Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the acceleration of the U.S. rare earth supply chain, marked by the opening of the Brook Mine in Wyoming and a significant investment agreement between Apple and MP Materials, the only rare earth producer in the U.S. [1][3][5] Group 1: Brook Mine Development - The Brook Mine is the first new rare earth mine in the U.S. in over 70 years and the first new coal mine in Wyoming in over 50 years [1] - The mine was discovered to contain valuable rare earth elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium, along with critical minerals like gallium, scandium, and germanium, with an estimated value of up to $37 billion [3] - The development of the Brook Mine has been in preparation for over a decade, with initial plans to use it as a fuel source for a coal-fired power plant [3] Group 2: Investment and Collaboration - Apple has entered into a $500 million investment agreement with MP Materials to supply rare earth magnets for its products, which will be produced in Texas using recycled rare earth materials from California [5][6] - MP Materials is the only U.S. company with a complete rare earth supply chain, covering mining, raw material processing, smelting, and magnet manufacturing [5] - The partnership aims to innovate and accelerate advancements in magnet production and recycling technology, reinforcing the U.S. supply of critical materials [7]

Group 1: New Mining Developments - The Brook Mine project in Wyoming marks the first new rare earth mine in the U.S. in over 70 years and the first coal mine in Wyoming in over 50 years [1] - The Brook Mine is estimated to be worth up to $37 billion based on historical prices, with valuable rare earth elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium found in the coal [2] Group 2: Investment and Partnerships - Apple has entered into a $500 million investment agreement with MP Materials, the only rare earth producer in the U.S., which recently received support from the Pentagon [1][3] - MP Materials will supply rare earth magnets to Apple, produced at its Fort Worth, Texas facility using recycled rare earth materials processed at its Mountain Pass, California plant [3][4] Group 3: Economic Impact and Future Plans - The Wyoming state government has allocated $610,000 for the development of the Brook Mine, which has been in preparation for over a decade [2] - MP Materials expects to begin shipments by 2027, gradually increasing production to support millions of Apple devices [4] - The collaboration between MP Materials and Apple aims to enhance the supply of critical materials essential for advanced technology manufacturing [5]