Rare Earth Directory

Timeline

US rare earth supply chain timeline 2025 to 2030

The US rare earth supply chain has 166 dated events on record since Jan 2025 and 47 dates ahead, through 2035. The largest are China's export controls (Apr and Oct 2025), the Pentagon's Jul 2025 MP Materials deal, the 2026 financing and acquisitions, and the opening of the first commercial magnet plants.

The next fixed dates are Oct 18, 2026 and Nov 10, 2026, when China's suspension of its export controls ends. Every row links to the mine, company or policy page that carries its sources, and every future row says how firm its date is.

Verified through Oct 1, 2026

See all 213 events Upcoming milestones Download CSV

Dated events by year

  1. 2025 66
  2. 2026 121
  3. 2027 15
  4. 2028 7
  5. 2029 and later 4

HappenedAhead

Counts are events this directory records, not a measure of industry activity.

Dated events
21341 mines and companies, plus policy
Have happened
166Since Jan 2025
Are ahead
44Each with a date basis
Past due, unconfirmed
3Window ended; no outcome seen
Dates that moved
9Recorded since Dec 2025

The big moments

What are the biggest events in the US rare earth supply chain since 2025?

The biggest events are the Pentagon's $400M MP Materials investment and price floor (Jul 2025), China's export controls and their suspension (Apr to Nov 2025), the conditional loan commitments to Vulcan Elements, Phoenix Tailings and Energy Fuels, and the first commercial magnet and recycling plants opening in 2026.

2025

Controls, the Pentagon deal and the first loans

  1. Apr 4, 2025

    Announcement No. 18: seven elements need a license

    Samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium items need a Chinese export license, effective the day it was issued.

  2. Jul 9, 2025

    Agreements dated

    The transaction agreement, preferred stock subscription, warrant, offtake and price protection agreement carry this date. The deal is announced on Jul 10.

  3. Oct 9, 2025

    Six announcements widen the controls

    Five more elements (No. 57), battery and graphite materials (No. 58), a rule reaching foreign-made products with 0.1% or more Chinese-origin rare earths by value (No. 61) and technology controls (No. 62), plus Nos. 55 and 56.

  4. Nov 3, 2025

    ReElement Technologies and American Resources Corp

    ReElement and Vulcan Elements announce a $1.4B partnership with the Office of Strategic Capital, including an $80M loan to ReElement.

  5. Nov 2025

    Vulcan Elements

    The Department of War announces a $620M conditional Office of Strategic Capital loan commitment, and North Carolina announces the $918.1M Benson project and 1,000 jobs; a $1.4B partnership with ReElement is described.

  6. Nov 7, 2025

    Announcement No. 70: the suspension

    MOFCOM and Customs suspend Nos. 55, 56, 57, 58, 61 and 62 until Nov 10, 2026. After the Kuala Lumpur talks MOFCOM had said the US side would suspend its Affiliates Rule for one year.

  7. Dec 2025

    Round Top and USA Rare Earth

    USA Rare Earth brings forward Round Top commercial production by two years, to the second half of 2028.

  8. Dec 2025

    Mountain Pass and MP Materials

    The Independence plant in Fort Worth, Texas starts making NdFeB magnets from Mountain Pass NdPr.

2026 so far

Financing, acquisitions and the first magnet plants

  1. Jan 2026

    USA Rare Earth

    USA Rare Earth announces a $1.5B private capital raise and a non-binding letter of intent with the Department of Commerce for up to $1.6B.

  2. Feb 2, 2026

    Announced in the Oval Office; EXIM approves the loan

    The EXIM board approves a Direct Loan of up to $10B. EXIM names Clarios, GE Vernova, Western Digital and Boeing as initial participants and Hartree Partners, Mercuria and Traxys as suppliers.

  3. Jun 3, 2026

    USA Rare Earth

    Definitive agreements with the Department of Commerce unlock access to up to $1.6B.

  4. Jun 16, 2026

    Phoenix Tailings

    The Office of Strategic Capital announces a conditional $500M loan commitment for a roughly $1B initiative.

  5. Jun 23, 2026

    Energy Fuels and White Mesa Mill and eVAC Magnetics

    Energy Fuels agrees to acquire Vacuumschmelze for about $1.9B, and the Office of Strategic Capital announces a conditional $725M loan commitment.

  6. Jul 15, 2026

    eVAC Magnetics

    eVAC and VAC Group hold the opening ceremony in Sumter.

  7. Jul 29, 2026

    Energy Fuels and White Mesa Mill

    Construction begins on a heavy rare earth expansion of the Phase 1 circuit, a project of about $104M.

  8. Sept 3, 2026

    USA Rare Earth

    The Serra Verde combination closes; Thras Moraitis joins the company as president.

  9. Sept 9, 2026

    Cyclic Materials

    The Mesa, Arizona plant opens with 25,000 t/yr of processing capacity.

Next

Q4 2026 and 2027

  1. Nov 10, 2026

    China export-control suspension expires

    China's one-year suspension of six October 2025 announcements ends, including the controls on holmium, erbium, thulium, europium and ytterbium and the rule reaching foreign-made products. The April 2025 controls on seven elements remain in force.

  2. Q4 2026

    MP Materials magnet shipments and heavy rare earth output

    Commercial magnet shipments from Independence to General Motors are expected in Q4, with dysprosium and terbium output expected later in 2026 (company statements).

  3. Q4 2026

    Round Top definitive feasibility study

    USA Rare Earth expects the study to complete in Q4 2026, with publication in Q1 2027.

  4. Dec 2026

    Elk Creek construction start (target)

    NioCorp targets the start of full construction, subject to project financing, with an EXIM application of about $780M to $800M in technical review.

  5. Jan 1, 2027

    DFARS 252.225-7052 takes full effect

    Defense contracts bar covered magnets and metals that were mined, refined, separated, melted or produced in China, Russia, Iran or North Korea. Waivers need an accepted mitigation plan.

  6. Q1 2027

    Energy Fuels expects to close the Vacuumschmelze acquisition

    The deal is worth about $1.9B and is subject to regulatory and stock exchange approvals. The Australian Strategic Materials deal closed on Aug 28, 2026.

  7. Mid-2027

    HyProMag USA Texas commissioning target

    HyProMag USA targets commissioning of its Dallas-Fort Worth magnet recycling and manufacturing hub, subject to final permitting and financing.

  8. End of 2027

    White Mesa terbium and dysprosium circuits due

    Energy Fuels says the terbium and dysprosium circuits of its heavy rare earth expansion are due by the end of 2027, with commissioning as early as Q4 2027 (10-Q).

2028 and later

Commissioning targets

  1. Mar 2028

    Bear Lodge federal permitting scheduled to finish

    The FAST-41 timetable for the Bull Hill plan of operations ends in March 2028. The Forest Service lists a decision date of about Jul 2028.

  2. 2028

    MP Materials 10X commissioning and first samarium

    MP Materials expects the 10X campus in Northlake, Texas to begin commissioning and plans first samarium production.

  3. 2028

    USA Rare Earth Blacksburg commissioning target

    USA Rare Earth targets commissioning of its Blacksburg, South Carolina campus, which broke ground on Sept 9, 2026.

  4. H2 2028

    Round Top first commercial production target

    USA Rare Earth targets first commercial production at Round Top in the second half of 2028.

