Breaking China’s Hold: Wyoming Leads the Charge in Critical Minerals

In a pivotal shift on the global stage, China’s recent ban on exporting critical minerals—gallium, germanium, antimony, and tungsten—to the U.S. has sent shockwaves through various industries. Yet, for Wyoming’s burgeoning rare earth mining sector, this move is less a setback and more a powerful validation. With a significant head start in rare earth mining and processing, Wyoming is emerging as a frontrunner in what many are now calling a rare earths arms race.

The Halleck Creek project near Wheatland, bolstered by $456 million in federal funding, is poised to become one of the largest rare earth deposits in the nation. Meanwhile, Ramaco Resources has identified an unconventional deposit valued at over $37 billion, rich in the newly restricted gallium and germanium. These minerals, essential for technologies ranging from semiconductors to military applications, position Wyoming as a cornerstone of U.S. resource independence.

Wyoming’s leadership extends beyond extraction. Rare Element Resources’ demonstration plant in Upton is revolutionizing rare earth processing with a cost-effective refining method, integral to reducing reliance on foreign supply chains. As the U.S. pushes back against China’s market dominance, Wyoming’s rare earth projects are not just regional assets—they are a national necessities. From Wheatland to Upton, Wyoming is demonstrating that in times of global uncertainty, it’s ready to lead the charge.

WY this matters to you: This isn’t just about minerals—it’s about our future. From the smartphones in our hands to the cars we drive and the defense systems that keep us safe, rare earths are the backbone of modern innovation. Wyoming’s leadership in rare earth mining and processing isn’t just a win for the state—it’s a safeguard for American businesses. By supporting homegrown projects, we’re not only securing supply chains but also protecting our ability to innovate, compete, and thrive in a world where access to critical materials defines success.