What Wyoming’s New Mine Means for Ammo & National Security

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Ranchester, WY – For the first time in over 70 years, the United States has broken ground on a new rare earth mine, and the implications stretch far beyond smartphones and electric cars. This milestone could reshape America’s supply chain for everything from fighter jets to — yes — the ammunition in your range bag.

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright called the Brook Mine “critical for breaking China’s stranglehold on rare earth processing.” He told a crowd of 220 attendees, “Anything in your life that has a button — from your car’s start switch to your F-35 fighter jet — relies on rare earth elements.”

These elements, including neodymium and praseodymium, are vital for manufacturing high-performance magnets used in military hardware, electric vehicles, and even advanced guidance systems for smart munitions.

And while ammo isn’t usually the first thing mentioned in the rare earth conversation, shooters should take note: the same materials are integral to primers, night vision optics, and even the high-tech machinery that makes modern cartridges possible.

Why It Matters for Gun Owners

For decades, China has dominated the global rare earth market, controlling nearly 90% of refining and about 60% of mining worldwide. That dependence has left U.S. manufacturers — including defense contractors and civilian ammunition makers — exposed to supply disruptions and rising costs.

In 2023 and again in 2024, China threatened to choke off exports of key minerals in retaliation for U.S. trade policies. The move sent shockwaves through industries that depend on rare earths, including small but critical components in ammunition production and optics.

With Ramaco Resources’ Brook Mine, America is finally pushing back. “We will mine it here. We will process it here. And we will sell it to domestic customers,” said Ramaco CEO Randall Atkins. “That’s our answer to China.”

Atkins added that the mine could eventually supply nearly 30% of the U.S. Defense Department’s magnetic requirements — a major step toward independence for America’s defense and firearms industries alike.

A Twofer for Energy and Ammunition

This isn’t just about rare earths. The Wyoming project is the first new coal mine in the state in decades. By extracting rare earths from coal, Ramaco’s operation avoids the radioactive materials often associated with traditional rare earth mining. That means faster, cheaper, and cleaner production — and less need to ship minerals overseas for refinement.

“Refineries and magnet manufacturers will once again be able to call the U.S. home,” said Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY). “We are reclaiming our independence… and strengthening our national defense.”

For ammo makers and shooters, this could translate into more reliable access to critical materials and potentially less volatility in prices in the future.

The Bottom Line

The Brook Mine is expected to reach full production in the coming months, with pilot processing facilities opening soon. If successful, it could kick off a renaissance in U.S. manufacturing, including the machines and tech that keep America’s ammunition supply running.

After years of watching China corner the market, America is finally fighting back — and for shooters, that’s a win worth celebrating.

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Source link: https://www.ammoland.com/2025/07/america-strikes-rare-earth-gold-what-wyomings-new-mine-means-for-ammo-national-security/ by Ammoland Editors & Staff at www.ammoland.com