WET offers comprehensive environmental and engineering consulting services and construction management for the mining industry.
Our environmental expertise encompasses geologic and hydrogeologic assessments, groundwater modeling, water management, dewatering, permitting, and more! Engineering services feature surveying, design, stormwater management, wastewater systems, infrastructure support, and additional services! We also specialize in legal estate research, mapping, and status reports for surface and mineral rights.
We assist with legal opinions, due diligence, negotiations, and land use applications, ensuring accurate data for informed decision-making.
2024-25 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Todd Druse | President Black Hills Bentonite
Neil Mailcoat | Vice President Sisecam
Scott Schierman | Secretary/Treasurer Uranium Energy Corporation
DIRECTORS
Casey Felmlee Peabody
Bernard Bonifas Energy Fuels
Trish Driver Core Natural Resources
Kimberly Lytton Bentonite Performance Minerals
Cole Anderson Wyodak Resources
Neil Mailcoat Sisecam
Don Crank Kemmerer Operations
Randy Quig Mining Associates of Wyo
Christian Palich Eagle Specialty Materials
Darrin Munoz NTEC
Paul Bonifas Rare Element Resources STAFF
Travis Deti | Executive Director Pat Joyce | Assistant Director
Heidi Peterson | Membership & Retention
ABOUT WMA
WYOMING MINING ASSOCIATION
WYOMING MINING - POWERING AMERICA
COMMUNICATION
WMA promotes the mining industry by communicating with elected officials, regulators, educators, and the public in a credible way that encourages trust and confidence and earns respect as a reliable source of information on issues pertinent to the industry. We do this by:
• publicizing the environmental achievements and responsible processes used by the mining industry;
• discussing environmental challenges faced by the mining industry;
• promoting the value of the mining industry to the state’s economy;
• creating awareness for the importance of mining products provided to the nation;
• building understanding of the economic value and high quality of life created by mining; and
• creating awareness of the challenges and issues facing the mining industry.
+ Air Quality and Noise Analysis
+ Cultural and Palaeontologic Resource Inventories and Consultation
+ Environmental Permitting and Compliance
+ Habitat Enhancement, Revegetation, and Weed Management Services
+ National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Environmental Impact Reports
+ Natural Resource Assessment and Evaluations (special status species, wetlands, wildlife, vegetation and soils)
+ Plan of Operations and Permitting
+ Reclamation, Site Closure, and Bond
Release Planning and Monitoring
+ Soil Assessments, Mapping, and Planning
+ Water Resources Management and Planning
LEGISLATION
WMA also influences legislative, regulatory, and education processes in a proactive and credible way so the interests of the mining industry are considered in important decisions impacting Wyoming. We do this by:
• maintaining awareness and engagement in the ongoing legislative committee process to ensure decisions are made in the best interest of the State, its citizens, and the industry;
• promoting consistent, rational, and prudent rules and regulations that encourage environmentally responsible mining based on sound science; and
• providing accurate, timely information on mining issues to educational programs.
PARTNERSHIPS
WMA promotes the mining industry by partnering with regulators, educators, and the public to build collaborative and trusting relationships. We do this by:
• educating youth about the significance of the mining industry;
• building a healthy environment that co-exists with a healthy mining industry; and
• creating economic value and a high quality of life value in an environmentally responsible manner.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A FEW MONTHS MAKES
What a difference a few months makes! While market forces remain the foremost factor affecting Wyoming’s mineral resource businesses, public policy matters too. This is especially true, as we saw with the previous administration, when regulatory policy is geared toward limiting or eliminating production, picking federal land use favorites and completely ignoring the concerns of those being regulated.
The first 100 days of the second Trump administration have been interesting and, yes, also turbulent. We have seen some encouraging developments for mining. From solid cabinet and agency appointees to industry-friendly policy initiatives, there is very real cause for optimism. What a difference a few months makes!
Once again, the president has come out strong for our coal industry. He’s directed cabinet secretaries and agency heads to prioritize domestic coal resource development, prevent premature closures of coal-fired power plants, reduce the regulatory burden, and streamline the permitting process. These moves send a strong market signal on the vital role coal will play in meeting growing energy demand.
The Wyoming Legislature and Governor Mark Gordon also provided needed tax relief to our coal industry in the recent legislative session to right-size the tax burden and help to make Wyoming coal more competitive.
The new administration is focused on reliable fossil fuel and nuclear energy as opposed to the previous administration’s strategy of overreliance on low-quality wind and solar energy. A focus on rebuilding the nation’s nuclear capacity bodes well for Wyoming uranium producers. Strong prices and demand have led to resumed production. And we are seeing a lot of exploration and development activity. We are on the leading edge of another uranium boom!
Expansion and new mine projects in Wyoming’s trona patch are keeping our natural soda ash producers at their industry’s forefront. While there have been some significant changes this year, the industry remains strong with steady production. Natural soda ash from Wyoming trona remains our state’s top international export.
Wyoming bentonite remains in demand across America and around the world. We are the nation’s leading producer of the “Clay of 10,000 Uses.” The demand for pet litter remains high, and Wyoming’s mines and plants are answering the call.
BY: TRAVIS DETI Executive Director Wyoming Mining Association
Wyoming is home to some of North America’s most significant rare earths deposits, and project development continues to move forward. This industry still in its early stages, and downstream production is not yet developed. Wyoming has a unique opportunity to both capture value at the mine level and to establish downstream processing and magnet manufacturing facilities. We have a real opportunity to keep the entire supply chain—and its economic benefits—within the state.
US Gold’s CK Gold project is moving rapidly through the permitting process and will soon be producing gold and copper west of Cheyenne. There is also interesting lithium-related activity in southwest Wyoming.
But while today’s Wyoming mining outlook is bright, challenges do exist. The president’s tariff plans are causing uncertainty for Wyoming operators that export to other nations. They are also concerning for equipment and supply companies that rely on foreign components needed to serve mining operations. At the state legislative level, moves to curb progress on Wyoming’s efforts to develop economic carbon capture technology, which would help keep American coal viable into the future, are concerning. And of course, we cannot expect the anti-mining folks in Congress and their allies in the extreme environmental movement to be complacent.
One thing remains certain: America and the world need Wyoming mining and the products we provide every day. This will not change. I am confident we have a window of tremendous opportunities. The industry must use all the tools at its disposal to take advantage.
What a difference a few months makes!
North Dakota 121 Case St. Washburn, ND 58577
(701) 462-3508
SALES
Engineered Lubrication Solutions
24 HOURS
SLS LUBRICANTS & EQUIPMENT
DISTRIBUTORS FACTORY AUTHORIZED
AND SERVICE WWW.SLSWESTLUBE.COM
Wyoming 3323 LeTourneau Dr. Gillette, WY 82718 (307) 682-0555
SLS West, Inc. is the only provider that controls the entire supply chain, from mining grade lubricant manufacturing to automatic delivery systems, to service. Our teams have the expertise, knowledge and willingness to achieve savings needed to reduce equipment's Total Cost of Ownership.
FACTORY AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR FOR SLS, LINCOLN, GRACO AND MANY OTHER MANUFACTURERS OF INDUSTRIAL LUBRICATION EQUIPMENT
MANUFACTURERS' WARRANTIES AVAILABLE FOR ALL NEW EQUIPMENT
COMPLETE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE FABRICATION FROM 1/4" TO 1" AT OUR FACILITY OR YOURS
WIDE VARIETY OF FORGED STEEL AND HIGH PRESSURE FITTINGS, VALVES AND ADAPTERS SUITABLE FOR LUBRICATION SYSTEMS
SERVICE
TECHNICIANS ARE ON CALL 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK
WARRANTY, REBUILD AND REPAIR CENTER FOR SLS, LINCOLN AND GRACO EQUIPMENT
IN-HOUSE DESIGN TEAM FOR CUSTOM AND OEM APPLICATIONS
FULLY EQUIPPED SERVICE TRUCKS THAT SUPPORT EXPERT ON-SITE SYSTEM INSTALLATION, TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR
LUBRICANTS
HIGH PERFORMANCE EXTREME PRESSURE GREASES
MINING GRADE OPEN GEAR LUBRICANTS, SLIDE LUBRICANTS, CAM LUBRICANTS AND WIRE ROPE LUBRICANTS
HIGH VISCOSITY ENCLOSED GEAR OILS AND COMPRESSOR OIL
CARTRIDGES, SINGLE POINT LUBRICATORS, AEROSOL SPRAY CANS, 35 LB PAILS, 120 LB KEGS, 400 LB DRUMS AND BULK CONTAINERS
BULK LUBRICANT DELIVERY
PROMPT BULK DELIVERY TO CUSTOMER REMOTE LOCATIONS
FULLY EQUIPPED PUMP TRUCKS CAPABLE OF ON-BOARD LUBRICANT PUMPING
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
BY: TODD DRUSE Black Hills Bentonite
Board President
Wyoming Mining Association
Today we have an opportunity on the national scale to have meaningful legislation and regulatory reform passed in Washington which will allow for mining to continue in a manner that is safe for both our miners and the environment. In the past we have been subject to the whims of administrations and their political appointees to alter the availability of resources and to redefine mining practices, all with the ultimate goal of eliminating mining entirely.
