稀土曾论吨甩卖？老头摇漏斗算出“软黄金”！稀土之父当之无愧！

Group 1 - The article highlights the transformation of China's rare earth industry from being undervalued to becoming a global leader, largely due to the contributions of Xu Guangxian, known as the "Father of Chinese Rare Earth" [1][3][4] - Rare earth elements are not as rare as the name suggests; they are abundant but difficult to separate and purify, which has historically led to low prices for raw materials sold to foreign countries [3][4][9] - In the past, China sold rare earth ore for as little as a few dozen dollars per ton, while foreign companies could sell the purified product for hundreds of dollars per gram, creating a significant price disparity [4][9] Group 2 - Xu Guangxian returned to China from the United States in the 1950s, motivated by a desire to contribute to his home country despite the advanced facilities available abroad [5][7] - Upon his return, Xu faced significant challenges, including outdated laboratory equipment and a lack of resources, yet he remained committed to educating students and advancing scientific research [9][10] - In the 1970s, Xu was tasked with developing a method to separate neodymium from praseodymium, which was critical for missile guidance systems, using rudimentary techniques due to the lack of advanced technology [9][10] Group 3 - Xu developed the "cascade extraction theory," which utilized mathematical models to improve the separation process of rare earth elements, significantly increasing purity and reducing costs [11][12] - This innovative approach allowed China to achieve a purity level of 99.99% in rare earth elements, transforming the country into a global leader in rare earth production by the 1980s [13][15] - Xu's decision to share his technology freely with other manufacturers helped establish a robust domestic rare earth industry, moving from a single point of success to a comprehensive supply chain [12][13] Group 4 - In his later years, Xu expressed concern over the environmental impact of rare earth mining and the unsustainable practices of many new companies, advocating for responsible resource management [14] - His efforts led to the implementation of national policies aimed at protecting rare earth resources and ensuring sustainable practices within the industry [14] - Xu's legacy includes not only the advancement of China's rare earth capabilities but also a commitment to environmental stewardship and resource conservation for future generations [15]