#United States #Sheridan #Ramaco #Wyoming #Rare Earth Elements

Ramaco Resources Begins Groundbreaking for New Facility

On October 23, 2025, Ramaco Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ: METC, METCB) declared the commencement of site preparation and mobilization for its new pilot processing plant and laboratory. Situated adjacent to the Brook Mine and the iCAM Research Center near Sheridan, Wyoming, this facility represents a pivotal advancement in Ramaco's strategy to foster a vertically integrated supply chain for rare earth elements (REEs) and critical minerals in the U.S.

The new plant is designed to validate the technical and economic viability of processing domestic carbonaceous ore into high-purity individual rare earth oxides (IREOs). These materials are crucial for U.S. magnet production and various advanced technologies. Furthermore, the pilot operation is intended to bridge the gap to full-scale commercialization with plans already in place for a more extensive oxide processing facility.

In support of this initiative, Ramaco has received a $6.1 million matching grant from the Wyoming Energy Authority's Energy Matching Fund. This grant is aimed at fostering energy innovation and economic growth within the state. The company has successfully obtained all the necessary zoning and environmental approvals needed to advance the establishment of this facility.

The pilot plant will primarily focus on the processing of both rare earths and critical materials that have recently encountered export restrictions from China, emphasizing the significance of establishing domestic production capabilities. Preliminary analyses suggest that the Brook Mine deposit, located at the northwestern edge of the Powder River Basin, possesses unique geological characteristics enriched in rare earths through secondary mobilization, making it one of the most promising sources for rare earth elements in the U.S.

Randall W. Atkins, Ramaco's Chairman and CEO, commented on the importance of this groundbreaking event. He expressed optimism that it marks the beginning of a new era for American rare earth minerals, aiming to create a reliable domestic supply and bolster the U.S. position in essential technologies for the future.

Notably, a significant milestone occurred on July 11, 2025, when Ramaco organized a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the inauguration of the Brook Mine. This event marked the first new rare earth mine in the U.S. in over 70 years, and the first new coal mine in Wyoming in more than half a century. The ceremony featured notable figures, including U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, and Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis. The occasion was themed "American Independence: A Rare Earth Revolution" and highlighted Ramaco's strategic role in augmenting domestic production of critical minerals.

Ramaco is committed to advancing mining and geological activities, which include infill and expansion drilling to refine its resource classification and enhance future mining and processing capabilities.

About Ramaco Resources

Ramaco Resources, Inc. operates and develops high-quality, low-cost metallurgical coal in southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia. It is also focused on producing coal, rare earth, and critical minerals in Wyoming. The company's executive headquarters are located in Lexington, Kentucky, with operational offices in Charleston, West Virginia, and Sheridan, Wyoming. Currently, Ramaco has four active metallurgical coal mining complexes in Central Appalachia along with a developing rare earth and coal mine near Sheridan that is in the early stages of production.

In 2023, the company identified a significant deposit of primary magnetic rare earths and critical minerals at its mine near Sheridan. Additionally, adjacent to this mine, it operates a facility for carbon research and pilot projects related to the development of advanced carbon-based products and materials derived from coal. Ramaco holds a substantial portfolio of intellectual property, including approximately 76 patents, pending applications, exclusive licensing agreements, and various trademarks. For more information about Ramaco Resources and its financial filings, please visit Ramaco Resources or contact investor relations at (859) 244-7455.