Historic Opening of the Brook Mine Marks a New Era in the U.S. Rare Earth Industry

Historic Opening of the Brook Mine

On July 11, 2025, Ramaco Resources, Inc. along with Ramaco Rare Earth, LLC will make history as they unveil the Brook Mine Carbon Ore Rare Earth project. This event is noteworthy not just as a mere ribbon-cutting ceremony but as a significant step towards restoring U.S. leadership in critical minerals and energy independence. Set to be the first new rare earth mine in the United States in over 70 years, the Brook Mine represents a pivotal shift in the landscape of American resource development.

A Historic Ceremony

The ceremony, themed "American Independence: A Rare Earth Revolution," will be held at the iCAM Technology Center in Ranchester, Wyoming. The event will see appearances from key political figures such as U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, and U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, along with U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman and former Senator Joe Manchin. Remarkably, this will also mark the first coal mine opened in Wyoming in over 50 years, signaling a renaissance in the state's mining sector.

Reclaiming Resources

Randall W. Atkins, Chairman and CEO of Ramaco Resources, emphasizes that this moment is emblematic of America's determination to regain its status as a leader in essential minerals. He remarked, "We are proud that Ramaco will be developing the first new mine to lead the United States in creating a viable domestic supply line of strategic rare earths and critical minerals."

The sizable deposits expected from the Brook Mine are projected to serve a significant portion of the country's critical mineral needs for decades to come. Notably, these rare earth elements are associated with coal— a resource that the U.S. has in abundance—demonstrating that coal still plays a vital role in not just energy supply but also in the sourcing of critical minerals needed for modern technological advancements.

Legislative Support

Senator John Barrasso commented on the significance of the Brook Mine, highlighting Wyoming's historical contributions through coal resources and the necessity of harnessing these new opportunities for critical minerals. He stated, "Mining our own minerals will help safely and securely power the advanced technologies driving our economy and national defense."

Senator Cynthia Lummis echoed this support for innovation in Wyoming's energy sector, reinforcing that the Brook Mine will create high-paying jobs for local communities while contributing to U.S. energy independence.

Governor Mark Gordon noted that Wyoming leads the charge on energy innovation, celebrating the exploration of critical mineral industries funded via Energy Matching Funds, linking the new mine to broader economic growth efforts.

Implications for the Future

The launch of the Brook Mine is not just a notable achievement for Ramaco and Wyoming; it represents a strategic milestone for the nation as it seeks to reduce reliance on foreign sources for critical minerals essential in defense, technology, and renewable energy sectors. The upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony is anticipated to attract local community leaders, coal miners, and various stakeholders, marking a newfound beginning for America's mining heritage.

This venture into rare earth minerals is crucial as the U.S. faces challenges from nations that currently dominate this field, particularly China. The unveiling of the Brook Mine serves as a clarion call— a reminder that the U.S. can regain its footing in the important terrain of rare earth mining and mineral supply chains.

For more information regarding the groundbreaking ceremony, interested parties can reach out via email at [email protected]

About Ramaco Resources

Ramaco Resources, Inc. operates as a leader in high-quality, low-cost metallurgical coal production in southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia. The company is also emerging as a producer of coal, rare earth, and critical minerals in Wyoming. With several operational bases across the U.S., Ramaco is uniquely positioned at the forefront of the mining industry, harnessing coal for innovative technological applications and enhancing national and economic growth.

For more insights and developments related to Ramaco Resources, visit Ramaco Resources Website.