Ramaco Resources Secures DOE Patent for Transforming US Coal into Carbon-Based Products

Ramaco Resources, a coal mining company based in Kentucky, has recently acquired a patent from the US Department of Energy's research institution, the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). This acquisition is a significant step forward for Ramaco Resources as it allows them to develop their coal-to-products technology for commercial purposes.

The innovative process developed by Ramaco Resources is being hailed as "revolutionary." It leverages coal as a feedstock to create a wide range of products, including vehicle batteries, construction and infrastructure materials, and various consumer goods. The company operates in West Virginia and Pennsylvania and has been actively exploring the potential of coal-related mining waste.

Ramaco's subsidiary, Ramaco Carbon, is dedicated to fostering innovation in the field of carbon technology. They are collaborating with laboratories, researchers, and manufacturers while making significant private investments to establish what they refer to as "Carbon Valley" in Wyoming.

Notably, the Biden administration has already initiated efforts to explore the use of coal ash, coal waste, and acid mine drainage as feedstock for rare earths. In April, the US government earmarked $450 million for advancing clean energy projects on current and former coal mine sites, with a special focus on generating new economic opportunities for coal communities.

The patented process developed by Ramaco Resources converts coal and coal-related mining waste into high-quality and cost-effective carbon nanosheets, also known as graphene. Carbon nanosheets are ultrathin carbon structures that find applications in improving the strength of composite materials like concrete. They are also instrumental in enhancing the performance of battery electrodes, which are crucial in defense technologies and electric vehicles.

The unique properties of carbon nanosheets make them highly valuable for various industrial applications. Christopher Matranga, an NETL researcher who was involved in developing the technology, highlighted their significance. These carbon nanosheets play a pivotal role in modern batteries and composite materials, making them an essential candidate for today's technological advancements.

In the context of the US economy and defense, carbon nanosheets are gaining strategic importance. Recently, China imposed restrictions on the export of graphite, citing national security concerns. Carbon nanosheets serve as a laboratory-developed alternative to graphite, which is used in numerous applications.

Ramaco Resources envisions the possibility of utilizing coal-related waste stored in mine impoundments to produce nanosheets. The company's approach involves using coal as a low-cost carbon feedstock to manufacture advanced carbon products and materials, a concept they refer to as "coal to products." This innovative perspective is poised to unlock the potential of coal in creating higher-value products.

Ramaco CEO Randall Atkins expressed his excitement about the technology and its applications. He emphasized that the unique carbon nanosheet technology will facilitate innovations in various domains, including battery applications, building and construction materials, and a wide range of electronic devices. He looks forward to collaborating with NETL and other partners to explore the numerous possibilities offered by coal-based carbon products.