By Pat Blair

June 17, 2017 - Wyoming is down in all mining areas except trona, according to Governor Matt Mead in a luncheon speech to Wyoming Mining Association members attending a convention in Sheridan this week.

But, the governor added, trona production is a bright spot for the state, and there's more good news as well.  

Mead, speaking on Friday, also talked about the importance of what the Trump Administration did in terms of lifting the coal moratorium that was imposed by the Obama Administration. Mead said lifting the moratorium now allows Wyoming to have new coal mines.

Mead said he also was at the luncheon to recognize the safety accomplishments of Wyoming's mining industry.  

Travis Deti, executive director of the mining association, said more than 200 people attended this year's convention, which ended Friday. Attendees represent all facets of the mining industry as well as representatives of the service and supply companies that support Wyoming's mining.

Deti said several state representatives also attended during the three days of the convention, and the event kicked off Wednesday with golf at the Powder Horn.

Deti said the convention site moves around the state, but the group comes pretty regularly to Sheridan. He said the convention has been in Sheridan four or five times during the past 15 years. 

Governor Matt Mead during his speech.

Photo by Pat Blair