世界稀土之都与中国稀土之父 ——追星徐光宪院士包头之行随笔之九

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant contributions of Academician Xu Guangxian to the rare earth industry in Baotou, China, emphasizing his development of the staged extraction theory, which revolutionized rare earth separation and positioned Baotou as a global leader in rare earth production [1][3][10]. Group 1: Historical Context - The exploration of rare earth elements in China dates back to 1927, with significant advancements made by various scientists over the decades, culminating in Xu Guangxian's pivotal work in the 1970s and 1980s [5][10]. - Xu Guangxian's staged extraction theory was instrumental in overcoming the challenges of rare earth separation, which had previously hindered global progress in the field [3][5]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - The staged extraction theory developed by Xu Guangxian simplified the complex process of rare earth separation, significantly improving purity and efficiency, thus altering the global rare earth landscape [3][7]. - The application of this theory has led to high recovery rates of rare earth elements, with reported recovery rates of 86% for rare earths and 90% for iron from tailings at the Baiyun Obo mine [8][10]. Group 3: Industry Impact - Baotou has emerged as the "World Capital of Rare Earths," with its products being integral to various modern industries, including electric vehicles and aerospace [10][13]. - The legacy of Xu Guangxian continues to inspire new generations in the rare earth sector, with his contributions being celebrated in museums and educational institutions in Baotou [10][13].