Massive deposits of rare earth oxides have been discovered at the Ramaco Brook Mine in Wyoming, marking the first major U.S. discovery of its kind in over 70 years. The finding, confirmed by geologists and mine experts, could reshape the strategic mineral landscape of the U.S., signaling a potentially game-changing moment for American industry, clean energy, and national security.
Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 17 metallic elements that are essential in the production of high-tech devices and clean energy solutions. From electric vehicle batteries and wind turbines to smartphones, satellites, and advances military systems, REEs are the invisible backbone of modern technology.
Groundbreaking rare earth discovery could redefine the US’s energy future
Until now, the U.S. has largely depended on foreign imports for its supply of rare earth materials, particularly from China. The Asian giant currently produces more than 85% of the world’s refined market and supply chains.
“This is not just a mineral discovery, it’s a geopolitical breakthrough. If developed sustainably, this could reduce American vulnerability to foreign supply disruptions and bolster our capacity to lead in green energy and defense technologies”, said Dr. Emily Hastings, a geologist at the U.S. Geological Survey.
What once looked like a modest gamble in the coalfields of Wyoming may now rank among the most valuable mineral fields in modern U.S. history.
In 2011, Randall Atkins, a former J.P. Morgan banker turned mining entrepreneur as CEO of Ramaco Resources, quietly acquired an aging coal mine near Sheridan, Wyoming, for just USD $2 million. At the time, few could have imagined that beneath the worn-out mine lay a hidden treasure that could alter the country’s energy and national security trajectory.
Twelve years later, cutting-edge geological surveys have uncovered what could be a multibillion-dollar deposit of rare earth elements. Some estimates place the value of the deposit at a staggering USD $37 billion. The discovery has already made waves—The Wall Street Journal called it the largest unconventional rare earth find in the U.S. since 1952, a game-changing breakthrough at a time when the country is racing to secure critical mineral independence. So basically, what began as a forgotten coal site may now power America’s clean energy revolution. As an additional fact, the Brook Mine spans a vast 15,800-acre mineral reserve.
Following the rare earth discovery, Ramaco Resources—a company originally focused on coal—now finds itself at the forefront of a project with the potential to reshape the American mining industry. “This is one of the most exciting domestic finds in decades. Our goal is not only to mine these materials responsibly but also to support downstream processing and manufacturing here in the U.S.,” said Randall Atkins.
Ramaco Resources is now working hand-in-hand with federal government researchers to extract core samples from depths of up to 700 feet—a level never before drilled in the region. The goal is to confirm both the extent and quality of the rare earth deposit hidden beneath the Brook Mine. As Atkins confirmed, the company is still only scratching the surface—literally and figuratively. The project remains in its initial exploratory phase, and unlocking its full potential will require extensive research and technical planning.
Economic and strategic implications of the project
The discovery comes at a time when the U.S. government is investing heavily in building a domestic supply chain for critical minerals. According to official data, in 2022, the Department of Energy launched a USD $3 billion program aimed at strengthening domestic production and refining of battery minerals. The new deposits in Wyoming could receive federal support as part of that effort.
Of course, a discovery of this magnitude doesn’t just spark scientific and industrial interest—it also ignites political attention.
Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming welcomed the news, calling it a “historic win for Wyoming and a turning point for American mineral independence.” She also emphasized that any development should adhere to strict environmental safeguards while creating high-quality local jobs.
The area could also become home to new rare earth processing plants, which are essential—but often lacking—in the U.S. supply chain. Currently, even when rare earth elements are mined in the United States, they typically must be shipped overseas—mainly to China—for processing, due to the lack of facilities on U.S. soil.
How can this rare earth elements become a turning point for the US industry?
According to official data, as global demand for rare earths is expected to triple by 2040—driven by the electric vehicle boom and renewable energy infrastructure—the Wyoming find could not have come at a more critical time. If Ramaco Resources can successfully scale production and collaborate with government and industry partners, this could mark the beginning of a new era for U.S. mineral independence. As geopolitical tensions continue to complicate global trade, the discovery is being seen as a rare glimmer of opportunity—one that positions Wyoming at the center of a strategic shift toward cleaner and more secure energy.
However, it’s important to highlight that environmental groups are already raising flags, warning that the U.S. must not repeat the mistakes of the past, when short-term profits came at the cost of long-term ecological damage. Experts point out that rare earth extraction can produce radioactive waste, and managing that waste safely and responsibly will be critical to avoid permanent, irreversible harm to local ecosystems. As excitement builds around the economic and strategic potential of the Brook Mine find, environmentalists insist that sustainability must be part of the equation from day one.
It remains to be seen how—and to what extent—this discovery will reshape the U.S. energy industry, and what long-term economic and geopolitical benefits it may bring. In the years ahead, the rare earths buried beneath Wyoming could become a powerful bargaining chip in international negotiations, helping the U.S. secure its national interests.