3 Rare Earth Stocks to Watch in 2026

Core Viewpoint - Rare-earth stocks are gaining attention as China tightens export controls amid the trade war with the United States, prompting U.S. policymakers to focus on domestic mining and production to enhance manufacturing capabilities [1]. Group 1: MP Materials - MP Materials operates the only large-scale rare-earth mining and processing site in North America, specifically the Mountain Pass Rare Earth Mine in California, which is one of two major light rare-earth production facilities outside China [3]. - The Mountain Pass facility produces refined rare-earth oxides, particularly Neodymium-Praseodymium (NdPr) oxide, essential for powerful magnets used in electric vehicles and consumer electronics [4]. - In July 2025, MP Materials halted all sales to China to align with U.S. national security goals, and its Independence Facility has started generating revenue, with plans for a significant expansion to increase U.S. magnet manufacturing capacity from 1,000 to 10,000 metric tons annually [5]. Group 2: The Metals Company - The Metals Company (TMC) is focused on seabed mining, aiming to extract polymetallic nodules rich in nickel, copper, cobalt, and manganese, which could help secure critical minerals for the U.S. [6]. - TMC is targeting the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, located approximately 1,500 miles from San Diego, and has submitted the first application for a commercial recovery permit under the U.S. Seabed Mining Code [7].