ElementUSA announced an $850 million investment to build a rare earth and critical minerals refining facility in St. James Parish, Louisiana, marking one of the largest industrial investments in the state’s recent history.

The project is expected to create 200 direct jobs with an average annual salary of approximately $90,000, along with an estimated 545 indirect jobs across construction, logistics, and supporting industries. Company officials said the facility will play a key role in strengthening domestic supply chains for materials essential to defense, energy, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies.

The refinery will process rare earth elements and other critical minerals that are currently sourced largely from overseas, reducing U.S. reliance on foreign suppliers and improving supply security. The project is supported in part by a $29.9 million federal grant aimed at expanding domestic critical minerals capacity and reshoring strategic industries.

State and local leaders welcomed the investment, citing its long-term economic impact and high-paying job creation in the region. Construction is expected to begin following final permitting, with operations ramping up in phases once completed.

The announcement aligns with broader federal efforts under President Trump to revive the U.S. mining and refining sector, attract record levels of private capital investment, and safeguard critical supply chains vital to national security and economic competitiveness.