  5. 2028

    Phoenix Tailings Freedom Facility initial operations target

    Phoenix Tailings targets initial operations at its planned Freedom Facility in 2028.

  6. By mid-2029

    White Mesa Phase 2 expected to be complete

    Energy Fuels expects to complete the stand-alone Phase 2 circuit by mid-2029, subject to licensing, financing, feed and a final investment decision (10-Q).

  7. About 2029

    Halleck Creek production target

    American Rare Earths has talked of starting production around 2029 (company target).

The timeline

What is the full timeline of US rare earth events from 2025 to 2030?

The table lists 213 dated events from Jan 2025: 166 that happened, 44 still ahead and 3 past due without confirmation. Filter by status, type, year or who, search, or sort a column. Jump to 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 or 2029 on.

Status
Type
Year
Who
213 of 213 shown
US rare earth supply chain events since Jan 2025 and the dates ahead, with the mine, company or policy page each belongs to
DateWhoEventTypeStatusSource
Jan 2025MP MaterialsIndependence in Fort Worth begins making NdPr metal.PlantsHappenedSources
Jan 2025USA Rare EarthThe Stillwater Innovation Lab produces its first sintered NdFeB magnets.PlantsHappenedSources
Feb 2025Sheep Creek, US Critical MaterialsUS Critical Materials reports confirmation of high rare earth and gallium grades at Sheep Creek.StudiesHappenedSources
2025Halleck Creek, American Rare EarthsAn updated scoping study shows a JORC resource of 2.63 billion tonnes at 3,292 ppm TREO and a phase 1 NPV of $558M.StudiesHappenedSources
Mar 18, 2025ChemoursChemours and Energy Fuels announce they will explore opportunities that combine titanium sands and rare earth processing.CompanyHappenedSources
Mar 31, 2025Vulcan ElementsThe Research Triangle Park plant opens (21,000 sq ft, 30 employees).PlantsHappenedSources
Early 2025Cyclic MaterialsThe Mesa plant is announced, about 17 months before it opens.PlantsHappenedSources
Apr 4, 2025China export controlsAnnouncement No. 18: seven elements need a license. Samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium items need a Chinese export license, effective the day it was issued.PolicyHappenedSources
Apr 8, 2025Colosseum, Dateline ResourcesThe Interior Department announces that Colosseum can continue under its existing plan of operations; Park Service letters of Apr 3 and Apr 10 recognize valid existing rights.PermitsHappenedSources
May 2025Lemhi Pass, Idaho Strategic ResourcesIdaho Strategic signs a non-binding MoU with Clean Core Thorium Energy on thorium supply.DealsHappenedSources
May 2025Halleck Creek, American Rare Earths12 months of groundwater baseline data collection begins at the Cowboy State Mine.StudiesHappenedSources
May 23, 2025Dateline ResourcesA scoping study gives a pre-tax NPV at 6.5% of $550M at $2,900/oz gold and an open pit of about 8.5 years (company-reported).StudiesHappenedSources
May 2025Ucore Rare MetalsThe Department of War adds $18.4M of initial construction funding to $4M earlier, for $22.4M in total.SupportHappenedSources
2025Arnold Magnetic TechnologiesArnold signs supply agreements with Less Common Metals and Solvay for samarium and other rare earth materials.DealsHappenedSources
2025Elk Creek, NioCorpEXIM advances the application to independent technical review; NioCorp raises over $370M, including a $10M Department of War grant.SupportHappenedSources
2025Phoenix TailingsThe company is reported to have raised $76M for a US refinery.DealsHappenedSources
Jul 9, 2025Mountain Pass, MP Materials, MP Materials Pentagon dealAgreements dated. The transaction agreement, preferred stock subscription, warrant, offtake and price protection agreement carry this date. The deal is announced on Jul 10.SupportHappenedSources
Jul 10, 2025Ionic Mineral TechnologiesIonic closes an oversubscribed $29M Series B to scale US production of battery materials.DealsHappenedSources
Jul 2025Brook Mine, Ramaco ResourcesGroundbreaking on Jul 11 with Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Gov. Mark Gordon; Fluor delivers its preliminary economic assessment on Jul 8.PlantsHappenedSources
Jul 15, 2025MP MaterialsApple and MP Materials announce a $500M partnership for recycled-material magnets.DealsHappenedSources
Jul 2025Silicon RidgeThe lease is amended to 7,753 acres, per the state lease file.DealsHappenedSources
Aug 2025Vulcan ElementsVulcan raises a $65M Series A led by Altimeter Capital, One Investment Management and 1789 Capital.DealsHappenedSources
Aug 5, 2025NRC and Agreement State licensingWyoming asks to amend it. Governor Mark Gordon asks the NRC for an amended agreement covering source material from other mineral processing.PolicyHappenedSources
Aug 2025DOE funding awardsDOE announces nearly $1B for critical minerals supply chains. The umbrella announcement that the coal-based pilot selections stem from.SupportHappenedSources
Aug 2025Mountain Pass, MP Materials, MP Materials Pentagon dealSamarium Project Loan issued. MP issues the $150.0M note to the department. The JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs commitment expires undrawn on Aug 26.SupportHappenedSources
Aug 2025Brook Mine, Ramaco ResourcesRamaco raises about $200M in a public stock offering.DealsHappenedSources
Aug 26, 2025Ucore Rare MetalsUcore and Critical Metals Corp sign a non-binding letter of intent for a possible 10-year supply of rare earth product from the Tanbreez project in Greenland. No binding agreement has followed in the sources checked (Sept 2026).DealsHappenedSources
Aug 2025Lynas USALynas flags considerable uncertainty over the Seadrift plant and says it lacks funds to complete it beyond the US money received.CompanyHappenedSources
2025Diamond CreekIdaho Strategic plans follow-up trenching, with optional drilling, along the strike.StudiesHappenedSources
2025Lemhi PassThe company completes a radiometric survey and soil sampling at Lemhi Pass.StudiesHappenedSources
Sept 2025USA Rare EarthUSA Rare Earth announces the Less Common Metals acquisition and a $75M private placement.DealsHappenedSources
Sept to Oct 2025Ramaco Resources, Brook MineWeir issues an initial resource estimate; Ramaco announces a Strategic Critical Minerals Terminal.StudiesHappenedSources
Oct 1, 2025MP Materials Pentagon dealPrice floor starts. The first full calendar quarter after closing opens the agreement's term.SupportHappenedSources
Oct 1, 2025USA Rare EarthBarbara Humpton becomes chief executive.CompanyHappenedSources
Fall 2025eVAC MagneticsCommercial magnet production starts at Sumter.PlantsHappenedSources
Oct 8, 2025Lynas USA, Noveon MagneticsLynas and Noveon Magnetics sign a non-binding MoU on a US rare earth magnet supply chain.DealsHappenedSources
Oct 9, 2025China export controlsSix announcements widen the controls. Five more elements (No. 57), battery and graphite materials (No. 58), a rule reaching foreign-made products with 0.1% or more Chinese-origin rare earths by value (No. 61) and technology controls (No. 62), plus Nos. 55 and 56.PolicyHappenedSources
Oct 20, 2025REalloysDavid Argyle resigns; founder Leonard Sternheim becomes chief executive.CompanyHappenedSources
Oct 2025Aclara ResourcesAclara announces a $277M heavy rare earth separation facility at the Port of Vinton, Louisiana, with a $46.4M state incentive package.PlantsHappenedSources
Oct 29, 2025REalloysREalloys announces a $200M EXIM letter of interest.SupportHappenedSources
Oct 30, 2025China export controlsTrump and Xi meet in Busan, South Korea. The meeting produced a trade truce that included the one-year suspensions described below.PolicyHappenedSources
Nov 1, 2025China export controlsWhite House fact sheet. The White House says China will suspend the October measures worldwide and issue general licenses for rare earths, gallium, germanium, antimony and graphite for US end users and their suppliers. Law-firm notes say China's own announcements do not mention general licenses.PolicyHappenedSources
Nov 3, 2025ReElement Technologies, American Resources CorpReElement and Vulcan Elements announce a $1.4B partnership with the Office of Strategic Capital, including an $80M loan to ReElement.SupportHappenedSources
