METCB 8-K
Ramaco Resources, Inc. (METC)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
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Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
On July 28, 2026, Ramaco Resources, Inc. (the "Company") received from Hatch Associates Consultants, Inc. a conceptual study titled “Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project – Initial Assessment Report” relating to the Company’s exploratory Brook Mine rare earth and critical minerals project (the “Hatch Report”). A copy of the Hatch Report is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
On July 29, 2026, the Company issued a letter to stockholders from its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Randall W. Atkins, regarding the latest developments at the Company’s exploratory Brook Mine rare earth and critical minerals project (the “Shareholder Letter”). The Shareholder Letter discusses the Hatch Report and the Company’s internal projections. A copy of the Shareholder Letter is attached as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
On July 29, 2026, the Company issued a press release (the “Press Release”), announcing that it has released the Hatch Report and posted the following to its website at www.ramacoresources.com:
| ● | The Shareholder Letter; | |
| ● | The Hatch Report; and | |
| ● | A video presented during the Ramaco Research Rodeo. |
A copy of the Press Release is attached as Exhibit 99.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
The information furnished in this Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 7.01, including Exhibits 99.1, 99.2, and 99.3 attached hereto, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits.
| Exhibit No. |
Description | |
| 99.1 | Ramaco Resources – Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project – Initial Assessment Report dated July 28, 2026 | |
| 99.2 | Shareholder Letter issued by Ramaco Resources, Inc. dated July 29, 2026 | |
| 99.3 | Press Release issued by Ramaco Resources, Inc. dated July 29, 2026 | |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL) |
1
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| RAMACO RESOURCES, INC. | ||
| Date: July 29, 2026 | By: | /s/ Randall W. Atkins |
| Randall W. Atkins | ||
| Chairman, Chief Executive Officer | ||
2
Exhibit 99.1
This document contains the Hatch Associates Consultants, Inc. Report, as issued on July 28, 2026.
The report is the property of Ramaco Resources, Inc.
© Ramaco 2026 All rights reserved, including all rights relating to the use of this document or its contents.
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Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - July 28, 2026 | |
Ramaco
Resources
Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project
Initial Assessment Report
/s/ F. Delgado |
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| 2026-07-28 | 0 | Issued for Use | Various | Various | F. Delgado | M. Woloschuk |
| Date | Rev. | Status | Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | Approved By |
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Client | |||||
| H376597-0000-100-146-0002, Rev. 0 | ||
| © Hatch 2026 All rights reserved, including all rights relating to the use of this document or its contents. | ||
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| Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - July 28, 2026 | |
Table of Contents
Section 1 – Introduction
Section 2 – Process Definition
Section 3 – Capital Cost Estimate
Section 4 – Operating Cost Estimate
Section 5 – Preliminary Execution Strategy and Schedule
Section 6 – Project Risk and Opportunities
| H376597-0000-100-146-0002, Rev. 0 | ||
| © Hatch 2026 All rights reserved, including all rights relating to the use of this document or its contents. | ||
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| Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - Section 1 - Introduction - July 28, 2026 | |
Ramaco
Resources
Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project
Initial Assessment Report - Section 1 - Introduction
| 2026-07-28 | 0 | Issued for Use | G. Law | J. Gorst | F. Delgado | |
| Date | Rev. | Status | Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | Approved By |
|
Client | |||||
| H376597-0000-100-146-0002_SE01, Rev. 0 | ||
| © Hatch 2026 All rights reserved, including all rights relating to the use of this document or its contents. | ||
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| Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - Section 1 - Introduction - July 28, 2026 | |
Table of Contents
| 1. | Introduction | 1-1 | ||
| 1.1 | Project Context | 1-1 | ||
| 1.2 | Background and Study Objectives | 1-2 | ||
| 1.2.1 | Typical Project Development Phases | 1-2 | ||
| 1.2.2 | Concept Study | 1-2 | ||
| 1.2.3 | Initial Assessment | 1-2 | ||
| 1.2.4 | Initial Assessment Study (Revised) | 1-3 | ||
| 1.2.5 | Area / Plant Scope and Battery Limits | 1-4 | ||
| 1.2.6 | Exclusions | 1-4 | ||
| 1.2.7 | Work Breakdown Structure | 1-4 | ||
List of Figures
| Figure 1-1. Typical FEL Process for Project Execution. | 1-2 |
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| Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - Section 1 - Introduction - July 28, 2026 | |
| 1. | Introduction |
| 1.1 | Project Context |
Ramaco Resources Inc. is looking to expand their Brook Mine operations to extract and recover critical minerals such as gallium, germanium, scandium, and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) incidental to the coal operation. In addition to recovering the critical minerals, the facility plans to generate high purity alumina (HPA) and high purity silica (HPS) as byproducts.
The facility features a carbo-chlorination process, commercially applied within the titanium industry, for the extraction and recovery of the critical minerals. The base-case configuration is intended to process approximately 1.3 million dry metric tonnes of ROM material per year. A higher-capacity scenario has also been assessed for an Order of Magnitude CAPEX and OPEX only, doubling throughput to 2.6 million tonnes per annum of critical mineral feed while excluding mineralized coal from the feed stream.
This is a greenfield project based in Ramaco Resources’ Brook Mine in northeastern Wyoming, in proximity to the mining site to facilitate transportation logistics. The ROM is primarily made up of soft claystones and carbonaceous shales incidental to and adjacent or proximate to coal seams, allowing for conventional surface mining with potential economic and environmental benefits compared to traditional hard rock REE extraction. This also enables the feedstock to be used as an energy source for the carbo-chlorination reactors.
The status of the process work is summarized as follows:
| ● | A test work plan was developed to confirm a preliminary flowsheet developed in 2025. This flowsheet mainly comprised of a caustic leach followed by a two-staged acid leach for the recovery of critical minerals and REEs. Subsequent testing of this process observed high reagent and water consumption and rheological challenges. Alternative hydrometallurgical approaches were also found to yield minimal critical mineral recovery. |
| ● | Ramaco engaged a third-party laboratory to perform a carbo-chlorination feasibility trial study. Based on the results, Ramaco started construction of their personal bench-scale laboratory to further research carbo-chlorination. |
| ● | A concept level study based on the carbo-chlorination technology was conducted by Hatch. This included a conceptual flowsheet, a mass balance, and an AACE Class 5 cost estimate. |
| ● | The process definition is to incorporate carbo-chlorination test work results once they become available during the next phase of the project, improving the cost estimates to Class 4. |
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| Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - Section 1 - Introduction - July 28, 2026 | |
| 1.2 | Background and Study Objectives |
| 1.2.1 | Typical Project Development Phases |
A phased project development approach is advocated for complex metallurgical projects such as this critical mineral recovery project. The Front-End Loading (FEL) approach, as shown in Figure 1-1, is typically applied for processing facilities and is recommended for developing this project.
Figure 1-1: Typical FEL Process for Project Execution.
Parallel activities would include test work, environmental and permitting approvals, and other owner’s activities.
| 1.2.2 | Concept Study |
In July 2025, Ramaco Resources, in collaboration with Fluor Corporation, issued a conceptual study report for the recovery the critical minerals from the Brook Mine deposit. The facility capacity was based on 1,000 mt per annum of Critical Mineral Oxide (CMO) equivalent. This included a conceptual flowsheet, mass balance, a Class 5 capital cost estimate (CAPEX) and an operating cost estimate (OPEX). Based on the economics, Ramaco looked to further the project development to a Class 4 estimate.
| 1.2.3 | Initial Assessment |
Hatch was contracted by Ramaco Resources to conduct a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) and produce a Class 4 estimate based on the Fluor conceptual study. The Fluor study had defined a flowsheet that made use of caustic leaching to extract critical minerals followed by two stages of acid leach to purify and extract REEs. The Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS)process development commenced in September 2025, used the same flowsheet, and had an increased facility capacity of 3,000 mt per annum of CMO equivalent.
As part of the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), Hatch and Ramaco engaged SGS and ElementUSA to complete test work to validate the Fluor conceptual study flowsheet. Due to difficulties replicating conceptual study results, testing deviated to finding alternative technologies for recovering the critical minerals. As of March 2026, collaboration with both laboratories were suspended as Ramaco looked to pursue pyrometallurgical options and neither were equipped to perform the studies.
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| Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - Section 1 - Introduction - July 28, 2026 | |
As the flowsheet was modified to incorporate carbo-chlorination, the Hatch PFS was paused in December 2025 and a revised Initial Assessment study was started in its place due to insufficient flowsheet definition. The next phase of the project is scheduled to recommence following the conclusion of the Hatch Initial Assessment Study and will incorporate Ramaco test work results. Test work conducted by Ramaco is set to start in September 2026, once construction of the bench-scale laboratory is complete.
| 1.2.4 | Initial Assessment Study (Revised) |
In March 2026, Hatch started revising the process definition for the Brook Mine Rare Earth Project based on client input. Ramaco engaged Kingston Process Metallurgy Inc. (KPM) to provide preliminary information in regards to carbo-chlorination technology for the recovery of critical minerals.
The new flowsheet is a novel process of existing technology with pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical operations to recover critical minerals as gallium metal, GeO2, Sc2O3 and Mixed Rare Earth Carbonates (MREC). Carbo-chlorination is typically utilized to selectively chlorinate and extract critical minerals from a quartz-clay feedstock. Preliminary data from KPM has been incorporated into the design.
The main objective of the Initial Assessment Study is to provide a preliminary process definition to assess the financial viability of the Brook Mine REE Project. Tasks completed by Hatch to meet this objective include:
| ● | Generating process deliverables including the Block Flow Diagram (BFD), Process Design Basis (PDB), Process Design Criteria (PDC), and Mass & Energy Balance (MEB). If applicable, test data has been incorporated. |
| ● | Developing a high level facility layout and overall footprint requirements. |
| ● | Creating a preliminary Mechanical Equipment List (MEL) and preparing technical specifications for major equipment supply packages to issue to vendors for budgetary proposals to support the CAPEX. |
| ● | Developing a capital cost estimate as per AACE Class 5 guidelines with an intended accuracy of +30%/-50%. |
| ● | Developing an operating cost estimate. |
| ● | Preparing a preliminary execution strategy and schedule. |
| ● | Developing a study final report. |
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| 1.2.5 | Area / Plant Scope and Battery Limits |
The scope and battery limits for some process areas (as listed below) are defined in the following subsections to aid in communicating roles and responsibilities.
Refer to the PDB (H376597-0000-210-226-0002) for additional information.
| 1.2.5.1 | Beneficiation |
| ● | All Beneficiation equipment. |
| ● | Utilities are assumed to be shared and distributed from the Process Plant. A local substation or e-house may be available, and needs to be further evaluated in the next phases of the project development. |
| ● | ROM and coal delivered via trucks by Ramaco. Battery limit at the truck discharge station. |
| ● | Instrumentation and controls required to operate the system. |
| ● | All foundations and structures required for the Beneficiation area. |
| 1.2.5.2 | Process Plant |
| ● | All equipment required for the Process Plant. |
| ● | Utility distribution within the plant boundaries. Power battery limit at the high voltage power supplied to the incoming terminals of the plant substation. Includes the main substation and downstream electrical distribution. Water battery limit at the tie-in from the local well. |
| ● | Instrumentation and controls required to operate the system. |
| ● | All foundations and structures required for the Process Plant. |
| 1.2.6 | Exclusions |
The following are excluded from the Hatch project scope of work:
| ● | Off-site infrastructure such as power supply, access roads, natural gas supply, and raw water supply. |
| ● | Waste and tailings management. |
Those are covered by Ramaco under the Owner’s Cost.
| 1.2.7 | Work Breakdown Structure |
Refer to the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS, H376597-0000-100-026-0001) for a comprehensive list of each area identified in the project.
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| Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - Section 2 - Process Definition - July 28, 2026 | |
Ramaco
Resources
Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project
Initial Assessment Report - Section 2 - Process Definition
| 2026-07-28 | 0 | Issued for Use | T. Hodkinson | J. Gorst | F. Delgado | |
| Date | Rev. | Status | Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | Approved By |
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Client | |||||
| H376597-0000-100-146-0001_SE02, Rev. 0 | ||
| © Hatch 2026 All rights reserved, including all rights relating to the use of this document or its contents. | ||
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| Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - Section 2 - Process Definition - July 28, 2026 | |
Table of Contents
| 2. | Process Definition | 2-1 | ||
| 2.1 | Process Design Basis | 2-1 | ||
| 2.2 | Process Overview | 2-2 | ||
| 2.3 | Process Description | 2-4 | ||
| 2.3.1 | 2300 Fuel, Steam, Air and Cooling Water Systems | 2-4 | ||
| 2.3.2 | 2400 Water and Sewage Systems | 2-5 | ||
| 2.3.3 | 3100 Physical Separation | 2-6 | ||
| 2.3.4 | 3200 Pre-Treatment | 2-7 | ||
| 2.3.5 | 4100 Carbo-Chlorination | 2-9 | ||
| 2.3.6 | 4200 Critical Mineral Recovery | 2-11 | ||
| 2.3.7 | 4300 Rare Earth Recovery | 2-13 | ||
| 2.3.8 | 4500 Residue Management | 2-16 | ||
| 2.3.9 | 4600 Chlorine Recovery | 2-17 | ||
| 2.3.10 | 5100 Liquid Reagents | 2-18 | ||
| 2.3.11 | 5200 Solid Reagents | 2-18 | ||
| 2.3.12 | 5300 Gas Reagents | 2-18 | ||
| 2.4 | Process Model | 2-19 | ||
| 2.5 | Mass & Energy Balance | 2-20 | ||
| 2.5.1 | Key Elemental Recoveries | 2-20 | ||
| 2.5.2 | Utility Recovery | 2-22 | ||
| List of Figures | ||
| Figure 2-1: | Process Overview Excluding the Reagents and Utilities. | 2-3 |
| Figure 2-2: | Two-Stage Crude Fractional Distillation System. | 2-10 |
| List of Tables | ||
| Table 2-1: | Key Operational Parameters for the Brook Mine Critical Mineral Project. | 2-1 |
| Table 2-2: | Causes for Product Loss in Model. | 2-20 |
| Table 2-3: | Key Elemental Recovery Overview. | 2-21 |
| Table 2-4: | Overall Water Balance for the Brook Mine Process Plant. | 2-22 |
| Table 2-5: | Overview of Process Water Usage and Recovery. | 2-23 |
| Table 2-6: | Overview of DI Water Users. | 2-24 |
| Table 2-7: | Overview of Cooling Water Users. | 2-25 |
| Table 2-8: | Overview of Steam Usage and Condensate Return. | 2-26 |
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| 2. | Process Definition |
| 2.1 | Process Design Basis |
This section provides an overview of key parameters in the Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Process Design Basis (PDB). The key criteria, including the plant utilization, throughput, feed material composition, and production rates are summarized in Table 2-1 below. Where ROM is the Run of Mine, TREE is the Total Rare Earth Elements, CMO is the Critical Mineral Oxides (Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO), Sc2O3, Ga2O3 , and GeO2), HPA is High Purity Alumina, and HPS is High Purity Silica.
Table 2-1: Key Operational Parameters for the Brook Mine Critical Mineral Project.
Parameter |
Units | Values |
| Plant Availability | % | 92 |
| Annual Operating Hours | h / y | 8,059 |
| ROM Annual Throughput Flowrate1 | dry million mt / y | 1.3 |
| ROM Critical Mineral Concentration | ppm | 404.46 |
| TREE Concentration | ppm | 344 |
| Sc Concentration | ppm | 20.9 |
| Ga Concentration | ppm | 37.2 |
| Ge Concentration | ppm | 2.4 |
| Coal Critical Mineral Concentration | ppm | 334.01 |
| TREE Concentration | ppm | 307.01 |
| Sc Concentration | ppm | 18 |
| Ga Concentration | ppm | 8 |
| Ge Concentration | ppm | 1 |
| Target CMO Equivalent Production2 | dry mt / y | 574 |
| Original Target HPA Production | mt / y | 1,800 |
| Updated Target HPA Production – July 20263 | mt / y | 11,848 |
| Target HPS Production | mt / y | 18,617 |
| 1 | This flowrate does not account for coal throughput, which is varied based on carbo-chlorination demand. |
| 2 | This production rate is based on the equivalent oxide production of Ga metal, GeO2, Sc2O3, and mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC). |
| 3 | An updated HPA production rate was provided by Ramaco (email: “RE: HPA Production”, received July 8th, 2026). While the original production rate is used for the process definition and site plan, the updated HPA production rate is the basis for the CAPEX and OPEX. |
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General parameters were either based on the previously completed report by Fluor, provided by Ramaco through email or RFI correspondences. Feed critical mineral concentrations for the ROM and coal were based on third-party test work and confirmed by Ramaco (refer to RFI 0006, H376597-0000-210-465-0006).
The target CMO production rate is based on CMO-equivalent flowrates and an assumed 90% overall recovery of CMOs. This value excludes any critical minerals introduced by the coal. The actual CMO recoveries can be found in the Section 2.5.
For more information refer to the PDB (H376597-0000-210-226-0002).
| 2.2 | Process Overview |
This section provides a process plant overview based on Work Breakdown Structure (WBS – H376597-0000-100-026-0001). Area 4400, Tailings Filtration and Storage, was excluded from Hatch’s scope of work.
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Figure 2-1: Process Overview Excluding the Reagents and Utilities.
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Process operations within each WBS block is summarized as follows:
| ● | Physical Separation: feed preparation by reducing particle size distribution, with some quartz removal from the ROM. |
| ● | Pre-Treatment: ROM drying and calcination, coal coking, and applicable off-gas treatment. |
| ● | Carbo-Chlorination: chlorination of the ROM and coke leading to the volatilization of select species. The gas stream is passed through a series of de-sublimators and fractional distillation to systematically remove select species. |
| ● | Critical Mineral Recovery: individually recovered Ga, Ge, Al, and Si streams are refined to produce Ga metal, GeO2, HPA, and HPS. |
| ● | Chlorine Recovery: any chloride-rich waste or purge streams are combined to produce Cl2 gas which is recycled to the Carbo-Chlorination area. |
| ● | Rare Earth Recovery: non-volatilized chloride solids from Carbo-Chlorination are leached in water and treated to produce Sc2O3 and MREC. |
| ● | Residue Management: any hydrometallurgical waste streams (including crud) from the process are combined, neutralized, crystallized, and dried prior to disposal. |
For more information, refer to Section 2.3.
| 2.3 | Process Description |
This section provides an overview of the process areas within the plant. The process descriptions are presented in accordance with Figure 2-1 and the WBS (H376597-0000-100-026-0001).
For additional information, refer to the PDB (H376597-0000-210-226-0002), Process Design Criteria (PDC, H376597-0000-210-210-0001), Block Flow Diagram (BFD, H376597-0000-210-252-0005), and Stream Table (H376597-0000-210-216-0002).
| 2.3.1 | 2300 Fuel, Steam, Air and Cooling Water Systems |
| 2.3.1.1 | 2310 Plant Air System |
This system excludes any air requirement for the Air Separation Plant. Refer to Section 2.3.12 for additional information.
Plant air is sourced from compressed air on-site. Compressed air is generated using air compressors. The compressed air is temporarily stored in the air receivers before distribution. The pressure is then dropped to the desired value depending on the user requirement. Plant air is distributed throughout the site for dust collection, pneumatic conveying, plate filter requirements, polishing filter requirements, and reagent offloading.
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| 2.3.1.2 | 2320 Instrument Air System |
Plant air is used to supply instrument control. A portion of low pressure air is dried using air dryers. The instrument air is distributed to various users within the plant.
| 2.3.1.3 | 2330 Steam Generation and Distribution |
This area distributes live steam to end users. Saturated steam is generated in a natural gas fired boiler package supplemented by a glycol heat recovery system from the Residue Oxidation area. The steam is distributed at 152°C and 5 bar(a) to supply the Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) systems, distillation columns and ROM dryers. Returned steam condensate and DI water (as make-up source) are used to produce fresh steam.
| 2.3.1.4 | 2340 Cooling Water Systems |
This area produces and distributes cooling water to remove excess heat from heat exchangers, de-sublimators, and distillation columns. An evaporative cooling tower is used to produce 25°C water that is distributed throughout the plant and returned at 50°C. Process water is used as make-up source to the cooling tower, supplementing tower losses from evaporation, drift or blowdown.
| 2.3.2 | 2400 Water and Sewage Systems |
| 2.3.2.1 | 2410 Deionized Water Production and Distribution System |
This area produces and distributes deionized (DI) water for impurity-sensitive areas. It is used as diluent, cake wash water, and hydrolysis water source for the production of GeO2, MREC, and Sc2O3. DI water is supplemented by treated process water and is distributed throughout the plant at 25°C. Details regarding the DI water production package are to be defined by vendors.
| 2.3.2.2 | 2420 Process Water and Condensate Distribution System |
This area produces and distributes process water throughout the plant. Process water is distributed at 50°C to supply de-sublimators, filters, centrifuges, leach tanks, gas scrubbers, and mineral process water system. Process water from the de-sublimators and recovered from MVR systems are cooled to 50°C and re-distributed as process water. Process water is supplemented by treated raw well water. Details regarding the raw water treatment package are to be defined by vendors.
| 2.3.2.3 | 2430 Potable Water Production and Distribution System |
Potable water is supplemented by the process water. It is currently assumed that treated raw water (i.e., fresh process water) is sufficient to meet potable water requirements. Potable water is distributed at ambient temperature for ablutions, drinking fountains, eyewash and safety showers.
| 2.3.2.4 | 2440 Fire Water System |
Treated process water is used as source of fire water. An off-take from the treated raw water stream is used as make-up water for the fire water system.
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| 2.3.3 | 3100 Physical Separation |
| 2.3.3.1 | 3110 ROM Feeding |
ROM and REE-enriched coal are transported via trucks from the mines to their respective comminution circuits. Both feed streams contain levels of critical minerals (Ge, Ga, Sc), REEs, kaolinite (Al2O3∙2SiO2∙2H2O), and impurities. See the PDB (H376597-0000-210-226-0002) for additional information.
| 2.3.3.2 | 3120 Comminution |
The ROM feed is sent through a series of two crushers, first decreasing the P80 to 40 mm via a tooth rolled crusher and then to 10 mm via a roller crusher. The crushed ROM is sent to a 2-day storage stockpile and conveyed to downstream operation using a subterranean apron feeder.
The coal feed is sent through a primary roller crusher to decrease the P80 to the target size (TBD, pending carbo-chlorination test work). As the target coal size is currently unknown, a single roller crusher is assumed to be sufficient. The crushed coal is sent to a 2-day storage stockpile and conveyed to the Coking area using a subterranean apron feeder.
| 2.3.3.3 | 3130 Wet Scrubbing |
Wet Scrubbing is used to further decrease particle size and separate the quartz-clay agglomerates, promoting quartz removal downstream.
