Brook Mine to Become First New U.S. Rare Earth Project in 70+ Years-Wyoming Reclaims Strategic Spotlight

Highlights

• Ramaco Resources is opening the Brook Mine in Wyoming.
• The Brook Mine is the first new rare earth mine in the U.S. in over 70 years.
• The project utilizes a unique carbon ore approach to extract rare earth elements and critical minerals from coal deposits.
• Governor Mark Gordon emphasizes the project's significance for energy independence.
• The project aims to reclaim leadership in critical mineral development.

As reported by Rare Earth Exchanges (REEx), Ramaco Resources, Inc. is set to make U.S. history with the official opening of the Brook Mine Carbon Ore Rare Earth (CORE) Project on July 11 in Ranchester, Wyoming—the first new rare earth mine in the United States in over 70 years and Wyoming’s first new coal mine in more than five decades.

The Brook Mine, located in Wyoming and developed by Ramaco Resources (opens in a new tab), is a rare earth element and critical mineral mine utilizing a unique "carbon ore" approach. Instead of traditional mining, it focuses on extracting these valuable materials from coal and carbonaceous ore deposits. The mine is projected to become the first new rare earth mine in the U.S. in over 70 years.

In a bold declaration of strategic intent via Fox News, Ramaco CEO Randall Atkins (opens in a new tab) emphasized that this milestone marks more than just a ribbon-cutting—it signals America’s renewed resolve to rebuild a domestic critical mineral supply chain, reducing reliance on Chinese imports vital to defense, energy, and tech sectors.

The Brook Mine, supported by Wyoming’s Energy Matching Funds Program (opens in a new tab), will extract both rare earth elements (REEs) and carbon-based materials, serving dual national interests in clean energy innovation and energy security. State and national leaders, including DOE officials, are expected to attend.

“This project is about energy independence, innovation, and reclaiming leadership in critical mineral development,” said Governor Mark Gordon. With operational roots in West Virginia, Virginia, and Wyoming, Ramaco is positioning itself as a linchpin in the emerging American REE revival.

Source: FOX Business, Pilar Arias, July 1, 2025