BLM Requesting Public Input on Mine Expansion Plans

The Bureau of Land Management’s Cody Field Office is requesting public input by July 15 on two proposed bentonite mining expansion projects northwest of Cowley. Tony Demars brings us the details.

BLM spokeswoman Sarah Beckwith says the two companies expect significant success in the new mining plans, noting that Wyo-Ben’s proposed expansion would provide an estimated 60-thousand tons of bentonite from BLM managed public lands over the the life of the project, and American Colloid company’s expansion would provide an estimated 6-thousand tons of bentonite from public lands over the life of the project.

Wyo-Ben, Inc., plans to expand its current mining operations by 37 acres and would continue to employ approximately 10 mine employees, 25 mill employees and additional subcontractors.  American Colloid Company plans to expand its current mining operations by 2 acres on BLM-managed federal land and would continue to employ approximately 20 mine employees, 100 mill employees and additional subcontractors.

The BLM Cody Field Office will accept comments on the environmental assessment through July 15th.