Apple invests $500M to U.S. rare earth recycler MP Materials
Apple is making a significant push to secure the future of its supply chain and further its environmental goals with a $500 million investment in MP Materials, the only fully integrated rare earth mining company currently operating in the United States. The investment is a major step in strengthening the domestic production of rare earth materials — a critical component in the manufacture of modern electronics.
Announced Tuesday, the deal includes Apple’s long-term commitment to purchase American-made rare earth magnets produced at MP Materials’ facility in Fort Worth, Texas. These neodymium magnets are essential for many of Apple’s products, such as iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks, where they’re used in components like speakers and Taptic Engines.
The Fort Worth facility will be outfitted with specialized manufacturing lines tailored specifically for Apple’s product requirements. Once manufactured, the magnets will be distributed across the U.S. and internationally, helping meet the rising global demand for rare earth elements.
Beyond new production, the partnership emphasizes sustainability. Apple and MP Materials plan to co-develop a rare earth recycling operation at the Mountain Pass site in California. The new line will process recycled rare earths from used electronics and post-industrial waste, turning them into feedstock for future Apple products. This effort builds on Apple’s earlier commitment to environmental responsibility — since 2019, the company has incorporated recycled rare earths in its devices, starting with the iPhone 11.
Looking ahead, the companies also plan to explore new magnet materials and advanced processing technologies to improve performance, reduce environmental impact, and decrease reliance on foreign sources.
Apple’s $500 million investment is part of its broader pledge to invest more than $500 billion in the U.S. economy over the next four years, reinforcing its role not just as a global tech leader, but also as a key player in revitalizing American industry and clean technology.
This move positions Apple at the forefront of a growing trend among U.S. companies to localize and green their supply chains, all while driving innovation in materials science and sustainable manufacturing.
