5 Best Rare Earth Stocks to Buy in 2026

3. NioCorp Developments Ltd. (NASDAQ:NB)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 29  

NioCorp Developments Ltd. (NASDAQ:NB) is among the best rare earth stocks on this list.

TheFly reported on June 9 that B. Riley Securities initiated coverage of NB with a Buy rating and a $12 price target. The firm highlighted the company’s progress in advancing the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in southeastern Nebraska, describing it as one of the more advanced and lower-risk critical minerals development projects in the United States.

In other news, on June 1, NioCorp Developments Ltd. (NASDAQ:NB) announced that its Chairman and CEO, Mark A. Smith, authored an opinion piece published on FoxNews.com addressing China’s restrictions on heavy rare earth exports. In the article, Smith argued that the export controls reflect a long-term strategic policy rather than a temporary negotiating measure, warning that the United States could face prolonged shortages of critical rare earth materials until domestic production capacity is established. He emphasized the importance of heavy rare earth elements such as dysprosium and terbium for permanent magnets used in defense systems, aerospace applications, electric vehicles, and other advanced technologies. Smith also highlighted ongoing U.S. efforts to strengthen domestic critical mineral supply chains, noting that expanding mine-to-manufacturer capabilities is essential to reducing reliance on foreign sources for strategically important materials.

NioCorp Developments Ltd. (NASDAQ:NB)is a mineral development company advancing the Elk Creek Project to supply critical minerals for aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing.