BLM Cody releases analysis of bentonite mining expansion
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CODY, Wyo. – As part of its commitment to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive, the Bureau of Land Management Cody Field Office is requesting public input on a proposed bentonite mining project in Big Horn County, Wyoming.
Bentonite has a number of applications including as a drilling mud, bonding material and absorbent, and is used in a variety of products and industries. M-I Swaco plans to expand its current mining operations by 353 acres on BLM-managed land about 7-12 miles north of Greybull. The proposed expansion would provide an estimated 900,000 tons of bentonite from public lands over the anticipated 15-year life of the project, and would support 120 direct jobs as well as numerous contractors, vendors and other services that benefit from an active mining operation.
As stewards, the BLM manages public lands for the benefit of current and future generations, and mining is a traditional use that continues to serve local communities throughout the West. The environmental assessment for the proposed project is available for public review and comment online at http://bit.ly/MI_Swaco1. The plan of operations submitted by M-I Swaco is also available for review at the BLM Cody Field Office at 1002 Blackburn Street, Cody, WY 82414. The public’s insights will help the BLM determine a path forward for the proposed project.
The comment period runs from Aug. 10 through Sept. 8, 2017. Comments may be emailed to blm_wy_cody_comments@blm.gov (please include "M-I Swaco Steamship Plan of Operations” in the subject line), or mailed to AFM Minerals and Lands, BLM-Cody Field Office, 1002 Blackburn Street, Cody, WY 82414.
For more information, please contact BLM Geologist Gretchen Hurley at 307-578-5900.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.