** Shares of rare-earth magnet company USA Rare Earth USAR.O rise 10% to $24.98 premarket after CEO confirms to media about talks with White House
** USAR CEO Barbara Humpton said the miner "in close communication" with White House - CNBC reported late on Thursday
** Report after U.S. government confirmed stake in Lithium Americas earlier this week LAC.TO, public-private partnership with rare-earths producer MP Materials MP.N in July
** USAR did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment
** Up to last close, USAR up nearly 98% YTD
(Reporting by Avinash P in Bengaluru)
((Avinash.P@thomsonreuters.com;))