Posted on 08/12/2025 12:31:55 PM PDT by Red Badger
In a groundbreaking development, the United States has initiated the opening of a new rare earths mine for the first time in over seven decades. This historic project, situated in Wyoming, has the potential to transform the U.S. economy and bolster its national defense.
The discovery was documented in a recent economic viability study published by an independent source, which estimates that the Brook Mine holds up to 1.7 million tons of rare earths and critical minerals, with a vast untapped area still to be explored. The mine is poised to significantly reduce America’s reliance on foreign sources of these crucial materials.
A Game-Changing Discovery: The Brook Mine in Wyoming
As per the information shared by Popular Mechanics, in May 2023, Ramaco Resources, a relatively small mining company based in Lexington, Kentucky, made an extraordinary find. Initially focused on coal production, the company discovered a vast deposit of rare earth elements in the coal seams of their Wyoming property. These minerals, including gallium, scandium, and critical elements like neodymium and praseodymium, are essential in the production of high-tech devices, renewable energy systems, and military weaponry.
The Brook Mine represents a new chapter in U.S. mining history, marking the first new rare earths mine to open in the country in 70 years. The discovery comes at a time when the global supply of these elements is under heavy strain, especially with China controlling nearly 90% of the world’s supply. As such, this mine is poised to be a game-changer, particularly for national defense and advanced technology sectors.
From Smartphones to Fighter Jets
Rare earths are not “rare” in the traditional sense, but they are incredibly challenging to extract and process. These elements are integral to many modern technologies, from smartphones to electric vehicles, and even military hardware like fighter jets and nuclear submarines. The most notable use of rare earths in the defense sector is in the creation of permanent magnets, which are vital in systems like the F-35 Lightning II aircraft and Virginia-class nuclear submarines.
The Brook Mine is also rich in other critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and graphite. These materials are used in applications ranging from the batteries that power electric vehicles to the semiconductors that run computers and smartphones.
America’s Secret Weapon for Dominating Global Markets
With tensions surrounding trade wars and the competition for rare earths heating up, the Brook Mine offers the U.S. an opportunity to regain some autonomy in the supply of these vital materials. In 2023, the U.S. imported nearly all of its 10,000 metric tons of rare earths from abroad, and the Brook Mine is expected to produce up to 1,400 metric tons annually once it reaches full production. Although this is a relatively small percentage of the U.S. demand for rare earths, it is a crucial first step toward reducing dependency on China.
The strategic importance of this mine extends beyond just raw materials. It provides the U.S. with an opportunity to secure its supply chain for defense and technology industries, both of which are vital for national security.
Furthermore, Ramaco Resources is working on securing federal funding to help scale the operation and build a processing plant capable of refining these minerals. The potential for economic growth in Wyoming, particularly through the creation of new jobs, cannot be overstated.
Yay war! It’s amazing how every single news story now relates to national security. I swear, you could find a new way to grow asparagus and they would tell us its impact on national defense.
The new way to grow asparagus will lead to an major increase in asparagusic acid which, after being processed through the human body, is a major component in our chemical weapons...
We’ll see how long the environmental permits and lawsuits take to settle. My guess is 10 years before an ounce of any metal is smelted, if any at all.
Asparagus bombs. We don’t talk about asparagus bombs.
I love asparagus
It only effects 40% of the population. The rest of you apparently do not smell. (You just stink) < /jk>
Perhaps not with Trump’s EPA
In this case, it’s actually true. We need non-Chinese-controlled rare earths for both our military gear but also for US manufacturing to regenerate.
I’m waiting to hear either : an Indian tribe has claimed the mine is on sacred ground or Friends of the Earth says that irreparable damage will by cause dby the mine and has found a Federal Judge to grant a permanent injunction against any attempt to extract the ore.
bkmk
I hope the Cheneys are in no way invested.
Unless I am mistaken, Trump can waive those lawsuits and permits for matters of national defense.
“We don’t want to asparagus. We want to asparag them.” - Patton
Somewhere out there in Internet land there’s a Chinese feller reading this thread who’s going, “Horry clap, asparagus bombs! Better forward this one to the home office!”
Book Mark for asparagus
You forget who’s running the EPA?
“The new way to grow asparagus will lead to an major increase in asparagusic acid which, after being processed through the human body, is a major component in our chemical weapons...”
Quite so. Will that be considered depleted asparagus or enhanced asparagus?
I’m glad you’re so optimistic. However, you apparently missed who runs the EPA, how SCOTUS has been ruling, and who has been pushing along with Native American Tribal organizations to bring back the Washington Redskins name which along with the Chief’s profile on the teams helmets and merch, honored one of the tribal chiefs. The main reason sports teams adopted Indian names for their teams was due to the toughness, ferocity in battle, and loyalty to their family and tribes. Trump is on their side and I’m with them. It’s Redskins, Indians, and Seminoles etc. that’s my opinion and if folks don’t like it, they can KMWA.
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