Nov 7, 2025China export controlsAnnouncement No. 70: the suspension. MOFCOM and Customs suspend Nos. 55, 56, 57, 58, 61 and 62 until Nov 10, 2026. After the Kuala Lumpur talks MOFCOM had said the US side would suspend its Affiliates Rule for one year.PolicyHappenedSources
Nov 9, 2025China export controlsAnnouncement No. 72. Suspends Article 2 of Announcement No. 46 until Nov 27, 2026.PolicyHappenedSources
Nov 13, 2025Halleck Creek, American Rare EarthsThe chairman's AGM address sets a pre-feasibility study, state permitting and processing scale-up as 2026 goals.CompanyHappenedSources
Nov 2025DOE funding awardsByproduct recovery pilot opportunity. Press reports describe a $275M funding opportunity to pilot byproduct critical minerals and materials recovery at domestic industrial facilities.SupportHappenedSources
Nov 2025White Mesa MillEnergy Fuels files a license amendment application to expand rare earth processing.PermitsHappenedSources
Nov 2025Vulcan ElementsThe Department of War announces a $620M conditional Office of Strategic Capital loan commitment, and North Carolina announces the $918.1M Benson project and 1,000 jobs; a $1.4B partnership with ReElement is described.SupportHappenedSources
Nov 19, 2025MP MaterialsMP Materials, the Department of War and Maaden agree a refinery joint venture in Saudi Arabia.DealsHappenedSources
Nov 20, 2025ElementUSAThe Department of War announces a $29.9M Defense Production Act Title III award for a gallium and scandium demonstration facility at Gramercy.SupportHappenedSources
Dec 1, 2025DOE funding awardsRare Earth Elements Demonstration Facility funding opportunity. Up to $134M. Letters of intent were due Dec 10, 2025 and applications Jan 5, 2026.SupportHappenedSources
2025 to 2026Energy Fuels, White Mesa MillThe mill produces dysprosium oxide and terbium oxide at about 99.9% purity at pilot scale.PlantsHappenedSources
By Jan 2026Noveon MagneticsNoveon and Solvay announce a supply agreement for light and heavy rare earth oxides starting in 2026.DealsHappenedSources
Dec 4, 2025Elk Creek, NioCorpNioCorp acquires FEA Materials for $8.4M.DealsHappenedSources
Dec 5, 2025Sheep Creek, US Critical MaterialsThe Bitterroot National Forest receives a draft initial plan of operations.PermitsHappenedSources
Dec 2025HyProMag USAHyProMag USA finalizes a long-term lease at Ironhead Commerce Center in Dallas-Fort Worth.DealsHappenedSources
Dec 11, 2025Ionic Mineral Technologies, Silicon RidgeIonic announces rare earths and critical metals in the Silicon Ridge clay, with assays by ALS Chemex (company-reported). The release says Citigroup is its exclusive capital markets adviser.StudiesHappenedSources
Dec 11, 2025Lemhi Pass, Idaho Strategic ResourcesIdaho Strategic releases the survey results and says they refine permitting and drill targeting for 2026 and beyond.StudiesHappenedSources
Dec 2025Round Top, USA Rare EarthUSA Rare Earth brings forward Round Top commercial production by two years, to the second half of 2028.PlantsHappenedSources
Dec 2025Ucore Rare MetalsUcore announces it is readying the Louisiana complex for heavy rare earth processing in 2026.PlantsHappenedSources
Dec 2025DFARS 2027 ruleFY2026 defense authorization act. Adds molybdenum to the statute and sets Dec 18, 2027 for gallium and germanium (Holland & Knight).PolicyHappenedSources
Dec 15, 2025ElementUSALouisiana announces ElementUSA's $850M investment decision for a refining facility at Gramercy, with 200 direct jobs and a $6M state grant.SupportHappenedSources
Dec 15, 2025HyProMag USAMkango reports a positive update to the HyProMag USA valuation after a detailed design update.CompanyHappenedSources
Dec 2025Mountain Pass, MP MaterialsThe Independence plant in Fort Worth, Texas starts making NdFeB magnets from Mountain Pass NdPr.PlantsHappenedSources
Full year 2025Mountain PassThe mine produces 50,692 t of REO and 2,599 t of NdPr oxide.PlantsHappenedSources
2025 to 2026Arnold Magnetic TechnologiesArnold commissions a new magnet facility in Thailand to more than double its SmCo output.PlantsHappenedSources
Jan 5, 2026Halleck Creek, American Rare EarthsMark Wall becomes chief executive.CompanyHappenedSources
Jan 6, 2026ChemoursLayoff notices show job cuts at Chemours' Georgia and Florida mining operations and more work moving to a contractor, as reported by a local news site.CompanyHappenedSources
Jan 13, 2026ReElement Technologies, American Resources CorpReElement closes a $200M strategic equity facility with Transition Equity Partners.DealsHappenedSources
Jan 2026Brook Mine, Ramaco ResourcesA shareholder class action is filed in New York over Brook Mine disclosures.PermitsHappenedSources
Dec 2025 to Jan 2026Sheep CreekPublic meetings draw hundreds; Ravalli County commissioners and conservation groups voice opposition.PermitsHappenedSources
Jan 19, 2026Noveon MagneticsNoveon closes a $215M Series C led by One Investment Management.DealsHappenedSources
Jan 20, 2026Energy FuelsEnergy Fuels agrees to acquire Australian Strategic Materials (amended Mar 12, 2026).DealsHappenedSources
Jan 2026Round TopFluor and WSP are named engineering, procurement and construction management partners.PlantsHappenedSources
Jan 22, 2026Silicon RidgeThe state trust lands board is asked to approve a second amendment that would take the lease to about 12,065 acres.DealsHappenedSources
Jan 2026USA Rare EarthUSA Rare Earth announces a $1.5B private capital raise and a non-binding letter of intent with the Department of Commerce for up to $1.6B.SupportHappenedSources
Feb 2, 2026Project VaultAnnounced in the Oval Office; EXIM approves the loan. The EXIM board approves a Direct Loan of up to $10B. EXIM names Clarios, GE Vernova, Western Digital and Boeing as initial participants and Hartree Partners, Mercuria and Traxys as suppliers.SupportHappenedSources
Feb 2, 2026Silicon RidgeIonic announces about 4,100 more acres for about 13,000 contiguous acres, and step-out drilling that doubled the footprint to about 1,400 acres.StudiesHappenedSources
Feb 2 to 5, 2026Ionic Mineral TechnologiesIonic announces about 4,100 more acres at Silicon Ridge, and Bloomberg reports it is considering an IPO as early as 2027.CompanyHappenedSources
Feb 2026PeabodyThe Wyoming Energy Authority grants Peabody $6.25M in matching funds for a rare earth pilot processing plant at Rawhide, as the company and press report.PlantsHappenedSources
Feb 23 to 25, 2026PeabodyPeabody tells a BMO conference that targeted feedstocks hold 428 to 1,669 ppm of critical mineral oxides and that the initiative is in early stages.CompanyHappenedSources
Feb 24, 2026REalloysThe Blackboxstocks merger closes; REalloys begins trading on Nasdaq as ALOY on Feb 25.DealsHappenedSources
Feb 25, 2026Dateline Resources, ColosseumDateline reports three carbonatite rare earth targets at Colosseum and a 12-hole diamond drilling program.StudiesHappenedSources
Feb 26, 2026MP Materials, MP Materials Pentagon deal10X site selected in Northlake, Texas. State and local incentives of about $200M are announced; they are not federal money.PlantsHappenedSources
Feb 26, 2026Elk Creek, NioCorpConstruction of the $44.6M underground portal begins.PlantsHappenedSources
Feb 27, 2026Dateline ResourcesDateline acquires the Music Valley heavy rare earth project; it consolidates the district in March.DealsHappenedSources
Early 2026Sheep Creek, US Critical MaterialsThe company rescinds the draft after the criticism and says it will file a reduced plan.PermitsHappenedSources
Early 2026eVAC MagneticseVAC signs an agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency to supply NdFeB magnet blocks (reported as earlier in 2026).DealsHappenedSources
Mar 2026USA Rare Earth, Round TopThe Stillwater Phase 1a magnet line is commissioned; USA Rare Earth agrees to acquire Texas Mineral Resources and signs the Arnold distribution agreement.DealsHappenedSources
Mar 16, 2026Brook Mine, Ramaco ResourcesRamaco sues a former critical minerals director for alleged trade-secret theft.PermitsHappenedSources
Mar 16, 2026Lynas USALynas signs a binding letter of intent with the Department of War for about $96M of oxide purchases over four years.SupportHappenedSources
Mar 20, 2026Bear Lodge, Rare Element Resources, FAST-41 permittingPlan of operations submitted; project becomes covered. Rare Element Resources files its mine plan of operations with the Black Hills National Forest the same day the Permitting Council announces FAST-41 coverage.PermitsHappenedSources
