Rare-Earth Mine Breaks Ground in Wyoming, Marking U.S. Energy Shift

The first new U.S. rare-earth mine in 70 years has broken ground in Wyoming, signaling a potential shift in the nation's reliance on foreign sources for critical minerals. The Ramaco Brook Mine, owned by Ramaco Resources, contains 1.7 million tons of rare-earth minerals and has been described as a "groundbreaking discovery" by the Department of Energy. The project is seen as a strategic milestone in reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly China, which currently dominates the global rare-earth market with nearly 90% of production.
The mine's development aligns with the Trump administration's push for American energy dominance. Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized the importance of domestic energy production at the groundbreaking ceremony, joined by Wyoming leaders, including Governor Mike Gordon and Senators Cynthia Lummis and John Barrasso. Barrasso highlighted Wyoming's role as "America's energy breadbasket," underscoring the mine's significance in shaping the nation's energy future.
Separately, MP Materials, owner of the U.S.'s only operational rare-earth mine, announced a $400 million partnership with the Department of Defense to further reduce foreign reliance. Rare-earth magnets, critical for advanced technologies in defense and clean energy, are a cornerstone of this initiative. The developments underscore a growing effort to bolster U.S. independence in critical minerals, marking a turning point in the nation's energy strategy.

Published: 7/22/2025