美媒：已找到“稀土卡脖子”解药！中国再不拿出来卖就来不及了！

Core Viewpoint - The development of "iron nitride magnets" by Professor Wang Jianping from the University of Minnesota is seen as a potential game-changer in the magnet industry, offering a non-rare earth alternative that could reduce reliance on China for rare earth materials [1]. Group 1: Technology and Production - Iron nitride magnets are claimed to surpass all Chinese products in magnetic performance and high-temperature resistance, with raw materials limited to iron and nitrogen, making them less susceptible to monopolization by China [1]. - Despite the hype, iron nitride technology is not new and has been known since the 1950s, with existing applications in various industries, including cookware and refrigerator magnets [3]. - The production of iron nitride magnets has faced challenges, including oxidation at high temperatures, which has hindered commercial viability for decades [3]. Group 2: Investment and Commercialization - Wang Jianping's company has reportedly received over $100 million in investments from the U.S. Department of Energy and General Electric to build an iron nitride production line, indicating significant financial backing for this technology [3]. - The current production goal is set at 1 ton per year, but achieving this target remains a considerable challenge, raising questions about the feasibility of large-scale manufacturing [5]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Competition - Concerns have been raised about potential Chinese retaliation through low-cost dumping of rare earth products, which could threaten the nascent iron nitride market [5]. - The media's emphasis on the need for the U.S. government to invest heavily in this technology mirrors historical efforts made by China to establish its rare earth industry, suggesting a strategic urgency in the U.S. to secure its position in the market [1].