Wyoming opens First Rare Earth Mine In U.S. since 70 Years
Picture a small town in Wyoming, once known for coal, now poised to reshape America’s technological future. On July 11, 2025, the
Ramaco Brook Mine near Ranchester, Wyoming, opened its gates, marking the first U.S. rare earth mine in over 70 years and the state’s first new coal mine in five decades. This isn’t just a mine, it’s a bold step toward breaking China’s grip on critical minerals vital for everything from F-35 jets to electric vehicles. But can a single mine shift the global balance, and at what cost? Let’s explore the story of Brook Mine, its innovations, and its promise for America’s future.
How did
Ramaco Brook Resources
secure a 5-year permit to mine Gallium and other minerals in WY?
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Brook Mine, attended by
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, and congressional leaders, was a celebration of American ambition. Ramaco Resources, led by CEO Randall Atkins, transformed a $2 million coal mine purchase in 2011 into a potential $37 billion rare earth deposit, hosting an estimated 1.7 million tons of rare earth oxides. This “world-class” find, as dubbed by federal researchers, could supply 3-5% of U.S. magnet demand and over 30% of defense needs.
Rare earth elements (REEs) like neodymium, dysprosium, and gallium are the backbone of modern tech, yet China controls
91% of global refining. Can Brook Mine truly reduce this dependency, or is it just a symbolic victory? The answer lies in its unique approach and strategic timing.
The Unique Geology of Brook Mine in Wyoming
Unlike traditional hard-rock rare earth mines, Brook Mine extracts REEs from coal and adjacent carbonaceous strata, a softer, non-radioactive material. This “carbon ore” approach, pioneered by Ramaco, reduces extraction costs and environmental risks compared to mines like California’s Mountain Pass, the only other U.S. REE source. Initial surveys show concentrations of 550 parts per million, lower than hard-rock sites but economically viable due to innovative processing.
Key resources include:
- Magnetic REEs: Neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, and dysprosium for EV and wind turbine magnets.
- Critical Minerals: Gallium, germanium, and scandium for semiconductors and defense tech.
- Projected Output: 1,242 tons of oxides annually from 2 million tons of coal, scalable over a 42-year mine life.
This geology, combined with a $6.1 million Wyoming grant for a pilot processing facility, positions Brook as a game-changer. Yet, the mine’s full potential hinges on overcoming technical and environmental hurdles.
What are these minerals used for?
The Brook Mine is a boon for Wyoming and beyond. It’s expected to create hundreds of high-paying jobs, from mining to processing, boosting Sheridan County’s economy. A preliminary economic assessment projects $134 million in adjusted EBITDA by 2028, with steady-state revenue of $378 million by 2029. Nationally, it reduces reliance on China, which has restricted REE exports, as seen in a 2010 embargo on Japan. U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis called it a “historic win for mineral independence.”
Strategically, Brook Mine aligns with the Trump administration’s push to reshore critical supply chains. With only 4% of the 15,800-acre deposit tapped, Ramaco plans to expand exploration, potentially making the U.S. a key player in the $20 billion global REE market, expected to triple by 2040.
Environmental Considerations
Rare earth mining often raises red flags due to radioactive waste and habitat disruption. Brook Mine’s coal-based approach avoids radioactive byproducts, a significant advantage. However, mining 2 million tons of coal annually could
strain local ecosystems, with concerns about water contamination and land disturbance. Ramaco has pledged sustainable practices, including water recycling and waste management, but environmental groups remain cautious, urging strict oversight to protect the Bighorn Mountains’ biodiversity.
The challenge is clear: Can Ramaco balance economic gains with ecological responsibility? Wyoming’s $6.1 million grant includes funds for a pilot facility to test green extraction methods, but scaling these without harm will be critical. These advancements, backed by a $200 million public offering in 2025, position Brook as a model for future mines. Construction of a commercial processing plant is slated for 2026, a step toward a fully domestic supply chain. Explore the technology here.
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