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TABLE OF CONTENTS Govenor’s Letter.........................................................................................4 About the WMA...........................................................................................5
1401 Airport Parkway, Ste. 230 | Cheyenne, WY 82001 Phone: 307-635-0331
www.wyomingmining.org
2021-22 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS
Wyoming Mining: Worth Fighting For | Executive Director, Travis Deti...........................................................7 WMA President’s Message | Tyler Tetrault..................................................................................................8 U.S. Senator John Barrasso: Energy & Mining are Lifeblood of the Wyoming Economy.................................................................10
Tyler Tetrault | President Bentonite Performance Minerals Aaron Reichl | Vice President Genesis Alkali Bernard Bonifas | Secretary/Treasurer Energy Fuels
U.S. Gold Eyes Wyoming Project.....................................................11
DIRECTORS
65th Annual Convention Program.........................................18-19
Scott Durgin Peabody Bernard Bonifas Energy Fuels Wayne Heili Peninsula Energy Roger Hoops Tata Soda Ash Partners Russell Krall Buckskin Mining Company Mike Thomas Black Hills Bentonite Shane Durgin Kemmerer Mine Crystal Volk SLS West Keith Williams Arch Resources Steve Williams NTEC
STAFF
Travis Deti | Executive Director Pat Joyce | Assistant Director Heidi Peterson | Membership & Retention
THE MINING CLAIM
Voice of the Wyoming Mining Association July 2021 © | Volume 47, No. 1
From the Assistant Director’s Desk | Pat Joyce.........................................................................................................14 Work Continues at Integrated Test Center............................. 15 2021 Convention Speakers.........................................................21-24 Wyoming Association for Career & Technical Education... 25
Wy SkillsUSA.............................................................................................. 25 2020 Safety Awards.......................................................................26-27 2021 WMA Peck Award........................................................................ 28 Reclamation & Regulatory Affairs..............................................29 Mining Associates of Wyoming | Crystal Volk..........................................................................................30-31 WMA Legislative Update................................................................... 32 Advertisers Index...................................................................................34
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, 1401 Airport Parkway, Ste. 230, Cheyenne, WY 82001.
Pat Joyce............................................................Editor Moxie Marketing of the Midwest, LLC.........Layout/Design www.wyomingmining.org
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ABOUT THE WYOMING MINING ASSOCIATION COMMUNICATION
LEGISLATION
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:
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:
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publicizing the environmental achievements and responsible processes used by the mining industry;
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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.
• • • •
•
• •
PARTNERSHIPS WMA promotes the mining industry by partnering with regulators, educators, and the public to build collaborative and trusting relationships. We do this by: • • •
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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.
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.
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GIVING YOU THE POWER TO DO MORE
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WMA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WYOMING MINING: WORTH FIGHTING FOR
BY: TRAVIS DETI
Executive Director Wyoming Mining Association
What a ride the last year has been! From the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related economic slowdown, to the political turbulence and the change in presidential administration, the last 12 months have certainly been challenging for the Wyoming mining industry. As we gather in the Energy Capital of America this summer and begin to recover, we look to the near-term future and plan our way forward. Stubborn market conditions continue to present significant tests for operators across all four of our industry sectors, exacerbated by lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Coal continues to face competition from cheap natural gas and heavily subsidized, government-supported and less reliable renewables, and adverse public policy. Our uranium producers continue to face the pressure of low prices and unfair competition from state-sponsored foreign sources. Wyoming bentonite operators continue to feel the impacts of struggling oil and gas production in the state. And our trona (natural soda ash) producers are slowly recovering from downline customer supply chain disruptions and cutthroat foreign competition. 2020 and early 2021 have been tough for all. Our industry in particular will continue to be tested in the foreseeable future as we
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adapt to a new, significantly less friendly administration in Washington, DC. In the first six months of the Biden presidency, we have seen a host of measures and proposals aimed at restricting mining activities. From restrictions on leasing, increases in federal royalty rates and imposition of new royalties on locatable minerals, to mining restrictions in sage grouse core areas, the barrage of anti-mining concepts are coming fast and furious from Washington and do not bode well. I still see some positive news and reasons to be hopeful. On the coal front, our support at the state level has never been higher. Wyoming continues to lead in efforts to defend the industry and keep our coal resource viable into the future. Both at home and in Washington, Wyoming continues to press for the development and deployment of viable carbon capture technology to keep coal in America’s electricity generation mix. As the energy debacle of this past winter proved, Wyoming coal remains essential as a low-cost, reliable source of generation where weather-dependent renewables simple are not. The state continues to press for port access to export Wyoming coal to international customers; the rest of the world is continuing to burn coal. The Wyoming Mining Association (WMA) continues to work with state legislators, Governor Mark Gordon, state regulators, and the Wyoming Congressional Delegation to ease the tax and regulatory burden for coal operators. As long as we are so heavily dependent on coal revenue, it remains in the state’s interest continue to defend our coal producers. We remain hopeful that the Biden Administration will see the value in the development of a domestic uranium stockpile. As President Trump’s Nuclear Fuel Cycle Working Group determined, this concept is necessary not only for a safe and stable energy source, but for national security reasons as well. Wyoming uranium producers are well positioned to meet the demand for the
stockpile once bureaucratic obstacles are overcome. Despite the oil and gas downturn, Wyoming bentonite production has been steady as strong demand for pet litter continues. And as the economy continues to reopen, there is hope that demand for oilfield products will increase. There is hope in the trona patch as well. Production will increase as we extract ourselves from the effects of the pandemic. Trona operators remain optimistic, and expansion projects remain on the board and are coming to fruition. While headwinds for the industry remain, we are prepared to face them. This year’s 65th Annual Convention of the Wyoming Mining Association gives us the opportunity to gather, share our thoughts, ideas and best practices on where we go from here. We will hear from a variety of our national trade association and federal and state partners on what to expect and how we can plan for dealing with the Biden Administration. We will hear about state efforts to defend the industry, as well opportunities on the technology, rare earths and gold mining fronts. Safety and world class reclamation continue to be top priority for all of our member companies, and we look forward to recognizing our award winners, as well. The storm has been strong, but we will continue to weather it. Your staff at WMA continues to work every day on your behalf, and we thank our member companies and our partners of the Mining Associates of Wyoming for your steadfast support. Despite the obstacles we face, the fact remains the Wyoming and America remain reliant on you for the energy and essential products that we use every single day. You are worth fighting for.
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WMA PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Now that over a year has passed since the official beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, we have all become accustomed to a variety of changes to our work practices and everyday lifestyles. No business, industry or economy has been safe from the devastating effects and every one has experienced its own unique set of challenges. While it remains to be seen what the lasting effects of these changes will be, one thing is certain: the Wyoming mining industry continues to pick itself up and persevere through these unprecedented times. Early last year when it became more widely known that mining was part of the Critical Manufacturing sector, and we were considered Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers per the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, a sense of pride and contribution could be felt in the workforce. Our men and women who work long days in harsh conditions can take heart in the knowledge that the products we produce truly have a positive impact on the world. From being the number one coal producer in the U.S., the producer of 90% of the country’s soda ash, the leading producer of the nation’s bentonite, and the country’s largest producer of uranium, Wyoming sits at the top of an impressive variety of industrial supply chains. We also have one of the richest rare earth element deposits in the world. Once we start mining it, we will reduce America’s foreign dependence on these vital, critical minerals.
