据路透社2月18日报道，美国已与乌兹别克斯坦签署协议，以确保更稳定地获取后者的关键矿产资源。 随着全球能源转型与科技革命加速推进，关键矿产已从单纯的工业原料跃升为重塑全球产业格局与地缘 政治版图的关键要素之一。在这一领域，各国合作与博弈的触角从非洲加丹加高原的铜钴富矿带延伸至 太平洋海底的多金属结核，从拉美安第斯山脉的"锂三角"延伸至中亚腹地的稀土矿床。《环球时报》从 今天起将推出"关键矿产博弈"系列报道，在"中亚篇"中，我们将为您讲述中亚五国蕴藏着怎样的关键矿 产资源，美国、欧盟、日本等在该地区如何落子布局，这场围绕关键矿产的博弈又将如何撬动国际能源 格局。 "跻身全球前20大战略资源生产国之列" 萨里塔格矿区位于塔吉克斯坦西部的陡峭山谷中。在海拔4000米山峰之下纵横交错的巷道中，矿工们正 奋力开采锑矿。这是一种银灰色的金属，曾经以化妆品成分而为人所知，如今已成为战略性产业的关键 资源，可被用于制造太阳能电池板和加固军用车辆装甲。 "塔吉克斯坦有许多锑矿床。"塔尔科黄金公司副总监朱马佐达对法新社这样说。该公司锑供应量占全球 10%。根据美国地质调查局的数据，2023年塔吉克斯坦锑产量约为2.1万吨，占全球 ...

【环球时报驻哈萨克斯坦特派记者 李强 环球时报特约记者 杨逸】 编者的话： 据路透社2月18日报道，美国已与乌兹别克斯坦签署协议，以确保更 稳定地获取后者的关键矿产资源。随着全球能源转型与科技革命加速推进，关键矿产已从单纯的工业原料跃升为重塑全球产业格局与地缘政治版 图的关键要素之一。在这一领域，各国合作与博弈的触角从非洲加丹加高原的铜钴富矿带延伸至太平洋海底的多金属结核，从拉美安第斯山脉 的"锂三角"延伸至中亚腹地的稀土矿床。《环球时报》从今天起将推出"关键矿产博弈"系列报道，在"中亚篇"中，我们将为您讲述中亚五国蕴藏 着怎样的关键矿产资源，美国、欧盟、日本等在该地区如何落子布局，这场围绕关键矿产的博弈又将如何撬动国际能源格局。 " 跻身全球前 20 大战略资源生产国之列 " 萨里塔格矿区位于塔吉克斯坦西部的陡峭山谷中。在海拔4000米山峰之下纵横交错的巷道中，矿工们正奋力开采锑矿。这是一种银灰色的金属， 曾经以化妆品成分而为人所知，如今已成为战略性产业的关键资源，可被用于制造太阳能电池板和加固军用车辆装甲。 "塔吉克斯坦有许多锑矿床。"塔尔科黄金公司副总监朱马佐达对法新社这样说。该公司锑供应量占全球10% ...

