Wyoming May Lead America’s Rare Earth Element Independence from China

Significant quantities of rare earth elements (REEs) have been discovered in Wyoming, adding to the considerable amount recently found in Alaska. REEs are essential for technology and defense manufacturing, and China currently controls 75 percent of the global market.

The Chinese Communist Party is currently leveraging its near monopoly as a bargaining tool in trade disputes, sometimes threatening and at other times imposing export restrictions. These actions are part of a broader plan to gain leverage over the U.S. and other Western countries.

Wyoming is a Mining-Friendly State

Wyoming’s discovery is excellent news because its political leaders have adopted what could be called the “red carpet approach” to mining regulation. State officials have encouraged the idea of regulatory restraint, often viewing environmental radicals as unwelcome guests at the mining celebration while maintaining a serious concern for the environment.

Projects can move through the approval process quickly, especially on state lands. The Cowboy State Mine is a clear example of this efficient process with plentiful water and processing infrastructure already in place. Wyoming voters regularly support politicians who back mining interests, creating a cycle that strengthens the industry’s political power.

A blend of natural resources and political support has created a perfect atmosphere for mining prosperity. It already benefits from substantial infrastructure to support mining, abundant water, favorable weather and a history of balanced environmental concern.

A New Chapter in Mineral and Energy Independence

With a $6.1 million grant from the state of Wyoming for a $533 million processing plant in development, Ramaco Resources is extracting rare earth elements directly from coal. This innovative approach, along with efforts from California’s Mountain Pass Mine, positions the U.S. as a leader in securing substantial and sustainable access to REEs.

The Brook Mine contains valuable REEs such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, terbium, scandium, gallium and germanium, which are all critical for high-tech and defense industries.

Challenging China’s Grip on Rare Earths

China has dominated the rare earth market for years, giving it significant geopolitical power. This influence was clearly shown in 2010 when China stopped REE shipments to Japan, surprising global markets and causing prices to skyrocket. America’s dependence on foreign REE production has created vulnerabilities across defense manufacturing and consumer electronics sectors.

The Brook Mine offers a solution to this imbalance. By producing and refining high-purity rare earth elements domestically, the U.S. enhances its technological and strategic independence. This mine is expected to create over 1,200 short tons of oxides yearly, significantly strengthening America’s mineral supply and diversifying global trade in REEs.

Technology and National Security’s Intersection

Rare earth elements are crucial for manufacturing advanced military equipment, such as the F-35 fighter jet, Tomahawk missiles and sophisticated communication systems.

Ramaco Resources estimates that this single mine could supply nearly 30 percent of the U.S. Department of Defense’s magnetic material needs.

Environmental Innovation Sets the Brook Mine Apart

The reopening of the Brook Coal Mine in Wyoming on July 11, 2025, was a major step in the drive for REE independence. This milestone, led by Ramaco Resources, promises to extract REEs from coal.

Unlike many rare earth extraction projects that create environmentally harmful radioactive tailings, the Brook Mine’s coal-to-rare-earth processing provides a cleaner and more sustainable option, unlike China’s toxic sludge lakes, which contain radioactive wastes.

This makes it an environmentally responsible leader in the production of rare earth elements. While it could serve as a model for similar projects, its distinctiveness adds strategic value to the U.S.’s rare earth efforts.¹

The Brook Mine is more than just a mine; it’s a technological achievement and a symbol of America’s resolve to restore its leadership position as a producer of rare earth minerals. The initiative is joined by other projects, such as Wyoming’s Halleck Creek site, which features streamlined permitting processes, and Alaska’s Bokan-Dotson Ridge project.

During times of conflict or increased tension, China could quickly cut off access to REEs, crippling American military capabilities. However, mining REEs domestically ensures that the nation’s military will remain resilient, prepared and unmatched, even during disruptions.

Footnote:

• 1 https://e360.yale.edu/features/china-wrestles-with-the-toxic-aftermath-of-rare-earth-mining