MP Materials Corp DE

Previous wording

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (this “Annual Report”). A discussion of changes in our results of operations and cash flows between years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, has been omitted from this Annual Report, but may be found in“Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020,” of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2023. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth under“Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report. See also“Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Current wording

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 (this “Annual Report”). A discussion of changes in our consolidated results of operations and cash flows between years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, has been omitted from this Annual Report, but may be found in“Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021,” of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2024. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth under“Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report. See also“Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Previous wording

MP Materials Corp., including its subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” and “us”), is the largest producer of rare earth materials in the Western Hemisphere. We own and operate the Mountain Pass Rare Earth Mine and Processing Facility (“Mountain Pass”), the only rare earth mining and processing site of scale in North America, and are also constructing a rare earth metal, alloy and magnet manufacturing facility in Fort Worth, Texas (the “Fort Worth Facility”), where we anticipate manufacturing neodymium-iron-boron (“NdFeB”) permanent magnets and its precursor products.

Current wording

MP Materials Corp., including its subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” and “us”), is the largest producer of rare earth materials in the Western Hemisphere. We own and operate the Mountain Pass Rare Earth Mine and Processing Facility (“Mountain Pass”) located near Mountain Pass, San Bernardino County, California, the only rare earth mining and processing site of scale in North America. We are also developing a rare earth metal, alloy and magnet manufacturing facility in Fort Worth, Texas (“Independence” or the “Independence Facility”).

Previous wording

Certain rare earth elements (“REE”) serve as critical inputs for the rare earth magnets inside the electric motors and generators powering carbon-reducing technologies such as hybrid and electric vehicles (referred to collectively as “xEVs”) and wind turbines, as well as drones, defense systems, robotics and many other high-growth, advanced technologies. Our integrated operations at Mountain Pass combine low production costs with high environmental standards, thereby restoring American leadership to a critical industry with a strong commitment to sustainability.

Current wording

Certain rare earth elements (“REE”) serve as critical inputs for the rare earth magnets inside the electric motors and generators powering carbon-reducing technologies such as hybrid and electric vehicles (referred to collectively as “xEVs”) and wind turbines, as well as drones, defense systems, robotics and many other high-growth, advanced technologies. Our integrated operations combine low production costs with high environmental standards, thereby restoring American leadership to a critical industry with a strong commitment to sustainability.

Previous wording

•Announced “Upstream 60K” strategy targeting an approximately 50% expansion of rare earth oxide (“REO”) in concentrate output at Mountain Pass within four years with modest incremental investment;

Current wording

•Achieved record rare earth oxide (“REO”) in concentrate production volume;

Previous wording

•Maintained a strong balance sheet with cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaling $997.8 million as of December 31, 2023, despite significant capital expenditures to support Stage II, the Fort Worth Facility, and the HREE Facility;

Current wording

•Maintained a strong balance sheet with cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaling $850.9 million as of December 31, 2024, after incurring capital expenditures to advance construction of the Independence Facility, as well as various projects at Mountain Pass, including the HREE Facility.

Previous wording

In January 2024, we entered into a new offtake agreement with Shenghe (the “New Offtake Agreement”) that replaced and extended the Offtake Agreement. The initial term of the New Offtake Agreement is two years, with the option for us to extend the term for an additional one-year period. The terms of the New Offtake Agreement are substantially the same as those of the Offtake Agreement with the exception of the addition of NdPr metal into the definition of non-concentrate rare earth products. See Note 20, “Related-Party Transactions,” in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the Offtake Agreement, including its terms.

Current wording

In January 2024, we entered into a new offtake agreement with Shenghe (the “2024 Offtake Agreement”) that replaced and extended the offtake agreement entered into in March 2022 with Shenghe (the “2022 Offtake Agreement” and, together with the 2024 Offtake Agreement, the “Offtake Agreements”). The initial term of the 2024 Offtake Agreement is two years, with the option for us to extend the term for an additional one-year period. The terms of the 2024 Offtake Agreement are substantially the same as those of the 2022 Offtake Agreement with the exception of the addition of NdPr metal into the definition of non-concentrate rare earth products. See Note 19, “Related-Party Transactions,” in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of the Offtake Agreements.

