Wyoming officials and federal representatives recently welcomed U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright to Ranchester, Wyoming, for the opening ceremony of Ramaco’s Brook Mine. The event marked the beginning of operations at the first new rare earth elements mine in the United States in 70 years and Wyoming’s first new coal mine in half a century.
Governor Mark Gordon highlighted the significance of the project for both state and national interests. “Wyoming continues to be a leader in energy innovation, including the expansion of our critical mineral industries and energy technologies,” Governor Gordon said. “This project illustrates the exciting potential for Wyoming coal and rare earth minerals, with their role in expanding Wyoming’s energy economy and strengthening national security. The President’s policies to Unleash American Energy are working here in Wyoming. Our state is moving to meet growing energy demands here at home and internationally — with the recognition that coal — Wyoming coal — is essential to healthy energy portfolios.”
Senator John Barrasso pointed out global competition in rare earth minerals production, noting China’s dominance in this sector. “China controls more than 80% of the world’s rare earth minerals. We cannot continue to jeopardize our national security by relying on our adversaries for these critical minerals,” Senator Barrasso said. “That’s what makes the Brook Mine so incredibly important. Mining our own minerals will help safely and securely power the advanced technologies driving our economy and national defense. We were proud to have Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Wyoming to participate in the groundbreaking. He got to see firsthand how Wyoming’s energy resources and workers are making America energy dominant again.”
Senator Cynthia Lummis emphasized Wyoming’s ongoing role as an innovator within the energy industry: “Wyoming has always led on energy innovation rather than following others,” Senator Lummis said. “The launch of Ramaco’s rare earth mining operation – the first in nearly seven decades and Wyoming’s first new coal mine in 50 years – is a major win for Wyoming and the Trump administration’s effort to reclaim our country’s energy dominance. I was proud to be in Sheridan County to celebrate the start of Wyoming’s next mining and energy chapter.”
Representative Harriet Hageman spoke about job creation, supply chain resilience, and reduced reliance on foreign sources: “The opening of the Brook Mine marks a significant step toward restoring American leadership in critical mineral production,” Representative Hageman said. “This project will create high-paying jobs, shore up our supply chains, reduce dependence on China, and ensure refineries and magnet manufacturers can once again call the U.S. home, securing a brighter, more independent future for Wyoming and America.”
The Brook Mine project is seen as a strategic move toward domestic mineral independence as well as economic growth for Wyoming.
