“稀土之父”徐光宪：让中国稀土从“按吨卖”变成“按克算

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant transformation of China's rare earth industry, primarily driven by Xu Guangxian, who is referred to as the "Father of Rare Earth." His efforts shifted the industry from selling rare earth materials by the ton at low prices to selling high-purity products by the gram at much higher values [1][10]. Group 1: Historical Context - In the 1950s and 1960s, despite having the world's largest rare earth reserves, China lagged in technology, selling raw materials cheaply to foreign countries, which then refined and sold them back at high prices [3][5]. - Western countries tightly controlled the separation technology for rare earth elements, making it difficult for China to develop its own capabilities [3]. Group 2: Technological Development - Xu Guangxian began researching rare earth separation technology in 1972 under challenging conditions, lacking proper laboratory equipment [5]. - After ten years of experimentation, Xu established a theoretical framework for rare earth separation, significantly improving both efficiency and purity [5][8]. Group 3: Industrial Impact - By the 1980s, Xu's separation technology was applied industrially, reducing the separation time from months to days and increasing purity from over 90% to above 99.9% [8]. - Xu chose not to patent his technology, sharing it freely with national rare earth enterprises, which accelerated the industry's growth [8][10]. Group 4: Current Industry Status - Today, China controls over 80% of the global rare earth supply and has mastered core separation and purification technologies, allowing it to produce high-value rare earth products [10]. - The price of high-purity rare earth elements, such as terbium, can exceed 3 million RMB per kilogram, showcasing the dramatic increase in value compared to raw materials [10]. Group 5: Legacy and Recognition - Xu Guangxian received the National Highest Science and Technology Award in 2008 for his contributions to rare earth science, marking a significant recognition of his impact on the industry [12]. - His legacy continues to influence the development of China's rare earth industry, reflecting a broader shift from a follower to a leader in the global market [12].