Energy

Devils Tower is the most famous site in the Bear Lodge Mountains in northeast Wyoming. But the region also is rich in rare earth minerals, attracting mining companies to develop and produce the valuable commodities.

Wyoming’s Exploding Rare Earth Industry Attracts 21 Claims From New Player

Wyoming’s exploding rare earth industry continues to attract attention. The latest is Argyle Resources Corp., which has filed 21 mineral claims in the Bear Lodge Mining District of northeast Wyoming.

David MadisonJuly 09, 2025

Work at the Eagle Buttle mine near Gillette.

Trump Opens Floodgate For Wyoming Coal, But Will Producers Buy New Leases?

Trump’s budget bill opens a floodgate for federal coal leases in Wyoming, but will producers buy them? Experts are mixed. Some say a decade of decline can’t be solved by leasing more area for mining and others that it can spark new activity.

David MadisonJuly 08, 2025

TerraPower has begun construction on portions of its Kemmerer nuclear facility that don't require approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

TerraPower’s Kemmerer Nuclear Plant In Fast Lane With Accelerated Permit Review

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will complete its review of TerraPower's construction permit application for its Kemmerer nuclear plant by the end of the year. That’s six months early and has local officials scrambling to keep up.

David MadisonJuly 04, 2025

A Wyoming company will start drilling dozens of holes in the Powder River Basin to explore potential to mine uranium. A group that includes companies from Canada and Australia hopes to find a huge uranium deposit.

Wyoming Drilling Crew Hopes To Find Huge Uranium Deposit In Powder River Basin

A Wyoming company will start drilling dozens of holes in the Powder River Basin this month to explore potential to mine uranium. A group that includes companies from Canada and Australia hopes to find a huge uranium deposit.

David MadisonJuly 02, 2025

Energy Secretary To Visit Site Of Massive Rare Earth Find In Ranchester, Wyoming

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright will be in northern Wyoming for the July 11 groundbreaking of the Brook Mine in Ranchester. Ramaco Resources believes it holds the largest “unconventional” rare earth deposit in the U.S.

David MadisonJuly 02, 2025

Midwest Power Plant Operator Wants $22M From BNSF For Not Delivering Wyoming Coal

The operator of a pair of Midwest power plants wants $22 million from BNSF Railway, according to recent documents filed with the Surface Transportation Board. The company claims the power plants couldn’t get their full orders of Wyoming coal.

David MadisonJuly 01, 2025

A large shovel fills a 200-ton bucket with coal at the Buckskin Mine in northeast Wyoming in this file photo.

Coal A Big Winner After Marathon Senate Session on Big Beautiful Bill Act

A dramatic marathon weekend session in the U.S. Senate elevated coal as a high priority among lawmakers who hammered out amendments to President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

David MadisonJune 30, 2025

Wyoming turbines near Rock River Steve Hamblin via Alamy 6 30 25

Another Wind And Solar Project Triggers Opposition In Eastern Wyoming

A proposed 450-megawatt wind and solar project in Goshen and Platte counties would create 300 jobs and mean about $150 million in tax revenue. Even so, locals are opposed, with Torrington’s mayor saying a gas- or coal-fired power plant would be preferred.

David MadisonJune 30, 2025

Cyclone Drilling in Gillette is the go-to specialist for drilling the nation’s deepest and longest oil and gas wells. It’s going to drill Wyoming’s first 3-mile lateral well — and is already planning to go 4 miles and beyond.

Gillette’s Cyclone Drilling To Do Wyoming’s First 3-Mile Well And 4-Mile Well Is Next

Cyclone Drilling in Gillette is the region's go-to specialist for drilling the deepest and longest oil and gas wells. It’s going to drill Wyoming’s first 3-mile lateral well — and is already planning to go 4 miles and beyond.

David MadisonJune 28, 2025

Counties Look To Regulate As More Wind, Solar Projects Eye Northeast Wyoming

Crook County doesn’t have regulations for local permitting of solar and wind projects, and hasn’t needed them — until now. As more wind and solar development is planned for northeast Wyoming, local governments are drafting new rules.

David MadisonJune 25, 2025

One Of Wyoming’s Largest Oil Producers Drilling Its First 3-Mile Well

Anschutz Exploration Corp. is already one of the largest oil producers in Wyoming. Now it’s pushing the industry by drilling Wyoming’s first 3-mile lateral well on a pad in Johnson County.

David MadisonJune 24, 2025

Mountain Pass in California is the only active rare earth mine and processing facility in the U.S. Wyoming figures to play a huge role in changing that.

Congress Spotlights Wyoming’s Rare Earth Industry As Vital To US Supply

Wyoming and Montana took center stage at a congressional hearing Tuesday about fast-tracking rare earth processing in the U.S. New tech to extract rare earths from coal waste could help break China’s stranglehold on the critical minerals.

