稀土元素在今天的科技世界中，已经成为了像空气一样不可或缺的资源。它对高科技产业至关重要，因此在全球范围内的争夺也愈加激烈。最近，俄罗斯在 北极地区的举措引起了许多关注，他们在寒冷的北极圈内发现了多个矿床，初步估算储量超过了1000万吨。这一数字令人震惊，尤其考虑到勘探队在零下几 十度的极端环境下，依靠卫星和钻机勘探矿床的数据。俄罗斯政府为此投入了大量资金，用以建设必要的基础设施。这些北极矿藏不仅储量巨大，而且含有 大量钕、镝等关键元素，适合用于生产高科技装备。这个项目从2023年开始启动，预计到2025年中期会有初步确认，俄罗斯希望借此在全球资源链中占据更 有利的位置。 中国的稀土储量则遥遥领先，达到了4400万吨，占全球总储量的近四成。中国的矿区分布广泛，内蒙古的轻稀土和江西的重稀土开采条件成熟。自80年代开 始，中国就逐步建立了全产业链。到2024年，产量预计将达到27万吨，掌控全球70%的供应，同时还拥有92%的精炼技术。这不仅仅是开采矿石那么简单， 中国的企业能从矿石到成品一条龙生产，价格波动较小，出口也很稳定。虽然俄罗斯的北极矿床潜力巨大，但其面临的高物流成本使得短期内无法追赶上中 国。美国的一些芯 ...

Core Insights - The competition for rare earth elements, dubbed the "modern industrial vitamin," is intensifying globally, with the U.S. recently announcing the discovery of over 10 million tons of rare earth resources from coal ash and claiming to have mastered extraction techniques [1][3] - While the U.S. discovery appears significant, the complexity and cost of extracting rare earth elements from ores or waste materials pose substantial challenges, making large-scale commercialization a distant goal [1][3] - China maintains a dominant position in the rare earth sector, not only due to resource reserves but also through its comprehensive control over the entire industry chain, contributing over 90% of rare earth refining despite holding less than 60% of global reserves [3][5] Industry Analysis - The U.S. initiative to extract rare earths from coal ash represents a clever attempt at waste utilization, but it faces hurdles in extraction efficiency and requires significant investment and time to develop a complete supply chain [3][5] - Environmental considerations complicate the extraction process, as the high demands of rare earth refining and the costs associated with handling toxic substances in coal ash make the U.S. discovery seem more theoretical than practical [3][5] - The ongoing competition in the rare earth sector is not merely about resources but also reflects a broader contest of national strength, emphasizing the need for continuous technological innovation and industrial upgrades to maintain leadership in the global market [5][7]

Group 1 - China is attempting to gain control over large regional rare earth mineral deposits, with Malaysia being a focal point for its efforts [2] - Negotiations are ongoing between Beijing and Kuala Lumpur regarding joint processing of rare earth resources [3] - China has previously banned the export of rare earth raw materials and processing technologies but is willing to make an exception for Malaysia by exchanging technology for mining rights [4] Group 2 - The plan involves collaboration between Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund, Khazanah Nasional, and a Chinese state-owned enterprise in the mineral resources sector [6] - Malaysia is interested in the proposal to jointly develop one of the largest known rare earth mines in Southeast Asia [5] - Australia currently controls Malaysia's rare earth resources, with Lynas Corporation being a significant player operating a processing plant in Pahang, Malaysia [8] Group 3 - There are concerns among some Malaysian politicians regarding potential environmental pollution from Chinese rare earth mining activities, highlighting a competitive dynamic between China and Australia in the region [9]

Core Viewpoint - The competition for rare earth resources has evolved into a complex game involving national interests, environmental policies, and international relations, with recent criticisms from German media directed at China's rare earth controls being seen as a reflection of Western countries' anxieties over supply challenges [1][3]. Group 1: China's Rare Earth Management - Chinese rare earth mining has historically faced severe environmental issues, but advancements in technology and stricter management have led to significant improvements, such as an 83.7% compliance rate for air quality in the Baiyun Obo mining area [1][3]. - The narrative that other countries have rare earth resources but cannot exploit them due to environmental concerns overlooks the fact that many Western nations lack the advanced separation and refining technologies necessary for mining [3]. Group 2: Western Dependence on China - The claims of "using rare earths to blackmail the world" reflect the dependency of Western countries on China's core resources, with China's control measures being a defensive strategy in response to frequent sanctions and pressures from the West [3][5]. - The double standards exhibited by Western media highlight their tendency to blame China for supply issues while ignoring their own limitations in rare earth mining [5]. Group 3: Future of Global Rare Earth Supply Chain - The future of the global rare earth supply chain is expected to undergo significant changes, with an increasing emphasis on sustainable development and environmental considerations [7]. - Collaboration among countries in technology development and resource sharing is essential for achieving economic growth while ensuring ecological protection [7][8]. - China, as the largest producer of rare earths, should engage in international cooperation to establish fair trade rules, alleviating fears and promoting a more balanced view of its role in global resource supply [8].