US plans $1.6 billion investment in rare earths miner

On January 25, 2026, reports stated that the United States government planned to inject $1.6 billion into USA Rare Earth, taking a 10% stake in the company, with additional private financing to support critical minerals production. The investment aims to bolster domestic mining of rare earths used in defense and technology supply chains and reduce reliance on foreign sources, especially China. The announcement followed prior government equity stakes in other mining firms as part of a strategic minerals initiative.