BY: TYLER TETRAULT Wyoming Mining Association President Bentonite Performance Minerals
Wyoming mining continues to provide value to the citizens of Wyoming. With any endeavor there are inevitable challenges to overcome, and mining certainly has its share. In addition to traditional business concerns and the recent impact of the pandemic, increased focus on environmental, social, and governance factors continues to shape the conversations being had about our industry. Wyoming mining stakeholders must forge ahead and navigate these obstacles to continue producing largely consumed commodities. I personally believe this is when we will need to come together more than ever through the Wyoming Mining Association (WMA) to remain relevant. Active engagement in Wyoming issues will be a key element for the mining industry under current circumstances. Special thanks to Travis Deti and the WMA team with their engagement amongst stakeholders focusing on education and promoting safe and responsible mining. The WMA facilitates the collaborative efforts of the industry, provides guidance to local, county, and state leaders, actively partners with the business community and promotes resource and industry-related education in the public schools. In closing, as we continue to work during these challenging times, we all must reflect on the previous year and feel a sense of pride for what we have accomplished. We have all maintained safe working habits during times with mental stresses of health, family, finances, and many unknowns. I am proud of what our industry continues to accomplish and I see us moving forward together in the future. “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” – Vince Lombardi
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U.S. SENATOR JOHN BARRASSO: ENERGY & MINING ARE LIFEBLOOD OF WYOMING'S ECONOMY Energy and mining are the lifeblood of Wyoming’s economy. Our state’s tremendous natural resources create good paying jobs and support entire communities. We are America’s leading producer of coal, uranium, trona, and bentonite. As members of the Wyoming Mining Association, you know how important coal is to our state. The people of Wyoming are proud of our mining heritage. Your hard work powers America’s economy and provides abundant, affordable, and secure energy to American families. The Biden administration has declared war on Wyoming’s energy workers by trying to eliminate coal production through regulations and executive orders. They want to slam the door shut on American energy independence. This will hurt Wyoming communities, kill jobs, and cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. These are critical funds we use to pay for schools, roads, and other essential services. There is a better way. As the Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I believe innovation is the key to protect Wyoming’s coal jobs. That’s why I am big supporter of carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies. These groundbreaking technologies have the potential to remove carbon dioxide emissions from the exhaust of coal-fired power plants and straight out of the air. These emissions can be transformed to create new products including – clothing, carbon fiber, building materials like cement and concrete, and even hand sanitizer. Carbon dioxide can also be used to extract more energy, after which, it will be stored underground. Wyoming is leading the way on the development of carbon capture. Located Outside of Gillette at Basin Electric’s coal-fired power plant sits the Integrated Test Center. The state-of-the-art center provides space for research teams to test carbon capture technologies. It gives researchers the opportunity to use carbon dioxide emissions directly from the coal-fired power plant. Last year, I worked with senators from both parties to pass legislation to support the kind of work being done at the Integrated Test Center. Now law, my bill called the USE IT Act will help speed up
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the government permitting of carbon capture infrastructure and will support the researchers developing these important technologies. This work will create new markets for Wyoming coal. At the same time, I am working to support coal-to-products development. While coal continues to help keep the lights on across the county, it’s more than just a power source. Carbon from coal can be used in products as diverse as water filters, automobile bodies, bikes, and building products.
BY: U.S. SENATOR JOHN BARRASSO
The development of both carbon capture technologies and coal-toproducts will promote the long-term use of Wyoming’s abundant coal reserves. Wyoming is blessed with abundant natural resources. We can’t leave that energy buried in the ground. I will continue to support this important work. At the same time, we also need Wyoming’s uranium. Nuclear power is a critical part of America’s energy mix. In December, President Trump signed my legislation to help protect Wyoming’s uranium producers from Russian market interference and to create a stockpile of American uranium. The creation and funding of a national uranium reserve is long overdue. This reserve will help preserve and strengthen uranium production in Wyoming. It will ensure America will always have the fuel it needs to power our nuclear reactors. Thank you for the important work that you do and I look forward to continuing to work with the members of the Wyoming Mining Association.
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U.S. GOLD EYES WYOMING PROJECT While recent mining in Wyoming has centered around energy commodities and industrial minerals, the state has a long history of hard rock mining. We know thousands of years ago humans utilized the metal deposits near present day Hartville to fashion tools and weapons. Wyoming’s hard rock mines drove the early settlement of many communities in the state. Western Laramie County is home to numerous historic mines, in fact, the area is known as the Silver Crown Mining District. While major mining operations ended just prior to World War II, the mining legacy of the area can still be seen in the remnants of the town of Hecla and an ore mill southeast of Curt Gowdy State Park. Potentially economic quantities of gold, copper, and other metals remain in the area. A few years ago, U.S. Gold Corp. (Nasdaq: USAU) acquired the lease for the former Copper King Mine located on State of Wyoming owned land, as well as leases on adjacent fee lands. The Copper King Mine was developed in 1881 by the Adams Copper Mining and Reduction Company and later operated by the Hecla Mining Company. Since 1938, the site has been drilled for core samples by at least eight different companies. In August 2020, George Bee joined U.S. Gold Corp. as the new President and CEO. He has significant experience around the world developing new mines for companies such as Barrick Gold, Anglo American, and Rio Tinto. Mr. Bee has renamed the site the CK Gold Project and assembled a team to take a new look at the prospects. Last fall, the company drilled a number of exploratory holes and wells to take core samples and insert water monitoring equipment. This summer, drilling will resume to obtain additional geologic samples and baseline water qualities, to confirm preliminary findings which suggest the project is both viable and will have a net benefit to the area. Previous analysis indicates about 182 million pounds of copper and 692,000 ounces of gold can be recovered using gravity and froth floatation recovery methods. This process will create a concentrate that will be shipped to existing smelters off-site for final processing. The onsite processing is rather benign, with no stack emissions, roasting or cyanide leaching common in other areas. The mine is estimated to have about a ten-year production life, employing about 150-200 people at site, with significantly more during the initial construction phase. There will be an additional two-year reclamation period, post-mine life. The company is exploring the feasibility of several post mining uses for the site, including a reservoir for water storage. Ultimately, geologic and rock chemistry analysis will determine what is possible. Throughout the rest of 2021, the company will be conducting additional studies to better understand the site, the extent of the resource in place, area hydrology, local impacts and economics. This summer, the company plans to release a prefeasibility report, which will likely lead directly into a feasibility study. The findings will determine the next steps. www.wyomingmining.org
Area landowner and stakeholder outreach is an important part of this effort. The company has conducted over 40 meetings with over 100 local and regional stakeholders. U.S. Gold Corp. strives to be a good corporate citizen and is actively listening to concerns and comments. Understanding those issues now can help design a better project to best mitigate impacts and enhance opportunities. In early 2021, the company BY: JASON BEGGER opened an office in Chey- President of Armature Advocacy, LLC enne to provide a local presence and location for people to learn more about the project. The CK Gold Project would provide a significant economic boost to southeastern Wyoming and tax coffers. Since the project is located on a State-owned section, the royalties would directly fund education, not to mention the revenue from the ad valorem, sales and use and severance taxes. U.S. Gold Corp. is excited about the prospects of opening the first hard rock mine in Wyoming in decades. We look forward to working with the rest of the mining community and are currently prioritizing Wyoming consultants and vendors to assist with the project. If the projects proceeds, we will focus on engaging with additional Wyoming companies to make the mine a reality. The next 12 months will be extremely busy and we will share updates as new information becomes available.
