Lynas Rare Earths (OTCPK:LYSDY) (OTCPK:LYSCF), the largest rare earths producer outside China, soared as much as 20% to its highest level since mid-August 2022, on track for its best trading day since April 2020 after MP Materials' (MP) deal with the U.

Shares of Australian rare earths miners, including Lynas and Iluka Resources , soared on Friday after U.S.-based MP Materials' a multibillion-dollar deal with the U.S. government to boost production of rare earth magnets.

The Defense Department on Thursday became the largest shareholder in MP Materials, which owns the only rare earth mine in the U.S., amid a surge in demand for rare earths mined in the U.S. as China has curbed its rare earth exports amid a trade war with the U.S.