Ramaco Resources, Inc. has launched a transformative project at the Brook Mine near Ranchester, Wyoming — the state’s first new coal mine in nearly 50 years. The initiative not only revives coal extraction but also aims to produce rare earth elements (REEs), crucial components in modern technology and defense systems.
The Brook Mine project has garnered significant political backing, with Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Governor Mark Gordon, and Wyoming’s congressional delegation participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. This marks a major strategic shift, blending traditional fossil fuel development with high-tech material extraction.
Federal Push for Fossil Fuels and Rare Earths Strengthens Domestic Energy, Tech Security
The Brook Mine project aligns with a broader federal push to advance fossil fuel development. The current administration has moved to reopen coal leasing in northeastern Wyoming and southeastern Montana, and recently announced a new coal exploration initiative in Utah — the first of its kind on Bureau of Land Management land since 2019.
In addition, newly signed legislation reduces royalty rates for coal companies operating on public lands and expands the area available for coal mining. These moves reflect a sharp reversal from previous federal policies favoring renewable energy.
Ramaco Launches Wyoming’s First New Coal Mine in 50 Years to Extract Rare Earths for U.S. Tech SecurityWhile the mine produces coal, the central focus is on extracting rare earth elements such as neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium, which are essential in electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, and military equipment. Currently, nearly all U.S. rare earth supplies come from China, creating a strategic vulnerability.
Ramaco’s CEO, Randall Atkins, emphasized the company’s commitment to mining, processing, and selling these materials domestically, potentially reducing U.S. reliance on foreign sources. If successful, Brook Mine could become a major domestic supplier of these critical materials.
Revitalizing Coal Country: Brook Mine Blends Fossil Fuels with Critical Mineral Extraction
The Brook Mine offers a beacon of hope for Wyoming’s declining coal industry. Although the state still supplies a significant portion of U.S. coal, production has decreased dramatically over the last decade due to a shift toward renewables and natural gas.
Governor Gordon highlighted coal’s continuing importance to balanced energy portfolios both domestically and internationally. The new mine could provide economic rejuvenation and diversify Wyoming’s energy contributions by combining fossil fuel output with rare earth mining.
Developing the Brook Mine into a rare earth and coal processing center is estimated to cost $533 million, a cost Ramaco believes could be recouped in just five years. The company has already received a $6.1 million grant from Wyoming to build a processing facility.
Backed by promising laboratory analyses and federal grants, the project could transform the region into a hub for critical mineral production. In addition to REEs, the coal also contains other valuable elements like gallium, scandium, and germanium, further enhancing the mine’s strategic and economic potential.
