Core Viewpoint - Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is experiencing significant stock performance improvements due to its strategic shift towards rare earth mining, aligning with national goals for critical material independence [1][3]. Group 1: Stock Performance - The stock reached a new 52-week high of $16.7 during intra-day trading, ultimately closing up by 21.47% at $16.18 [2]. - This performance marked the end of a three-day losing streak for the company [1]. Group 2: Business Strategy - Cleveland-Cliffs has officially initiated efforts to diversify from steelmaking into rare earth mining, exploring potential mining sites in Michigan and Minnesota [2][4]. - The CEO emphasized the importance of reducing reliance on foreign nations for essential minerals, positioning Cleveland-Cliffs as part of the solution for American manufacturing [3]. Group 3: Financial Performance - In the third quarter, the company reported a net loss attributable to shareholders of $251 million, a 2.87% increase from $244 million in the same period last year [4]. - Revenues increased by 2.8% year-on-year, reaching $4.7 billion compared to $4.57 billion [4].

Core Insights - Cleveland-Cliffs announced its intention to enter the rare earths mining sector, which led to a 20% increase in its shares following the third-quarter earnings report [1][5]. Group 1: Company Developments - CEO Lourenco Goncalves highlighted the renewed importance of rare earths and identified promising mining sites in Michigan and Minnesota [2]. - The company reported a narrower-than-expected loss of $0.45 per share for the third quarter, which was better than analysts' expectations, while revenue increased by 3.6% to $4.73 billion, although it fell short of forecasts [3][5]. - Cleveland-Cliffs reduced its full-year capital expenditure estimate to $525 million from $600 million and lowered selling, general, and administrative costs by $25 million to $550 million [6]. Group 2: Industry Context - The move into rare earths comes amid China's efforts to curb exports and the U.S. government's strategy to reduce reliance on Chinese minerals [3]. - The demand for rare earths has surged due to their critical role in high-tech products, which has been exacerbated by U.S.-China trade tensions [2].