David MadisonJune 24, 2025

The Idaho National Laboratory is helping companies develop new nuclear technologies, including several projects planned for Wyoming. It has also issued a call for new startups to demonstrate their innovative nuclear tech.

Idaho National Lab Wants To Keep Building Wyoming’s Nuclear Industry

The same laboratory that has supported Wyoming’s emerging micro nuclear reactor sector is now inviting more companies to submit proposals. The move comes as Wyoming continues to position itself as a hub for small nuclear reactor development.

David MadisonJune 22, 2025

Despite Opposition From Bar Nunn Residents, Natrona County OKs Nuclear Project

Natrona County commissioners got an earful from locals opposed to Radiant Nuclear’s planned project near Bar Nunn. Then they voted to support the company getting a $25 million grant from the Wyoming Business Council.

David MadisonJune 20, 2025

A power substation in Cheyenne. Black Hills Energy is building new substations and doing powerline construction near Cheyenne as parts of its larger Ready Wyoming project, on track for completion by the end of 2025, according to the utility.

Black Hills Energy Spending $540M To Connect North-South Wyoming Power Grids

A pair of large-scale Black Hills Energy projects will connect northern and southern Wyoming power grids while adding more natural gas generation. Together, they represent a $540 million outlay.

David MadisonJune 19, 2025

The Integrated Test Center at Dry Fork Station power plant north of Gillette provides flue gas for research and development of carbon capture and utilization technologies.

Despite Federal Cuts, Company Says Gillette Carbon Capture Project Not Dead

The Department of Energy scrapping a nearly $50 million grant supporting large-scale carbon capture technology in Gillette is a blow, but won’t kill the project, the company says. Work will continue with a push for private investment.

David MadisonJune 19, 2025

Bar Nunn Residents Push Back On Storing Spent Nuclear Fuel From Microreactors

The central Wyoming town of Bar Nunn, and some state legislators, are divided about a plan for Radiant Nuclear to build its micronuclear plants here. That’s because the plan includes accepting and storing spent nuclear fuel from the company’s reactors.

David MadisonJune 16, 2025

Genesis Alkali workers underground in the company's Wyoming trona mine operating continuous mining equipment and other machinery.

WE Soda Downsizes Wyoming Trona Operation While Ramping Up Production

WE Soda, the world's largest producer of natural soda ash, confirmed this week it’s downsizing positions following a $1.43 billion acquisition of Genesis Alkali's two Wyoming mines.

David MadisonJune 12, 2025

The Dave Johnston Power Plant near Glenrock.

Trump’s EPA To Roll Back Biden-Era Emission Rules On Coal-Fired Power Plants

The EPA is making good on one of President Donald Trump’s campaign promises, announcing Wednesday it's rolling back Biden-era emissions rules on U.S. power plants. Wyoming power providers are pleased with the move.

David MadisonJune 12, 2025

Wyoming Oil And Gas Lease Sale Nets $7.7M, ‘Peanuts’ Compared To Trump’s First Term

The reality of oil and gas leasing in Wyoming hasn’t yet caught up to the Trump administration’s pledge to “unleash American energy.” Tuesday’s sale took in $7.7 million, “peanuts” compared to the $173 million in the best year of Trump’s first term.

David MadisonJune 11, 2025

A federal judge has allowed a coalition of tribal and green groups to fight to save a Biden-era rule to end coal mining in the Powder River Basin by 2041. They’ve been allowed to join a lawsuit filed by Wyoming and Montana to reverse the rule.

Green Groups Fight To Save Biden-Era Plan To End Powder River Basin Coal Mining

A federal judge Friday allowed a coalition of tribal and green groups to fight to save a Biden-era rule that would end coal mining in the Powder River Basin by 2041. They’ve been allowed to help fight a lawsuit filed by Wyoming and Montana to reverse the rule.

David MadisonJune 10, 2025

Oil and gas rigs operate in eastern Wyoming in this file photo.

Trump Administration Pushes For 5,000-Well Wyoming Oil And Gas Project

The Trump administration is pushing to move ahead with granting approvals for a 5,000-well oil and gas project in Converse County, Wyoming. A favorable Friday BLM report comes despite a previous court order halting permitting for the project.

David MadisonJune 09, 2025

The Trump administration has approved an expansion of Montana's Bull Mountains underground coal mine, reinforcing his emergency energy directives to fast-track fossil fuels. Opponents say the move is an “end-run” of environmental safeguards.

Trump Administration OKs Expansion Of Montana Mine That Exports Coal To Asia

The Trump administration has approved an expansion of Montana's Bull Mountains underground coal mine, reinforcing its emergency energy directives to fast-track fossil fuels. Opponents say the move is an “end-run” of environmental safeguards.

David MadisonJune 07, 2025

Nuclear Fuels Inc. drilled several holes in the Powder River Basin area as it hopes to find enough uranium to begin production.

