“This big investment signifies the Trump Administration’s commitment to bolstering mine-to-magnet production within the United States.”
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., applauded the Trump Administration’s decision to provide the necessary funding for the development of USA Rare Earth’s (USAR) essential domestic supply of critical rare earth elements (REEs).
On Monday, January 26, 2026, USAR announced its entry into a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with the U.S Department of Commerce (DOC) and a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This capital of $1.6 billion would include the intent to extract 40,000 metric tons per day of rare earth and critical mineral feedstock of USAR's Round Top deposit. Round Top Mountain is located on GLO-state owned land and USAR is expected to begin commercial production in 2028.
“This partnership between the U.S. Department of Commerce and USA Rare Earth will help break China’s hold on rare earth minerals, strengthen our national security, and create jobs here in Texas,” said Commissioner Buckingham. “This big investment signifies the Trump Administration’s commitment to bolstering mine-to-magnet production within the United States.”
China currently dominates the global supply chain of REEs – controlling more than 90 percent of processing capacity and nearly half of the known reserves. Accelerating domestic sources of REEs is critical to counter China’s chokehold on REEs and safeguard America’s economic and national security.
In a letter addressed to the DOC in December of 2025, before this major announcement, Commissioner Buckingham urged support for this significant project:
“The GLO … respectfully urges the Department of Commerce to consider accelerating the mine's development, as a matter of national importance for elemental independence from foreign nations. The GLO recognizes the importance of decoupling U.S. supply chains from Chinese sources. We also recognize the tremendous economic impact that the development of these supply chains can have on the economic and employment opportunities available to American citizens.”
In addition to strengthening U.S. national security, this development will also deliver lasting benefits to generations of Texas schoolchildren. Over the life of the lease, the GLO will receive bonus payments, and royalties that are constitutionally dedicated to the Texas Permanent School Fund–directly supporting K-12 public education statewide.
The GLO has worked closely with USA Rare Earth and regional stakeholders to ensure responsible development, local workforce opportunities, and sustained community engagement. Accelerating this project will create high-quality jobs, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and reinforce an America First supply chain which aligns with the goals of the Trump Administration.
Read Commissioner Buckingham’s letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce, here.
