Industry Development - Ucore Rare Metals aims to start rare earth elements production at a new Louisiana facility in May next year [1] - The new facility will boost US processing capacity [1] - The rare earth elements industry is currently dominated by China [1]

US-China Tech Competition & Trade Negotiations - Both the US and China are heavily investing in infrastructure (data, energy computation, and human capital) to lead in AI [1][2][4] - The US technology industry seeks a conducive environment for domestic investment, exemplified by projects like Stargate and significant investments from companies like Apple ($500 billion) and IBM ($150 billion), totaling over $2 trillion [4][5] - Trade negotiations with China involve potential loosening of export controls on semiconductors as a bargaining chip [6][8] - A year ago, China was unwilling to negotiate with the US unless export controls were lifted, but export controls are now part of the discussions [7][8] Semiconductor Industry & Export Controls - The Trump administration placed 22 chips on the export control list in April, designed to comply with China's market [9] - There's uncertainty regarding whether the Trump administration will lift these controls or further unwind Biden administration controls on advanced semiconductor equipment [9][10] - Companies like AMD and Nvidia desire continued access to the Chinese market, balancing national security interests with economic interests [11] Rare Earth Elements & Supply Chain - China uses its dominance in rare earth elements as leverage in negotiations with the US [16] - China is loosening controls on rare earth approvals but only granting licenses for six months, retaining leverage [19] - US companies applying for rare earth approvals in China face invasive questions about sensitive business information [19] Talent & AI Development - China is rapidly deploying AI talent, prompting the US to launch AI education initiatives to develop homegrown talent and attract international experts [20][21] - The US needs to attract and retain AI talent, especially first or second-generation immigrants who often start technology companies [21]

Group 1: Executive Orders and Industry Support - The CEO of Ramaco Resources, Randall Atkins, will discuss President Trump's recent executive orders that support the U.S. coal industry, emphasizing its importance to national security [2] - The executive orders direct the Department of Energy to promote new technological uses of coal and consider classifying metallurgical coal as a critical mineral [2] - The National Coal Council has been re-established by Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, which had its charter terminated under the previous administration [2] Group 2: Brook Mine Development - Ramaco Resources is developing the Brook Mine in Wyoming, which is the first new critical mineral and rare earth element mine in the U.S. in over 50 years [4] - The Brook Mine is recognized as the largest unconventional deposit of rare earth elements in the United States, containing critical minerals essential for technology and defense [4] - The mine has been highlighted in a Wall Street Journal article, which estimates its potential value at $37 billion [5] Group 3: Company Overview - Ramaco Resources operates and develops high-quality, low-cost metallurgical coal in southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia, and is also a developing producer of coal and critical minerals in Wyoming [6] - The company has four active metallurgical coal mining complexes in Central Appalachia and is in the initial stages of production for a coal mine and rare earth development near Sheridan, Wyoming [6] - In 2023, a significant deposit of primary magnetic rare earths and critical minerals was discovered at the Wyoming mine, alongside a carbon research and pilot facility [6]