赖特在法国国际关系研究所于巴黎举办的一场会议上表示："我们可以在很多地方开采稀土金属、生产 油气。这或许能让格陵兰人的生活变得更好；我们的兴趣在于国家安全。" 近期特朗普政府把重点从采矿转向稀土的下游加工环节 —— 外界普遍认为，这是让替代供应真正落地 的关键瓶颈。 赖特说："'稀土元素'这个名字很糟糕，因为它们到处都是，根本不稀有。显然有适合得多的开采稀土 的地方。" 美国能源部长克里斯·赖特表示，特朗普政府对格陵兰的首要关切在于国家安全，而不是开发当地的稀 土或能源资源。 美国能源部长克里斯·赖特表示，特朗普政府对格陵兰的首要关切在于国家安全，而不是开发当地的稀 土或能源资源。 唐纳德·特朗普长期寻求控制格陵兰。他重返白宫后，美国政府也一直在就开发当地尚未充分开发的矿 产资源进行磋商。但赖特周二指出，这些努力属于次要目标，目的是在美国寻求扩大其在格陵兰的军事 存在之际，为当地民众带来更多经济机会。 唐纳德·特朗普长期寻求控制格陵兰。他重返白宫后，美国政府也一直在就开发当地尚未充分开发的矿 产资源进行磋商。但赖特周二指出，这些努力属于次要目标，目的是在美国寻求扩大其在格陵兰的军事 存在之际，为当地民众带来更 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses Japan's recent efforts to extract rare earth elements from the seabed, highlighting the challenges and costs associated with this endeavor, particularly in the context of Japan's reliance on China for these resources [3][7][11]. Group 1: Rare Earth Elements Extraction - Japan's ocean research agency successfully extracted several tons of rare earth-containing mud from the seabed at a depth of approximately 5,600 meters [3]. - The extraction process faced significant challenges, including adverse weather conditions that temporarily halted operations [3]. - The extracted rare earth mud may not meet the minimum standards required for refining, leading to concerns about its economic viability [3]. Group 2: Economic Implications - The cost of extracting rare earth mud from the South Bird Island area is reported to be several times, even tens of times, higher than the price of processed rare earth products from China [3]. - Japan's historical dependence on China for over 70% of its rare earth needs has been jeopardized due to deteriorating Sino-Japanese relations [7]. - The potential for China to impose strict export controls on rare earth elements could have devastating impacts on Japan's industrial sector, potentially leading to a halt in industrial activities within six months [7]. Group 3: Strategic Considerations - Japan's lack of large-scale land-based rare earth mining capabilities has led it to explore deep-sea extraction, but the high costs and lack of core refining technology hinder its competitive position [5]. - The article suggests that Japan may soon need to engage in negotiations with China regarding rare earth purchases, as the geopolitical landscape shifts [9]. - China's strategic control over rare earth elements positions it favorably in international relations, allowing it to leverage these resources for economic and political gain [11].

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. plans to announce up to 11 bilateral trade agreements this week, aimed at facilitating tariff-free trade for critical minerals and rare earth elements [1] Group 1: Trade Agreements - The agreements will provide "tariff-free trade" for key minerals and rare earth elements [1] - These agreements can also be used to establish price floors for related commodities [1]

Group 1 - The global supply of critical minerals is highly concentrated in a few countries, making supply chains vulnerable to geopolitical shocks [1][2] - Most countries' strategic reserves are limited, with only a few able to sustain key industries for months during significant supply disruptions [1][2] - Japan and South Korea have established structured reserve systems, with Japan's reserves capable of covering several months of demand for cobalt and nickel, while South Korea has reserves for about two months [1][2] Group 2 - The vulnerability of the U.S. and Europe is greater than commonly perceived, with U.S. strategic reserves primarily serving defense needs and only supporting a few weeks of supply during disruptions [2] - Europe has just begun discussions on coordinated reserve establishment under the Critical Raw Materials Act, leaving industries at risk in the short term [2] - Australia is building strategic reserves based on domestically mined minerals, focusing on rare earths, antimony, and gallium to enhance resilience and support allies [2] Group 3 - The effectiveness of reserves depends on alignment with actual demand, trade flows, substitution possibilities, and price dynamics, indicating that a seemingly sufficient reserve may deplete quickly if not prioritized correctly [3] - Critical minerals are increasingly viewed as strategic assets, with their value shaped by resilience and geopolitical factors rather than just cost curves and demand growth [3]

Core Viewpoint - Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) plans to spin off its mining investment company, Manara Minerals, to enhance its overseas mineral investment strategy, focusing on critical resources essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Manara Minerals was established in 2023 as a joint venture between Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) and PIF, with a focus on overseas investments in critical minerals [1]. - The company has only completed one transaction to date, acquiring a 10% stake in Vale Base Metals from Brazilian mining giant Vale for $2.5 billion in 2024 [1]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The spin-off of Manara is aimed at improving its specialization and technical capabilities, moving beyond being merely an investment tool [2]. - The initiative aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, which emphasizes expanding international mineral investments and developing domestic mineral resources [2]. - Saudi Arabia's untapped mineral resources, including phosphates, gold, bauxite, and rare earth elements, are estimated to be worth approximately $25 trillion [2]. Group 3: Future Developments - Discussions are ongoing regarding the introduction of new shareholders for Manara, with potential investors from both domestic and international markets [2]. - Maaden is also exploring rare earth exploration and developing new technologies for lithium extraction from seawater [2].

