Wyoming Opens First Rare Earth Mine in 50 Years

Wyoming is opening its first new coal mine in over 50 years, the Brook Mine Project, which will focus on extracting both coal and rare earth elements critical for technology, clean energy, and national defense. Ramaco Resources CEO Randall Atkins revealed the mine holds enough rare earth metals like neodymium and dysprosium to supply the U.S. for over a century, potentially reducing dependence on China for these materials. The mine is seen as a strategic move aligned with President Donald Trump's administration's support for fossil fuels and mining projects, contrasting with prior policies favoring renewable energy. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized coal's ongoing importance to global electricity and highlighted the mine's role in securing critical minerals for military and tech products. The project attracted statewide political support and is anticipated to boost Wyoming's energy exports and rare earth supply significantly. This development marks a shift toward leveraging domestic resources for economic and geopolitical advantage in the critical minerals sector.