Lexington, Kentucky, United States, October 2025 – Ramaco Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ: METC, METCB), a leading operator and developer of metallurgical coal and emerging producer of critical minerals, has announced that Martin van Wyk will join the company as Senior Vice President of Critical Minerals Processing. Relocating from Australia to the United States, Van Wyk will lead Ramaco’s critical minerals processing initiatives for its Brook Mine Project in Wyoming, further strengthening the company’s leadership in rare earth and critical mineral innovation.
With more than 23 years of international experience in mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, and rare earth elements (REEs) flowsheet development, van Wyk is widely recognized as a process subject matter expert (SME). His extensive background covers a diverse range of commodities including iron ore, lithium, vanadium, graphite, uranium, and zinc, with deep expertise in geo-metallurgical analysis, process modeling, pilot-scale test work, and full plant commissioning.
Van Wyk has already made a significant impact on Ramaco’s Brook Mine Project, serving as the Process SME while working for a leading independent engineering firm. In this capacity, he designed and optimized test work, coordinated pilot testing with global laboratories, and contributed to flowsheet innovation for rare earth and critical mineral separation. His technical insights have directly advanced Ramaco’s process engineering and innovation programs, supporting new technologies for sustainable mineral extraction and processing.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the appointment, Randall W. Atkins, Chairman and CEO of Ramaco Resources, stated, “We are thrilled that Martin has agreed to join Ramaco as our new Senior Vice President of Critical Minerals Processing. Martin’s depth of experience in rare earth and critical mineral processing is unmatched, and his innovative approach to flowsheet development and process optimization will be instrumental as we advance our commercial critical minerals strategy. His leadership will help position Ramaco at the forefront of sustainable resource development and technological innovation in the sector.”
In response, Martin van Wyk commented, “Rare earth elements are critical to our economic and technological future, and Ramaco’s approach at Brook Mine is genuinely groundbreaking. I am truly honored to join such a talented and forward-thinking team, and I look forward to contributing to the success of this pioneering project.”
Before joining Ramaco, van Wyk held senior engineering roles across major global projects, including RockTech Lithium (Germany/Finland), Wave International (Australia), Iluka Resources (Australia), Bureau Veritas (Australia), ProMet Engineers (Australia), Rossing Uranium (Namibia), Anglo American (South Africa), and Exxaro (South Africa). He holds a Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering and a Postgraduate Certificate in Corrosion Engineering from Curtin University, along with a Bachelor of Engineering in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Pretoria.
About Ramaco Resources
Ramaco Resources, Inc. is a Lexington, Kentucky–based operator and developer of high-quality metallurgical coal in West Virginia and Virginia, and an emerging producer of coal-based rare earth and critical minerals in Wyoming. The company’s operations include four active metallurgical coal mining complexes in Central Appalachia and one developing rare earth and coal mine near Sheridan, Wyoming. In 2023, Ramaco announced a major discovery of primary magnetic rare earths and critical minerals at its Wyoming mine. Adjacent to this site, Ramaco operates a carbon research and pilot facility, supporting the production of advanced carbon products and materials. The company holds over 76 patents and exclusive licensing agreements, underscoring its commitment to innovation and sustainable resource development.
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