Proposed gold and copper mine near Cheyenne advances to final exploratory phase

Wyoming was founded, in part, on gold. But a small exploration and development company thinks it can bring gold — and copper — mining back to the state.

Decades have passed since the gold and copper industries peaked and then faded, falling victim to the then-futile economics of hardrock mining. The state’s reserves are still there. It’s just been too expensive for companies to reach them.

Over the years, exploratory mining projects have come and gone, enticed by the metals’ presence but driven away by prospective costs. Near Laramie County’s Copper King Mine alone, about 20 miles west of Cheyenne, at least seven companies have conducted exploratory drilling campaigns since the mine shuttered just before WWII.

Unlike its predecessors, however, Nevada-based U.S. Gold Corp — the current mineral lease owner for the site of the old copper mine and one of just two companies conducting gold exploration projects in the state — may succeed.

Read more: https://trib.com/business/energy/proposed-gold-and-copper-mine-near-cheyenne-advances-to-final-exploratory-phase/article_ac043346-f7ca-54d2-8a1d-07bd27bb5afc.html
(Casper Star Tribune)