In our own state, we can aid in that effort by visiting one on one with our congressional delegation. Recently I had the opportunity to visit with all three of them while in our nation’s capital and to this day I continue to work with them on necessary safety and regulatory changes. Additionally, it is just as important for everyone to visit with your city, towns, counties, and state legislators as well as our five elected officials. Hearing directly from you does make a difference. If you need talking points while visiting with your elected officials, our executive director is more than happy to provide you with some talking points, but I’ve found its just as effective to talk about my personal experiences and issues.
Workforce development continues to be a top issue for all of us in Wyoming. Surprising in Wyoming, most high school students and their parents are unaware of the career pathways available in the mining industry. SkillsUSA Wyoming recently held their State Leadership and Skills Conference in Casper. I was amazed at the number of volunteers and sponsorships from our association. If you haven’t attended and visited with these students or watched them participate in their competitions, I would encourage you to do so. These students are our future employees, and we need to continue to support them. Additionally, WMA supports the Wyoming Association of Career and Technical Education (WACTE) which is comprised of a wide range of diverse stakeholders engaged in collaboration and commitment to fostering CTE issues throughout our school system.
Within our industry, strong member participation makes the Wyoming Mining Association one of the premier associations in our state. If you are not involved in any of our committees or participate in any WMA activities, now is the time to start. Travis and his team provide a strong voice for our industry, but as members of the Wyoming Mining Association, we can further strengthen their message through actively supporting their efforts and the mission of the Association.
As your 2025 President, I look forward to getting to know each of you and learning about your successes, challenges, and how WMA can assist you and your company. When you see Travis, Pat and Heidi please thank them for everything they do for you and the mining industry.
FROM THE DESK OF THE WMA ASSISTANT
DIRECTOR
LOOK OUT! HERE IT COMES… MORE DANG WINNING IN WYOMING!
2025 is bringing the Wyoming Mining industry some upward motion and signs of better days ahead. Our production is holding steady or climbing back up depending on your mining sector. Even with some of the early changes being made by the new Administration causing some to be fence sitting waiting to see which way to invest, the overall chatter is of hope for better days ahead in the not-too-distant future.
Our coal mines are seeing new support at the EPA with the rollback of regulatory chokeholds from the last several administrations, opening up more space for long term contracts. Let’s all admit it. They need our coal for all the new AI plans and those energy using data centers they have in their back pockets.
Uranium is Back! Thanks in no small part to the new Administration again, paving the way through less regulatory blockades and creating a domestic demand for our uranium. This is a comeback story, racing from darn near zero to let’s hope the sky’s the limit! We are witnessing those uranium mines who have been hanging on by their fingernails expanding and investing in existing mines and exploring new options in Wyoming. This is life breathed back into this sector and none to soon.
Trona and Bentonite are also experiencing shifts in their markets and as with all the mine sectors, they are being bounced around by world’s demands and competition. They are cautiously weighing how best to position themselves to maintain market share as well as preparing to field and serve more long-term contracts. They know as well as any the interaction of supply chain affects and the need to watch every move both nationally and internationally. World politics hit home in Green River and Greybull every day! We are looking forward to the opening of the gold and rare earths sectors soon and all hiring and revenue they will produce. But there’s more!
This year the WMA and MAW have joined forces to launch a new working committee to develop a pipeline between those who teach and train our workforce and our mines and supply and service companies who hire those graduates who want to join the mining industry. With all the new mining business we will need more workers!
This working committee met in March and hit the ground running. The committee has identified areas of focus and methods to measure our progress. We have established that the mining industry in Wyoming is formidable enough to chart our own course to produce and maintain an ongoing demand for a skilled workforce who are raised in Wyoming with a Wyoming work ethic and a love for that small country community with
really good pay. We are very excited to see the future unfold with this one! We’ll share more as we grow. And we welcome good new ideas from all the WMA and MAW members!
BY: PAT JOYCE Assistant Director Wyoming Mining Association
Safety is paramount in our industry, and we all are loyal to making it happen every day. At the convention you will see the safety awards being distributed to the mines and MAW companies who have logged the most number of hours worked without lost time. There is a joint effort among the mine employees, the MAW company employees, MSHA, the State Mine Inspectors and the families of all who work in the industry to make that happen.
It is my honor each year produce a two-day Safety Conference for the Mine Safety personnel to attend. We invite speakers from around the US and Canada to present on areas of choice by our Safety Committee members. These speakers are selected to bring in a new perspective that the mines may not bring into the regular weekly or monthly meetings but could enhance the knowledge the safety staff receives. This last year, despite the unscheduled October snowstorm in Gillette, over a hundred members showed up at the Cam-Plex, along with 13 speakers and half dozen trade show vendors. We are already planning this fall’s show back at the Cam-Plex September 15-16, 2025. Plan to send your safety personnel. We’ll take treat them right and feed them well!
While we are excited to see the new developments in 2025, we of course maintain our tried-and-true responsibilities to the membership of WMA. Travis and I continue to lobby and keep an eye on any state or federal legislative or regulatory maneuvering that effects the mining or manufacturing business in Wyoming. During the State Legislative session, you may find us a bit focused on legislation only. The rest of the year we are managing the working committees and DEQ workgroups to maintain the dialogue between the mines and the DEQ staff on guidelines and rules. If you don’t currently serve on a DEQ Mineral Work Group or one of our other committees, please know you as a employee of a member mine of WMA or as a
Patron Member of MAW may join a committee and contribute to the decisions and growth of this great Wyoming Mining industry. We are always looking for more contributions and participation.
Thank you for your attendance at this year’s WMA Annual Convention. I hope you will enjoy your time spent here at the University of Wyoming – Laramie. Remember, on Thursday afternoon you may sign up for a few campus tours to typically unknown venues on campus. And during the PAC Silent Auction I would encourage you to bid early and bid often! This Silent Auction is the one fund raiser WMA holds per year to raise funds for our mining Political Action Committee. Thank you to all the generous donors and especially to the crew that helps me set up the auction before the Annual Dinner. They are a hardy and highly appreciated bunch. I couldn’t do it without all of you pitching in to make it happen.
Thanks for coming to the WMA Annual Convention!
O u r S e r v i c e s
Our team of experienced land professionals has extensive knowledge and expertise in title research and mineral property acquisition we offer claims research, staking and filing, fee land title research, and lease acquisition, we can assist with noitls, claim/lease maintenance, and due diligence.
C o n t a c t u s
D e n n y B i t e m a n o w n e r
e m a i l : d e n b i t e m a n @ l a n d r e s o u r c e s u s a c o m
b o b i t e m a n , l a n d m a n a g e r
e m a i l : b o @ l a n d r e s o u r c e s u s a c o m
d i r e c t : 3 0 7 - 6 2 0 - 9 2 7 0
1 9 4 9 S u g a r l a n d d r i v e s u i t e 2 6 0
s h e r i d a n , w y 8 2 8 0 1
HARRIET HAGEMAN WYOMING ENERGY
Wyoming’s energy industry is of great interest not only to those of us in the United States, but to the entire world. With a rich legacy of producing affordable and dispatchable energy to power our Country, we have the means necessary to ensure the prosperity of America as a whole. Coupled with the increasing demand for rare earth minerals, the stage is set for the Wyoming mining industry to soar.
