US Plans $1B Critical Minerals Stockpile, Boosting MP Materials' Outlook

The White House unveiled a plan to launch a $1 billion strategic stockpile of critical minerals (Project Vault) to reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese supplies, a move investors are parsing for potential demand boosts and price stabilization for MP Materials and other rare-earth miners. MP stock traded around $59 after hitting intraday highs near $63 as the news circulated, while peers like USA Rare Earth and Ramaco Resources moved; China currently handles about 85% of global processing, underscoring why a stockpile could meaningfully affect supply dynamics. While seen as positive for securing materials, the policy adds volatility and many details remain, including financing arrangements such as USA Rare Earth's $1.6 billion LOI with the Commerce Department.