Rare earth elements stood center stage again this week in the world of critical minerals. While the leading producer, China, published June export data, America’s largest rare earth miner, MP Materials, secured a $500 million deal with tech giant Apple.
China: Rare Earth Exports Rise in June
China exported significantly more rare earth elements in June than in May. According to customs authorities, exports rose by 32 percent to 7,742 metric tons. A rise had already been recorded in May, driven primarily by light rare earths. In contrast, heavy rare earths such as terbium have been subject to export restrictions and a licensing system since April. As a result, no shipments of these materials were made in May.
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Magnets Made in USA: Apple Partners with MP Materials
MP Materials, the leading producer of rare earth elements in the United States, has announced a major new partnership following recent backing from the U.S. Department of Defense. The company will supply tech giant Apple with rare earth magnets, manufactured in Fort Worth, Texas, using recycled materials. The feedstock is sourced from used and industrial scrap magnets and processed at MP’s facility in Mountain Pass, California.
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Boosting Domestic Production: Kazakhstan Lifts Export Duty on Gallium
Kazakhstan plans to lift its export duty on gallium while temporarily banning exports of certain unprocessed metals. The goal is to enhance domestic production and processing of these raw materials, as well as increase local value creation. Although the Central Asian country halted gallium production several years ago, it now aims to re-enter the global market.
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Energy Fuels Commences Heavy Rare Earth Production
Energy Fuels has begun pilot production of dysprosium, terbium, and samarium at its White Mesa Mill in Utah. Commercial production could begin as soon as late 2026. Since April, all three elements have been subject to Chinese export controls, and in May, none were allowed to leave the country.
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Gold Price Expected to be Stable in H2 – World Gold Council
Gold posted a 26% gain in the first half of 2025, hitting multiple all-time highs. Supported by strong central bank buying, a weaker dollar, and record trading volumes, the market now looks set for a more stable second half, according to the World Gold Council’s latest Mid-Year Outlook.
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Japan and EU Consider Joint Procurement of Rare Earths
According to media reports, Japan and the EU are considering joint procurement of rare earth elements. Details of a possible cooperation are expected to be worked out over the course of the summer. The move is likely a response to China’s recent export controls on certain rare earths, which have further strained global supply.
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Reuters: China Refrains From Publicly Announcing Its Rare Earth Quotas
China has apparently allocated its first annual quotas for rare earth mining and processing without the usual public announcement. Reuters reported this, citing informed sources, and views it as another sign of Beijing’s increasing control over the sector. The actual figures were not disclosed to the news agency.
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