Previous wording

We believe we are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the key trends of electrification and supply chain security, particularly as domestic EV production grows. Our continued success depends to a significant extent on our ability to take advantage of the following opportunities and meet the challenges associated with them.

Current wording

We believe we are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the trends of electrification and supply chain security, particularly as domestic xEV production and domestic industrial supply chain initiatives grow. Our continued success depends to a significant extent on our ability to take advantage of the following opportunities and meet the challenges associated with them.

Previous wording

Despite the current macroeconomic conditions, we continue to believe we benefit from the growth of the rare earth market, particularly the market for NdPr and permanent magnets, and from several demand tailwinds for REE. These include the trend toward electrification; geographic supply chain diversification, particularly in relation to China; the U.S. government initiatives to restore domestic supply of critical minerals; and the increasing acceptance of environmental, social and governance mandates.

Current wording

The key demand drivers for REE are a diverse array of growing end markets, including electric mobility; industrial, consumer and professional service robotics; renewable power generation; energy-efficient motors, pumps, and compressors; consumer and medical applications; critical defense systems; and catalysts and phosphors. Accordingly, the demand for our products may be impacted by demand for these downstream products, particularly the continued growth in xEVs. Despite the current macroeconomic conditions, we continue to believe that we benefit from the growth of the rare earth market, particularly the market for NdPr and permanent magnets, and from several demand tailwinds for REE. These include the trend toward electrification; geographic supply chain diversification, particularly in relation to China; the U.S. government initiatives to restore domestic supply of critical minerals; and the increasing requirement for environmentally-conscious production methods.

Previous wording

However, changes in technology could also drive down the use of REE, including NdPr, in the components in which they are now used, or lead to a decline in reliance on such components altogether. Actual, or perceived, decreases in demand for REE, whether through changes in technology or slower growth in the end markets that utilize REE, could result in a decline in the market price of REE, including NdPr, and/or result in pricing volatility. We also operate in a competitive industry, and many of our key competitors are based in China, where competitors may not be subject to the same rigorous environmental standards and production costs are typically lower than in the U.S.

Current wording

On the other hand, changes in technology could also reduce the use of REE, including NdPr, in the components in which they are now used, or lead to a decline in reliance on such components altogether. Additionally, a change in U.S. federal administration introduces shifts in policies, taxes, regulations, and priorities, all of which may give rise to demand uncertainty. Additionally, a more assertive trade policy towards China could lead to retaliatory actions, such as import or export restrictions, tariffs, or other measures. Actual, or perceived, decreases in demand for REE, whether through changes in technology or slower growth in the end markets that utilize REE, could result in a decline in the market price of REE, including NdPr, and/or result in pricing volatility. We also operate in a competitive industry. Many of our key competitors are based in China, where competitors may not be subject to the same rigorous environmental standards or may receive disproportionate government subsidies, and production costs are typically lower than in the U.S.

Previous wording

Since the implementation of our Stage I optimization plan and the achievement of commercial production of concentrate on July 1, 2019, our quarterly REO Production Volume has exceeded 8,500 MTs, and we have achieved at least 40,000 MTs of annual REO Production Volume since 2021. These results were achieved by optimizing the reagent scheme, reducing process temperatures, improving tailings facility management, and committing to operational excellence, which has allowed us to achieve approximately 92% uptime in 2023. Our Stage I optimization plan enabled us to achieve what we believe to be world-class production cost levels for rare earth concentrate.

Current wording

Following the implementation of our Stage I optimization plan, we have achieved at least 40,000 metric tons (“MTs”) of annual REO Production Volume since 2021. These results were achieved by optimizing the reagent scheme, reducing process temperatures, improving tailings facility management, and committing to operational excellence, which allowed us to achieve record production levels in 2024. Our Stage I optimization plan has enabled us to achieve what we believe to be world-class production cost levels for rare earth concentrate.

Previous wording

In November 2023, we announced our “Upstream 60K” strategy whereby we intend to grow our annual REO Production Volume to approximately 60,000 MTs by expanding upstream capacity via investments in further beneficiation, including the ability to process alternative feedstocks and upgrade lower-grade feedstocks. We aim to achieve this initiative within the next four years with modest incremental capital investment.

