Trump administration to acquire 10% of USA Rare Earth in $1.6B deal: reports

Core Viewpoint - The US government is set to acquire a 10% stake in USA Rare Earth (USAR) as part of a $1.6 billion investment to support the development of a domestic mine-to-magnet supply chain [1][2]. Investment Details - The agreement includes the acquisition of 16.1 million shares and warrants for an additional 17.6 million shares at a price of $17.17 per share, representing a nearly 25% discount to USAR's closing price of $22.71 [2]. - Additionally, the US government will provide $1.3 billion in debt financing from a facility established under the CHIPS and Science Act [2]. Company Developments - USAR is developing a rare earth mine in Sierra Blanca, Texas, expected to begin production in late 2028, specifically rich in "heavy" rare earths like dysprosium [7][8]. - The Round Top deposit is projected to produce 2,213 tonnes of rare earth elements over a 20-year lifespan, with over 1,900 tonnes being "heavy" REEs [8]. Industry Context - This investment is part of a broader initiative by the US government to strengthen the critical minerals supply chain, following similar deals with other companies in the sector [5][6]. - The Round Top project will support a US-based mine-to-magnet value chain, which includes a magnet manufacturing plant in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and a processing laboratory in Wheat Ridge, Colorado [9].