The Mining Claim June 2016 | Wyoming Mining Association

www.wyomingmining.org

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THE MINING CLAIM

We will

2601 Central Ave. • P.O. Box 866 • Cheyenne, WY 82003 Phone: 307-635-0331 • Fax: 307-778-6240 Email: wma@vcn.com Website: www.wyomingmining.org

OFFICERS

Matt Young | President Buckskin Mining Company Craig Rood | Vice President Ciner Wyoming, LLC Dale Nuttall | Secretary/Treasurer Wyo-Ben

DIRECTORS Todd Brichacek Dan Close Scott Durgin Shane Durgin Paul Goranson Shane Gant Gary Rivenes Wade Sivertson Mike Thomas Keith Williams

Solvay Chemicals M-I SWACO Peabody Energy Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. Energy Fuels Westmoreland Kemmerer, Inc. Cloud Peak Energy Liebherr Mining Equipment Cameco Resources Arch Coal, Inc.

STAFF Jonathan Downing | Executive Director Travis Deti | Assistant Director Heidi Peterson | Office Manager

THE MINING CLAIM

Voice of the Wyoming Mining Association June 2016© | Volume 42, No. 1 THE MINING CLAIM is published annually by the Wyoming Mining Association.

Subscription price for one year is $5.00.

All orders for subscriptions, changes of address and correspondence to the editor should be addressed to: THE MINING CLAIM, Wyoming Mining Association, P.O. Box 866, Cheyenne, WY 82003.

Travis Deti.........................................................Editor

succeed.

As I have reflected on this past year since the last Wyoming Mining Association (WMA) Convention, it has most notably been a year filled with change. Three of our four major mining industries have all faced significant financial challenges. While all of our industries face significant regulatory issues, the change isn’t over and we look toward a change in the administration in Washington, DC with optimism that the regulators and federal overseers appointed under a new president will at least be considerate to changing

JONATHAN DOWNING Executive Director Wyoming Mining Association

the burdensome regulations our member companies must operate under every day.

Company budgets have been adjusted, changes in personnel have occurred, short and long-term strategies for the future long-term viability of many of our member companies have been engaged. For some of our members, these challenges have been on the front page of major newspapers or the evening news for many weeks.

A fair number of these challenges wouldn’t be here, but for the actions of nongovernmental organizations ...Continue on page 5

INSIDE THIS ISSUE ...

We Will Succeed..............................................................4 WMA President’s Message................................................7 Wyo-Ben Wind IMCC Award................................................... 9 Wyoming Stands with Mining and Miners.....................15 Technology is Key to Coal’s Future.................................16 Wyoming Natural Resource Foundation Formed...........17 Convention Schedule............................................... 23-25 Wyoming Mines Committed to Outstanding Reclamation.........29 2016 Russ Beamer Scholarships.....................................30 MAW President’s Message..............................................32 Mining Associates of Wyoming......................................33

www.wyomingmining.org

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Don’t Move!!!

The more things stay the same, the more things change.

We’re Ciner Resources Corporation, formally known as OCI Chemical Corporation.

Our name has changed, but our ongoing commitment to safety, technological improvements, and unparalleled customer support continues to uniquely position us to meet global demands. Since 1962, we have been your leading producer of the highest quality, environmentally-friendly soda ash.

Some things will never change. For more information, visit us at ciner.us.com or 800.865.1744.

SAFETY IS A VALUE, NOT JUST A PRIORITY • IT’S HOW WE DO BUSINESS • IT’S WHO WE ARE

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THE MINING CLAIM

...Continued from page 3 (NGO’s) who would rather see our mines closed and employees out of work. Ironically, opponents of the mining industry and many in the current federal administration don’t see how hypocritical it appears to oppose the development and ongoing mining activities of mines which provide a better quality of life for all of us through the resources mined for our benefit. In our country and throughout the rest of the world, the quality of life we enjoy is here because of the resources that were either mined or harvested.

Their actions remind me of the President Ronald Reagan quote, “Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it.

If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.” Sounds familiar this many years later.

While some days over the last year, many of us felt the pressure our industries face it has been a pleasant reminder to see the ethic and strength of our members in not letting adversity get to them and in the meantime looking to the future with optimism that we will overcome these challenges and we will overcome this together. We will succeed.

Engineering and Environmental Management for the Mining Industry.

Casper, WY and offices nationwide.

While it would be easy to “blame the government” for the woes of Wyoming’s largest industries, and they have certainly helped to pile on the regulations, WMA members are not the type to let them get to us or beat us. We will also continue to fight back against the onslaught of lawsuits’ NGO’s continue to file as an attempt to shut our industries down. I (like many others) continue to have been impressed with our leaders who fight back, fight for their team and fight for our industries.

Times like these have certainly proved to be times we will remember. Whether they be for the adversity we faced, the challenges which were overcome or the fact we were able to push back and press ahead. Our members have been dedicated in their work to ensure the industries that built this state and nation continue in the face of significant regulatory and financial challenges.

Thank you to our members and all of our partners for fighting for us in these most notable times of challenges for Wyoming’s mining industries.

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THE MINING CLAIM

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WMA President’s

MESSAGE

As the Wyoming Mining Association (WMA) members attend the 61st Annual Convention, times are interesting, to say the least, in mining. Mining in Wyoming is facing several headwinds.