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WMA ASSISTANT DIRECTOR TRAINING OUR FUTURE WORKFORCE Hey, we’re all still standing! What was that all about last year? Well, the researchers, the politicians, the media and certainly all of us are rightly trying to figure out that answer. What really happened and why did it have such a tremendous effect on our daily routine, in our work, school and home lives? And ultimately, what affect has it had on us as individuals as well as our workplace, our schools and communities. Face it. Most of us are trying to remember what “normal” looked like a mere 18 months ago and wondering if we can ever recover it. Routine: Some people thrive on a solid, predictable expectation of their daily interactions. Others on the other hand like to mix it up. Keep it interesting. The world needs all types. This natural characteristic may drive our individual life stories more directly than we realize. While it is somewhat rarer than it used to be, some people stay in the same job skill or company the majority of their life. While being on a constant move to new jobs and industries has become the norm for more recent generations. So what? Well, this is what. In this big world there is an undeniable truth. We all need each other’s skills to build and maintain the world we live in. But you would be surprised how many people do not recognize that fact. They are more content to operate in their own cocoon. This few last years I have become more involved in several career and technical education groups in Wyoming. This area of education intrigues me as I see it as the sector from which our mining workforce will emerge. Interestingly enough I have found both kinds of personality types in this group as well. Funny how that happened. As an industry advisor to the Wyoming Perkins V Advisory Council, I traveled the state with other industry and department of education team members to visit with over 80 guidance counselors around the state. I came away with two observations that have not left me. One, the majority of the counselors did not have any idea what jobs existed in our mines and had no interest in learning about it because they already knew for a fact that those jobs are dangerous and the mines are all going to close soon. The second thing they did not recognize was that the skills hired in the mines are not only diverse they are most likely transferrable to other industries (in the likely event you’re the non-routine type.) Well. That’s incorrect. And thus, we have a job to do. We as the mining industry and the WMA have a story to tell. We have relationships to build and a responsibility to the industry and the state of Wyoming to work in partnership with other’s worlds to bring along the next generations to be those routine and not so routine workers who will make mining their commitment and bring the minerals to all the world in whatever form they eventually take that will make this world grow and thrive beyond today. And beyond Covid or it’s nasty cousins. 14 | The 2021 Mining Claim
In the last couple of years, I have been invited to serve on the, UW CTE Teacher Education Task Force, the Wyoming Association of Career and Technical (WACTE) Advisory Council, the Wyoming SkillsUSA Board of Directors and the Perkins V Industry Advisory Council. This is a perfect combination of educational work groups that determine the next training opportunities of our future workforce.
BY: PAT JOYCE
Here’s a nugget: In the Assistant Director WACTE and Perkins V meet- Wyoming Mining Association ings we are informed that the average age of CTE teachers in Wyoming is now 57. Does anyone see retirement coming their way? And guess what? There is slim to none new graduates coming up behind them? In a WACTE meeting in Buffalo a few weeks ago we were told by two teachers, they have been informed by their superintendents that when they retire their school boards have decided “not to replace them.” As I told the CTE teachers in that meeting: “As an industry rep, that scares the hell out of me!” Routine. Yes. We need to support the routine of training our future workforce. Not the routine of training them in outdated methods, but in up to date, futuristic methods. Methods that will meet our needs in the future of mining. That will meet the needs of other industries. We need to support the training of those who train and those who learn the trades. We need to support those who spread the word and introduce the mining industry to the young minds who will someday take the reins and deliver the minerals to the rest of the world to make it a far richer and dynamic place to live and do business. I am in search of key interested individuals in our mines and supply and service businesses that either already work with or would be willing to work with these groups to establish the relationships, contribute technical support and even teach a class or two along the way. WMA has established the Workforce-Education committee to explore and support this area in our multi-faceted arena of mining. Won’t you join us? Please reach out to me and let’s have a visit about the possibilities. New ideas wanted.
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WORK CONTINUES AT INTEGRATED TEST CENTER The Wyoming Integrated Test Center (ITC) is a one-of-a-kind research facility providing space for testing of carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) technologies using actual coalbased flue gas from Basin Electric Power Cooperative’s Dry Fork Station near Gillette. It’s one of a handful of facilities around the world and only the second one in the United States that allows for real world testing at an active power plant, helping to alleviate typical concerns about commercial scale up. This testing capacity is a critical step necessary for CCUS technologies to reach commercialization. The ITC is a public-private partnership between the State of Wyoming, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and Basin Electric Power Cooperative. Funding was allocated in 2014, construction began in 2016 and the facility was completed in 2018. While the facility was largely closed to the public over the past year, research continued with three different research teams conducting onsite tests. TDA Research was the first tenant to move onsite in 2019, conducting testing throughout 2020 and into 2021. TDA has a novel hybrid carbon capture system that incorporates both membrane and solid sorbent technologies. Two finalists from the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE were still able to travel onsite to the ITC in 2020 and complete their testing for the competition. Dimensional Energy’s carbon utilization technology used a photocatalytic CO2 reaction system to produce a syngas chemical feedstock that can be converted into liquid fuels. Their goal is to commercialize sustainable jetfuel. CarbonBuilt, the coal-track winner of the Carbon XPRIZE, developed a low CO2 concrete replacement which permanently embeds CO2 into the concrete. While onsite at the ITC, CarbonBuilt successfully injected nearly three tons of CO2 into more than 10,000 concrete blocks they cured. This year the work will continue. Partnerships with DOE and Researchers Membrane Technology and Research was one of two projects selected to advance to the third and final phase of the Department of Energy’s funding opportunity for a large-scale pilot carbon capture project. The $64 million award will allow MTR to test their membrane carbon capture technology in the ITC’s large test bay and utilize approximately 10MWe of coal-based flue gas. Design work will begin this year and they are expected onsite in 2022.
www.wyomingmining.org
Gas Technology Institute will also be testing a membrane capture technology at the ITC with funding from the Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory. GTI will be working with their partner, the Ohio State University, to build an engineering-scale system and are currently working on designs and permitting. Both these technologies will help expand the suite of carbon capture options that are available at the commercial scale for post-combustion facilities.
BY: JASON BEGGER Managing Director of the Wyoming Integrated Test Center
Partnerships with Japan Wyoming has been working jointly with Japan since 2016 to advance CCUS technologies. JCOAL and Kawasaki Heavy Industries announced in 2018 the plan for KHI to test their solid sorbent technology at the ITC. Since then KHI has been working through the design and permitting process and is expected to be onsite in early 2022. And finally, a partnership between GreenOre Technology, Columbia University, and JCOAL will bring a test skid to the ITC to GreenOre’s carbon utilization and carbon recycling technology at the ITC. Fostering the next generation of carbon management research, the ITC plays a crucial role in the scale up and commercialization of carbon management technologies. Over $100 million in projects are in the ITC pipeline, demonstrating the wisdom of Wyoming’s early investment to build the facility. These projects not only have the potential to extend the life of coal plants, they can help Wyoming’s efforts to establish itself as the center of the next generation of energy technology development.
