U.S. Breaks Ground on First New Rare-Earth Mine in 70 Years

The U.S. marked a historic milestone this month with the groundbreaking of Ramaco Brook Mine in Wyoming, the first new rare-earth mine in the country in 70 years. The mine contains 1.7 million tons of rare earth minerals, a discovery the Department of Energy called a "turning point for America." Rare-earth minerals are critical for defense, technology, and clean energy, yet the U.S. currently relies heavily on foreign sources, with China supplying nearly 90% of global production.
The Trump administration has prioritized reducing reliance on foreign minerals as part of its push for American energy dominance. Energy Secretary Chris Wright attended the ceremony alongside Wyoming leaders, including Gov. Mike Gordon and Sens. Cynthia Lummis and John Barrasso. Barrasso emphasized Wyoming's role as "America's energy breadbasket," highlighting the mine's potential to bolster national security.
In a separate development, MP Materials, owner of the only operational rare-earth mine in the U.S., announced a $400 million partnership with the Department of Defense to reduce foreign dependency. Rare-earth magnets, crucial for advanced technology systems, remain a key focus of this initiative.
These efforts underscore a growing recognition of the importance of domestic rare-earth production to ensure energy security and reduce reliance on adversarial nations.

Published: 7/22/2025