News Brief: English
Summary
Following China’s effective embargo on rare earth exports, particularly to the US, global efforts are underway to secure alternative supplies. While Australia has signed a framework agreement with the US, it faces competition as the US explores other sources. The key challenge is not just mining rare earths but refining them, a process currently dominated by China.
Key Points
- China’s Move: In April, China mandated export licenses for rare earths, effectively blocking shipments to the US, causing global panic.
- US Response: The Trump administration signed a critical minerals deal with Australia but is also engaging with Central Asian nations and restarting mines like Mountain Pass in the US.
- Australia’s Role: Australia is building rare earth oxide refineries (Iluka, Arafura) but is unlikely to produce magnets, focusing instead on refining and acting as a strategic reserve.
- Refining is Key: 90% of rare earth refining occurs in China. The US and allies are racing to build independent refining capacity.
- China’s Leverage: Experts suggest China can only use the “rare earth card” once but will maximize its effect until alternative supply chains are established, which is years away.
新闻简报：中文
总结
在中国对稀土出口（尤其是对美国）实施有效禁运后，全球正在努力寻找替代供应源。尽管澳大利亚与美国签署了关键矿产框架协议，但它也面临竞争，因为美国正在探索其他来源。关键挑战不仅在于开采稀土，更在于其精炼环节，而这一过程目前由中国主导。
关键点
- 中国的举措：今年4月，中国规定稀土出口需获得许可证， effectively 切断了对美国的供应，引发全球恐慌。
- 美国的回应：特朗普政府与澳大利亚签署了关键矿产协议，但同时也与中亚国家接触，并重启了美国本土（如Mountain Pass）等矿场。
- 澳大利亚的角色：澳大利亚正在建设稀土氧化物精炼厂（Iluka, Arafura），但不太可能生产磁铁，而是专注于精炼和充当战略储备。
- 精炼是关键：目前90%的稀土精炼在中国进行。美国及其盟友正竞相建立独立的精炼产能。
- 中国的筹码：专家认为，中国使用”稀土牌”的机会只有一次，但在替代供应链建立之前（这需要数年时间），会最大限度地利用此筹码。
Original Article Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-10/are-australia-s-rare-earths-part-of-solution-to-magnet-shock/105989206