中美在哈国“钨矿争夺战“，特朗普用了私企不敢用的招

Core Insights - The U.S. government is intervening in the competition for tungsten mining rights in Kazakhstan, marking a shift from typical private sector-led initiatives to government involvement [1][3] - The strategic importance of tungsten is highlighted, as it is essential for U.S. military equipment, with the U.S. relying heavily on China for tungsten supply [1][3] - The competition for mineral resources in Central Asia is intensifying, with the U.S. aiming to establish a supply chain less dependent on China [4][6] Group 1: U.S. Government Involvement - The U.S. Department of Commerce, led by Secretary Howard Lutnick, is facilitating negotiations between U.S. firms and Kazakhstan's sovereign wealth fund for tungsten mining rights [3] - The U.S. government is considering providing loan support for the project without taking equity, aiming to avoid public scrutiny [3] - The U.S. is positioning the tungsten mining project as a national security initiative, leveraging government credibility to support American companies [3] Group 2: Strategic Importance of Tungsten - The total reserves of the targeted tungsten mines in Kazakhstan are approximately 1.3 million tons, sufficient for 30 to 40 years of global use, valued at several billion dollars [1][3] - Tungsten is classified as a critical material by the Pentagon, with over 1,900 U.S. weapon systems relying on it [1][3] - The U.S. faces significant supply challenges, with 81% of its antimony needs unmet domestically, highlighting the urgency of securing alternative sources [1][3] Group 3: Global Supply Chain Dynamics - The competition for tungsten is part of a broader reconfiguration of global supply chains, with Central Asia holding 28.5% of global tungsten reserves [4] - The U.S. is investing $1 billion in mineral financing in Central Asia and seeking partnerships with the EU to create a supply chain that reduces reliance on China [4] - China has established a strong foothold in the region, with significant investments in mineral projects, complicating U.S. efforts [4][6] Group 4: Ongoing Negotiations and Future Prospects - The U.S. has threatened Kazakhstan with a 25% tariff if agreements are not reached, pushing Kazakhstan towards a closer relationship with China and Russia [6] - The negotiations are ongoing, with the U.S. attempting to counter China's pricing advantages while Kazakhstan navigates its relationships with both superpowers [6] - Beyond tungsten, the U.S. is also pursuing agreements with Australia to enhance mineral production and reduce dependence on Chinese resources [6]