美国急寻稀土“替代品”，敲遍每个国家的门，欲打破中国垄断

Core Insights - The U.S. is attempting to reduce its reliance on Chinese rare earth elements through various agreements and initiatives, indicating a strategic shift in its mineral sourcing policy [1][3][4] Group 1: Rare Earth Elements Overview - Rare earth elements, including lanthanum, cerium, and neodymium, are critical for modern industries and high-tech applications, such as smartphones, wind turbines, and military equipment [3] - China currently dominates the global rare earth supply chain, controlling over 80% of processing capacity and 90% of magnet production, which poses a strategic risk for the U.S. [3][4] Group 2: U.S. Domestic Challenges - The development of a domestic rare earth industry in the U.S. faces significant challenges, including environmental regulations and the need for substantial investment and time, potentially taking over a decade to achieve large-scale production [4] - The Mountain Pass mine in California, while being one of the largest rare earth mines, is constrained by pollution concerns and regulatory hurdles [4] Group 3: Global Cooperation and Agreements - The U.S. is seeking to diversify its supply chain by signing agreements with countries like Malaysia for processing capabilities and developing mineral resources in Central Asia, including tungsten in Kazakhstan [4] - These actions reflect a broader strategy to mitigate dependence on Chinese rare earths through international collaboration [4] Group 4: China's Competitive Advantage - China's advantages in the rare earth sector stem from its resource reserves and advanced processing technologies, making it difficult for the U.S. to find viable alternatives [6] - Recent Chinese export controls require U.S. companies to prove that their products are not used for military purposes, further complicating the U.S. efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese rare earths [6] Group 5: Future Outlook - The competition between the U.S. and China in the rare earth sector is expected to intensify, with the U.S. likely to accelerate domestic industry development and invest in alternative materials [6] - Despite U.S. efforts to diminish its dependence, China's dominant position in the rare earth market is unlikely to change in the short term [6]