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RCRA REFRESHER TRAINING 2-DAY VIRTUAL COURSE
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307-635-0331
McCoy serves environmental pros in manufacturing and industry including U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Defense, Fortune 500 companies, and the U.S. environmental regulatory agencies. Through training, McCoy supports 2,000 professionals per year.
16 | The 2021 Mining Claim
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WMA BENEFITS WORKING FOR YOU ALL YEAR LONG Member Benefits Annual Convention and MAW Golf Tournament Safety Conference and Trade Show Lobbying – State Legislature, Congress State Agencies – Mining Response Comments Mineral Work Groups – DEQ Communications WCIC – Wyoming Coal Information Committee Safety Committee Workforce Education Committee Legislative Committee Education – CTE Outreach Public Outreach UW Energy Day Promote/Produce Industry Forums to Support Mining Partner with and Support Industry Allies Election Candidate Forums
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Be Part of the WMA Action! Come JOIN a Committee We have lots of options! REGULATORY AFFAIRS Subcommittees: Sage Grouse Intervention Team Migration Corridor Monitoring Legislative Affairs Water Quality Bonding Wildlife Archeology Air Quality Legislative Affairs Safety Committee Workforce-Education
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65th An
CONVENTION OF THE WYO
JULY 21 - 23, 2021 | THE CAM-
WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2021
Changes & Challenges
9:00 – WMA Board of Directors Meeting (L&H Industrial) 11:00 – 2:30 Registration 1:30 – Annual WMA Golf Tournament – Bell Nob Golf Course 5:00 – Mining Associates of Wyoming Annual Function (Drinks and Heavy Hors d’oeuvres) – Bell Nob Golf Course
THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021 7:00 - Breakfast - Cam-Plex 7:30 – 1:00 Registration 7:50 to 8:00 - Welcome Mrs. Louis Carter-King - Mayor of Gillette 8:00 to 8:15 - Convention Opening Mr. Travis Deti - Executive Director - Wyoming Mining Association 8:15 to 8:45 - “A View from Washington” Mr. Ryan Jackson - Senior Vice President of Government and Political Affairs - National Mining Association 8:45 to 9:15 - “Securing America’s Supply Chain Must Begin with Strengthening the Minerals Industry” Mr. Chris Greissing - President - Industrial Minerals Association – North America 9:15 to 9:45 - “Domestic Uranium – A Key Component of America’s Clean Energy Future & National Security” Mr. Landon Stropko - Co-Chair for Energy - Invariant Government Relations 9:45 to 10:15 Coffee Break - Cam-Plex 10:15 to 10:45 - “The Road Ahead: Legal Challenges Facing the Mining Industry Under the Biden Administration” Mr. Andrew Emrich - Partner - Holland and Hart 10:45 to 11:15 - “UW School of Energy Resources: Driving Technology and Policy Innovation” Ms. Holly Krutka, PhD - Executive Director - University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources 11:15 to 11:45 - “Building the Mining Workforce with CTE Students” Mr. Rob Hill - Chairman - Wyoming SkillsUSA
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nnual
OMING MINING ASSOCIATION
-PLEX | GILLETTE, WYOMING
s: What Comes Next? 12:00 WMA Presidents Lunch – Cam-Plex “US Energy and Climate Policy: Implications for National Security and America’s Industrial Base” Mr. David Gattie, PhD - Associate Professor of Engineering - University of Georgia 6:00 – Cocktail Hour & Silent Auction - Cam-Plex 7:00 - Annual WMA Dinner - Cam-Plex Salesman of the Year Awards WMA Peck Community Achievement Award Special Award – The Honorable Michael B. Enzi, US Senator (Retired) Door Prizes and Silent Auction 8:00 - 11:00 - WMA Casino Party
FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021 8:00 – Breakfast - Cam-Plex 9:00 to 9:30 - “Wyoming: Where Mining Matters” The Honorable Randall Luthi - Chief Energy Policy Advisor - Governor Mark Gordon 9:30 to 10:00 - “2021 Changes to the Mining Regulatory Framework” Mr. Todd Parfitt - Director - Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality 10:00 to 10:30 Coffee Break - Cam-Plex 10:30 to 11:00 - “The Wyoming Energy Strategy” Mr. Glen Murrell, PhD - Executive Director - Wyoming Energy Authority 11:00 to 11:30 - “Exploration Opportunity in Wyoming” Ms. Erin Campbell, PhD - Director and State Geologist - Wyoming State Geological Survey 11:45 – 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 Awards Lifetime Achievement Award: Phillip Dinsmoor www.wyomingmining.org
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2021 CONVENTION SPEAKERS “A View from Washington” Mr. Ryan Jackson Senior Vice President of Government and Political Affairs National Mining Association Ryan Jackson is responsible for the National Mining Association’s government and political affairs. He brings over 20 years of experience reaching bipartisan achievements. As chief of staff for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Mr. Jackson successfully negotiated the U.S. Senate confirmation votes of two EPA administrators, nine assistant administrators, and inspector general candidates and recruited well over 100 additional political appointees producing EPA’s regulatory agenda which included the Affordable Clean Energy Rule and the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. As staff director for the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee he led the negotiations for the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act, the first major environmental legislation enacted in twenty years, principal national transportation and water infrastructure legislation, and the enactment of over 60 other bipartisan bills. Mr. Jackson began his career in Oklahoma as an assistant district attorney and as chief of staff for U.S. Senator James M. Inhofe receiving his B.A. from the University of Oklahoma and J.D. from Oklahoma City University.
“Securing a merican's Supply Chain Must Begin with Strengthening the Minerals Industry” Mr. Chris Greissing President Industrial Minerals Association – North America Chris Greissing is the President of the Industrial Minerals Association – North America (IMA-NA). Chris has been with IMA for 14 years, and brings an extensive knowledge of Capitol Hill to the staff. www.wyomingmining.org
Before coming to IMA-NA, Chris worked within the health care and food service industries lobbying and providing counsel to clients on a wide variety of federal legislative and regulatory issues impacting the industry. Prior to that, Chris began his career by working on Capitol Hill for Congressman Fred Upton. Chris holds a B.A. from Georgetown University and a J.D. from California Western School of Law in San Diego, CA, and is admitted to the DC Bar. Chris resides in Reston, VA with his wife Sharon and three daughters.
“Domestic Uranium - A Key Component of America’s Clean Energy Future National Security” Mr. Landon Stropko Co-Chair for Energy Invariant Government Relations
Landon Stropko is an experienced Republican policy counsel with over a decade of service in the House and Senate. He cochairs Invariant’s energy practice, where his political savvy and coalition-building experience serve clients on issues including appropriations, aviation, homeland security, natural resources, and taxes. His work with startups helps small businesses with big ideas amplify their Washington presence and navigate a complex regulatory, legislative, and political landscape. Landon most recently served as legislative director for Senate Budget Committee Chairman Mike Enzi (R-WY), overseeing a broad portfolio including tax and health care reform for the Senator’s work on the Senate Finance and Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committees. He previously ran the 50-member Congressional Western Caucus and was chief of staff to Representative Cynthia Lummis (R-WY). His leadership guided the caucus on energy, environment, and natural resource issues and secured wins through appropriations and authorizing legislation. Landon holds a Juris Doctorate from the Georgetown University Law Center and graduated from the University of Wyoming. He helps small businesses with big ideas amplify their Washington presence and navigate a complex regulatory, legislative, and political landscape.
