economy
January 26, 2026
How the USA Rare Earth deal with the Trump administration came together
USA Rare Earth's CEO provided rare insight in an interview with CNBC's Brian Sullivan into how the federal government plans equity stakes in mining companies.
TL;DR
- USA Rare Earth CEO Barbara Humpton discussed the company's $1.6 billion deal with the U.S. government, which includes an equity stake.
- The deal aims to reduce U.S. dependence on China for rare earth minerals.
- Funding is contingent on USA Rare Earth meeting specific milestones and securing private investment.
- The company plans to open a magnet manufacturing facility in Oklahoma in early 2026 and begin commercial mining at Round Top, Texas in late 2028.
- USA Rare Earth acknowledged the risk that the Round Top mine may be delayed or not result in commercial extraction.
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