| SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation: The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of MP Materials Corp. and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Concentration of Risk: Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk consist principally of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, and trade accounts receivable. The Company believes that its credit risk is limited because the Company’s current contracts are with companies that have a reliable payment history. The Company does not believe it is exposed to any significant risks related to its cash accounts, money market funds, or short-term investments. As of December 31, 2022, Shenghe was the Company’s principal customer and accounted for more than 90% of product sales. Demand for rare earth concentrate is currently constrained to a relatively limited number of refiners, a significant majority of which are based in China. Furthermore, while revenue is generated in the United States, Shenghe conducts its primary operations in China and may transport and sell products in the Chinese market. Therefore, the Company’s revenue is affected by Shenghe’s ultimate realized prices in China, including the impact of changes in the exchange rate between the Chinese Yuan and the U.S. dollar. In addition, there has been ongoing economic conflict between China and the United States that has previously resulted in tariffs and trade barriers that may negatively affect the Company’s business and results of operations. See Note 3, “Relationship and Agreements with Shenghe,” and Note 18, “Related-Party Transactions,” for additional information. The COVID-19 pandemic remains ongoing and continues to impact the global economy. Through the end of 2022, varying degrees of preventative measures were still in place in China and other parts of the world, including city-wide lockdowns, travel restrictions, closures of non-essential businesses and other quarantine measures. Since the first quarter of 2020, the Company has experienced, at times, significant shipping delays due to congestion and slowdowns at U.S. and international ports caused by shortages in vessels, containers, and truckers, also disrupting the global supply chain. Congestion and slowdowns have affected and may continue to affect the capacity at ports to receive deliveries of products or the loading of shipments onto vessels. Despite these factors, the Company has not experienced a reduction in production or sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to certain cost and schedule pressures on the Stage II optimization project. The Company has worked proactively and diligently to adjust working schedules and hours to optimize logistics and shipping, which has thus far prevented a significant negative impact on the Company’s product sales and has mitigated certain impacts on Stage II construction and recommissioning progress. As the situation continues to evolve, including as a result of new and potential future variants of COVID-19, the possibility of federal or state mandates on vaccinations, or other factors that may affect international shipping and logistics or involve responses to government actions such as strikes or other disruptions, it is impossible to predict the effect and ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business, results of operations, production and sales volumes, or growth projects. Accordingly, the extent and duration of any business disruptions, and related financial impact, cannot be estimated at this time. Use of Estimates : The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, (ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements, and (iii) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions relate to the useful lives and recoverability of long-lived assets (such as the effects of mineral reserves and cash flows from operating the mine in determining the life of the mine); the valuation allowance of deferred tax assets; asset retirement and environmental obligations; and determining the fair value of assets and liabilities in acquisitions and financial instruments in connection with transactions that require initial measurement to be at fair value. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accordingly, actual results may differ from those estimates. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments: Cash and cash equivalents consist of all cash balances and highly liquid investments, including U.S. treasury and agency securities, with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. The Company’s investments in U.S. treasury and agency securities have been classified and accounted for as available-for-sale securities and the Company reevaluates the classification each reporting period. The Company classifies its available-for-sale securities that do not otherwise meet the requirements to be accounted for as cash equivalents as either current or non-current based on each instrument’s underlying contractual maturity date as well as the Company’s expectations of sales and redemptions within the next twelve months. See Note 5, “Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments,” for additional information. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value each reporting period. For unrealized losses in securities that the Company intends to hold and will not more likely than not be required to sell before recovery, the Company further evaluates whether declines in fair value below amortized cost are due to credit or non-credit related factors. The Company considers credit related impairments to be changes in value that are driven by a change in the creditor’s ability to meet its payment obligations, and records an allowance and recognizes a corresponding loss when the impairment is incurred. Unrealized non-credit related losses and unrealized gains are reported, net of income taxes, in “Accumulated other comprehensive income” within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, until realized. Realized gains and losses are determined based on the specific identification method and are reported in “Other income, net” within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations upon realization. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related available-for-sale security as an adjustment to yield using the straight-line method. Interest income is recognized when earned. These amounts are reported in “Other income, net” within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accrued interest receivable was $2.5 million as of December 31, 2022, and is included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Restricted Cash: Restricted cash consists of funds that are contractually restricted as to usage or withdrawal due to legal agreement. The Company determines current or non-current classification based on the expected duration of the restriction. Current and non-current restricted cash is included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and “Other non-current assets,” respectively, within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Accounts Receivable: Accounts receivable pertain to receivables arising from contracts with customers and are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The Company evaluates its estimate of expected credit losses based on historical experience and current economic conditions for each portfolio of customers, though at present, the amounts are typically concentrated in a single customer. