#United States #Ramaco Resources #Lexington #Critical Minerals #Brook Mine

Ramaco Resources Sets Ambitious Goal for Critical Minerals

Introduction

On October 27, 2025, Ramaco Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ: METC, METCB) announced an exciting initiative aimed at bolstering the United States' access to vital rare earth elements and critical minerals. The company's Board of Directors greenlit plans to establish a national stockpile at their Brook Mine facility located in Wyoming. This initiative is branded as the Strategic Critical Minerals Terminal (SCMT) and is a collaborative effort involving a well-known commodity structuring and financial advisory firm.

Goals of the SCMT

The overarching goal of the SCMT is to make Ramaco a leader in the production and supply of critical minerals and rare earth elements (REEs) across the U.S. The stockpile is set to fulfill increasing demands from both private and public sectors, ensuring a secure and reliable supply chain for materials essential for various industries, especially those related to national security and advanced manufacturing.

Addressing Supply Chain Concerns

By leveraging its location, mineral resources, and specialized advisory support, Ramaco aims to create long-term solutions for the extraction, processing, and ongoing management of its inventory. This forward-thinking initiative is also designed to reduce supply chain risks that threaten the availability of these strategic materials. Furthermore, the SCMT will not only handle Ramaco's own extracts but will also offer processing services to other producers, enhancing the domestic supply chain.

Strategic Location

The Brook Mine is strategically positioned, benefiting from direct links to BNSF railroad lines and adjacent to a major interstate highway. This advantageous location is anticipated to streamline logistics and material distribution, making it an attractive option for a wide range of clients, including defense contractors and industrial consumers across the nation.

Industry Partnerships

Collaborating with a seasoned commodity advisor, known for their expertise in physical commodity structured finance, Ramaco is aiming to turn its SCMT initiative into a cornerstone of its operations. This project hopes to secure stable revenue streams akin to annuity-like cash flows while reinforcing the framework of national infrastructure for critical mineral supplies.

Resource Potential of Brook Mine

The Brook Mine spans over 15,800 acres, with 4,500 acres currently permitted for operations. Expansion plans are underway to further develop the remaining acreage and optimize mineral storage capabilities. Notably, the mine is recognized as one of the few primary source sites globally for key elements such as scandium, gallium, and germanium—elements crucial for high-tech applications, including permanent magnets and advanced defense systems.

Production Increase Plans

Ramaco's recent authorization also indicates a significant increase in the anticipated annual output of commercial REE and critical mineral oxide production, upping the figure from an initial estimate of 1,240 tons to around 3,400 tons. This ambitious production growth aligns with the company's broader goal of ramping up coal production from two million to five million tons per year.

Notable Resource Estimates

According to a recent Technical Report Summary from Weir, the estimated total of Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO) is approximately 1.4 million tons, which includes gallium, scandium, and germanium. Following further testing and exploration, these estimates are expected to potentially rise, reinforcing Ramaco's significant role in the REE sector.

Commitment to U.S. Supply Chain Empowerment

Ramaco’s initiative to establish the SCMT not only aims to fortify the U.S. critical minerals supply chain but also aligns with the nation's security goals and fosters innovation within the rare earths sector. Emphasizing the importance of these materials for the manufacturing landscape, this initiative marks a pivotal step toward ensuring the United States has stable access to crucial advanced materials.

Conclusion

The unveiling of the SCMT initiative at the Brook Mine signifies a transformative moment for Ramaco Resources, positioning the company as a frontrunner in the critical minerals sector while bolstering national security and supply chain sustainability. As Ramaco continues to unlock the potential of its Brook Mine, the company is not just addressing current demands but is also paving the way for future innovations within the industry.