Ramaco Resources CEO on New Rare Earth Mine and US Supply Chain Independence

Brook Mine Development

• ⛏️ The Brook mine site was acquired 15 years ago, permitted five years ago, and rare earths were discovered seven years ago.
• 💡 Ramaco Resources has shifted focus from a traditional coal mine to extracting critical minerals and rare earths co-mingled with coal.
• 🚀 Mining commenced last month, with a pilot plant for processing expected to take about a year, followed by commercial construction.

Vertically Integrated Supply Chain

• 🔗 Ramaco aims to establish a vertically integrated supply chain, potentially from mine to semiconductor wafers, given the presence of gallium and germanium.
• 📈 The company is considering producing rare earth oxides and potentially heavy rare earth magnets.

Government Partnership and Rare Earths

• 🤝 The CEO views the MP Materials deal with the Pentagon as a smart move to create a level playing field against China's dominance in the rare earth market.
• 🇺🇸 Ramaco has been involved with the government since discovery, with discussions ongoing with the Defense Department.
• 🔋 The US uses 10,000 tons of rare earths annually, and Ramaco has discovered over 1.7 million tons at the Brook mine, suggesting over a hundred years of supply.

Strategic Importance of Rare Earths

• ⚠️ The rare earth industry is nascent, with China actively trying to impede competitors.
• 💡 Government involvement is deemed necessary to ensure a strategic supply of rare earths, essential for everyday technology.
• 🎯 The goal is to avoid dependence on China for critical minerals vital to national security.