Some may even say these headwinds are insurmountable. It is easy to only focus on the negative news of the day attacking our industry and our state: “More Coal Layoffs in Wyoming”, “Uranium Operations Announce Layoffs”, “Governor working with state agencies on budget cuts”, etc. With headlines like those, one might even think it’s time to just give up. Fortunately, miners don’t quit! Regardless of which mineral you mine, someone that makes a career in mining can deal with the ups and downs of the times and find a better way. When times get tough, we adapt and overcome.

their operations. The bottom line is, our co-workers are going home safe to their family and friends after a hard day’s work providing the energy and goods the rest of the nation and world need.

I challenge the industry to continue finding ways to improve and adapt in the safety arena. I’m excited about the focus that so many companies are placing on evaluating and changing the behavior of our co-workers so that we can get ahead of accidents before they ever happen.

Along with the spirit of adapting and overcoming adversity in the safety world, we are utilizing new technologies industry wide to make mining more efficient and to find new uses for our products. With investments in such things Bucksin Mining as remotely operated equipment, drone Company technology and the $21 million Integrated Miners in Wyoming, and the nation, continue to show Test Center, miners are no strangers to adapting to the that spirit of adapting and overcoming starting with world we live in. Finding new ways to better our world safety. According to MSHA, Coal and Metal/Non-metal is something that miners have strived for and will mining operations nationwide had their best year ever continue to strive for. in 2015. This is by not only the total number of injuries, Yes, mining in Wyoming certainly has some challenges. but also by the rate. There are several ways we, as the I am confident that we will continue to deal with the industry, are doing this. The first is a commitment in challenges head on, and we will continue to make the time and money to ensure that our co-workers have the world a better place through the dedication and skill of very best education, tools and training. The second, our thousands of hard working men and women. Most and I personally think the most important, is a new importantly, our co-workers will go home safe to their way of looking at safety. We are no longer satisfied with families at the end of the day. making sure people don’t get killed. We are focused Lastly, thanks to all of the members and their respective on ensuring they don’t get hurt, whatsoever. It is easier companies that continue to support the WMA. Without to avoid fatalities if people aren’t suffering Lost Time this continued support, mining in Wyoming would Injuries. It is easier to not have Lost Time Injuries if certainly be tougher than it currently is. The WMA, through people aren’t having Recordable Injuries. It is easier to the dedicated staff, member companies and my fellow avoid Recordable Injuries if someone isn’t getting hurt at board members will continue to work tirelessly to ensure all, not even a small bump or bruise. Finally, it is easier that all miners have a voice in Wyoming and nationwide. to avoid small injuries (hurts), if you are not having any equipment damages or near misses.

Stay Strong Wyoming!

Statistics show that when we focus on the little things, Matt the big things never have a chance of happening. Several Matt Young is the General Manager of the Buckskin Mining Company companies are driving this level of focus throughout

Matt Young

www.wyomingmining.org

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WYO-BEN WINS

IMCC RECLAMATION AWARD Bentonite producer Wyo-Ben is the 2016 winner of the Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC), the Kenes C. Bowling National Mine Reclamation Award in the non-coal category. Named after the late charter executive director of IMCC, the awards were established to recognize outstanding achievements in reclamation and to promote reclamation on a national level. Each year there are two awards presented: one for coal and another for non-coal minerals. Competition for the awards is limited to IMCC states with each state authorized to make one nomination in each category. To be eligible, a mining company must have been actively mining and/ or reclaiming the site during the 12-month period prior to the nomination.

The IMCC Awards Program is intended to identify and recognize companies and individuals who maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and apply innovative techniques to reclaim land following mining activities. Through these awards, the IMCC commends companies that have taken extra efforts to implement techniques which protect people and the environment

from any adverse effects of mining, while at the same time allowing access to minerals that are vital to our nation’s economy and the well-being of our society.

As a common reclamation practice, Wyo-Ben contours overburden to match surrounding topography during the reclamation process. The company took extra time and incurred extra expense in order to establish reclaimed topography that matches the surrounding lands. This resulted in varied topography establishing microenvironments that aid in the establishment of varied and desired native vegetation, provision of varied habitat for wildlife that use the area, a more aesthetically appealing landscape for recreational visitors, and it allows for the creation of stable, meandering reclaimed drainages that ecologically tie into native drainages.

Where deep drainages occurred in a mining area, even though it would be more economical to mine through the drainages rather than stopping the mining process and starting again on the other side, Wyo-Ben chose to take the more expensive route of avoiding the Continued on page 11...

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...Continued from page 9 drainages for ecological purposes. In some instances where drainages were mined, rocks were placed in the reclaimed drainages for stabilization.

Using the castback mining technique, Wyo-Ben was able to reestablish several native perennial forbs and shrubs from residential soil seed. Wyo-Ben also routinely separates topsoil from subsoil that is of poorer quality relative to vegetation establishment. Subsoil, and when available other deeper growth medium, are spread first on contoured overburden in preparation for seeding. Topsoil is then spread on top to prepare the best possible environment for vegetation establishment.

This practice, when combined with the other techniques utilized, led to successful establishment of vegetation and resulted in excellent vegetation cover at the reclaimed pit.

Lands prepared for seeding were seeded each fall, and occasionally in the early spring, with a mostly native seed mix containing a variety of grasses and shrubs.

