Wyoming to decide on 1st major new coal mine in decades

Wyoming officials are about to decide on a final round of approval for the state's first major new coal mine in decades.

Lexington, Kentucky-based Ramaco wants to use coal from the Sheridan-area mine for a proposed carbon-based materials research facility. Many car and airplane parts are made of carbon fiber, a strong and lightweight material.

The Wyoming Environmental Quality Council plans to vote on the mine Tuesday in Cheyenne.

Sheridan-area residents represented by the Sheridan-based Powder River Basin Resource Council worry the Brook Mine could lower the water table and say blasting could destabilize their homes.

Other opponents include a mining company with competing claims. Ramaco officials say they've addressed the concerns raised to the extent required.

The vast majority of Wyoming coal is burned in power plants.