Niron High Performance Non-Rare Earth Permanent Magnets - For Consumer, Industrial and Automotive Applications has announced a real estate site for its beginning commercial manufacturing and sales. Not yet large scale, but producing some output. As advancements in green technology and increasing electrification continue, the demand for permanent magnets has never been higher.

Minnesota-based magnetics company scales up greener options

Other reporting, here and here. 

If the Niron process produces reliable Rare Earth free permanent magnets at automotive electric drive-train scale, without problems, it could be a cost breakthrough lessening reliance in the magnetics worldwide market upon Chinese Rare Earth element production. Other Rare Earth uses - other of the elements - would remain as is, but magnetics would change. This would accelerate transition from internal combustion driven autos to electric. In turn, there would be less reliance on Middle East oil for powering motor vehicles, allowing conservation of reserves for petrochemical use, rather than for greenhouse gas combustion. 

It would be win-win all around.

 UPDATE: Local business journal reporting indicates some job creation in a rural location, with this step, and with national and international expansion steps contemplated once this pilot-plant in Sartell, MN, is successfully up and running.