美国想摆脱对中国的依赖，打算给稀土定个最低价，但英国说：我们先不掺和

Core Viewpoint - Rare earths are essential resources for high-tech and advanced technologies, with China dominating global production and refining capabilities [2][4]. Group 1: Western Actions on Rare Earths - The West is increasingly focused on rare earths, with the EU discussing price floors and potential tariffs on Chinese exports to stimulate local investment [2][4]. - The U.S. has provided price guarantees to domestic rare earth companies as part of a broader defense investment strategy [2][4]. - Australia and Canada are also considering measures to enhance their rare earth sectors, including foreign investment scrutiny [2][4]. Group 2: UK's Strategic Position - The UK currently sources only 6% of its critical minerals domestically and aims to meet 10% of its needs through local mining and 20% through recycling by 2035 [4]. - A lithium processing project in Northern England is expected to start soon, targeting a production capacity of at least 50,000 tons by 2035 [4]. - The UK has allocated up to £50 million to support its critical minerals strategy, reflecting a cautious approach rather than a blind follow of other Western nations [4][5]. Group 3: Challenges in Supply Chain Development - China's dominance in the rare earth sector, with approximately 70% of global mining and 90% of refining capacity, poses significant challenges for the West in diversifying supply sources [4][6]. - Rebuilding a competitive rare earth supply chain is a long-term and complex endeavor, requiring substantial time, technology, funding, and market patience [4][6]. - The West's current initiatives highlight a pressing desire to reduce reliance on China, but they also reveal shortcomings in resource, cost, and technology integration [6].