The U.S. Department of Defense awarded Australia mining behemoth Lynas $30.4 million on Monday to finance the construction of a rare earth metal processing plant in Hondo. The funding comes as the nation attempts to solidify its domestic supply of rare earth metals-, which are vital for making wind turbines, consumer technology, batteries and missiles. Lynas Rare Earths Ltd, the largest rare earth element mining and processing company outside of China, was awarded a Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III technology investment agreement to establish domestic processing capabilities for light rare earth elements (LREE).