February 27, 2026 -  

Members of Congress are reportedly asking questions about President Trump's recently announced "Project Vault," with many looking to learn details on the role of private companies in the public-private partnership, how the stockpile will be led and managed, and how the ExIm loan will get paid back. Ex-Im has reportedly been engaged with Congress, providing bipartisan briefings to lawmakers.

Lithium prices surged yesterday after Zimbabwe suspended concentrate exports and fears of a global supply shortage surged. Recall that Zimbabwe halted exports of lithium concentrate on Wednesday, as part of its efforts to promote domestic processing and curtail illegal shipments. The ban is in effect until further notice. The country accounts for about 10% of the world’s lithium.

MP Materials is investing $1.25 billion in its rare-earth magnet manufacturing center, which will be located in in Northlake, Texas. This new facility will expand its existing manufacturing capacity, which is centered in Fort Worth. The facility will be up and running in 2028.