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company did not have an allowance for expected credit losses, as principally all of the Company’s receivables are from Shenghe and there is no history or expectation of uncollectible amounts. Inventories: Inventories consist of raw materials and supplies, work in process (referred to as “in-process inventory”), and finished goods. Materials and supplies consist of raw materials, spare parts, reagent chemicals, maintenance supplies, and packaging materials used in the production of rare earth products. In-process inventory primarily consists of mine ore stockpiles and bastnaesite ore in various stages of the production process. Finished goods primarily consist of either packaged bastnaesite concentrate or roasted bastnaesite concentrate that is ready for sale. Raw materials, in-process inventory and finished goods are carried at average cost. Supplies are carried at moving average cost. All inventories are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which represents the estimated selling price of the product during the ordinary course of business based on current market conditions less costs to sell. Inventory cost includes all expenses directly attributable to the manufacturing process, including labor and stripping costs, and an appropriate portion of production overhead, including depletion, based on normal operating capacity. Stockpiled ore tonnages are verified by periodic surveys. The Company evaluates the carrying amount of inventory on a periodic basis, considering slow-moving items, obsolescence, excess inventory levels, and other factors and recognizes related write-downs if it is determined that the inventory is impaired. Mine ore stockpiles that are not expected to be processed within the next twelve months are classified as non-current. See also Note 6, “Inventories.” Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated over their useful lives. Expenditures for new property, plant and equipment and improvements that extend the useful life or functionality of the assets are recorded at their cost of acquisition or construction. Depreciation on property, plant and equipment is recognized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, as follows: Years Land improvements 25 Buildings and building improvements 10-40 Machinery and equipment 3-20 Assets under construction include costs directly attributable to the construction or development of long-lived assets. These costs may include labor and employee benefits associated with the construction of the asset, site preparation, permitting, engineering, installation and assembly, procurement, insurance, legal, commissioning, and interest on borrowings to finance the construction of the assets. Depreciation is not recorded on the related assets until they are ready for their intended use. Repair and maintenance costs that do not extend the useful life of an asset are expensed as incurred. Gains and losses arising from the sale or disposal of property, plant and equipment are determined as the difference between the proceeds from sale or disposal and the carrying amount of the asset. Property, plant and equipment primarily relate to the Company’s open-pit mine and processing and separating facility at Mountain Pass. In addition to the mine, Mountain Pass includes a crusher and mill/flotation plant, mineral recovery and separation plants, tailings processing and storage facilities, product finishing facilities, on-site evaporation ponds, a combined heat and power plant, water treatment plant, a chlor-alkali plant, as well as laboratory facilities to support research and development activities, offices, warehouses and support infrastructure. See also Note 7, “Property, Plant and Equipment.” Mineral Rights: The Company capitalizes costs for acquiring and leasing mining properties and expenses costs to maintain mineral rights as incurred. Depletion on mineral rights is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated remaining useful life of the mine, which was approximately 33 years as of December 31, 2022. The Company determined that the straight-line method of depletion appropriately captures the estimated economic costs of extracting the minerals of the mine across its estimated useful life, and aligns with the benefit obtained from the depletion of the asset consistent with the current mine plan. Mineral rights are classified as a component of “Property, plant and equipment” within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. See also Note 7, “Property, Plant and Equipment.” Leases: The Company determines if an arrangement is, or contains, a lease at contract inception. In some cases, the Company has determined that its lease arrangements include both lease and non-lease components. The Company has elected to use a practical expedient to account for each separate lease component and its associated non-lease components as a single lease component for the majority of its asset classes. The Company recognizes right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities upon commencement for all leases with a lease term greater than 12 months. The Company has elected to use a practical expedient to not recognize leases with a lease term of 12 months or less in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the majority of its asset classes. These short-term leases are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The ROU assets are included in “Other non-current assets” within the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the current and non-current portions of lease liabilities are included in “Other current liabilities” and “Other non-current liabilities,” respectively, within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date of the lease based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. When the rate implicit to the lease cannot be readily determined, the Company utilizes its incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of the future lease payments. Lease liabilities are accreted each period and reduced for payments. The ROU asset also includes other adjustments, such as for the effects of escalating rents, rent abatements or initial lease costs. The lease term may include periods covered by options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise a renewal option, or reasonably certain it will not exercise an early termination option. For operating leases, lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term. For finance leases, the ROU asset amortizes on a straight-line basis over the lease term (or the useful life of the underlying asset if title transfers at the end of the lease term or there is a purchase option the Company is reasonably certain to exercise) and the lease liability accretes interest based on the interest method using the discount rate determined at lease commencement. See also Note 9, “Leases.” Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: Long-lived assets, including mineral rights, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. In estimating undiscounted cash flows, assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of undiscounted cash flows from other asset groups. The Company’s estimates of undiscounted cash flows are based on numerous assumptions, and it is possible that actual cash flows may differ significantly from estimates, as actual produced reserves, prices, commodity-based and other costs, and closure costs are each subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The estimated undiscounted cash flows used to assess recoverability of long-lived assets and to measure the fair value of the Company’s mining operations are derived from current business plans, which are developed using short-term price forecasts reflective of the current price environment and the Company’s projections for long-term average prices. In addition to short- and long-term price assumptions, other assumptions include estimates of production costs; proven and probable mineral reserves estimates, including the timing and cost to develop and produce the reserves; value beyond proven and probable estimates; and estimated future closure costs. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or asset groups is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flows basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values, and third-party independent appraisals, based on the approach the Company believes a market participant would use. An impairment loss, if any, is recorded for the excess of the asset’s (or asset group’s) carrying amount over its fair value, as determined by a valuation technique appropriate to the given circumstances. See also Note 7, “Property, Plant and Equipment.” Offtake Advances Accounted for as Debt Obligations and Debt Discount: Subsequent to the June 2020 Modification to the Original Offtake Agreement and through the final repayment of the Prepaid Balance (as such terms are defined in Note 3, “Relationship and Agreements with Shenghe” ) in March 2022, the Company accounted for prepayments or other advances received from Shenghe prior to or in connection with the June 2020 Modification as debt. The associated debt discount, which reduced the carrying amount of the debt, was amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the Company’s estimated contractual term of the underlying indebtedness. See also, Note 8, “Debt Obligations.” Asset Retirement Obligations: The Company recognizes asset retirement obligations (“ARO”) for estimated costs of legally and contractually required closure, dismantlement, and reclamation activities associated with Mountain Pass. ARO are initially recognized at their estimated fair value in the period in which the obligation originates. Fair value is based on the expected timing of reclamation activities, cash flows to perform activities, amount and uncertainty associated with the cash flows, including adjustments for a market risk premium, and discounted using a credit-adjusted risk-free rate. The liability is accreted over time through periodic charges to earnings and reduced as reclamation activities occur with differences between estimated and actual amounts recognized as an adjustment to operating expenses. Subsequent increments in expected undiscounted cash flows are measured at their discounted values using updated estimates of the Company’s credit-adjusted risk-free rate applied to the increment only. Subsequent decrements in expected undiscounted cash flows are reduced based on the weighted-average credit-adjusted risk-free rate associated with the obligation. When increments and decrements are caused by a change in the estimated timing of settlement, the Company treats the increase in cash flows in the year of the updated estimate as an increment and the increase in cash flows in the original year as a decrement. Associated asset retirement costs, including the effect of increments and decrements, are recognized as adjustments to the related asset’s carrying amount and depreciated over the related asset’s remaining useful life. If a decrement is greater than the carrying amount of the related asset, the difference is recognized as a reduction to depreciation expense. See also Note 10, “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations.” Environmental Obligations: The Company has certain environmental remediation obligations that primarily relate to groundwater monitoring activities. Estimated remediation costs are accrued based on management’s best estimate at the end of each reporting period of the costs expected to be incurred to settle the obligation when those amounts are probable and estimable. Such cost estimates may include ongoing care, maintenance and monitoring costs associated with remediation activities. Changes in remediation estimates are reflected in earnings in the period the estimate is revised. Remediation costs included in environmental obligations are discounted to their present value when payments are readily estimable, and are discounted using a risk-free rate, which the Company derives from U.S. Treasury yields. See also Note 10, “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations.” Debt Issuance Costs: Costs that are incurred by the Company in connection with the issuance of debt are deferred and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the contractual term of the underlying indebtedness. Debt issuance costs reduce the carrying amount of the associated debt. Revenue Recognition: The Company’s revenue comes from sales of rare earth products produced at Mountain Pass. The Company’s sales are primarily to an affiliate of Shenghe. The Company’s performance obligation is to deliver rare earth products to the agreed-upon delivery point, and the Company recognizes revenue at the point in time control of the products transfers to the customer, which is typically when the rare earth products are delivered to the agreed-upon shipping point. At that time, the customer has the ability to direct the use of and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from the products, and the customer bears the risk of loss. For sales to unrelated third parties, the transaction price is agreed to at the time the sale is entered into. For sales to Shenghe, the transaction price is typically based on an agreed-upon price per metric ton (“MT”), subject to certain quality adjustments depending on the measured characteristics of the product, with an adjustment