Wyoming is set to open its first new coal mine in decades, the Brook Mine, which will also extract and process rare earth elements crucial for technology and military applications, aiming to boost domestic production amid reliance on China. The project, supported by government officials and receiving federal and state grants, involves significant investment and aims to recover costs within five years by selling processed minerals and coal.
A potential helium reservoir was discovered in Minnesota's Iron Range, with concentrations of up to 12.4% helium, as US helium supplies dwindle. Pulsar Helium Inc. made the discovery and plans to analyze samples for full molecular composition. The find comes as the US government sells off its Federal Helium Reserve System, raising concerns about potential supply chain disruptions. Helium is a crucial resource with applications in various industries, and the discovery in Minnesota offers hope for addressing the dwindling US helium supply.
China has announced that it will require export permits for certain graphite products, which are crucial for the production of electric vehicle batteries, in order to protect national security. China is the world's largest producer of graphite, accounting for two-thirds of global supply. This move is part of China's broader strategy to curb the export of critical minerals. The demand for graphite in the electric vehicle sector has surged, with each vehicle using 50-100 kg of graphite in its battery pack. China's export restrictions on minerals have also affected other high-tech microchips, such as gallium and germanium.
