绕不开的中国稀土

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the critical role of rare earth elements in the automotive industry, particularly in electric vehicles, highlighting the supply chain vulnerabilities and the historical context of rare earth production and processing [3][4][5]. Group 1: Supply Chain Vulnerabilities - Suzuki Motors announced a production halt for its Swift model due to delays in parts procurement caused by rare earth export controls [3]. - European and American automotive suppliers are also facing production shutdowns, indicating a widespread impact on the industry [3]. - Rare earth elements are essential for various components in electric vehicles, including the main drive motor, which relies heavily on rare earth permanent magnets [4][10]. Group 2: Historical Context and Market Dynamics - China controls approximately 65% of global heavy rare earth mining and 88% of refining, making it a dominant player in the market [4]. - The previous rare earth crisis in 2010 led to significant price increases, with some rare earth oxides rising over five times in price [4]. - Despite efforts by countries like the US and Japan to reduce dependence on Chinese rare earths, rebuilding a complete supply chain is estimated to take another 10 years [5]. Group 3: Technical Aspects of Rare Earths - Neodymium, a rare earth element, is crucial for the performance of electric motors, with neodymium-iron-boron magnets being the most efficient [8][10]. - Electric vehicles typically use between 1.5 to 3 kg of rare earth materials, with neodymium-iron-boron magnets accounting for a significant portion of this usage [10]. - The addition of dysprosium or terbium is often necessary to enhance the heat resistance of neodymium-iron-boron magnets [11]. Group 4: Industry Structure and Competition - The US's only rare earth mine, Mountain Pass, has struggled to regain its former dominance due to the processing capabilities being concentrated in China [15][19]. - China's strategic policies have led to a focus on high-value-added products, while the US remains reliant on China for processing rare earth concentrates [16][18]. - The integration of the rare earth industry in China has resulted in significant scale advantages, making it difficult for foreign companies to compete [18][19]. Group 5: Future Outlook - Tesla's efforts to reduce reliance on rare earths in its electric motors reflect a broader industry trend towards seeking alternatives [22][23]. - The ongoing development of the rare earth supply chain in the US is hindered by the need for large-scale production capabilities, which are currently dominated by China [26][27]. - The relationship between rare earth mining, refining, and electric vehicle production is becoming increasingly critical as the demand for electric vehicles rises [26].