for the ultimate market price of the product realized by Shenghe upon sales to their customers and certain other discounts. These ultimate market prices are forms of variable consideration. The Company typically negotiates with and bills an initial price to Shenghe; such prices are then updated based on final adjustments for quality differences and/or actual sales prices realized by Shenghe. Initial pricing is typically billed upon delivering the product to the agreed-upon shipping point and paid within 30 days or less. Final adjustments to prices may take longer to resolve. When the final price has not been resolved by the end of a reporting period, the Company estimates the expected sales price based on the initial price, current market pricing and known quality measurements, and further constrains such amounts to an amount that is probable not to result in a significant reversal of previously-recognized revenue. Revenue from product sales is recorded net of taxes collected from customers that are remitted to governmental authorities. When necessary and appropriate, the Company applies a portfolio approach in estimating a refund obligation. See also Note 4, “Revenue Recognition.” Government Grants: In accounting for grants received from the government, the grant proceeds are recognized when there is reasonable assurance the conditions of the grant will be met, and the grant will be received. When a grant is related to an expense item, it is recognized as income (or a reduction of expense) over the periods necessary to match the grant on a systematic basis to the costs that it is intended to compensate. When a grant is related to an asset, the funds received are recorded as reductions of the related asset’s carrying amount, thereby reducing future depreciation expense. See also Note 7, “Property, Plant and Equipment.” Stock-Based Compensation: The cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments is based on the grant-date fair value of the award and the expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period. The fair value of Stock Awards (as defined in Note 15, “Stock-based Compensation,” ) is equal to the fair value of the Company’s stock on the grant date. Stock Awards with graded vesting schedules are recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award. The Company accounts for forfeitures in the period in which they occur based on actual forfeitures. See also Note 15, “Stock-based Compensation.” Start-up Costs: Costs associated with restarting an existing facility or commissioning a new facility, circuit or process of the Company’s production, manufacturing, or separations facilities prior to achievement of commercial production, that do not qualify for capitalization, are expensed as incurred and considered start-up costs. Such costs may include certain salaries and wages, outside services, parts, training, and utilities, among other items, used or consumed directly in these start-up activities. Start-up costs are included in “Advanced projects, start-up, development and other” within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Earnings (Loss) Per Share: Basic earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the additional dilution for all potentially dilutive securities such as unvested restricted stock awards. See also Note 17, “Earnings (Loss) per Share.” Commitments and Contingencies: Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties, and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If a loss contingency is not probable or reasonably estimable, disclosure of the contingency and estimated range of loss, if determinable, is made in the financial statements when it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss could be incurred. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred. See also Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies.” Income Taxes: The Company accounts for income taxes using the balance sheet method, recognizing certain temporary differences between the book basis of the liabilities and assets and the related income tax basis for such liabilities and assets. This method generates either a net deferred income tax liability or asset for the Company, as measured by the statutory tax rates in effect. The Company derives a deferred income tax expense or benefit by recording the change in either the net deferred income tax liability or asset balance for the year. The Company’s policy, if it were to have uncertain tax positions, is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as part of its income tax expense. See also Note 11, “Income Taxes.” Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets: The Company’s deferred income tax assets include certain future tax benefits. The Company records a valuation allowance against any portion of those deferred income tax assets when it believes, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax asset will not be realized. The Company reviews the likelihood that the benefit of the deferred tax assets will be realized and the need for valuation allowances on a quarterly basis, or more frequently if events indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the Company evaluates all available positive and negative evidence. Certain categories of evidence carry more weight in the analysis than others based upon the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified. The Company looks to the nature and severity of cumulative pretax losses (if any) in the current three-year period ending on the evaluation date, recent pretax losses and/or expectations of future pretax losses. Other factors considered in the determination of the probability of the realization of the deferred tax assets include, but are not limited to: earnings history; projected future financial and taxable income based upon existing reserves and long-term estimates of commodity prices; the duration of statutory carry forward periods; prudent and feasible tax planning strategies readily available that may alter the timing of reversal of the temporary difference; nature of temporary differences and predictability of reversal patterns of existing temporary differences; and the sensitivity of future forecasted results to commodity prices and other factors. Concluding that a valuation allowance is not required is difficult when there is significant negative evidence which is objective and verifiable, such as cumulative losses in recent years. However, recent cumulative losses are not solely determinative of the need for a valuation allowance. The Company also considers all other available positive and negative evidence in its analysis. See also Note 11, “Income Taxes.” Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements: There were no new accounting pronouncements recently issued or effective during the year ended December 31, 2022, that had or would be expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Reclassifications: Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. |