Seeding was completed using a Pitter-Broadcast Seeder that produces a series of one foot by one foot dimension pits into which seed is broadcast. This method results in microenvironments being created that provide many benefits to seed germination and vegetation establishment. Each pit is a small water collection area

that provides more water to the seeds in the pit than if they were sitting on a flat seedbed, which is a great advantage in the arid environment. The configuration of the pit also acts as a soil trap, collecting wind-blown soil from the air and depositing it on seeds, which provides cover and a seed-soil contact situation. The water holding capacity of the pits reduces soil erosion from water runoff.

Wyo-Ben, Inc. uses drill trucks to determine the quality for bentonite pre-mine during exploratory drilling. This allows the company to reduce its disturbance footprint by avoiding the unnecessary mining of bentonite that will not meet quality standards. It also allows Wyo-Ben to leave undisturbed areas where drilling has determined that mining should not occur. Leaving native islands provides a native seed source for surrounding reclaimed lands, aids in the stabilization of reclaimed lands, and adds to the aesthetics of the reclaimed pit. The combination of practices used by Wyo-Ben to reclaim can also be utilized by other mining companies in the intermountain west where climatic conditions create challenges to successful mine reclamation. The result of these practices is reclaimed land that is supporting the pre-mined land uses of wildlife habitat and livestock grazing.

Wyo-Ben exemplifies the commitment of all Wyoming miners to good stewardship and excellent reclamation.

www.wyomingmining.org

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THE MINING CLAIM

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WYOMING STANDS WITH

MINING AND MINERS

Mining has been key to Wyoming since long before statehood. Coal was first noted by early western explorers in the mid-1800’s and quickly became a source of energy for campfires and steam locomotives. People settled near mines across Wyoming and towns grew. Wyoming coal aided the war effort in World War II, powering factories that produced armaments and supplies for our troops.

is to turn carbon dioxide from a liability to an asset - from emissions to new processes and products. This research is not being done anywhere else and is a game-changer for our energy industry. Through innovation, we will find solutions and everyone from producers to consumers will benefit.

Recently, the coal industry, and those who rely on it, have been particularly hard hit with layoffs and bankruptcies. In Powder River Basin coal response, I directed a number production took off in the of state agencies to treat the 1960’s. In 2013, Wyoming energy-related job layoffs like a produced 39% of the coal natural disaster and muster all mined in the United States, with possible resources to help. The Governor Matt Mead Wyoming coal reaching 33 of the Departments of Workforce 50 states. Our coal industry has provided thousands Services, Transportation, Corrections, Insurance and of direct jobs - over 6600 in 2015 - and thousands of the Community College Commission, among others, indirect jobs as well. reacted swiftly to extend services at workforce centers in Gillette, Douglas and Casper to assist those affected. The In addition, Wyoming is #1 in uranium production and staff at the workforce centers continue to assist with job #1 in bentonite production. Wyoming supplies 90% of searches, health insurance, unemployment questions the nation’s soda ash. These minerals, like coal, have and education opportunities. The state is doing all it can provided jobs and strengthened our economy. The to help. mining industry is incredible, and we stand by it.

Mining has a long history in Wyoming and will remain Where there are challenges, we face them. For example, a cornerstone of our economy in the future. We are through the Wyoming Attorney General, the state blessed with great mineral wealth - nothing changes has fought tooth and nail against relentless, costly that fact - and we appreciate all the mining industry and unreasonable federal regulations that affect contributes to our state and its citizens. The benefits are mining. We are doing more than talk about clean both tangible and intangible, and they are many. Please energy technologies, we are investing in them. On April be assured I will continue to advocate for Wyoming 27, I attended the ground breaking for the Integrated mining and the families and communities that depend Test Center at Dry Fork Station in Gillette. This facility on this critical industry. received state and private funding and hosts the XPrize’s $10 million coal competition. The objective Matt Mead is the 32nd Governor of Wyoming

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TECHNOLOGY IS KEY

TO COAL’S FUTURE This past spring, Wyoming received yet another powerful, personal reminder of the impacts of declining energy prices when hundreds of coal miners in the Northeastern corner of our state were laid off. These weren’t the first hardworking men and women to lose their jobs due to the energy downturn. Across Wyoming energy producers have been forced to scale back operations and reduce staff.

There’s a well-known bumper sticker in Wyoming that says, “Lord just give me one more boom and I promise not to waste it.” State leaders recognized several years ago the challenges fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas would continue to face. They used their last boom wisely, investing in protecting and preserving Wyoming’s natural resources for the long term. Making them more efficient, cleaner and more affordable. They made an investment in the states’ greatest revenue driver that will pay dividends for generations to come – technology.

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While this is of little solace to the miners and energy workers who have lost their jobs, it’s important to know that Wyoming has been laying the groundwork to weather this storm and help keep our natural resources as a major part of our nation’s energy portfolio.

When it comes to ensuring a future role for resources such as coal, technology is key. And Wyoming has taken note. In 2006, the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources was established to foster the next generation of cutting edge energy technologies, positioning Wyoming to be a global leader in building a secure and sustainable energy future. Two years ago, the Wyoming State Legislature and Gov. Matt Mead authorized the construction of an Integrated Test Center to develop commercially viable uses for carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. This will be one of the only facilities in the world where researchers can test their technology with emissions from an operational coal-fired power plant.

Wyoming is not only keeping pace with technological advancements in energy production, we’re driving them.

Think of this, coal power plants are built to run for 50 years, so today’s oldest plants were built in the mid1960’s. In 1966, the average fuel mileage of a car was 14 mpg. Today, it is 26 mpg, an 85 percent improvement!

