system for the rare earth industry, enabling efficient production processes and high-purity outputs [16][20]. Group 2: Technological Breakthroughs - Xu's team developed a theoretical breakthrough known as "cascade extraction," which allowed for the rapid and efficient separation of rare earth elements, significantly improving production capabilities [18][22]. - The application of this technology resulted in China producing over 90% of the world's rare earth separation output, giving the country a dominant position in the global market [20][22]. - By the 1990s, China's high-purity rare earth market share reached 90%, effectively disrupting the rare earth industries of France, the United States, and Japan [22]. Group 3: Industry Impact and Policy Advocacy - Xu Guangxian's advocacy for the protection of rare earth resources led to the implementation of national policies aimed at sustainable management and conservation of these resources [24][25]. - His decision to not patent his research and instead share it publicly fostered the overall development of China's rare earth industry, influencing generations of chemists and engineers [25][27]. - The technologies he developed are now integral to various modern applications, including smartphones, wind turbines, and electric vehicles, showcasing the lasting impact of his work on contemporary technology [27][28].