One American Company Taking on China's Rare-Earth Dominance

The podcast discusses the efforts of MP Materials, an American company, to challenge China's dominance in the rare-earth magnet industry. It highlights the strategic importance of these magnets for various high-tech applications, including electric vehicles and military systems. The podcast explores how MP Materials acquired the Mountain Pass mine, its initial reliance on Chinese refining, and its subsequent investments in building domestic refining and magnet production facilities. It also examines the impact of the U.S.-China trade war on the rare-earth supply chain, leading to increased government support and major deals for MP Materials, including contracts with General Motors and Apple, to secure a domestic supply of these critical materials.