USA Rare Earth seizes full control of Texas’s richest rare-earth deposit, delivering a strategic blow to China’s iron grip on America’s defense supply chain under President Trump’s America First agenda.
Story Highlights
- USA Rare Earth acquires remaining stake in Round Top for $73 million, gaining complete ownership of North America’s top heavy rare-earth source.
- U.S. government invests $1.6 billion to build a domestic mine-to-magnet chain, slashing reliance on China, which processes 90% of global rare earths.
- Project promises billions in royalties for Texas schools and jobs in Hudspeth County, boosting the state economy without federal overreach.
- Commercial production targets late 2028, with 40,000 MT/day output by 2030 for defense, EVs, and semiconductors.
- Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham champions the effort as key to national security and breaking foreign dependence.
Acquisition Secures Round Top Control
USA Rare Earth announced a $73 million all-stock deal to buy the remaining 18.6% stake in Round Top from Texas Mineral Resources, achieving full ownership.
The deposit sits on 950 acres of state-leased land in Hudspeth County, 85 miles southeast of El Paso. This consolidation ends divided control, enabling swift execution of the Accelerated Mining Plan. CEO Barbara Humpton called it a vital pillar in building a non-China platform for critical minerals.
Federal Funding Accelerates Independence
In January 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce committed $1.6 billion in grants and loans to USA Rare Earth for Round Top development. This funding supports mine construction, processing facilities, and a full domestic supply chain. Pilot plants in Colorado handle separation, while Oklahoma readies magnet production.
The move counters China’s 90% dominance in rare-earth processing, vital for F-35 jets, missiles, semiconductors, and electric vehicles. President Trump’s emergency powers on critical minerals provided essential tailwinds.
Texas Gains Economic and Security Wins
Texas General Land Office Commissioner Dawn Buckingham spotlighted Round Top on FOX Business as North America’s richest heavy rare-earth source, holding 15 of 17 elements plus gallium, beryllium, lithium, and zirconium.
Development under a 19-year renewable lease is projected to generate billions in royalties for public schools. Hudspeth County stands to gain jobs from the remote site.
Buckingham stressed that breaking China’s stronghold enhances national security, aligning with conservative priorities of energy independence and limited government reliance on adversaries.
The site’s unique heavy rare-earth profile positions it as the largest known U.S. deposit, supporting defense tech without woke green mandates that previously stalled projects.
Texas rare-earth project aims to curb US reliance on China, strengthen national security https://t.co/NU5xB3nUNS
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) March 16, 2026
Timeline Drives Toward Production
USA Rare Earth accelerated its plans last year to achieve commercial output in late 2028, up from earlier targets. A definitive feasibility study is progressing now. The AMP aims to reach 40,000 metric tons per day by 2030, feeding integrated facilities.
Trump’s prior stockpiling and state initiatives, such as Texas refineries, set precedents. This vertical chain from mine to magnets fortifies supply lines, protecting American innovation from globalist vulnerabilities exposed under past administrations.
Sources:
USA Rare Earth to buy remaining Round Top stake for $73M
USA Rare Earth Gains Texas Round Top Ownership
USAR stock swings after strategic Texas rare-earth deal
USA Rare Earth to acquire Texas Mineral Resources, consolidating control of Round Top project
Texas rare-earth project aims to curb US reliance on China, strengthen national security
Texas advances rare-earth development to counter foreign reliance
USA Rare Earth to acquire Texas Minerals, consolidating Round Top control
