美媒：钐、钆、铽、镝、镥、钪、钇中重稀土，美国的精炼能力为零

Core Viewpoint - The focus of the US-China tariff conflict has shifted from high tariffs to rare earth issues, with China implementing export controls on seven heavy rare earth elements, significantly impacting the US industry [1][16]. Group 1: Impact on US Industry - The lack of rare earth elements is causing significant disruptions in the US, leading to widespread shutdowns in automotive factories and production halts in various sectors, including advanced technologies like robotics [3]. - Major US companies are expressing urgency for government intervention, indicating that they are struggling to cope without access to Chinese rare earth supplies [3]. Group 2: US Rare Earth Resources and Technology - Although the US has its own rare earth mines, it lacks the necessary refining technology, which is critical for producing high-purity rare earth materials [5]. - Australia has reportedly attracted a Chinese rare earth team, but the notion that this could undermine China's dominance in the rare earth sector is considered overly optimistic [5]. Group 3: China's Dominance in Rare Earth Processing - China possesses a complete closed-loop rare earth industry chain, from mining to refining, which is unmatched globally. This includes the ability to handle the environmental challenges associated with rare earth processing [6][9]. - Data shows that 93% of the global rare earth deep processing capacity is located in China, particularly excelling in the purification of magnet-grade materials [9]. Group 4: Comparative Advantages - China can achieve a purity level of 99.9999% (6N grade) for rare earth oxides, while the best the US can manage is 99.99% (4N grade). Additionally, China's cost of rare earth separation is significantly lower than that of Australia [11]. - The yield rate for China's magnet alloy is 92%, compared to only 68% for the US company MP Materials [11]. Group 5: Future Projections - A US research institution estimates that rebuilding a complete rare earth supply chain in the US would require an investment of at least $27 billion and seven years, during which time China may advance to third-generation green smelting technologies [13]. - The US currently has zero refining capability for the heavy rare earth elements samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium, highlighting a critical dependency on China for processing [15].