Current wording

In November 2023, we announced our “Upstream 60K” strategy whereby we intend to grow our annual REO Production Volume to approximately 60,000 MTs by expanding upstream capacity via investments in further beneficiation, including the ability to process alternative feedstocks and upgrade lower-grade feedstocks. We aim to achieve this initiative within the next three years with modest incremental capital investment.

Previous wording

Stage II advanced our operations from the production of rare earth concentrate to the separation of individual REE. The project incorporated upgrades and enhancements to the prior facility process flow intended to reliably produce separated REE at a low cost while minimizing our impact on the environment. More specifically, we have reintroduced an oxidizing roasting circuit, reoriented portions of the plant process flow, increased product finishing capacity, improved wastewater management, and made other improvements to materials handling and storage. The reintroduction of the oxidizing roasting circuit allows subsequent stages of the production process to occur at lower temperatures, and with lower volumes of materials and reagents, which supports lower operating and maintenance costs and higher uptime than would otherwise be achievable.

Current wording

Stage II advanced our operations from the production of rare earth concentrate to the separation of individual REE. The Stage II optimization project incorporated upgrades and enhancements to the prior facility process flow to produce separated REE at a lower cost while minimizing our impact on the environment. More specifically, we have reintroduced an oxidizing roasting circuit, reoriented portions of the plant process flow, increased product finishing capacity, improved wastewater management, and made other improvements to materials handling and storage. The reintroduction of the oxidizing roasting circuit allows subsequent stages of the production process to occur at lower temperatures, and with lower volumes of materials and reagents, which supports lower operating and maintenance costs and higher uptime than would otherwise be achievable.

Previous wording

The success of our business reflects our ability to continue to manage our costs. Our production achievements in Stage I have provided economies of scale to lower production costs per MT of REO produced in concentrate. Furthermore, we designed our Stage II process flow to capitalize on the inherent advantages of the bastnaesite ore at Mountain Pass, that is well-suited to low-cost refining by selectively eliminating the need to carry cerium, a lower-value mineral, through the separations process. Additionally, our location offers transportation advantages that create meaningful cost efficiencies in securing incoming supplies and shipping of our final products.

Current wording

The success of our business reflects our ability to continue to manage our costs and drive scale. Our production achievements in Stage I have provided economies of scale to lower production costs per MT of REO produced in concentrate. Furthermore, we designed our Stage II process flow to capitalize on the inherent advantages of the bastnaesite ore at Mountain Pass, which is well-suited to low-cost refining by selectively eliminating the need to carry cerium, a lower-value element, through the separations process. Additionally, our location and integration offer cost and transportation advantages that create meaningful efficiencies in production, security of incoming supplies and shipping of our final products.

Previous wording

During the third quarter of 2023, we began producing separated rare earth products. However, we expect that it may take several quarters to achieve our designed throughput of separated products. As we increase production of separated products over time, we expect to improve our per-unit production costs of NdPr oxide, which represents a majority of the value contained in our concentrate.

Current wording

During the second half of 2023, we began producing separated rare earth products. We continue to expect that it may take many quarters to achieve our designed throughput of separated products. As we increase production of separated products over time, we expect to improve our per-unit production costs of NdPr oxide, which represents a majority of the value contained in our concentrate. Until such time, we may experience unstable operations and elevated costs of our initial production of separated products.

Previous wording

We currently operate a single site in a single location, and any stoppage in activity, including for reasons outside of our control, could adversely impact our production, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, several of our current and potential competitors are government supported and may have access to substantially more capital, which may allow them to make similar or greater efficiency improvements or undercut market prices for our product.

Current wording

We currently generate our revenue from our Materials segment, which operates a single site in a single location, and any stoppage in activity, including for reasons outside of our control, could adversely impact our production, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, several of our current and potential competitors are government supported and may have access to substantially more capital, which may allow them to make similar or greater efficiency improvements or undercut market prices for our products.

Previous wording

Development of Our REE Refining and Downstream Manufacturing Capabilities

Current wording

Development of Our Downstream Manufacturing Capabilities (“Stage III”)

Previous wording

In addition, we are constructing the Fort Worth Facility and developing engineering and manufacturing technology to process NdPr oxide into metal and magnets, while incorporating magnet recycling capabilities. These initiatives support our long-term plans to become a leading global source for rare earth magnets. We believe integration into magnet production will provide some protection from commodity pricing volatility, while also enhancing our business profile as the producer of a critical industrial output in addition to a producer of resources. We expect our Stage III efforts to continue to benefit from geopolitical developments, including initiatives to repatriate critical materials supply chains.

