稀土王牌失效？美国又想歪点子，年产量3.1万吨，专家这次没说错

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the United States' renewed efforts to develop its rare earth resources, aiming for an annual production of 31,000 tons by 2025, highlighting the shift in U.S. strategy from reliance on Chinese imports to domestic production [1][10]. Industry Overview - Rare earth elements are essential for various industries, including smartphones, computers, and electric vehicles, with China holding 37% of global reserves and over 60% of global production [4]. - The U.S. previously had its own rare earth mines, such as the Mountain Pass mine in California, but closed them to import cheaper materials from China, leading to current dependency issues [6]. U.S. Production Goals - The U.S. plans to restart the Mountain Pass mine and achieve a production target of 31,000 tons by 2025, which is significantly lower than China's annual production of approximately 140,000 tons [10][11]. - The complexity of rare earth processing means that even with mining capabilities, the U.S. still relies on China for advanced separation and purification technologies [11]. Timeframe for Independence - Experts suggest that the U.S. may need 10-15 years to reduce its dependency on Chinese rare earths due to the intricate nature of the supply chain and the need for cost-effective production [13]. - China's established infrastructure and cost advantages in the rare earth industry pose significant challenges for U.S. efforts to compete [13]. China's Competitive Advantage - China has developed a comprehensive rare earth industry, excelling in both extraction and application technologies, particularly in sectors like electric vehicles and wind power [13]. - The increasing regulation and environmental standards in China enhance the value of its rare earth resources, making it difficult for the U.S. to secure cheaper alternatives [13].