The stockpiled ROM is passed through attrition cells to eliminate agglomeration that may have formed during stockpiling. Mineral process water is added to slurry the ROM to 65 wt.% solids. The slurry is pumped to a log washer to increase residence time for agglomeration breakdown. Additional mineral process water is added to achieve a 10 wt.% solids slurry. The slurry is then pumped to the Flotation area.
| 2.3.3.4 | 3140 Flotation (Quartz Removal) |
The slurry from Wet Scrubbing is pumped to a de-sliming cyclone to separate fine particles from coarser ones. Fine particles are sent directly to the Thickening & Dewatering area while coarser particles are sent to a flotation conditioning tank. Mineral process water is added to the slurry to dilute it to 15 wt.% solids. The slurry is pumped to the flotation bank where the flotation collector and frother are added to promote collection of clay and mica, rejecting quartz in the process.
Flotation bank overflow is sent to the Thickening & Dewatering area while the underflow is sent to a centrifuge to dewater the quartz solids for disposal. The centrate is sent to the Thickening & Dewatering area to recapture any fine particles entrained.
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| 2.3.3.5 | 3150 Thickening & Dewatering |
The Thickening & Dewatering area recovers as much mineral process water as possible. This step is essential to minimizing fresh process water demand to the Wet Scrubbing area and to decreasing energy consumption in the Pre-Treatment area (i.e., ROM drying and roasting).
The flotation overflow slurry, along with the flotation centrifuge centrate and de-sliming overflow, is sent to a thickener. The thickener underflow is pumped to a centrifuge to decrease the solid moisture content to 35 wt.% and the cake is conveyed to the ROM Drying area. The thickener overflow and centrifuge centrate are sent to the Mineral Process Water System to recycle the water.
| 2.3.3.6 | 3160 Mineral Process Water System |
Water from the Thickening & Dewatering system is recovered in the Mineral Process Water System. A 2.5 wt.% purge line is included on the recovered water line to prevent build-up of impurities. Fresh process water is used as make-up source for the mineral process water in this area. Mineral process water is solely used within the Physical Separation area (WBS 3100).
| 2.3.4 | 3200 Pre-Treatment |
| 2.3.4.1 | 3210 Drying (Kaolinite) |
Conveyed solids from the Thickening & Dewatering area are sent to a kaolinite dryer to decrease cake moisture content from 35 wt.% to 8 wt.%. The dryer is indirectly heated by steam. The dried cake is sent to the ROM Calcining area. The evaporated water is condensed and recovered as process water.
| 2.3.4.2 | 3220 Calcining (Kaolinite) |
Dried ROM from the Drying area is passed through a roaster to convert 95% of the kaolinite into meta-kaolinite, generating water in the process. Any water present is evaporated.
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This conversion improves aluminum and silicon chlorination in the Carbo-Chlorination area and prevents potential operational difficulties from having water present in the system. Pyrite is expected to be oxidized in this roaster, producing SOx by-products (represented as SO2 and to be confirmed by test work) that require neutralization in the Roaster Off-Gas System area.
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| 2.3.4.3 | 3230 Roaster Off-Gas System |
The ROM roaster off-gas is sent to the Roaster Off-Gas System. This system is composed of two parts: solids recapture, and off-gas treatment. Solids entrained in the off-gas from the roaster are mainly recovered by a cyclone. The remaining off-gas is then sent through a spray cooler followed by a trim cooler to reduce the stream temperature to 220°C, as per baghouse temperature limitations. Once cooled to 220°C, the stream is passed through dust baghouses to recover all residual solids. All recovered solids are sent to the Carbo-Chlorination area.
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The off-gas discharge from the baghouse is sent to a neutralization packed bed scrubber. Dilute sodium hydroxide (2 wt.%) is passed through the scrubber to solubilize and neutralize the SOx species present in the off-gas.
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The neutralized solution is then pumped to the ZLD Neutralization, Evaporation & Drying area. The scrubber vent is sent to a stack for ventilation to the atmosphere.
| 2.3.4.4 | 3240 Coking (Coal) |
Coal from a stockpile is conveyed to a nitrogen-blanketed furnace for coking. As the Carbo-Chlorination area is highly sensitive to the presence of water, coal is transformed into coke within the furnace unit. The coal is mined locally within Brook Mine and contains critical minerals and kaolinite. Within the furnace unit, kaolinite is converted into meta-kaolinite (refer to Reaction 1) and all water present is evaporated. Similarly to the Calcining area, pyrite is expected to partially degrade, generating some amounts of sulphur gas due to the oxygen-free environment that will require neutralization.
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The furnace off-gas is sent to the Coking Off-Gas System area to recover the coke and neutralize undesired species.
| 2.3.4.5 | 3250 Coking Off-Gas System |
The Coking Off-Gas System is identical to the Roaster Off-Gas System, where the solids are first recaptured and then the off-gas treated via neutralization scrubber. The air addition in the trim cooler oxidizes the sulphur generated from Reaction 4, producing other SOx species that are neutralized in the scrubbing unit as per Reaction 3.
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Recovered solids are sent to the Carbo-Chlorination area. Refer to Section 2.3.4.3 for additional information.
Residual organic species found in the off-gas and generated during the coking process are to be used as syngas by the client. This is outside the scope of this study.
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| 2.3.5 | 4100 Carbo-Chlorination |
| 2.3.5.1 | 4110 Carbo-Chlorination |
Roasted ROM is conveyed from the Calcining area to the carbo-chlorination fluidized bed reactors, which operate at 1,050°C. Chlorine gas, from the Chlorine Recover area, is injected into the reactors as chlorine source and fluidizing agent. Coke from the Coking area is added to facilitate reduction of oxide species and react with free oxygen to form carbon monoxide, driving the chlorination reactions (outlined below) forward. Impurities are listed in Reactions 6 to 15, where “M” indicates an impurity element.
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Carbo-chlorination off-gas is sent to cyclones to recapture fine solids and recombine with the solid discharge. The carbo-chlorination solids are cooled via a paddle cooler to 100°C and then conveyed to the Water Leach area. The remaining off-gas stream is sent to the De-Sublimation 1 area for the recovery of desired species.
| 2.3.5.2 | 4120 De-Sublimation 1 (Alkali Salt Removal) |
The Alkali Salt Removal de-sublimator cools the carbo-chlorination off-gas to 400°C, selectively de-sublimating REEs and other species that may have unintentionally been vaporized or sublimated. The off-gas from the de-sublimator is sent to a cyclone to recapture fine solids. The solids are sent to the Water Leaching area while the gas stream is sent to a secondary de-sublimation unit, De-Sublimation 2.
| 2.3.5.3 | 4130 De-Sublimation 2 (Ferric Removal) |
The Ferric Removal de-sublimator cools the gas stream from the first de-sublimator to 280°C to de-sublimate FeCl3. The off-gas is sent to a cyclone followed by a ceramic filter to recapture all the de-sublimated solids. It is then sent to De-Sublimation 3. The solids are sent to the Residue Oxidation area to recover the chlorine as Cl2 gas.
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| 2.3.5.4 | 4140 De-Sublimation 3 (Al / Ga Recovery) |
The Al / Ga Recovery de-sublimation system is made up of a pre-cooler and a de-sublimating venturi scrubber. The pre-cooler lowers the gas temperature to 150°C via indirect cooling with cooling water. The cooled gas is then sent to a venturi scrubber where a Ga-rich n-dodecane solution is used to further cool the gas to 140°C. This temperature drop de-sublimates AlCl3 and condenses GaCl3. The GaCl3 is then subsequently displaced into n-dodecane due to its high organic solubility.
A centrifuge is used to separate the Ga-rich n-dodecane from the AlCl3 solids. The solids are sent to the Alumina Separation & Recovery area while the Ga-rich n-dodecane is primarily recycled to the venturi scrubber to further concentrate the solution. A small bleed of the concentrated solution is sent to the Gallium Separation & Recovery area for gallium metal production.
| 2.3.5.5 | 4150 Off-Gas Separation |
The off-gas from the De-Sublimation 3 area is sent to a pre-condenser unit. This unit lowers the temperature to 50°C, the chloride species are condensed and the incondensable species are sent to off-gas treatment. This step decreases the volumetric flow downstream. Following the pre-condenser, the liquor is sent to a two-stage crude fractional distillation system to recover Ge- and Si-rich solutions. Figure 2-2 below outlines the fractional distillation system and the destination of each discharge stream.
Figure 2-2: Two-Stage Crude Fractional Distillation System.
The residual off-gas stream from the pre-condenser is passed through a packed bed scrubber to neutralize any residual SOx and Cl2 that may be present. Dilute sodium hydroxide (2 wt.%) is passed through the scrubber and the neutralized discharge is sent to the ZLD Neutralization, Evaporation & Drying area. The remaining gas is sent through a thermal oxidizer to convert CO into CO2 and then through to a stack for ventilation to atmosphere.
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| 2.3.6 | 4200 Critical Mineral Recovery |
| 2.3.6.1 | 4210 Gallium Separation & Recovery |
The Ga-rich n-dodecane bleed from the De-Sublimation 3 area is sent to a Ga stripping mixer-settler. The organic solution is contacted with DI water to hydrolyze and re-solubilize Ga in the aqueous solution. The organic discharge is returned to the De-Sublimation 3 centrifuge to be used as fresh n-dodecane. The aqueous discharge is first passed through a pair of multimedia filters to recover any entrained organic and then sent to the Ga precipitation tank. The recovered organic is sent to the n-Dodecane Crud Treatment area to ensure proper phase separation prior to recycling the n-dodecane.
Aqueous Ga is precipitated as Ga(OH)3 via pH adjustment to pH 7 with a sodium hydroxide solution.
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The slurry is passed through a thickener and filter press to reduce the moisture content to 25 wt.%. The cake is then re-dissolved in DI water and sodium hydroxide for electrowinning. For the re-dissolution step, sodium hydroxide pellets are used to minimize reagent impurity entrainment. The dissolved solution is fed to electrowinning cells to produce Ga metal. The metal (in liquid form) drains from the electrode and pools at the bottom of the cell. This is then decanted off and packaged in plastic bottles. The residual electrowinning solution is partially recycled to the re-dissolution tank while the remainder is sent to the ZLD Neutralization, Evaporation & Drying area.
| 2.3.6.2 | 4220 Alumina Separation & Recovery |
Solids from the De-Sublimation 3 centrifuge are sent through a n-dodecane displacement step. As n-dodecane and AlCl3 have similar boiling/sublimation points, it is difficult to properly separate them from one another. As such, a centrifuge is used to displace the n-dodecane with hexane, an organic with a much lower boiling point (~69°C). This allows for recovery of AlCl3 as the wet cake is sent through a drying unit to evaporate the hexane. Hexane can then be condensed and recycled. Displaced n-dodecane is recovered and recycled back to the De-Sublimation 3 area.
Dried aluminum solids are split into two streams based on target annual HPA production: one for HPA production and the other sent to Chlorine Recovery area for Cl2 gas generation. The HPA production line sends the solids to a pyrolysis reactor operating at 1,150°C where pure oxygen is injected to produce alumina.
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Off-gas from the reactor is passed through a cyclone to recover any solids entrained and then sent to the Chlorine Recovery area to recover chlorine from any unreacted AlCl3.
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The Al2O3 solids are sent to a furnace, where they are held at 1,100°C for 3 hours to ensure conversion of all Al2O3 solids to the alpha form. The product is then cooled to 70°C for packaging into bulk bags.
| 2.3.6.3 | 4230 Germanium Separation & Recovery |
The Ge-rich solution from the Off-Gas Separation crude fractional distillation system is sent to a HCl-azeotropic still operating at 108°C to remove impurities (i.e., Si, Ti, and P). DI water is added to the still to hydrolyze the impurities.
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While Ge also hydrolyzes in the presence of water, the acid generated from the other reactions re-solubilize the Ge as it is soluble in hydrochloric acid solutions greater than 7.8 M. Within the still, water, hydrochloric acid and GeCl4 are expected to evaporate at 108°C. The vapour is condensed and sent to a decanter operating at 40°C to selectively extract the GeCl4 as it is a much denser liquor than water and hydrochloric acid.
The water and hydrochloric acid solution is partially recycled to the azeotropic still and the residual is sent to the ZLD Waste Neutralization, Evaporation & Drying area. The azeotropic still bottom discharge, primarily containing SiO2, TiO2 and H3PO3, is sent to the ZLD Waste Neutralization, Evaporation & Drying area.
DI water is added to the concentrated GeCl4 solution to hydrolyze the Ge, allowing it to precipitate and be recovered following a solid-liquid separation.
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The product is dried at 110°C to a moisture content of 5%. It is then cooled to 50°C and packaged into drums.
| 2.3.6.4 | 4240 Silica Separation & Recovery |
The Si-rich solution from the crude fractional distillation system (see Figure 2-2) is split into two streams based on annual target HPS production: one for HPS production and the other sent to Chlorine Recovery area for Cl2 gas generation. The silica production line sends the liquid SiCl4 to a flame pyrolysis reactor operating at 1,200°C where pure oxygen is injected to produce silica.
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Off-gas from the reactor is passed through a cyclone and ceramic filter to recover any solids entrained and then sent to the Chlorine Recovery area to recover chlorine from any unreacted SiCl4. The solids are sent to a cooler prior to packaging and storage of the silica product in bulk bags.
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| 2.3.7 | 4300 Rare Earth Recovery |
| 2.3.7.1 | 4310 Water Leaching |
Unreacted solids and non-volatilized chloride species from the Carbo-Chlorination area are sent to the Water Leaching area where water is used to repulp and dissolve the chloride solids. This includes the dissolution of REEs and some impurities. The slurry is pumped to filter presses to separate the residual solids from the liquor. The solids are sent to the Waste ZLD Neutralization, Evaporation & Drying area for disposal. The liquor is sent to an evaporation unit to remove excess water from the solution. A MVR is included as part of the evaporation system to decrease steam consumption.
The concentrated solution is sent to the Al-Sc Hydroxide Recovery area for separation of Al and Sc from the liquor. The evaporator condensate is recycled in the plant as process water.
| 2.3.7.2 | 4320 Al-Sc Hydroxide Recovery |
The concentrated liquor from Water Leaching evaporator is pumped to a ferric reduction tank, where elemental iron is added to reduce any ferric present to ferrous form.
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Ferrous ions have greater solubility in less acidic (i.e., more neutral) pH conditions. This is necessary to prevent the co-precipitation of Fe with products in downstream units.
The solution is pumped through candle filters to remove any Fe that remained undissolved. The filtrate is sent to a pH adjustment tank for the precipitation of Al and Sc. Sodium hydroxide is added to achieve a target pH of 4 and selectively precipitate Al(OH)3 and Sc(OH)3.
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The resulting slurry is then pumped through filter presses. The Sc-rich cake is sent to the Scandium Separation area while the filtrate is sent to the Rare Earth Separation area.
| 2.3.7.3 | 4330 Scandium Separation |
The solids precipitated in Al-Sc Hydroxide Recovery are re-dissolved in hydrochloric acid at a pH of 0.2. The tank is maintained at 35°C to minimize organic volatilization in the solvent-extraction (SX) units downstream.
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The solution is sent through a candle filter to ensure that minimal solids are present prior to SX. Presence of solids in mixer-settlers increase the rate of crud formation.
After filtration, the solution is passed through a Sc SX circuit which includes extraction, washing and stripping stages. Exact number of mixer-settlers per section is still pending and to be determined based on test work. The organic extractant used for this circuit is PC-88A (aka P507, Ionquest 801). It is diluted in kerosene and TBP is used as a modifier to aid in the organic phase stability. For the extraction stages, the O:A ratio is 6:1 and the following extraction extents are expected based on literature, where R represents PC-88A.
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The raffinate from the extraction stage is sent through a pair of multimedia filters to remove any entrained organics and is then pumped to the ZLD Neutralization, Evaporation & Drying area for disposal. Recovered organic from the multimedia filters is sent to Sc Extractant Crud Treatment area.
Following extraction, the loaded organic phase is sent to the washing stage to remove entrained impurities (i.e., Al), improving the overall Sc recovery. A 1 M hydrochloric acid solution is used to wash and scrub the organic solution. The O:A ratio for this stage is based on stoichiometric requirement.
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Used washing solution is sent to the extraction mixer-settlers to recover any Sc that may have accidentally been scrubbed out of the organic phase.
The washed, loaded organic solution is sent to the stripping stage. A 2 M sodium hydroxide solution is used to strip scandium from the organic phase, ensuring a solution pH above 14 so that scandium remains soluble. Within the same stage, partial saponification of the organic phase is performed. Saponification of PC-88A is required to control the operating pH in the extraction stage and improve extraction extent. Only 30% saponification was specified to prevent the formation of a third phase in the mixer-settlers. The O:A ratio for this stage is based on stoichiometric requirement.
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The stripped organic solution is returned to the extraction stage and the loaded strip liquor (LSL) is passed through multimedia filters to remove any entrained organic prior to being pumped to the Scandium Oxide Production area. Recovered organic from the multimedia filters is sent to the Sc Extractant Crud Treatment.
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| 2.3.7.4 | 4340 Scandium Oxide Production |
The Sc-rich solution from the Scandium Separation is sent to a precipitation tank, where hydrochloric acid is added to neutralize the pH to 8.5. This results in the precipitation of scandium as a hydroxide.
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The slurry is then pumped through a thickener and filter press to recover the solids as a wet cake. The scandium cake is calcined at 800°C to produce scandium oxide solids, evaporating any water present in the process.
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The calciner discharge is then cooled, packaged in drums and sent to storage. The residual filtrate is sent to the ZLD Waste Neutralization, Evaporation & Drying area for disposal.
| 2.3.7.5 | 4350 Rare Earth Separation |
The filtrate from the Al-Sc Hydroxide Recovery area is sent to a precipitation tank where sodium hydroxide is added to neutralize the solution pH to 6.5. This is expected to precipitate the REEs as hydroxides.
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The resulting slurry is pumped through a thickener followed by filter presses and the solids are sent to the MREC Production area while the filtrate is sent to ZLD Neutralization, Evaporation & Drying for disposal.
| 2.3.7.6 | 4360 MREC Production |
The REE hydroxide solids from Rare Earth Separation are re-leached with hydrochloric acid and passed through a candle filter to separate the liquor from un-dissolved solids.
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The liquor is then pumped to a series of carbonate precipitation tanks, where a sodium carbonate solution (15% Na2CO3) is added and the REEs are precipitated as hydrated carbonates.
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Filter presses are used to isolate the solids, which are washed with DI water prior to being conveyed to a drying unit to decrease the moisture content to ≤5%. The dried solids are cooled, packaged and sent to storage.
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| 2.3.8 | 4500 Residue Management |
| 2.3.8.1 | 4510 ZLD Neutralization Evaporation & Drying |
Waste streams from various hydrometallurgical process areas are combined in a neutralization tank. Acidic or basic solids are repulped in the tank using either process water or water from liquid waste streams. Hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide solutions are added to neutralize the mixture to a pH of 7.
The slurry is then passed through filter presses to separate the solids from the liquor. While the solids are directly sent to the drying unit, the liquor is sent to an evaporative crystallization system to concentrate and precipitate impurities. The evaporative crystallization system operates at 103°C and contains an evaporator, crystallizer, centrifuge and MVR circuit. The centrifuge centrate is recirculated to the crystallizer feed to concentrate the solution and maximize precipitation of impurities. The centrifuge cake is sent to a drying unit.
Cakes from the neutralization solid-liquid separation and the centrifuge are conveyed and combined at the feed of a rotary dryer. The dryer operates at 110°C and dries the combined cake to 5% moisture. The dried cake is then conveyed to an on-site stockpile for storage.
| 2.3.8.2 | 4520 n-Dodecane Crud Treatment |
The ventilation gas from the Gallium Separation & Recovery mixer-settler is passed through a condenser where the aqueous and organic vapors are condensed at low temperatures. The vent gas stream is then passed through a mist eliminator to remove residual organic or aqueous mist and then through an activated carbon column prior to being released to atmosphere. The condensed and coalesced liquids from the condenser and mist eliminator are drained by gravity to a condensate tank.
Any organic crud that accumulates in the Ga stripping mixer-settler is manually removed using a portable crud pump. This crud is sent to a crud tank to be combined with the backwash liquor stream from the organic recovery multimedia filters. The mixed crud solution is pumped to a three phase centrifuge where the phases (aqueous, organic, and solid) are separated. The organic phase is sent to the recovered organic tank and is pumped to the De-Sublimation 3 area. The recovered aqueous phase is sent to the gallium precipitation section to recover any residual gallium present. The solid crud is stored in crud drums for disposal.
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| 2.3.8.3 | 4530 Sc Extractant Crud Treatment |
Ventilation gases from the Scandium Separation SX mixer-settlers are combined and passed through a condenser where the aqueous and organic vapors are condensed at low temperatures. The vent gas stream is then passed through a mist eliminator to remove residual organic or aqueous mist and then through an activated carbon column prior to being released to atmosphere. The condensed and coalesced liquids from the condenser and mist eliminator are drained by gravity to a condensate tank.
Any organic crud that accumulates in the SX mixer-settlers are manually removed using a portable crud pump. This crud is sent to a crud tank to be combined with the backwash liquor stream from the scandium organic recovery multimedia filters. The mixed crud solution is pumped to a three phase centrifuge where the phases (aqueous, organic, and solid) are separated. The organic phase is sent to the recovered organic tank and is pumped to the Scandium Separation organic feed tank. The recovered aqueous phase is sent to the Scandium Separation SX feed tank to recover any residual scandium present. The solid crud is stored in crud drums for disposal.
| 2.3.9 | 4600 Chlorine Recovery |
| 2.3.9.1 | 4610 Residue Oxidation |
Anhydrous chloride mixtures and off-gas streams from Areas 4100 and 4200 are sent through two stages of oxidation at different operating temperatures to recover Cl2. The first stage operates at 600°C and oxygen is added to promote the oxidation of iron.
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Natural gas is used to maintain the operating temperature in the unit due to the heating demand for the vaporization of incoming chloride species. The gas discharge is sent to the second oxidation stage while the solids generated are separated and disposed.
The second oxidation stage operates at 1000°C and has excess pure oxygen added to allow for the oxidation of the remaining chloride species.
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The above oxidation reactions generate significant excess energy. As such, heat integration via a glycol intermediate has been included, though it would need to be confirmed by vendors. It is proposed that the glycol would be used as cooling medium for the second oxidation stage. The heated glycol is then used as heating medium for steam generation – decreasing the cooling water demand for the oxidation stage and energy demand for fresh steam production.
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The gas discharge is sent to the Chlorine Quench & Off-Gas Treatment area and the solids generated are separated and disposed.
| 2.3.9.2 | 4620 Chlorine Quench & Off-Gas Treatment |
The gas from the Residue Oxidation area is sent through a quenching unit to drop the stream temperature to 50°C. This condenses any water and hydrochloric acid that may have been produced as a result of organic degradation and other impurity reactions. Other condensable species are also removed at this stage. The condensed solution is sent to the ZLD Neutralization, Evaporation & Drying area for disposal.
