关键矿产成新宠！美澳同盟想卡中国脖子，澳却被加工能力绊住脚

Group 1 - The core focus of the recent US-Australia "2+2" meeting is on establishing a reliable and diversified supply chain for critical minerals, which are essential for defense and technology industries [3][10] - Australia is positioning itself as a key player in the global critical minerals supply chain, particularly in zircon production, where it holds the top position globally, supplying nearly 40% of China's zircon imports [5][10] - The collaboration between the US and Australia aims to transform minerals from ordinary commodities into strategic assets, enhancing Australia's geopolitical leverage [8][10] Group 2 - Australia faces challenges in becoming a "resource intermediary" due to its limited processing capabilities for critical minerals, which are essential for high-tech applications like chips and missiles [12][14] - The country has experienced "de-industrialization," leading to a significant loss of processing capacity, with companies like Lynas struggling to compete with Chinese counterparts [14][17] - Environmental regulations pose additional hurdles for expanding processing capabilities, as seen in the delays of a rare earth processing plant due to local opposition [18][20] Group 3 - Australia's heavy reliance on China for mineral exports complicates its strategy to limit exports to China, as such actions could negatively impact its economy [21][23] - The country lacks the core technologies necessary for mineral processing, with China having established significant technical barriers in rare earth separation and purification [25] - To successfully transition from a "resource-exporting country" to a "strategic player," Australia must address its processing capabilities, technological reserves, and market balance [27][29]