Core Viewpoint - Australia prioritizes antimony, gallium, and rare earth elements as part of its AUD 1.2 billion (approximately USD 802 million) critical minerals strategy reserve, announced ahead of the G7 meeting to discuss key minerals [1][5]. Group 1: Strategic Importance - Australia is a leading producer of critical minerals and is developing strategic reserves to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities [6]. - The Australian Treasurer, Chalmers, stated that the world needs important mineral resources, and Australia possesses abundant mineral resources that will help counter global economic uncertainties and promote trade and investment [6]. Group 2: Focused Minerals - The initial focus of the mineral reserve will be on minerals crucial for clean energy, high-tech manufacturing, and advanced military equipment [6]. Group 3: Legislative and Institutional Framework - Australia plans to legislate to expand the powers of its Export Finance Agency (EFA) and the Department of Industry, which will oversee transactions related to the reserves [6]. - The reserve plan is set to launch in mid-2026 and will be operational by the end of that year [7]. Group 4: Contract Management - The EFA will enable fixed or floating price purchase agreements to be traded in forward contracts, which are set for future physical supply delivery [8]. - The EFA will also manage purchase agreements, intermediate demand and supply aggregation, as well as inventory and contracts for difference [8]. - Contracts for difference are tools that help manage price risks from the start of the contract to delivery [4].

Core Insights - The AI revolution is not only about algorithms and codes but also a significant materials revolution, highlighting the critical role of metals like copper and silver in AI infrastructure [2][14] - The demand for specific metals is driven by the increasing power requirements of AI servers and data centers, which are essential for efficient energy transmission and heat dissipation [3][4] Group 1: Copper's Role in AI - Copper is essential for efficient power distribution in AI data centers, with a conductivity efficiency of 97%, minimizing energy loss during transmission [3][4] - The transition from traditional to AI data centers has led to a 60% increase in copper usage per rack due to higher power density requirements [4] - The demand for copper is expected to rise significantly, with estimates suggesting an additional 1 million tons of copper demand annually by 2030 due to AI data center construction [6][5] Group 2: Silver's Importance in AI Hardware - Silver, while used in smaller quantities than copper, plays a crucial role in high-performance AI hardware due to its superior electrical and thermal conductivity [7][8] - The shift towards advanced packaging technologies in AI chips is increasing the use of silver, particularly in chip interconnections and high-end connectors [9][10] - The demand for silver in AI applications is changing structurally, with a focus on high-value applications rather than sheer volume, as its role in critical connections is irreplaceable [10][11] Group 3: Key Rare Metals in AI - Rare metals such as gallium, indium, cobalt, and rare earth elements are vital for the performance of AI hardware, especially as silicon-based semiconductors approach physical limits [11][12] - These rare metals are essential for advanced processes in AI chips and high-performance motors used in AI applications, contributing to enhanced efficiency and performance [12][13] - The ongoing technological trends in AI hardware will continue to drive demand for these critical rare metals, emphasizing their importance despite lower usage volumes compared to copper [13][14]

Core Viewpoint - Despite reaching an agreement in October to lift restrictions on rare earth supplies between the US and China, China continues to limit the export of rare earth elements necessary for producing permanent magnet materials to the US [1] Group 1: Supply Chain and Production - Multiple consumers, manufacturers, government officials, and trade experts indicate that even though China has increased the supply of finished products (mainly permanent magnet materials), the US industry still lacks access to the raw materials needed for production, which is a significant priority for the US government [3] - The global production capacity for permanent magnet materials outside of China is approximately 50,000 tons per year, as noted by Scott Dunn, co-founder of Novion Magnetic. However, the rare earth mineral resources outside of China are insufficient to support such a large production scale [5] Group 2: Regulatory Developments - On December 18, He Yadong, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, addressed the latest situation regarding rare earth export controls. He stated that since the implementation of these controls, relevant Chinese authorities have provided policy interpretations to exporters, and with accumulated experience, some Chinese exporters have met the basic requirements for applying for general licenses. It is understood that some general license applications submitted by Chinese exporters have already been approved [6]