Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Via OKC Commerce website USA Rare Earth, the first rare earth and critical minerals mining company in the western hemisphere, has announced that they are bringing a $100 million manufacturing facility to Stillwater in 2023.
$100 million manufacturing facility to be put in Stillwater Mallory Pool Staff Reporter
USA Rare Earth, the first rare earth and critical minerals mining company in the western hemisphere, has announced that they are bringing a $100 million manufacturing facility to Stillwater in 2023. The new Stillwater plant will convert rare earth oxides into metals, magnets and other products for things like electric vehicles, smartphones and military defense hardware. The old facility they will be refurbishing, a 309,000-square-foot building built by World Color Press in the 1970s, will start production in 2023 and create at least 100 new jobs at a starting salary between $50,000 and $60,000. The United States imports 100% of its rare earth minerals with 80% coming from China. Gov. Kevin Stitt spoke at a press conference at the proposed facility on Thursday. “This is a huge win for the state of Oklahoma, but it’s also, I believe, a huge win for our country, as well,” Stitt said. “Now, the United States can stop relying on China for these resources and start counting on Oklahoma. If you think about it, it doesn’t make sense for our Army, our Navy, our Marines to rely on China for our defense technologies. It’s dangerous for our security.” This is USA Rare Earth’s second location for a facility in the nation with the first being in Hudspeth County, Texas. The company looked at over 50 sites in eight states before choosing Stillwater. “This is truly a once-in-a-genera-
tion announcement for our city, for our state, for our country,” Stitt said. “The magnets that will be manufactured here are going to be used in all of our everyday lives: medical devices, imaging machines, smart phones.” Shawn Hilliary, an agricultural education major here at Oklahoma State University, gives his opinion on Stitt’s decision and the importance of the new facility. “I appreciate the work that the governor does to insure the people of our state and those I sit beside in the classroom are able to count on reliable job opportunities moving forward,” Hilliary said.“Further, I recognize the value of having this additional revenue in our city.” Several other OSU students and Stillwater community members spoke with The O’Colly throughout the weekend telling what they think of the company and its effects. “I’m excited to see our community and state playing a role in this emerging industry,” Faith Sarver, a member of the Stillwater community, said. “Job creation for our community is vital to our sustainability and growth. It will be interesting to watch this project unfold.” Jillian Remington, an agricultural communications major at OSU, said she is optimistic about the new opportunities. “I think the new addition of Rare Earth will be a great boost to the Oklahoma economy,” Remington said. “What stood out the most to me was the amount of jobs being brought to Stillwater. I think that is incredible. I do worry about how much the general public will actually look into what Rare Earth actually does. I think Rare Earth, local and state government, as well as OSU should work together to implement an effective and educational
marketing campaign.” Kaylin Klein, an aerospace administration and operations major, said he thinks this could be beneficial for the residents of Stillwater and the community. “I think the idea of having companies investing in Stillwater like this is a great way to bring in some more jobs and help make Stillwater even more unique and economically viable for students after college,” Klein said. “I’m also happy to hear that some of their products will find their way into aerospace, so there’s a chance later on in my career, after I get my degree, I could be using some products made right here in Stillwater.” “I am hopeful that this company choosing Stillwater will lead to more innovative economic development that can help make Stillwater an even better place to live, work and play,” Joshua
Taylor, a Stillwater community member and chair of the Stillwater Young Professionals Board, stated. Chell Bryant, a natural resource ecology and management major, said he thinks having an outside perspective is important in making this decision for Stillwater. “As an out of state student, I feel like this new company coming to Stillwater will have a positive and beneficial impact on the city of Stillwater and the community by boosting the economy and providing more jobs,” Bryant said, “Not only that, but having this company in the Stillwater area will help to bring us a sense of pride and content knowing that we are providing the materials needed to help our military and medical facilities with the magnets and batteries being produced.” news.ed@ocolly.com
Via Google images Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the new facility last Thursday.
Taking the next step Young, Cowgirls, look to next season
Branson Evans Ayumi Miyamoto played a key part in OSU’s season. The Cowgirls lost in the Sweet Sixteen.
and even after just one season of it, it was too much for me.” Young was confident in his team from day one. A successful fall season proved his point even more, and a season Daniel Allen opening win at home over a top 25 Princeton team was yet another stepStaff Reporter ping stone for his young team. “I don’t want to say it was our Chris Young knew he had work coming out party,” Young said. “I knew to do. we were really talented as a team. We After a disappointing 2021 season had already faced some early challengthat saw his Oklahoma State women’s es, whether it was Alana (Wolfberg’s) tennis team finish fifth in the Big 12, injury, having to start three true freshwith a losing record, Young made his men, or early difficulties with Covid, sole focus on returning his tennis pro- I think we were able to handle those gram to a level of consistency. (challenges) pretty well, and I think “I wanted to return the program it prepared us for a very difficult non to a level where it should be,” Young, conference schedule.” the Cowgirl tennis coach, said. “That (2021) season made me bitter, more bitter than I like to be. I don’t like losing, See Next step on 3