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“The Road Ahead: Legal Challenges Facing the Mining Industry Under the Biden Administration” Mr. Andrew Emrich Partner Holland and Hart As a partner with Holland & Hart LLP, Andrew Emrich has successfully represented a wide range of mining clients in significant litigation, regulatory, and permitting efforts. He has extensive knowledge of the legislative and regulatory processes impacting the mining sector, and regularly defends mining companies in litigation and administrative appeals when their interests are challenged by organizations opposing minerals development. Andrew currently serves as the contributing editor for the International Comparative Legal Guide for Mining Law. Before joining Holland & Hart in 2005, Andrew served in the George W. Bush Administration as Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General at the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, where he both litigated significant environmental and natural resources cases and helped develop and implement litigation strategy for federal agencies in courts throughout the country. Prior to his service at the Justice Department, Andrew was Legislative Counsel to U.S. Senator Michael Enzi in Washington, D.C. He is a graduate of Thomas Aquinas College and the University of Wyoming College of Law.
“UW School of Energy Resources: Driving Technology and Policy Innovation” Ms. Holly Krutka, PhD Executive Director University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources
cial Journal of the World Coal Industry, employed by the Chinese state-owned energy company Shenhua Group; and as a research scientist and senior research engineer with ADA Environmental Solutions in Highlands Ranch, Colo., where she was tasked with launching a carbon capture research program. In her various roles, Dr. Krutka holds three patents, has served in leadership positions in the National Coal Council and the Carbon Utilization Research Council, has participated in the Carbon Capture Coalition and as a judge on the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE competition. Dr. Krutka holds a bachelor’s degree, graduating magna cum laude, and a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma, both in chemical engineering.
“Building the Mining Workforce with CTE Students” Mr. Rob Hill Chairman Wyoming SkillsUSA Rob Hill teaches the Core Construction program at the Pathways Innovation Center in Casper. Prior to teaching, he worked in the multi-family construction industry. Mr. Hill serves the Wyoming Association for Career and Technical Education as the Public Policy Chairman and the Board President of Wyoming SkillsUSA. Hill has a BS in Industrial Technology Education from the University of Wyoming and MA in Director of CTE Ball State University. His students partner with Casper College’s architecture program to design and build homes that are marketed and sold to the general public. Students earn industry credentials and college credits as they build. Advocacy of Career and Technical Education, and educational alignment to business and industry, are Mr. Hill’s primary professional emphasis. He is a past recipient of the Arch Coal Teacher Achievement award, Wyoming ACTE Teacher of the Year and Innovative Program awardee. He is married to Jackie Hill and has two boys at home-Jackson and Tyler.”
Holly Krutka is the Executive Director of the School of Energy Resources at the University of Wyoming. She came to the university after serving as the Vice President for coal generation and emissions technologies at Peabody, the world’s largest private-sector coal producer. Dr. Krutka has spent much of her career focusing on technology and policy pathways to advance carbon capture as well as identifying nontraditional coal-consumption opportunities. Before joining Peabody, she worked as a senior research and development analyst for Tri-State Generation and Transmission, an electric generation and transmission cooperative based in Westminster, Colo.; as executive editor of Cornerstone, The Offi 22 | The 2021 Mining Claim
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“US Energy and Climate Policy: Implications for National Security and America's Industrial Base” Mr. David Gattie, PhD Associate Professor of Engineering University of Georgia David Gattie is an Associate Professor of Engineering in the University of Georgia’s (UGA) College of Engineering, and a Senior Fellow in the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Center for International Trade and Security. He earned his BS and PhD from UGA and has 14 years of private industry experience as an energy services engineer and environmental engineer. His research is in the area of energy policy and integrated energy resource planning for the power sector with a focus on the national security implications of US nuclear power. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in energy systems and energy security for the College of Engineering and for the Center for International Trade and Security’s Master of International Policy program. He serves on the Advisory Board for the Energy Policy Institute at Boise State University and as an uncompensated member on the Advocacy Council for Nuclear Matters. David also has provided testimony before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on energy, climate and nuclear power policy and before the Georgia Public Service Commission. David is currently working with his colleagues in UGA’s Center for International Trade and Security to stand up an Energy Security Initiative focused on the geopolitical and national security implications of energy and energy technologies within the challenges of 21st century great power competition. novative Program awardee.
“Wyoming: Where Mining Matters” The Honorable Randall Luthi Chief Energy Policy Advisor Governor Mark Gordon Randall Luthi is the Chief Energy Policy Advisor to Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon. He joined the Gordon administration after serving nearly 10 years as President of the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), a membership association representing all facets of the domestic offshore energy industry. Prior to joining NOIA, Luthi worked at the Department of the Interior, serving as Director of the Minerals Management Service and Deputy Director of the Department’s Fish and Wildlife Service. An attorney and rancher from Freedom, Luthi was first elected to the Wyoming House of Representatives in 1995 and served as Speaker in 2005 and 2006. During his tenure as a state legislator he served on the Judiciary Committee, Management Audit Committee, and Management Council. He founded the law firm of Luthi & Voyles, LLC, in Thayne, Wyoming in 2000. Luthi earned Bachelor of Science and law degrees from the University of Wyoming.
“2021 Changes to the Mining Regulatory Framework” Mr. Todd Parfitt Director Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality Todd Parfitt was appointed Director of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WYDEQ) by Governor Matt Mead in October 2012 and subsequently reappointed in January 2019 by newly elected Governor Mark Gordon. He has 27 years of experience with the department, including seven years in the dual role of Deputy Director and Administrator of the Industrial Siting Division. After earning his Master’s degree in Public Administration, Environmental Policy from The Ohio State University, he worked for the Ohio Fire Marshal as an Environmental Supervisor. Parfitt also spent time in the private sector as Director of Operations for the environmental consulting firm BHE Environmental. Parfitt began his career with WYDEQ in Lander, Wyoming in 1992. He moved to Cheyenne in 1996 and has worked in or closely with just about every part of the agency. Parfitt currently serves as the immediate past President of the Environmental Council of States (ECOS).
www.wyomingmining.org
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“The Wyoming Energy Strategy” Mr. Glen Murrell, PhD Executive Director Wyoming Energy Authority Dr. Glen Murrell has over two decades of experience in the oil and gas industry and is the inaugural Executive Director for the Wyoming Energy Authority. He previously worked for the University of Wyoming Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute, launching their reservoir data program and leading programs analyzing the CO2 EOR industry in the State. Dr. Murrell has also served in a variety of leadership roles aimed at advancing projects and technologies in the oil and gas industry for General Electric and Baker Hughes.