Just like all of the everyday items surrounding us, energy technology has improved at a rapid rate. Many plants reached the end of their useful life and needed to be closed; the question is what will they be replaced with.

New coal plants provide more electricity with less coal and fewer emissions. Environmentalists should be embracing new generation technologies as they can provide reliable power, very efficiently and cleanly.

Readily available information shows that about 65 GW of proposed coal plants were cancelled in the last decade. Those plants would have used about 158 million tons of coal per year. The vogue thing right now is to say coal plants are not being built due to natural gas prices. Well today, that does hold some water.

However, what about the Sunflower Plant in Kansas that would have been powered with Wyoming coal? In 2007, when then Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and environmental groups ramped up their challenges to the project, the average price of natural gas was $6.97/MMBtu, well above the quoted $2.25 price sited for PRB coal to be competitive. Or what about in 2008, when Henry Hub prices spiked to $13.68 MMBtu and the Wisconsin PSC rejected the Nelson Dewey plant citing concerns about global warming?

The price of natural gas is a short-term challenge, but a much bigger problem is the increased regulations and the cuts to clean coal research. In the business world, uncertainty is often the same as a rejection and companies are hesitant to act when politicians threaten to put them out of business. Even though coal provides three times the electricity in America as renewables, the President’s most recent budget provides only one-eighth of the research dollars for coal as it does for renewables.

Given workable timeframes, adequate resources and reasonable regulations, the coal industry has a future.

Nobody talks about acid rain anymore because the technology to remove sulfur dioxide was developed.

Carbon management shouldn’t be a political issue; it should be treated as an engineering challenge. Time and time again technology has shown that coal can be used in ways that meet society’s evolving environmental standards. Thankfully, Wyoming has stepped up and is at the forefront of leading the charge for new energy technologies.

WYOMING MINING NATURAL

RESOURCE FOUNDATION FORMED “Supporting an economically viable and sustainable Wyoming mining industry.” This is the key focus of the newly incorporated Wyoming Mining Natural Resource Foundation. The Foundation was formed as a non-profit corporation to create and support voluntary natural resource stewardship strategies, scientific research, educational outreach and development of cooperative, practical, and innovative solutions to mining-related issues. The Foundation provides a management umbrella under which members of the mining industry can come together to cooperatively address natural resourcebased issues.

The impetus to form the Foundation was an outgrowth of a cooperative, voluntary initiative led by the trona/soda ash industry with an objective of benefitting the greater sage-grouse and conserving the habitat on which it depends in the context of the trona operations in southwestern Wyoming.

The Foundation has developed and submitted a conservation strategy to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for review. The strategy is designed to engage landowners and land managers, agencies, academia and stakeholders to work together with the trona industry to put appropriate conservation measures on the ground.

“This is an opportunity for everyone to be a winner and everyone can achieve their objectives, the sage grouse, regulatory agencies and industry,” said Paul Peterson, vice president for manufacturing at Tata Chemicals. - By Wanda Burgett

Members of the founding Board of Directors of the Foundation include: Tyler Keck – Tata Chemicals – Chairman Timothy Brown – Solvay Essential Chemicals North America – Vice Chairman Terrell Johnson – Ciner Wyoming LLC - Treasurer Julie Lutz – Tronox Alkali – Secretary Norman Hargis – Bridger Coal – Member Jonathan Downing – WMA Ex-Officio Member Wanda Burget – Accord Resources Solutions, Executive Director.

Contact – wburget@accordresourcesolutions.com

Jason Begger is Executive Director of the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority

www.wyomingmining.org 17

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WYOMING MINING ASSOCIATION 61ST

ANNUAL CONVENTION Teton Village | Wyoming | June 15-17, 2016

The Wyoming Mining Association extends a personal invitation to you and your family to join us in this year’s activities.

Bordering Grand Teton National Park and a mere fifty miles from Yellowstone National Park, Teton Village is the perfect gateway for those visiting the National Parks, the town of Jackson, and Teton County. There’s so much to do in this quaint mountain setting. From the state-of-the-art Aerial Tram to multitudes of hiking and biking trails, to fine dining, entertainment, and shopping. There is something for everyone in Teton Village.

CONVENTION AGENDA

Wednesday, June 15, 2016 7:00 am

Breakfast Buffet

8:00 am WMA Registration Hotel Terra

9:00 am WMA Board of Directors Meeting Hotel Terra 12:30 pm WMA Golf Tournament Lunch

Box Lunch provided Teton Pines Golf Course 1:30 pm

6:00 pm

WMA Golf Tournament Shot gun Start Teton Pines Golf Course MAW Annual Function Teton Pines Golf Course

Thursday, June 16, 2016 7:00 am

Breakfast Buffet

7:30 am WMA Registration Hotel Terra

8:50 am Welcoming Address Walk Festival Hall

The Honorable Sara Flitner

Mayor of Jackson, Wyoming 9:00 am Business Session Walk Festival Hall

10:00 am Coffee Break

Hosted by: Wyoming Machinery Company 10:30 am

Business Session

12:30 pm President’s Luncheon Hotel Terra

6:00 pm No Host Cocktail Hour Teton Village Commons Patio 7:00 pm WMA Annual Dinner Teton Village Commons Patio

Friday, June 17, 2016

7:00 am MAW Annual Meeting Hotel Terra

9:00 am Breakout Sessions Teton Mountain Lodge

10:00 am Coffee Break Hosted by: SWCA Environmental Consultants Tram Club 10:30 am Breakout Sessions Teton Mountain Lodge

12:00 pm Safety and Reclamation Awards Luncheon Hotel Terra

www.wyomingmining.org 23

WYOMING MINING ASSOCIATION’S Annual Golf Tournament TETON PINES GOLF COURSE Wednesday, June 15, 2016 12:30 pm BOX LUNCH 1:00 pm SHOT GUN START

Teton Pines Golf Course in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is regarded as one of the finest mountain golf facilities in the United States.

