The Journal. One American Company Taking on China's Rare-Earth Dominance
157 snips
Jul 21, 2025 
Jon Emont, a reporter for the WSJ, dives into the race to reclaim the rare earth minerals market from China with the CEO of MP Materials. They discuss the critical role of the Mountain Pass mine in supplying essential materials for technologies like electric cars and smartphones. Emont shares insights on the strategic partnerships with major players like Apple and GM, and the complexities of reviving U.S. refining capabilities. The conversation highlights the urgent need for America to secure its supply chains amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Mountain Pass Mine Description
- John Emont described the Mountain Pass mine as a giant crater like the Grand Canyon.
- This site holds the U.S.'s largest underground rare earth minerals reserve, crucial for many technologies.
Critical Uses of Rare Earth Magnets
- Rare earth magnets are essential for electric motors, military tech, and audio devices.
- They are critical components in advanced technology like F-35 jets and nuclear submarines.
U.S.-China Rare Earth Dependence
- Over 90% of rare earth magnets are sourced from China, creating a geopolitical risk.
- The U.S. is urgently trying to rebuild its rare earth capacity to reduce dependence on China.