“Exploration Opportunity in Wyoming” Ms. Erin Campbell, PhD Director and State Geologist Wyoming State Geological Survey Dr. Erin Campbell was appointed as Wyoming State Geologist by Governor Matt Mead in 2017 and reappointed by Governor Mark Gordon in 2019. In this position she serves as Director of the Wyoming State Geological Survey, as a cabinet member for the governor of Wyoming, and as a commissioner for the Wyoming Oil and Gas Commission and the Enhanced Oil Recovery Commission. She is also a member of the Wyoming Consensus Revenue Estimating Group, the Wyoming Board of Professional Geologists, State Groundwater Coordination Committee, the State GIS Advisory Board, and the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. Erin has a bachelor’s degree in geology from Occidental College and a PhD in geology from the University of Wyoming specializing in structural geology. She worked for several years as a geologist for Chevron in Louisiana and California before returning to Wyoming to teach at the University of Wyoming.
safety award luncheon The Honorable Mark Gordon Governor of Wyoming Mark Gordon was elected Wyoming’s 33rd Governor, on Nov. 6, 2018. He was sworn into office on Janu-
ary 7, 2019. Growing up on the family ranch in Johnson County, Governor Gordon learned the values of hard work and integrity and the importance of working together. As Governor, he brings those values to the table in pursuing his commitment that Wyoming continues to be a place where its citizens can pursue their dreams while retaining its unique character. He is a strong believer in Wyoming’s ability to chart its own course and a staunch defender of its interests to do so.
Governor Gordon is working on efforts to set Wyoming on a sustainable fiscal path and making government more accessible, productive and efficient. As part of those efforts, Gordon seeks to refocus government to better assist local communities with the tools and resources needed to thrive and set their own direction. He is also dedicated to ensuring that citizens have access to quality education, including safer schools, advanced degrees, and career and technical education opportunities. Governor Gordon served as Wyoming State Treasurer from October 2012 until January 2019 when he was sworn in as Governor. As State Treasurer, he led a transformation of the office resulting in improved returns on state investments, better protection of state savings, and increased transparency and access to state financial data for the public. His efforts to improve transparency surrounding the state’s financial portfolio resulted in Wyoming being ranked number one in the United States for transparency and third in the world among all sovereign funds. Governor Gordon and his wife Jennie have four grown children, Anne, Aaron with wife Megan, Bea with husband Austen, and Spencer with wife Sarah and their son Everett.
During her 15 years at UW, she taught undergraduate and graduate courses, directed the Geology Field Camp, and conducted research in structural geology, petroleum geology, and geomechanics. She was manager of the Energy and Mineral Resources division at the Wyoming State Geological Survey before being appointed as state geologist. 24 | The 2021 Mining Claim
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WYOMING ASSOCIATION FOR
CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION The mission of the Wyoming Association for Career and Technical Education is to provide educational leadership in developing a competitive workforce through professional development and advocacy. The association represents more than 260 educators at high schools and community colleges across Wyoming with 32,000 students in career and technical education. Members connect with business and industry partners to gain an important perspective and validate Career and Technical Education programs.
WACTE believes work-based learning is a key component of CTE to meet the demand for current job openings and prepare our workforce in a transitional economy. Work-based learning is an educational strategy that engages business and industry to provide students with real-life work experiences where they can apply academic and technical skills and develop their employability. Students benefit from work-based learning through observation, work experience, or an internship. Together with our industry partners, WACTE is working to decrease the skills gap between students’ abilities and entry-level expectations of industry to provide seamless transition from education to a meaningful occupation.
www.wacte.com PO Box 643, Big Horn, WY 82833 Phone: 307-215-9773
SKILLSUSA FOR WYOMING PREPARING OUR WORKFORCE For more than 50 years, SkillsUSA has been preparing the next generation of skilled workers with the technical, personal, and workplace skills defined by the SkillsUSA Framework developed for middle, high school and college/postsecondary students enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) studying the skilled trades. This “learn by doing” approach of hands-on application that includes both technical and employability skill development, guided by a local instructor, has paid dividends for members. In Wyoming, SkillsUSA Chapters are found in CTE classrooms in approximately 40 schools across our state. At our core, our membership of 700 students and advisors improves the quality of our state’s future skilled workforce. Our year long program culminates at our State Leadership and Skills Conference held in the spring. Our gold medalists can travel and compete at the national level. Of those who do, Wyoming places 35% in the top ten at the national competition.
We invite you to join forces with The Wyoming Association of SkillsUSA in a comprehensive partnership to support the growth and strength of the skilled trades. For more information on volunteer opportunities, financial giving, or promoting your business at our State Leadership and Skills Conference in April of 2022, please visit skillsusawyoming.org, or email or call our Janie Wilcox, our State Director at skillsusajaniewilcox@gmail.org/307.630.7684.
With SkillsUSA curriculum in our classrooms, we are committed to breaking the noise of competing messages that have long undermined careers in the trades.
www.wyomingmining.org
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SAFETY AW WYOMING MINING ASSOCIATION AN
MAW 2020 Awards
LARGE CATEGORY CONTRACTORS with greater than 75,000 hours reported in 2020. • 1st Place - Interstate Power Systems
6 consecutive years without an LTA | 1,436,507 acm. hours
• 2nd Place – Nelson Brothers Mining Services, LLC
3 consecutive years without an LTA | 442,027 acm. hours
• 3rd Place – GK Construction
1 consecutive years without an LTA | 198,785 acm.hours
MEDIUM CATEGORY CONTRACTORS with 25,000 to 75,000 reported hours in 2020. • 1st Place - Komatsu Mining Corp. (formerly Joy Global)
8 consecutive years without an LTA | 1,405,450 acm. hours
• 2nd Place – L&H Industrial Inc.
11 consecutive years without an LTA | 903,162 acm. hours
• 3rd Place – Big Horn Tire
9 consecutive years without an LTA | 592,674 acm.hours
SMALL CATEGORY CONTRACTORS with less than 25,000 reported hours in 2020. • 1st Place - SLS West, Inc.
11 consecutive years without an LTA | 364,604 acm. hours
• 2nd Place – FireMaster
9 consecutive years without an LTA | 217,155 acm. hours
• 3rd Place – Arnold Machinery Company
3 consecutive years without an LTA | 84,785 acm.hours
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WARDS 2020 D MINING ASSOCIATES OF WYOMING
WMA 2020 Awards
SURFACE MINE – LARGE CATEGORY
1st Place – Thunder Basin Coal Co., LLC - Black Thunder Mine 2nd Place – Navajo Transitional Energy Company – Antelope Mine 3rd Place – Navajo Transitional Energy Company - Cordero Rojo Mine
SURFACE MINE – SMALL CATEGORY
1st Place – Buckskin Mining Company – Buckskin Mine 2nd Place – Peabody Caballo Coal, LLC – Caballo Mine 3rd Place – Peabody Caballo Coal, LLC – Rawhide Mine
UNDERGROUND MINE – LARGE CATEGORY
1st Place – Ciner Wyoming, LLC – Big Island Mine & Refinery 2nd Place – Solvay Chemicals, Inc. – Solvay Chemicals Mine 3rd Place – Genesis Alkali, LLC – Genesis Alkali @ Westvaco
UNDERGROUND MINE – SMALL CATEGORY
1st Place – Bridger Coal Company - Bridger Coal Underground Mine
WMA SAFE SAM AWARD: Ciner Wyoming, LLC 2021 DEQ Excellence in Mining Reclamation Awards: Coal - Antelope Mine Non-Coal - WYO-BEN Inc.
