WET offers comprehensive environmental and engineering consulting services and construction management for the mining industry.
Our environmental expertise encompasses geologic and hydrogeologic assessments, groundwater modeling, water management, dewatering, permitting, and more! Engineering services feature surveying, design, stormwater management, wastewater systems, infrastructure support, and additional services! We also specialize in legal estate research, mapping, and status reports for surface and mineral rights.
We assist with legal opinions, due diligence, negotiations, and land use applications, ensuring accurate data for informed decision-making.
2025-26 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Neil Mailcoat | President Sisecam
Scott Schierman | Vice President Uranium Energy Corporation
Paul Bonifas | Secretary/Treasurer Rare Element Resources
DIRECTORS
Casey Felmlee Peabody
Bernard Bonifas Energy Fuels
Trish Driver Core Natural Resources
Alan Snyder Bentonite Performance Minerals
Cole Anderson Wyodak Resources
Neil Mailcoat Sisecam
Don Crank Kemmerer Operations
Randy Quig Mining Associates of Wyo
Christian Palich Eagle Summit Resources
Darrin Munoz NTEC
Kent Womack Solvay
Travis Deti | Executive Director Pat Joyce | Assistant Director
Heidi Peterson | Membership & Retention
ABOUT WMA
WYOMING MINING ASSOCIATION
WYOMING MINING - CELEBRATING 70 YEARS!
COMMUNICATION
WMA promotes the mining industry by communicating with elected officials, regulators, educators, and the public in a credible way that encourages trust and confidence and earns respect as a reliable source of information on issues pertinent to the industry. We do this by:
• publicizing the environmental achievements and responsible processes used by the mining industry;
• discussing environmental challenges faced by the mining industry;
• promoting the value of the mining industry to the state’s economy;
• creating awareness for the importance of mining products provided to the nation;
• building understanding of the economic value and high quality of life created by mining; and
• creating awareness of the challenges and issues facing the mining industry.
LEGISLATION
WMA also influences legislative, regulatory, and education processes in a proactive and credible way so the interests of the mining industry are considered in important decisions impacting Wyoming. We do this by:
• maintaining awareness and engagement in the ongoing legislative committee process to ensure decisions are made in the best interest of the State, its citizens, and the industry;
• promoting consistent, rational, and prudent rules and regulations that encourage environmentally responsible mining based on sound science; and
• providing accurate, timely information on mining issues to educational programs.
PARTNERSHIPS
WMA promotes the mining industry by partnering with regulators, educators, and the public to build collaborative and trusting relationships. We do this by:
• educating youth about the significance of the mining industry;
• building a healthy environment that co-exists with a healthy mining industry; and
• creating economic value and a high quality of life value in an environmentally responsible manner.
+ Air Quality and Noise Analysis
+ Cultural and Palaeontologic Resource Inventories and Consultation
+ Environmental Permitting and Compliance
+ Habitat Enhancement, Revegetation, and Weed Management Services
+ National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Environmental Impact Reports
+ Natural Resource Assessment and Evaluations (special status species, wetlands, wildlife, vegetation and soils)
+ Plan of Operations and Permitting
+ Reclamation, Site Closure, and Bond Release Planning and Monitoring
+ Soil Assessments, Mapping, and Planning
+ Water Resources Management and Planning
Equipment is only part of the job. Uptime, support, and the right partner
COMMITTED TO WYOMING MINING BUILT TO KEEP WYOMING MOVING
Wyoming Machinery Company provides Cat equipment, product support, and mining expertise built to keep operations moving. From parts availability and field service response to rebuilds and lifecycle planning, we help mining customers improve uptime, protect performance, and make smarter equipment decisions over the long haul. We work side by side with our customers to support safer, more efficient operations.
HONORING 250 YEARS
& 70
Mining operations depend on more than iron. They depend on the people, service, and support behind it. Wyoming Machinery Company and DSS help customers get more value from every stage of the equipment lifecycle — from purchase to maintenance, repair, rebuild, and replacement. With local relationships and specialized mining support, we help operations make decisions that improve reliability, extend machine life, and keep work moving.
