First Rare Earth Mineral Mine in 70 Years Opens in Wyoming [WATCH]

The United States has opened its first new coal mine in decades in Wyoming, marking a major step toward the Trump administration’s stated goal of restoring energy independence and reducing reliance on foreign sources for critical materials.

The Brook Mine, developed by Ramaco Resources, officially opened on Friday in Sheridan County and will begin extracting both coal and rare earth elements.

The project is the first of its kind to combine coal mining with rare earth extraction, and is expected to support U.S. energy production and national security needs.

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“This is America answering the call,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside Ramaco executives and state officials.

“We’ve become too dependent on critical minerals from countries overseas, most of all China.”

Today, @SecretaryWright is visiting the opening of the Ramaco Brook Mine in Ranchester, Wyoming—what may be the LARGEST unconventional rare earth deposit in America!

This will be the nation’s first rare earth mine in 70 YEARS—a pivotal discovery and declaration to reclaim U.S.…

— U.S. Department of Energy (@ENERGY) July 11, 2025

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The Brook Mine is the first newly permitted coal mine in Wyoming in over four decades.

In addition to its coal reserves, the mine is projected to yield rare earth minerals such as neodymium, praseodymium, and dysprosium, which are used in a wide range of technologies, including electric vehicles, smartphones, and military systems.

“We have these materials here in the United States,” Wright continued.

“In Wyoming, we have two critical things together: coal, the biggest source of electricity on the planet, and rare earth minerals, critical to our national security and our economic security.”

Today, I am in Wyoming for the grand opening of the Ramaco Brook Mine Carbon Ore Rare Earth project! This is a monumental step towards unleashing the full potential of American energy by utilizing the abundant resources we have right here at home.

A great day for American jobs… pic.twitter.com/1WOxvQUB4g

— Secretary Chris Wright (@SecretaryWright) July 11, 2025

Wright pointed to the impact of past regulations, noting that restrictive policies enacted during the Biden-Harris administration had forced the shutdown of domestic mining operations, contributing to rising energy costs and increased dependence on foreign suppliers.

“We’re seeing the results of those decisions in the form of power plant closures and vulnerability to blackouts,” he said.

The U.S. is opening its first Rare Earth mine in more than 70 years— providing a critical supply of six of the seventeen Rare Earth elements that are used in everything from war planes to semiconductors to our smartphones. pic.twitter.com/36LnJsDIWq

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 11, 2025

President Donald Trump has signed multiple executive orders to boost domestic production of both coal and rare earth elements.

The administration has sought to reverse previous regulatory burdens, streamline permitting processes, and bolster domestic supply chains.

Trump’s actions follow warnings from defense and energy officials about the national security implications of foreign-controlled mineral markets.

Rare earth elements are a group of 17 metals essential for high-tech manufacturing.

The United States currently imports about 80% of its rare earth materials, with China supplying the vast majority.

China also controls approximately 92% of the global refining capacity for these minerals, raising concerns in Washington over supply chain vulnerabilities.

The development of the Brook Mine follows a series of moves by federal agencies to secure domestic access to rare earths.

Last year, the Department of Defense became the largest shareholder in MP Materials, a company that operates the only other active rare earth mine in the U.S., located at Mountain Pass, California.

Ramaco Resources executives said that production at the Brook Mine is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with both coal and rare earth extraction advancing in tandem.

The company is also investing in processing capabilities to reduce dependence on foreign refining.

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon issued a statement praising the opening of the mine, calling it a “major win for American energy and national security.”

He added that the state remains committed to supporting the responsible development of its natural resources.

The Brook Mine is projected to produce an initial 4 million tons of coal per year, along with substantial quantities of rare earth oxides.

Federal and state officials say the project represents a model for future resource development that strengthens both energy infrastructure and technological supply chains.

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