Bloomberg Businessweek ICYMI: US Set to Open First Rare Earth Mine in Decades
Jul 11, 2025
Randall Atkins, Chairman and CEO of Ramaco Resources, discusses the groundbreaking Brook Mine project, the first rare earth mine in the U.S. in over 70 years. He highlights the mine's potential to boost America's critical mineral supply and energy independence. The conversation dives into innovative extraction techniques using softer coal and collaborations with national labs to enhance efficiency. Lastly, the strategic implications for U.S. supply chains and the environmental considerations tied to rare earth mining are thoroughly examined.
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Different Rare Earth Focuses
- Ramaco produces heavier and medium magnet rare earths while MP Materials focuses on lighter rare earths.
- Ramaco's coal-based source is less radioactive and allows for domestic processing, boosting US rare earth independence.
Processing Coal-Based Rare Earths
- Use conventional leaching and separation techniques to extract rare earths from coal.
- Leverage softer, non-radioactive coal to simplify and reduce complexity in processing.
Strategic US Rare Earth Supply
- The Brook Mine's rare earth capacity can supply a significant portion of US demand for decades.
- This is a strategic move in the mineral supply conflict with China, supporting US independence.