News Summary

• The investment in Vulcan Elements and ReElement Technologies is the latest stake taken by the U.S. in a handful of private companies.
• The White House has made it a priority to bolster the nation’s supply chain in a market dominated by China.
• Rare earths are used in fighter jets, guided missiles, drones and nuclear submarines as well as smartphones and wind turbines.
• In July, the Defense Department agreed to invest $400 million in shares of the Las Vegas-based MP Materials, which runs the only American rare earths mine.