The cooled chlorine gas is compressed and returned to the Carbo-Chlorination area to be used as a chlorinating agent.
| 2.3.10 | 5100 Liquid Reagents |
Liquid reagents are delivered to the facility either in metal drums or tanker trucks. Upon arrival, the reagents are unloaded using pumps for transfer to their respective storage tanks. The storage tanks are specifically designed to safely hold their respective reagents until needed for various applications within the facility.
| 2.3.11 | 5200 Solid Reagents |
Iron powder is delivered to the facility in bulk bags. The bags are lifted to a bag breaker and discharged into a storage hopper for use in the Al-Sc Hydroxide Recovery area.
Soda ash is delivered to the facility in bulk bags. The bags are lifted to a bag breaker and discharged into a tank where the solids are mixed with DI water to produce a 15% soda ash solution. The soda ash solution is passed through a candle filter to remove any undissolved solids. Solids are collected in a skip and sent to the ZLD Neutralization, Evaporation & Drying area for disposal. The filtered soda ash solution is stored in a tank for distribution within the plant.
Sodium hydroxide pellets are delivered to the facility in sealed drums. The drums are stored in proximity to the Gallium Separation & Recovery area and periodically emptied into a storage hopper for distribution. As sodium hydroxide pellets are highly hygroscopic, residence time in the storage hopper is kept to a minimum to minimize handling concerns.
Flotation collector is delivered to the facility in bulk bags. The bags are lifted to a bag breaker and discharged into a storage hopper for use in the Wet Scrubbing area.
| 2.3.12 | 5300 Gas Reagents |
Chlorine gas is delivered to site in liquified form. It is unloaded using pumps for transfer to pressurized vessels for distribution to the Carbo-Chlorination area.
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An air separation plant is located on site, in proximity to the processing areas. The separation plant is responsible for producing pure oxygen and pure nitrogen for use within the plant. The argon residue is to be packaged and sold as a by-product. The capacity of the air separation plant is based on the oxygen requirement for the process plant. Details regarding the air separation plant are to be provided by the vendor.
| 2.4 | Process Model |
The Mass & Energy Balance (MEB) for this study was developed in Kenwalt SysCAD, a plant simulation software, based on steady-state operation. Brook Mine’s elevation was used to determine the ambient pressure of the model (i.e., 1,210 m elevation leading to 87.6 kPa(a)).
The mineralogy of the ROM and coal feeds were determined based on test work either conducted by Ramaco or by a third-party laboratory. The carbon composition of the ROM was assumed to be variable and could be modified based on heating requirements in the ROM roaster unit. Refer to Section 2.1 or the PDC (H376597-0000-210-210-0001) for additional detail on feed composition.
Reagent composition and purity level were based on typical supplier specifications. Raw water treatments for plant utilization (i.e., Raw Water Treatment and DI Water Production Package) were not modeled due to the insufficient information on the well water quality. Other utilities used were modeled based on the specifications in the PDB (H376597-0000-210-226-0002) and PDC (H376597-0000-210-210-0001).
Physical and thermodynamic properties for each chemical species within the plant were defined based on available data from HSC (v.6 and v.10), OLI Studio (v.12.5), NIST chemistry database, and literature. If a species was found to be missing critical information, it was assumed that it shared properties with a similar species.
Equipment heat losses, especially in pyrometallurgical units, were not modeled due to insufficient process definition. Any pH parameters were confirmed using the MSE-SRK database within OLI Studio.
As limited test work was available for the unit operations within the plant, reaction extents were either based on literature, client data, or assumptions. Based on client input, overall recovery of gallium and germanium were set to be 94% and 84%, respectively (H376597-0000-210-034-0004). These recovery extents were achieved by varying the chlorination extents of Ga and Ge in the carbo-chlorination unit. Optimal recovery was assumed for all subsequent stages. An overview of major product losses is summarized in Table 2-2 below.
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Table 2-2: Causes for Product Loss in Model.
Location |
Affected Element | Description | |||
| Ga | Ge | REE | Sc | ||
| Carbo-Chlorination | X | X | X | X | Expected chlorination of species limit the overall recovery of products. |
| Crude Fractional Distillation | X | External modeling indicated Ge losses due to its low concentration. | |||
| Filters | X | X | X | Liquid elements passed through filters had some losses to the cake moisture. | |
Additional information regarding the MEB results are discussed in Section 2.5 below.
| 2.5 | Mass & Energy Balance |
This section provides a high level summary on the critical mineral deportments and utility recovery. For more information refer to the Stream Table (H376597-0000-210-216-0002) and the PDC (H376597-0000-210-210-0001).
Values presented in this section are based on the original HPA production rate of 1,800 metric tonnes per annum (refer to Section 2.1).
| 2.5.1 | Key Elemental Recoveries |
Expanding on the information summarized in Table 2-2, the overall recovery of the critical minerals as well as Al and Si are summarized below in Table 2-3.The recovery of Al and Si is intentionally low, since the target HPA and HPS production rates were less than the total amount of Al and Si chlorinated (see Section 2.1). Therefore portions of the AlCl3 and SiCl4 were sent to the Chlorine Recovery area to recover Cl2 for the carbo-chlorination unit.
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Table 2-3: Key Elemental Recovery Overview.
|
Al | Ga | Ge | Si | Sc | REE | |
Source (kg / h) |
ROM Feed | 14,700 | 6.06 | 0.39 | 47,600 | 3.40 | 56.1 |
| REE-Enriched Coal | 119 | 0.20 | 0.03 | 805 | 0.46 | 7.82 | |
| Destination | HPA | 0.8% | - | - | - | - | - |
| Ga Metal | - | 94% | - | - | - | - | |
| High Purity GeO2 | - | - | 84% | - | - | - | |
| HPS | - | - | 0.7 % | 2% | - | - | |
| Sc2O3 | - | - | - | - | 79% | - | |
| MREC | - | - | - | - | - | 80% | |
| Rejected Quartz | - | - | - | 53% | - | - | |
| Chlorination Oxide Solids | 74.5% | - | 7.5 % | 22% | - | - | |
| ZLD Waste | 24.7% | 6% | 7.7 % | 22% | 21% | 20% |
In the carbo-chlorination unit, the reaction extents for Sc and the REEs were assumed to be 80% as insufficient information on the reaction kinetics was available. For more information, refer to the PDC (H376597-0000-210-210-0001). Unreacted Sc and REE were assumed to not leach in water and would be sent to Residue Management. Additional Sc losses were due to the Sc SX extraction extent and filtration steps, bringing the overall recover of Sc to 79%. It was assumed that there were no additional REE losses.
The reaction extents for Ga and Ge were varied in the carbo-chlorination unit to achieve the target overall recovery of 94% and 84%, respectively (refer to H376597-0000-210-034-0004). Carbo-chlorination was the main determining factor for Ga recovery, with minor other losses. For Ge, however, additional losses were tied to the crude fractional distillation where the low Ge concentration led to Ge losses to the HPS product and Chlorine Recovery waste.
The overall recovery of Al was dictated by the carbo-chlorination unit kinetics. Aluminum availability was based on kaolinite conversion to meta-kaolinite in the ROM roaster and coking furnace, limited to 95% in the former. Only meta-kaolinite was then expected to chlorinate in the carbo-chlorination unit, at an 80% conversion rate. This resulted in un-reacted kaolinite and meta-kaolinite being disposed of in the Residue Management area. The overall Al recovery as HPA was 0.8%.
The overall Si recovery was also based on the quartz removal and the carbo-chlorination unit. Quartz removal in the Physical Separation area decreased the Si feed to the carbo-chlorination units. Only meta-kaolinite-bound Si was expected to be chlorinated and as such the remaining un-reacted kaolinite, meta-kaolinite, and quartz were disposed in the Residue Management or the Chlorine Recovery areas. The Si recovery as HPS was intentionally 2%.
All elemental deportments will need to be confirmed by test work in later phases.
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| 2.5.2 | Utility Recovery |
Raw water is planned to be sourced from a well, making its consumption an area of concern. The overall water balance for the plant is summarized in Table 2-4. Current raw water consumption is at 385.4 t / h. To be noted, the preliminary air separation plant budgetary quote from Messer indicated a make-up water demand of 200 gpm (~45 t/h) and water waste discharge of 100 gpm (~22.5 t/h) that are excluded from the values presented in Table 2-4.
Table 2-4: Overall Water Balance for the Brook Mine Process Plant.
|
Water Input |
Water Output | ||
| Source | Flow (t / h) | Destination | Flow (t / h) |
| Raw Water | 385.4 | Cooling Tower | 312.1 |
| ROM Feed | 25.7 | ROM Roaster Off-Gas Treatment Vent | 60.1 |
| NaOH Reagent (50 wt.%) | 4.5 | Rejected Quartz Cake | 18.4 |
| Coal Feed | 4.0 | Waste ZLD Dryer Vent | 11.4 |
| HCl Reagent (35 wt.%) | 1.2 | Boiler | 9.3 |
| TBP (99 wt.%) | 4.39x10-6 | Coking Off-Gas Treatment Vent | 7.4 |
| Waste ZLD Cake | 3.2 | ||
| Carbo-Chlorination Off-Gas Treatment Vent | 2.2 | ||
| Other Outputs | 0.1 | ||
| Total In | 420.8 | Total Out | 424.1 |
| Difference | 3.26 | ||
| Water Generated (in reaction blocks) | 3.34 | ||
| Water Consumed (in reaction blocks) | 0.08 | ||
| Overall Difference | 0.000 | ||
Primary water losses are due to the cooling tower blowdown, drift and evaporation losses. Standard evaporative cooling tower assumptions were used in the model and will require confirmation from vendors. Alternative cooling tower technologies may need to be investigated to reduce these losses. Similarly, boiler water losses are due to pressure let down and boiler blowdown, with the latter requiring confirmation from vendors.
Other water losses were from off-gas treatment scrubbers and unrecovered water vapour from calciners, dryers and roasters. Due to the moisture content in the waste cakes (5 wt.% and 25 wt.% for the rejected quartz and ZLD cake, respectively), additional water is also lost in those streams. Filtration test work and vendor technology may be able to decrease water losses in cake moisture. The water flowrates include any bound water that may be present (ex. Al2O3∙2SiO2∙2H2O, [REE]2CO3∙xH2O). Release or formation of bound water is assumed to not impact water generation/consumption.
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For a detailed utilities breakdown on the:
| ● | Process water consumption, refer to Table 2-5 |
| ● | DI water usage, refer to Table 2-6 |
| ● | Cooling water usage and return, refer to Table 2-7 |
| ● | Steam usage and condensate return, refer to Table 2-8. |
| 2.5.2.1 | Process Water |
Process water is used in the system when the purity is not the primary concern or as alternative cooling medium for high temperature areas. Table 2-5 provides a detailed breakdown and rationale for the major process water users and recovery sources.
Table 2-5: Overview of Process Water Usage and Recovery.
|
Description |
Flow (t / h) | Addition Rationale |
| Process Water Users | ||
| De-Sublimation 1 (Alkali)1 | 486.2 | Maintain operating temperature at 400°C |
| Cooling Tower | 312.1 | Evaporation/drift/blowdown losses (6.2%) |
| De-Sublimation 2 (Ferric Removal)1 | 231.4 | Maintain operating temperature at 280°C |
| Mineral Process Water | 108.9 | Make up water loss to purge (2.5%) |
| Water Leaching | 87.8 | 40% solids in feed and 0.5 t / t dry solids wash ratio |
| Carbo-Chlorination Off-Gas Treatment | 66.5 | NaOH solution diluent used to neutralize SO2 and dissolve HCl |
| Roaster Off-Gas Treatment | 54.3 | NaOH solution diluent used to neutralize SO2 |
| Coking Off-Gas Treatment | 37.4 | NaOH solution diluent used to neutralize SO2 |
| Al-Sc Hydroxide Precipitation Filters | 0.2 | 0.5 t/t dry solids |
| Total Process Water Usage | 1,384.8 | |
| Process Water Recovery | ||
| Return from De-Sublimation 1 | 486.2 | Return from De-Sublimation 1 |
| Return from De-Sublimation 2 | 231.4 | Return from De-Sublimation 2 |
| ZLD Condensate | 225.8 | ZLD Condensate |
| ROM Dryer Condensate | 47.7 | ROM Dryer Condensate |
| Water Evaporator Condensate | 39.3 | Water Evaporator Condensate |
| Total Process Water Recovered | 1,030.5 | |
| Make-Up Raw Water | 354.3 | Excluding make-up to DI water package |
| 1 | Process water was used as cooling medium for both the de-sublimation unit 1 and 2 instead of cooling water due to the high unit operating temperatures. |
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Any water condensate from the MVR systems (ZLD System and Water Evaporator) is treated as process water and may no longer meet the purity requirement for the steam boiler, therefore it is treated as process water. Raw water is required to make up the difference in recovered to usage demand.
| 2.5.2.2 | DI Water |
As discussed in Section 2.3.2.1, DI water is used when there are concerns about product purity and impurity entrainment. Table 2-6 provides a detailed breakdown on the DI water usage. The process water make-up flow presented does not account for any waste streams generated from the DI water treatment package.
Table 2-6: Overview of DI Water Users.
|
Description |
Flow (t / h) | Addition Rationale |
| Boiler Condensate Make-Up | 24.7 | Blowdown losses (5%) |
| Gallium Stripping | 1.8 | O:A ratio of 20:1 |
| Scandium Solvent Extraction (Stripping) | 1.7 | O:A ratio of 10:1 |
| Scandium Solvent Extraction (Washing) | 1.1 | O:A ratio of 15:1 |
| Other Users | 1.9 | |
| Total DI Water Usage | 31.1 | |
| Process Water Make-Up | 31.1 |
DI water is used in the steam boiler to reduce scaling and in the SX circuits to reduce crud formation. The “Other Users” category accounts for water consumption for various filtration, dilution, and re-pulping steps necessary for critical mineral production.
| 2.5.2.3 | Cooling Water |
Cooling water is used throughout the plant to regulate unit operating temperatures and condense vapours. All used cooling water is returned to the cooling tower and process water is used as make-up source to account for cooling tower losses. A detailed breakdown of the cooling water usage is summarized below in Table 2-7.
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| Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - Section 2 - Process Definition - July 28, 2026 | |
Table 2-7: Overview of Cooling Water Users.
Description |
Flow (t / h) | Addition Rationale |
| Stage 2 Oxidizer | 1311.5 | Discharge temperature of 1000°C |
| Process Water Cooler | 809.3 | Discharge temperature of 50°C |
| ROM Dryer Condenser | 528.7 | Condense water present in vent |
| Al-Ga De-Sublimator Discharge Cooler | 482.0 | Discharge temperature of 55°C |
| Chlorinated ROM Cooler | 458.1 | Discharge temperature of 100°C |
| Chlorine Quench Condenser | 332.7 | Discharge temperature of 50°C |
| Crude Fractional Distillation Columns | 225.3 | Maintain temperature profiles of the two-stage system |
| Chlorination Off-Gas Separation Pre-Condenser | 170.6 | Discharge temperature of 56.8°C |
| Al-Ga De-Sublimator Pre-Cooler | 161.0 | Discharge temperature of 150°C |
| Water Leach Evaporator Cooler | 66.6 | Discharge temperature of 50°C |
| Hexane Condenser | 44.7 | Condense hexane present in off-gas |
| Water Leach Recirculation Cooler | 41.8 | Maintain operating temperature of 80°C |
| SiCl4 Pyrolysis Reactor | 32.5 | Maintain operating temperature of 1200°C |
| Silica Product Cooler | 18.8 | Discharge temperature of 70°C |
| HCl-Azeotropic Still | 57.2 | Maintain temperature profile (76 - 108°C) |
| Other Users | 7.3 | |
| Total Cooling Water Usage | 4748.3 | |
| Make-up Process Water | 312.1 | Evaporation/drift/blowdown losses (6.2%) |
| Total Water to Cooling Tower | 5060.3 |
| 2.5.2.4 | Steam |
Steam is used as the heating medium in dryers, distillation columns, and MVR systems. A detailed breakdown of the steam users and condensate return is summarized in Table 2-8.
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| Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - Section 2 - Process Definition - July 28, 2026 | |
Table 2-8: Overview of Steam Usage and Condensate Return.
Steam Destination |
Flow (t/h) | Addition Rationale |
| Steam Users | ||
| ROM Dryer | 62.8 | Heat source to maintain 120°C |
| Waste ZLD MVR System | 13.4 | Make-up duty source |
| Crude Fractional Distillation Columns | 11.2 | Maintain temperature profiles of the two-stage system |
| Boiler Loss | 4.7 | Boiler blowdown loss (5%) |
| Steam Condensate Pressure Letdown | 4.5 | Letdown pressure to atmospheric |
| Water Leach Evaporation MVR System | 2.0 | Make-up duty source |
| Total Steam Usage | 98.7 | |
| Condensate Returns | ||
| Condensate from ROM Dryer | 62.8 | |
| Condensate from Crude Fractional Distillation | 11.2 | |
| Total Condensate Recovery | 74.0 | |
| DI Water Make-Up | 24.7 | Steam sent to MVR systems are recovered as process water. |
Significant DI water make up is required due to the condensates from MVR systems not being returned to the boiler. MVR systems combine steam with process vapour and, as such, the combined condensate no longer meets the purity requirement for boilers. The MVR condensate is instead used as process water within the plant.
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| Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - Section 3 - Capital Cost Estimate - July 28, 2026 | |
Ramaco
Resources
Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project
Initial Assessment Report - Section 3 - Capital Cost Estimate
| 2026-07-28 | 0 | Issued for Use | D. Estrada | V. Tillous | F. Delgado | |
| Date | Rev. | Status | Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | Approved By |
| |
Client | |||||
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| Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - Section 3 - Capital Cost Estimate - July 28, 2026 | |
Important notice to reader
This report (the “Report”), has been prepared by Hatch Ltd. (“Hatch”) for the sole and exclusive use of Ramaco Resources (the “Client”) for the purpose of assisting the management of the Client with respect to Brook Mine Rare Earth Project (the “Asset”) must not be used for any other purpose. Hatch does not accept and disclaimers any and all responsibility and liability arising from any use or reliance on this Report by any third party, or any modification or misuse of this Report.
| 1. | This report contains opinions, conclusions and recommendations made by Hatch, using its professional judgment and reasonable care. Estimates have been prepared by Hatch, using its professional judgment and exercising due care consistent with the agreed level of accuracy. Any use of or reliance upon this report and estimate by Client is subject to the following conditions: |
| a. | The report and estimates being read in the context of and subject to the terms of the Consultant Service Agreement between Hatch and Ramaco Resources (the “Agreement”), including any methodologies, procedures, techniques, assumptions and other relevant terms or conditions that were specified or agreed therein; |
| b. | The report, including the estimates contained herein, being read as a whole, with sections or parts hereof read or relied upon in context; |
| c. | The conditions of the site may change over time (or may have already changed) due to natural forces or human intervention, and Hatch takes no responsibility for the impact that such changes may have on the accuracy or validity or the observations, conclusions and recommendations set out in this report; and |
| d. | The estimate is based on several factors over which Hatch has no control, including without limitation site conditions, cost and availability of inputs, etc., and Hatch takes no responsibility for the impact that changes to these factors may have on the accuracy or validity or this estimate. |
| e. | This report is a Scoping Study and, accordingly, all estimates and projections contained herein are based on limited and incomplete data. Therefore, while the work, results, estimates and projections herein may be considered to be generally indicative of the nature and quality of the Project, they are not definitive. No representations or predictions are intended as to the results of future work, nor can there be any promises that the estimates and projections in this report will be sustained in future work. |
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| Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - Section 3 - Capital Cost Estimate - July 28, 2026 | |
| 2. | The report and estimates are based on information made available to Hatch by the Client or by certain third parties, and unless stated otherwise in the report, Hatch has not verified the accuracy, completeness or validity of such information, makes no representation regarding its accuracy and hereby disclaims any liability in connection therewith. |
| 3. | Any use of this report by any third party is at that party’s sole risk, and neither Hatch nor any of its directors, officers or employees shall have any liability to any third party for such use for any reason, including negligence. |
| 4. | This Report is subject to the State of Wyoming and the city of Sherida, Wyoming and all disputes will be submitted to the International Chamber of Commerce (“ICC”) for resolution in accordance with its rules then in force. The arbitration will be held in English and in the city of Sheridan, Wyoming or such other location the parties may agree. |
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| Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - Section 3 - Capital Cost Estimate - July 28, 2026 | |
Table of Contents
| 3. | Capital Cost Estimate Basis | 3-1 | ||
| 3.1 | Introduction | 3-1 | ||
| 3.2 | Acronyms and Abbreviations | 3-1 | ||
| 3.3 | Project and phase description | 3-1 | ||
| 3.4 | Estimate Summary | 3-1 | ||
| 3.4.1 | Estimate Summary by WBS | 3-1 | ||
| 3.4.2 | Summary by Trade | 3-3 | ||
| 3.4.3 | Accuracy Statement | 3-4 | ||
| 3.5 | Estimating Tools | 3-4 | ||
| 3.5.1 | Exclusions, Assumptions and Qualifications | 3-4 | ||
| 3.6 | Structure & Coding | 3-6 | ||
| 3.6.1 | Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) | 3-6 | ||
| 3.6.2 | Trade Codes | 3-6 | ||
| 3.7 | Direct Costs | 3-7 | ||
| 3.7.1 | Basis by Commodity | 3-7 | ||
| 3.7.2 | Labor | 3-12 | ||
| 3.8 | Indirect cost | 3-13 | ||
| 3.8.1 | Temporary construction facilities and services | 3-13 | ||
| 3.8.2 | Freight and Logistics | 3-14 | ||
| 3.8.3 | EPCM | 3-14 | ||
| 3.8.4 | Spare parts | 3-15 | ||
| 3.8.5 | Vendor’s representatives at site | 3-15 | ||
| 3.8.6 | First Fills | 3-15 | ||
| 3.8.7 | Pre-Operational Testing | 3-15 | ||
| 3.9 | Owner Costs | 3-16 | ||
| 3.10 | Contingency | 3-16 | ||
| 3.11 | OoM estimate for 2.6 MTPA capacity plant | 3-17 | ||
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List of Table
| Table 3-1: | List of Acronyms | 3-1 |
| Table 3-2: | Estimate Summary by WBS level 2 | 3-2 |
| Table 3-3: | Estimate Summary by Trade | 3-3 |
| Table 3-4: | Trade Codes Used | 3-6 |
| Table 3-5: | Mechanical equipment and tanks supply cost by source of information | 3-7 |
| Table 3-6: | Summary of equipment supply by type of equipment | 3-8 |
| Table 3-7: | Buildings cost summary | 3-9 |
| Table 3-8: | Owner’s Costs summary | 3-16 |
| Table 3-9: | Order of Magnitude Estimate for Expansion | 3-18 |
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| Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - Section 3 - Capital Cost Estimate - July 28, 2026 | |
| 3. | Capital Cost Estimate Basis |
| 3.1 | Introduction |
This document was prepared by the Project Estimating Manager on behalf of the Project Manager.
The audience for this document includes the Project Owner, Project Manager, Business Unit Owner, and those parties that need to understand the approach taken to develop the Capital Cost Estimate.
The purpose of this document is to report the estimate results for the Initial Assessment study phase, the methodology used and the premises and information taken into account.
| 3.2 | Acronyms and Abbreviations |
The Table 3-1 below provides a list of acronyms and their corresponding full forms used throughout this document for reference.
