Former West Virginia Governor and U.S. Senator Joe Manchin has joined the board of directors at Ramaco Resources, a move that has stirred attention both in the energy sector and among political watchers. The announcement, made Monday morning, initially gave a small boost to the company’s stock price (ticker symbol: METC), though shares later retreated as the broader market declined.
Ramaco Resources, based in Lexington, Kentucky, operates several coal mining sites in southern West Virginia. The company specializes in metallurgical coal, which is used in steelmaking, and is expanding into the extraction of rare earth elements in Wyoming. With Manchin’s appointment, the company is signaling a stronger push into strategic mineral development—an area becoming increasingly vital to national defense and energy security.
In a press release, Ramaco praised Manchin’s long-standing support for the coal industry, stating he brings “a deep understanding of the issues facing the U.S. coal industry.” The company also highlighted Manchin’s work on behalf of metallurgical coal and broader mining interests during his time in the U.S. Senate.
“His experience in national defense and the critical mineral supply chain brings valuable strategic advice and guidance,” the company noted, especially as it expands its rare earth element initiatives in Wyoming.
Manchin, who grew up in the coal-rich town of Farmington, West Virginia, said he is proud to contribute to a company focused on both traditional and future-facing energy resources.
“I’ve seen firsthand how coal shaped communities and powered our nation,” Manchin said. “I look forward to helping Ramaco navigate the changing energy landscape while supporting American energy independence.”
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The timing of the announcement is also notable. It comes just weeks after former President Donald Trump signed an executive order reclassifying coal as a “mineral” under federal law. The move opens up federal lands for expanded coal mining and is viewed by many as a sign of renewed political interest in bolstering domestic coal production.
Manchin’s appointment to the Ramaco board reflects a broader trend of former lawmakers moving into strategic roles in private industry. With decades of experience in energy policy and government, Manchin is expected to help the company influence policy and secure opportunities in both coal and rare earth mining—two industries at the center of national debates around economic growth, climate change, and security.
For Ramaco, the addition of Manchin could strengthen its influence as it seeks to position itself not just as a coal producer, but as a key player in the rare earth supply chain—a critical area as the U.S. looks to reduce its reliance on foreign minerals.
As Ramaco continues to grow, many in West Virginia and beyond will be watching closely to see how Manchin’s presence shapes the company’s future direction and the coal industry at large.