Mar 23, 2026Arnold Magnetic TechnologiesArnold and USA Rare Earth sign a non-exclusive sales and distribution agreement.DealsHappenedSources
Mar 24, 2026Bear Lodge, Rare Element ResourcesInitial operations begin at the Upton demonstration plant.PlantsHappenedSources
Mar 24, 2026La PazThe company engages a US exploration consultancy to review historic data and metals potential.CompanyHappenedSources
Mar 2026White Mesa MillThe mill produces its first kilogram of terbium oxide at 99.9% purity.PlantsHappenedSources
Mar 2026Lynas USAMalaysia renews the Lynas operating licence for 10 years.PermitsHappenedSources
Apr 2, 2026REalloys, Sheep Creek, US Critical MaterialsREalloys signs a non-binding MoU with US Critical Materials for up to 10% of Sheep Creek production.DealsHappenedSources
Apr 2026Halleck Creek, American Rare EarthsThe company awards a whole-of-property development assessment to an engineering firm.StudiesHappenedSources
Apr 14, 2026Bokan Mountain, Ucore Rare MetalsUcore releases an upgraded estimate of 5.15 Mt at about 0.58% TREO, with 801,600 t newly measured.StudiesHappenedSources
Apr 15, 2026NRC and Agreement State licensingThe Commission finds the program adequate. It determines that Wyoming's program protects public health and safety and is compatible with the NRC's.PolicyHappenedSources
Apr 15, 2026Colosseum, Dateline ResourcesThe National Parks Conservation Association sues the Interior Department in federal court over the April 2025 decision.PermitsHappenedSources
Apr 15, 2026Energy FuelsRoss Bhappu becomes president and chief executive.CompanyHappenedSources
Apr 20, 2026Ucore Rare MetalsThe first commercial-scale shipment of heavy rare earth concentrate arrives in Alexandria, starting commissioning of the demonstration plant.PlantsHappenedSources
Apr 2026USA Rare EarthUSA Rare Earth announces the Serra Verde acquisition for about $2.8B; Less Common Metals makes its first commercial yttrium pour.DealsHappenedSources
Apr 30, 2026NRC and Agreement State licensingAmended agreement takes effect. Wyoming's Department of Environmental Quality, through a Source Material Program in its Land Quality Division, regulates the covered source material.PolicyHappenedSources
May 2026Mountain Pass, MP MaterialsThe first heavy rare earth separation circuit is mechanically complete.PlantsHappenedSources
May 11, 2026Dateline Resources, ColosseumDateline publishes a gold feasibility study: pre-tax NPV at 5% of $785M at $4,200/oz, capital of $249M plus $25M contingency (company-reported).StudiesHappenedSources
May 2026DFARS 2027 ruleContractors reported to seek a second delay. The Financial Times reported that major defense contractors were lobbying for a postponement, according to Adamas Intelligence. The Pentagon's response is not reported in the sources checked.PolicyHappenedSources
Q2 2026Halleck Creek, American Rare EarthsA 3,050 m core drilling campaign begins at the Cowboy State Mine.StudiesHappenedSources
May 17, 2026China export controlsWhite House fact sheet after the Beijing summit. The White House says China will address US concerns about shortages of rare earths and other critical minerals, including yttrium, scandium, neodymium and indium, and about limits on selling rare earth equipment and technology.PolicyHappenedSources
May 18, 2026REalloysREalloys and Critical Metals date their definitive offtake agreement May 18, 2026: 15% of monthly Phase 1 Tanbreez production, for 15 years from the start of supply, replacing an earlier non-binding letter of intent. REalloys says it was executed on May 20 and announced it on May 21; Critical Metals' annual report says May 24.DealsHappenedSources
May 18, 2026White Mesa MillUtah regulators hold a community meeting at White Mesa on the license amendment.PermitsHappenedSources
May 19, 2026Dateline ResourcesDateline appoints GenCap Mining Advisory to coordinate financing for Colosseum.CompanyHappenedSources
May 21, 2026PeabodyA Peabody investor presentation repeats the figures, puts heavy rare earths at 21% to 28% of the total and says it is developing flowsheets with partners.CompanyHappenedSources
May 27, 2026Ucore Rare MetalsAn engineering report sets a three-line, 9,600 t/yr design and a $135M cost for Machine A plus the first line.StudiesHappenedSources
May 2026Vulcan ElementsProPublica reports on the White House role in the loan request.PermitsHappenedSources
Jun 2, 2026Phoenix Tailings, DOE funding awardsTwo demonstration facilities selected. Colorado School of Mines and Phoenix Tailings, for $134M in total.SupportHappenedSources
Jun 2, 2026ElementUSAThe Department of Energy selects the Colorado School of Mines, with ElementUSA, for award negotiation for a rare earth demonstration facility near Gramercy.SupportHappenedSources
Jun 3, 2026HyProMag USAHyProMag USA takes occupation and starts preparatory work for the project execution phase.PlantsHappenedSources
Jun 3, 2026USA Rare EarthDefinitive agreements with the Department of Commerce unlock access to up to $1.6B.SupportHappenedSources
Jun 5, 2026REalloysREalloys signs a non-binding LOI with Patriot Exploration and Mining for up to 30% of its rare earth production.DealsHappenedSources
Jun 2026Bear Lodge, Rare Element ResourcesThe company reports a clear permitting timetable but delays to the demonstration plant while it modifies concentrate-making equipment.PlantsHappenedSources
Jun 12, 2026Sheep Creek, US Critical MaterialsThe company submits a revised, reduced plan of operations. A Phase II research agreement with Idaho National Laboratory for a pilot plant is reported the same month.PermitsHappenedSources
Jun 16, 2026Phoenix TailingsThe Office of Strategic Capital announces a conditional $500M loan commitment for a roughly $1B initiative.SupportHappenedSources
Jun 18, 2026La PazAn exploration update says the La Paz review continues through 2026.StudiesHappenedSources
Jun 2026USA Rare Earth, Round TopBlacksburg, South Carolina is selected for the new campus and the Wheat Ridge demonstration plant is commissioned.PlantsHappenedSources
Jun 23, 2026Energy Fuels, White Mesa Mill, eVAC MagneticsEnergy Fuels agrees to acquire Vacuumschmelze for about $1.9B, and the Office of Strategic Capital announces a conditional $725M loan commitment.DealsHappenedSources
Jun 2026REalloysREalloys closes a private placement of about $100M.DealsHappenedSources
Jun 2026Aclara ResourcesLouisiana grants final Industrial Tax Exemption Program approval worth over $20M.SupportHappenedSources
Q1 and Q2 2026Mountain PassThe mine produces 12,983 t of REO in Q1 and 11,072 t in Q2; NdPr oxide output is 917 t and 840 t.PlantsHappenedSources
Jul 1, 2026ReElement Technologies, American Resources Corp, DOE funding awardsFive coal-based pilots selected. University of North Dakota, Valor Metals, CONSOL Innovations, American Resources and Peabody, for $75M in total. NETL manages them.SupportHappenedSources
Jul 1, 2026PeabodyThe Department of Energy selects Peabody and four others for award negotiation, sharing $75M, for pilots that recover rare earths and other minerals from coal-based feedstocks.SupportHappenedSources
Jun to Jul 2026Vulcan ElementsAn ethics group writes to the Defense Department inspector general, and a senator writes to the Defense Department about the loan.PermitsHappenedSources
Jul 3 to 6, 2026ColosseumDateline applies to intervene in the case; the Justice Department files its opposition on Jul 6.PermitsHappenedSources
Jul 7, 2026PeabodyPeabody announces its selection and says the Wyoming grant and the selection reflect progress on promising unconventional rare earth and critical mineral opportunities.SupportHappenedSources
Jul 2026REalloysREalloys signs a letter of intent with a magnet manufacturer.DealsHappenedSources
Jul 3 to 13, 2026Dateline ResourcesDateline applies to intervene in the case; the Justice Department files its opposition on Jul 6 and Dateline announces it on Jul 13.PermitsHappenedSources
Jul 15, 2026ReElement Technologies, American Resources CorpThe Department of War invests $25M in ReElement through the Industrial Base Fund.SupportHappenedSources
Jul 2026Round TopThe demonstration plant produces dysprosium and NdPr oxide samples from Round Top material.PlantsHappenedSources
