Apple Strikes Rare Earths Deal With MP Materials Backed by Pentagon
Apple’s $500M rare earths deal with MP Materials marks a bold step to secure critical minerals, build recycling infrastructure, and challenge China’s grip on global supply chains.

In a move that signals a seismic shift in the global rare earths supply chain, Apple Inc. has secured a $500 million deal with MP Materials Corp., the only active rare earths miner in the United States. The agreement not only ensures Apple a steady stream of critical minerals vital to its ecosystem of devices but also aligns with a broader U.S. effort to wean itself off Chinese dominance in this strategically vital sector.
This partnership isn't just about raw materials. Apple and MP Materials are teaming up to build what they call a “cutting-edge rare earth recycling line” at Mountain Pass, California. The project aims to close the loop on magnet materials used in everything from iPhones and MacBooks to autonomous vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure. The collaboration will also focus on developing next-generation magnet materials and processing technologies to improve performance, reliability, and ultimately, supply security.
Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, emphasized that the deal is part of the company’s broader mission to support domestic innovation. “American innovation drives everything we do at Apple, and we’re proud to deepen our investment in the U.S. economy,” he said in a statement Tuesday. “Rare earth materials are essential for making advanced technology, and this partnership will help strengthen the supply of these vital materials here in the United States.”
