The Brook Mine is the nation’s first new rare earth elements mine in 70 years and first new coal mine in Wyoming in 50 years.
RANCHESTER, WY – Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, along with U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman, all R-Wyo., recently welcomed U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright to Wyoming. The delegation and Secretary Wright participated in the ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremony for Ramaco’s Brook Mine – the first new rare earth elements mine in the United States in 70 years and the first new coal mine in Wyoming in 50 years.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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