Table 3-1: List of Acronyms
|
Acronym |
Full Form |
| AACE | Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering |
| BoE | Basis of Estimate |
| BoP | Balance of Plant |
| USD | United States Dollars |
| CAPEX | Capital Expenditure |
| CM | Construction Management |
| EP | Engineering and Procurement |
| MTO | Material Take-Off |
| PPE | Personal Protective Equipment |
| Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 | First Quarter, Second Quarter, Third Quarter, Fourth Quarter |
| QRA | Quantitative Risk Assessment |
| TBD | To be discussed |
| WBS | Work Breakdown Structure |
| 3.3 | Project and phase description |
For project phase and description, please review Section 1 of this report.
| 3.4 | Estimate Summary |
| 3.4.1 | Estimate Summary by WBS |
The table below presents the results of the estimate by physical and intangible area using the work breakdown structure agreed with Ramaco at level 2.
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Table 3-2: Estimate Summary by WBS level 2
WBS Code |
WBS description | Total
Cost (MUSD) |
| 1000 | General - Project Wide | 49.56 |
| 1100 | Site Preparations | 49.56 |
| 2000 | Site Preparations and Infrastructure | 131.67 |
| 2200 | Site Power Distribution | 39.32 |
| 2300 | Fuel, Steam, Air and Cooling Water Systems | 25.18 |
| 2400 | Water and Sewage Systems | 43.33 |
| 2500 | Raw Material, Product and By-product Storage | - |
| 2600 | Laboratory | 5.00 |
| 2700 | Non-Process Buildings | 18.84 |
| 3000 | Beneficiation | 294.59 |
| 3100 | Physical Separation | 130.96 |
| 3200 | Pre-Treatment | 163.63 |
| 4000 | Process Plant | 791.20 |
| 4100 | Carbo-Chlorination | 237.46 |
| 4200 | Critical Mineral Recovery | 247.62 |
| 4300 | Rare Earth Recovery | 77.86 |
| 4400 | Tailings Filtration and Storage | - |
| 4500 | Residue Management | 200.10 |
| 4600 | Chlorine Recovery | 20.16 |
| 4700 | Product Handling & Packaging | 8.00 |
| 4900 | Process Building(s) | 0.00 |
| 5000 | Reagents Storage and Supply | 29.48 |
| 5100 | Liquid Reagents | 4.17 |
| 5200 | Solid Reagents | 2.28 |
| 5300 | Gas Reagents | 13.80 |
| 5400 | Reagents Unloading Station | 3.00 |
| 5900 | Reagent Building(s) | - |
| 6000 | Offsite Infrastructure and Facilities (out of Hatch Scope) | - |
| 6100 | Site Access | - |
| 6200 | Utilities | - |
| 6300 | Accommodations Camp | - |
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WBS Code |
WBS description | Total
Cost (MUSD) |
| DC | Direct Cost | 1,296.49 |
| 7000 | Indirects | 440.45 |
| 7100 | Temporary Construction Facilities and Services | 90.75 |
| 7200 | Freight | 50.99 |
| 7300 | EPCM | 233.37 |
| 7400 | Miscellaneous | 45.89 |
| 7500 | Pre-Operational Testing | 19.45 |
| DC+IC | Direct + Indirect Cost | 1,736.94 |
| 8000 | Contingency | 521.08 |
| 9000 | Owners Costs | 327.02 |
| TIC | Total Installed Cost | 2,585.05 |
| 3.4.2 | Summary by Trade |
The summary by trade or discipline applied to the current stage of the project is shown below:
Table 3-3: Estimate Summary by Trade
Code |
Trade Description | Total
Cost (MCAD) |
| A | Site development | 49.56 |
| CSE | Structural support | 58.19 |
| F | Buildings | 246.76 |
| J | Instrumentation and controls | 59.64 |
| L | Electrical equipment and bulks | 214.53 |
| M | Mechanical equipment | 519.13 |
| N | Tanks | 25.65 |
| P | Piping, fittings, valves and insulation | 106.53 |
| X | Multidiscipline allowances | 16.50 |
| DC | Total Direct Cost | 1,296.49 |
| Y | Indirect Cost | 440.45 |
| IC | Total Project Indirect Costs | 440.45 |
| DC+IC | Direct + Indirect Cost | 1,736.94 |
| Z | Contingency | 521.08 |
| V | Owner’s Costs | 327.02 |
| TIC | Total Installed Cost | 2,585.05 |
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| 3.4.3 | Accuracy Statement |
The capital cost estimate was prepared in accordance with the AACE guidelines for a Scope Study: Class 5 estimate, with an intended accuracy range of -30% to +50%.
The estimate is based on very limited information, equipment sizing, and a chosen region but not exact location. Major mechanical equipment and tanks have been listed and priced. All other costs are factored and derived of the equipment supply cost. More details will be provided in the following sections.
| 3.5 | Estimating Tools |
The estimate was produced in MS Excel and delivered in pdf format. A copy of the estimate details and summaries are provided in MS Excel format.
| 3.5.1 | Exclusions, Assumptions and Qualifications |
The capital cost estimate was compiled based on the following assumptions and qualifications:
| ● | Discipline Mechanical equipment list (MEL) for mechanical equipment. Preliminary vendor’s quotes for key equipment packages, all other equipment was priced according with Hatch in-house database or using allowances when the capacity of the equipment is indetermined. |
| ● | Factored installation from equipment supply cost according with benchmarks in the region. |
| ● | Electrical equipment and bulks, Piping, insulation, instrumentation and controls, civil and structural works cost was calculated as allowances, factored consistently with benchmarks for other projects similar facilities or areas. |
| ● | A preliminary layout was created for the Initial Assessment study, the preliminary size of buildings and process areas were provided. |
| ● | The indirect costs were introduced as allowances factored from direct cost or equipment supply cost where applicable. |
| ● | The estimate base date is Q2 2026. |
| ● | All costs are provided in US Dollars; the estimate is presented in US Dollars. |
| ● | The estimate is nominal to the base date and currency. Escalation and currency fluctuations beyond the base date are excluded. |
| ● | None of the prices is based on contracts of biding quotations. |
| 3.5.1.1 | Exclusions |
| ● | Given the non-specific site location of the plant, no information was provided for the excavations and fills needed to level the surface. For estimation purposes only, the site is assumed to be levelled. Not massive excavations and fills are considered to provide an even terrain for construction. This assumption requires review after the location of the plant is defined and the preparations efforts are quantified. |
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| ● | The need of deep foundations as piles is excluded. A geotechnical report is being prepared at the moment. After the results of the geotechnical investigation and recommendations are provided, this assumption will be reviewed. |
| ● | Construction centralized camp and operation camp have been excluded. |
| ● | The cost of infrastructure and equipment to provide feedstocks, power, fuel, gas, potable and demineralized water, and reagents outside of the boundary of the project is excluded (Transmission lines, reagents plant, gas pipeline, etc.). These costs are covered under Owner’s Cost as indicated by Ramaco. |
| ● | The cost of stack areas and stockpiling facilities is excluded. |
| ● | Pre-Commercial production costs that occur after facilities are handed over to the owner are excluded. |
| ● | Sustaining capital costs and closure costs are excluded (client has indicated that these costs are being considered in the Financial Model, prepared by Ramaco). The capital cost estimate is limited to costs relating to project construction and complete pre-operational testing tills hot commissioning. |
| ● | Estimate is based on EPCM or Design – Bid – Build execution model and excludes any risk premium or subcontractor’s fees associated with an EPC model. |
| ● | Land purchase and rentals are excluded from Hatch’s scope. This exclusion also considers the land needed for final disposal of unused material produced from excavations (considered under Owner’s cost provided by Ramaco). |
| ● | Any cost related to environmental evaluation, permitting and mitigation projects is excluded (considered under Owner’s Cost provided by Ramaco). |
| ● | Financial costs and Insurances are excluded (considered under Owner’s Cost provided by Ramaco). |
| ● | Escalation beyond the base date. |
| ● | Impacts of foreign currency exchange rate variations are excluded. |
| ● | Allowances for significant changes to the scope of the project are excluded. |
| ● | Management reserves are excluded for risks events not contemplated in contingency such as non-predictable variations in market conditions that could affect equipment, commodities and / or labour costs, labour unrest, disputes with residents, geotechnical or process related design issues, delays due to the considerably late receipt of equipment or materials, significant poor performance by contractors, force majeure, etc. |
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| ● | Allowances are excluded for the risks associated with the US political, legal, or regulatory environment, including: |
| ♦ | The risk of changes to any laws, regulations, rules, or policies, or the governmental or judicial interpretation thereof |
| ♦ | The risk of the client failing to comply with any such laws, regulations, rules or policies and the costs of any resulting penalties, fines, suits, etc. |
| ♦ | The risk of the client not being able to obtain or maintain any permits, licenses and other authorisations required for the project or construction. |
| ● | Any other exclusion stated in this document. |
| 3.6 | Structure & Coding |
| 3.6.1 | Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) |
The WBS is a logical division and sub-division of the work into a 1 to 4-level hierarchical manner. Within the WBS, the Project is divided into Areas, Facilities, and Sub-facilities or Systems. For the present study only a WBS at level 3 have been developed to identify equipment in different process areas.
| 3.6.2 | Trade Codes |
Commodity Codes are used to collect the estimate items into groups of work of a similar nature or discipline. The standard Commodity Code is an alpha character which is directly aligned with the project standard discipline descriptions.
Table 3-4: Trade Codes Used
|
Trade Code |
Trade |
| A | Site development |
| CSE | Structural support |
| F | Buildings |
| J | Instrumentation and controls |
| L | Electrical equipment and bulks |
| M | Mechanical equipment |
| N | Tanks |
| P | Piping, fittings, valves and insulation |
| X | Multidiscipline allowances |
| Y | Indirect Costs |
| Z | Contingency |
| V | Owner’s Costs |
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| 3.7 | Direct Costs |
Direct costs include all the permanent equipment, materials and labor associated with the physical construction of the permanent facility / asset, and includes:
| ● | Supply, assembly, and installation of permanent equipment and tanks |
| ● | Supply, fabrication, and installation of bulk materials |
| ● | Supplemental resources for equipment and bulk material installation, such as labor and construction equipment |
| ● | Site preparations and the construction of ancillary facilities and systems |
| ● | Supply, fabrication and erection of permanent buildings and associated services |
| ● | Contractor’s distributable costs such as mobilization and demobilization, overheads and profit, supervision, general construction equipment including construction cranes, small tools and consumables used in construction, etc. |
In the following sections the basis of Direct Cost is explained.
| 3.7.1 | Basis by Commodity |
| 3.7.1.1 | Mechanical costs |
Mechanical costs consist of permanent equipment, tanks, and the associated labor and material costs required to install them.
A Mechanical Equipment List (MEL) was provided by engineering including capacity and construction materials when was possible a determination.
This list was priced using budgetary quotes from vendors, in-house database from recent projects with similar needs. When the capacity was undetermined an allowance was included according with recent estimate experience.
All equipment costs of reference from previous projects were escalated to the base date (Q2 2026).
This is the equipment supply cost distributed according with the source of information:
Table
3-5: Mechanical equipment and tanks supply
cost by source of information
Source |
MUSD | % of total supply |
| Quote | 67.11 | 18% |
| Database | 253.77 | 69% |
| Allowances | 47.76 | 13% |
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It was considered that some of the equipment needed to complete the balance of plant is not listed. To cover that cost, a factor between 5% and 10% was applied to the equipment listed cost in each area.
Table 3-6: Summary of equipment supply by type of equipment
Equipment |
Total supply cost MUSD | % of the total supply cost |
| Fluid Bed Roaster | 116.07 | 31% |
| Crystallizer Packages | 35.07 | 10% |
| Cylindrical Tanks | 18.47 | 5% |
| Flame Reactor | 17.65 | 5% |
| Fluid Bed Reactors | 14.17 | 4% |
| Filter Press | 12.69 | 3% |
| Cyclones | 10.42 | 3% |
| Paddle Coolers | 9.56 | 3% |
| Heat Exchanger Coolers | 9.28 | 3% |
| Water Treatment Package | 7.29 | 2% |
| GAC Columns | 7.00 | 2% |
| Rotary Dryers | 5.93 | 2% |
| Venturi Scrubbers | 5.17 | 1% |
| Centrifugal Pumps | 5.15 | 1% |
| Evaporator Package | 4.67 | 1% |
| Distillation Columns | 4.50 | 1% |
| Plate Magnets | 4.00 | 1% |
| Mixer Settlers | 3.12 | 1% |
| Belt Conveyors | 3.03 | 1% |
| De-Sublimators | 3.00 | 1% |
| Bagging Systems | 3.00 | 1% |
| Rotary Kilns | 2.50 | 1% |
| Other listed equipment | 35.33 | 10% |
| Non-listed equipment | 31.57 | 9% |
The installation was calculated as a factor of the Equipment cost as follows:
| ● | 30% factor for Mechanical equipment isolated or non-modular and Tanks |
| ● | 15% factor for modular equipment. |
Labor inclusions are stated in 3.7.2.
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| 3.7.1.2 | Buildings and major structures |
A layout and model was developed at the Initial Assessment study phase containing the preliminary footprint of buildings. The size and conditions per building was provided to estimation and a parametrical calculation of structural steel, concrete, cladding, foundation excavations and fills, roofing and architectural finishes cost was prepared. The resulting cost per square foot was applied to the buildings footprint to obtain the their cost.
Table 3-7: Buildings cost summary
Building / Structure |
Conditions | Length
(ft) |
Width (ft) |
Height
(ft) |
Total
Cost (MUSD) |
| INSTRUMENT AIR SYSTEM | Warehouse Structure Building | 96 | 42 | 32 | 2.09 |
| STEAM GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION | Open structure supporting equipment | 96 | 32 | 32 | 1.13 |
| COOLING WATER SYSTEM | Open structure supporting equipment | 192 | 96 | 64 | 7.38 |
| DEIONIZED WATER PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM | Open structure supporting equipment | 32 | 32 | 32 | 0.38 |
| PROCESS WATER AND CONDENSATE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM | Open structure supporting equipment | 192 | 192 | 96 | 15.30 |
| FIRE WATER SYSTEM | Open structure supporting equipment | 96 | 64 | 64 | 2.46 |
| GATE HOUSE | Single Story Building | 64 | 45 | 13 | 0.75 |
| ADMINISTRATION BUILDING | Single Story Building | 385 | 80 | 13 | 7.93 |
| WAREHOUSE BUILDING - PARTS/ PRODUCT STORAGE | Warehouse Structure Building with 5T crane | 199 | 64 | 26 | 6.22 |
| MAINTENANCE SHOP | Warehouse Structure Building with 5T crane | 122 | 64 | 26 | 3.94 |
| STOCKPILE-SURGE BUILDING-ROM | Warehouse Structure Building | 199 | 225 | 71 | 29.86 |
| STOCKPILE-SURGE BUILDING-COAL | Warehouse Structure Building | 160 | 154 | 51 | 13.64 |
| WET SCRUBBING | Open structure supporting equipment | 80 | 64 | 32 | 1.89 |
| FLOTATION | Open structure supporting equipment | 96 | 112 | 38 | 3.54 |
| THICKENING AND DEWATERING | Open structure supporting equipment | 212 | 176 | 64 | 13.63 |
| MINERAL PROCESS WATER SYSTEM | Outdoor tanks | 160 | 96 | 2.09 | |
| DRYING (KAOLINITE) | Open structure supporting equipment | 64 | 32 | 32 | 0.81 |
| CALCINING (KAOLINITE) | Open structure supporting equipment | 64 | 32 | 64 | 0.82 |
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Building / Structure |
Conditions | Length
(ft) |
Width (ft) |
Height
(ft) |
Total
Cost (MUSD) |
| ROASTER OFF-GAS SYSTEM | Open structure supporting equipment | 160 | 96 | 160 | 9.29 |
| COKING (COAL) | Open structure supporting equipment | 48 | 32 | 16 | 0.44 |
| COKING OFF-GAS SYSTEM | Open structure supporting equipment | 64 | 64 | 160 | 2.48 |
| CARBO-CHLORINATION | Open structure supporting equipment | 128 | 96 | 51 | 4.68 |
| DE-SUBLIMATION 1 (AKALI SALT REMOVAL) | Open structure supporting equipment | 48 | 32 | 64 | 0.62 |
| DE-SUBLIMATION 2 (FERRIC REMOVAL) | Open structure supporting equipment | 80 | 48 | 64 | 1.54 |
| DE-SUBLIMATION 3 (Al/Ga REMOVAL) | Open structure supporting equipment | 96 | 64 | 64 | 2.46 |
| OFF-GAS SEPARATION | Open structure supporting equipment | 96 | 64 | 64 | 2.46 |
| GALLIUM SEPARATION & RECOVERY | Open structure supporting equipment | 96 | 64 | 32 | 2.26 |
| ALUMINA SEPARATION & RECOVERY | Open structure supporting equipment | 64 | 64 | 48 | 1.51 |
| GERMANIUM SEPARATION & RECOVERY | Open structure supporting equipment | 32 | 32 | 16 | 0.29 |
| SILICA SEPARATION & RECOVERY | Open structure supporting equipment | 128 | 64 | 48 | 3.02 |
| WATER LEACHING | Open structure supporting equipment | 321 | 128 | 128 | 20.74 |
| Al-Sc HYDROXIDE RECOVERY | Open structure supporting equipment | 96 | 64 | 32 | 2.26 |
| SCANDIUM SEPARATION | Open structure supporting equipment | 128 | 32 | 32 | 1.51 |
| SCANDIUM OXIDE PRODUCTION | Open structure supporting equipment | 64 | 32 | 16 | 0.58 |
| RARE EARTH SEPARATION | Open structure supporting equipment | 96 | 48 | 32 | 1.70 |
| MREC PRODUCTION | Open structure supporting equipment | 96 | 64 | 32 | 2.26 |
| ZLD NEUTRALIZATION, EVAPORATION AND DRYING | Open structure supporting equipment | 417 | 257 | 96 | 44.19 |
| n-DODECANE CRUD GTREATMENT | Open structure supporting equipment | 96 | 64 | 64 | 2.46 |
| Sc EXTRACTANT CRUD TREAMENT | Open structure supporting equipment | 96 | 64 | 64 | 2.39 |
| RESIDUE OXIDATION | Open structure supporting equipment | 128 | 64 | 64 | 3.28 |
| REAGENTS STORAGE AND SUPPLY | Warehouse Structure Building with 5T crane | 199 | 64 | 26 | 6.22 |
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Building / Structure |
Conditions | Length
(ft) |
Width (ft) |
Height
(ft) |
Total
Cost (MUSD) |
| LIQUID REAGENT STORAGE AND SUPPLY - HYDROXIDE ACID | Outdoor tanks | 32 | 32 | 32 | 0.14 |
| LIQUID REAGENT STORAGE AND SUPPLY - SODIUM HYDROXIDE | Outdoor tanks | 38 | 38 | 38 | 0.20 |
| LIQUID REAGENT STORAGE AND SUPPLY - KEROSENE | Outdoor tanks | 16 | 16 | 16 | 0.03 |
| LIQUID REAGENT STORAGE AND SUPPLY - HEXANE | Outdoor tanks | 26 | 26 | 26 | 0.09 |
| GAS REAGENT STORAGE AND SUPPLY | Warehouse Structure Building with 5T crane / To be provided by gas reagent operator - Just foundations needed | 513 | 199 | 64 | 13.80 |
| 3.7.1.3 | Disciplines cost |
All costs associated to other disciplines apart from Mechanical equipment and process plateworks was factored from the total equipment and tanks installed cost as follows:
| 3.7.1.3.1 | Site preparations: |
This cost includes:
| ● | Civil works needed to prepare the site for the construction (excluded massive excavation and fills, blasting or any work needed to remove slopes, fill ponds or any considerable unevenness in the terrain). |
| ● | Internal roads, sidewalks, fences, gates, ponds and exterior lighting. |
The allowance used to cover these works is 10% of Equipment installed cost, in accordance with the cost benchmarked in processing plants of similar size.
| 3.7.1.3.2 | Equipment structural support: |
Inside buildings and in the exterior, concrete footings, containment areas, platforms, hangers, handrails, ladders and pipe-racks are needed to support the equipment and tanks.
To cover the cost of supports not accounted in the Table 3-7: Buildings cost summary, a factor between 5% to 20% was applied to the equipment installed cost per area according to Hatch in-house benchmarking.
| 3.7.1.3.3 | Electrical equipment and bulks: |
This cost includes:
| ● | Supply, install and testing electrical equipment to distribute power and protections across the plant |
| ● | Supply and install of complete e-houses inside the plant |
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| ● | Supply and install of all the power cable, grounding system, lightning protection to distribute power across the plant |
| ● | Supply and install of All the trays, conduits, duct banks and accessories needed to protect and support the power cable. |
A factor between 25% and 40% was applied to the equipment installed cost to account for the electrical equipment and bulks cost, according to Hatch in-house benchmarking.
| 3.7.1.3.4 | Piping and insulation |
This cost includes:
| ● | Supply and installation of all the pipelines and pipes inside the plant not included in equipment packages. Including fittings and special pieces, coating when needed, testing and finishings. |
| ● | Supply and installation of all the flow in-line valves. |
| ● | Supply and installation of all the insulation needed for piping. |
A factor between 10% and 30% was applied to the equipment installed cost to account for the piping and insulation cost, according to Hatch in-house benchmarking.
| 3.7.1.3.5 | Instrumentation and controls |
This cost includes:
| ● | Supply and installation of all the devices need to monitor and control the process, excluded those that are included in equipment packages |
| ● | Supply and installation of materials needed for the correct functioning of instrumentation, panels, cable, fiber optic, conduits, etc. |
| ● | Supply and installation of communication and monitoring system, DCS, including CCTV and other circuits not associated with the process |
| ● | Complete plant programing and integration. |
A factor of 15% was applied to the equipment installed cost to account for the piping and insulation cost.
| 3.7.2 | Labor |
The labor all-in cost is the summary of workforce, construction equipment and contractor’s distributable cost. It represents contractor’s installation and fabrication rates. In the present estimate the labor was either factored from equipment supply cost or included in general discipline factors.
The labor cost includes the following:
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| ● | Fully burdened workforce (including vacations, payroll, benefits, overtime) |
| ● | Construction equipment including operation (rentals, fuel, maintenance, insurances) |
| ● | Contractor’s distributable, or contractor’s indirect costs such us: |
| ♦ | Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for the direct and indirect workers |
| ♦ | Small tools and consumables |
| ♦ | Living Out Allowance (LOA) for workers coming from locations beyond 60 km from the work site |
| ♦ | Supervision at site |
| ♦ | Indirect support labor |
| ♦ | Temporary trailers and other facilities required |
| ♦ | Office support |
| ♦ | HSE and quality control |
| ♦ | Insurances |
| ♦ | Overhead |
| ♦ | Profit. |
Work regime considered: The work regime to consider must be studied in the following phase, with a clear view of the percentages of workers coming from Sheridan and other locations.