Jul 15, 2026Silicon Ridge, Ionic Mineral TechnologiesIonic announces a maiden resource of 83.2 Mt indicated and 247.0 Mt inferred and a preliminary economic assessment with an after-tax NPV of $12.1B (company-reported).StudiesHappenedSources
Jul 15, 2026eVAC MagneticseVAC and VAC Group hold the opening ceremony in Sumter.PlantsHappenedSources
Jul 20, 2026DFARS 2027 ruleExecutive Order 14415 is signed. Restricts waivers, requires supply chain mapping to the origin of raw materials and requires alternative sources.PolicyHappenedSources
Jul 23, 2026Idaho Strategic Resources, Diamond CreekIdaho Strategic reports yttrium-rich heavy rare earth zones at four Diamond Creek prospects.StudiesHappenedSources
Jul 29, 2026Bear Lodge, Rare Element Resources, FAST-41 permittingForest Service begins the review. A 30-day public scoping period follows and runs to Aug 28, 2026. Under FAST-41 the review has no draft environmental impact statement or objection stage, according to press coverage, so scoping is a main chance to comment.PermitsHappenedSources
Jul 29, 2026Brook Mine, Ramaco ResourcesRamaco releases the Hatch conceptual study: NPV of $8B, capital of $3.2B plus contingency, initial production in 2031.StudiesHappenedSources
Jul 29, 2026Energy Fuels, White Mesa MillConstruction begins on a heavy rare earth expansion of the Phase 1 circuit, a project of about $104M.PlantsHappenedSources
Aug 2026MP MaterialsQ2 2026 results: 840 t of NdPr oxide, 11,072 t of REO, construction under way at 10X.PlantsHappenedSources
Aug 10, 2026Colosseum, Dateline ResourcesThe court grants a preliminary injunction against further grading, new drilling, habitat bulldozing and road development in the Preserve.StudiesHappenedSources
Aug 2026Elk Creek, NioCorpThe 2026 feasibility study is released: eight products, 40-year life, NPV of $3.44B and capital of $1.85B.StudiesHappenedSources
Aug 12, 2026Energy FuelsASM securityholders approve the scheme of arrangement.DealsHappenedSources
Aug 14, 2026Sheep Creek, US Critical MaterialsThe Forest Service opens public comment; comments are most effective by Sept 13.PermitsHappenedSources
Aug 2026Round Top, USA Rare EarthUSA Rare Earth closes the Texas Mineral Resources acquisition and owns 100% of Round Top.DealsHappenedSources
Aug 27, 2026Cyclic MaterialsCyclic announces a $75M financing round, bringing total equity funding to $237M.DealsHappenedSources
Aug 28, 2026Bear LodgeThe public comment period closes.PermitsHappenedSources
Aug 28, 2026Energy FuelsThe ASM acquisition closes, adding the Korean Metals Plant and the Dubbo project.DealsHappenedSources
Sept 3, 2026USA Rare EarthThe Serra Verde combination closes; Thras Moraitis joins the company as president.DealsHappenedSources
Sept 4, 2026Aclara ResourcesEXIM issues a letter of interest for up to $750M for Project Dynamo.SupportHappenedSources
Sept 9, 2026Cyclic MaterialsThe Mesa, Arizona plant opens with 25,000 t/yr of processing capacity.PlantsHappenedSources
Sept 9, 2026USA Rare EarthGroundbreaking at the Blacksburg campus.PlantsHappenedSources
Sept 23, 2026Project VaultGlencore and Mercuria named first VaultCo participants. Each commits $500M, according to press reports, with EXIM financing to source, procure and deliver critical minerals into the reserve.SupportHappenedSources
Sept 23, 2026Vulcan ElementsAxios reports that Vulcan is supplying magnets for an Army drone program.PlantsHappenedSources
Sept 25, 2026China export controlsWhite House fact sheet on Xi state visit. The White House says the two countries "continue to work on" US concerns about rare earth shortages, with the goal of returning shipment levels to appropriate levels. It does not mention extending the Nov 10 suspension.PolicyHappenedSources
Sept 18 to 28, 2026Colosseum, Dateline ResourcesDateline and the Justice Department move for a stay pending appeal; notices of appeal go to the Ninth Circuit on Sept 22; the Department of War files a declaration.PlantsHappenedSources
Late Sept 2026Cyclic MaterialsCyclic Materials first commercial shipments from Mesa. Cyclic Materials said its Mesa, Arizona plant, which opened on Sept 9, was due to make its first commercial shipments to US customers later that month. No shipment has been confirmed in the sources checked.PlantsDue, not confirmedWhy it mattersSource
Q3 2026Halleck Creek, American Rare EarthsHalleck Creek pre-feasibility study. American Rare Earths scheduled the pre-feasibility study for Q3 2026. The quarter ended on Sept 30 and the sources checked show no release.StudiesDue, not confirmedWhy it mattersSource
Q3 2026MP Materials, Mountain PassMP Materials NdPr output above 1,000 t. MP Materials said it expects Q3 2026 NdPr oxide production to exceed 1,000 t (company statement). It made 917 t in Q1 and 840 t in Q2.PlantsDue, not confirmedWhy it mattersSource
Oct 1, 2026USA Rare EarthThras Moraitis succeeds Barbara Humpton as chief executive, as announced.CompanyHappenedSources
Oct 18, 2026DFARS 2027 ruleDefense source qualification strategy due. Executive Order 14415 gives the Secretary of War 90 days to develop a strategy to speed up testing and qualification of new sources and materials.PolicyFixed dateWhy it mattersSource
Oct 26, 2026Colosseum, Dateline ResourcesCourt hears motions to stay the Colosseum injunction. Judge Christina A. Snyder is set to hear Dateline's motion and the Justice Department's motion to stay the Aug 10, 2026 preliminary injunction against operations at Colosseum while the appeal to the Ninth Circuit goes on.PermitsFixed dateWhy it mattersSource
Oct 2026Round Top, USA Rare EarthRound Top demonstration run due to end. USA Rare Earth expects its Wheat Ridge, Colorado demonstration plant to finish a run of at least 2,000 continuous hours. In Jul 2026 it made dysprosium and NdPr oxide samples from Round Top material.PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
Nov 10, 2026China export controlsChina export-control suspension expires. China's one-year suspension of six October 2025 announcements ends, including the controls on holmium, erbium, thulium, europium and ytterbium and the rule reaching foreign-made products. The April 2025 controls on seven elements remain in force.PolicyFixed dateWhy it mattersSource
Nov 27, 2026China export controlsChina ends its separate US-focused suspension. The pause on Article 2 of MOFCOM Announcement No. 46, which tightened licensing of some critical minerals for the US, ends under Announcement No. 72.PolicyFixed dateWhy it mattersSource
Fall 2026Brook Mine, Ramaco ResourcesBrook Mine pilot plant building due. Ramaco expects to finish the pilot plant building in the fall of 2026. Equipment is being fabricated at a Zeton facility in Canada.PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
After summer 2026Vulcan ElementsVulcan Elements Benson workforce training starts. Workforce training is due to start before the factory launch at the planned Benson, North Carolina campus (company-reported).PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
Dec 2026Aclara ResourcesAclara Vinton plant expected to be construction-ready. Aclara expects its $277M heavy rare earth separation plant at the Port of Vinton, Louisiana to be construction-ready by the end of 2026.PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
Late 2026Bear Lodge, Rare Element ResourcesBear Lodge demonstration plant full operation targeted. Rare Element Resources targets full operation of its Upton, Wyoming demonstration plant, after a Jun 2026 delay while it changed the equipment that makes the mixed rare earth concentrate.PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
Dec 2026Brook Mine, Ramaco ResourcesBrook Mine interim revised economics study. Ramaco expects an interim revised economics study by the end of 2026. A pre-feasibility study and full-scale pilot operations follow in 2027.StudiesCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
Q4 2026Cyclic MaterialsCyclic Materials South Carolina hub groundbreaking. Cyclic Materials plans to break ground on its South Carolina hub campus.PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
H2 2026Diamond Creek, Idaho Strategic ResourcesDiamond Creek bulk sampling and mineralogy. Idaho Strategic Resources plans bulk sampling and mineralogical studies at Diamond Creek.StudiesCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
