Strategic Summary
The U.S. is rapidly recalibrating its approach to critical minerals. The US Geological Survey has recently added six strategic commodities to its critical minerals list, triggering discussions around tariffs and supply-security measures. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has boosted its stake in MP Materials, investing $400 million into domestic rare-earth magnet capacity. Public and private sectors are aligning closely as the U.S. pursues processing innovation, domestic sourcing, and diversification of supply lines.
Key Points
USGS Expands Critical Minerals List to 54 Elements
Lead, silver, potash, silicon, rhenium, and copper are now officially categorized as critical minerals for national and economic security—attuned to inform Section 232 tariff and trade decisions expected this fall.
https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/us-critical-minerals-list-expands-ahead-possible-tariffs-2025-09-09/
Reuters
Pentagon Invests $400M in MP Materials
The Department of Defense acquired a 15% equity stake in MP Materials, funding a magnet production facility targeting 10,000 metric tons by 2028. The deal includes a price floor and 10-year offtake agreement to mitigate volatility.
https://www.ft.com/content/6693da6f-7cb7-4c74-8c4f-45b1bf533cbe
Financial Times
Federal Rare-Earth Investment Surges
In a pivotal strategic pivot, the U.S. government is injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into rare-earth expansion. Funding streams include support for MP Materials, NioCorp, USA Rare Earth, and exploratory sourcing in Greenland and Congo—shaping what industry experts call a “Manhattan Project” for critical minerals.
https://apnews.com/article/edf8ff79ec97d7245f64afa9f9ac713a
AP News
Why It Matters
Expanded Tariff Leverage
Adding six more minerals to the U.S. strategic list broadens the scope for potential trade interventions—shaping both import oversight and domestic policy levers.Domestic Processing Takes Center Stage
The MP Materials injection underscores the urgency for a U.S. supply chain and aims to reduce reliance on foreign magnet producers.“Manhattan Project” for Minerals
Large-scale government funding signals a national consensus: building resilience through industrial policy and supply-chain sovereignty is vital.
Watchlist Companies & Entities
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) – Monitor policy development related to the expanded critical minerals list.
MP Materials – Pentagon-backed rare earth producer operating the Mountain Pass mine and U.S. magnet manufacturing facilities.
Homepage: https://mpmaterials.comNioCorp International – Developer of the Elk Creek critical minerals project, focusing on niobium, scandium, and titanium.
Homepage: https://www.niocorp.com niocorp.comUSA Rare Earth – Building rare earth magnet manufacturing and separation capabilities in the U.S., centered on the Round Top project in Oklahoma.
Homepage: https://www.usare.com usare.comGreenland & DRC Rare‑Earth Ventures – Tracking emerging rare-earth extraction projects in Greenland (e.g., Critical Metals' Tanbreez) and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Critical Minerals Spotlight
Lead, Silver, Potash, Silicon, Rhenium, Copper — Newly critical minerals, spanning industrial, technological, and strategic sectors.
Neodymium & Praseodymium — Core components of MP Materials' domestic magnet ambitions, vital for EVs and defense applications.
Broad Rare Earth Ecosystem — Shift toward domestic sourcing and allied partnerships signals structural supply-chain transitions.
Action Points
Monitor Section 232 developments tied to newly added critical minerals—tariff schedules, sector alerts, and import quotas.
Track MP Materials' ramp-up: construction timelines, magnet output, and price stability mechanisms.
Follow Evolving Supply Projects: especially NioCorp, USA Rare Earth, and Greenland/DRC rare-earth development—evaluate timelines and risk.
This briefing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, investment, or policy advice. All information is believed accurate at time of publication and derived from publicly available sources.