I commend the Wyoming Mining Association and its members for being steadfast, solid, and reliable, continuing to produce through the good times and the bad. No matter the political climate, WMA is all-in for promoting our producers, staying engaged with the development of Resource Management Plans, defending and prosecuting lawsuits, and meeting the many other challenges as they arise. You have taken on these hurdles with a vision for the future and a deep commitment to the mining industry and our energy security.
I join the WMA in its passion to see Wyoming thrive through the creation of well-paying jobs, and understand the benefits tied to the mining industry’s investment in our state. The WMA and its members have a long-term understanding of the importance of America’s energy and mineral dominance. During my time in Congress, I’ve taken a variety of measures to ensure mining is supported now as well as into the future.
It’s important to note that my close relationship with the National Mining Association, especially in my work as CoChair of the Coal Caucus, has provided great value. Their information sharing and collaboration is key, and I look to them for advice as we sort through priorities.
Wyoming couldn’t be better situated than we are with the Trump administration in office. His favorability towards coal and the mining industry in general provides a window of opportunity in which we can make great gains both in terms of producing our energy resources, and in changing the narrative surrounding them. We must face the reality, however, that the Overton Window will soon shift, and it is imperative that we shore up the opportunity today to guarantee security for the industry tomorrow.
With approximately 60% of our mineral estate in Wyoming under federal ownership, it is imperative that our agencies stand ready to work with our mining industry to process lease applications and allow us to extract this God-given resource that is a critical component of our affordable and
dispatchable energy portfolio. In the 118th Congress I introduced the Combating Obstruction Against Leasing (COAL) Act to address this issue, which passed the House as one part of the Lower Energy Costs Act. With the Republican trifecta now in place, I am continuing to fight for these priorities and more in the 119th Congress.
BY: U.S.CONGRESSWOMAN HARRIET HAGEMAN (R-WYO.)
Through my work on the Natural Resource Committee’s budget reconciliation process we have identified energy production as the foundation for addressing our national debt. For example, Wyoming and other energy producing states are slated to generate $18.5 billion in revenue for the United States by mandating coal lease sales and stipulating the requirements for each, rescinding the coal moratorium on new leases thus preventing similar action in the future, authorizing the mining of federal minerals, and reinstating the pre-Inflation Reduction Act 7% coal royalty rate, among other energy provisions. Such reconciliation package also includes a prohibition on the implementation of the Rock Springs and Buffalo Resource Management Plans, thereby ensuring increased revenue through energy development in those mineral rich areas.
Wyoming’s energy future is bright and, as such, so is America’s. We create 13 times the energy we consume, and it is largely thanks to you, our mining industry. Every single day you work to make our lives better and we the people couldn’t be more grateful, despite what the Green New Scam folks are peddling. The use of our clean, abundant mineral resources has provided a quality of life and level of prosperity humanity has never seen before. While there are many who relish in government-imposed wretchedness (I refer to them as “the Lords of Scarcity”), it really is a new day in America, and we are pressing forward to with policies that will guarantee a bright future based on energy independence (being the “Champions of Abundance”). I am committed to the Wyoming Mining Association’s mission, to the mining industry and to each of you who go to work every day to play a key role in our nation’s prosperity.
PASSING THE BATON
What a year and an unprecedented one at that! As I welcome you to the 2025 WMA Annual Convention. Reflecting on the past year, we had plenty of work to do. To mention just a few, WMA and EMA Files Protest Letter Against BLM-WY Rock Springs RMP, BLM Proposed Greater Sage-Grouse Range wide Resource Management Plan, Supreme Court striking down Chevron, curtailing power of federal agencies, WMA Files comments on the proposed Air Plan Partial Approval and Partial Disapproval, BLM Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations Revisions Phase 2, Reconsideration of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter, Rocky Mountain Power Rate Increase, Bonding changes (thank you Dale Brown for championing these efforts), etc.
I wanted to thank each of you for your support as the WMA Regulatory Affairs Committee (RAC) Chairman. I am not sure if there were larger shoes to fill than when Phil Dinsmoor passed the baton to me. While I strived to do so, I admit that those shoes have been a difficult challenge. He set a high bar. With that said, it is time for me to step down from this position and allow this opportunity to be held by another.
I am incredibly excited to endorse, congratulate and welcome Dawn Kolkman as the new WMA RAC Chair. Dawn’s vast experience, technical acumen and leadership are truly impressive in this incredible fluid time in the State of Wyoming and Nationally.
I remain hopeful that we can continue the work on completing the cataloging of the work/correspondences/efforts we and our predecessors have done for WMA posterity. This objective and the recruitment of solid subcommittee members are continual endeavors that will surely benefit the WMA.
Much progress has been made in very dynamic times, and we should acknowledge this progress against the backdrop of unprecedented changes and challenges. It has been a honor and privilege to be a member of the WMA with many highlights including the Peck
BY: JON CONRAD TATA CHEMICALS
WMA RAC CHAIRMAN
Award in 2021, serving as the RAC Chair and your association. May the future continue to be bright and our relationships solid as ardent ambassadors of the Wyoming Mining Association. With great respect and admiration, my friends, thank you.
Nelson Brothers is Dedicated to Serving and Taking Care of Our Employees, Our Customers, and Our Relationships. We are Committed to the Mission-Critical Focus of Safety for Our Customers, Team Members, and Communities.
www.nelsonbrothers.com or download our app!
WMA BENEFITS
WORKING FOR YOU ALL YEAR LONG
MEMBER BENEFITS
Federal & State Agency Communications
Annual Convention and MAW Golf Tournament
Safety Conference and Trade Show
Lobbying – State Legislature, Congress
Mineral Work Groups – DEQ Communications
Education – CTE Outreach
Public Outreach
UW Energy Day
Promote/Produce Industry Forums to Support Mining
Partner with and Support Industry Allies
Election Candidate Forums
REGULATORY AFFAIRS
Subcommittees:
Sage Grouse Intervention Team
Migration Corridor Monitoring
Legislative Affairs
Water Quality
Bonding
Wildlife
Archeology
Air Quality
Wyoming Coal Information Committee
Legislative Affairs
Safety Committee
Workforce-Education
2025 WMA ANNUAL CONVENTION
SPEAKERS
“EPA REGION 8"
The Honorable
Cyrus Western Region 8 Administrator, US Environmental Protection Agency
President Donald Trump appointed Cyrus M. Western to serve as the EPA Region 8 administrator in February 2025. As regional administrator, Western will leads the implementation of the administration’s environmental agenda priorities in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and with 28 federally-recognized Tribes.
Prior to joining the EPA, Western served as the House Majority Whip in the Wyoming State House of Representatives, serving District 51. While there, he served on the Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee, chaired the Oil and Gas Bonding Working Group and was vice chair of the Tourism, Recreation and Wildlife Committee.
Western holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Washington and Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, as well as a Master of Liberal Arts in Environmental Studies from the Harvard Extension School in Massachusetts.
“FEDERAL OUTLOOK”
The Honorable
Andrew Wheeler Partner and Head of Federal Affairs, Holland and Hart
Andrew Wheeler brings a robust combination of broad-based policy and legislative expertise to help businesses assess priorities, opportunities, and risks to reach informed operational and investment decisions to Holland and Hart. He draws on deep relationships with decision makers on Capitol Hill, the executive branch, federal agencies, and trade associations, to deliver a suite of strategic services, with specialized expertise advising on environmental and energy issues.
His intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the federal government and policy engagement on behalf of regulated industries give him a unique understanding of how to accomplish business objectives in the Washington, DC ecosystem. For almost a decade, Andrew led the federal Energy and Environmental practice at Faegre Baker Daniels Consulting, providing federal regulatory and
government affairs advice to clients in a range of industries, including energy and resources, food and beverage, manufacturing, construction, and agriculture.
As EPA Administrator (and Deputy Administrator), Andrew led the 14,000-member agency, oversaw a $9 billion budget, and led all aspects of setting and implementing the national environmental agenda. For almost 15 years he held significant leadership roles on US Senate committees. He served as Staff Director and Chief Counsel for both the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate Change, Wetlands, and Nuclear Safety, with responsibility for formulating and executing legislative and policy agendas.
