MP Materials Builds Magnet Plant After China Curbs Seven Rare Earth Exports
MP Materials operates the only scaled rare earth mining and processing site in North America at Mountain Pass, California, after Beijing imposed export controls on seven key rare earth elements in early 2026. The company is building downstream magnet manufacturing capacity to supply electric vehicle and defense customers directly.
1. China Tightens Rare Earth Controls
In early 2026, Beijing enacted export controls on seven strategic rare earth elements, including neodymium and praseodymium, tightening global supply and elevating non‐Chinese producers’ strategic value.
2. MP’s Mountain Pass Operations
MP Materials runs the only large-scale rare earth mine and processing facility in North America at Mountain Pass, California, producing NdPr oxide critical for high-strength magnets.
3. Downstream Magnet Manufacturing Expansion
To capture more value, MP is constructing a downstream magnet manufacturing plant at Mountain Pass to serve electric vehicle and defense OEMs with domestically produced magnets.