The Pentagon is making a $400mn direct investment in a US rare earths producer, in an unusual arrangement highlighting the Trump administration's determination to break Chinese dominance of critical minerals and bolster domestic supply chains.

The company, MP Materials, said yesterday that the Pentagon would become its largest shareholder.

India has a huge state owned mining, processing and refining sector. These companies should be subsidised to produce rare earth minerals on a war footing.

If the US government can invest $400mn in a private company, we should fund the DRDO or these PSU mining companies to undertake this critical mission too.

Ajay Bagga
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