U.S. secures rare earth supply chain with $200M ReElement-POSCO joint venture
American Resources Corporation has announced a major joint venture between its subsidiary, ReElement Technologies, and POSCO International Corporation. The partnership aims to build a fully domestic rare earth supply chain in the United States. A $200 million investment will support the development of a refining and magnet production complex on American soil. The agreement was formally signed on May 21, 2026, in Washington, D.C. ReElement CEO Mark Jensen and POSCO International President Kye-In Lee finalised the deal, marking a key step in securing U.S. supply chains. The joint venture combines ReElement’s advanced refining technology with POSCO’s global industrial expertise and materials science capabilities.
The project’s first phase targets production of around 3,000 metric tons per year of separated rare earth oxides by 2028. By 2030, capacity is set to double to roughly 6,000 metric tons annually. The facility will also include metalization for both light and heavy rare earths, alongside permanent magnet manufacturing. According to Jensen, the partnership creates a closed-loop, end-to-end supply chain entirely within the U.S. This addresses long-standing gaps in domestic production of high-purity rare earth materials and magnets, reducing reliance on foreign sources.
The joint venture will establish a U.S.-based hub for rare earth refining and magnet production. Initial output is expected by 2028, with expanded capacity by 2030. The $200 million investment underscores the push to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical materials.
