The Pentagon’s $400M bet on rare earths

The US has taken an unprecedented step to secure its rare earth supply chain. With a $400 million investment in MP Materials, the Pentagon has set a price floor, guaranteed demand, and positioned the miner as a national champion.

In this MINING.COM explainer, anchor Devan Murugan breaks down how Washington’s move works, why it marks a break from decades of free-market orthodoxy, and what it means for America’s industrial and defence future.