Wyoming Uranium Boom Drives $76 Million Merger as Industry Grows

Optimism around Wyoming uranium continues to drive investment in the state, with a $76 million merger announced Thursday highlighting the state's re-emergence as a uranium exploration hotspot.

David MadisonJune 05, 2025

A pump jack operates in Wyoming's Powder River Basin in this undated photo.

Wyoming's Oil Industry Showing Moderate Growth, According To Latest Projections

New oil industry data shows Powder River Basin wells breaking even at $60 per barrel as global market forces create challenges and opportunities. One analyst says if the price per barrel of oil doesn’t go up, it could cost jobs in Wyoming.

David MadisonJune 03, 2025

The Norris Basin in Yellowstone National Park is one of Wyoming's active geothermal sources. A new U.S. Geological Survey study identifies Wyoming’s western border — outside the national park — as part of a massive geothermal reserve. It could be tapped to generate electricity equal to 10% of America’s current power supply.

Wyoming Part of Massive Geothermal Reserve That Could Power 10% of America

A new U.S. Geological Survey study identifies Wyoming’s western border as part of a massive geothermal reserve. Geologists say it could be tapped to generate electricity equal to 10% of America’s current power supply.

David MadisonJune 03, 2025

Tel and Kelsey Stephens, along with Adelaide Bopp, pitch in to help move cattle with Michael Stephens on Monday.

Ranch Family Files Lawsuit to Block Wyoming Wind Lease, Citing Generational Legacy

Converse County rancher Mike Stephens has filed a lawsuit against the Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners. He says they failed to follow proper procedures in approving the controversial Pronghorn wind project.

David MadisonJune 02, 2025

Ur-Energy’s in-situ mining field for uranium at the company's Lost Creek site in the Red Desert of southwest Wyoming. A uranium boom continues to attract investors and companies from around the globe. The most recent is a Canada-based company that proposes to make what it calls "renewable nuclear" energy in eastern Wyoming.

Even Industry Insiders Find It Hard To Keep Up With Wyoming Nuclear Boom

The dizzying, supercollider pace of energy investment in Wyoming — especially nuclear — is bringing waves of new faces into the state. It’s happening so fast that industry insiders and trade associations find it hard to keep up.

David MadisonMay 29, 2025

The Halleck Creek site in Wyoming, now called the Cowboy State Mine site.

Companies Say National Push Could Accelerate Need For Wyoming’s Rare Earth Minerals

Wyoming's rare earth mining companies are scaling up for what could be the biggest opportunity in decades with a growing demand for minerals that power everything from smartphones to fighter jets.

David MadisonMay 27, 2025

Federal Emergency Order Extends Life Of Power Plant That Burns Wyoming Coal

A U.S. Department of Energy emergency order aims to keep open a Michigan coal-fired power plant that primarily burns Wyoming coal. It counteracts a Michigan law that requires utilities in that state to phase out all coal-fired generation by 2030.

David MadisonMay 27, 2025

Radiant proposes to build micro nuclear reactors in Bar Nunn, Wyoming. This is a screenshot from a video detailing a recent thermal cooling test of Radiant's technology.

Trump’s Order To Cut Red Tape Could Help Put Wyoming Nuclear Projects In Fast Lane

President Donald Trump’s overhaul of U.S. energy policy and direction continues with his executive order aimed at cutting regulatory red tape for nuclear projects. That could help put planned Wyoming nuclear projects in the fast lane for approval.

David MadisonMay 26, 2025

A pair of officers guard the Crystal River Energy Complex nuclear power plant in Crystal River, Florida, in this file photo.

TerraPower Plant Will Have More Nuclear Cops Than The Local Sheriff’s Office

TerraPower experts are working with Wyoming legislators to create a special security force to protect the company's new nuclear power plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming. The force of nuclear cops will outnumber the local Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

David MadisonMay 23, 2025

Will Massive Oil And Gas Reserves Mean A New ‘Bakken Boom’ For Southwest Wyoming?

Massive oil and gas reserves identified across southwest Wyoming are being called out this week by federal officials as “substantial.” It has local industry watchers wondering if that could mean a new “Bakken boom” in the region.

David MadisonMay 22, 2025

Pumping CO2 Into Wells Helps With Recovery But Wyoming Energy Leaders Say Cost Is High

Wyoming lawmakers on the Joint Minerals Committee heard testimony Wednesday on how pressurizing oil wells with carbon dioxide pushes out what oil remains, but paying for the infrastructure remains a financial challenge for operators.

David MadisonMay 21, 2025

Campbell, Johnson And Sheridan Counties Seek to Map Coal Seam Fire Threat

There are likely hundreds of smoldering coal seams in northeastern Wyoming and local fire officials are working on a plan to map them from the air as they all have the potential to start wildfires. It's estimated that some of the fires began as far back as 1859 (during the Buchanan administration).