Congratulations! www.wyomingmining.org
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WMA AWARDS 2021 CONGRATULATIONS! 2021 PECK COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
SALESMAN OF THE YEAR
Jon Conrad
Jared Carr
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. Employees of Wyoming Mining Association and Mining Associates of Wyoming member companies eligible.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Tata Chemicals (Soda Ash) Partners
The 2021 winner of the Peck Community Achievement Award is Jon Conrad of Tata Soda Ash Partners. Jon was nominated by his colleagues for a variety of work and community related reasons. Jon’s contributions are well regarded among his colleagues and within the multiple organizations he serves and has had the privilege to serve within. Over the years, Jon has faced many challenges in promoting continuous improvement and cultural change within the mining industry. Jon’s leadership and drive to improve the safety culture, and environmental compliance within the industry have been possible because of his ability to draw on past experiences, making him an effective business, community and state leader. In his community, Jon serves as Vice-Chairman of the Uinta County Economic Development Commission and has served on the school board. He established Boy Scout Troop 7798 in the Bridger Valley and has served as an assistant Cub Master. Jon also works with Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom, and is a member of the Wyoming Taxpayers Association and the Wyoming Business Council. He has served as past Chairman of the Wyoming Workforce Development Council and Vice Chairman of the National Governors Association-National Association of State Workforce Board Chairs. Jon served in the US Air Force for 21 years and is a veteran of the Gulf War. He is currently the Commander of the Bridger Valley VFW Post 7798. Jon joins a long list of past Peck Award recipients who give their time and effort to make their communities better. He is an exemplary member of the crew at Tata. For these ongoing contributions to improve his community and the lives of those around him, the Wyoming Mining Association is proud to present Jon Conrad with the 2021 Wyoming Mining Association Peck Community Achievement Award.
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EQUIPMENT SALESMAN Wyoming Machinery Company
Ben Schiffer
WWC Engineering
SAVE THE DATE
Featuring: • Nationally Recognized Safety Speakers • Trade Show: Safety Equipment and Services • 4th Annual Miner’s Dinner – Sept. 14 Sponsorships Available and Trade Show Vendors Welcome!
www.wyomingmining.org
AML SUCCESS IN WYOMING Miles of abandoned underground coal mines around the Town of Reliance, WY, made collapse under dwellings a significant concern. A large underground coal mine fire created an additional hazard to the community.
Out of Compliance: 0.21
But that is no longer the case thanks to teamwork between the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Abandoned Mine Land Division (AML), BRS Engineering in Riverton and multiple experienced contractors. A report developed by BRS Engineering stated that the historic Reliance Coal Mining District in Sweetwater County included many underground coal mines that were involved in the construction of the Union Pacific transcontinental railroad and thereby contributed to the development of the western U.S. The Union Pacific Coal Company began mining in the Reliance Coal Mining District in 1910 and stopped in 1954 before Congress passed a law requiring mining companies to reclaim their own mines instead of abandoning them when they stop mining.
In Compliance: 99.79 In Compliance
Out of Compliance
Out of Compliance: 0.26
The project also provided an economic boom to the region by creating jobs to do the work. The AML Division created more than 700 jobs in the state in 2020. The graphs below show the success Wyoming Mines are today. A full version of this story will be available on the WMA website: wyomingmining.org
In Compliance: 99.74 In Compliance
Out of Compliance
NEW RAC CHAIRMAN: It is an honor and privilege to serve as the WMA’s Regulatory Affairs Committee Chair. I am grateful for the foundation that Philip Dinsmoor has built, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude for his many years of service. As we embark upon a very dynamic environment (literally and figuratively), your expertise, help and time is greatly needed. As a brief introduction, I have been in the Trona/Soda Ash business since 1995. Prior to that I served in the military and a veteran of Desert Storm. I received degrees in Aircraft Avionics, Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration. During the past 26 years in the industry I held positions in many leadership areas including Environmental, Health, Safety and Governmental Affairs which I serve as within Tata Chemicals. From a civic perspective, I served as the Chairman of the Wyoming Workforce Development and www.wyomingmining.org
Vice Chair of the Wyoming Board of Parole for Governor Mead. These opportunities have enabled me to cultivate successful relationships throughout our Wyoming Government including the WYDEQ. In my environmental roles, I have worked extensively in the ambient air, ambient air boundary and continuous emission monitoring arenas. Work in land has included bonding, reclamation, right of ways and SWPP, SWMPP, GWMP. The Regulatory Advisory Committee (RAC) brings together mining leaders from across the State to learn best practices, strategies, and new solutions to environmental issues. We will focus on strategic, management, regulatory, and compliance issues related to environment and regulatory affairs. We will also take an impartial look at the key policy and scientific issues that underlie existing or proposed regulatory policies.
BY: JON CONRAD WMA Regulatory Affairs Chair Tata Chemicals
I encourage and invite everyone who is interested in participating in the RAC to join us. Together we will advance the cause of mining in Wyoming and the world in a fair and responsible manner. I look forward to serving as your chairman. The 2021 Mining Claim | 29
MINING ASSOCIAT LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT MINING ASSOCIATES OF WYOMING
Mining Associates of Wyoming Your investment in MAW makes a difference.
A Division of the Wyoming Mining Association
2021-2022
OFFICERS Crystal Volk | President SLS West Traci Lacock | Vice President Hirst Applegate Steve Salter | Treasurer Dyno Nobel, Inc. Cody Harrod | Secretary Komatsu Mining Corp. Group BOARD OF DIRECTORS Travis Deti Wyoming Mining Association Mike Curtis Nelson Brothers Keegan Rogers L&H Industrial Dale Brown WWC Engineering Cory Wasson Austin Engineering, USA Dean Stephenson Brake Supply Lincoln Klemola Liebherr USA Mike Schutt Epiroc Randy Quig Wyoming Machinery
It has been my privilege to serve on the MAW Board of Directors for the past eight years and as an Officer for the past five. With the current climate toward mining in our nation, today it is paramount that MAW continues to focus on supporting current BY: CRYSTAL VOLK members and recruiting new SLS WEST, INC. members. When you become a MAW President - 2019-21 MAW member whether working as a small 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. It is important to remember that as MAW members 2/3 of our membership dues go to the Wyoming Mining Association to assist in the continued education of the citizens of Wyoming regarding the mining industry. We all have seen over the course of the year how important personal protective equipment (PPE) and occupational health is to the well being of employees and the companies they work with. PPE is not a new term for those of us in the mining industry and when a lack of critical equipment became known across our Nation and State, we saw companies step forward to assist those working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. This type of commitment from companies is what Mining Associates of Wyoming will need to continue supporting our miners and customers we serve each day. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your President again this year. Stay safe and be well.
1401 Airport Parkway, Ste. 230 • Cheyenne, WY 82001 • www.wyomingmining.org Help us support the WMA by referring a new MAW member today!
Membership applications are available at www.wyomingmining.org. Members paid at publication are listed. 30 | The 2021 Mining Claim
www.wyomingmining.org
TES 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!