Dec 2026Elk Creek, NioCorpElk Creek construction start (target). NioCorp targets the start of full construction, subject to project financing, with an EXIM application of about $780M to $800M in technical review.PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
Late 2026Halleck Creek, American Rare EarthsHalleck Creek Wyoming permit-to-mine filing. American Rare Earths plans to file the Wyoming permit-to-mine application for the Cowboy State Mine.PermitsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
Q4 2026MP Materials, Mountain PassMP Materials magnet shipments and heavy rare earth output. Commercial magnet shipments from Independence to General Motors are expected in Q4, with dysprosium and terbium output expected later in 2026 (company statements).PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
2026Noveon MagneticsSolvay oxide deliveries to Noveon due to begin. Solvay announced a supply agreement for light and heavy rare earth oxides to Noveon Magnetics starting in 2026.DealsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
Q4 2026Round Top, USA Rare EarthRound Top definitive feasibility study. USA Rare Earth expects the study to complete in Q4 2026, with publication in Q1 2027.StudiesCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
Q4 2026USA Rare EarthStillwater reaches a 600 t/yr magnet run rate. USA Rare Earth expects its Stillwater, Oklahoma magnet plant to reach a run rate of 600 t/yr by Q4 2026.PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
Jan 1, 2027DFARS 2027 rule, REalloysDFARS 252.225-7052 takes full effect. Defense contracts bar covered magnets and metals that were mined, refined, separated, melted or produced in China, Russia, Iran or North Korea. Waivers need an accepted mitigation plan.PolicyFixed dateWhy it mattersSource
Jan 16, 2027DFARS 2027 ruleSupply chain mapping policy and remedies list due. Within 180 days of Executive Order 14415 the Secretary of War must issue supply chain mapping policy and guidance, start regulatory action on alternative sources and give the White House a list of remedies for knowing noncompliance.PolicyFixed dateWhy it mattersSource
Q1 2027Energy Fuels, eVAC MagneticsEnergy Fuels expects to close the Vacuumschmelze acquisition. The deal is worth about $1.9B and is subject to regulatory and stock exchange approvals. The Australian Strategic Materials deal closed on Aug 28, 2026.DealsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
Q3 2026 to Q1 2027ReElement TechnologiesReElement Marion lines come online in stages. ReElement Technologies adds capacity at its Marion, Indiana campus in stages as production lines are installed and commissioned.PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
Apr 16, 2027DFARS 2027 ruleImplementing regulations for supply chain mapping due. Regulations are due within 90 days of finishing the mapping guidance, if the guidance is finished on time.PolicyAgency timetableWhy it mattersSource
H1 2027Ucore Rare MetalsUcore Machine A due for commissioning. Ucore expects Machine A, the first full RapidSX machine at its Alexandria, Louisiana complex, to be installed, tested and commissioned.PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
Mid-2027HyProMag USAHyProMag USA Texas commissioning target. HyProMag USA targets commissioning of its Dallas-Fort Worth magnet recycling and manufacturing hub, subject to final permitting and financing.PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
Jul 2027Sheep Creek, US Critical MaterialsForest Service decision on the Sheep Creek plan. The Forest Service estimates a decision on the reduced exploration plan that US Critical Materials filed on Jun 12, 2026.PermitsAgency timetableWhy it mattersSource
Mid-2027ElementUSAElementUSA demonstration facility construction starts. ElementUSA and Louisiana Economic Development expect construction of the demonstration facility at Gramercy, Louisiana to begin in mid-2027.PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
Oct 2027Sheep CreekSheep Creek approved work estimated to begin. The Forest Service estimates that implementation of approved work begins in Oct 2027.PermitsAgency timetableWhy it mattersSource
End of 2027Aclara ResourcesAclara Louisiana plant completion targeted. Aclara targets completion of the Port of Vinton plant by the end of 2027. Feed from Brazil and Chile is expected from about mid-2028 (this directory's research).PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
2027MP Materials, Mountain PassMP Materials magnet shipments to Apple from recycled material. MP Materials expects shipments to Apple, made from recycled material processed at Mountain Pass, to begin in 2027.PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
2027Brook Mine, Ramaco ResourcesBrook Mine pre-feasibility study and full-scale pilot. Ramaco expects a pre-feasibility study and full-scale pilot operations in 2027.StudiesCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
2027Vulcan Elements, Ucore Rare MetalsVulcan Elements Benson output and first Ucore oxide. Vulcan Elements targets significant output at Benson and the first Ucore oxide deliveries in 2027 (company-reported).PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
End of 2027White Mesa Mill, Energy FuelsWhite Mesa terbium and dysprosium circuits due. Energy Fuels says the terbium and dysprosium circuits of its heavy rare earth expansion are due by the end of 2027, with commissioning as early as Q4 2027 (10-Q).PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
Mar 2028FAST-41 permitting, Bear Lodge, Rare Element ResourcesBear Lodge federal permitting scheduled to finish. The FAST-41 timetable for the Bull Hill plan of operations ends in March 2028. The Forest Service lists a decision date of about Jul 2028.PermitsAgency timetableWhy it mattersSource
Q3 2028ElementUSAElementUSA initial production. ElementUSA and Louisiana target initial production from the $850M Gramercy facility in the third quarter of 2028.PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
2028MP Materials Pentagon deal, MP Materials, Mountain PassMP Materials 10X commissioning and first samarium. MP Materials expects the 10X campus in Northlake, Texas to begin commissioning and plans first samarium production.PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
2028Phoenix TailingsPhoenix Tailings Freedom Facility initial operations target. Phoenix Tailings targets initial operations at its planned Freedom Facility in 2028.PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
H2 2028Round Top, USA Rare EarthRound Top first commercial production target. USA Rare Earth targets first commercial production at Round Top in the second half of 2028.PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
2028USA Rare EarthUSA Rare Earth Blacksburg commissioning target. USA Rare Earth targets commissioning of its Blacksburg, South Carolina campus, which broke ground on Sept 9, 2026.PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
End of 2028White Mesa Mill, Energy FuelsWhite Mesa samarium, europium and gadolinium circuits. Energy Fuels says the samarium, europium and gadolinium circuits of the heavy rare earth expansion are due by the end of 2028, depending on market needs (10-Q).PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
By mid-2029White Mesa Mill, Energy FuelsWhite Mesa Phase 2 expected to be complete. Energy Fuels expects to complete the stand-alone Phase 2 circuit by mid-2029, subject to licensing, financing, feed and a final investment decision (10-Q).PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
About 2029Halleck Creek, American Rare EarthsHalleck Creek production target. American Rare Earths has talked of starting production around 2029 (company target).PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
2031Brook Mine, Ramaco ResourcesBrook Mine initial production target. Ramaco targets initial production in 2031 (Hatch conceptual study, Jul 2026).PlantsCompany targetWhy it mattersSource
Dec 31, 2035NdPr price floor, MP MaterialsNdPr price floor ends. The 10-year Price Protection Agreement with MP Materials ends on Dec 31, 2035.PolicyFixed dateWhy it mattersSource

