USA Rare Earth Taps Siemens Vet as CEO, Acquires UK Firm
Company names Barbara Humpton as CEO and acquires Less Common Metals to forge a rare earth supply chain outside of China.
USA Rare Earth has announced a pair of strategic moves designed to establish the company as a leading producer of critical minerals outside of China, naming a new chief executive and acquiring a key UK-based manufacturer.
The company appointed Barbara Humpton, the former President and CEO of Siemens USA, as its new Chief Executive Officer. The appointment of a high-profile industrial sector veteran coincides with the company's transformative acquisition of Less Common Metals (LCM), a producer of specialized rare earth metals and alloys.
The deal, , is a cornerstone of USA Rare Earth’s 'mine-to-magnet' strategy. This strategy aims to create a complete, vertically integrated supply chain for rare earth elements entirely within Western countries, addressing long-standing geopolitical and industrial concerns over the concentration of refining and production in China.
Less Common Metals is described as one of the only commercial-scale producers of both light and heavy rare earth permanent magnet metals and alloys outside of China. The acquisition gives USA Rare Earth a critical midstream capability, securing the ability to convert refined oxides into the high-purity metals necessary for manufacturing high-performance magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced defense systems.
The leadership change brings significant industrial and operational experience to the company. , the company highlighted Humpton's extensive background in leading complex, technology-driven enterprises. Her tenure at Siemens USA, a major player in industrial manufacturing and technology, positions her to guide USA Rare Earth through its next phase of development, which includes integrating LCM and scaling its domestic production facilities.
These concurrent announcements signal a major acceleration in the race to build a secure and resilient rare earth supply chain. By acquiring established production capabilities and installing a seasoned industrial leader, USA Rare Earth is positioning itself not just as a mining enterprise, but as a comprehensive, end-to-end provider of materials critical to the global energy transition and national security. were not immediately disclosed, but the strategic value is clear as Western economies seek to reduce their reliance on foreign sources for essential technology components.