Wyodak Resources development corp. near gillette is the oldest surface coal mine that is still operating in the united states.
Mining activity takes place at Cloud Peak Energy’s Cordero Rojo mine.
“We conserve energy wherever we can, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make sure we put the land back as good as we found it if not better,” Rivenes says. “I think we’ve reclaimed something greater than 8,500 acres and reseeded them.” Peabody Energy has earned a similar reputation for a multitude of efforts in environmental responsibilities. The world’s largest private-sector coal company, Peabody was honored with a U.S. Department of the Interior 2012 Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Award for its protection of raptor populations at its flagship North Antelope Rochelle Mine in Campbell County. The honor came after nearly three decades of monitoring showed that populations of raptors – including eagles, hawks, owls and other birds of prey – have been successfully sustained even as mining activities increased. North Antelope Rochelle has a history of excellence in stewardship including recognition for a quarter-century of successful land restoration and wildlife protection from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Enriched Livelihoods The efforts of Cloud Peak Energy and Peabody are not lost on the community. Dr. Dustin Martinson, CEO of Rehab Solutions, a physical therapy center in Gillette, says the area’s coal industry does an excellent job of countering any negative perceptions of coal power. His enthusiasm for the companies’ environmental responsibilities led him to start an advocacy group known as Friends of Coal – Wyoming. “This is our economy, our livelihoods, not just the coal miners’ but mine as well,” says Martinson, a lifelong resident of Gillette who treats miners for injuries and helps with preventive programs. “My livelihood depends on the coal miners having jobs.” by John McBryde by staff photographer Jeff Otto l i va b i l i t y. c o m /g i l l e tt e
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