Jonathan Rowntree

Jonathan Rowntree serves as chief executive of U.S.-based Niron Magnetics, which makes the world’s only rare-earth-free powerful permanent magnets.

Camp Pendleton, CA - June 06: Corporals Nathan Baptiste, left, and Jacob Bennett attach a camera to an observation UAV during tactical scenario training of offensive and defensive drone capabilities at Camp Pendleton on Friday, June 6, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)

Opinion

June 5, 2026

China’s grip on rare-earth magnets could crush US drone industry before it grows

Trump's drone dominance executive order drives demand for 340,000 systems by 2028, but China's rare earth export controls threaten the magnet supply chain.

Chinese Leader Xi Jinping delivering a speech

Opinion

September 22, 2025

China weaponized science against the US. We've figured out a key element they missed

China's rare-earth monopoly enabled economic warfare through April export restrictions, but American iron nitride magnet breakthrough offers strategic independence.