Story perspectives

Lynas Secures $96M Rare Earths Deal with U.S. Military

3/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Lynas Rare Earths has signed a binding letter of intent with the U.S. Department of War for a $96 million rare earth oxide supply agreement.
The four-year deal, facilitated through Lynas USA, sets a floor price of $110 per kilogram for neodymium-praseodymium oxide.
CEO Amanda Lacaze stated the agreement secures essential rare earths for the U.S. defense sector.
This arrangement follows a revision of a previous agreement due to uncertainty over a planned processing facility in Texas.
Lynas is also negotiating additional supply arrangements with the U.S. government.

History

Historical Context

Since the 1990s, China has dominated the rare earth elements market, producing 129,000 tons in 2009 while U.S. production dwindled due to environmental regulations. In 2021, the U.S. government allocated $30 million to enhance domestic production, partnering with companies like Lynas Rare Earths. This strategic shift aims to secure supply chains amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly with China, which controls over 80% of global rare earth supplies.

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Story summary

Lynas Rare Earths has signed a binding letter of intent with the U.S. Department of War for a $96 million rare earth oxide supply agreement.
The four-year deal, facilitated through Lynas USA, sets a floor price of $110 per kilogram for neodymium-praseodymium oxide.
CEO Amanda Lacaze stated the agreement secures essential rare earths for the U.S. defense sector.
This arrangement follows a revision of a previous agreement due to uncertainty over a planned processing facility in Texas.
Lynas is also negotiating additional supply arrangements with the U.S. government.

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