Rare Earth Royalty: Meet The Power Players Shaping The Industry

Core Viewpoint - The rare earth sector is gaining attention due to the global demand for critical minerals essential for clean energy, defense, and high-tech industries, with several companies emerging as key players in this space [1]. Company Summaries MP Materials - MP Materials Corp. has entered a public-private partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, involving a multi-billion dollar investment package and long-term commitments [2]. - The company plans to build a second U.S. magnet manufacturing facility, named the "10X Facility," expected to be operational by 2028 [2]. - MP Materials has secured a $500 million deal with Apple to supply rare earth magnets made from 100% recycled materials, manufactured in the U.S. [3]. - As the second-largest producer of rare earths globally, MP Materials operates the Mountain Pass facility, which is crucial for supplying materials for electric vehicles (EVs), electronics, and defense [4]. - The company's stock has surged nearly 100% in the past week due to the announcements regarding the DoD and Apple deals [4]. USA Rare Earth - USA Rare Earth, Inc. is focused on mining, processing, and supplying rare earth elements and critical minerals, aiming to develop a vertically integrated domestic supply chain for rare earth magnet production [5]. - The company holds mining rights to the Round Top Mountain deposit in West Texas, which contains essential minerals like neodymium and lithium [6]. - USA Rare Earth’s stock has increased by over 50% in the past five days, reflecting market trends alongside MP Materials [6]. NioCorp - NioCorp Developments, Ltd. is developing the Elk Creek project, which is one of the largest potential sources of niobium and scandium, both important for advanced alloys and clean technologies [7]. - The company has received strong analyst support, with a recent price target increase from $4 to $5 by Maxim Group [11]. The Metals Company - The Metals Company, Inc. is engaged in deep-sea mining, targeting polymetallic nodules rich in battery metals, with operations in the Clarion Clipperton Zone [11]. - TMC has seen significant stock performance, gaining over 550% in 2025 due to its unique approach and strong technical ratings [12]. American Resources - American Resources Corp. specializes in producing high-purity rare earths from both recycled and virgin sources, with its ReElements segment supplying separated rare earths for U.S. commercial and defense needs [13]. - The stock of American Resources has also increased by more than 50% in the past five days, driven by heightened interest in the rare earth sector [13].