Highlights

• ReElement Technologies and POSCO International sign MOU to establish the first fully integrated rare-earth and permanent-magnet production complex in the United States.
• The partnership aims to diversify and secure global rare-earth supply chains, critical for electric vehicles, semiconductors, and advanced technologies.
• The collaborative project will manage the entire production process from raw material sourcing to separation, refining, manufacturing, and recycling.

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In a September 18, 2025, press release (opens in a new tab), American Resources Corporation’s (opens in a new tab) portfolio company, ReElement Technologies (opens in a new tab), announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with POSCO International Corporation (opens in a new tab) to strengthen the U.S. rare-earth and permanent-magnet supply chains. The agreement outlines cooperation on establishing an integrated rare-earth and permanent-magnet production complex in the United States, which would be the first facility in the country to fully combine all stages of rare-earth and magnet production within a single industrial complex.

Integrated Facility and Partnership Roles

The planned complex is designed to manage every stage of production—from sourcing rare-earth raw materials to separation, refining, magnet manufacturing, and recycling of manufacturing scrap and end-of-life magnets. Under the MOU, POSCO International will oversee the sourcing of intermediate rare-earth materials and permanent-magnet production. At the same time, ReElement Technologies will provide its proprietary advanced technology for separation, refining, and recycling. Officials from the governments of Korea and the United States also discussed potential policy, financial, and regulatory support should the project move into full-scale implementation.

Strategic Objectives and Supply Chain Resilience

The collaboration aims to diversify and de-risk the global rare-earth supply chain, which is currently concentrated in a limited number of countries. Rare-earth elements are critical for electric vehicles, semiconductors, wind power, and other advanced technologies, and supply-chain concentration poses significant geopolitical and industrial risks. By securing a stable domestic supply of raw materials and strengthening permanent-magnet production capabilities, the initiative seeks to enable long-term, flexible, and reliable delivery of critical materials to automakers and other technology sectors worldwide.

ReElement and POSCO Global Operations

POSCO International is already expanding its footprint in the permanent-magnet market, having signed agreements with North American and European automakers to supply thousands of tons of permanent magnets to support millions of electric-vehicle motors between 2025 and 2034. ReElement Technologies is advancing its refining platform in Indiana at the Noblesville Commercial Qualification Facility and the Marion Supersite, leveraging advanced chromatographic separation and purification methods to process recycled materials, concentrated ores, brines, and coal-based byproducts. The company emphasizes a circular and environmentally sustainable supply chain.

Future Outlook and Industry Implications

POSCO International plans to broaden its value chain to solidify its position as a key supplier of electric-vehicle drivetrain components, offering complete packages of components for drive-motor core rotors and stators. The partnership with ReElement combines patented U.S.-based refining technology with POSCO’s industrial expertise to build resilient, secure, and sustainable supply chains. Executives from both companies emphasized that the collaboration strengthens resource security and supply-chain diversity for both Korea and the United States while supporting the growth of critical industries dependent on rare-earth materials.

Source: ReElement Technologies press release, “ReElement Technologies Signs MOU with POSCO International to Bolster Rare Earth Supply Chain and Build Integrated U.S. Production Complex,” September 18, 2025

Tags: ReElement Technologies; POSCO International; American Resources Corporation; rare earths; permanent magnets; supply chain; U.S. manufacturing; recycling; refining; integrated production; electric vehicles

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