3 Rare Earths Stocks to Buy as Trump Announces Project Vault

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential of three companies—The Metals Company (TMC), Critical Metals (CRML), and NioCorp Developments (NB)—in the context of U.S. government initiatives to secure domestic critical mineral supplies through "Project Vault" [4][18]. Company Summaries The Metals Company (TMC) - TMC is a pre-revenue developer focused on extracting polymetallic nodules from the deep seafloor, which could provide a non-traditional supply source for critical minerals [3]. - As of September 30, 2025, TMC reported cash reserves of $115.6 million and a net loss of $184.5 million, equating to $0.46 per share [1]. - TMC's stock has increased by 277% over the past 52 weeks and 6% year-to-date [2]. - The company secured a $37 million investment and an $85.2 million strategic investment from Korea Zinc, which indicates strong interest in U.S.-based refining [7]. - Analysts have a consensus "Strong Buy" rating for TMC, with an average price target of $10.60, suggesting a potential upside of about 62% [8]. Critical Metals (CRML) - CRML is a development-stage rare earths company advancing the Tanbreez project in Southern Greenland [9]. - The stock has risen by 54% over the past 52 weeks and 88% year-to-date, reflecting positive market sentiment [10]. - The company closed a $50 million PIPE financing to support its project, extending its operational runway [12]. - U.S. government interest in CRML has been highlighted by discussions of converting a $50 million Defense Production Act grant into an equity stake [13]. - One analyst rates CRML as a "Strong Buy" with a price target of $20, indicating a potential upside of approximately 54% [13]. NioCorp Developments (NB) - NioCorp is focused on developing the Elk Creek Project in Nebraska, targeting scandium, niobium, and titanium materials [14]. - The stock has appreciated by 161% over the past 52 weeks and 26% year-to-date [14]. - For the three months ending September 30, 2025, NioCorp reported a cash balance of $162.8 million and a net loss of $42.7 million, or $0.53 per share [15]. - The U.S. Department of Defense awarded up to $10 million to support NioCorp's domestic scandium supply chain, indicating strategic importance [16]. - Analysts have a consensus "Strong Buy" rating for NioCorp, with an average price target of $13.12, suggesting a potential upside of about 97% [17]. Industry Context - The U.S. government is prioritizing domestic critical mineral supplies due to China's dominance in the sector, controlling approximately 70% of rare earths mining and 90% of processing [6]. - "Project Vault" aims to create a strategic reserve of rare earth elements, with nearly $12 billion allocated to reduce reliance on China [6]. - The demand for critical minerals is projected to double or triple by 2030, emphasizing the urgency of securing domestic sources [6].