Massive discovery of cache of rare earth minerals in Wyoming could end US dependence on China

WYOMING - So-called “rare earth minerals” are a vital component in computers, automobiles, communications, and military applications. Thus far, according to The Liberty Daily, such commodities have not been readily available in the United States, and we have relied on China to source those components.

It is estimated that the communist nation is sitting on an estimated 44 million metric tons of the substances. However, the days of relying on communist China may be coming to an end. 

Wyoming, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and vast wilderness, is not just a haven for outdoor enthusiasts; it also harbors a hidden treasure beneath its rugged terrain - rare earth minerals.

These essential elements are crucial in modern technology, powering everything from smartphones to renewable energy systems. Now, rich deposits of rare earth minerals have been discovered in Wyoming, which provides the opportunity to significantly, if not wholly, stop US reliance on China while having a significant economic impact on the state and the country.

According to the Daily Mail, a mining company has announced the discovery of “more than 2.34 billion metric tons” of rare earth minerals in that state. 

“American Rare Earths, Inc., announced that the reserves near Wheatland dramatically surpass the Asian nation’s 44 million metric tons, saying ‘it exceeded our wildest dreams’ after drilling only about 25 percent of the property,” the report read. 

The report came after the company began exploring hundreds of mining claims across 6,320 acres of land in the Halleck Creek Project in the southeastern part of the state. The discovery came after the company began analyzing its stakes. 

Rare earth minerals comprise a group of 17 elements, including neodymium, dysprosium, and lanthanum, known for their unique magnetic and electronic properties. These minerals are indispensable in manufacturing high-tech products such as smartphones, electric vehicles, wind turbines, defense systems, and hard disc drives. One rare earth called praseodymium is used in aircraft engines. As the demand for these technologies continues to surge, the global need for rare earth minerals has reached unprecedented levels. 

The company confirmed the presence of neodymium, dysprosium, praseodymium, samarium, and terbium in the areas it has explored. 

Wyoming boasts substantial deposits of rare earth minerals, particularly in the Powder River Basin and the Bear Lodge Mountains. Geological surveys have identified significant concentrations of elements like rare earth oxides, tantalum, and niobium. The Bear Lodge Mine, located in northeastern Wyoming, is one of the most promising sites for rare earth mineral extraction in the United States.

Extracting rare earth minerals is a complex process that involves various techniques, including open-pit mining and heap leaching. The Bear Lodge Mine combines open-pit mining and hydrometallurgical processing to extract rare earth elements. This environmentally conscious approach minimizes the ecological impact and ensures sustainable extraction practices.

American Rare Earths CE Don Swartz said China seeks “market dominance” in the area of rare earths, however, the issue has now turned into a “race.” 

The company began drilling about one year ago and obtained nearly instant positive results. Now, the company plans on open pit mining, the standard method of extracting rare earth minerals, with the potential to mine approximately 20,000 tons per day. 

The extraction of rare earth minerals in Wyoming presents a unique economic opportunity for the state. As the global demand for high-tech products continues to rise, Wyoming's mineral wealth positions the state as a critical player in the rare earth minerals market. This could result in job creation, infrastructure development, and increased revenue for local communities.

American Rare Earths isn’t the only company achieving positive results in Wyoming. 

“U.S.-based Ramaco Resources has a stake near Sheridan, Wyoming that could be worth around $37 billion,” the report also noted. 

In that case, CEO Randall Atkins said the company had only explored to a depth of 200 feet, however, they are in the process of expanding that to 1,000 feet. 

While the economic potential is significant, addressing the challenges associated with rare earth mineral extraction is crucial. Environmental concerns, including water usage, habitat disruption, and the proper disposal of mining by-products, must be carefully managed to mitigate the impact on Wyoming's pristine landscapes.

It is still being determined if continued exploration of this area, no matter the positive economic consequences for the United States, will be permitted to continue unabated. 

Wyoming's rare earth minerals represent a valuable and untapped resource, holding the key to technological innovation and economic growth. As the world transitions towards cleaner and more sustainable technologies, the state can play a pivotal role in meeting the global demand for rare earth minerals while ensuring responsible and environmentally conscious extraction practices. Balancing economic development with environmental stewardship will be essential as Wyoming explores its potential as a significant player in the rare earth minerals industry.