Most recently, Andrew established the first Office of Regulatory Management for the Commonwealth of Virginia and served as the Acting Secretary of Natural History and Resources. Andrew reformed Virginia’s regulatory process creating state-wide efficiencies and transparencies as well as creating the first state-wide online permit tracking process in the country. He also led Virginia’s artificial intelligence initiatives and oversaw critical negotiations with utilities and other stakeholders to work through regulatory and permitting frameworks required to build and operate data centers.
“BIG CHANGES"
Mr. Mike Nasi Partner, Jackson Walker
Mike Nasi is a partner with Jackson Walker LLP where he practices environmental and natural resources law. Mike attended the University of New Mexico, the University of Texas (BA 1991), the University of Texas School of Law, and the University of Houston Law School (JD 1994). For three decades, Mr. Nasi has appeared before state and federal regulatory agencies and appellate courts working on natural resource infrastructure project development issues. His clients have ranged from small governmental bodies to state governments; multistate compacts to state and national industry associations; and small, privately-held companies to multi-national publicly-traded corporations.
Mike is currently counsel for state, energy and infrastructure interests in regional and national policy initiatives and several legal proceedings pending before state and federal agencies and multiple Federal Circuit Courts of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States.
For his entire career, representing infrastructure entities ranging from the power sector to the mining, steel, recycling, petrochemical, composting, and public works sectors, his practice has
SPEAKERS
spanned across numerous federal and related state environmental, natural resource and utility regulatory programs.
Mike has been relied upon an expert witness and speaker at docketed hearings, legislative proceedings, energy policy events, and classrooms across the country, including invited briefings at the White House and the United Nations, and is published in sev eral trade, law, and business journals on environmental and en ergy law. Mr. Nasi participates on advisory boards or as counsel for state governments, universities, and interstate compacts and governmental organization across the country.
Mike is a past Chairman of the State Bar of Texas Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section and served on the adjunct faculty for Rice University’s “Leadership & Decision Making in the Energy Industry” course and as a guest lecturer in the “Energy Law & Policy” course at the University of Texas Law School. Most recently, Mr. Nasi has assisted in an adjunct role in the University of Houston Center for Carbon Management in Energy.
“COAL PERSPECTIVES"
Mr. Michael D. Day, P.E. Chief Executive Officer, Eagle Specialty Materials
Michael D. Day is Eagle Summit Resources, LLC. Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Advisors. Mike graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering.
Mr. Day has held several senior and executive level positions with Leeco, Arch Coal, Magnum Coal, Patriot Coal, and Blackhawk Mining. Prior to joining Eagle Specialty Materials in 2021, Mike held the position of President and Chief Executive Officer for ArcelorMittal Mining Operations.
He is a licensed Professional Engineer and recently served as Chairman of the West Virginia Coal Association. Mr. Day has proudly served on numerous boards including the University of Kentucky Mining Engineering Foundation Board, National Mining Association, West Virginia Coal Association, and Kentucky Coal Association.
Proudly, Mike was inducted into the University of Kentucky Engineering Hall of Distinction in 2018 and named University of Kentucky Mining Engineering Foundation Distinguished Alumni in 2016.
Mr. Day and his wife Jacalyn believe strongly in being involved in their community, where they are involved in major projects that benefit many youth organizations. The Day Family established the Michael and Jacalyn Day and Friends Coal Community En-
dowment Fund to provide educational scholarships annually to high school seniors in Boone and McDowell Counties in West Virginia. Proudly in 2022, he established the Michael D. Day Mining Engineering Scholarship Endowment Fund at the University of Kentucky.
“GOLD PERSPECTIVES"
Mr. George Bee
President and CEO, US Gold
Originally from England, George graduated in 1979 from the Camborne School of Mines with a BSc. in Mining. Spanning 42 years, his career, primarily involved with operating and developing mines, has taken him to South Africa, Canada, Peru, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Nevada, and Utah in the United States, where he now lives with his family.
Over the years, George has worked for several companies including Anglo American, Rio Tinto, Kinross, and served 16-years with Barrick Gold Corporation, producing gold and copper assets in both underground and open pit mines. George has done everything from being a “days pay” miner underground to a senior executive in a multinational company.
For the past five years, George has been leading US Gold Corp. whose recent focus has been the CK Gold Project west of Cheyenne. Creating jobs, opportunity and wealth from the earth’s natural resources, while minding the environment and creating long-term social benefits, has been, and continues to be, George’s overall objective.
“RARE EARTH PERSPECTIVES"
Mr. Ken Mushinski
President and CEO, Rare Element Resources
Mr. Mushinski is the president and CEO for Rare Element Resources. He brings over 30 years of leadership experience in corporate development and project management, both domestically and internationally.
He served on Rare Element Resource’s board from November 2017 until March 2022. As the former Vice President, Corporate Planning and Acquisitions for
69TH
JUNE 4-6, 2025 |
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2025
9:00 – WMA Board of Directors Meeting (Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center)
11:00 – MAW Board of Directors Meeting (Jacoby Golf Course)
Head Men’s Basketball Coach University of Wyoming 1:30 – Trap Shooting – Laramie Gun Club (525 St Hwy 230) Bring your own shot gun and shells! 1:30 / 2:30 /3:30 –University of Wyoming Tours – Sign Up at Registratioin Table
5:00 – No Host Cocktail Hour & WMA PAC Silent Auction Opens (Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center)
6:30 - Annual WMA Dinner
Salesman of the Year Awards
WMA Peck Community Achievement Award WMA PAC Silent Auction
THE WYOMING MINING ASSOCIATION
WYOMING | LARAMIE, WYOMING
POWERING AMERICA
FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2025
7:30 – Breakfast (Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center)
Sponsored by: SLS West, McLanahan, Big Horn Tires, Komatsu
Session 2 - (Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center – Laramie, WY)
University of Wyoming Partners
8:00 to 8:30 Dr. Holly Krutka Executive Director UW School of Energy Resources
8:30 to 9:30 Panel on Workforce Education
Dr. Jenna Shim Dean of the UW College of Education
Dr. Cameron Wright Professor of the UW College of Engineering
Mr. Ellis Day Gillette College Board of Trustees
Mr. Hunter Barten WY SkillsUSA, Officer Alumni
Mr. Rob Hill President, Wyoming SkillsUSA
9:30 to 10:00 Coffee Break (Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center)
Sponsored by: Industrial Supply, Americans for Prosperity, ProGen
Insights from State Partners
10:00 to 10:30 Mr. Todd Parfitt Director
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality
10:30 to 11:00 Mr. Kyle Wendtland
Director of Fossil Fuel Development
Wyoming Energy Authority
Safety is Paramount
11:00 to 11:30 Mr. Paul Krivokuca Vice President of Health and Safety National Mining Association
12:00 – Safety and Reclamation Awards Luncheon
Guest Speaker
The Honorable Mark Gordon Governor of Wyoming
WMA Safety Awards
WMA Safe Sam Award
MAW Safety Awards
State of Wyoming Reclamation Award SCAN THIS
2025 SPEAKERS
General Atomics Technologies Corporation and President of uranium companies Quasar Resource and Cotter Corporation, all subsidiaries of General Atomics, Mr. Mushinski has extensive production-related operational experience, from permitting to decommissioning, in the resource industry.
His career experience includes mergers and acquisitions, operational and financial planning for uranium production operations, regulatory affairs, and governmental interactions. Throughout his career, he has been responsible for developing strategic partnerships and garnering investments from within the defense industry for projects under his direction and played a key role as a management committee member for the Honeywell/General Atomics ConverDyn partnership.
Mr. Mushinski holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Summa Cum Laude, from San Diego State University.
“WYOMING PROUD"
Coach Sundance Wicks
Head Men’s Basketball Coach, University of Wyoming
Sundance Wicks has been the head coach of the Wyoming Cowboy Men’s Basketball Program since May of 2024. He is the 23rd head coach in Cowboy history. A native of Gillette, Wicks spent three seasons as an assistant coach (2020-23) at Wyoming and spent his last season as head coach at Green Bay spearheading one of the best single season turnarounds in college basketball history.
