Rare Earth Talent Partner

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