Apple Invests $500 Million in U.S. Rare Earth Mining Initiative

Apple has announced a $500 million investment in MP Materials, the only active rare earth mine in the United States, as part of a strategic initiative aligning with the Trump administration to secure domestic critical minerals. This move underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening U.S. supply chain independence and reducing reliance on foreign sources, particularly China, which currently controls 60% of global critical mineral production. The partnership includes the construction of a state-of-the-art recycling facility in Mountain Pass, California, designed to extract and repurpose materials from end-of-life electronics for use in Apple products. Additionally, Apple and MP Materials plan to establish a magnet manufacturing facility in Fort Worth, Texas, producing magnets for Apple devices and a wide range of global electronics. This investment follows a $400 million commitment from the U.S. Department of Defense to MP Materials, aimed at accelerating the development of a fully integrated domestic rare earth magnet supply chain. The collaboration also reflects a diplomatic breakthrough between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, resuming trade in critical minerals after earlier disruptions. By diversifying its supply chain and supporting domestic manufacturing, Apple is not only bolstering U.S. national security but also setting a precedent for other companies to prioritize American-made solutions.

Published: 7/15/2025