SOURCE: Mining Magazine | September 19, 2026
USA Rare Earth this week broke ground on its new rare earth metal and magnet manufacturing facility in Blacksburg, South Carolina, marking a milestone in its plan to build an integrated rare earth supply chain for the US and its allies. 
Located on a 124-acre site in Bailey Industrial Park in Cherokee County, the 800,000-square-foot facility represents an approximately $1.2 billion investment and is expected to create roughly 490 manufacturing jobs upstate.
USA Rare Earth said it selected Blacksburg following a comprehensive evaluation of nearly 275 potential sites across the country, adding that South Carolina stood out for its skilled advanced manufacturing workforce, reliable power, transportation infrastructure, proximity to customers and suppliers, and strong support from state and local partners.
“Breaking ground in Blacksburg is an important moment because it moves our vision from plans on paper to infrastructure taking shape,” CEO Barbara Humpton said in a news release.
“We’re building the capabilities America needs to make critical rare earth materials and magnets at home, while making a long-term investment in the people and communities that will help us do it.”
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