First South Carolina Operation Expected to Create Approximately 490 New Jobs in the Upstate
COLUMBIA, S.C. (June 2, 2026)— USA Rare Earth, Inc., a global leader in rare earths, critical minerals and advanced materials, has selected Cherokee County, South Carolina, for its first operation in the state. The approximately $1.2 billion investment is expected to create about 490 new jobs and strengthen the United States’ domestic supply chain for rare earth materials and permanent magnets.
The new advanced manufacturing facility will be located at Bailey Park in Blacksburg, South Carolina. The operation will produce neodymium-iron-boron, or NdFeB, permanent magnets and refined rare earth metals used in advanced manufacturing, defense technologies, energy systems and other high-growth industries.
Operations are expected to come online in April 2028.
Strengthening the U.S. Rare Earth and Permanent Magnet Supply Chain
USA Rare Earth is building a global rare earth and permanent magnet value chain to serve both commercial and defense markets in the United States and allied nations. The company has operations in Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States, along with a planned acquisition of a major rare earth mine in Brazil.
The Cherokee County facility will support the company’s broader strategy to expand domestic advanced manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign sources for critical rare earth materials.
At full operation, the South Carolina campus will perform a wide range of critical manufacturing functions, including:
- Electrolysis
- Metallothermic reduction
- Strip casting
- Jet milling
- Dry pressing
- Sintering
- Heat treatment
- Machining
- Coating
Leadership Commentary
- “Cherokee County is the next critical link in the rare earth and magnet value chain we’re building across the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and around the globe,” said USA Rare Earth CEO Barbara Humpton. “South Carolina offered the workforce, the infrastructure and the partners we needed to move quickly. With this investment, we’re bringing home the advanced manufacturing capabilities that America and its allies depend on, from the factory floor to the front lines.”
- “South Carolina continues to attract investments that strengthen our economy and create meaningful opportunities for our people,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “USA Rare Earth’s $1.2 billion investment and the creation of approximately 490 new jobs will have a significant impact on Cherokee County and reinforce our state’s position as a leader in American manufacturing.”
- “USA Rare Earth’s approximately $1.2 billion investment in Cherokee County reflects the state’s strong capabilities in advanced manufacturing and innovation technologies,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “The company’s new operation in the Upstate will contribute to South Carolina’s position as a leader in critical sectors.”
- “Two hundred and fifty years ago, Cherokee County helped turn the tide of the Revolutionary War and today we are proud to once again stand on the front lines of American independence by welcoming USA Rare Earth to the Bailey Park,” said Cherokee County Council Chairman Tim Spencer. “This project strengthens our nation’s future by reducing our dependence on China for critical rare earth minerals while bringing jobs, investment and opportunity to Cherokee County.”
- “Duke Energy is proud to help bring USA Rare Earth to Cherokee County and strengthen America’s domestic rare earth supply chain,” said Duke Energy South Carolina President Tim Pearson. “Through our close collaboration with state and local economic development partners, we worked to position this site with the upfront diligence, coordination and energy planning that companies need to move with confidence and speed. As we continue to prioritize reliable power at the lowest possible cost for our customers, we stand ready to welcome more industries like this to call South Carolina home.”
South Carolina Supports Critical Minerals and Advanced Manufacturing Growth
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The investment adds to South Carolina’s growing reputation as a competitive location for advanced manufacturing, innovation technologies and critical supply chain operations.
USA Rare Earth’s decision to establish operations in Cherokee County further strengthens the Upstate’s role in supporting next-generation manufacturing, domestic materials production and national security-related industries.
Individuals interested in joining the USA Rare Earth team should visit the company’s careers page.
About USA Rare Earth
USA Rare Earth, Inc. is a global leader in rare earths, critical minerals and advanced materials that are essential to leading-edge technology, advanced manufacturing and defense industries. The company is developing a vertically integrated rare earth and permanent magnet supply chain to serve commercial and defense customers in the United States and allied nations.
About S.C. Commerce
As South Carolina’s lead economic development agency, the South Carolina Department of Commerce works to recruit and support companies of all sizes as they launch, expand and build long-term operations in the state. Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, S.C. Commerce helps create economic opportunities, support business growth and strengthen South Carolina’s competitiveness across established and emerging industries.
S.C. Commerce is also the principal collaborator for SC NEXUS, a consortium of leaders in government, utilities, higher education and other stakeholder organizations focused on advanced energy. For more information, visit sccommerce.com.
