(Reuters) -China has quietly issued its first 2025 rare earth mining and smelting quotas without the typical public statement, sources with knowledge of the matter said this week, another sign of Beijing tightening its control over the crucial sector.

MP Materials’ goal to become a national rare-earths “champion” that can go toe-to-toe with China was turbocharged by Pentagon investment and an Apple deal. But its journey there highlights the hurdles American producers face.