Kentucky, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Ramaco Resources has appointed Martin van Wyk as Senior Vice President of Critical Minerals Processing. Van Wyk brings over 23 years of experience in mineral processing and hydrometallurgy, and he will enhance the company’s capabilities for the Brook Mine Project in Wyoming, focusing on critical minerals innovation and process engineering.
Lexington, Kentucky – Ramaco Resources Welcomes Martin van Wyk as Senior VP of Critical Minerals Processing
Ramaco Resources has announced the appointment of Martin van Wyk as the new Senior Vice President of Critical Minerals Processing. Relocating from Australia to the United States, van Wyk brings over 23 years of extensive global experience in mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, and rare earth elements (REEs) flowsheet development to his new role.
Van Wyk will play a pivotal role in enhancing Ramaco’s critical minerals processing capabilities as part of the company’s Brook Mine Project in Wyoming. His recognized expertise as a process subject matter expert (SME) is expected to significantly advance the company’s innovation programs and process engineering solutions.
The new Senior VP has a proven track record that includes research, laboratory and pilot-scale test work, and full plant commissioning and operations across a variety of commodities. His areas of expertise extend to iron ore, magnetite, heavy minerals, lithium, vanadium, zinc, coal, graphite, and uranium. Furthermore, he is skilled in geo-metallurgical analysis, process modeling and simulation, and the development of cost-efficient, advanced processing solutions.
Extensive Background and Experience
Before his appointment, van Wyk was employed with several notable companies worldwide, including RockTech Lithium, Wave International, Iluka Resources, Bureau Veritas, ProMet Engineers, Rossing Uranium, Anglo American, and Exxaro. He has also contributed to the Brook Mine Project while working at a leading independent engineering firm, where he served as the Process SME and modeler.
In his previous role, van Wyk was responsible for designing test work, analyzing results, and optimizing flowsheet development for the Brook Mine Project. His work included coordinating pilot test work with third-party laboratories and creating innovative technologies focused on the separation of rare earth and critical minerals.
Company Background
Ramaco Resources, based in Lexington, Kentucky, is a prominent operator and developer of high-quality, low-cost metallurgical coal in southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia. Currently, the company is developing its coal and critical minerals project in Wyoming, specifically near Sheridan.
In 2023, Ramaco excitedly announced a major deposit of primary magnetic rare earths and critical minerals was discovered at its mine vicinity. The organization operates four active metallurgical coal mining complexes in Central Appalachia, alongside a coal and rare earth mine under development.
Additionally, Ramaco has established a carbon research and pilot facility focused on producing advanced carbon products from coal. The company holds approximately 76 intellectual property patents and trademarks, showcasing its commitment to innovation in the field.
Educational Background
Martin van Wyk holds various degrees, including a Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering and a Bachelor of Engineering in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Pretoria, as well as a Post Graduate Certificate in Corrosion Engineering from Curtin University.
FAQ Section
What is Martin van Wyk’s new role at Ramaco Resources?
He has been appointed as the Senior Vice President of Critical Minerals Processing.
Why is Martin van Wyk’s appointment significant?
Van Wyk’s extensive experience and expertise in critical minerals and hydrometallurgy will be instrumental in advancing Ramaco’s development of the Brook Mine Project and other initiatives.
What is the Brook Mine Project?
The Brook Mine Project is a critical minerals initiative in Wyoming that aims to leverage mineral resources for various applications, including rare earth elements.
What background does Martin van Wyk have in the minerals processing industry?
Van Wyk brings over 23 years of experience, having worked with various companies significant in the minerals processing field and with expertise across multiple commodities.
What is Ramaco Resources known for?
Ramaco is recognized as a developer of high-quality metallurgical coal and is actively involved in developing projects related to coal, rare earths, and critical minerals.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Appointment | Martin van Wyk as Senior VP of Critical Minerals Processing |
| Location | Relocating from Australia to the United States |
| Experience | Over 23 years in mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, and critical minerals |
| Impact on Brook Mine Project | Will guide critical minerals processing development |
| Company Background | Ramaco Resources is a coal and rare earths producer based in Kentucky |
| Recent Discoveries | New deposits of primary magnetic rare earths found in Wyoming in 2023 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- PR Newswire: Martin van Wyk to Join Ramaco
- Kentucky: Ramaco Appointment Announcement
- PR Newswire: Brook Mine Project Documents
- Wikipedia: Rare Earth Element
- Eastern Progress: Economic Assessment Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Metal
- PR Newswire: Disclosure of Information
- Google Search: Ramaco Resources
- PR Newswire: Additional Documents Regarding Brook Mine
- Google Scholar: Critical Minerals
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