# Apple Gives $500m Commitment to US-based Rare-Earth Producer  ## Metadata - Author: [[Matty Merritt]] - Full Title: Apple Gives $500m Commitment to US-based Rare-Earth Producer - Category: #articles - Summary: MP Materials’s stock has skyrocketed almost 500% since going public in 2020. - URL: https://www.morningbrew.com/stories/apple-commitment-to-us-based-rare-earth-producer?utm_source=&utm_medium=syndication&utm_campaign=feed ## Highlights - Apple [announced](https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-invests-500m-mp-materials-us-magnet-maker-stock-soars-2025-7) yesterday that it would commit to a $500 million deal with the only US-based rare-earth producer, MP Materials. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k0jjfhfgbrrtxm3p93n3yhbw)) - The company was founded in 2017 to bring production back to Mountain Pass Rare Earth Mine in Southeast California, about 50 miles south of Las Vegas, Nevada, which is the second largest rare-earth mine in the world ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k0jjfx1y3ze5s2w6d5gb25w8)) - Rare-earth minerals (or rare-earths) are actually not very rare; instead, they get their name from how complicated—and environmentally hazardous—they are to extract from the earth and process. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k0jjehzxwvrt1vnz4kzhj02m)) - The materials are vital components in the manufacture of powerful magnets used in almost every piece of advanced tech, from missiles to cars to...iPhones. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k0jjet3y835gp9p22a36cfc6)) - China produces 99% of the world’s heavy rare-earths and often uses them as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k0jjf8m85fj6xdy97rch2fef)) - Citing economic and security concerns, the US government has long sought to bring the rare-earth supply chain back to the US, even if it means the magnets will likely cost [50% more](https://www.wsj.com/business/us-rare-earth-producer-texas-58796240) than Chinese alternatives. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k0jjgdt30dgq7mks95zhvn60))