In a historic step toward securing America’s energy and technological future, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright will break ground on July 11, 2025, at Ramaco Resources’ Brook Mine Carbon Ore Rare Earth project in Ranchester, Wyoming—the first new rare earth mine in the United States in over seven decades. This milestone, celebrated as a “declaration of America’s resolve to reclaim its leadership in critical minerals and energy independence,” marks a pivotal moment in reducing U.S. reliance on foreign supplies, particularly from China, which currently dominates global rare earth production.
Why This Matters: The Critical Mineral Crisis
Rare earth elements (REEs) are essential for advanced technologies driving national defense, clean energy, and consumer electronics—from fighter jets and semiconductors to electric vehicles and wind turbines. Yet, the U.S. has been heavily dependent on imports, with China supplying 70% of U.S. rare earths between 2020 and 2023. China’s dominance was highlighted when it temporarily suspended exports of certain rare earths to the U.S., exposing vulnerabilities in America’s supply chain.
The DOE’s Broader Strategy to Solve the Critical Mineral Problem
Under Secretary Wright’s leadership, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is aggressively tackling the critical mineral challenge through a multi-pronged approach. Wright, a self-described “energy nerd” with a background in oil, gas, nuclear, solar, and geothermal, has made energy dominance and supply chain security top priorities. Here are the key DOE initiatives driving this effort:
- Leveraging Fossil Fuel Waste for REE Extraction: The DOE is pioneering the extraction of rare earths from coal ash and other fossil fuel byproducts. In 2022, the DOE announced plans to build the nation’s first facility to recover REEs from coal waste, supported by $140 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This initiative, targeting regions like Appalachia and Wyoming, aims to transform environmental liabilities into valuable resources, reducing reliance on traditional mining.
- Supporting Domestic Mining and Processing: The DOE is backing projects like the Brook Mine through grants and partnerships. Ramaco secured a $6.1 million grant from the Wyoming Energy Authority to develop a pilot facility, with commercial operations planned by 2027. Additionally, the DOE has provided funding to MP Materials, which operates the only other active U.S. rare earth mine in Mountain Pass, California, to enhance domestic processing capabilities.
- Strengthening the Loan Programs Office (LPO): Despite Republican efforts to cut its budget, Wright has championed the DOE’s Loan Programs Office to fund critical mineral and energy projects. The LPO, with nearly $412 billion in lending capacity, supports nuclear, geothermal, and other clean energy initiatives that require rare earths. Wright has emphasized private investment as the primary driver but sees the LPO as critical for scaling domestic production.
- Advancing Research and Innovation: The DOE collaborates with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) to map and characterize REE concentrations in mine waste. Techniques like microbial bioleaching and phytomining are being explored to reduce the environmental footprint of extraction. These efforts align with Wright’s pragmatic approach to balancing innovation with economic realities.
- Reducing Foreign Dependence: The DOE is working to diversify supply chains through international partnerships, such as the Mineral Security Partnership, and by incentivizing domestic production. Wright’s policies aim to counter China’s market control, which has been bolstered by subsidized production and lax environmental standards.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the Brook Mine represents a significant step forward, challenges remain. Rare earth mining is notoriously complex and environmentally intensive, often involving toxic chemicals and large water demands. Ramaco claims its soft, friable ore reduces processing costs and energy needs compared to hard-rock mining, but scaling production while meeting environmental standards will be critical.