读懂稀土：如何成为大国博弈的焦点？

Group 1 - Rare earth elements are a group of 17 metals essential for modern technology, including lanthanum, cerium, and neodymium, and are considered non-renewable resources [5][6] - Rare earth elements have unique optical and magnetic properties, making them crucial in high-tech, defense, and renewable energy sectors, often referred to as "industrial vitamins" [9][10] - In the renewable energy sector, rare earth magnets are vital for electric motors and wind turbines, enhancing efficiency and power density [10][11] Group 2 - Despite their name, rare earth elements are relatively abundant in the Earth's crust, but economically viable mining sites are scarce [12][13] - China dominates the rare earth market, holding nearly half of the world's economically extractable reserves, with a total of 44 million tons, significantly more than Brazil [13][17] - China has established a complete industrial chain for rare earths, from mining to refining, making it the only country capable of providing all 17 rare earth metals [17][18] Group 3 - In the 1980s, China was a major resource holder but lacked production capabilities until advancements in extraction technology, particularly by Xu Guangxian, transformed the industry [18][19] - Xu Guangxian's development of the "cascade extraction theory" allowed China to increase purity and reduce costs, leading to a significant shift in the global rare earth market [18][19] - By the early 1990s, China's export of high-purity rare earths caused international prices to drop significantly, impacting established global players [19][20] Group 4 - As of 2024, China is projected to account for 70% of global rare earth production, with a production volume of 270,000 tons, while the U.S. lags behind at 45,000 tons [20][22] - China controls 40% of global rare earth reserves, 70% of production, and 90% of processing capacity, solidifying its dominance in the global supply chain [22]