It features a spectacular, yet challenging, eighteen-hole course designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. Beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, impeccable service, and relatively flat course will enhance the golfer’s experience. Teton Pines is regularly included in the annual “best in state” ratings and is highly ranked in numerous golf publications.

Join us! It will exceed your expectation.

MINING ASSOCIATES OF WYOMING Annual Function Teton Pines Golf Course Wednesday, June 15, 2016, 6:00 pm

The WMA Annual Convention would not be complete without the Mining Associates of Wyoming’s Annual Function. Come on out and see your old friends and meet some new.

2016 CONVENTION SPEAKERS TETON VILLAGE The Wyoming Mining Association convention speakers include a variety of experts to inform the conventioneers on many timely issues.

Mr. Don Day, President and CEO Day Weather “New Insights & Comments on the Man-Made Climate Change Debate”

Mr. Jason Begger, Executive Director Wyoming Infrastructure Authority “The Wyoming Integrated Test Center: How Wyoming is Taking the Lead on Energy Technology Development”

Mr. Kyle Wendtland, Admintrator

Wyoming DEQ Land Quality Division “Update on WDEQ/LQD Activities – Bonding, Reclamation and Regulation”

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Mr. Benjamin McGee, Interdisciplinary Geoscientist

National Security Technologies, LLC , Astrowright Spaceflight Consulting LLC “Asteroid Mining: Prospects, Perspectives, and Pitfalls”

PRESIDENT’S LUNCHEON HOTEL TERRA Thursday, June 16, 2016, 12:00 noon

Guest Speaker Mr. John K. Knepper, Chief Deputy Attorney General State of Wyoming

WMA ANNUAL DINNER HOTEL TERRA Thursday, June 16, 2016 COCKTAILS 6:00 pm DINNER 7:00 pm

Jonathan Downing, Executive Director of the Wyoming Mining Association, will announce the winner of the Peck Community Achievement Award and the winners of the Salesmen of the Year Awards. Join us for the WMA-PAC Silent Auction, and door prizes.

BREAKOUT Sessions Teton Mountain Lodge Four Pines Room Teton Room Tram Club Friday, June 17, 2016, 9:00 am

Mr. Jeff Mordock, Executive Director International Society of Environmental Enclosure Engineers “From the Man on the Moon to the Man in the Mine – Returning them Home Safely. Meeting and Exceeding the Requirements of the Proposed MSHA Silica Rule”

Mr. Joe Huffman

Joy Global Mining “Replacement Boom for the 2570W at the Coteau Properties in North Dakota”

Mr. Kelly Mader

Energy Policy Network Mr. Mike Nasi, Jackson Walker, LLP “Keeping Coal in America’s Energy Mix”

BREAKOUT SESSION Teton Mountain Lodge Four Pines Room Teton Room Tram Club Friday, June 17, 2016, 10:30 am

Ms. Sherrie Armstrong Mr. Edward Green

Crowell & Moring “Diesel Exhaust Developments: What Do Mining Companies Need To Know?”

Ms. Brenda Schladweiler, PhD

BKS Environmental Associates, Inc. “Reclamation Challenges and Progress in the Four Corners of Wyoming”

Mr. Al Minier, Executive Director

Wyoming Public Service Commission “Impact and Status of EPA Clean Power Plan in Wyoming”

SAFETY & RECLAMATION AWARDS LUNCHEON Hotel Terra Friday, June 17, 2016, 12:00 pm Safety and Reclamation Awards and the Safe Sam Award will be presented.

DOOR PRIZE DONORS

Door prizes are provided by contributions made by members of the Mining Associates of Wyoming.

Drawings are held at the Business Sessions and the WMA Annual Dinner. WMA wishes to thank the following companies* for their door prize donation for the WMA’s 60th Annual Convention.

BKS Enviornmental Associates Inc. Blakeman Propane, Inc. Brake Supply Co. Inc. Liebherr Mining Nelson Brothers Mining Services, LLC Wyoming Miner’s Hospital Board *Donors as of printing

PECK COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD The Peck Community Achievement Award was established in 1983 following State Senator Roy Peck’s death. The first recipient was Roy Peck posthumously.

The award is given to recognize outstanding voluntary community service by a miner. This annual award commemorates the dedication of the Peck family to improve their state and community. It also recognizes the Peck’s commitment to the responsible development of the Wyoming mining industry. The winner will be recognized and the award will be presented at the WMA Annual Dinner. This year’s winner is profiled below.

