美日澳印稀土联盟成立当天，中国亮出29年最严矿产法！

Core Insights - The competition for control over rare earth resources is intensifying between Washington and Beijing, with the launch of the "Quad Critical Minerals Initiative" by the US, Japan, Australia, and India aimed at creating a supply chain independent of China. However, China's newly revised Mineral Resources Law marks a significant strategic advancement in its rare earth sector [2][7]. Group 1: China's Dominance in Rare Earths - China holds nearly 90% of global rare earth patents, establishing a formidable technical barrier that the Quad countries struggle to overcome [3]. - The US's "Mine to Magnet" initiative can only meet 15% of military demand, while Japan's Hitachi Metals has closed its US factory due to high costs [3]. - China's investment in environmental management has led to an 85% recovery rate in rare earth extraction, significantly higher than that of Western countries [3]. Group 2: Environmental Costs and Challenges - Western nations often overlook the substantial environmental costs associated with rare earth mining, which can be as high as 42% of total costs in Australia, compared to only 15% in China [3]. - Historical failures in the US and Malaysia due to environmental issues highlight the challenges faced by Western countries in replicating China's success in green mining practices [3]. Group 3: Internal Conflicts within the Quad - The "Quad Critical Minerals Initiative" is marred by internal conflicts, with Japan and India facing diplomatic tensions with the US, and Australia’s AUKUS project under scrutiny [4][6]. - The only rare earth mine in the US, Mountain Pass, still relies on China for processing, while Japan's seabed mining efforts are hindered by high costs [6]. Group 4: China's Strategic Policy Changes - The revised Mineral Resources Law in China emphasizes national security in mineral resource management and introduces a system for total mining control and strategic reserves [7]. - China's rare earth exports dropped by 45% in the second quarter of 2025, while exports of high-value-added products increased, indicating a shift towards controlling the value chain [7]. - The overall narrative suggests that China's technological, environmental, and policy advantages position it favorably in the ongoing rare earth competition, undermining Western efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese resources [7].