Wyoming, July 12, 2025 — The inauguration of the Brook Mine near Ranchester marks a major shift in U.S. resource strategy, as it becomes the first domestically owned and operational rare-earth mine in more than 70 years. The mine, developed by Ramaco Resources, sits on land adjacent to the state’s first new coal mine in over half a century. Designed to produce both coal and rare-earth elements, this project reflects a strategic push to reduce reliance on Chinese mineral imports and support high-growth sectors including electric vehicles, electronics, renewable energy, and defense.
The rare-earth elements targeted—neodymium, dysprosium, terbium, and gallium—are critical to high-performance magnets, batteries, and defense technologies. A Fluor Corporation study confirmed the technical and commercial viability of extracting these minerals using a unique carbon-ore process, estimating a pre-tax net present value of $1.2 billion and an internal rate of return of 38%. The operation is projected to produce roughly 1,242 short tons of rare-earth oxides annually over a 42-year lifespan.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 11 featured U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, Representatives Harriet Hageman and Joe Manchin, reflecting widespread political support. The project received a $6.1 million matching grant from the Wyoming Energy Authority to help fund a rare-earth and critical-minerals processing pilot plant north of Sheridan.
Beyond economic metrics, the mine holds national security importance. Until now, the only active U.S. rare-earth facility has been the Mountain Pass mine in California, owned by MP Materials and producing just under 40,000 tonnes annually—about 15% of global rare-earth output. The Brook Mine represents a meaningful expansion of domestic supply chains, aimed at decreasing dependence on China, which controls about 95% of global rare-earth production and 85% of refining capacity.
The U.S. Department of Defense is already making significant public–private investments to secure these supply lines. In California, the Pentagon invested $400 million in MP Materials, acquiring a 15% stake and underwriting construction of a magnet manufacturing plant in Texas expected by 2028. Concurrently, Ramaco Resources saw its share price surge nearly 31% after publishing the positive Fluor study, with CEO Randall Atkins acknowledging indirect outreach from the Pentagon.
At the Wyoming ceremony, leaders emphasized both economic and strategic significance. Governor Gordon said the project underscores Wyoming’s role as a pioneer in energy innovation. Senator Barrasso called it a declaration of America’s resolve to reclaim leadership in critical minerals, and Senator Lummis said the mine marks a new chapter in the state’s energy legacy.
This mine has immediate local impacts. It promises to create hundreds of jobs in rural Wyoming, contributing to economic diversification in coal country. Using coal-based carbon ore for rare-earth extraction offers lower cost and energy requirements compared to traditional methods, and it generates minimal radioactive byproducts—helping alleviate environmental concerns.
The launch coincides with broader national efforts to reinvigorate America’s rare-earth sector. Under both the Trump and Biden administrations, policies including royalty reductions, expedited permits, tariffs on Chinese rare-earth magnets, and direct investment have sought to build domestic capacity. Additional projects are in planning stages in Nebraska and Montana, but the Brook Mine is the first to reach production in decades.
For downstream manufacturers—electric vehicle producers, wind turbine manufacturers, electronics firms, and defense contractors—this represents a watershed moment. With a secure domestic source of critical minerals, supply chains will be strengthened, price volatility reduced, and geopolitical risk mitigated. The Brook Mine’s output won’t meet U.S. demand on its own, but it signals a turning point for American supply autonomy and industrial resilience .
In conclusion, the Brook Mine’s launch is far more than a local mining milestone—it represents a strategic pivot in U.S. industrial and national security policy. Its success could reshape the rare-earth market, catalyze domestic manufacturing, foster high-tech and defense advancements, and reinforce America’s position in a sector long dominated by foreign players.