In his first year at Green Bay, Wicks was named the 2023-24 Horizon League Coach of the Year. He was also named the Joe B. Hall National Coach of the Year, which is presented annually to the top rookie, first-year head coach in NCAA Division I college basketball. Wicks spent three seasons at Wyoming under former head coach Jeff Linder that included a trip to the NCAA Tournament in 2022.
Wicks learned growing up in Wyoming it’s that “when you Honor the Brown and Gold, you are honoring so much more than just the University of Wyoming. You are honoring every single hard hat that woke up before the sun to work the coal mines. It means paying your respects to the all the rough and rowdy ranchers that chose the Cowboy Way and Rode for the Brand before it became a popular phrase. Honoring the Brown and Gold is the understanding that a tip of the cap, a steering wheel wave, a hard handshake or a big hug is how you lift your people up in support of a hard day’s work.”
Wicks was the head coach at Missouri Western for two seasons. Wicks led the Griffons to 18 wins in 2019-20. He also spent time at his alma mater Northern State University and has been an assistant coach at the Division II and Division I levels.
As a student-athlete at Northern State, Wicks was twice named first team All-NSIC, scoring 1,174 points and pulling down 665 rebounds in his career. He was also a two-time All-NSIC performer in the 400-meter hurdles at Northern State. After graduation, Wicks played for the Sodertalje Kings in Sweden. He led the team in points and rebounding.
Wicks graduated from Campbell County High School in 1999, where he lettered in football, basketball and track and field. In 1999, he was named the Milward Simpson Athlete of the Year. Wicks was a part of two high school basketball championships (1996-97 and 1998-99), and in his senior season won a trio of state championships in football, basketball and track and field, where he captured the individual state title in the 300-meter hurdles, and was the state runner-up in the 110-meter high hurdles.
He received a bachelor’s degree in international business from Northern State in 2003 and a master’s degree in health, physical education and coaching from Northern State in 2006.
Coach Wicks and his wife Courteney have two children, Grace and Skywalker.
“WMA PARTNERSHIP"
Dr. Holly Krutka Executive Director, UW School of Energy Resources
Holly Krutka is the Executive Director of the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources – overseeing an interdisciplinary academic, outreach and research program focused on serving the Wyoming energy and extractive sector.
She came to the university after serving as the Vice President for coal generation and emissions technologies at Peabody and before that was with Tri-State Generation and Transmission, Shenhua Group and ADA-Environmental Solutions.
Dr. Krutka holds several patents focused on carbon capture, has served in leadership positions in a federal advisory committee and has served as a judge on two XPRIZE competitions focused on novel carbon capture and removal technology development. She is a board member of the Western Research Institute, an ex-officio board member of the Wyoming Energy Authority and a committee member on the Idaho National Laboratory Energy and Environment Science & Technology Strategic Advisory Committee. As a recognized energy expert, she has testified before Congress on energy issues and has been interviewed on energy topics by 60 Minutes.
Dr. Krutka holds a bachelor’s degree, graduating magna cum laude, and a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma, both in chemical engineering.
“PANEL: WORKFORCE EDU"
Dr. Jenna Shim Dean, UW College of Education
Jenna M. Shim serves as the John P. “Jack” Ellbogen Dean of the College of Education at the University of Wyoming, the Executive Director of the Trustees’ Education Initiative, and a professor in the School of Teacher Education. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, she has held leadership roles including interim dean, associate dean, associate school director, and program coordinator, demonstrating expertise in strategic planning, accreditation, curriculum development and innovation, and fostering institutional growth.
As dean, her core commitment is to serve the state of Wyoming, aligned with the land-grant mission to improve the lives of children and adults through education.
Dr. Shim earned a B.A. in piano performance from California State University (1994) and an M.M. in piano performance from Manhattan School of Music (1996). She transitioned into education, earning a teaching certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from the University of California-Los Angeles (2001). She also holds an M.S. in literacy education (2006), a CAS in literacy education (2007), and a Ph.D. in language and literacy education (2009), all from the University at Albany, State University of New York.
An accomplished scholar, Dr. Shim has published extensively but, in her current role, also prioritizes research that has an impact on educational practice.
“PANEL: WORKFORCE EDU"
Dr. Cameron Wright Dean, UW College of Engineering
Cameron Wright was the inaugural Carrell Family Dean of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Wyoming, where he served as Dean from 2019 to 2025, and recently returned to his faculty role.
Before joining the University of Wyoming in 2003 as a faculty member in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dr. Wright was an electrical engineering faculty member (full professor and Deputy Department Head) with the U.S. Air Force Academy; an R&D engineering officer and project manager with the U.S. Air Force; and worked in covert intelligence operations and analysis with the U.S. Navy. Altogether he served for 30 years in the U.S. military before moving to civilian academia. He earned a BS from
Louisiana Tech University, an MS from Purdue University, and a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin, all in electrical engineering.
Wright’s areas of expertise include image processing, signal processing, biomedical instrumentation, real-time embedded computer systems, and wireless and satellite communications. He is the author or co-author of over 260 publications, several books and book chapters. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in California and Wyoming, and has consulted in multiple cases as an expert witness in federal court for intellectual property disputes.
“PANEL: WORKFORCE EDU"
Mr. Ellis Day
Gillette College Board of Trustees
Ellis Day moved with his wife from Star Valley to Gillette in 1998 to attend the Diesel Technology program at Gillette College. Upon graduating more than 25 years ago, he worked as a diesel mechanic, supervisor, planner and manager in Wyoming coal mines and a silver mine in Alaska.
Currently the Industrial Services Manager for Interstate Power Systems in Gillette he also serves as Vice President of the Mining Association of Wyoming and has been a member of both the Diesel and Welding Advisory Committees for Gillette College and The University of Alaska Southeast. While at Gillette college he participated in SkillsUSA program and has participated as a judge of the Diesel Skills competitions since that time.
Passionate about the education he received at Gillette College, he ran for and was elected to the board of trustees at in 2024.
Throughout his career in the mining industry, Ellis been involved in the recruiting and hiring of mechanics and welders. He has personally seen the lack of candidates and quality of candidates that are coming into the mining industry and believes Wyoming community colleges need industry support more than ever to help develop programs and recruit future students, and that by doing so we can educate our next generations of technicians on the benefits of a valuable career working for a supplier or directly for a mine here in Wyoming.
“PANEL: WORKFORCE EDU"
Mr. Rob Hill
President, Wyoming SkillsUSA
Rob Hill is the Everett D. & Elizabeth Lantz Distinguished Professor of Practice in Career and Technical Education at the University of Wyoming’s College of Education. He serves as the President of Wyoming SkillsUSA and the Public Policy Chairman for the Wyoming Asso -
ciation for Career and Technical Education (WACTE). He recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from WACTE in 2024. Prior to his work at the University of Wyoming, Mr. Hill taught building trades at the Pathways Innovation Center and Casper College for 14 years. He has a background in multi-family and residential construction.
Mr. Hill has a BS in Industrial Technology from the University of Wyoming, a MA from Ball State University in Director of Career and Technical Education, and he is an authorized OSHA trainer. His areas of interest include preparing CTE teachers for Wyoming’s workforce, working with business and industry partners to increase workforce opportunities for organizations and educational entities, and policy topics in CTE. His current focus is on strengthening the University of Wyoming’s CTE teacher preparation program and creating a pathway for students interested in the extraction and energy sectors.
“INSIGHTS FROM STATE DEQ PARTNERS"
Mr. Todd Parfitt
Director, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality
Todd Parfitt is the Director of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. He has over 40 years of experience in the environmental field, including 31 years with the DEQ. Prior to becoming the Director in October of 2012, Mr. Parfitt spent seven years as the DEQ Deputy Director and as the Administrator of DEQ’s Industrial Siting Division. Mr. Parfitt has a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Fisheries Management and a master’s degree in Public Administration - Environmental Policy both from The Ohio State University. He is a 2008 graduate of Leadership Wyoming and was the President of the Environmental Council of States in 2017-2018.
“INSIGHTS FROM STATE WEA PARTNERS"
Mr. Kyle Wendtland Director of Fossil Fuel Development, Wyoming Energy Authority
Kyle J. Wendtland is the Director of Fossil Fuel Development of the Wyoming Energy Authority.
He previously served as the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality Land Quality Division Administrator. Prior to this, he was an Environmental Engineering Manager for the coal industry.