For the purpose of the estimate, following the benchmarks used, approximately 50% of the workers are in an extended regime of 10 hrs per day, 6 days per week (Local labor) and 50% are in an extended regime of 10 hrs per day, 2 weeks on-site and one week of-site.
No centralized construction camp have been included in the cost.
| 3.8 | Indirect cost |
Indirect costs were estimated as factored allowances based on historical information from large size projects in North America, adjusted to account for site specific conditions.
A description of what is included in the indirect costs is presented below:
| 3.8.1 | Temporary construction facilities and services |
The cost associated with the temporary facilities covers the following items:
| ● | Construction area development including temporary diversion ditching, laydown / staging areas, material borrow quarries and stockpiles, temporary roads, etc. |
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| ● | The supply and installation of temporary utilities infrastructure such as for water, power, fuel storage and distribution |
| ● | Temporary buildings, such as, offices and trailers for managing and owner’s team, ablution blocks, etc. |
| ● | Site office supplies, furniture |
| ● | Communications systems and local area network required to support the site construction activities. |
The cost associated with the temporary construction Services covers the following items:
| ● | Costs for electrical energy to be used during construction |
| ● | Administration, warehousing, cleaning and maintenance services |
| ● | Communications
services (phone and internet) required during construction and pre-operational testing |
| ● | Security |
| ● | Water distribution during construction |
| ● | Medical services (Emergencies and controls) |
| ● | Mobile equipment in warehouses and workshops |
| ● | Heavy lift cranes (not in the scope of contractors). |
The cost of temporary facilities and services have been calculated as 7% of Direct Cost.
| 3.8.2 | Freight and Logistics |
The Freight and Logistics covers costs for the transportation of equipment (Mechanical, tanks and electrical) from the anticipated market to the plant site.
A cost of 10% of equipment supply was included in the estimate to cover the transport, storage and handling of the equipment. This factor is consistent with a combination of equipment obtained in the country and some packages from other continents. After vendor’s or region of supply selection a more detailed study can be done.
This cost of freight does not includes tariffs or duties applied to the equipment import.
| 3.8.3 | EPCM |
It is assumed that equipment supply packages will be grouped as set out in the project execution strategy and that established construction contractors will be engaged to complete the site work.
The cost for EPCM services covers the following:
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| ● | Preliminary studies such as Pre-feasibility study, feasibility study and basic engineering. |
| ● | Detailed engineering |
| ● | Procurement of equipment, materials, and contracts |
| ● | Construction management |
| ● | Project controls / reporting |
| ● | Project administration |
| ● | Health, Safety and Environmental requirements |
| ● | QA/QC |
| ● | Office expenses, communication, IT services, etc. |
| ● | Travel costs associated with the EPCM team. |
The cost of EPCM was estimated as 15% of the Direct Cost.
| 3.8.4 | Spare parts |
The equipment spare parts to be used during commissioning and critical spare parts were included in the estimate as 3.5% of equipment supply cost.
| 3.8.5 | Vendor’s representatives at site |
In some cases, to fulfil the requirement of equipment manufacturer’s warranties and guarantees, selected manufacturers require their representatives to complete an inspection of their equipment prior to it being placed into operation.
Cost for vendor representatives to be on site during construction and/or pre-operational testing, depending on the nature of the equipment have been included in the estimate as 1.5% of equipment supply cost.
| 3.8.6 | First Fills |
The cost of common and expected fill consumables to be using during pre-operational testing and commissioning. This cost excludes feedstock and reagents, and was calculated as 1% of the equipment supply cost.
| 3.8.7 | Pre-Operational Testing |
Costs for Pre-Operation Testing covers planning and supervision services during commissioning. The team participation will be extended till hot commissioning, or the moment where the plant is handover to the client to start the ramp-up process.
The cost of pre-operational testing have been addressed as an allowance of 2% of the Direct Cost.
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| Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - Section 3 - Capital Cost Estimate - July 28, 2026 | |
| 3.9 | Owner Costs |
Owner’s costs were provided by the client. Please see the summary in the Table 3-8.
The cost of owner’s costs was integrated in the estimate, Owner’s cost contingency was considered imbedded in each cost area.
Table 3-8: Owner’s Costs summary
WBS |
MUSD | % of OC | |
| 9110 | Owner’s Project Management | 10.20 | 3.2% |
| 9120 | Owner’s Travel & Expenses | 2.50 | 0.8% |
| 9150 | Owner’s IT/IS Services | 1.00 | 0.3% |
| 9160 | Owner’s 3rd Party Consultants | 5.00 | 1.6% |
| 9210 | Land Acquisition | 3.75 | 1.2% |
| 9230 | Easement | 2.70 | 0.9% |
| 9300 | Legal & Permitting | 11.55 | 3.7% |
| 9410 | Insurance | 2.45 | 0.8% |
| 9710 | Project Support Costs | 9.00 | 2.9% |
| 9900 | Exploration and Mining and Offsite Infrastructure | 278.87 | 84.7% |
| Total Owner’s costs | 327.02 | 100% |
| 3.10 | Contingency |
Contingency included in the cost estimate is an allowance for normal and expected items of work which must be performed within the defined scope of work and project execution plan as covered by the cost estimate, but which could not be explicitly foreseen or described at the time the estimate was completed.
The contingency amount is an integral part of the cost estimate, and it should be assumed that contingency will be spent in completing the project. Contingency does not cover significant scope changes, price escalation, currency fluctuations. Contingency does not include allowances for project “event” risks such as labour unrest, blockades, adverse market conditions, force majeure, or any of the items that are specifically excluded from the cost estimate.
Typical uncertainties applicable to contingency:
| ● | Insufficient information due to incomplete engineering and/or lack of vendor or conditions information |
| ● | Equipment or material costs obtained by ratio or update from historical costs or previous estimates. |
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Contingency allowances have been included as 40% of the sum of the estimated Direct and Indirect costs.
Contingency = 30% x (Direct Costs + Indirect Costs)
| 3.11 | OoM estimate for 2.6 MTPA capacity plant |
An Order of Magnitude (OOM) estimate was developed for a different plant capacity using, as a reference the estimate presented above for a plant capacity of 1.3 MTPA.
The revised estimate was prepared by identifying and adjusting the areas affected by the change in capacity requirements. Specific areas were determined to experience cost increases as a result of the new requirements, while other areas remained unchanged.
In the table below a summary of the estimate is presented showing the factors used:
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Table 3-9: Order of Magnitude Estimate for Expansion
Area |
1.3
MTPA capacity (MUSD) |
Capacity
factor |
2.6
MTPA capacity (MUSD) |
| Site Development | 49.56 | 1.60 | 79.29 |
| Site Power Distribution | 39.32 | 2.00 | 78.64 |
| Fuel, Steam, Air and Cooling Water Systems | 25.18 | 1.60 | 40.28 |
| Water and Sewage Systems | 43.33 | 1.60 | 69.33 |
| Laboratory | 5.00 | 1.60 | 8.00 |
| Non-Process Buildings | 18.84 | 1.20 | 22.61 |
| Physical Separation | 66.31 | 1.60 | 106.10 |
| Physical Separation building | 64.65 | 1.50 | 96.97 |
| Pre-Treatment | 149.80 | 1.60 | 239.68 |
| Pre-Treatment building | 13.83 | 1.50 | 20.75 |
| Carbo-Chlorination | 237.46 | 1.60 | 379.93 |
| Critical Mineral Recovery | 247.62 | 1.60 | 396.19 |
| Rare Earth Recovery | 77.86 | 1.60 | 124.58 |
| Residue Management | 151.06 | 1.60 | 241.69 |
| Residue Management building | 49.05 | 1.50 | 73.57 |
| Chlorine Recovery | 20.16 | 1.60 | 32.25 |
| Product Handling & Packaging | 8.00 | 2.00 | 16.00 |
| Reagents Storage and Supply | 6.22 | 1.60 | 9.96 |
| Liquid Reagents | 4.17 | 1.60 | 6.68 |
| Solid Reagents | 2.28 | 1.60 | 3.65 |
| Gas Reagents | 13.80 | 1.60 | 22.07 |
| Reagents Unloading Station | 3.00 | 1.60 | 4.80 |
| Direct Cost | 1,296.49 | 2,073.03 | |
| Indirect Cost | 440.45 | 704.26 | |
| Contingency | 521.08 | 833.19 | |
| Owner’s Cost | 327.02 | 389.67 | |
| Total Cost | 2,585.05 | 4,000.15 |
Same base date, currency and exclusions stated in the section 3 are applicable to the estimate.
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| Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - Section 4 - Operating Cost Estimate - July 28, 2026 | |
Ramaco
Resources
Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project
Initial Assessment Report - Section 4 - Operating Cost Estimate
| 2026-07-28 | 0 | Issued for Use | G. Law | J. Gorst | F. Delgado | |
| Date | Rev. | Status | Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | Approved By |
|
Client | |||||
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| Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - Section 4 - Operating Cost Estimate - July 28, 2026 | |
Table of Contents
| 4. | Operating Cost | 4-1 | ||
| 4.1 | OPEX Estimate Summary | 4-1 | ||
| 4.1.1 | Maintenance Expense | 4-2 | ||
| 4.1.2 | Reagents Expense | 4-2 | ||
| 4.1.3 | Energy / Utilities Expense | 4-3 | ||
| 4.1.4 | Labour Expense | 4-5 | ||
| 4.2 | OPEX Basis of Estimate | 4-7 | ||
| 4.2.1 | Reagents | 4-7 | ||
| 4.2.2 | Consumables | 4-8 | ||
| 4.2.3 | Energy / Utilities | 4-9 | ||
| 4.2.4 | Plant Labour | 4-10 | ||
| 4.2.5 | Maintenance | 4-13 | ||
| 4.2.6 | General & Administration (G&A) | 4-13 | ||
| 4.2.7 | Transportation & Logistics | 4-13 | ||
| 4.2.8 | Allowances & Fees | 4-13 | ||
| 4.2.9 | Contingency | 4-13 | ||
| 4.3 | OPEX Case Study – Increased Throughput | 4-14 | ||
List of Figures
| Figure 4-1: Total OPEX Category Breakdown. | 4-2 |
| Figure 4-2: Reagent Annual Cost Breakdown. | 4-3 |
| Figure 4-3: Energy / Utilities Annual Cost Breakdown. | 4-4 |
| Figure 4-4: Electricity Cost Breakdown per WBS. | 4-4 |
| Figure 4-5: Plant Organization Chart. | 4-12 |
List of Tables
| Table 4-1: OPEX Summary. | 4-1 |
| Table 4-2: Plant Labour Count and Total Compensation. | 4-6 |
| Table 4-3: Reagent Unit Cost and Consumption. | 4-8 |
| Table 4-4: Consumable Unit Cost and Consumption. | 4-9 |
| Table 4-5: Utilities Unit Cost and Consumption. | 4-10 |
| Table 4-6: OPEX Comparison for 2.6M vs. 1.3M tpa ROM. | 4-14 |
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| 4. | Operating Cost |
Total operating cost is summarized in the following section. This estimate has been escalated based on increased HPA production (i.e., from 1,800 to 11,848 mt/y HPA), as per the request of Ramaco (email: “RE: HPA production”, received July 8th, 2026). For additional information regarding unit price, unit quantity, factors, and salaries, refer to Section 4.2.
| 4.1 | OPEX Estimate Summary |
The Operating Cost Estimate (OPEX) for the plant is 150.7 M USD. A breakdown of the expenses are shown in Table 4-1 and Figure 4-1 below, where CMO is the Critical Mineral Oxides equivalent (i.e., rare earth oxides, Sc2O3, GeO2, Ga2O3) and “Other” includes transportation logistics, allowances, and fees. Contingency and General & Administration (G&A) have been excluded from the estimate, as per Ramaco’s request.
Table 4-1: OPEX Summary.
| Cost Component | Annual
Operating Cost (M USD) |
Unit
Cost (USD / mt ROM) |
Percentage
of Total OPEX |
| Reagents | 72.2 | 55.6 | 48% |
| Utilities | 23.8 | 18.3 | 16% |
| Consumables | 3.2 | 2.4 | 2% |
| Labour | 22.0 | 16.9 | 15% |
| Maintenance | 17.9 | 13.8 | 12% |
| G&A | - | - | - |
| Other | 11.7 | 9.1 | 8% |
| Total (excl. contingency) | 150.7 | 116.1 | 100% |
| Contingency1 | - | - | - |
| Total (incl. contingency) | 150.7 | 116.1 | 100% |
| 1 | Per Ramaco’s request, contingency was excluded from this estimate. Hatch advises on the inclusion of contingency to account for inherent uncertainties at this level of estimate maturity. |
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Figure 4-1: Total OPEX Category Breakdown.
Major categories impacting the OPEX are the Maintenance, Reagents, Utilities, and Labour. Additional information regarding each of these categories is discussed in the sections below.
| 4.1.1 | Maintenance Expense |
Maintenance expenses account for the costs of maintenance materials and the annual contract works, with the former making up the majority of the cost (i.e., 94%). The 4% maintenance materials factor was based on typical pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical plants and was applied to the direct equipment and material costs from the capital cost estimate (CAPEX, H376597-0000-622-624-0001). Maintenance labour is accounted for in the general labour cost. As the Class 5 CAPEX estimates the equipment cost to be 421 M USD, the maintenance materials cost was estimated to be approximately 16.9 M USD per annum. See Section 4.2.5 for additional information.
| 4.1.2 | Reagents Expense |
Total annual reagent cost is 72.2 M USD. A breakdown of cost per reagent is presented in Figure 4-2 below. The “Other” category includes sodium hydroxide pellets, some organics (kerosene, TBP, PC-88A, n-dodecane), iron powder, soda ash, and flotation frother.
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Figure 4-2: Reagent Annual Cost Breakdown.
Main contributors to the reagent expense are chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide.
Ramaco is currently exploring alternative chlorine gas sourcing – i.e., chlorine recovery from PVC waste products – that could potentially decrease the procurement cost of chlorine gas. The alternative avenue is assumed to decrease the procurement cost to 100 USD per metric tonne of gas resulting in an annual savings of ~18 M USD. Refer to Section 6 – Project Risks & Opportunities for more information.
Primary sodium hydroxide consumption is in the off-gas treatment for the neutralization of SOx species and in waste neutralization. The sodium hydroxide consumption for waste neutralization could be decreased by recycling HCl-rich waste solutions (such as the Ge decanter waste) as reagent within the plant. This would save on hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide costs. However, test work is required to ensure these changes would not contaminate products such as MREC and Sc2O3.
| 4.1.3 | Energy / Utilities Expense |
Energy accounts for 16% of the total OPEX. A breakdown of total energy cost per type is shown in Figure 4-3 below. Costs associated with water and coal consumption were excluded from the diagram as they were assumed to not have any fees, as per RFI 0009 (H376597-0000-210-465-0009).
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Figure 4-3: Energy / Utilities Annual Cost Breakdown.
As shown in the above figure, electricity accounts for 97% of the energy cost. A further breakdown of electricity cost per Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is shown below in Figure 4-4, where “Allowance” is a fixed 15% factor allocated for HVAC and conveyance needs. The “Other Areas” includes the following areas and account for minor electrical demand from pumps, agitators, small dryers, etc.:
| ● | Area 3200 – Pre-Treatment | ● | Area 4500 – Residue Management | |
| ● | Area 4100 – Carbo-Chlorination | ● | Area 5100 – Liquid Reagents | |
| ● | Area 4200 – Critical Mineral Recovery | ● | Area 5200 – Solid Reagents |
Figure 4-4: Electricity Cost Breakdown per WBS.
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Area 5300 accounts for the majority of electrical demand due to the air separation plant, which based on a preliminary vendor quotation would require 11.7 MW to operate.
| 4.1.4 | Labour Expense |
Labour cost to staff the plant during steady-state operation is estimated to be 22 M USD per annum. A breakdown of staff positions, salaries and annual cost are outlined in Table 4-2, where the position salary accounts for total compensation (inclusive of benefits, pensions, etc.). See Section 4.2.4 for additional information.
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Table 4-2: Plant Labour Count and Total Compensation.
| Staff Position | No.
of Shift Workers (# / shift) |
No. of Day Workers | Total Employees | Position
Salary (USD / y) |
Annual
Cost (USD / y) |
| Administration | |||||
| Operations Manager | - | 1 | 1 | 222,000 | 222,000 |
| Superintendent1 | - | 1 | 1 | 161,000 | 161,000 |
| Executive Assistant / Administrative Clerk | - | 3 | 3 | 63,600 | 190,800 |
| HR Specialist | - | - | - | 99,800 | - |
| Accountant | - | - | - | 116,700 | - |
| Security | 2 | - | 10 | 55,200 | 552,000 |
| HSE / Training Coordinators | - | 2 | 2 | 94,100 | 188,200 |
| Nurse | - | 1 | 1 | 87,300 | 87,300 |
| Production | |||||
| Superintendent | - | 1 | 1 | 161,000 | 161,000 |
| General Foreman2 | - | 6 | 6 | 127,800 | 766,800 |
| Shift Foreman2 | 6 | - | 30 | 120,400 | 3,612,000 |
| Plant Operators2 | 15 | - | 75 | 98,767 | 7,407,500 |
| Controls | |||||
| Control Room Supervisor | - | 1 | 1 | 127,800 | 127,800 |
| Control Room Operators | 4 | - | 20 | 117,700 | 2,354,000 |
| Engineers | |||||
| Chief Process Engineer | - | 1 | 1 | 175,500 | 175,500 |
| Process Control Engineer | - | 2 | 2 | 164,600 | 329,200 |
| Process Engineer2 | - | 5 | 5 | 159,100 | 795,500 |
| Laboratory | |||||
| Chief Assayer | - | 1 | 1 | 127,200 | 127,200 |
| Assayer | 2 | - | 10 | 75,600 | 756,000 |
| Maintenance | |||||
| Superintendent | - | 1 | 1 | 161,000 | 161,000 |
| Foreman | 1 | - | 5 | 120,400 | 602,000 |
| Planner | - | 1 | 1 | 120,400 | 120,400 |
| Clerk | - | 1 | 1 | 63,600 | 63,600 |
| Millwrights / Tradesman | 2 | - | 10 | 91,600 | 916,000 |
| Welder / Fabricator | - | 6 | 6 | 115,100 | 690,600 |
| Machinist | - | 2 | 2 | 98,100 | 196,200 |
| Electrician | 1 | - | 5 | 103,300 | 516,500 |
| Instrument Technician | 1 | - | 5 | 126,800 | 634,000 |
| Serviceman / Tool Crib Attendant | - | 1 | 1 | 58,200 | 58,200 |
| 1 | Positions that may be shared with the Brook Mine facilities. |
| 2 | These positions are distributed in different process areas. The number presented is the sum required for the overall plant. |
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| 4.2 | OPEX Basis of Estimate |
The OPEX is based on a typical steady-state operating year after ramp-up. The following parameters were used to estimate the costs associated with plant operation:
| ● | The currency is based on US dollars with a base rate of Q1 2026. |
| ● | The intended accuracy is consistent with a conceptual study level definition. |
| ● | All costs are exclusive of taxes or duties. |
| ● | No forward escalation was included. |
| ● | Feed and product transport costs are excluded. |
| ● | No consideration is given to long term variation or averages for reagent / utility pricing or labour costs. |
| ● | No allowance for overhead costs is considered in this estimate. |
| ● | At Ramaco’s request, contingency has been excluded from this OPEX, and no allowance for unknown risks is included. As a result, the estimate carries an increased level of cost uncertainty and associated risk. |
The estimate covers all costs expected during standard operation including:
| ● | Reagents & Consumables | ● | General & Administration (G&A) | |
| ● | Energy / Utilities | ● | Transportation & Logistics | |
| ● | Plant Labour | ● | Allowances & Fees | |
| ● | Maintenance |
The calculation methodology applied for each section of the OPEX is summarized below. Detailed estimate information, including major inputs, can be found in the OPEX estimate (H376597-0000-622-624-0001).
| 4.2.1 | Reagents |
Reagent unit rates were either provided by Ramaco or Hatch’s internal database based on prior vendor quotations. Consumption rates were calculated based on the Mass & Energy Balance (MEB) Stream Table (H376597-0000-210-216-0002, Rev. G). An allowance (5 vol.%) was included for annual replacement of organic solutions to account for expected degradation during operation. A breakdown of the reagent unit costs and consumptions is provided in Table 4-3 below.
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Table 4-3: Reagent Unit Cost and Consumption.
| Reagent | Unit Cost | Unit Consumption | Unit Cost Source | ||
| Hydrochloric Acid (35 wt.%) | 360 | USD / mt | 1.9 | mt / h | Hatch in-house budgetary quote. |
| Sodium Hydroxide (50 wt.%) | 424 | USD / mt | 8.9 | mt / h | " |
| Sodium Hydroxide (Pellets) | 855 | USD / mt | 3.4 | kg / h | " |
| Kerosene | 2,055 | USD / mt | 5.91 | kg / h | " |
| TBP | 8,095 | USD / mt | 0.51 | kg / h | " |
| PC-88A | 9,256 | USD / mt | 1.31 | kg / h | " |
| n-Dodecane | 600 | USD / mt | 13.91 | kg / h | Client response to RFI 0009. Received May 27, 2026. |
| Hexane | 1,066 | USD / mt | 562.3 | kg / h | Hatch in-house budgetary quote. |
| Iron Powder | 1,680 | USD / mt | 16.5 | kg / h | " |
| Soda Ash | 530 | USD / mt | 67.7 | kg / h | " |
| Flotation Collector | 5,720 | USD / mt | 31.8 | kg / h | " |
| Flotation Frother | 2,650 | USD / mt | 3.2 | kg / h | " |
| Chlorine Gas | 300 | USD / mt | 11.1 | mt / h | Client email: “PVC and E-waste opportunity statements”. Received May 29, 2026. |
| 1 | These unit consumptions account for the annual replacement allowance factored on an hourly basis. |
| 4.2.2 | Consumables |
General consumables considered in the OPEX include product packaging materials (bulk bags, drums, etc.), filter cloths, polish filter socks, and pallets. Non-quantified consumables are accounted for as part of a General Consumables allowance (see Section 4.2.8).
The unit cost of product packaging materials were either sourced from vendors or provided by Ramaco. Consumption rates for product packaging were based on the maximum allowable volume or weight for a given item. A cost allowance per filtration area was allocated to the filter cloths and polish filter socks based on in-house data. Filter cloth demand was based on preliminary equipment sizing of filter presses and candle filters. A breakdown of consumable unit cost and consumption is shown below.