2016 Peck Community Achievement Award Winner Mr. Pat Baumann, Cloud Peak Energy Pat Baumann currently serves as the Sr. Project Manager for Cloud Peak Energy (CPE) and has over 36 years with the coal and uranium mining

industries and has held roles of increasing responsibility within the industry and regulatory agencies. Active in his church in Gillette, Pat leads various interdenominational men’s conferences, organizes special events and serves as a substitute Pastor for two churches. Through this ministry, he has become involved with the Helping Hands program and assists with their various projects, such as Jackalope Days, Back to School Blitz and other outreach services. Pat is a youth trap coach for the Douglas Trap Club, and coaches youth rifle and pistol for the Wyoming Muzzle Loading Rifle Association. He is also active in the Laramie Peak Field Archers, Safari Club International, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and the Fort Fetterman Rifle Club. Pat is a valued member of the CPE family and his views of his community service efforts exemplify what the Peck Award is all about.

WMA congratulates this year’s Peck Community Achievement Winner!

www.wyomingmining.org 25

(left) Wyoming Business

2016 WMA SALESMAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Alliance President and CEO Bill Schilling addresses the WMA President’s Lunch.

EQUIPMENT SALESMAN: Mr. Bob Eldridge, Joy Global Mining

PROFESSIONAL SALESMAN: Mr. Dustin Martinson, Rehab Solutions (right) Wyoming

SUPPLY SALESMAN: Mr. Ben Partlow, Interstate Power Systems

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SALESMEN OF THE YEAR!

Wyoming Governor Matt Mead honors Greg Schaefer of Arch Coal who retired in 2015.

State Treasurer Mark Gordon addresses the 2015 WMA Safety and Reclamation Awards Lunch.

Peabody’s Energy’s Scott Durgin (L) and Wyoming Governor Matt Mead (R) present Tony Hiser of Peabody Energy with the 2015 WMA Peck Community Achievement Award.

We Look forward to seeing you next year in Sheridan, Wyoming for the 62nd Annual Wyoming Mining Association Convention 26 THE MINING CLAIM

Visit us September 26, 27 & 28th at the MINExpo International 2016!

Central Hall Booth # 6884 - Las Vegas Convention Center

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Mining operations run 24/7 and Spencer Fluid Power is right there with you. Since 1945, we have been lowering maintenance costs with innovative technologies, products, rebuilds and service for all of your hydraulics, filtration and lubrication needs.

We’re there when it matters most.

24 hours / 7 days a week:

Call Us: 1-800-788-5858

2700 N. US Highway 14 -16, Gillette, WY 82716 www.Spencerfluidpower.com

www.wyomingmining.org 27

Celebrating 60 Years S

ince its founding in 1956 by Dugan Nelson, Nelson Brothers has succeeded through its dedicated employees and valuable customer partnerships. Much of that success has been in the Powder River Basin. Since 1993, Nelson Brothers has proudly serviced the surface mining operations in Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. As Nelson Brothers celebrates its sixty year anniversary, it looks forward to continued growth with its employees and customers.

, LLC

Engineered Lubrication SolutionsÂŽ

SLS West, Inc.

28 THE MINING CLAIM

WYOMING MINES COMMITTED

TO OUTSTANDING RECLAMATION These are tough times for America’s energy industry and our nation’s coal producers in particular. Wyoming coal miners continue to weather a perfect storm of poor market conditions caused by stagnant national and global economies, record low natural gas prices, and the unrelenting federal regulatory assault of a president and his administration committed to killing an industry.

Recent questions about self-bonding and reclamation have quickly gained attention by those most vested in the shuttering of America’s coal industry. These parties fail to understand, or perhaps endeavor to have us erroneously believe, that questions about bonding somehow jeopardize reclamation. But to borrow from the late Mark Twain, reports of the industry’s demise and failure to reclaim in Wyoming have yet again been exaggerated.

What is especially disconcerting about the latest salvo against coal from the Obama administration and its allies in the extreme environmentalist movement is the deliberate attempt to deceive the public about the status of reclamation at Wyoming’s coal mines. They would have people believe that Wyoming’s mines are in danger of imminent closure, leaving large swaths of damaged lands behind. This is simply not true. Our mines don’t have to close in order for reclamation to begin. Reclamation has been occurring for decades, continues today, and our mines will be producing coal and performing reclamation for many years to come.

Mine reclamation in the Powder River Basin (PRB) is an ongoing process that takes place simultaneous with mining activities. It starts before the first shovel of earth is turned, with the development of a comprehensive plan which is reviewed and approved by federal and state regulatory bodies.

Once mining begins, reclamation begins as well. It starts with the careful stockpiling of topsoil, a critical Wyoming resource. As the coal is removed, the resulting void is then backfilled with overburden and contoured in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. Topsoil is replaced and approved seed mixtures are then sowed. Unique and critical wildlife habitat, productive grazing and pastureland, and valuable stream and aquatic resources are created and restored in the process. Progress is monitored by specialists from the mining companies and the state agencies to ensure compliance with rules and, most importantly, to ensure reclamation is successful. Only after a multitude of challenging regulatory standards are met and affirmatively demonstrated can the reclamation bond be

released. The goal is to return the land to a state equal to or better than the pre-mining condition.

This is an overly simplified description of a timeconsuming and costly, but robustly successful process. To put it more simply, our massive PRB coal mines are being reclaimed every day. To date, an estimated 47 percent of all land disturbed by coal mining in Wyoming since the 1969 state law requiring reclamation in Wyoming has been reclaimed or is in the process of reclamation.

The remaining land consists of active mining pits and facilities, including many acres of supporting activities designed to provide protection of resources and the environment during the mining process. In fact, reclamation in Wyoming has been recognized at both the federal and state levels as among the best and most successful efforts in the nation for decades.