Current wording

We are completing the installation of equipment at Independence and continue to develop engineering and manufacturing technology to process NdPr metal into magnets, while incorporating magnet recycling capabilities. These initiatives support our long-term plans to become a leading global source for rare earth magnets. We believe integration into magnet production will provide some protection from commodity pricing volatility, while also enhancing our business profile as the producer of a critical industrial output in addition to a producer of resources. We expect our Stage III efforts to continue to benefit from geopolitical developments, including initiatives to repatriate critical materials supply chains.

Previous wording

Our ore body has proven over more than 60 years of operations to be one of the world’s largest and highest-grade rare earth resources. As of December 31, 2023, SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc., an independent consulting firm that we retained to assess our reserves, estimated total proven and probable reserves of 1.86 million short tons of REO contained in 28.46 million short tons of ore at Mountain Pass, with an average ore grade of 6.20%. These estimates use an estimated economical cut-off grade of 2.43% total rare earth oxide. Based on these estimated reserves and our expected annual production rate of REO upon production ramp-up of Stage II, our expected mine life was approximately 33 years as of December 31, 2023. Over time, we expect to be able to continue to grow our expected mine life through additional exploratory drilling and improved processing capabilities, which may result in changes to various assumptions underlying our mineral reserve estimate.

Current wording

Our ore body has proven over more than 60 years of operations to be one of the world’s largest and highest-grade rare earth resources. As of December 31, 2024, SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc., an independent consulting firm that we retained to assess our reserves, estimated total proven and probable reserves of 2.04 million short tons of REO contained in 29.69 million short tons of ore at Mountain Pass, with an average ore grade of 5.97%. These estimates use an estimated economical cut-off grade of 2.50% total rare earth oxide. Based on these estimated reserves and our expected annual production rate of REO upon production ramp-up of Stage II, our expected mine life was approximately 29 years as of December 31, 2024. Over time, we expect to be able to continue to grow our expected mine life through additional exploratory drilling and improved processing capabilities, which may result in changes to various assumptions underlying our mineral reserve estimate.

Previous wording

We measure our REO-equivalent production volume for a given period in metric tons (“MTs”), our principal unit of sale for our concentrate product. This measure refers to the REO content contained in the rare earth concentrate we produce and, beginning in the second quarter of 2023, includes volumes fed into downstream circuits for commissioning and starting up our separations facilities and for producing separated NdPr product, the latter of which is also included in our KPI, NdPr Production Volume. Our REO Production Volume is a key indicator of our mining and processing capacity and efficiency.

Current wording

We measure our REO-equivalent production volume for a given period in MTs, our principal unit of sale for our concentrate product. This measure refers to the REO content contained in the rare earth concentrate we produce and, beginning in the second quarter of 2023, includes volumes fed into downstream circuits for commissioning and starting up our separations facilities and for producing separated rare earth products, a portion of which is also included in our KPI, NdPr Production Volume. REO Production Volume is a key indicator of the mining and processing capacity and efficiency of our upstream operations.

Previous wording

Our REO Sales Volume for a given period is calculated in MTs. A unit, or MT, is considered sold once we recognize revenue on its sale as determined in accordance with GAAP. Our REO Sales Volume is a key measure of our ability to convert our concentrate production into revenue. Our REO Sales Volume for the year ended December 31, 2023, included both traditional concentrate as well as roasted concentrate.

Current wording

Our REO Sales Volume for a given period is calculated in MTs. A unit, or MT, is considered sold once we recognize revenue on its sale as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). Our REO Sales Volume is a key measure of our ability to convert our concentrate production into revenue. Our REO Sales Volume for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, included both traditional concentrate as well as roasted concentrate.