Dates are as written by the source ("Q4 2026", "Jul 2025"). A future date sorts at the end of its window. Where two related profiles record the same event, it appears once with both names. A row with a company target can move: see the dates that have.

Data CSV JSON Free to use with a link back to this page. Verified Oct 1, 2026.

When will US rare earth mines and plants start production?

The nearest start dates are company targets for Q4 2026 to mid-2027: MP Materials magnet shipments and heavy rare earth output (Q4 2026), Stillwater reaches a 600 t/yr magnet run rate (Q4 2026), Ucore Machine A due for commissioning (H1 2027), HyProMag USA Texas commissioning (Mid-2027). The new mines come later: Round Top in H2 2028, Halleck Creek about 2029 and Brook Mine in 2031. Mountain Pass is the only producing rare earth mine today.

When US rare earth mines, plants and circuits are targeted to start, by the date each company or agency gives
ProjectWhat startsTargetDate basisStage now
MP MaterialsIndependence magnet plantMP Materials magnet shipments and heavy rare earth outputCommercial magnet shipments from Independence to General Motors are expected in Q4, with dysprosium and terbium output expected later in 2026 (company statements).Q4 2026Company targetPlant operating
USA Rare EarthStillwater magnet plantStillwater reaches a 600 t/yr magnet run rateUSA Rare Earth expects its Stillwater, Oklahoma magnet plant to reach a run rate of 600 t/yr by Q4 2026.Q4 2026Company targetPlant operating
Ucore Rare MetalsLouisiana Strategic Metals ComplexUcore Machine A due for commissioningUcore expects Machine A, the first full RapidSX machine at its Alexandria, Louisiana complex, to be installed, tested and commissioned.H1 2027Company targetPlant building
HyProMag USADallas-Fort Worth recycling and manufacturing hubHyProMag USA Texas commissioning targetHyProMag USA targets commissioning of its Dallas-Fort Worth magnet recycling and manufacturing hub, subject to final permitting and financing.Mid-2027Company targetPlant planned
Energy FuelsWhite Mesa Mill, heavy rare earth expansionWhite Mesa terbium and dysprosium circuits dueEnergy Fuels says the terbium and dysprosium circuits of its heavy rare earth expansion are due by the end of 2027, with commissioning as early as Q4 2027 (10-Q).End of 2027Company targetPlant building
Aclara ResourcesPort of Vinton separation facilityAclara Louisiana plant completion targetedAclara targets completion of the Port of Vinton plant by the end of 2027. Feed from Brazil and Chile is expected from about mid-2028 (this directory's research).End of 2027Company targetPlant planned
MP Materials10X magnet campusMP Materials 10X commissioning and first samariumMP Materials expects the 10X campus in Northlake, Texas to begin commissioning and plans first samarium production.2028Company targetPlant building
USA Rare EarthBlacksburg magnet and metal campusUSA Rare Earth Blacksburg commissioning targetUSA Rare Earth targets commissioning of its Blacksburg, South Carolina campus, which broke ground on Sept 9, 2026.2028Company targetPlant building
USA Rare EarthRound TopRound Top first commercial production targetUSA Rare Earth targets first commercial production at Round Top in the second half of 2028.H2 2028Company targetDevelopment
Phoenix TailingsFreedom Facility (site not stated)Phoenix Tailings Freedom Facility initial operations targetPhoenix Tailings targets initial operations at its planned Freedom Facility in 2028.2028Company targetPlant planned
Energy FuelsWhite Mesa Mill, Phase 2 circuitWhite Mesa Phase 2 expected to be completeEnergy Fuels expects to complete the stand-alone Phase 2 circuit by mid-2029, subject to licensing, financing, feed and a final investment decision (10-Q).By mid-2029Company targetPlant planned
American Rare EarthsHalleck CreekHalleck Creek production targetAmerican Rare Earths has talked of starting production around 2029 (company target).About 2029Company targetDevelopment
Ramaco ResourcesBrook MineBrook Mine initial production targetRamaco targets initial production in 2031 (Hatch conceptual study, Jul 2026).2031Company targetDevelopment

Targets are company statements unless the date basis says otherwise, and "Stage now" is the directory's status for the site. Only Mountain Pass is a producing rare earth mine today; the rest are projects or plants.