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Table 4-4: Consumable Unit Cost and Consumption.
| Consumable | Unit Cost | Unit Consumption | Unit Cost Source | ||
| Fiber Drums | 68 | USD / drum | 13,721 | drums / y | Uline Fiber Drums, 55 gallons. |
| Plastic Bottles | 2.90 | USD / bottle | 2,118 | bottles / y | Uline EZ-Pour F-Style Jugs |
| Bulk Bags | 9.99 | USD / bag | 15,012 | bags / y | Palmetto Industries Bulk Bags (FIBC) - Duffle Top, Flat Bottom, 35” x 35” x 40” . |
| Pallets | 55 | USD / pallet | 18,442 | pallets / y | Uline New Wood Pallets, Heat-Treated Export. 48” x 48". |
| Filter Cloth1 | 75 | USD / m2 | 7,851 | m2 / y | Allowance |
| 1 | This cost includes material and installation. |
Hatch assumed that fiber drums would be used to package GeO2, MREC, and Sc2O3, while plastic bottles would be used for liquid gallium metal and bulk bags would be used for Al2O3 and SiO2. Pallets are assumed to be used for the transportation of fiber drums and bulk bags, with each pallet carrying either 4 drums or 1 bulk bag.
| 4.2.3 | Energy / Utilities |
This section considers costs associated with energy consumption from local grids, natural gas, coal, and diesel as well as any associated costs with water consumption.
Energy consumption was calculated based on preliminary sizing of major equipment. Unit costs were either provided by Ramaco or based on recent U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data. A miscellaneous power consumption factor (15%) on the total power requirement has been included to account for HVAC and conveyance demand. An diesel allowance of 200 L / day was allocated for all non-electric vehicles (i.e., forklifts, utility vehicles, etc.).
Water consumption was calculated based on the MEB Stream Table and Staffing Plan. A potable water allowance (300 L / person / day) has been included based on prior Hatch experience. As per the client response to RFI 0009 (H376597-0000-210-465-0009), no consumption cost is associated with water as it is being pumped from a local well.
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Table 4-5: Utilities Unit Cost and Consumption.
| Utilities | Unit Cost | Unit Consumption | Unit Cost Source | ||
| Water | |||||
| Raw Water | - | USD / m3 | 387 | m3 / h | Client response to RFI 0009. |
| Potable Water | - | USD / m3 | 300 | L / person / day | " |
| DI Water | - | USD / m3 | 31 | m3 / h | " |
| Electricity | |||||
| Consumption | 94.0 | USD / MW | 30.4 | MW | Client email: “Operating Cost Estimate – Client Comments”. Received July 9, 2026. |
| Connection | - | USD / MW | - | - | Client response to RFI 0009. |
| Other | |||||
| Natural Gas | 1.30 | USD / MW | 66.4 | MW | U.S. Energy Information Administration. Converted from cubic feet. |
| Diesel | 0.94 | USD / L | 200 | L / day | " |
| Coal | - | USD / mt | 29.3 | mt / h | Client response to RFI 0009. |
| 4.2.4 | Plant Labour |
The staffing plan and labour rates from the previous conceptual study were used as basis for this phase.
Staffing was divided into three main groups: production, maintenance, and administration. Production was further broken down into the following six subgroups, based on the WBS:
| ● | Area 2300, 2400, 4700, 5000 – Reagents, Utilities & Product Storage |
| ● | Area 3100 – Physical Separation |
| ● | Area 3200 – ROM Drying & Roasting, Coal Coking |
| ● | Area 4100, 4220, 4240, 4600 – Carbo-Chlorination & Pyrolysis |
| ● | Area 4210, 4230 – Gallium & Germanium Recovery |
| ● | Area 4300 – Water Leach, REE & Scandium Recovery. |
Each production area was assigned a general manager (i.e., general foreman), a shift foreman, and a series of operators. Number of operators per area was based on process complexity and expected operator workload. With the exception of the Reagents, Utilities & Product Storage area, a process engineer was also assigned to each area.
Within the administrative group, some positions have been highlighted as optional for this facility. The HR specialist and accountant are assumed to be shared with the existing Brook Mine facility, as such their salaries were excluded from this estimate. The nurse is assumed to solely be a day position due to the plant’s proximity to the local hospital. The administration superintendent is currently assumed to be a day position but there is the potential for the role to be shared with the other Brook Mine facility and removed from this estimate.
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Shifts were defined as 12-hour shifts with an expected roster of two day shifts and two night shifts followed by four days off. Five workers would be required to cover one shift work position, accounting for leave and illness.
The labour plant is outlined in Figure 4-5 below, where the administrative superintendent has been highlighted as an optional position that could be shared with the Brook Mine staff. The HR specialist and accountant have excluded based on assumptions listed above.
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Figure 4-5: Plant Organization Chart.
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| 4.2.5 | Maintenance |
An allocation for maintenance material expenses was included in the OPEX. Maintenance materials costs were factored based on the CAPEX mechanical and material cost. A factor of 4% was used for the plant based on typical plants (pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical) and due to the high temperatures, and chlorine corrosion risks. This factor does not include maintenance labour, which is captured in the labour cost.
An annual contract work allowance was added in case of additional maintenance expenses. An allowance of 1 million USD per year was included.
| 4.2.6 | General & Administration (G&A) |
Administrative expenses costs include, and are not limited to, software licenses, business travel, training, etc. As per Ramaco’s request, G&A has been excluded from the OPEX as the expenses will be account for by the Owner.
| 4.2.7 | Transportation & Logistics |
A residue handling & off-site transportation fee of 1 USD / mt was included for the disposal of rejected quartz, ZLD waste, Chlorine Recovery (Area 4600) waste and crud waste outside of the plant site. This includes transportation of the waste to a dry stacking area.
Costs for final product outbound logistics were excluded in this study.
| 4.2.8 | Allowances & Fees |
General consumables allowance was factored based on the total OPEX excluding contingency. This cost accounts for non-quantified reagents (ex. cooling tower reagents) and consumables (ex. ceramic filters). A factor of 0.5% was used for the plant.
Equipment facility fees have been included for the air separation plant based on the preliminary vendor quotation from Messer as part of their Build, Own & Operate program.
| 4.2.9 | Contingency |
At Ramaco’s request, contingency has been excluded from this OPEX, and no allowance for unknown risks is included. As a result, the estimate carries an increased level of cost uncertainty and associated risks.
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| 4.3 | OPEX Case Study – Increased Throughput |
The following table summarizes an order-of-magnitude OPEX based on an increased ROM throughput (i.e., from 1.3 to 2.6 million dry tonnes per annum), in comparison with the original throughput of 1.3Mtpa ROM.
Table 4-6: OPEX Comparison for 2.6M vs. 1.3M tpa ROM.
| Cost Component | 2.6 Mtpa ROM | 1.3 Mtpa ROM | ||
| Annual Operating Cost | Unit Cost | Annual Operating Cost | Unit Cost | |
| (M USD) | (USD / mt ROM) | (M USD) | (USD / mt ROM) | |
| Reagents | 144.3 | 55.5 | 72.2 | 55.6 |
| Utilities | 47.5 | 18.3 | 23.8 | 18.3 |
| Consumables | 6.3 | 2.4 | 3.2 | 2.4 |
| Labour | 22 | 8.5 | 22 | 16.9 |
| Maintenance | 29.9 | 11.5 | 17.9 | 13.8 |
| G&A | - | - | - | - |
| Other | 23.4 | 9.0 | 11.7 | 9.1 |
| Total (excl. contingency) | 273.4 | 105.2 | 150.7 | 116.1 |
| Contingency1 | - | - | - | - |
| Total (incl. contingency) | 273.4 | 105.2 | 150.7 | 116.1 |
| 1 | Per Ramaco’s request, contingency was excluded from this estimate. Hatch advises on the inclusion of contingency to account for inherent uncertainties at this level of estimate maturity. |
The cost components were costed as per the Basis of Estimate and scaled accordingly based on the increased ROM throughput. The following exceptions were made for the order-of-magnitude estimate:
| ● | The staffing plan was assumed to be unchanged. |
| ● | Daily allowances (ex. Diesel, potable water) were assumed unchanged. |
| ● | Maintenance material allowance was based on the direct mechanical equipment & material cost, escalated using the 6/10th rule. |
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| Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - Section 5 - Preliminary Execution Strategy and Schedule - July 28, 2026 | |
Ramaco
Resources
Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project
Initial
Assessment Report - Section 5 - Preliminary Execution
Strategy and Schedule
| 2026-07-28 | 0 | Issued for Use | F. Delgado | C. D’Cunha | J. Gorst | |
| Date | Rev. | Status | Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | Approved By |
| |
Client | |||||
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| Ramaco Resources - Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project Initial Assessment Report - Section 5 - Preliminary Execution Strategy and Schedule - July 28, 2026 | |
Table of Contents
| 5. | Preliminary Execution Strategy and Schedule | 5-1 | ||
| 5.1 | Engineering Development | 5-1 | ||
| 5.1.1 | Scoping Study | 5-1 | ||
| 5.1.2 | Pre-Feasibility Study | 5-1 | ||
| 5.1.3 | Feasibility Study (FS) | 5-2 | ||
| 5.1.4 | Basic Engineering/FEED | 5-3 | ||
| 5.2 | Conceptual Plot Plan | 5-4 | ||
| 5.2.1 | Site Constraints | 5-4 | ||
| 5.2.2 | Site Laydown and/or Expansion | 5-5 | ||
| 5.2.3 | 1110 – Site Access Roads | 5-6 | ||
| 5.2.4 | 1210 – Electrical Power Supply | 5-7 | ||
| 5.2.5 | 1220 – Raw Water Supply | 5-7 | ||
| 5.2.6 | 2120 – Roads and Stormwater Management | 5-7 | ||
| 5.2.7 | 2130 – Stormwater Ponds | 5-7 | ||
| 5.2.8 | 2210 – Main Substation | 5-8 | ||
| 5.2.9 | 2710 – Gatehouse Building | 5-9 | ||
| 5.2.10 | 2720 – Administration Building | 5-9 | ||
| 5.2.11 | 2750 – Maintenance Building | 5-10 | ||
| 5.2.12 | 2750 – Warehouse – Parts and Products | 5-10 | ||
| 5.2.13 | 3120 – Grade Benches for Crushing Circuit | 5-11 | ||
| 5.3 | Procurement Strategy | 5-12 | ||
| 5.4 | Permitting | 5-14 | ||
| 5.5 | Execution Schedule | 5-14 | ||
| List of Figures | ||
| Figure 5-1: | Plot Boundaries. | 5-5 |
| Figure 5-2: | Laydown / Expansion Areas. | 5-5 |
| Figure 5-3: | General Plant Access Road. | 5-6 |
| Figure 5-4: | Haul Truck Access Point. | 5-6 |
| Figure 5-5: | Tie-in To Electrical Grid. | 5-7 |
| Figure 5-6: | Pond Arrangements. | 5-8 |
| Figure 5-7: | Electrical Switchyard. | 5-8 |
| Figure 5-8: | Gatehouse. | 5-9 |
| Figure 5-9: | Administration Building. | 5-10 |
| Figure 5-10: | Maintenance Building. | 5-10 |
| Figure 5-11: | Product Storage Building. | 5-11 |
| Figure 5-12: | Grade Benches for Crushing Circuit. | 5-12 |
| Figure 5-13: | ROM / Coal Stockpiles and Reclaim. | 5-12 |
| List of Tables | ||
| Table 5-1: | Major Equipment Supply Contracts. | 5-13 |
| Table 5-2: | Major Construction Contracts. | 5-13 |
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| 5. | Preliminary Execution Strategy and Schedule |
A high-level strategy and schedule for executing the Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project has been developed, including:
| ● | Identifying phases of engineering development. |
| ● | Identifying critical equipment supply packages. |
| ● | Presenting a level 1 schedule for executing the project and discussing opportunities and risks of the different flowsheet options. |
| 5.1 | Engineering Development |
The following subsections discuss the assumed program for engineering development. A staged project delivery model is recommended as indicated in the following subsections. The novel nature of the process necessitates a rigorous engineering development program.
| 5.1.1 | Initial Assessment Study |
The initial Assessment Study study was completed by a small team, primarily consisting of process engineers. The objective of the scoping phase was to advance understanding of the process options in preparation for the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS, Option Selection) phase. It is expected the pre-feasibility study will be completed in parallel to metallurgical test work.
Initial Assessment study tasks include:
| ● | Developing the process design criteria (PDC) including incorporating available test data. |
| ● | Developing block flow diagrams (BFD) and preliminary mass-energy balances (MEB). |
| ● | Developing a conceptual level plot plan for each option. |
| ● | Identify major utility requirements including power supply, water supply, etc. |
| ● | Develop capital estimates according to AACE Class 5 guidelines and operating cost estimates. |
| 5.1.2 | Pre-Feasibility Study |
The objective of the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) is to advance the flowsheet options based on test work data and then to select the preferred option to use as the basis of the Feasibility Study (FS) phase. The PFS team will consist mostly of process engineers supported by some discipline engineers and cost estimators.
PFS tasks include:
| ● | For each option: |
| ♦ | Advancing process deliverables such as the PDC and MEB, and developing process flow diagrams (PFDs). |
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| ♦ | Advancing the plot plan. |
| ♦ | Obtaining budget quotes for the supply of major equipment. |
| ♦ | Generating capital cost estimates according to AACE Class 4 (-/+30%) guidelines and operating cost estimates. |
| ♦ | Assessing environmental considerations. |
| ♦ | Developing a level 2 project execution schedule. |
| ● | Completion of a preliminary geotechnical investigation. As required, the sites will be assessed and the information is to be incorporated in engineering development. |
| ● | Selection of a preferred process option. |
| ● | Developing a workplan for the FS phase of the project. |
The PFS phase is expected to take 9–11 months to complete.
| 5.1.3 | Feasibility Study (FS) |
The main objective of the FS is to develop, for the selected process option, the project definition sufficiently to support an economic decision. The FS team will include process engineers, discipline engineers, planners, and estimators.
Tasks required to meet this objective include:
| ● | Advancing the process deliverables including the PDC, PFDs and MEB. Available test data to be incorporated when possible. |
| ● | Completing applicable (secondary) trade-off studies to establish the plant configuration and to minimize the project’s carbon footprint. |
| ● | Completing a feasibility level geotechnical investigation to support the feasibility study designs. |
| ● | Developing Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams. |
| ● | Developing a 3D model of the facility and associated site plans. |
| ● | Development of Functional Descriptions including Control and Operating Philosophy. |
| ● | Supporting the permitting effort including providing emissions inventory data. |
| ● | Progressing discipline engineering to FS level including discipline design criteria, mechanical equipment list, high-level piping & instrument diagrams (P&IDs), single line diagrams (SLDs), process control architectural diagrams, and IO lists. |
| ● | Completing a preliminary Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP). |
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| ● | Preparing detailed technical specifications for major equipment supply packages and issuing to vendors for multiple budgetary proposals to support the CAPEX and project execution schedule. |
| ● | Preparing a project execution strategy and level 3 schedule. |
| ● | Developing a capital cost estimate as per AACE Class 3 guidelines with an intended accuracy of +/- 15%. High-level material take-offs (MTOs) will be developed for all disciplines (for example, concrete MTOs will be developed based on building footprints with consideration for equipment loads and geotechnical conditions, structural steel MTOs will be generated based on building volumes and in-house data). |
| ● | Developing an operating cost estimate with an intended accuracy of +/- 15%. |
| ● | Completing a project risk review workshop. |
| ● | Developing the FS final report. |
The FS will be used by Ramaco in support of its internal project gate review program to secure approval and funding for the project.
| 5.1.4 | Basic Engineering/FEED |
The objective of the Basic Engineering/FEED phase will be to prepare the project to proceed with full execution. Home office engineering and procurement teams would ramp-up in preparation for EPCM.
Assumed Basic Engineering/FEED tasks include the following:
| ● | Developing commercial documents to support issuing requests for proposals to vendors and contractors. |
| ● | Issuing RFPs for critical equipment supply packages, obtaining firm price bids and completing bid clarifications, evaluations, and recommendations in preparation for award. |
| ● | Completing a geotechnical investigation to support detailed engineering. |
| ● | Developing and firm price bid packages for the supply of other major equipment, obtaining multiple bids, complete clarifications, bid evaluations and recommendations for award. |
| ● | Updating the 3D model to incorporate available vendor data and input from the preliminary HAZOP. |
| ● | Developing Site Preparations and Early Work contract documents and issuing to contractors to obtain firm price bids. Complete bid clarifications and evaluations in preparation to award. |
| ● | Developing a detailed project execution plan and schedule. |
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| ● | Developing the Project Procedures Manual (PPM). |
| ● | Re-estimating the project CAPEX. |
| ● | Generating the “project control documents” (CAPEX and schedule). |
| 5.2 | Conceptual Plot Plan |
Ramaco provided Hatch with a suggested location for the commercial plant site. This location took into consideration the local topography, existing road layout, property boundary line as well as permit area. Hatch has developed the layout with the assumption that grading will be carried out by Ramaco to provide a level site for the main plant, with appropriate benches to accommodate the crushing circuit.
See drawings H376597-0000-203-290-0001 & 0002 for Site Plan and Plot Plan. Some key aspects of the layout are discussed on the following pages.
| 5.2.1 | Site Constraints |
The site area has 4 general constraints:
| A. | West Side – Existing county roads and private road and Ramaco’s property line |
| B. | North Side – Ramaco property line / Permit area |
| C. | East side – Existing creek |
| D. | South Side – Existing Interstate Highway |
Hatch was advised to locate the plant at least 500 ft from the property and road constraints. Hatch placed the fenceline ~500 ft from the west side roads. During the project model review, Ramaco advised that there is leased area and it prefers all plant entities, including parking lots to reside on owned real property. This lot boundary was subsequently added to the layout, which highlights the fact that the proposed parking locations straddle the boundary between owned and leased property. A layout modification to relocate the parking areas within the owned property will be facilitated in the next project phase. Refer to. Refer to Figure 5-1.
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Figure 5-1: Plot Boundaries.
| 5.2.2 | Site Laydown and/or Expansion |
Areas for plant operations laydown have been situated within the current layout. These areas may be utilized, in part, for expansion purposes. Note, that it is always advisable to allow for permanent laydown areas to facilitate efficient plant operations. Refer to Figure 5-2 for areas marked for these purposes.
Figure 5-2: Laydown / Expansion Areas.
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| 5.2.3 | 1110 – Site Access Roads |
Access
for road vehicles has been provided along the existing Coal Bank Rd. One access road is south of the plant, while the other is across
from the existing Slater Creek Rd. Both of these access points are south of the existing private road, South Ash Creek Rd. See
Figure 5-3 below.
Figure 5-3: General Plant Access Road.
It is common practice to separate haul truck traffic from road traffic for practicality and safety purposes. For the current layout, the approach taken is to have a separate haul truck access point to a raised bench within the site, allowing for a rear dump station to the primary crushing circuit for both ROM and Coal feeds. It is assumed that Ramaco will grade local roads to ensure access at this elevation meets acceptable grade inclines for safe operation of the haul trucks. Refer to Figure 5-4.
Figure 5-4: Haul Truck Access Point.
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| 5.2.4 | 1210 – Electrical Power Supply |
It is assumed that there will be an electrical tie-in from south of the existing interstate highway, running north to the south west corner of the plant. See Figure 5-5.
Figure 5-5: Tie-in To Electrical Grid.
| 5.2.5 | 1220 – Raw Water Supply |
It is the assumption that raw water will be accessible to the site by means of locally drilled wells.
| 5.2.6 | 2120 – Roads and Stormwater Management |
The site roads have been laid out with 13 ft wide lanes, along with 4 ft wide shoulders. The road layout can accommodate 40 ft truck trailers (60 ft minimum road radius for main plant roads). There is an allowance for 40 ft easements from a building/structure to the edge of road shoulders, which allows for space for buried services, e.g. firewater lines, and/or drainage systems, e.g. stormwater ditches. An allowance of 10ft clearances adjacent to the road shoulders has been included for these utility/drainage purposes (allowance to be verified in the next phases of the project).
| 5.2.7 | 2130 – Stormwater Ponds |
For the current project phase, the layout has provision for three stormwater ponds for surface water runoff requirements across the site. The ponds’ location take advantage of natural topographical runoff valleys. Refer to Figure 5-6.
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Figure 5-6: Pond Arrangements.
| 5.2.8 | 2210 – Main Substation |
The electrical switchyard is located in the Southwest quadrant of the plot. It is separated from the plant by an interior fence, allowing access from the west by the local utility corporation, and from the east by plant personnel. Refer to Figure 5-7.
Figure 5-7: Electrical Switchyard.
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| 5.2.9 | 2710 – Gatehouse Building |
A gatehouse is located at the west entrance of the plant to validate deliveries and monitor incoming and outgoing trucks. Gatehouse personnel can direct incoming vehicles to staging, the truck scale or through to the main plant area. This scale is dedicated to a lane that runs adjacent to a bypass lane, as some trucks do not need to be weighed before entering the plant. For vehicles transporting materials and feedstock into the facility, an accurate record must be made of their payload. As such, a truck scale has been included with a clear view to the gatehouse. Refer to Figure 5-8. In addition, the gatehouse will serve as the first entry point for visitors and staff. Alternatively the general staff could enter through to the administration building by means of a controlled turnstile through the perimeter fence.
Figure 5-8: Gatehouse.
| 5.2.10 | 2720 – Administration Building |
The administration building is the primary building which houses the largest contingent of operations personnel. It is located on the west end of the plot, adjacent to both the employee parking area and the employee entrance gate and thus allows for swift evacuation out of the plant area in the event of an emergency. The Administration Building consists of a single-story building on grade and would be fully finished with heating and air conditioning systems. Floor plans have not yet been developed but the layout area assumes inclusion of a control room, change rooms, laboratory, lunch room, medical room, meeting rooms, offices, security office, training room, and washrooms. Refer to Figure 5-9.
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Figure 5-9: Administration Building.
| 5.2.11 | 2750 – Maintenance Building |
A Maintenance Building is also included, adjacent to the administration building, for general maintenance to be performed on plant equipment, as well as select mobile equipment such as forklifts and small trucks. The building has space allocation for parts storage, two washrooms and an office. The building is on the west side of the truck yard, across from the warehouse, which allows for efficient retrieval of additional spare parts from stores. There are 4 vehicle access doors to accommodate road vehicles, forklifts or bobcats, and a 20 ft flatbed truck for delivery of larger equipment such as agitator assemblies. An overhead crane will be installed to allow for equipment to be loaded off and onto a truck. Refer to Figure 5-10.
Figure 5-10: Maintenance Building.
| 5.2.12 | 2750 – Warehouse – Parts and Products |
A warehouse is included in the west half of the plant. This building would house end products, general supplies and general equipment spare parts on steel racking allowing for 3 pallets high of storage (to allow a general forklift to handle warehouse operations). Should the building be required to increase the storage capacity, the plant layout can be modified in the next project phase to extend the footprint to suit. An option would be to increase the building height to accommodate taller racking, however, that would necessitate using reach trucks to lift loads to higher levels.
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The building has been designed with two grade level loading bays (via ramp) to accommodate hard side containers with rear door loading. In addition, there is a drive-in bay to permit loading/unloading of a 20 ft flatbed trailer by means of an overhead crane. The 20 ft flatbed truck can then distribute materials throughout the site. A washroom has been included within the layout for the building. Refer to Figure 5-11.
