Trends with Benefits #140: Inside MP Materials and America’s Rare Earth Revival

Key Takeaways

• Ryan Corbett explains how MP Materials is rebuilding domestic rare earth processing and magnet manufacturing, securing supply chains for tech, EVs, and defense.
• The U.S. is fighting back against China’s rare earth dominance with bold industrial policy and a 10-year DOD partnership that MP is leading.
• MP isn’t just a mining company, it’s vertically integrated, collaborating with Apple on rare earth recycling and pioneering the future of sustainable magnet production.

In this episode of Trends with Benefits, Ed Lopez speaks with Ryan Corbett, CFO of MP Materials, about one of the most critical and misunderstood corners of the global economy: rare earths. These metals power EVs, smartphones, wind turbines, fighter jets, and until recently, the U.S. was almost entirely reliant on China for them. Corbett shares how MP Materials is changing that narrative through a vertically integrated, domestic supply chain. He breaks down the company’s partnership with the Department of Defense, their upcoming 10X magnet facility, and how collaborations with innovators like Apple are pushing the U.S. toward rare earth independence. It’s a wide-ranging conversation on geopolitics, supply chains, and the technologies that power our modern world.

Watch Video
Inside MP Materials and America’s Rare Earth Revival

Show Notes:

02:23 The Importance of Rare Earths

04:54 MP Materials: A Brief History

09:39 Going Public: The SPAC Journey

14:46 Geopolitical Implications of Rare Earths

19:34 The Future of Rare Earths in the U.S.

24:58 Government Involvement and Strategic Partnerships

29:37 Apple and Recycling Initiatives

34:51 Looking Ahead: Trends and Predictions

39:39 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

Trend or Fad

Listen for Ryan’s take on SPACs, space tourism, Americans drinking less, and lab-grown diamonds.

Follow Ed Lopez @thatEdLopez on X (Twitter).

You can listen and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.