Core Viewpoint - Mulberry Industries and Ramaco Resources have entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding to negotiate a partnership aimed at enhancing the domestic supply chain for rare earth elements and permanent magnets in the United States [1][6]. Group 1: Partnership Details - The MOU allows Ramaco Resources to negotiate a non-exclusive agreement to supply customized oxide blends containing rare earth elements such as samarium, NdPr, yttrium, gallium, and Dy/Tb to Mulberry Industries [2]. - Mulberry Industries plans to utilize this domestic feedstock to strengthen its existing 10-year rare earth stockpile for manufacturing advanced permanent magnets for various industries including defense, aerospace, automotive, and robotics [2][3]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The partnership is intended to diversify rare earth sourcing for Mulberry Industries, ensuring long-term supply chain independence from China, which currently dominates rare earth mining and refining [3][6]. - The collaboration aims to establish a secure supply chain for permanent magnets within the U.S., thereby enhancing both economic and national security [3]. Group 3: Company Profiles - Mulberry Industries is a vertically integrated manufacturer of high-performance permanent magnets and advanced electrical systems, recognized as America's only end-to-end permanent magnet manufacturer [7]. - Ramaco Resources is a dual platform critical mineral company engaged in the production of metallurgical coal and the development of rare earth and critical minerals, with operations in Wyoming and West Virginia [8]. Group 4: Technological Advancements - Mulberry Industries has reported a 60% more streamlined production flow compared to industry peers, utilizing proprietary fifth-generation Grain Boundary Diffusion technology that reduces the use of costly heavy rare earths by 30% to 80% [4]. - This technology results in lighter and more powerful magnets suitable for demanding applications in aerospace and defense [4]. Group 5: Mining Developments - Ramaco Resources' Brook Mine in Wyoming is the first new rare earth element and critical mineral mine in the U.S. in over seventy years, focusing on the production of commercial oxides [5]. - Full-scale mining and the construction of a pilot processing facility are currently underway at the Brook Mine [5].