Figure 5-11: Product Storage Building.
| 5.2.13 | 3120 – Grade Benches for Crushing Circuit |
The inclusion of a crushing circuit requires a difference in elevations to permit a gravity fed crusher feed system. This arrangement often utilizes the local topography to establish an elevated bench for the haul trucks to dump loads into a feed bin/hopper.
Downstream of this primary stage crushing, are either secondary crushers or transfer stations (if required). The crushed material is then conveyed to a crushed stockpile (within an enclosed building for environmental purposes). From there, a reclaim system is utilized to provide a constant feed to the process. Two options were considered for the reclaim system:
(1) Front end loader transfer from stockpile to feed hopper along conveyor, or
(2) Subterrain reclaim feeder along with tunnel.
For the purposes of this project phase, Ramaco suggested that we consider a below ground feeder arrangement which requires a tunnel below the stockpiles. In order to establish a shallow angle on the transfer conveyor, an elevated bench was considered to minimize the overall circuit footprint, i.e. having the stockpile buildings on the same grade elevation as the main plant would require a greater distance between the receiving process equipment and the stockpiles due to the maximum angle of the conveyor arrangement. Refer to Figures Figure 5-12 and Figure 5-13.
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Figure 5-12: Grade Benches for Crushing Circuit.
Figure 5-13: ROM / Coal Stockpiles and Reclaim.
| 5.3 | Procurement Strategy |
An Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) execution strategy is assumed for the project.
Major process equipment supply packages, and assumed vendor post-award design and fabrication durations, are listed in Table 5-1. Durations are assumed based on experience from previous projects. Note that equipment supply durations may vary considerably due to recent supply chain disruptions.
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Table 5-1: Major Equipment Supply Contracts.
|
Package Title |
Lead Time (in weeks) | |
| Large Transformers | 110 | |
| Fluid Bed Calciners | 77 | |
| Solvent Extraction | 69 | |
| Filter Presses | 52 | |
| Evaporators and Crystallizers | 52 | |
| Baghouses | 48 | |
| Scrubbers | 40 | |
| Cooling Towers | 40 |
A list of assumed major construction contracts are highlighted in Table 5-2. At this stage of project development, it is assumed that the construction contracting strategy will not change significantly between process flowsheet options, with only the scope and size of the major contracts changing.
Table 5-2: Major Construction Contracts.
Package No. |
Package Title | Remarks | ||
| Type | Category | Sequence | ||
| EPC CONTRACTS - Design, Supply & Install | ||||
| T | A | 001 | Administration Building, Laboratory, Gate House. Includes lighting, HVAC, finishes, utilities, and furniture. It is assumed that these buildings are physically separated from other structures. |
Fixed Price. Excludes foundations |
| T | A | 002 | Process Buildings. Conceptual layout to be developed during FS including equipment loading information. |
Fixed Price. Excludes foundations |
| T | A | 003 | Warehouses and Maintenance Shop including HVAC, lighting, utility distribution and overhead crane (in maintenance shop). | Fixed Price. Excludes foundations |
| CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS | ||||
| C | A | 001 | Site Development, Grading, Plant Roads, Drainage, and buried services. | Unit Rate |
| C | C | 001 | Site Wide Foundations/Concrete - supply and installation | Unit Rate |
| C | D | 001 | Final Grading, Site Finishes and Paving | Unit Rate |
| C | M | 001 | Structural, Mechanical, Piping, Electrical and Instrumentation (SMPEI). Includes the installation of “free issued” equipment. | Lump Sum |
| C | E | 001 | High voltage and medium voltage equipment installation including Main Substation, distribution, and E-Houses. | Lump Sum |
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| 5.4 | Permitting |
The objective of this section is to identify and discuss the major permits and regulatory approvals that may be required for the construction and operation of the proposed facility based on the current understanding of the project. As the project advances and the design, footprint, and execution strategy become better defined, additional permitting requirements may be identified, and the permitting strategy may be refined accordingly.
Depending on the final project scope, funding structure, federal involvement, and regulatory jurisdiction, a review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) may be required. Should NEPA applicability be triggered, the appropriate federal agency could undertake an environmental review to evaluate potential impacts associated with the proposed facility. The extent of such a review would depend on the nature of the federal action involved and the potential environmental effects identified during project development. NEPA reviews can be comprehensive and, where required, may represent a significant component of the overall permitting schedule. At this stage, the applicability and scope of any potential NEPA review have not yet been determined.
Permitting for the new facility at the State and Federal level, assuming that a NEPA is not required, is assumed to take one year to complete. If a NEPA is required, however, permitting could take up to three years to complete.
| 5.5 | Execution Schedule |
A high-level project execution schedule, for the Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project, including Pre-Feasibility Study, Feasibility and FEED project development stages, is presented in Appendix A. All durations are based on preliminary information and/or experience from other projects.
Permitting tasks have been included assuming that a NEPA will not be required and that permit documents can be developed based on interim Feasibility level documents.
Development of a novel process is a journey of discovery and is therefore unpredictable. The path forward should be re-evaluated following completion of each development phase. In some cases, design concepts may need to be changed and a project engineering phase repeated accordingly.
This schedule is presented to facilitate discussions regarding project execution strategies.
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Appendix
A:
Execution Schedule
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Ramaco Resources
Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project
Initial Assessment Report - Section 6 - Project Risks and Opportunities
| 2026-07-28 | 0 | Issued for Use | G. Maskaluk | J. Gorst | F. Delgado | |
| Date | Rev. | Status | Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | Approved By |
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Table of Contents
| 6. | Project Risks and Opportunities | 6-1 | ||
| 6.1 | General Risks | 6-1 | ||
| 6.2 | Opportunities | 6-2 | ||
| 6.2.1 | Chlorine Recovery from PVC | 6-2 | ||
| 6.2.2 | E-Waste Feed Integration | 6-7 | ||
| 6.2.3 | Execution Schedule Acceleration | 6-8 | ||
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| 6. | Project Risks and Opportunities |
A risk register has not been developed for this phase of the project. A risk review and register preparation are recommended to be prepared at the start of the pre-feasibility study, for the selected flowsheet. Higher risks and opportunities are summarized in the sections below.
| 6.1 | General Risks |
Major risks that apply to the current flowsheet include:
| ● | Preparation of flowsheet for separation may be compromised due to lack of definition on project concept. The project concept needs to be defined based on test work data in the next phase of the project. |
| ● | Test work for the current flowsheet including carbo-chlorination is not available, as such, the process definition cannot be frozen. Additional updates/rework may be required if test work results indicate changes to the process definition. |
| ● | Pyrometallurgical equipment operability will likely be lower than the overall plant operation (92%) due to the limited experience with the equipment. More frequent and longer downtimes may be required, especially in early phases of plant operation. |
| ● | The nitrogen and oxygen demand may increase based on incoming test work data, changes in process definition, and equipment modification. Specifically, the carbo-chlorination units may require oxygen addition to maintain the target operating temperatures. The Air Separation Plant footprint, power demand, and equipment fee will be impacted if the demand for nitrogen and oxygen gases increases. |
| ● | The quartz removal efficiency from the beneficiation area has not been confirmed. Larger equipment may be needed in all areas downstream of the beneficiation if the quartz removal is less efficient than expected. |
| ● | A more robust off-gas treatment system may be needed for the project. Off-gas species and amounts from pyrometallurgical units need to be confirmed. |
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| ● | Many equipment pieces are preliminary customizations for the new flowsheet including the carbo-chlorination units. Bespoke equipment will require additional testing and definition to ensure their operability at a commercial scale. |
| 6.2 | Opportunities |
A list of opportunities identified by Ramaco for the selected flowsheet are outlined below.
| 6.2.1 | Chlorine Recovery from PVC |
The recovery of chlorine gas from scrap polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by thermal pyrolysis and HCl oxidation was identified by Ramaco as a potential opportunity to reduce the amount of purchased Cl2, and thereby operating cost, for the carbo-chlorination circuit. Through the “Technical Opportunity Statement PVC Waste Pyrolysis as a Chlorine Make-Up Source for Carbochlorination” dated May 2026, Ramaco requested that Hatch obtain budget-level capital and operating cost estimates from HCl oxidation vendors. The following subsections summarize Hatch’s correspondence with specialist vendors Sumitomo Chemical (Section 6.2.1.1) and Thyssenkrupp Nucera (Section 6.2.1.2), as well as a preliminary list of additional considerations that may need to be addressed in subsequent engineering phases (Section 6.2.1.3).
| 6.2.1.1 | Sumitomo Chemical HCl Oxidation Process |
Sumitomo Chemical is a technology licensing supplier of a Deacon HCl oxidation process to produce a chlorine gas product. Technip Energies owns the exclusive licensing rights to Sumitomo Chemical’s HCl oxidation technology. Hatch has engaged in preliminary discussions with Technip Energies, and a summary of the correspondence can be found below. Note that an NDA must be executed to receive capital and operating cost estimates.
| ● | Sumitomo Chemical has 23 years of experience in HCl oxidation with their first commercial installation in 2003. Currently they have 10 installed licensees, primarily in the MDI/TDI industries |
| ● | Sumitomo Chemical owns the technology and supplies the catalyst, Technip Energies licenses the technology, and JFE Engineering Corporation supplies the reactor |
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| ● | In Sumitomo Chemical’s HCl oxidation process gaseous HCl and oxygen is fed to a fixed-bed tubular reactor to produce chlorine gas. The exothermic energy released from HCl oxidation is recovered to produce steam. The chlorine gas is then scrubbed with water to remove unreacted HCl, producing a by-product of muriatic acid. The chlorine gas is then dried using sulphuric acid and purified to remove inert gases. A schematic of the process can be found in Figure 6-1. |
| ● | Chlorine gas purity: 99.7 vol.% (for MDI/TDI references) |
| ● | HCl conversion: ~85% |
| ♦ | Increased to ~90% conversion with the addition of an HCl stripper |
| ♦ | Increased to ~98% conversion with full azeotropic distillation system |
| ● | Reactor catalyst: RuO2/TiO2 |
| ● | Catalyst lifespan: >2 year (typically 2.5 years) |
| ♦ | HCl feed purity can significantly influence the catalyst lifespan. Impurities such as bromides, sulphur, and organics will reduce catalyst lifespan. Impurity definition is crucial for assessing catalyst replacement frequency and overall suitability of Sumitomo Chemical HCl oxidation process |
| ● | A single train can be designed within the production range of 60-240 ktpa of chlorine gas |
| ● | Energy consumption of Sumitomo Chemical’s process is approximately 8-10 times less than HCl electrolysis with oxygen-depolarized cathode |
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Figure 6-1: Sumitomo Chemical HCl Oxidation Process Schematic
| 6.2.1.2 | Thyssenkrupp Nucera HCl Oxidation Process |
Thyssenkrupp Nucera provides an oxygen-depolarized cathode hydrochloric acid (ODC-HCl) electrolysis technology to produce a chlorine gas product. Hatch has engaged in preliminary discussions with Thyssenkrupp, and a summary of the correspondence can be found below.
In addition, Thyssenkrupp has provided an order of magnitude plant area cost of 120,000,000 Euro, inclusive of engineering and bulking material for piping, electrical, and instrumentation. Cost associated with structural steel, civil works, and erection activities are excluded. Estimated utility and power consumption was also provided.
Note that Thyssenkrupp is discussing internally if an NDA is required to provide capital and operating cost estimates.
| ● | Thyssenkrupp Nucera has over 600 electrochemical plant references and 40 references providing full engineering, procurement, and construction services. |
| ● | In the ODC-HCl process, hydrochloric gas and demineralized water are fed to an HCl absorber to produce a 28-37 wt.% HCl solution. This solution is mixed with a depleted recirculating HCl solution to create a 14 wt.% HCl solution for feeding to the anode side of the electrolysis cell where anodic oxidation occurs, producing chlorine gas. Oxygen is fed on the cathode side to react with hydrogen ions to produce an acid wastewater stream. A schematic of the process can be found in Figure 6-2. |
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| ● | Chlorine gas purity: not provided. |
| ● | HCl conversion: ~98%. |
| ● | Cathode and anode replacement/refurbishment frequency was not provided. |
| ● | Membrane lifespan: 4-8 years. |
| ● | The target chlorine gas production of 10-11 tph is within the technologies capability and aligns with other built plants. |
| ● | Operational flexibility is a key advantage of the ODC-HCl process as it can operate at lowered Cl2 throughput capacities and increasing HCl production if desirable based on market conditions. |
| ● | Disadvantage of the electrolysis process is high electrical power consumption. |
| ● | Thyssenkrupp highlighted the importance of mitigating impurities, particularly organics. Impurity definition is crucial for assessing membrane replacement frequency and overall suitability of the HCl-ODC process. |
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Figure 6-2: ThyssenKrupp Nucera HCl-ODC Electrolysis Process Schematic
| 6.2.1.3 | Future Considerations |
To further develop the potential opportunity to recover chlorine gas from scrap PVC, Hatch has prepared a preliminary list of considerations be addressed in subsequent engineering phases:
| ● | Receive preliminary cost estimates from HCl oxidation vendors (on-going). |
| ● | Identification of scrap PVC supply source and composition. |
| ● | Ideation session(s) should be completed to identify suitable reactor(s) for PVC thermal pyrolysis at a commercial scale. |
| ● | Mass and energy balance, order of magnitude capital and operational cost assessment of selected pyrolysis technology. |
| ● | Pyrolysis reactor test work to confirm reactor viability and define off-gas impurities. |
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| ● | Provide HCl oxidation vendor(s) updated HCl gas composition to determine HCl gas treatment requirements to adhere with vendor inlet specifications. This will also inform off-gas equipment selection. |
| ● | Order of magnitude capital and operating cost of the complete PVC to chlorine flowsheet to assess economic viability. |
| 6.2.2 | E-Waste Feed Integration |
Ramaco identified a potential opportunity to increase gallium and germanium production through the addition of an electronic waste (“e-waste”) feed to be processed in the current carbo-chlorination process. Through the “Technical Opportunity Statement Gallium- and Germanium-Rich E-Waste as a Critical Mineral Feed Sweetener for Carbochlorination” dated May 2026, Ramaco has requested that Hatch determines the feasibility of processing a feed enriched with less than 3 wt.% e-waste through the current carbo-chlorination process.
Hatch recognises this as an opportunity. It is expected that all critical minerals will chlorinate in the carbo-chlorination process. However, the following should be investigated in the next phases of the project:
| ● | Definition of the e-waste feed composition, including organics, sulphur, copper, mercury, lead, arsenic, halides, etc. The complete composition is will be used to evaluate if additional processing steps are necessary to remove impurities to meet to emissions/waste requirements and product specifications. |
| ● | Halides are common in e-waste and may produce acid gases. Definition of halide levels is required to determine if additional processing steps are required to remove acid gases and to determine if materials of construction as currently selected are suitable. |
| ● | Test work on the feed blend is recommended to determine the calorific value generated from organics combustion to better understand the energy balance impact on the carbo-chlorination reactor. It may be possible that organic combustion could offset some of the reactor fuel requirement. |
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| ● | Currently, the carbo-chlorination reactor is expected to operate with sub-stoichiometric oxygen addition which may promote volatilization of organics. Other operations that process e-waste in starved air conditions (in rotary kilns) would suggest that volatilization of organics is expected to occur. Impact of organics in the sublimation process should be investigated to determine if an after burner, or other equipment is required. |
| ● | Assess if the addition of e-waste to the carbo-chlorination reactor could impact the ability to maintain fluidization. |
| ● | Arsenic is reported to be in the e-waste as GaAs. Arsenic chloride may be generated in the carbo-chlorination reactor and is considered highly toxic. HAZOPs should be conducted to ensure the process and plant is safely designed for the presence of arsenic chloride. |
| ● | Review arsenic emission limits to inform if additional process steps are required to adhere to such limits. |
| ● | Evaluation of how to separate arsenic chloride from valuable metallic chlorides should be completed. This may require test work. |
| ● | Mass balance should be competed to determine if current carbo-chlorination reactors and downstream equipment are appropriately sized for the increased Ga and Ge production. |
| ● | Identify which, if any, regulations, permitting requirements, waste specifications would be applicable when processing e-waste to inform equipment selection and additional process steps if required. |
| ● | Order of magnitude capital and operating cost estimation to assess economic viability. |
| 6.2.3 | Execution Schedule Acceleration |
An opportunity to accelerate the overall project execution schedule was identified and preliminarily assessed by the project team and is presented herein for discussion purposes. The opportunity has not been subject to detailed engineering, execution planning, risk assessment, or commercial evaluation and should therefore be considered a conceptual schedule acceleration scenario rather than a fully developed execution strategy.
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This accelerated execution strategy assumes that several key engineering, procurement, and project development activities are initiated prior to Full Approval to Proceed (FID) and before all project uncertainties have been fully resolved. These early commitments are required to maintain the accelerated project schedule and to prevent long-lead activities from becoming critical path constraints.
Key early commitments include:
| ● | Progression of Basic Engineering/FEED to a level sufficient to support permit applications, early works design, and procurement activities. |
| ● | Advancement of Detailed Engineering packages for site preparation, civil works, utilities, and critical process systems prior to project sanction. |
| ● | Early release of engineering work packages to support tendering, vendor engagement, and equipment specification development. |
| ● | Procurement of long-lead and critical equipment based on preliminary design information to secure manufacturing capacity and delivery dates. |
| ● | Placement of early purchase orders, letters of intent, or reservation agreements for equipment with extended fabrication durations. |
| ● | Advancement of geotechnical investigations, site characterization programs, and construction planning activities to support early works execution. |
| ● | Mobilization of owner and EPCM resources earlier than would typically occur under a conventional stage-gated project development process. |
These activities would require expenditure of capital prior to FID and may commit the project to specific design solutions before completion of detailed engineering and final commercial evaluations. Consequently, changes arising from ongoing engineering development, permitting requirements, technology optimization, constructability reviews, market conditions, or project sanction decisions could result in engineering rework, procurement changes, contract amendments, schedule disruption, or additional cost.
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As a result, while early engineering and procurement commitments are essential to achieving the accelerated schedule, they increase project execution, commercial, and financial risk relative to a conventional development approach where major engineering and procurement commitments are deferred until after Full Approval to Proceed has been received.
Under this scenario, project Handover to Operations for Start-up could potentially be achieved approximately seven months earlier than the conventional execution approach, as presented in Figure 6-3.
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Figure 6-3: Opportunity to Accelerate Execution Schedule
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Exhibit 99.2
July 29, 2026
Dear Shareholders,
Over the past several quarterly releases and earnings remarks we have discussed our ongoing work to develop our rare earth and other critical mineral operations at the exploratory Brook Mine in Wyoming. Since my last Letter to Shareholders in September 2025, we have continued a fundamental internal realignment to create a dual-platform structure, with our metallurgical coal and potential critical mineral businesses as distinct operating entities. In this letter, I will focus on our emerging rare earth and other critical mineral operations.
Our last independent conceptual study of the Brook Mine project was conducted by Fluor Corp. and released in July 2025 (the “Fluor Report”). Today, we are releasing a new independent conceptual study from Hatch Associates Consultants, Inc. (“Hatch”). Hatch was engaged to provide a preliminary refining process definition to be used in a future technical report summary and initial assessment of the economic potential of the Brook Mine Critical Mineral Project 1(“Project”).
The Fluor report analyzed the separation and extraction processing of the various critical minerals and rare earths into oxides at our proposed mine-mouth critical mineral refinery (“CMR”) using a conventional technique called solvent extraction. The Fluor report also identified alternative processing techniques that we investigated further after the initial report was published.
The Hatch report analyzed the flowsheet design for the CMR to process, separate and extract critical minerals and rare earths into mineral oxides, metals and mixed rare earth carbonate (“MREC”). Hatch’s focus of analysis was a carbochlorination processing technique which I describe below.
The CMR will be a central component of our proposed vertically integrated critical mineral supply chain Project co-located at our Brook Mine site in Sheridan, Wyoming. This complex will encompass the upstream feedstock mining operations at our Brook Mine, midstream processing of oxides and MREC at the CMR and downstream commercial sales and product marketing coordinated through our Strategic Critical Mineral Stockpile and Terminal (“SCMT”).
Since last July, we have brought onto our Ramaco team the two former senior Fluor team members who prepared that report to help guide our metallurgical test work and advance our processing design efforts at the CMR. This led to a fundamental reassessment of the optimal processing method to separate and refine our unique carbonaceous critical mineral feedstock contained in relatively soft, coal and contiguous clays and shales. The refining technique we arrived at is called carbochlorination, which we have previously disclosed. We have also filed for patent protection on its application to our updated flowsheet.
| 1 | Note the Hatch report is at an initial assessment level of study and, accordingly, all estimates and projections contained therein are based on limited and preliminary data. The estimates were completed to AACE Class 5 with an accuracy of -35/+50% with a contingency of 30% on the process plant. The assessment was based on 100% inferred mineral resources which are speculative, and there is no certainty that the results of the Initial Assessment will be realized. However, if no Inferred mineral resources were included in the cash flow of the Initial Assessment, then there would be no project. Therefore, while the work, results, estimates and projections are not definitive, they may nonetheless be considered generally indicative of the nature and quality of the Project. |
This is a proven processing method which has been used in the titanium industry for over 75 years. Through ongoing geological, mineralogical and metallurgical analysis and testing, this new flowsheet was adapted and refined to process the unconventional feedstock coming from the Brook Mine. The objective was to improve the potential critical mineral and rare earth feedstock separations and extractions to produce oxides and MREC.
Today’s study from Hatch analyzed the overall Project and specifically the CMR using this revised carbochlorination process and then provided independent preliminary estimates of capital and operating costs. Hatch in turn relied on another independent analysis of the carbochlorination process itself, which was conducted by Kingston Process Metallurgy, Inc. (“KPM”).
The change in the refining process method has a dramatic impact not only on our estimates of the Brook Mine project economics, but also on the allocation of the potential critical mineral and rare earth product slate we expect to be capable of producing.
This initial assessment using the current Hatch report will be superseded by a full Preliminary Feasibility Study (“PFS”), which will further define the Project. As part of the PFS study Hatch will test and confirm additional opportunities such as recycling electronic waste (“e-waste”) into our feedstock stream with the objective of enhancing realizations, as explained below.
