Wyoming is potentially diversifying its mineral sector

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) — Wyoming has a history of being a mineral-rich state, and now it may be adding gold and copper to its roster.

We spoke with an official of a new company attempting to invest in Wyoming.

CK Gold Project officials just submitted a mining permit application to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) this week to mine for gold and copper.

”They hired a really great team to do a lot of outreach. I know for that last two years they’ve been doing feasibility studies meeting with land owners in the area, and just really making sure that people’s questions are answered before they move forward with a potential gold mining project,” said Sen. Affie Ellis, District 8.

The DEQ will review the environmental and water impact over the next year.

”We’ve done site geotechnical work, we’ve dug a lot of pits to see what the ground looks like, and all of that is being reclaimed. So you know we’re very cautious about looking after the environment and the wildlife habitat,” said George Bee, Chief Executive and President of U.S. Gold Corporation.

This international company has had several global mining projects and is setting its sights here on Wyoming.

“Wyoming is no stranger to resource development. As a state legislature, we’re very familiar with the fact that anywhere between 70 percent and higher of our revenue is derived from energy production and mineral production. So when you have a project like this going forward we know how to do it right,” said Ellis.

The economic impact on the state could produce almost 2000 jobs during its preliminary construction phases and add over 300 jobs permanently.

”At the end of the day we’re hoping to leave some good infrastructure behind, which would support the area,” said Bee.

It could also bring north of $70M in tax revenue during its multiphase 13-year life span.

“I’ve worked in South Africa, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and I would really like to think that we’ve left a really good legacy,” said Bee.

The company’s President says he hopes this project will bring great jobs., tax income, and royalty payments to Wyoming.

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