Wendtland has held a wide range of environmental and engineering positions and has extensive experience in mining and mineral extraction. He began his career with the Montana Department of State Lands in 1991, moved to private industry in 1993, and then to the DEQ in 2015.
Wendtland holds a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Range Management with a focus in disturbed land reclamation from the University of Wyoming. Wendtland has been recognized for his contributions to the mining industry and advancing reclamation science at the state and national levels.
He resides in Cheyenne and grew up in Casper and Dubois, Wyoming.
“SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT"
Mr. Paul Krivokuca
Vice President of Health and Safety National Mining Association
Paul Krivokuca (PK) has over five decades of experience in mining operations, safety, and health. His career spans roles from miner to executive leadership, including serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at various mining operations. His dedication to mine safety led to his federal appointment as Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Currently, he is Vice President of Health and Safety at the National Mining Association, representing over 250 mining companies and stakeholders in Washington, D.C. He holds multiple mining certifications in the U.S. and British Columbia.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPEAKERS AND SPONSORS WHO MADE THIS CONVENTION POSSIBLE.
BENTONITE
BY: JAMEY TIPPETTS
V.P.
OF OPERATIONS
WYO-BEN
“The business outlook for the Wyoming sodium bentonite industry in North America and Globally is cautiously optimistic. An administration change and recent actions have resulted in short-term uncertainty and suppressed demand in certain markets, but growth is anticipated on a long-term outlook. Economic conditions and investment in key industries such as construction, oil and gas, and environmental management will significantly influence the market dynamics for sodium bentonite during this administration. Growth opportunities are supported by technological advancements and a focus on energy production coupled with sustainable environmental practices. The North American market for sodium bentonite is influenced by the availability of high-quality raw materials of just a few producers. Companies in this region are focusing on cautious expansions of their production capacities and enhancing distribution networks to meet the demand. Industry challenges include competition from other types of clay and synthetic alternatives, current environmental regulations which affect mining operations, permitting timelines, and increase compliance costs. Movement on common sense permitting reform is a focus for this industry. Labor continues to be a limitation to growth primarily due to low population density and geographic location. Inconsistent support, though somewhat improved, from our shipping logistics partners is a concern in maintaining a fluid supply chain.”
COAL
The coal industry is embarking in a massive renaissance with the Trump Administration across the country, and specifically in the Powder River Basin. With the President pushing pro-coal legislative and regulatory changes, the industry is poised for an exciting 2025 and beyond.
Already this year the regulatory agenda in Washington DC has made significant headway in supporting coal, especially at the Environmental Protection Agency. Within weeks of being confirmed by the Senate EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced one of the largest deregulatory actions in history, many of which supported domestic coal fired electric generation. Of those actions announced, a re
2025 MINING FORECAST
BY: CHRISTIAN R. PALICH V. P. GOVERNMENT & EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
PRAIRIE EAGLE MINING
examining of the “endangerment finding” dealing with labeling greenhouse gases as a pollutant is perhaps the most impactful to the customers for Wyoming coal. In April, President Trump, flanked by coal miners at the White House announced several Executive Orders to support coal mining and ensuring the longterm stability of coal powered electricity. Both the Department of The Interior and Department of Energy are setting forth plans to end all retirements of coal power plants and ensure our massive federal coal resources are actually mined, not kept in the ground. In Congress, the developing reconciliation bill seeks to codify the Administrations pro-coal policies and bring once in a generation structural change to the federal coal program that states like Wyoming rely so heavily on. Our Wyoming Congressional delegation as a team is fighting hard in reconciliation to stop the Biden era Resource Management Plan decisions, ending all new coal leasing in Gillette, they are also pushing to modernize the royalty rate for federal coal by ensuring is reflects the current market. This bill getting to the President’s desk this Summer will truly jump start the industry and provide regulatory and market certainty that we have not seen in decades.
GOLD
BY: JASON BEGGER ARMATURE ADVOCACY
Adopted in 1893, Wyoming’s state seal shows a man holding a pickaxe in a nod to the important role mining played in settling the state. It was the great mineral wealth that brought prospectors and settlers to Wyoming. Mining created many of the first towns, spurred railroad development and drove early economic development.
Flash forward 132 years and mining is still a major economic force in Wyoming. The state is the nation’s largest producer of coal, bentonite, trona, and uranium. While it’s been decades since Wyoming has had a metals mine, companies are giving the state a second look.
FORECAST BY THE MINERAL TRONA
Several exploration and development projects are underway in historically known gold producing areas such as South Pass-Atlantic City, Rattlesnake Hills and the Silver Crown Mining District. These areas still contain large amounts of gold, copper and associated precious metals, decades after major mining operations ceased. Gold prices have more than doubled over the past three years, making previously marginal projects profitable. Technological advances have also played a role. Airborne magnetic and radiometric surveys provide an improved understanding of subsurface geology. Core drilling and advanced 3-D models of orebodies create a full picture of the resource and even allows companies to improve the financials by mining high grade ores first.
Early hard rock mining operations relied on physical recovery methods such as stamp mills and sluice boxes. Today, miners conduct sophisticated geochemical tests to determine the best recovery methods. Water availability is a factor in Wyoming’s arid climate, limiting what was previously possible. Contemporary processes such as flotation and dry-stacked tailings can use fewer GPM of water than a modern agricultural irrigation pivot.
Equally important is Wyoming’s political and regulatory environment. As global demand for metals has increased, companies are having to venture into new and more remote locales in search of viable mines. Local opposition and unstable political regimes have derailed many viable projects and companies are keenly aware of the importance operating in stable jurisdictions.
Wyoming not only has a general populace familiar and comfortable with modern mining, but it also has an experienced workforce and support industries. Wyoming’s extensive mining industry improves economics and reduces necessary operating costs. Rather than having millions of dollars in spare parts sitting in a warehouse, the proximity of vendors means parts can be available within hours. Lastly, Wyoming’s environmental rules are workable and regulators possess a deep understanding of the industry, driving a process that balances concern for the environment with a timely and predictable process. They work in concert with companies to find solutions rather than look for reasons to deny permits.
Improved understanding of the resources, new processing technologies, and record commodity prices are leading companies to reexamine ore that was previously marginal, passed over or overlooked. With one gold and copper project already fully permitted, it’s just a matter of time before Wyoming begins reaping the benefits of a renewed metals mining industry.
BY: CRAIG ROOD DIRECTOR GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, PR & SAFETY WESODA
Short-Term Outlook (2025–2027):
The global soda ash market is navigating a rebalancing period following several years of aggressive supply expansion, particularly in China. While oversupply and pricing pressure continue to weigh on parts of the market, notably in Asia and Europe, there are encouraging signs of stabilization and selective recovery:
• U.S. Outlook: Domestic prices are projected to remain stable or improve slightly in 2025, underpinned by steady demand in flat and container glass, and tightening supply dynamics due to fewer incremental expansions. We Soda US and other U.S. producers have implemented modest price increases, reflecting improved cost structures and sustained demand fundamentals .
• China: After a steep correction, soda ash export prices from China appear to have bottomed out around $180–200/mt FOB. Supply rationalization and improved lithium and solar sector activity post-Chinese New Year are supporting a more constructive outlook for the second half of 2025 .
• Europe: High energy costs and flat demand continue to weigh on margins, but recent coal phase- outs and sustainability investments could structurally improve the region’s competitiveness .
• Global Demand: Although global demand growth decelerated in early 2025, select markets such as Southeast Asia and India are showing resilience, driven by detergent, glass, and lithium carbonate sectors. U.S. export volumes remain strong, particularly into emerging Asia
Long-Term Outlook (2027–2034):
The fundamentals of the soda ash market remain attractive in the medium-to-long term, supported by megatrends across several sectors:
• Glass & Solar Growth: Glass manufacturing remains the primary demand driver (accounting for nearly 47% of global consumption), with solar glass capacity and flat glass for construction expected to expand significantly, especially in Asia, North America, and the Middle East .
MINERAL FORECAST CONTINUED
TRONA - ROOD CONT’D.
• Battery & Lithium Integration: Lithium carbonate production— where soda ash plays a critical role—is forecast to grow rapidly in support of electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chains. In China alone, lithium carbonate output increased 65% YoY through April 2025 .
