Ramaco Resources Strengthens Leadership with New Senior VP of Planning and Analysis
Ramaco Resources, Inc., a prominent player in the metallurgical coal industry, has recently announced the appointment of Joseph M. Stopper as its new Senior Vice President of Planning and Analysis. This strategic move is seen as a vital step in equipping the company to meet the increasing demands of the energy market, particularly in the area of rare earth minerals and critical minerals.
Joseph Stopper brings a wealth of experience to Ramaco. Prior to his arrival at the company, he served as a Senior Director for the White House National Energy Dominance Council and held a senior advisory role at the U.S. Department of the Interior. His impressive background also includes a significant tenure as a partner at Yorktown Energy Partners based in New York, where he was involved with several companies within the energy sector. Mr. Stopper's educational credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Yale University. Moreover, he is actively engaged in philanthropic efforts through his participation on various boards.
In his new role at Ramaco, Stopper will concentrate on investment finance and capital management, with a keen focus on structuring and procurement activities. These areas are central to Ramaco's operations in the critical minerals sector as well as in its metallurgical coal platform. The company is at a pivotal juncture, looking to expand its influence and production capabilities in response to growing market demand.
Randall Atkins, Ramaco's Chairman and CEO, expressed his enthusiasm about Stopper's hiring, stating, "We have known Joe for many years and regard him as one of the most talented young financial figures in the energy space. We are extremely excited to have him joining Ramaco at this critical juncture of the growth in our dual emerging critical mineral platforms." His insights into energy policy, especially from his experience in the previous administration, are expected to yield significant benefits to Ramaco as it navigates the complexities of the current energy landscape.
Jeremy Sussman, Ramaco's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, echoed these sentiments by highlighting the anticipation surrounding Stopper's contributions. "We are keen to have him join Ramaco both for his ability and experience, as well as to help us in financing and accelerating our growth into the future," Sussman stated, emphasizing the promising trajectory of the company's operations.
Ramaco Resources is not only recognized for its robust metallurgical coal operations in southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia but is also rapidly developing its coal, rare earth, and critical minerals production capabilities in Wyoming. The company's headquarters is located in Lexington, Kentucky, with operational offices strategically situated in Charleston, West Virginia, and Sheridan, Wyoming. Currently, Ramaco operates four active metallurgical coal mining complexes in Central Appalachia, alongside an emerging rare earth and coal mining project in Wyoming, which is in the early stages of production.
In 2023, Ramaco made headlines with the discovery of a significant deposit of primary magnetic rare earths and critical minerals at its Wyoming site. Additionally, the company operates a carbon research and pilot facility aimed at advancing the production of innovative carbon products derived from coal. This commitment to research and development is supported by an extensive portfolio of intellectual property, including approximately 76 patents and pending applications.
As Ramaco continues to navigate a rapidly changing energy sector, the appointment of Joseph M. Stopper serves as a reminder of the company's commitment to innovation and growth. With his extensive experience and strategic vision at the helm, Ramaco is well-positioned to thrive in the evolving landscape of energy production and critical mineral development.