Previous wording

We calculate the Realized Price per REO MT for a given period as the quotient of: (i) our rare earth concentrate sales, which are determined in accordance with GAAP, for a given period and (ii) our REO Sales Volume for the same period. Realized Price per REO MT is an important measure of the market price of our concentrate product. For the year ended December 31, 2021, we adjusted our rare earth concentrate sales for the revenue impact of tariff rebates related to prior period sales, resulting in the use of a non-GAAP financial measure, Total Value Realized. See the“Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section below for a reconciliation of our Total Value Realized, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, to our rare earth concentrate sales, which is determined in accordance with GAAP.

Current wording

We calculate the Realized Price per REO MT for a given period as the quotient of: (i) our rare earth concentrate sales, which are determined in accordance with GAAP, for a given period and (ii) our REO Sales Volume for the same period. Realized Price per REO MT is an important measure of the market price of our concentrate product.

Previous wording

We measure our NdPr Production Volume for a given period in MTs, our principal unit of sale for our NdPr separated products. NdPr Production Volume refers to the volume of finished and packaged NdPr oxide produced at Mountain Pass for a given period. NdPr Production Volume is a key indicator of our separating and finishing capacity and efficiency.

Current wording

We measure our NdPr Production Volume for a given period in MTs, our principal unit of sale for our NdPr separated products. NdPr Production Volume refers to the volume of finished and packaged NdPr oxide produced at Mountain Pass for a given period. NdPr Production Volume is a key indicator of the separating and finishing capacity and efficiency of our midstream operations.

Previous wording

Our NdPr Sales Volume for a given period is calculated in MTs and on an NdPr oxide-equivalent basis (see example below). A unit, or MT, is considered sold once we recognize revenue on its sale, whether sold as NdPr oxide or NdPr metal, as determined in accordance with GAAP. For NdPr metal sales, the MTs sold and included in NdPr Sales Volume are calculated on the basis of the volume of NdPr oxide used to produce such NdPr metal. For example, assuming a material conversion ratio of 1.25, a sale of 100 MTs of NdPr metal would be included in this KPI as 125 MTs of NdPr oxide-equivalent. NdPr Sales Volume is a key measure of our ability to convert our production of separated NdPr products into revenue.

Current wording

Our NdPr Sales Volume for a given period is calculated in MTs and on an NdPr oxide-equivalent basis (as further discussed below). A unit, or MT, is considered sold once the Materials segment recognizes revenue on its sale, whether sold as NdPr oxide or NdPr metal, as determined in accordance with GAAP. For these NdPr metal sales, the MTs sold and included in NdPr Sales Volume are calculated based on the volume of NdPr oxide used to produce such NdPr metal. We utilize an assumed material conversion ratio of 1.20, such that a sale of 100 MTs of NdPr metal would be included in this KPI as 120 MTs of NdPr oxide-equivalent. NdPr Sales Volume is a key measure of our ability to convert our production of separated NdPr products into revenue. In the future, NdPr Sales Volume for the Materials segment is expected to include sales made to the Magnetics segment.

Previous wording

We expect to have a mix of contracts with customers where we will sell NdPr as (i) oxide, (ii) metal, where the amount of oxide required to produce such metal is variable, and (iii) metal, where we have a guarantee of the amount produced and sold based on the amount of oxide consumed. Among other factors, differences between quarterly NdPr Production Volume and NdPr Sales Volume may be caused by the time required for the conversion of NdPr oxide to NdPr metal, including time in-transit.

Current wording

For the Materials segment, we have a mix of contracts with customers where we sell NdPr as (i) oxide, (ii) metal, where the amount of oxide required to produce such metal is variable, and (iii) metal, where we have a guarantee of the amount produced and sold based on the amount of oxide consumed. Among other factors, differences between quarterly NdPr Production Volume and NdPr Sales Volume may be caused by the time required for the conversion of NdPr oxide to NdPr metal, including time in-transit, as well as differences in actual versus assumed yields of oxide to metal in the calculation of NdPr Sales Volume.

Previous wording

We calculate the NdPr Realized Price per kilogram (“KG”) for a given period as the quotient of: (i) our NdPr oxide and metal sales, which are determined in accordance with GAAP, for a given period and (ii) our NdPr Sales Volume for the same period. NdPr Realized Price per KG is an important measure of the market price of our NdPr products.

