拒绝废话：关于“稀土”，公众最关心的3个疑惑

Group 1 - Rare earth elements are a collective term for 17 rare metals, which are not "soil" but metals, and their extraction process historically made them appear soil-like [1] - Rare earths are crucial in various industries, including electric vehicles, military applications, high-end manufacturing, lighting, and communication, with China being the only superpower in this field [3][4] - The term "rare earth" gained prominence only in recent years, particularly after 2010, as its strategic value became more recognized amid global trade tensions [4] Group 2 - China dominates the global rare earth market, controlling over 85% to 90% of refining, separation, processing, and permanent magnet manufacturing capabilities [5] - In the broader category of rare metals, China maintains a leading position, with significant control in tungsten, gallium, indium, germanium, and lithium processing [5][6] - Although China is not the largest holder of lithium reserves, it has secured substantial overseas lithium resources through investments and acquisitions, ensuring a stable supply chain [6]