Wyoming’s state government and coal industry officials acknowledge that changes in the coal industry and energy industries in general suggest the need to review and perhaps revise the reclamation bonding requirements for our mines. The program that worked well for many years may need to be updated for a different time. That said, it must also be made clear that mine reclamation in Wyoming is a priority with coal operators with a commitment to ensure their obligations are met.

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality and Wyoming coal producers continue to work through bonding issues in a way that takes into account the current state of the industry and continues to protect the people of Wyoming. Operations are strictly audited on a regular basis to ensure full compliance with state regulations.

Make no mistake. Coal mining in Wyoming is not going away. Our coal remains the backbone of American electricity generation. It remains in demand for providing a significant amount of the nation’s energy.

In fact, coal from one Wyoming mine alone, the North Antelope Rochelle Mine, is used to generate more electricity than all the wind farms in America combined.

As long as Wyoming’s coal is mined, Wyoming’s land will be reclaimed. Despite the deceptive scare tactics and best efforts of the environmental movement and the Obama administration, the risks of Wyoming’s coal mines shutting down and leaving town are slim indeed.

America needs coal. Reclamation is a part of mining.

It is our obligation, and it is the right thing to do. And Wyoming will continue to be the nation’s leader in coal production and reclamation for the foreseeable future.

Travis Deti is the Assistant Director of the Wyoming Mining Association.

www.wyomingmining.org 29

WMA AWARDS 2016

RUSS BEAMER SCHOLARSHIP Students from across the state gathered in Laramie on the campus of the University of Wyoming in early March for the 2016 Wyoming State Science Fair. Once again, the fair was an excellent showcase of bright young minds and innovative ideas.

Dante Sylvester

The Wyoming Mining Association (WMA) was pleased to again be invited to participate in the fair and award the Russ Beamer Scholarship.

The scholarship is named for WMA’s first Executive Director and is awarded at the Wyoming State Science Fair to those students exhibiting outstanding projects in the natural resources category with particular emphasis on mining, reclamation and environmental stewardship.

This year, WMA presented the scholarship to two students for their outstanding work: Dante Sylvester and Eduardo Burgos, both of Greybull High School. Each will receive $500 for use at the University of Wyoming or the institution of their choice.

Eduardo Burgos

Dante won for his project on the use of freeze protocols to improve seed viability in order to enhance and improve the success of reclamation. The study looked to identify and take advantage of optimal freeze and thaw periods in order to optimize seed growth, with the goal being an improved growth rate in mine reclamation.

A junior at Greybull High School, he a two-time winner of the Russ Beamer Scholarship.

Eduardo’s winning project looked at potential improvements in carbon dioxide reduction through the implementation of a microalgae – zeolite matrix.

30THE MINING CLAIM

The objective of his research was to examine potential reduction of CO2 gas using zeolite and a combined zeolite – microalgae matrix as a new construction agent or building material which could be applied to power plants.

The Wyoming mining industry can be proud of Dante and Eduardo for their effort and achievements. These young men stood above their peers in a very strong field of excellent student work. Both students exhibit the necessary willingness to look at tough problems facing our industry and provide workable, innovative solutions.

Congratulations to Dante Sylvester and Eduardo Burgosthis year’s WMA Russ Beamer Scholarship winners!

Travis Deti is the Assistant Director of the Wyoming Mining Association

PROUD TO BE WYOMING’S NEWEST URANIUM PRODUCER

Reclamation consulting Native grass, forb, shrub and wetland seed for site reclamation

Strata Energy is pleased to join the ranks of Wyoming’s uranium producers with the 2015 commencement of the Ross Project north of Moorcroft, Wyoming. As production at Ross ramps up, Strata is planning for future project growth with advancement of permitting for the Kendrick Expansion Area.

The Ross Project constitutes the largest JORC-compliant* in-situ recovery resource in the USA at 54 million pounds U3O8.

Learn more at:

www.stratawyo.com *Australasian Joint Ore Reserves Committee

*Australasian Joint Ore Reserves Committee

OUR GREEN RIVER, WYOMING SITE IS THE

WORLD'S LARGEST

TRONA MINE AND

PRODUCER OF NATURAL SODA ASH. ALKALI.TRONOX.COM

TRX-4825_MineAdHalfPg_082515.indd 1

www.wyomingmining.org 31 8/25/15 4:37 PM

LETTER FROM PRESIDENT,

WADE SIVERTSON MINING ASSOCIATES OF WYOMING A Division of the Wyoming Mining Association

2015-2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Wade Sivertson | President Liebherr Mining Equipment

Dale Brown | Vice President WWC Engineering

Russ Groombridge | Secretary Interstate Power Systems

Cory Wasson | Treasurer Westech

DIRECTORS Jonathan Downing/Travis Deti Wyoming Mining Association

Steve Salter Dyno Nobel, Inc.

Robert Eldridge Joy Global

Crystal Volk SLS West, Inc.

Richard Oates Wyoming Machinery Company

Bobby Ingram Nelson Bros.

Traci Lacock Hirst Applegate, P.C.

Jon Umphlett Brake Supply

Graham Erickson Komatsu Equipment Co

32 THE MINING CLAIM

It has truly been a privilege to serve as president of the Mining Associates of Wyoming (MAW) for the 20152016 term. I have been fortunate to be surrounded and supported by a group of Mining Associates board members that represent the mining community’s future proudly and to have the privilege to participate on the board of directors for the Wyoming Mining Association.

