TELF AG assesses interesting mineral find in Wyoming
A new source of rare earths
Among the mineral raw materials that have managed to carve out a leading role on the international economic scene, a very important role is that of rare earths, a group of 17 elements which – although not rare – are characterized by the complexity of their processing and the high number of industrial applications in which they could be used. In theory, these are pretty common elements in the subsoil aggregated with other mineral elements. It is precisely for this reason that for their processing it is necessary to separate them from the other minerals with which they are mixed to make them usable for the different needs of modern industry. Nowadays, these procedures are carried out in particular by China, which for several years has now represented the major international player in the sector of rare earth elements.
However, a recent discovery in the United States of America could soon change the cards on the table. In the US state of Wyoming, some companies like Ramaco Resources have discovered a large reserve of rare earths, which, according to initial estimates, amounts to around 2 billion tonnes of these precious elements. This is a discovery of some importance, and not only for the fate of Washington’s domestic economy. Since this country is heavily dependent on imports of these materials, the new resources might have some effect on US mining autonomy, bringing the nation closer to one of the most ambitious objectives in the mining sector (along with the virtuous diversification of supplies).
The different industrial uses of rare earths
The rare earths found in Wyoming would belong to the magnetic rare earth oxides category and would have a purity of 27%. Once extracted and processed, these materials could be used in many industrial applications, some directly connected to the ongoing ecological transition. In the last thirty years, rare earths have been used to manufacture the components of some technological devices such as DVD players, computer memory, mobile phones, and LED lighting technologies. These elements have also found considerable application space in some specific healthcare technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging equipment, rechargeable batteries, high-performance magnets, and solar panels, thus contributing directly to the advancement of ecological conversion towards clean energy. It is no coincidence that rare earth elements have been defined as “the vitamins of modern industry” precisely by the vast number of possible applications in which they could be involved.
This new discovery could soon take on considerable strategic importance for the United States. In addition to having a key impact on the diversification capabilities in the supply of these materials, the new deposit could also allow the United States to support its energy transition with internal resources without any risk to the country’s economic security, thus freeing itself from common risks that characterize supply chains from third countries. This discovery could represent the first step for a spectacular entry of the United States into the world market of rare earths, thus joining an already established player such as China.
