Critical and Strategic Minerals | Definition, List, & Investing Strategy
The elements of national and economic security.
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In July 2025, a U.S. mining company made headlines with two major investments that underscore the increasing importance of strategic and critical minerals and metals on the world stage.
That month, MP Materials (MP) announced a multibillion-dollar deal making the U.S. Department of Defense its largest shareholder, aiming to accelerate U.S. production of rare earth magnets and reduce foreign import dependency for rare earth elements. Days later, the company signed a $500 million deal to supply Apple (AAPL) with recycled rare earth magnets.
Taken together, the announcements offered…