Safety First! As members of the Mining Associates of Wyoming you are eligible for the MAW Safety Awards presented each year at the banquet during the WMA Convention. Awards for the top three safest contractors in each of the three categories are presented each year. This is a great opportunity for every Mining Associates Member to be recognized for their exceptional long-term safety performance and accomplishments.

WADE SIVERTSON President Mining Associates of Wyoming

We as MAW members, share the same concerns as our customers regarding the health of the Wyoming mining industry. With the current attitude toward mining in our nation today and the “war on coal,” it is imperative that the Mining Associates of Wyoming continues to provide support to the Wyoming Mining Association and its membership, our customers. Memberships are the lifeblood of our organization!

On behalf of the Mining Associates of Wyoming (MAW) Board of Directors, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for supporting mining in Wyoming. Two thirds (2/3) of your dues go to WMA to assist in the continuing education of the citizens of Wyoming regarding the mining industry.

We will be trying something a bit different for our Mining Associates dinner after the golf outing. By a request of our partners we will be offering heavy hordeurves instead of a dinner to enable everyone to spend time with their families after the golf tournament.

We anticipate some door prizes so be sure to attend. I ask that you give this change to the venue a try and we look forward to everyone’s feedback on the event.

Again, what a pleasure it has been to have the opportunity to serve our mining industry as the president for the Mining Associates of Wyoming. The honor to meet and work with the great people on the mining and supplier side is an experience I hope everyone can enjoy.

Thank You! Wade Sivertson Liebherr Mining

Mining Associates of Wyoming We’ve been the strong right arm of the Wyoming mining industry for over 30 years!We, the service & supply companies, support the Wyoming Mining Association. Thanks to the skilled, dedicated people, equipped with the best machines, tools and techniques on earth, Wyoming mining continues to be safe, strong and vital.

Thanks to the support of our members, we’re helping to keep it that way! patron members BKS Environmental Assoc., Inc. CATE Wyoming Equipment Co. Crowell & Moring Cummins Rocky Mountain, LLC D.A. Eldridge Mining Service Dyno Nobel, Inc. Intermountain Laboratories, Inc.

Industrial Supply Interstate Power Systems Joy Global (P&H) Komatsu Equipment, Co. L&H Industrial, Inc. Liebherr Mining Equipment, Co. McLanahan Corporation

McVehil-Monnett Associates, Inc. Nelson Brothers Mining Services, LLC SLS West, Inc. SWCA Environmental Consultants Westech WWC Engineering Wyoming Machinery Company

sustaining members Accord Resource Solutions, LLC Brake Supply Company, Inc.

Bridgestone Mining Solutions Cap Logistics Collins Communications, Inc.

Oftedal Construction, Inc. Powder River Energy Corporation

associate members AIL Mining Big R Bridge All State Fire American Fire Equipment Sales and Service Aqua Terra Consultants, Inc. Balfour Beatty Rail, Inc. Big Horn Tire, Inc. Black Hills Trucking, Inc. Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Wyoming Buckley Powder Company Business Aviators, Inc. Carr Construction Company Casper Well Products CDG Engineers, Architects and Planners Coffey Engineering & Surveying, LLC CR Mining Crowley Fleck PLLP DOWL, LLC DRM Diversafab Corp.

Dykman Electrical Energy Labs Equitable Oil Purchasing Company ETI, Inc. FireMaster Frost Rock Products Company Greiner Motors Company Habitat Management, Inc. HDR Engineering, Inc. Hirst Applegate, LLP Holland & Hart Hydro Engineering, LLC IFC International Industrial Lubricant Company In-Situ, Inc. MB Enterprises/Bayco Products MG Oil Company Morrison-Maierle, Inc. Moser Engine Service, Inc. Northern Engine & Supply, Inc.

Norwest Corporation Philippi-Hagenbuch, Inc. Redburn Tire Company Rehab Solutions Physical Therapy Rimex, Inc. Rocky Mountain Brake Supply, Inc. Rocky Mountain Recycling Schaeffer Manufacturing Company SKV, LLC Spencer Fluid Power Standard Laboratories, Inc. Thunderbird Wildlife Consulting, Inc. Tractor and Equipment TREC, Inc. Viking Explosives & Supplies, Inc. Whitmore’s Field Service, LLC Worldwide Rental Services Wyoming Miners’ Hospital Board Wyoming Power Wash, Inc.

MINING ASSOCIATES OF WYOMING

P.O. Box 866 • Cheyenne, WY 82003 • www.wyomingmining.org Help us support the WMA by referring a new MAW member today!

Membership applications are available by calling the WMA office at 307-635-0331 or on the website.

Only those companies that have paid their 2016 dues at the time of printing are in this list.

www.wyomingmining.org 33

What Does

136 Million Dollars Mean to Wyoming?

Last year Cloud Peak Energy, including our Antelope and Cordero Rojo Mines, generated over $155 million in tax revenues and coal royalties for Wyoming, helping our state to continue funding schools, roads, law enforcement and more. We also spent another $238 million dollars purchasing goods and services and donating to local charities.

As far as we’re concerned, that’s money well invested. We are proud to be a part of Wyoming communities and a part of energy production in this state.

Learn more about Cloud Peak Energy and the coal we produce by visiting our website.

www.cloudpeakenergy.com

34 THE MINING CLAIM

www.wyomingmining.org 35

36 THE MINING CLAIM