Current wording

We calculate the NdPr Realized Price per kilogram (“KG”) for a given period as the quotient of: (i) our Materials segment NdPr oxide and metal sales, which are determined in accordance with GAAP, for a given period and (ii) our NdPr Sales Volume for the same period. NdPr Realized Price per KG is an important measure of the market price of our NdPr products. In the future, NdPr Realized Price per KG for the Materials segment is expected to include sales made to the Magnetics segment.

Previous wording

Rare earth concentrate revenue consists primarily of sales of traditional and roasted rare earth concentrate. The sales price of rare earth concentrate sold to Shenghe under both agreements is based on an agreed-upon price per MT, with an adjustment for the ultimate market price of the product realized by Shenghe upon sales to their customers, including the impact of changes in the exchange rate between the Chinese Yuan and the U.S. dollar.

Current wording

Rare earth concentrate revenue consists of sales of traditional and roasted rare earth concentrate. For the majority of our sales of rare earth concentrate, the sales price is based on preliminary market price per MT, with an adjustment for the ultimate market price of the product realized upon final sale, including the impact of changes in the exchange rate between the Chinese Yuan and the U.S. dollar.

Previous wording

NdPr oxide and metal revenue consists of sales of NdPr oxide under individual sales agreements, which commenced in the fourth quarter of 2023. As we ramp up production of separated rare earth products, we expect our NdPr oxide and metal revenue to become a larger portion of our total revenue. Accordingly, to the extent we are able to sell a greater portion of NdPr oxide and NdPr metal, we expect that rare earth concentrate revenue will decline in future periods.

Current wording

NdPr oxide and metal revenue consists of sales of NdPr oxide and metal produced at Mountain Pass under individual sales agreements, as well as sales under our distribution agreement with Sumitomo Corporation of Americas. As we ramp up production of separated rare earth products, we expect our NdPr oxide and metal revenue to become a larger portion of our total revenue. Accordingly, to the extent we sell a greater volume of NdPr oxide and NdPr metal, we expect that rare earth concentrate revenue will decline in future periods.

Previous wording

We calculate the Production Cost per REO MT for a given period as the quotient of: (i) our Production Costs (see below) for a given period and (ii) our REO Sales Volume for the same period. We define Production Costs, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as our cost of sales (excluding depletion, depreciation and amortization) (“COS”) less stock-based compensation expense included in COS, shipping and freight costs, and costs not attributable to concentrate sales.

Current wording

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization)

Previous wording

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization) consists of production- and processing-related labor costs (including wages and salaries, benefits, bonuses, and stock-based compensation), mining and processing supplies (such as reagents), parts and labor for the maintenance of our mining fleet and processing facilities, other facilities-related costs (such as property taxes and utilities), packaging materials, and shipping and freight costs.

Current wording

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization) (“COS”) consists of mining, processing, and separations-related labor costs (including wages and salaries, benefits, bonuses, and stock-based compensation); mining, processing, and separations-related supplies and reagents; parts and labor for the maintenance of our mining fleet and processing and separating facilities; other facilities-related costs (such as property taxes and utilities); packaging materials; and shipping and freight costs.

Previous wording

Depreciation, depletion and amortization primarily consists of depreciation of property, plant and equipment and depletion of mineral rights. The year-over-year increase in depreciation, depletion and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily reflects an increase in depreciation of $38.2 million, resulting from the continued placement of new circuits and facilities associated with our Stage II optimization project into service, which began at the end of the fourth quarter of 2022.

Current wording

Depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”) primarily consists of depreciation of property, plant and equipment and depletion of mineral rights.

Previous wording

Start-up costs for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased by $13.8 million year over year, of which $12.8 million was associated with our Stage II optimization project and the remaining $1.0 million was associated with our Stage III initiatives. Given the commencement of initial production of separated products in late 2023, we expect start-up costs associated with Stage II will decrease meaningfully in 2024 as commercial production ramps, specifically since salaries and wages of certain employees will no longer be considered start-up, and instead will primarily be included in COS to the extent such costs are not absorbed into inventories. In addition, we currently expect start-up costs pertaining to our Stage III initiatives will increase in 2024 as we advance in starting up and developing our magnetics capability.

