Maaden and MP Materials to Build Integrated Rare Earth Supply Chain in Saudi Arabia

Maaden

US-Saudi Partnership Targets Full-Scale Rare Earth Value Chain

Maaden and MP Materials have signed a strategic agreement to build a fully integrated rare earth supply chain in Saudi Arabia, marking a pivotal move for both nations. The Focus Keyphrase "rare earth supply chain" reflects a growing push to secure critical mineral independence amid rising geopolitical and technological pressures.

The partnership will span mining, separation, refining, and permanent magnet production, creating a vertically integrated value chain within the Kingdom. MP Materials emphasized that the collaboration aligns with U.S. efforts to diversify rare earth sourcing beyond China, while also advancing Saudi Arabia’s industrial and economic diversification goals.

Saudi Arabia Expands Mining as Third Economic Pillar

Saudi Arabia is aggressively investing in its mineral wealth to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons. With newly raised mineral resource estimates valued at SAR9.4 trillion ($2.5 trillion), the government is prioritizing mining as the third pillar of Vision 2030. Of this, SAR238 billion is estimated to be in rare earth elements, vital for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense systems.

This partnership with MP Materials will leverage both parties' strengths: Maaden’s regional exploration expertise and infrastructure, and MP Materials’ advanced rare earth processing technology developed in the U.S.

Strengthening Strategic Supply Chains Between Allies

The deal also reflects growing US-Saudi alignment on critical minerals, reinforcing bilateral cooperation in global supply chain resilience. As countries race to secure reliable sources of rare earth elements (REEs), this joint venture positions Saudi Arabia as a future hub for REE manufacturing in the Middle East.

By localizing the full rare earth supply chain, the initiative will support downstream sectors like advanced manufacturing, energy transition technologies, and defense — while reducing reliance on Chinese processing capacity.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Maaden–MP Materials agreement represents a transformational step in reshaping global rare earth supply dynamics. As the world diversifies away from China-centric supply routes, Saudi Arabia’s strategic investments — paired with U.S. technology — are positioning the Kingdom as a future leader in the rare earth economy.