• Sustainability & Natural Soda Ash: Natural soda ash from trona deposits (like those in Wyoming) is increasingly favored due to lower energy intensity and emissions compared to synthetic production. This aligns with global decarbonization policies and enhances the competitive advantage of U.S. producers.
• Capacity Expansion & Constraints: While global capacity continues to expand (notably in China, and India), project delays and higher input costs are expected to temper some of this growth.
Conclusion:
While short-term challenges persist—particularly around pricing and regional imbalances—the long-term trajectory for soda ash remains positive. Wyoming, with its vast, lowcost trona reserves and continued investment in innovation and sustainability, is positioned to lead the global transition toward cleaner, more efficient soda ash production. As the world’s largest soda ash producer, WE Soda remains committed to ensuring resilient supply chains and sustainable growth for the industry.
RARE EARTH
As the CEO of RER (Rare Element Resources), I am pleased to share our journey and vision for the rare earth elements (REE) industry. Since establishing our presence in Wyoming in 1999, RER has been committed to unlocking the potential of the Bear Lodge Project, a world class deposit, in grade and resource, in Northeastern Wyoming. This project represents a transformative opportunity to enhance Wyoming’s mining legacy by adding additional critical minerals resources to our state’s mining portfolio.
REEs, including the “magnet elements” neodymium and praseodymium which are dominant in our Bear Lodge deposit, are vital to modern technology, powering everything from defense systems and medical devices to advanced transportation and energy technologies. At RER, we are pioneering our proprietary, state of the art, processing technology at our Upton demonstration plant which is backed by a $24.2 million Department of Energy cost-share award and $4.4 million from the Wyoming Energy Authority. This facility, set to be operational in 2025, will showcase a cost-efficient, environmentally responsible approach to REE extraction, positioning Wyoming as a leader in the domestic rare earth supply chain.
The current administrations in Washington & Wyoming have prioritized the urgent need for domestically sourced and separated REEs, making the future of REE production in Wyoming and the U.S. promising, but pressing. With China controlling over 80% of global REE supply, domestic production is a national security and economic imperative. Wyoming’s Bear Lodge could reduce U.S. reliance on imports, creating high-paying jobs and stimulat-
ing communities like Upton and Sundance. Our state’s mining expertise, robust regulatory framework, and streamlined permitting processes give us all a competitive edge to meet the urgent and growing demand.
BY: KEN MUSHINSKI CEO
RARE ELEMENT RESOURCES
RER’s work is just the beginning. By fostering collaboration across Wyoming’s mining sector, we can build a robust REE supply chain, from mine to separated oxides, that rivals global leaders. Wyoming is also the perfect place to further vertically integrate the supply chain to include rare earth metal, alloy, and magnet manufacturers. This industry promises not only economic growth but also a chance to redefine Wyoming’s role in the reshoring of this critical industry. We look forward to a future where Wyoming powers the world’s defense and technological advancements.
URANIUM
BY: SCOTT MELBYE EXECUTIVE VP
The American uranium industry is again enjoying a long-awaited resurgence as a supplier of fuel to the rapidly growing nuclear energy industry. While the United States led in global uranium production of over 40 million pounds U3O8 in 1980, our output had fallen to essentially zero in recent years. Almost 100% of the uranium fueling 20% of American electricity from nuclear power plants has been coming from foreign sources, and 50% of those imports originate from Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. As we have learned from a dangerous dependency on critical minerals and pharmaceuticals from China, now is not the time to put our energy and national security in the hands of countries that do not share our values and interests. Today, however, as the result of strong market conditions and supportive policies, I am very proud to report that six members of the Uranium Producers of America have restarted uranium operations, and many more are in the exploration, development and permitting stages to further increase domestic production.
MINERAL FORECAST CONTINUED
URANIUM - MELBYE CONT’D.
Nowhere is this more true than in the State of Wyoming with Ur-Energy operating the Lost Creek mine in the Great Divide Basin and Uranium Energy Corp restarting the former Uranium One assets, at Christensen Ranch / Irigaray in the Powder River Basin. The UEC Irigaray Central Processing Plant will also serve as infrastructure for additional licensed satellite deposits at Reno Creek, Moore Ranch and Ludeman. North of Gillette, Peninsula’s, Strata Energy, are in advanced stages of restarting their Lance Project with a new Central Processing Plant. Also in the Great Divide Basin, Uranium Energy Corp closed on the purchase of the Sweetwater assets from Rio Tinto in 2024, which included one of three existing conventional mills in the United States, and 150 million pounds of historic uranium resources. These operations are slated for restart within the next 3-4 years and could be helped by the Trump Administration’s actions and policies to streamline the permitting and regulation of critical minerals production, including uranium, to regain America’s mining leadership. On the development side, we are also seeing a boost in Wyoming exploration spending, from multiple companies, to identify new deposits, or advance existing holdings towards ultimate production. Additionally, Wyoming has standby capacity that could be called upon from the operations of Cameco’s Smith Ranch / Highland and Energy Fuels’, Nichols
Ranch, both in the Powder River Basin.
All of this growth is supportive of President Trump’s American Energy Dominance policies which will eliminate energy dependencies from foreign sources and even reinstate the United States’ role as a net energy exporter. Wyoming couldn’t be better positioned as natural gas, nuclear, and coal are all going to be needed to generate electricity for the United States energy needs. America’s grid is once again seeing unprecedented load growth demand due to the high-tech electrification of society, transportation needs, and energy-hungry data centers. In our industry, it is exciting to see the work of the Wyoming Energy Council attracting nuclear energy businesses beyond mining to the state. Of course, the Natrium reactor of Terra Power coming to Kemmerer will be a transformational energy development, but we are also seeing interest in siting value-added fuel cycle facilities, nuclear fuel manufacturing, and even small portable reactor construction in Wyoming.
The domestic uranium industry is experiencing a historic resurgence with extensive benefits to the local economy, businesses and Wyoming people. Exciting times!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
THEY ARE WHO MAKE ALL THIS POSSIBLE. WE ARE GRATEFUL TO ALL THOSE THAT OFFER SUPPORT.
CONVENTION
AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY
ARMATUER ADVOCACY
BIG HORN TIRES
HOLLAND AND HART
KOMATSU
MCLANAHAN
NAVAJO TRANSITIONAL ENERGY
PROGEN
SLS WEST
UW COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
WWC ENGINEERING
FOOD BANK RAFFLE
- 22” BLACKSTONE GRILL:
EAGLE SPECIALTY MATERIALS
TOUR SETUP AND PARKING TICKETS
UW SCHOOL OF ENERGY RESOURCES
TOURS
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
BARR
BODELL
EAGLE SPEIALTY MATERIALS
NORTH STAR STRATEGIES
P&C RECRUITING
AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY
BIG HORN TIRE
CAST TRANSPORT
ENERGY LABS
FRONTIER PRECISION
HALLIBURTON - BARROID
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY
KC HARVEY
NATIONAL EWP
NORDIC LIGHTS
SWCA
UW COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
UW COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
UW SCHOOL OF ENERGY RESOURCES
WEAR PRO
WYOMING BEARING AND SUPPLY
PECK AWARD DAN HALLOWAY
In 1983 the Wyoming Mining Association (WMA) established the Peck Community Achievement Award. The first recipient was Senator Roy Peck, posthumously, and the presentation was made to the members of his family at the WMA Convention in Cheyenne on June 18, 1983. This award is given annually to a representative or employee of the Wyoming mining industry that goes “above and beyond” in their community.
The winner of the 2025 Peck Community Achievement Award is Mr. Dan Holloway of Wyo-Ben.
Dan has been employed with Wyo-Ben for 20 years and is an integral part of the company team, advancing from the packing room to engineering technician. He currently serves as Chairman of Wyo-Ben’s Big Horn Basin Mines safety committee, a position he has held for the last 5 years.
He has done volunteer work in Cody and Big Horn County for many years. Dan is involved with community youth through 4-H
shooting sports and was named the Northwest Leader of the Year in 2024. He has been the Wyoming 4-H shooting sports National team coach for both archery and muzzleloader. He has served on the board with the Cody Archery Club, serving as treasurer and vice-president. He is currently serving as a search and rescue officer in Big Horn County, a hoist rescue technician with Wyoming Hoist Rescue and an emergency medical responder. He is an accomplished photographer for the community’s local sports teams and activities as well as the for the local newspapers.