Current wording

The year-over-year decrease in start-up costs for the year ended December 31, 2024, was attributable to the commencement of our operations related to our Stage II optimization project. Start-up costs associated with Stage II decreased, specifically as a result of salaries and wages of certain employees no longer being considered start-up given the commencement of initial production of separated products in late 2023, which also resulted in the higher personnel costs discussed above within COS. Start-up costs attributable to our Stage III initiatives increased modestly in 2024 by $2.6 million, in line with the development of our magnetics capability and growth of our assembled workforce.

Previous wording

Advanced projects and development consists principally of costs incurred in connection with research and development of new processes or to significantly enhance our existing processes, and certain government contracts, as well as costs incurred to support growth initiatives or pursue other opportunities. Advanced projects and development for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased year over year primarily due to costs incurred for legal, consulting, and advisory services to support growth initiatives, such as potential acquisitions, mergers, or other investments, which increased by $9.0 million, and continued investment in research and development activities, which increased by $1.5 million and related primarily to Stage III magnetics.

Current wording

Advanced projects and development for the year ended December 31, 2024, decreased year over year, primarily due to lower costs incurred for legal, consulting, and advisory services to support growth initiatives, such as potential acquisitions, mergers, or other investments, which decreased by $6.4 million in 2024. This was partially offset by continued investment in research and development activities associated with our Magnetics segment, which increased by $1.9 million in 2024.

Previous wording

Other operating costs and expenses consists primarily of accretion of asset retirement and environmental obligations; gains or losses on disposals of long-lived assets, including demolition costs; and write-downs of legacy stockpile inventories. Other operating costs and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased by $5.4 million year over year as a result of $5.5 million in demolition costs associated with demolishing and removing certain out-of-use older facilities and infrastructure from the Mountain Pass site to accommodate future expansion in rare earth processing.

Current wording

Other operating costs and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, decreased year over year as a result of $5.5 million of demolition costs incurred in 2023, associated with demolishing and removing certain out-of-use older facilities and infrastructure from the Mountain Pass site to accommodate future expansion in rare earth processing. This decrease was offset by a $2.0 million loss on environmental obligations incurred in 2024.

Previous wording

Interest expense, netprincipally consists of the expense associated with the 0.25% per annum interest rate and the amortization of the debt issuance costs on our Convertible Notes (as defined in the“Liquidity and Capital Resources” section below) and the amortization of the discount on a prior debt obligation to Shenghe, offset by capitalized interest. Interest expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2023, decreased year over year due to the full repayment of a debt obligation to Shenghe in the first quarter of 2022.

Current wording

Interest expense, net principally consists of the expense associated with the 0.25% and 3.00% per annum interest rates and amortization of the debt issuance costs on our 2026 Notes and 2030 Notes, respectively, offset by capitalized interest.

Previous wording

Other income, net consists of interest and investment income and non-operating gains or losses. Other income, net for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased year over year as a result of interest and investment income earned on our short-term investments, which were purchased starting in the second quarter of 2022. Interest and investment income is principally generated from accretion of the discount on such investments.

Current wording

Other income, net for the year ended December 31, 2024, decreased year over year as a result of lower interest and investment income earned on our short-term investments, whose balance decreased slightly over the applicable periods. Interest and investment income is principally generated from accretion of the discount on such investments.

Previous wording

Income tax expense consists of an estimate of U.S. federal and state income taxes in the jurisdictions in which we conduct business, adjusted for federal, state and local allowable income tax benefits, the effect of permanent differences and any valuation allowance against deferred tax assets. The effective tax rate (income tax expense as a percentage of income before income taxes) was 26.5%, 15.3% and 15.7% for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023, differed from the statutory tax rate of 21% primarily due to a deduction limitation on officers’ compensation and a valuation against certain deferred tax assets, offset by the California Competes Tax Credit.

Current wording

Income tax expense or benefit consists of an estimate of U.S. federal and state income taxes in the jurisdictions in which we conduct business, adjusted for federal, state and local allowable income tax benefits, the effect of permanent differences and any valuation allowance against deferred tax assets.

