Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of Defense has invested $400 million to become the largest shareholder in MP Materials, the largest rare earth producer in the U.S., aiming to reduce dependence on China for rare earth supply chains. However, challenges remain in refining technology and pollution issues that could hinder achieving an independent supply chain [1][2]. Group 1: Investment and Strategic Moves - The U.S. Department of Defense's investment positions it as the largest shareholder in MP Materials, which is the only company in the U.S. that controls the entire rare earth supply chain [1]. - MP Materials has begun investing in domestic refining capabilities to reduce reliance on Chinese processing plants, with a new facility under construction in Texas [2]. - The U.S. government has committed to purchasing 100% of the rare earth magnets produced at a new factory expected to be operational by 2028, with a minimum price set at $110 per kilogram for neodymium-praseodymium oxide products [5]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Challenges - Over 60% of global rare earths are mined in China, and 92% are refined there, highlighting the significant reliance on Chinese capabilities [2]. - The CEO of REalloys indicated that achieving a fully independent rare earth supply chain in the U.S. could take until 2027 or 2028, depending on various strategic and regulatory factors [1]. - Experts have raised concerns about the time and cost required to develop rare earth processing capabilities in the West, estimating it could take 10 to 20 years and cost trillions of dollars [6].