America’s First Rare Earth Mine in 70 Years Opens in Wyoming, A Bold Step Toward Supply Chain Independence
In a historic move to reclaim strategic control over rare earth supplies, the U.S. has launched its first rare earth mine in over seven decades. In the month of July, Ramaco Resources officially inaugurated the Brook Mine near Ranchester, Wyoming — a site that could significantly reduce America’s dependence on China for critical minerals used in everything from smartphones and EVs to defense technologies.
A New Chapter in U.S. Mineral Independence
The Brook Mine contains six of the 17 known rare earth elements (REEs) — essential inputs for modern technologies but notoriously difficult and expensive to extract. With China dominating both mining (70%) and processing (over 90%) of the global rare earth supply, the U.S. has long faced a strategic vulnerability.
“This site gives us a real shot at rare earth independence,” said Ramaco CEO Randall Atkins. “We’ll mine, process, and sell right here in the U.S. — and that’s our answer to China.”
The rare earths extracted from Brook Mine are expected to support U.S. manufacturing and defense systems for more than 150 years, according to Ramaco’s early assessments. The facility is designed to be fully integrated — extraction and processing will happen on-site, reducing time, cost, and geopolitical risk.
Why Rare Earths Matter
Rare earths aren’t “rare” in quantity — they’re found across the globe — but their extraction requires complex separation processes, often involving toxic waste. Despite their low visibility in public discourse, these minerals are essential to:
- Military hardware like jet engines, missile systems, and stealth aircraft (an F-35 uses around 920 lbs of rare earths).
- Consumer electronics, including smartphones, laptops, and speakers.
- Green tech such as wind turbines, electric vehicles, and solar panels.
As the clean energy transition accelerates and geopolitical tensions rise, demand for these resources is expected to skyrocket by 300–700% over the next two decades.
Energy Secretary Applauds a Strategic Milestone
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, speaking at the Brook Mine ribbon-cutting, called the move a turning point:
“We’re not just extracting coal anymore — we’re extracting the future. This project reduces our dependence on adversarial nations and strengthens national security.”
The Brook Mine is co-located with Ramaco’s coal operations, and the company remains bullish on coal’s long-term relevance in the global energy mix.
Markets Respond: Ramaco Stock Soars 100% YTD
The market is optimistic. Following a favorable preliminary economic assessment, Ramaco’s stock (NASDAQ: METC) has surged by over 100% year-to-date. Investors are betting on the company’s unique dual-play on both traditional energy and critical minerals.
Investing in America’s Resource Renaissance
As global supply chains decouple from China and national governments prioritize domestic production of strategic materials, rare earth mining has become a high-stakes investment frontier.
You can gain exposure to this space via:
- Ramaco Resources (METC) – One of the only U.S. firms operating a rare earth-capable mine.
- MP Materials (MP) – Operator of the Mountain Pass mine in California.
- ETFs like VanEck Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF (REMX) – Offers diversified exposure to global REE producers.
- Fractional investing apps such as Robinhood or Public.com – Allow you to invest in resource stocks with as little as $1.
FAQs
What are rare earth elements?
Rare earths are a group of 17 metallic elements used in high-tech industries and defense systems. They’re chemically similar and difficult to separate, making their production complex and costly.
Why is the U.S. dependent on China for rare earths?
Over decades, China invested heavily in mining and processing infrastructure while the U.S. scaled back domestic production due to environmental and cost concerns. This led to an overreliance on Chinese supply chains.
Is investing in rare earth companies risky?
Yes. While rare earths are critical, the industry is highly capital-intensive, subject to regulatory scrutiny, and reliant on fluctuating global demand. However, strategic national interest may provide upside stability for select players.
Can rare earths be recycled?
Yes, but recycling rare earths is still in early stages due to technological and economic challenges. As demand grows, recycling is expected to become a more important part of the supply chain.
Gold as a Classic Hedge
While rare earths fuel tomorrow’s technologies, gold remains a time-tested hedge against inflation and geopolitical risk. Over the past year, gold prices have risen 35%, attracting attention from investors and institutions alike.
Billionaire hedge fund manager Ray Dalio recently noted:
“Gold is one of the few assets that helps during extreme market conditions. People typically don’t own enough of it.”
For long-term portfolio stability, consider Gold IRAs, which combine tax benefits with the enduring value of precious metals.
Final Thoughts
The launch of the Brook Mine isn’t just a new chapter for one company — it’s a signal that America is waking up to the strategic importance of its own soil. As the world shifts toward electrification, sustainability, and supply chain resilience, those who get in early — whether governments or investors — may hold the key to the future.
