Amazon and Microsoft-backed startup to build Recycling Plant of rare earths in Canada, the 'rare minerals' that analysts say gives China upper hand in trade war with the US
, a startup supported by Amazon, Microsoft, and BMW Group, plans to invest $25 million in a rare-earths recycling plant and research center in Ontario, Canada, according to a statement reported by Bloomberg. The facility, set to begin operations in the first quarter of 2026, aims to bolster North America's supply of critical minerals amid rising global demand and China's dominance over rare-earth markets.
Cyclic's technology extracts rare earths from end-of-life products like wind turbines, data-center hard drives, and electric vehicle components, addressing supply chain vulnerabilities highlighted by China's export restrictions in retaliation to U.S. tariffs, Bloomberg noted. The company already operates a demonstration facility in Kingston and a processing site in Arizona.
What is the rare earth minerals tussle between US and China
The rare earth minerals issue between the U.S. and China centers on a trade dispute over critical minerals essential for advanced technologies, including defense systems, electric vehicles, semiconductors, and renewable energy. China mines about 70% of the world's rare earth elements (17 metallic elements with unique properties) and processes over 90%, giving it significant control over global supply chains. They also produce 85% of rare earth magnets used in electric motors and other tech.
'Rare-earth elements are a $20 billion to $30 billion market globally, but they unlock multi-trillion-dollar industries,' Ahmad Ghahreman, CEO of Cyclic Materials, told Bloomberg. 'We are creating a secure, local supply for these critical metals.' The Kingston plant is designed to process 500 metric tons of feedstock annually, producing rare-earth oxides for magnets used in EV motors, wind turbines, and consumer electronics. Feedstock will be sourced from Cyclic's Arizona facility and a network of partners, with output supplied to companies like Solvay SA.
The project aligns with Canada's push to become a hub for critical minerals, supported by government incentives and growing interest from automakers and tech giants. Cyclic's initiative could reduce reliance on Chinese rare earths, which account for over 80% of global supply, per Bloomberg. The research center will also develop advanced recycling techniques, positioning Cyclic to meet surging demand for sustainable mineral sources in industries critical to the green energy transition.
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