Apple pledged $500 million to MP Materials, the U.S.’s only fully integrated rare earth producer. This multi-year deal involves purchasing American-made rare earth magnets from MP’s Independence facility in Texas. They will also develop a rare earth recycling line in Mountain Pass, California, and create new magnet materials and technologies to improve performance. As part of Apple’s plan to invest over $500 billion in the U.S. over four years, this initiative builds on its history of supporting American innovation and promoting tech recycling.
The companies will expand the Texas factory with new magnet lines for Apple, allowing MP to increase production and meet global demand. The magnets will be shipped worldwide, creating dozens of jobs in manufacturing and R&D, with training to develop U.S. skilled workers.
The Mountain Pass recycling plant will process recycled rare earths from electronics and scrap, reusing them in Apple products. Apple and MP have piloted recycling tech for nearly five years, aiming to meet Apple’s standards. They will continue to innovate in magnet and recycling technology.
Apple introduced recycled rare earths in the iPhone 11’s Taptic Engine in 2019, and now most of its magnets use 100% recycled rare earths. This partnership will secure domestic supplies, bolster the U.S. rare earth industry, and promote environmental progress through recycling initiatives.
KEY QUOTE:
“American innovation drives everything we do at Apple, and we’re proud to deepen our investment in the U.S. economy. Rare earth materials are essential for making advanced technology, and this partnership will help strengthen the supply of these vital materials here in the United States. We couldn’t be more excited about the future of American manufacturing, and we will continue to invest in the ingenuity, creativity, and innovative spirit of the American people.”
Apple CEO Tim Cook
