First New U.S. Rare Earth Mine In 70 Years & First New Coal Mine In 50 Years

RANCHESTER, WY – Ramaco Resources, Inc. reported that the Brook Mine, Wyoming has received a second 5-year mine permit approval from the Land Quality Division of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. The permit authorizes the company to continue to conduct coal mining and reclamation activities across a total of 4,548.8 permitted acres north of Sheridan Wyoming. This milestone reinforces Ramaco’s commitment to responsible resource development, environmental stewardship, and long-term economic investment in the region. Being a fully permitted mine is significant as it demonstrates compliance with all regulatory requirements, ensuring that mining can proceed pursuant to state authority. The 5-year permit also provides stakeholders with confidence in Ramaco’s ability to develop the Brook Mine and progress towards its operational milestones.
In July coal miners, community leaders, industry stakeholders, and local, state, federal officials commemorated the opening of the Brook Mine Carbon Ore Rare Earth project, the first new rare earth mine in the United States in more than 70 years and first new coal mine in Wyoming in over 50 years. The ability to domestically mine and refine rare earths and critical minerals contained in the carbonaceous ore of the Brook Mine represents a strategic milestone in the nation’s efforts to reduce foreign reliance on critical minerals essential to defense, technology, and clean energy.
Earlier this year, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon approved a Wyoming Energy Authority recommended $6.1 million Energy Matching Fund grant award to support the construction of a pilot-scale processing facility at the Brook Mine. Construction is planned to begin later this year.