Previous wording

Realized Price per REO MT for the year ended December 31, 2023, reflects a significantly softer pricing environment for rare earth products, as compared to the prior year when pricing peaked in February 2022. As noted above in the“Factors Affecting our Performance” section, market prices for rare earth products may be volatile due to actual or perceived changes in supply or demand. The decline in the market prices for rare earth products in 2023 was largely attributable to lower than anticipated growth in demand for magnetic products, which negatively impacted the price of REE. The decrease in REO Sales Volume for the year ended December 31, 2023, was due to the start-up of Stage II operations. A significant portion of the REO produced, which could otherwise have been sold as rare earth concentrate, was used to charge the Stage II circuits, establish separations work-in-process inventory, or produce packaged and finished separated rare earth products, the majority of which have not yet been sold.

Current wording

The year-over-year decreases in rare earth concentrate revenue were driven by lower Realized Price per REO MT, as well as lower REO Sales Volume. Realized Price per REO MT for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, reflects a significantly softer pricing environment for rare earth products following the cyclical peak in pricing in February 2022. As noted above in the“Factors Affecting our Performance” section, market prices for rare earth products may be volatile due to actual or perceived changes in supply or demand. The decline in the market prices for rare earth products in 2024 and 2023 was largely attributable to lower than anticipated growth in demand for magnetic products, which negatively impacted the price of REE. The decrease in REO Sales Volume for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, was due to the ramp-up in midstream operations, where a significantly higher portion of REO produced was refined and sold as NdPr oxide and metal during 2024. The decrease in REO Sales Volume for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year, was due to the start-up of midstream operations, where a significant portion of the REO produced, which could otherwise have been sold as rare earth concentrate, was used to charge the Stage II circuits, establish separations work-in-process inventory, or produce packaged and finished separated rare earth products, the majority of which had not yet been sold.

Previous wording

Historically, our REO Sales Volume had generally tracked our REO Production Volume over time with slight period-to-period differences caused by the timing of shipments. However, as we continue to ramp up production of separated rare earth materials, we expect that significant volumes of REO produced from Stage I operations will be retained for separation and not sold as concentrate. In addition, a significant portion of the contained cerium in the REO produced will be intentionally rejected and may not result in finished product. Accordingly, as evidenced in the third and fourth quarters of 2023 (see the“Quarterly Performance Trend” section below), we expect that REO Sales Volume will be significantly lower than REO Production Volume in the future as we produce and sell more separated products.

Current wording

Until we commenced our midstream operations, our REO Sales Volume generally tracked our REO Production Volume over time with slight period-to-period differences caused by the timing of shipments. However, as we continue to ramp up production of separated rare earth materials, we expect that significant volumes of REO produced from upstream operations will continue to be consumed for separation and not sold as concentrate. In addition, a significant portion of the contained cerium in the REO produced will be intentionally rejected and may not result in finished product. Accordingly, we continue to expect that REO Sales Volume will be significantly lower than REO Production Volume in the future as we produce and sell more separated products.

Previous wording

Other rare earth products revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, decreased as compared to the prior year, primarily driven by $8.5 million of revenue related to a sales agreement with Shenghe entered into in March 2022 for certain stockpiles of rare earth fluoride (“REF”).

Current wording

Other revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024, increased as compared to the prior year, primarily due to current year sales of other refined products, including lanthanum and cerium. Other revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022, consisted primarily of $8.5 million of revenue related to certain stockpiles of rare earth fluoride.

Previous wording

While our business is not highly seasonal in nature, we sometimes experience a timing lag between production and sales, which may result in volatility in our results of operations between periods. The timing lag may be the result of, or influenced by, factors such as the timing and duration of shipments or the time required to convert materials. In addition, quarterly production of concentrate is impacted by the timing of scheduled outages of our production facilities for maintenance, which typically occur in the second and fourth quarters. Finally, starting in the third quarter of 2023, as we ramp up production of separated rare earth materials, we expect that significant volumes of REO produced will be retained for separation and not sold as concentrate.

Current wording

While our business is not highly seasonal in nature, we sometimes experience a timing lag between production and sales, which may result in volatility in our results of operations between periods. The timing lag may be the result of, or influenced by, factors such as the timing and duration of shipments or the time required to convert materials. In addition, quarterly production of concentrate and separated products is impacted by the timing of scheduled outages of our production facilities for maintenance, which typically occur in the second and fourth quarters. Finally, since we began production of separated rare earth materials in the second half of 2023, certain volumes of REO produced are further processed or rejected rather than sold as concentrate.