Russia plans to invest up to 700 billion rubles (about 61.2 billion yuan), building an industrial cluster covering areas such as rare earths, rare metals, and the research and development of new materials in the Siberian region.
Russia suddenly started to pay attention to rare earths, which is probably because it saw the power of China's rare earth strategy.
However, I think even if Russia invests so much, it is completely impossible for Russia to be independent of other countries like China. There are four reasons for this.
1, First of all, it is inappropriate for Russia to choose Siberia as the location. Everyone knows that this area is vast but sparsely populated, and it is also a cold place. The winter lasts about six months, with temperatures dropping to tens of degrees below zero. Few people would be willing to work in Siberia.
2, The technology related to rare earths cannot be developed in one or two days, or even one or two years. Even if you pour money, you can't get it done quickly.
3, Russia is currently entirely supported by Putin. If he steps down, this project might be terminated.
4, Russia has a shortage of talent in the field of rare earths, and it is unlikely to attract such talents to Siberia in a short time.
Russia's attempt to independently develop rare earths may be good for the future of Russia. But for the current Russia, it is not a good thing. It is simply a loss-making endeavor. Because Russia's persistence in this large-scale project will not last long, which is a problem that Russia has always had.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846956312564042/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.