Dan served our country in the United States Marine Corps and is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Dan and his wife Sarah have been married for nearly 24 years, are the proud parents of son Jeremy, also a Wyo-Ben employee, and daughter Elizabeth, a sophomore at Greybull High School.
Dan joins a long list of past Peck Award recipients who selflessly give their time and effort to make their operations and communities better. The Wyoming Mining Association is honored to present the 2025 Peck Community Achievement Award to Mr. Dan Holloway.
Family Owned Business Working in Wyoming, Montana, and Canada
2025 SALESPEOPLE OF THE YEAR
EQUIPMENT SALESMAN RANDY HARTLEY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
LECIA CRAFT
2025 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) EXCELLENCE IN MINING RECLAMATION AWARD – COAL CATEGORY
PURPOSE: The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Excellence in Mining Reclamation Awards are given to Wyoming coal and noncoal mine operators who demonstrate an achievement in a specific aspect of mine reclamation or for overall performance in meeting reclamation goals. The 2025 DEQ Excellence in Mining Reclamation Award-Coal Category will be presented at the 69th Annual Wyoming Mining Association Annual Convention in Laramie, June 4-6, 2025.
The Land Quality Division (LQD) has chosen the Buckskin Mine (Permit No. 500) to receive the DEQ Excellence in Mining Reclamation Award – Coal Category. Buckskin Mine is operated by Buckskin Mining Company. The mine permit area encompasses 9,160 acres and is located in Campbell County north of Gillette.
Buckskin Mine is recognized for their work on a 50-acre parcel reclaimed for big sagebrush shrubland habitat. The area was first drill seeded using a barley cover crop to stabilize the soil and prevent weed establishment. A native shrub seed mix was later drilled and broadcast-seeded into the barley. The shrub seeds were locally sourced, adding an advantage of local adaptations of the parent plants, improving their germination and success rates.
Within four years, Wyoming big sagebrush stands were abundant throughout the reclaimed area, exceeding shrub density standards set forth in the approved permit. After seven growing seasons, the shrub density was 2.9 shrubs per square meter, nearly three times the minimum acceptable density, and these higher densities occurred over 80% of the area. Buckskin Mine estimates the reclamation project resulted in the establishment of 500,000 shrubs to provide a diverse habitat for mule deer, pronghorn, sharp-tailed grouse, and other native species. The successful reclamation led to the LQD approving Phase III bond release of the area in 2024.
Matt Kunze, WDEQ Natural Resources Program Supervisor, said “The Buckskin Mine is commended for their successful shrubland reclamation at this site. The methods and lessons learned from this project are transferrable to other shrubland reclamation work at other mines in the state.”
BUCKSKIN MINE
Big sagebrush shrubland reclamation at the Buckskin Mine, May 2025.
• Regional and National Speakers!
Trade Show! • Raff les and More! • 8th Annual Miner’s Dinner – Sept. 16
SAFETY AWARDS WYOMING MINING ASSOCIATION AND
MAW 2024 AWARDS
LARGE CATEGORY CONTRACTORS
with greater than 75,000 hours reported in 2024.
• 1st Place - GK Construction
5 consecutive years without an LTA | 1,182,82 accumulated hours
• 2nd Place – Wyoming Machinery
4 consecutive years without an LTA | 618,58 accumulated hours
MEDIUM CATEGORY CONTRACTORS
with 25,000 to 75,000 reported hours in 2024.
• 1st Place - Arnold Machinery Company
7 consecutive years without an LTA | 229,213 accumulated hours
• 2nd Place – Interstate Power Systems
2 consecutive years without an LTA | 186,461 accumulated hours
• 3rd Place – Komatsu
2 consecutive years without an LTA | 110,591 accumulated hours
SMALL CATEGORY CONTRACTORS
with less than 25,000 reported hours in 2024.
• 1st Place - L&H
15 consecutive years without an LTA | 1,019,073 accumulated hours
• 2ndPlace – FireMaster
12 year without an LTA | 293,920 accumulated hours
• 3rd Place – Epiroc USA, LLC
7 consecutive years without an LTA | 144,368 accumulated hours
AWARDS 2024 AND MINING ASSOCIATES OF WYOMING WMA 2024 AWARDS
SURFACE MINE – LARGE CATEGORY
First Place – Navajo Transitional Energy Company – Antelope Mine
Second Place – Eagle Specialty Materials, LLC – Eagle Butte Mine
Third Place – Pacific Minerals – Bridger Coal Surface Mine
SURFACE MINE – SMALL CATEGORY
First Place – Buckskin Mining Company – Buckskin Mine
Second Place – Peabody Caballo Coal, LLC – Rawhide Mine
Third Place – Black Butte Coal Company – Black Butte Mine
SURFACE MINE – NON-COAL LARGE CATEGORY
First Place - Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC – BPM Colony Mill
Second Place – American Colloid Company – Colony East
Third Place – Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC – BPM Lovell Mill
SURFACE MINE – NON-COAL SMALL CATEGORY
First Place – Wyo-Ben, Inc. – Lucerne Mill
Second Place - Black Hills Bentonite – Mills Plant
Third Place – Wyo-Ben, Inc. – Sage Creek Mill
UNDERGROUND MINE – LARGE CATEGORY
First Place –Sisecam Wyoming, LLC – Big Island Mine & Refinery
Second Place – American Soda, LLC – Solvay Mine
Third Place – Genesis Alkali – Westvaco Mine
URANIUM
FIRST PLACE – STRATA ENERGY
SECOND PLACE – URANIUM ENERGY CORPORATION
THIRD PLACE – CAMECO RESOURCES
MINING ASSOCIATES
LETTER FROM THE MAW PRESIDENT
It has been a privilege to serve on the Mining Associates of Wyoming (MAW) board of directors for the past five years and as a officer for three of those. I am fortunate to be working with a great group of Mining Associate board members that truly care about the future of mining in Wyoming.
As members of MAW you are eligible for the MAW safety awards presented each year at the banquet during the WMA convention. Awards for the top three safest suppliers in each of the three categories are presented each year. This is a great opportunity for every MAW member company to be recognized for their long-term safety performance and accomplishments.
OFFICERS
Randy Quig | President Wyoming Machinery
Ellis Day | Vice President
Interstate Power Systems
Eric Borchers | Treasurer
Komatsu Mining Corp. Group
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Travis Deti
Wyoming Mining Association
Cory Wasson Liebherr USA
Dale Brown
WWC Engineering
Alderson Burchett
Brake Supply
Tony Trouchon Nelson Brothers
Randy Hartley Epiroc
Baron Fidler
Dyno Nobel Inc.
Jeff Pope
Holland & Hart LLP
BY: RANDY QUIG MAW Board President Wyoming Machinery
We as MAW members, share the same hope as our customers when it comes to the health of the Wyoming Mining industry. US President Donald Trump, in April, signed executive orders to “turbocharge coal mining” in the country, seeking to “more than double” electricity production. Trump also said that it would be “possible to extract enormous amounts of critical minerals and rare earths, we need for technology and high technology in the process of coal mining.”
This is an exciting change from our prior administration and will bring back manufacturing opportunities to the US. Now more than ever it is very important to become a MAW member whether working as a small, medium, or large contractor in the state of Wyoming, your voice has an equal impact when it comes to supporting the mining industry in our state. 75% of our membership dues go to the Wyoming Mining Association to assist in the continued education of the people of Wyoming regarding the importance of the mining industry.
There are many opportunities to serve on WMA committees, whether focused on education, recruitment and hiring, or safety. This year we are focused on supporting our youth and the future of a skilled workforce in our state, through SkillsUSA Wyoming. Please join MAW or become a more involved member to be part of the solution to so many issues affecting our mining communities and families in the state.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your President this past year.
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!
At L&H, we engineer mining solutions that go the full distance—from initial concept to real-world performance. Every part, every system, is designed for durability, precision-built in our shops, and proven in the toughest field conditions. Backed by decades of experience and deep mechanical knowhow, our teams deliver upgrades and components that don’t just keep your equipment running—they make it stronger, smarter, and Honestly Better®
