Texas Rare Earth Project Will Start Production in 2028
USA Rare Earth intends to begin operations at its Round Top Mountain facility in late 2028.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Manufacturing
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USA Rare Earth plans to launch commercial production at its Round Top Mountain deposit in late 2028. The Texas project is designed to bolster domestic supply chains and generate significant royalties for the states public education system.
Why it matters
Expanding domestic mining is a national security priority aimed at reducing the current reliance on foreign mineral processing. The initiative seeks to ensure that critical rare earth minerals remain within the United States for advanced manufacturing.
The Round Top deposit is estimated to provide a consistent mineral supply for approximately 100 years. China currently controls 91% of global magnet rare earth refining output, a market dominance the project aims to counter.
The players
USA Rare Earth
The developer operates processing and manufacturing facilities in Colorado and Oklahoma to produce rare earth magnets.
Permanent School Fund
This Texas state endowment provides long-term financial support for K-12 public education across the state.
The details
Located on state-owned land in Hudspeth County, the site will support the company's broader infrastructure, which includes processing facilities in Colorado and a magnet manufacturing plant in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Royalties from the mining operations are earmarked to support the Texas Permanent School Fund.
Timeline
China held 91% of global rare earth refining output in 2024.
Commercial production at the Round Top site is scheduled to begin in late 2028.
The deposit is estimated to sustain mineral supply for a 100-year window.
Market Landscape
This project aligns with the U.S. national security strategy for critical mineral supply chains by establishing a domestic alternative to international processing hubs. It positions the developer to compete for contracts that prioritize keeping rare earth production within the United States.
Residents may see an increase in funding for K-12 public education as the project generates significant royalty revenue for the state. Long-term impacts for the average citizen depend on the broader success of the company in securing domestic supply contracts.
The takeaway
The multi-decade lifespan of the Round Top deposit suggests a long-term shift toward stabilizing the domestic supply of critical components. For the state, the project represents a significant economic opportunity to fund essential public services through natural resource development.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's industrial outlook in our Manufacturing section.
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