Do US rare earth project dates slip?

Often. Since Dec 2025 the record shows 3 dates that moved later, 1 that moved earlier, 2 plans that were replaced, 1 past due without a release, 1 uncertain and 1 delay sought for a rule. Round Top gained two years while Brook Mine lost three, so read a target as the company's current hope.

US rare earth project dates and targets that moved, were replaced or are past due, since Dec 2025
ProjectWhat changedDirectionWhen
Round Top first productionUSA Rare Earth brought the target forward by two years, to the second half of 2028. It is still a target, and no offtake for Round Top oxide is published.Moved earlierDec 2025
Brook Mine first productionFluor's Jul 2025 assessment targeted commercial output in the second half of 2028; the Jul 2026 Hatch conceptual study targets initial production in 2031 (company-reported).Moved laterJul 2026
Bear Lodge demonstration plantFull operation was delayed while the company changed the equipment that makes the mixed rare earth concentrate. It now targets late 2026.Moved laterJun 2026
White Mesa heavy rare earthsEarlier company statements and some summaries gave mid-2027 for commercial dysprosium and terbium. The Q2 2026 10-Q says the circuits are due by the end of 2027.Moved laterJul 2026
Ucore Louisiana complexA Dec 2025 plan of 2,000 t/yr in 2026, 5,000 t/yr in 2027 and 7,500 t/yr in 2028 was replaced by a three-line design of about 9,600 t/yr, with the first full machine in H1 2027.Plan replacedMay 2026
ReElement Marion capacityReleases give three targets for Marion: up to 9,000 t/yr of oxide, over 10,000 t/yr (Jan 2026) and over 16,000 t/yr of products. No output is published.Plan replacedJan 2026 on
Lynas Seadrift plantLynas flagged considerable uncertainty about the Texas plant and said it lacks the funds to complete it beyond the US money received. No decision has been published.UncertainAug 2025
Halleck Creek pre-feasibility studyIt was scheduled for Q3 2026. The quarter ended on Sept 30 and the sources checked show no release.Past due, unconfirmedQ3 2026
DFARS 2027 stepDefense contractors were reported in May 2026 to be lobbying for a second delay. The Jan 1, 2027 date stands in the sources checked.Delay soughtMay 2026

Each row points at an event on the timeline above. The list is the changes this directory has recorded, not every change; it is not a measure of how often schedules slip.

How firm are the future dates on the timeline?

Each future row has one of three bases: set by a rule or contract, an agency timetable, or a company target. Fixed dates such as Nov 10, 2026 and Jan 1, 2027 do not depend on a company finishing work; targets can slip. The milestones page explains each and shows why it matters.

  • Fixed date

    Fixed by a rule or contract

    A date set by a government measure, an executive order or an agreement, which does not depend on a company finishing its work.

    7 rows

  • Agency timetable

    Agency timetable

    A schedule or estimate published by a regulator or agency. Agencies revise them.

    4 rows

  • Company target

    Company target

    A date the company says it is aiming for. Targets slip, and some depend on financing or approvals.

    36 rows

Which mines, projects and companies have dated events on the timeline?

41 profiled mines, projects and companies have at least one dated event since 2025: 14 mines and projects and 27 companies. The count beside each name is how many timeline rows involve it; open a profile for its full history and sources.

Mines and projects 14

Companies 27

Where do I read more about these events?

The milestones page lists what is coming and why it matters, the capacity tracker adds up what the plant targets would deliver against demand, and the guides explain the chain the events happen in.

Questions about the US rare earth timeline

What happened in the US rare earth industry in 2025?

China began licensing exports of seven elements on Apr 4. The Pentagon invested $400M in MP Materials and set a $110/kg NdPr price floor on Jul 10. China widened its controls on Oct 9 and suspended the widening on Nov 7. The Office of Strategic Capital announced a conditional $620M loan commitment to Vulcan Elements in Nov, and MP's Independence plant made its first magnets on commercial equipment in Dec.

What has happened in 2026 so far?

Commerce signed a letter of intent for up to $1.6B with USA Rare Earth in Jan, and Project Vault was announced on Feb 2. In June the Office of Strategic Capital announced conditional loan commitments of $500M to Phoenix Tailings and $725M to Energy Fuels. eVAC opened its Sumter plant on Jul 15, Energy Fuels closed its Australian Strategic Materials deal on Aug 28, USA Rare Earth completed its Serra Verde deal on Sept 3 and Cyclic Materials opened its Mesa plant on Sept 9.

What is the next big date for US rare earths?

Oct 18, 2026 is the next fixed date, when a defense source qualification strategy is due, and Nov 10, 2026 is when China's suspension of six export-control announcements ends. The sources checked report no extension. The Jan 1, 2027 DFARS clause follows.

When will US rare earth mines and plants start production?

The nearest dates are company targets: MP Materials' commercial magnet shipments and heavy rare earth output in Q4 2026, then Ucore's Machine A in H1 2027 and HyProMag USA's Texas hub in mid-2027. Round Top targets H2 2028, Halleck Creek about 2029 and Brook Mine 2031. Mountain Pass is the only producing rare earth mine today.

Do US rare earth project dates slip?

Often. Since Dec 2025 the record shows 3 dates moved later, 1 moved earlier, 2 plans replaced, 1 past due without a release and 1 uncertain. Treat a company target as a hope until the plant is commissioned.

How is this timeline built and how current is it?

Past rows come from the dated events on each entity profile and policy page, and future rows are the milestones list. The build fails if a future event on a profile is missing from the milestones page. It is verified through Oct 1, 2026; the directory re-verifies facts every quarter and scans for new events weekly.

Does the timeline include events before 2025?

No. Earlier history, from the 1949 discovery at Mountain Pass to China's dominance and the first US restart, is in the guide on why the US cannot process most of its own rare earths, and each profile carries its own earlier events.

Sources for the future rows

Each profile lists its sources, a confidence grade and a verification date. Order of authority: official records (SEC filings, agency documents), company documents and technical reports, research papers, then independent press. Syndicated copies and reference works are labeled and are never the only source for a number. Company-reported figures are labeled as such, and non-binding deals are labeled "letter of intent" or "conditional".

Tags show what kind of source each link is. How sources are ranked

Rows for events that have happened are sourced on the mine, company or policy page each links to.