Feds Finalize Royalty Break for Non-Energy Minerals

(Casper Star Tribune, October 30) – The federal government finalized a rule change this week giving public land regulators the ability to reduce royalty rates for non-energy mineral producers. The two changes will give mineral producers, like those mining trona in Wyoming, a discount if the mining spurs domestic production of soda ash, phosphate and […]

Innotech Solutions Acquired by L&H Industrial

(L&H Industrial, October 26) – With over 20 years of proven experience, innovative designs, and a commitment to their customers, Innotech Solutions has provided cone crushing equipment that out performs the industry standard. Innotech products are designed to perform in even the most demanding environments. We are excited to bring Innotech’s extensive knowledge, innovative products, […]

Alan Edwards, DEQ Deputy Director and AML Administrator, Retires

(Wyoming DEQ, October 23) – After many years spent enhancing Wyoming’s environment, Alan Edwards is turning his attention closer to home. Edwards, deputy director and Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Division administrator for the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), is retiring this month. “Alan has shared a wealth of knowledge during his time here at DEQ,” […]

NTEC to Expand Interest in Four Corners Plant

(Navajo Times, October 23) – Navajo Transitional Energy Company will get $75 million in order to keep Four Corners Power Plant running, and Navajo leadership is aware of the deal. PNM and NTEC have been in negotiations for six months for NTEC to acquire PNM’s share of the Four Corners, and the terms include NTEC […]

New Coal Firm Signs Agreement with Federal Government

(Casper Star Tribune, February 26) – A Navajo Nation-based coal operator reached an agreement with the U.S. government on Saturday, giving federal regulators the authority to enforce environmental laws at a former mining site in Tennessee. As a tribal entity established under Navajo Nation law, Navajo Transitional Energy Company, or NTEC, has the right to […]

Navajo Company Keeps 1,200 Workers After Buying 3 Coal Mines

(Associated Press, October 3) – A Navajo Nation company says it will retain 1,200 employees at three coal mines in Wyoming and Montana that it bought through a bankruptcy auction The announcement Thursday came a day after a federal judge gave final approval for the transfer of the mines from bankrupt Cloud Peak Energy to […]

Republican Lawmakers Call for Measures to Spur New US Uranium Mining

(Mining.Com, October 1) – Republican U.S. lawmakers this week urged President Donald Trump’s administration to ease restrictions on uranium mining on federal lands, as a Cabinet-level committee prepares recommendations this month for boosting domestic nuclear fuel production “We strongly encourage you to make improved access to federal lands with high-grade uranium deposits a top priority,” […]

Sale of Cloud Peak’s PRB Mines to NTEC is Final

(Gillette News Record, October 3) – While much of the Powder River Basin’s coal industry was monitoring a U.S. Bankruptcy Court hearing in West Virginia on Wednesday, another bankruptcy court was quietly approving the sale of Cloud Peak Energy’s three active Powder River Basin coal mines to Navajo Transitional Energy Judge Kevin Gross of the […]

Federal Court Approves Sale of Blackjewel Mines to FM Coal

(Casper Star Tribune, October 2) – A pair of idling Wyoming coal mines found a new owner Wednesday, when a federal judge approved the sale of mines owned by bankrupt coal operator Blackjewel to Eagle Specialty Materials, an affiliate of FM Coal.  The court’s endorsement clears the path for the Eagle Butte and Belle Ayr […]

Amid Skepticism from Navajo Nation, Study Deems Cloud Peak Coal Mines Purchase ‘Prudent’

(Casper Star Tribune, September 28) – Of the dozen coal mines peppered throughout Wyoming’s mineral-laden Powder River Basin, a majority have undergone changes in ownership throughout the years, often as a result of companies sliding in and out of bankruptcy This year was no exception. A handful of new coal operators have descended on the […]