MEMBERS Accord Resource Solutions LLC AIL Mining/ Big R Bridge Division All State Fire Equipment Aqua Terra Consultants, Inc. Arnold Machinery Austin Engineering USA (Formerly WESTECH) Big Horn Tire , Inc. BKS Environmental Associates, Inc. Black Hills Trucking, Inc. Black Hills Trucking, Inc. – Gillette WY Office Blakeman Propane, Inc. Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Wyoming Brake Supply Company, Inc. Bridgestone Mining Solutions Buckley Powder Company Business Aviators, Inc. Carr Construction Company Casper Well Products CATE Equipment Company CDG Engineers – Sheridan WY Office Collins Communications, Inc. Construction Equipment Co. Crowley Fleck PLLP Cumberland Surety, Inc. Cummins Rocky Mountain, LLC D.A. Eldridge Mining Service Dykman Electrical Dyno Nobel Inc. Energy Capital Economic Development www.wyomingmining.org
Energy Laboratories, Inc. EpiRoc Equitable Oil Purchasing Company ETI, Inc. Firemaster Geo GK Construction Inc. Graymont Great Plains Wildlife Consulting HDR Engineering, Inc. HGI Harnish Group, Inc. Hirst Applegate, LLP Holland and Hart Holly Frontier Honnen Equipment Company Office Hydro Engineering, LLC Industrial Lubricant Company Interstate PowerSystems KLJ Engineering Komatsu L & H Industrial, Inc. Liebherr Mining Equipment Company Mammoet Mclanahan Corporation Mcvehil-Monnett Associates, Inc. MG Oil – Rapid City, SD Office Nelson Brothers Mining Services, LLC North Star Strategies Northern Engine And Supply, Inc. Oftedal Construction, Inc. Pace Analytical Services
Peregrine Leadership Institute Philippi-Hagenbuch, Inc. Powder River Energy Corporation Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company Rocky Mountain Brake Supply, Inc. Rocky Mountain Recycling Schaeffer Mfg. Co. SKV Limited Liability Company SLS West, Inc. Spencer Fluid Power Standard Laboratories, Inc. Stantec Consulting Services, Inc Stifel Investments Sundt Construction SWCA Environmental Consultants The MC Family of Companies, LLC Triton Environmental United Central Industrial Supply WEARPRO Inc. Wheeler Mining Systems Whitmore Field Services Wollam Construction Company, Inc. Woodward & Curran Working Athlete Worldwide Rental Services WWC Engineering Wyoming Food Bank Of The Rockies Wyoming Machinery Company Wyoming Miner’s Hospital Board – Wyoming Power Wash, Inc. Wyoming Taxpayers Association The 2021 Mining Claim | 31
WMA LEGISLATIVE TEAM CONTINUES WORK IN BUSY GENERAL SESSION The Wyoming Legislature rose to the challenge to complete a general session under awkward and challenging pandemic restrictions. The Legislative Service Office should be praised for providing nearly seamless audio visual and virtual access for Wyoming citizens. In fact, we are all so impressed with the unprecedented broadcast and participation, we want it to continue into the future. Wyoming has a part time citizen legislature in a very large state, so opportunities to be involved without traveling to the Capital in the far southeast corner, was very welcome and appreciated. The Wyoming mining industry and most other sectors in the state were severely impacted by supply, demand and market challenges during the pandemic, with many sectors yet to completely recover. These circumstances impacted revenues from the mineral industry causing dramatically lower tax collections. Yet, no new taxes were passed by the legislature. Numerous tax measures were defeated such as mill levies, sales and use taxes, capital gains taxes, corporate income taxes and tier tax percentage increases. The Legislature delivered a very slim supplemental budget to Governor Gordon and he signed it with just a few minor line item vetoes. The budget included $430 million in cuts. The General Fund budget is several billion dollars smaller than it was just a few years ago. The reductions were necessary due to dramatically lower tax and royalty streams from mineral production, including oil, gas and coal. After years of trying to address the issue of the timing of county mineral production tax payments, a compromise was passed and signed by the Governor. Implementation will begin in 2022 with the transition of payments from up to an eighteen-month delay to a monthly schedule. An ill-advised attempt to provide county assessors access to all centrally assessed taxpayer valuations was successfully stopped with the assistance of a broad coalition of industry sectors. Legislation to clarify the ownership of fossils and artifacts was passed assisting surface owners and developers to clarify who owns items uncovered during operation activities. Multiple bills were passed to try and avert early closures of coal fired
power plants. One bill sets a rebuttable presumption against early closure of power plants and requires the PSC to consider reliability. Another bill requires the PSC to consider reliability and cost externalities incurred by the state of Wyoming, including but not limited to economics and employment, upon application by a utility to construct or retire major generations facilities. Legislation was passed to provide $1.2 million to be used by the Governor and the Attorney BY: WENDY LOWE General regarding litigation Chairman of the WMA Legislative with states that have passed Affairs Committee renewable portfolio standards Peabody Energy and displacing Wyoming coal fired electricity. The Legislature also allocated $10 million to the Governor’s office for carbon capture and storage projects. Legislation was passed to clarify that the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources budget is separate from the University of Wyoming block grant and is not under control of the board of trustees. Another bill passed authorizes the creation of Gillette College, separate from the Northern Wyoming Community College District. Approval will be necessary by a majority of the voters in a Campbell County election. The interim is already proving busy. At the request of the governor’s office and WMA, the Joint Minerals Committee will advance legislation to allow for the state to set up an “assigned trust” program through the state treasurer’s office that would give mining companies another option to meet their bonding obligations. Your WMA Legislative Affairs Committee will continue to monitor and participate in all interim committee deliberations that may have impacts, positive or negative, on our producers.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES? WE’VE GOT YOUR SOLUTIONS.
+ Preparation of NEPA Documents (EISs, EAs) + Environmental Permitting + Archaeological and Biological Inventories + Historic Property Assessments + Environmental Compliance and Planning + Air Quality and Noise Analysis + Stream and Riparian Habitat Restoration
+ Fish and Wildlife Habitat Mitigation Planning and Implementation + Water Quality Monitoring and Bioassessment Services + Closure and Reclamation Planning and Monitoring + Geochemical Characterization and Mine Waste Management
307.673.4303 Contact: Rio Franzman | rfranzman@swca.com | swca.com
32 | The 2021 Mining Claim
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ADVERTISER INDEX Arnold Machinery Company......................................... 2 Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC...................... 16 BKS Environmental Associates, Inc........................... 34 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Wyoming................. 6 BNSF Railways...................................................................... 34 Crowley/Fleck Attorneys................................................. 34 Dyno Nobel............................................................................. 35 Genesis Alkali........................................................................ 12 Honnen Equipment............................................................. 12 L&H Industrial....................................................................... 36 Nelson Brothers.................................................................... 33 Pacific Soda............................................................................ 16 Philippi-Hagenbuch, Inc.................................................. 20 RCRA.......................................................................................... 16 Rocky Mountain Power.................................................... 13 SLS West Inc.......................................................................... 9 Solvay........................................................................................ 33 Spencer Fluid Power.......................................................... 12
BNSF RAILWAY celebrates WMA Members
Strata Energy......................................................................... 13 TATA Chemicals Inc............................................................ 13 WMA Safety Seminar & Trade Show......................... 28 Wyoming Machinery Co.................................................. 17
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IMPROVING RESULTS through partnerships
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