The key highlights for our investors that are presented below are from both the Hatch report (we have incorporated their independent capital and operating cost estimates) and separately from our own internal projected economics for the Brook Mine Project. Investors should note that the figures below on NPV8, IRR, adjusted EBITDA and revenue were internally prepared estimates by Ramaco. They have not been independently verified, and are superimposed on Hatch’s independent operating cost and capital expenditure estimates2:
| ● | The Brook Mine NPV has increased 567% to $8.0 billion before tax, and increased 537% to $6.4 billion after tax since the release of our 2025 third-party Fluor Report. This increase primarily reflects a change to a carbochlorination processing methodology referred to in the Hatch report from Fluor’s solvent-extraction methodology in their 2025 study. Because of this change, the two studies do not have functional equivalency. This NPV is shown visually below with cash flows through 2034 but reflects a 40-year mine life. It does not reflect the potential multi-generational mine life referenced elsewhere in this letter. | |
| ● | Average projected annual adjusted EBITDA of $1.3 billion is up almost ~800% from that same report3. Analogous to the NPV comparison, this increase reflects the change in processing methodology to the carbochlorination technique rather than organic project improvement, and the figures are not directly comparable to the Fluor report on an equivalent basis. |
| 2 | The economic estimates in this letter, including the NPV, IRR, adjusted EBITDA and revenue figures, are preliminary in nature and are based on inferred mineral resources. Inferred mineral resources are categorized as too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and therefore there is no certainty that these preliminary economic estimates will be realized. These estimates are internally prepared by Ramaco and are not the output of an “initial assessment,” pre-feasibility study or feasibility study prepared by a qualified person under Regulation S-K, Subpart 1300. A pre-feasibility study will be necessary to support the production schedule laid out in the economics, including the timing of construction and commercial operation. |
2
| ● | The above estimated NPV and adjusted EBITDA figures do not factor in any additional potential economic upside or processing efficiency from the use of blending recycled e-waste and PVC waste into our feedstock before processing. Hatch has independently confirmed this as an opportunity, subject to further testing and investigation planned for this year and expected to be addressed in the PFS. We have also filed for patent protection on both of these recycling methods. |
| ● | The capital for construction of the project is preliminarily estimated by Hatch at $3.2 billion, with an additional contingency of ~$0.8 billion1. We anticipate that these figures may be higher than the ultimate final construction numbers given the current early stage of process design which is prior to pilot testing to optimize design and equipment requirements which may reduce the contingency. | |
| ● | Scandium remains an important component of our product slate at 18% of projected revenue. However, this is significantly reduced from prior solvent-extraction figures, under which scandium previously accounted for more than half of our project revenue. Although scandium’s share of projected revenue has declined under the carbochlorination flowsheet, we continue to regard scandium as a strategically important product. We do not expect this change in product mix to affect existing customer or governmental interest. | |
| ● | The switch from solvent extraction to the new carbochlorination flowsheet is expected to allow approximately 75% of anticipated Brook Mine revenue to be tied to commodities whose primary demand driver is the semiconductor industry such as gallium metal, germanium oxide, high-purity silica (“HPS”) and high-purity alumina (“HPA”). Given the expected growth in all forms of computerized related commerce such as data centers and AI, we view this as a strong underpinning of the future market for oxide and related products from the Brook Mine. |
Key Economics of Brook Mine Project
Below are the key projected economic details of the Brook Mine Project3. The key inputs for the financial model include:
| ● | A life-of-mine production schedule derived from the optimized pit shell. | |
| ● | Capital and operating cost estimates used by Hatch in its conceptual study, using Hatch’s upsized production case. | |
| ● | Third-party inputs, such as extraction rates from metallurgical testing, to estimate overall recoveries and inform annual production levels. |
Ramaco then applied discounts to internally researched Western spot prices to arrive at internally prepared annual cash flow figures. As such, the NPV, IRR, adjusted EBITDA, payback period and revenue figures4 in this report are Ramaco’s internal estimates.
| 3 | The preliminary economic estimates described in this letter have not been prepared as part of an initial assessment, pre-feasibility study or feasibility study under Item 1302 of Regulation S-K, and no Technical Report Summary has been filed with respect to these estimates. The Company expects to file an S-K 1300 compliant Technical Report Summary by the end of the calendar year 2026. |
| 4 | Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. Because the amounts presented are forward-looking projections, the Company is unable to reconcile projected adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure without unreasonable effort, primarily due to the difficulty of predicting the timing and amount of items that would be required for a GAAP measure, including future capital expenditures, taxes, financing costs and other non-cash or non-recurring items, which may be significant. |
3
Our internally prepared financial model below shows the Brook Mine’s potential to generate significant economic value, delivering compelling ongoing cash flows as well as after-tax NPV and IRR. The strength of these financial metrics demonstrates the underlying asset quality and supports continued investment in advancing the Project toward production.
The above projected economics are based on figures in the Hatch report using 2.6 million tonnes of critical mineral feedstock processed into the CMR. In addition to the 2.6 million tonnes of critical mineral feedstock, the carbochlorination process allows for an additional ~0.9 million tonnes of mineralized coal to be processed through the plant, which results in additional saleable MREC product.
The Hatch report also provided alternative figures calculated on a lower 1.3-million-tonne critical mineral feedstock case— which established a scalable, lower-capital baseline that could be incrementally upsized based on demand—and the higher feedstock input.
Our economics are shown visually through 2034, although our discounted NPV accounts for a 40-year mine life. As further drilling and analysis occurs, we anticipate the Brook Mine has the potential to meaningfully exceed its currently estimated mine life only utilizing the 4,500 acres currently permitted for mining. As previously disclosed, there are an additional ~11,500 acres contiguous to the permitted area on which we are performing drilling and geological analysis.
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The next chart below compares a summary of the general economic results from both the current Hatch report and last year’s Fluor report, with production units shown in tonnes.
The next chart below details the potential key product suite and each product’s contribution to internally calculated revenue. As noted, the carbochlorination flowsheet allows for approximately 75% of our anticipated Brook Mine Project internally prepared revenue to be tied to key commodities such as gallium metal, germanium oxide, HPA and HPS whose primary demand driver is the semiconductor industry.
The price deck we used for this analysis, when compared with current Western spot prices, is shown in the next chart below. For commodities with a quoted Western spot price (such as gallium and key rare earths), we show that price. For commodities with a recent market transaction marker (such as the U.S. Department of War purchase of scandium), we use that as a market reference. Where neither exists, we use third party consensus or similar long-term pricing, without price escalation over the life of mine.
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The key takeaway: we are modeling our projections using material discounts across all oxide, metal, MREC, other critical mineral products and HPS. We believe that, given the geopolitical and supply-chain realities, any comparison to Chinese government-published spot indexes is fundamentally misguided.
Because the projected economics are strongly dependent on realized commodity prices and the discounts we apply, changes in those assumptions would have a corresponding effect on projected NPV, IRR, adjusted EBITDA and revenue. We have not presented a sensitivity analysis illustrating how these metrics would vary under alternative pricing scenarios, and investors should not assume that the modeled prices or discounts will be realized.
Key Details
Beyond the highlights noted above, below is additional detail on key aspects of the Brook Mine Project based on Hatch analysis of the carbochlorination flowsheet and our internally prepared projections:
| ● | Financials: |
Pre-tax NPV8 of $8.0 billion — a 567% increase from the previous flowsheet. Pre-tax IRR of 24%. Adjusted annual EBITDA averages $1.3 billion over the mine life, with $1.7 billion in average annual revenue.
| ● | Production: |
The total feed to the plant includes inferred resources of carbonaceous clays and mineralized coal. Over the life of mine, the average grades of critical mineral oxide (“CMO”)5 are 416 ppm, as well as 7.6% Al and 21.0% Si.
Over a 40-year mine life, average annual feed to the carbochlorination facility is ~3.5 million tonnes of enriched carbonaceous clays and shales as well as mineralized coal (~2.6 million tonnes of clays/shales and ~0.9 million tonnes of coal). Average annual production is included in the Brook Mine Summary table above, which includes revenue from approximately 1.5 million tonnes per year of thermal coal. As previously disclosed, we intend to use the coal as the “carbo” reagent in the carbochlorination process and/or to sell the remaining coal into the power markets.
| 5 | CMO includes oxides of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu plus Ga and Ge. |
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| ● | Flowsheet: |
Small amounts of the kaolinite in the enriched clay zones are converted into HPA and HPS by reaction with chlorine. Approximately 5% of the Al2O3 associated with kaolinite is converted to HPA and 2.5% of the SiO2. Volatile chloride compounds, which include gallium, germanium, alumina and silica are then recovered, separated and purified from the gaseous stream. The mineralized coal serves as a carbon source and necessary reagent, contributing incremental rare earth and other critical mineral production. Rare earths are converted to chlorides but predominantly remain in the residue where they are leached with water. Impurities are removed before precipitation of an MREC that will be sold to be refined by a third party.
Gallium’s thermodynamic behavior under carbochlorination conditions is well established — it reports efficiently as a vapor in the off-gas where it is recovered and purified. We intend to produce gallium metal to access higher-value end markets across semiconductors, AI server power electronics, precision optics, and 5G/6G networks.
Carbochlorination extracts meaningfully both more product and revenue from the Brook Mine deposit than we achieved in the conventional hydrometallurgical process. It has additional benefits, including lower water consumption and flowsheet simplification through production of MREC rather than solvent-extraction separation. The expanded product suite provides meaningful exposure to supply chain security across semiconductors, aerospace, defense, and magnets.
| ● | Extraction Recoveries: |
Independent testing at KPM’s third-party lab achieved high carbochlorination extractions for all key revenue generating critical minerals and silica. The Brook Mine feedstock was effectively consumed in the carbochlorination tests with initial results from KPM showing original average extraction levels over 90%. Further testing now indicates upside from recoveries exceeding 98%. Recovery projections were estimated downstream to determine overall plant recoveries.
Further test work is planned in Q3 at Ramaco’s own laboratory facility to expand the test program at bench-scale to validate metallurgical performance throughout the flowsheet and optimize operating conditions. Further recovery results will be included in the PFS.
| ● | E-waste Opportunity: |
We are evaluating the technical viability and economics of incorporating electronic waste (e-waste) blended into the feedstock, with sourcing efforts targeting e-waste containing higher concentrations of gallium and germanium. Because carbochlorination effectively extracts REEs and other critical minerals, even small amounts of e-waste could significantly increase revenue from material otherwise destined for landfill — particularly gallium and germanium-rich waste, which is difficult to recycle by other methods. We will also explore other possible forms of e-waste targeting additional products6.
| 6 | Incorporating e-waste and PVC waste as feedstock may subject these activities to hazardous-waste handling and permitting requirements under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and comparable state laws, and any internationally sourced e-waste may be subject to U.S. import restrictions. We will evaluate these regulatory considerations as part of our ongoing testing and the PFS. |
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| ● | Product Offtake: |
We remain in advanced stages of product offtake discussions with potential domestic groups, both private and governmental, as well as international groups.
In parallel with the technical work supporting the Hatch report, we have advanced a comprehensive commercial strategy focused on integrating future Brook Mine oxide, metal, and MREC products into domestic and allied critical mineral supply chains. In support of these efforts, Ramaco has hired and onboarded internal marketing and sales staff dedicated solely to the Brook Mine materials, as well as contracted several consultants who specialize in specific minerals and supply chains.
With this expanded commercial capability, Ramaco has now established relationships across the downstream value chains for each of the principal Brook Mine products. Ramaco is pursuing a framework of prospective offtake agreements, whether formally via MOUs or informally. These should mature into negotiation of definitive commercial agreements as Brook Mine products progress through laboratory qualification and pilot-scale production.
Also, recognizing that the Brook Mine critical mineral deposit was discovered in partnership with the U.S. government, Ramaco continues to build relationships within government to support the strategic initiatives to onshore Western critical mineral supply chains. We are in active discussion with the Department of War, the Department of Commerce and also maintain our on-going involvement with the Department of Energy.
| ● | Financing: |
We are currently in discussions regarding a variety of third-party project financing regarding funding for the CMR involving the public and private sectors, including U.S. governmental groups mentioned above. Details will be disclosed when transactions are advanced to the point of specific documentation.
I would note that our major capital requirements for the CMR are more than two years away. Our future testing, pilot plant and mining capital requirements can all be met from current internal funds. We also expect that there will be substantial future risk mitigation to the project in the form of offtake agreements, greater clarity of the level of capital requirements from further design and process optimization and, of course, technological refinements to the overall critical mineral refining and separation process.
We are well capitalized, patient and methodical. We will strive to finance the project to obtain the strongest possible value for our shareholders.
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| ● | Capital Cost: |
In Hatch’s upsized case, total initial pre-production capital cost estimates are $3.2 billion before a $0.8 billion contingency, or $4.0 billion in total post-contingency. The capital cost estimate completed by Hatch for the process facility corresponds to an AACE Class 5 estimate, with an accuracy range of -35%/+50% and a 30% contingency applied within Hatch’s scope for the process plant.
The higher capital cost at this stage of the carbochlorination process versus the earlier hydrometallurgical process reflects:
| o | feed preparation requirements for mineralized coal, | |
| o | a more conservative view of reaction kinetics (versus the titanium industry) impacting the size and thickness of reactors (and thus cost) pending further testing in the pilot phase, | |
| o | higher product production tonnages, and | |
| o | conservative selection of materials for construction pending further engineering evaluation. |
The next project phase will include the exploration of opportunities to meaningfully reduce anticipated capital cost impacts.
We have provided owner’s estimates for certain costs including mine fleet, mine development, residue storage, rail loadout, permitting and regulatory matters, infrastructure outside the process plant battery limit, and the owner’s operating team.
| ● | Execution Schedule: |
We requested that Hatch provide an accelerated project execution plan for construction and development of the CMR. The table below provides high-level milestones per Hatch’s accelerated timeline. This strategy assumes that key engineering, procurement, and development activities are initiated prior to Final Investment Decision (“FID”) and before all project uncertainties are fully resolved. These early commitments are required to maintain the accelerated schedule and to prevent long-lead activities from becoming critical-path constraints.
| ● | Geological Advancement: |
We have continued an aggressive on-going program of geological study and assessment of the 4,500 acres permitted area of the deposit. To date we have drilled 684 core holes (equaling roughly 11 miles of coring). We have conducted ~7,500 ICP-MS tests on samples, plus ~34,000 XRF tests. We will continue this comprehensive level of testing in order to add detail to the characterization of the mineral resource and to advance its classification from inferred to indicated. We will also move to further geological testing on the balance of the roughly 11,500 additional acres which have not yet been permitted.
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| ● | Pilot Plant Advancement: |
Construction of the pilot plant has continued to progress this summer, with completion of the building shell anticipated this October. Based on receipt of further design criteria from Hatch, we expect Zeton, Inc. to begin engineering in Q3 2026. The fabricated equipment modules from Zeton are then projected to ship for installation in the first half of 2027 with the pilot plant becoming fully operational later in 2027.
Once that building shell is complete this fall, chemical, metallurgical and geological testing operations will begin at this new location, in addition to those being conducted at our existing iCAM research center in Sheridan.
Addressing U.S. and Global Market Demand
As previously noted, the Brook Critical Mineral Project complex — including the Brook Mine itself, combined with the midstream CMR refinery and downstream SCMT marketing terminal — has the potential to supply a substantial volume of the processed oxide, metal and MREC needed to meet meaningful levels of both U.S. domestic and international demand.
The chart below shows the potential annual Brook Project product slate production compared with current levels of U.S. and global demand.
In closing, we look forward to providing more commentary on our Q2 earnings call, which is scheduled for August 5th. We will also continue to provide periodic updates on significant milestones as development of the Brook Mine critical mineral and rare earth project unfolds over the coming months.
| All the best, | |
| /s/ Randall W. Atkins | |
| Randall W. Atkins | |
| Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
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ABOUT RAMACO RESOURCES
Ramaco Resources, Inc. is an operator and developer of high-quality, low-cost metallurgical coal in southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia, and is exploring a coal, rare earth and other critical minerals project in Wyoming. The Company’s executive offices are located in Lexington, Kentucky, with operational offices in Charleston, West Virginia and Sheridan, Wyoming. The Company currently has four active metallurgical coal mining complexes in Central Appalachia and one coal mine and rare earth element and other critical mineral exploration stage property near Sheridan, Wyoming (the “Brook Mine”). The Brook Mine remains an exploration stage property, and no assurance can be given that it will be successfully developed into a commercial scale mine or that any inferred mineral resources estimated will be converted into higher confidence mineral resources or eventually mineral reserves. Contiguous to the Brook Mine, the Company operates a carbon research facility related to the potential production of advanced carbon products and materials from coal. In connection with these activities, it holds a body of more than 70 intellectual property patents, pending applications, exclusive licensing agreements and various trademarks. News and additional information about Ramaco Resources, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, are available at https://www.ramacoresources.com. For more information, contact investor relations at (859) 244-7455.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained in this Shareholder Letter constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements related to future production volumes and sales, anticipated capital expenditures, expected demand for metallurgical coal, the development and commercialization of the Brook Mine rare earth and critical mineral project, projected operating costs and margins, and the Company’s financial guidance and outlook. These forward-looking statements represent Ramaco Resources’ expectations or beliefs concerning guidance, future events, anticipated revenue, future demand and production levels, macroeconomic trends, the development of ongoing projects, costs and expectations regarding operating results, and it is possible that the results described in this news release will not be achieved.
These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of Ramaco Resources’ control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements.
These factors include, without limitation, unexpected delays in our current mine development activities, the ability to successfully increase production at our existing met coal complexes in accordance with the Company’s growth initiatives, failure of our sales commitment counterparties to perform, increased government regulation of coal in the United States or internationally, the impact of tariffs imposed by the United States and foreign governments, the further decline of demand for coal in export markets and underperformance of the railroads, the Company’s ability to successfully develop the exploratory Brook Mine rare earth and critical mineral project, including whether the Company’s exploration target and estimates for such mine are realized, the timing of the initial production of rare earth concentrates, the development of a pilot and ultimately a full-scale commercial processing facility. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not meet the threshold for reserve modifying factors, such as estimated economic viability, that would allow for conversion to mineral reserves. There is no certainty that any part of the inferred mineral resources estimated at Brook Mine will be converted into higher confidence mineral resources and eventually mineral reserves in the future. Rare earth and critical minerals are a new initiative for us and, as such, have required and will continue to require us to make significant investments to build out our rare earth and other critical mineral capabilities.
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Additional factors specific to the Brook Mine economic estimates include, without limitation: the preliminary nature of the estimates and their reliance on inferred mineral resources, which are too speculative to be classified as mineral reserves; the fact that the NPV, IRR, adjusted EBITDA and revenue figures are Ramaco’s internally prepared estimates that have not been independently verified; the wide accuracy range of the capital cost estimate, which is an AACE Class 5 estimate with an accuracy range of -35%/+50% (meaning the $4.0 billion post-contingency estimate could reasonably range from approximately $2.6 billion to $6.0 billion); the sensitivity of the projected economics to realized commodity prices and applied discounts, for which no sensitivity analysis has been presented; the risk that anticipated non-dilutive project financing may not be available on acceptable terms or at all, which could require the Company to raise additional capital, including equity that could dilute existing shareholders; and regulatory risks associated with the planned incorporation of electronic waste and PVC waste as feedstock, including hazardous-waste handling requirements under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and comparable state laws, as well as potential import restrictions on internationally sourced e-waste.
Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, Ramaco Resources does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Ramaco Resources to predict all such factors. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements found in Ramaco Resources’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The risk factors and other factors noted in Ramaco Resources’ SEC filings could cause its actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.
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Exhibit 99.3
Ramaco Resources Releases Hatch Report and Shareholder Letter on
Exploratory Brook Mine Critical Minerals Project
LEXINGTON, Ky., July 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ramaco Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ: METC, METCB) (“Ramaco” or the “Company”) today released a new initial assessment report from Hatch Associates Consultants, Inc. (“Hatch”) and an accompanying shareholder letter from Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Randall W. Atkins. That letter highlights the current status of the Company’s rare earth and critical minerals project in Sheridan, Wyoming.
The Hatch study evaluates a previously announced carbochlorination-based refining and flowsheet process for the Brook Mine project. It provides a preliminary process definition as well as capital and operating cost estimates to assess the potential of the Brook Mine critical mineral project. Key findings are highlighted in the shareholder letter.
“The Hatch report and its analysis marks an important milestone in advancing our vision of building a fully integrated domestic critical minerals platform,” said Mr. Atkins. “We believe the Brook Mine complex has the potential to become a significant long-term supplier of critical minerals and rare earth products essential to America’s industrial and technology supply chains.”
The Hatch report and shareholder letter are available on Ramaco’s website here: https://www.ramacoresources.com. Additional renderings and project-related images are available on the website here: https://www.ramacoresources.com/critical-minerals.
Earlier in July, Ramaco hosted its 5th Annual Ramaco Research Rodeo (R3) in Sheridan, Wyoming, where there was extensive discussion by industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and investors related to critical minerals, advanced carbon products, artificial intelligence, and energy innovation. A video presented during the conference related to the Brook Mine project can be viewed here: https://ramacoresources.com/carbon-operations/
ABOUT RAMACO RESOURCES
Ramaco Resources, Inc. is an operator and developer of high-quality, low-cost metallurgical coal in southern West Virginia, and southwestern Virginia and exploring a coal, rare earth and other critical minerals project in Wyoming. The Company’s executive offices are located in Lexington, Kentucky, with operational offices in Charleston, West Virginia and Sheridan, Wyoming. The Company currently has four active metallurgical coal mining complexes in Central Appalachia and one coal mine and rare earth element and other critical mineral exploration stage property near Sheridan, Wyoming (the “Brook Mine”). The Brook Mine remains an exploration stage property, and no assurance can be given that it will be successfully developed into a commercial scale mine or that any inferred mineral resources estimated will be converted into higher confidence mineral resources or eventually mineral reserves. Contiguous to the Brook Mine, the Company operates a carbon research facility related to the potential production of advanced carbon products and materials from coal. In connection with these activities, it holds a body of more than 70 intellectual property patents, pending applications, exclusive licensing agreements and various trademarks.
News and additional information about Ramaco Resources, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, are available at https://www.ramacoresources.com. For more information, contact investor relations at (859) 244-7455.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Hatch report is a scoping study and, accordingly, all estimates and projections contained therein are based on limited and incomplete data. Therefore, while the work, results, estimates and projections may be considered to be generally indicative of the nature and quality of the Project, they are not definitive.
Certain statements contained in this news release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent Ramaco Resources’ expectations or beliefs concerning guidance, future events, anticipated revenue, future demand and production levels, macroeconomic trends, the development of ongoing projects, costs and expectations regarding operating results, and it is possible that the results described in this news release will not be achieved.
These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of Ramaco Resources’ control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements.
These factors include, without limitation, unexpected delays in our current mine development activities, the ability to successfully increase production at our existing met coal complexes in accordance with the Company’s growth initiatives, failure of our sales commitment counterparties to perform, increased government regulation of coal in the United States or internationally, the impact of tariffs imposed by the United States and foreign governments, the further decline of demand for coal in export markets and underperformance of the railroads, the Company’s ability to successfully develop the Brook Mine REE/CM project, including whether the Company’s exploration target and estimates for such mine are realized, the timing of the initial production of rare earth concentrates, the development of a pilot and ultimately a full scale commercial processing facility. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not meet the threshold for reserve modifying factors, such as estimated economic viability, that would allow for conversion to mineral reserves. There is no certainty that any part of the estimated mineral resources at Brook Mine will be converted into mineral reserves in the future. Rare earth and critical minerals is a new initiative for us and, as such, has required and will continue to require us to make significant investments to build out our rare earth capabilities.
Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, Ramaco Resources does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Ramaco Resources to predict all such factors. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements found in Ramaco Resources’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The risk factors and other factors noted in Ramaco Resources’ SEC filings could cause its actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.
POINT OF CONTACT
George Cpin
VP, Finance & Investor Relations
[email protected] or 859-244-7455