We will accelerate technological breakthroughs in rare earth materials

Rare earth is an important material basis to support China's manufacturing industry, and breakthroughs in key material technologies are the cornerstone of the development of rare earth industry.As we all know, rare earth is characterized by large quantity and wide range and multi-use of one material. It plays a pivotal role in enhancing the independent and controllable capacity of the rare earth industrial chain and supply chain.

Over the years, domestic rare earth industry enterprises have attached great importance to innovation, actively organized scientific and technological research projects, and promoted the improvement of traditional materials and the development of new materials through joint innovation of rare earth production, education and research.From the perspective of independent innovation, it is necessary to gather resources and form joint forces, so that the materials disciplines of China's numerous rare earth enterprises and universities and key laboratories, engineering laboratories, engineering technology centers and other platform resources can be combined for collaborative innovation.

In fact, there are many reasons behind the technological breakthrough in rare earth materials.On the one hand, the quality and benefit of the whole rare earth material industry can only be improved by the group breakthrough of core technology of rare earth high-end materials.On the other hand, the rare earth industry has made use of advanced technologies such as the industrial Internet, big data and cloud computing to vigorously develop intelligent manufacturing in the materials industry and significantly reduce the cycle and cost of material research and development.

Relevant statistics show that if China can produce 35 million tons of globally competitive rare earth steel per year, it can consume 21,000 tons of mixed rare earth (mainly excess lanthanum and cerium) per year.From this perspective, the development of rare earth steel can not only promote the upgrading of the steel industry, but also realize the comprehensive utilization of rare earth elements, which also plays a positive role in promoting the healthy development of the rare earth industry.

At present, China has established a relatively complete rare earth industry system, and ranks first in the world in the production, consumption and export of rare earth.Among them, China is in the international leading position in rare earth mining, mineral processing and smelting and separation technology, but there is still a certain gap between China and the world's advanced level in high-end rare earth functional materials.Therefore, it is of strategic significance to accelerate the development and patent layout of rare earth functional materials for high-end applications.

To develop key rare earth materials, we should take multiple measures and make lasting efforts.From the perspective of top-level design, relevant government departments should formulate policies on technological innovation, intellectual property rights, application demonstration, import and export, etc.From the perspective of order in the rare earth industry, it is necessary to strictly control the production capacity of low-end products, increase the proportion of high-end products, and improve international competitiveness.

Great oaks from little acorns grow, and the rare earth industry needs a strong foundation.China's rare earth industry enterprises should make persistent efforts and make concerted efforts, base themselves on rare earth materials as the basic industrial field, and fight a tough battle to upgrade the base of the rare earth industry and modernize the industrial chain.