China’s exports of rare earths in June climbed to their highest since 2009, according to official data, indicating a push by global buyers to get hold of the materials used to make powerful magnets. The rare-earths sector has been in turmoil since early April,

July 7 (Reuters) - China's export restrictions on rare earths brought parts of the global auto supply chain to a halt and U.S. President Donald Trump to the negotiating table. But at home, they're a big headache for companies already struggling with a slow economy.

The deal would see the Defense Department take a 15% stake in MP Materials and spend billions of dollars investing in the company and purchasing its output.