Core Insights - Shares of NioCorp and other U.S. rare earth miners are gaining momentum due to the Trump administration's focus on building a domestic supply chain independent from China [1] - Analysts are optimistic as some rare earth stocks are trading below their price targets amid increasing government support [1] - An agreement between Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to invest in joint ventures for critical minerals and rare earths has boosted the sector [1] Industry Developments - Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans to set price floors for rare earths to counter alleged Chinese market manipulation, similar to a previous deal with MP Materials [2] - China's recent export restrictions have heightened urgency in Washington, requiring licenses for products with just 0.1% rare earths and imposing controls on extraction technology [4] - The restrictions have expanded to five additional rare earth elements, giving China significant leverage in trade negotiations [4] Investment Trends - Investors are anticipating that the administration will replicate the MP Materials strategy with other miners, with William Blair initiating coverage on USA Rare Earth with an "Outperform" rating [5] - The White House has already invested in Lithium Americas and Trilogy Metals, leading to speculation about future investments [5] - J.P. Morgan Chase has committed up to $10 billion in critical minerals investments, with CEO Jamie Dimon highlighting the U.S.'s reliance on unreliable sources for essential materials [6] Company Focus - NioCorp is positioning itself as a key player in the U.S. effort to reduce dependence on Chinese rare earths, with plans to construct its Elk Creek facility to produce niobium, scandium, titanium, and heavy rare earth oxides [7][8] - The U.S. currently does not produce these materials domestically, highlighting the strategic importance of NioCorp's initiatives [8]