事关稀土 美国爆出大动作 正在商讨设立一只规模达50亿美元的矿业投资基金

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government is considering establishing a $5 billion mining investment fund, which could significantly impact the rare earth sector and enhance domestic supply chains for critical minerals [1][2][4]. Group 1: U.S. Government Actions - The proposed mining investment fund aims to focus on critical minerals such as rare earths and uranium, reflecting a strategic shift in U.S. policy towards securing mineral supplies [4]. - The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is in talks with Orion Resource Partners to form a joint venture for this fund, which would be a significant commitment for the DFC [2][3]. - The DFC has previously supported various mining projects and is expected to expand its role under the current administration, potentially doubling its investment capacity [3]. Group 2: Market Reactions - Following the announcement, U.S. rare earth stocks surged, with USA Rare Earth shares rising over 15%, indicating strong market optimism regarding the fund's potential impact [1][2]. - The overall U.S. stock market showed mixed results, with major indices experiencing slight declines, while the dollar weakened significantly, influenced by expectations of interest rate cuts [1]. Group 3: Rare Earth Industry Context - The U.S. has been heavily reliant on imports for rare earth elements, with domestic reserves estimated at only 1.9 million tons compared to China's 44 million tons, which constitutes nearly half of the global known reserves [5]. - The establishment of alternative supply chains and processing centers is seen as essential for reducing dependence on foreign sources, particularly from China [4][5]. - Recent actions by the U.S. government, including a $400 million investment in MP Materials, highlight a proactive approach to bolster domestic rare earth production capabilities [4].