Australian Treasurer: US Wants to Get Rid of Chinese Rare Earths, Will Offer "Loyal Service"
On October 16 local time, Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers held talks with Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council.
Before the meeting, Chalmers told reporters in Washington, "Australia is fully capable of meeting the demand for rare earths. We will work with our partners to ensure that we can become a very reliable supplier to meet the demand for key minerals in Australia, the United States, and other global markets."
Bloomberg reported on the same day that Chalmers' remarks were intended to emphasize that Australia has the capability to become a key component in the U.S. effort to diversify the rare earth supply chain and reduce reliance on China. The report stated that rare earths are crucial for various fields such as semiconductors and military technology. Australia has the fourth largest rare earth deposit in the world and a long mining history, which enhances its strength as a viable alternative to China's rare earth supply.
Previously, Lynas Rare Earth, a company based in Perth, Australia, had begun refining so-called "heavy rare earths" at its factory in Malaysia, which has become the only heavy rare earth production base outside of China.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846198519072073/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.