Bloomberg Businessweek

MP Materials Strikes Deal With Pentagon to Build US Rare Earth Magnet Supply Chain

Jul 10, 2025
James Litinsky, the dynamic CEO of MP Materials Corp., dives into a groundbreaking multibillion-dollar deal with the Pentagon to boost the U.S. rare earth magnet supply chain. Sheila Kahyaoglu shares insights on the airline industry's recovery, discussing Delta's promising outlook. Kurt Wagner highlights advancements in AI, focusing on concerns around Elon Musk's Grok chatbot and market reactions to industry changes. Together, they explore the intersection of national security, economic growth, and technological innovation.
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INSIGHT

MP Materials' Strategic Transformation

  • MP Materials' deal with the U.S. Department of Defense makes it possible to build a vertically integrated rare earth magnet supply chain in the U.S.
  • This transformation secures long-term contracts and mitigates risks from Chinese market flooding tactics.
INSIGHT

Rare Earths' Strategic Importance

  • Rare earth magnets are critical to future technologies like robotics, AI, and military applications.
  • China uses mercantilist tactics, willing to lose billions to control the downstream market.
INSIGHT

Refining Bottlenecks in Rare Earths

  • The U.S. rare earth industry centers on a handful of refining locations, mainly Mountain Pass or China.
  • MP Materials plans to expand samarium separation critical for military magnets, boosting U.S. refining capabilities.
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