CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A new study by the Wyoming Geological Survey shows abundant rare earth metals in Wyoming, although whether those deposits could be mined profitably remains to be seen.
State survey geologists gathered and analyzed more than 200 rock samples from around Wyoming and found many places with relatively high concentrations of rare earths.
Rare earths are a group of about 16 obscure metals. Several are critical to manufacturing things such as wind turbines, hybrid cars and guided missiles.
China supplies about 95 percent of the global rare earths market, although a significant deposit in northeast Wyoming’s Bear Lodge Mountains shows promise as a possible new source.
The Wyoming Geological Survey examined dozens of other deposits and says further study could show whether any contain enough rare earths to be profitable.
