Groundbreaking of New U.S. Rare-Earth Mine Signals Shift in Mineral Production

This month, the Ramaco Brook Mine in Wyoming marked a historic milestone as it became the first new U.S. rare-earth mine to break ground in seven decades. The mine is projected to hold 1.7 million tons of rare earth minerals, a significant find that the Department of Energy describes as a critical advancement for America. The project is considered a strategic step towards diminishing the country’s dependence on foreign sources of essential minerals necessary for defense, technological advancements, and the clean energy sector.

Currently, the global supply of rare-earth minerals is dominated by China, which accounts for nearly 90% of the market. The initiation of the Brook Mine is part of ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to bolster U.S. energy independence. Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized the administration's commitment to American energy initiatives and attended the groundbreaking ceremony alongside prominent Wyoming officials, including Governor Mike Gordon and Sens. Cynthia Lummis and John Barrasso.

In related news, another mining company reported that the Department of Defense acquired $400 million in stocks to help reduce its foreign mineral dependence. MP Materials, which operates the only active rare-earth mine in the U.S., highlighted the critical role of rare-earth magnets in both defense and commercial technology. The company acknowledged that the U.S. is currently heavily reliant on foreign supplies for these strategically vital components.