First U.S. Rare Earth Mine In 70 Years Opens In Wyoming – Watts Up With That?

Charles Rotter

On July 11, 2025, Wyoming marked a historic milestone with the ceremonial opening of the Brook Mine near Ranchester—the first rare earth element (REE) mine in the United States in 70 years, and the first new coal mine in the state in nearly five decades. The event, attended by federal and state officials as well as local residents, underscores Wyoming’s growing role in the supply of critical minerals for modern technology and energy systems.

The significance of this occasion was not lost on attendees. U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright emphasized the pervasiveness of rare earth elements in daily life, stating,

“Anything in your life that has a button… all of those things have rare earth elements playing a critical role.”

https://cowboystatedaily.com/2025/07/11/first-u-s-rare-earth-mine-in-70-years-opens-in-wyoming/

These elements are crucial for producing magnets, batteries, and electronics found in everything from smartphones to electric vehicles and military equipment.

Governor Mark Gordon praised the effort and what it represents for Wyoming’s economic future, declaring, “This is a new era for Wyoming and the nation.” U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, along with Representative Harriet Hageman, also attended the opening, as did former U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, now a board member of Ramaco Resources, the company behind the project.

The Brook Mine stands out for its unique geology. The rare earths here are not found in traditional hard rock but are embedded in soft coal seams, described as material that

“you can hold it in your hand, and it just starts to crumble.”

https://cowboystatedaily.com/2025/07/11/first-u-s-rare-earth-mine-in-70-years-opens-in-wyoming/

This means the mine is expected to avoid the radioactive tailings associated with most hard rock rare earth operations, a detail highlighted by both officials and Ramaco executives.

Estimates suggest that the Brook deposit contains about 1.7 million tons of rare earth oxides, positioning Wyoming as a potential key domestic source for these strategically vital materials. Mining has already begun in the Monarch coal seam, with Ramaco’s CEO announcing that a pilot plant for processing rare earth elements should be operational “late this summer or early fall.”

The opening comes at a time when the United States is seeking to reduce dependence on foreign sources—especially China, which currently refines more than 80 percent of global rare earths. As Secretary Wright put it,

“For over 70 years, the United States has relied almost entirely on foreign sources… That dependence is vulnerability.”

https://cowboystatedaily.com/2025/07/11/first-u-s-rare-earth-mine-in-70-years-opens-in-wyoming/

Leaders at the event repeatedly framed the project as critical to both national security and energy independence.

Economic expectations are running high. Officials spoke of new high-wage jobs, rural prosperity, and the potential for Wyoming to lead the nation in rare earth production. Ramaco has already received grants and recognition from both federal and state authorities, highlighting broad support for the project’s ambitions. The ceremony was marked by speeches, a tour of the site, and an optimistic vision for Wyoming’s economic and technological future.

In the words of Gov. Gordon,

“This is the dawn of a new era in American energy and national security.”

https://cowboystatedaily.com/2025/07/11/first-u-s-rare-earth-mine-in-70-years-opens-in-wyoming/

The project’s backers hope the Brook Mine will inspire further investment and innovation in the domestic rare earth supply chain—ensuring that Wyoming, and the nation, are at the forefront of the next wave of technological advancement.

As the first trucks rolled away with freshly mined material, the sense of history was palpable. The Brook Mine’s opening not only reestablishes Wyoming’s reputation as a mining leader but positions it at the cutting edge of American resource development. For supporters and onlookers alike, this day represented a proud moment in the ongoing story of American ingenuity and resilience.

Related