Rare Earth Talent Partner

Sansom Staffing has formed a strategic partnership with Rare Earth Exchanges (REEx), a leading platform covering the entire rare earth ecosystem — from mining and processing through to magnet manufacturing, OEMs, and recycling. As governments and industry accelerate efforts to reshore supply chains and reduce dependence on China, demand for highly specialised talent across the value chain is increasing rapidly.

Through this partnership, Sansom Staffing leverages REEx’s deep market intelligence, project tracking, and sector insights to anticipate where skills shortages are emerging and where capital is being deployed. In return, REEx benefits from Samson’s on-the-ground recruitment expertise, gaining real-time visibility into workforce constraints, hiring trends, and talent availability — strengthening REEx’s role as a data-driven hub for everything happening in the rare earth sector.

Staffing in the U.S. rare earth supply chain is critical for building an independent ex-China "mine-to-magnet" ecosystem, with high demand for metallurgists, engineers, and technicians to overcome a >95% import dependency, particularly from China. Key needs focus on scaling up domestic processing, recycling ("urban mining"), AI-driven automation, and regulatory compliance. 

Key Staffing Needs and Roles:

• Technical and Engineering Expertise: High demand exists for metallurgical engineers, process engineers, and technicians proficient in advanced extraction and separation techniques to manage complex, environmentally sensitive processing facilities.
• "Urban Mining" and Recycling Specialists: As the U.S. looks to circular economies, skilled labor for recycling rare earth materials is needed to reduce reliance on primary mining.
• Operational and Project Management: Experienced project managers are required for long-term infrastructure development, including new mine and refinery development.
• Compliance and Regulatory Officers: Staff to navigate environmental regulations, permitting, and safety standards.
• Automation and Data Analysts: Technical staff for implementing AI and machine learning to optimize processing and supply chain efficiency. 

Upstream — Mining

Supplying the foundation of the ex-China rare earth industry 

Strong demand across new and expanding projects for:

• Geologists (resource definition, metallurgy, mine planning)
• Mining engineers (open-pit and underground)
• Chemical & metallurgical engineers
• Processing technicians and plant operators.

These roles underpin new mine development and long-term supply security.

Types of companies hiring include:

• Rare earth miners (ex-China) — e.g. Lynas Rare Earths, MP Materials
• Developers & near-term producers — e.g. Arafura Rare Earths, Iluka Resources
• Mining services & EPC contractors — drilling, mine construction, plant build
• Government-backed strategic projects — US, EU, Australia, Japan

Midstream — Processing & Separation

The most technically complex — and talent-constrained stage

Rare earth separation and refining drives demand for:

• Chemical & process engineers
• Hydrometallurgists
• Scientists and engineers experienced with radioactive materials
• Professionals from oil & gas, refining, and large-scale chemical plants

Expertise in solvent extraction, complex flow sheets, and regulated environments is highly transferable and in short supply.

Types of companies hiring include:

• Rare earth processors & separators — e.g. Solvay, Neo Performance Materials
• Integrated mine-to-oxide developers — e.g. Lynas Rare Earths
• Oil & gas / chemical majors transitioning skills — solvent extraction, hydromet
• State-backed processing hubs — US, EU, Australia, Japan

Downstream — Magnet Manufacturing & Advanced Materials 

Turning rare earths into high-performance technology

Rapid expansion in permanent magnet capacity is creating demand for:

• Materials scientists
• Mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers
• Automation and production engineers
• Quality, scale-up, and R&D specialists

These roles support EVs, wind turbines, robotics, defence systems, and advanced industrial applications.

Types of companies hiring include:

• NdFeB magnet manufacturers (ex-China) — e.g. Proterial, VacuumSchmelze
• Motor and actuator manufacturers — EVs, robotics, industrial drives
• Advanced materials & powder metallurgy firms
• Defence-aligned magnet supply-chain builders