FROM THE DESK OF THE WMA EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
IT’S TIME TO SEIZE ENERGY DOMINANCE
In Wyoming, we are truly experiencing an interesting time.
Soaring energy demand, largely driven by artificial intelligence and data centers, has placed Wyoming and our mining industries in the proverbial cat-bird seat. The rapidly developing backbone infrastructure of the 21st century information economy desperately needs what Wyoming possesses.
Rising energy demand, coupled with a renewed federal focus on energy dominance, presents unprecedented opportunities to secure our state’s future for generations to come.
Clearly, Wyoming is a national energy production leader. Our vast coal resources continue to generate reliable, affordable and abundant electricity for millions of Americans and businesses across the country. Look at the recent Winter Storm Fern to see how coal once again overperformed to keep the lights and heat on.
With a new renaissance in the nuclear power industry, fuel from Wyoming uranium will power the next generation of nuclear-generating facilities to also help meet skyrocketing energy demand. It’s important to recognize this is not a zero-sum game; both coal and nuclear power will be needed. Wyoming can and should support both.
When looking at the whole energy ecosystem, one must consider all that goes into energy production. Drilling and oilfield products made from Wyoming bentonite are critical for oil and gas production and reclamation. Natural soda ash made from Wyoming trona is a key component in controlling emissions from coal-fired power plants, which is needed to continue using our coal resources and build the next generation of coal units. Natural soda ash is also necessary in solution mining our vast uranium resources, as well as lithium battery technology. Rare earths and critical minerals from rich Wyoming deposits will be used in other energy components such as magnetics, not to mention other products all Americans use every day, from their cell phones and computers to advanced weapons systems that defend our country.
Our “vast mineral resources” are one of the reasons Wyoming exists as a state, as then Delegate Joseph Carey noted while lobbying for statehood in the 19th century.
A promising opportunity is on our doorstep. Recently, Governor Gordon signed a bill passed by the Wyoming legislature establishing the Energy Dominance Fund. This program, funded by taxes paid by industry, will be directed toward
projects to help us reach our goals. Under the direction of the Wyoming Energy Authory, the fund will go toward qualified, vetted projects that will not only help keep our core industries viable well into the future but also expand our energy footprint and potential markets. Possibilities include converting Wyoming uranium into nuclear fuel, investing in port projects to export coal, and advanced manufacturing for value-added products from our mined commodities.
BY: TRAVIS DETI Executive Director Wyoming Mining Association
We can lead the nation toward true energy dominance. We must choose to capitalize on these exciting opportunities. We must not be distracted by unfounded fears.
Welcome to Gillette, Wyoming – the Energy Dominance Capital of America! At this year’s convention, the Wyoming Mining Association will celebrate its 70th anniversary as the Wyoming mining industry’s voice. We will hear from excellent speakers and panelists about the state of our industries and opportunities in manufacturing and technological innovation, and our state and federal partners will offer updates.
Together, we will all discuss making Wyoming energy dominance a reality to benefit each of us now along with supporting our state’s future generations.
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
There is an adage I’m sure many of us in the mining industry have heard: “If it can’t be grown, it must be mined.” This holds true as almost all physical materials used in modern society are derived from either agriculture or mining. Even agriculture is dependent on mining for the fertilizers, pesticides and equipment they use to produce their products. Whether it be in rare earth minerals, coal, bentonite, trona or any other essential mineral, the materials sustaining our lives are rooted in the natural resources we extract.
Mining is an essential component to our everyday lives. Mining employment in Wyoming accounts for approximately 5% of the employment for the State of Wyoming. This unfortunately represents a decrease in the employment numbers over the last 10 years. Despite the decrease, mining in Wyoming still pays the highest average weekly salary and drives approximately 25% of the State of Wyoming’s economy. Yet even in our own backyard, mining is still not recognized or known as a viable career path. I recently attended a high school job fair 85 miles from our location and very few of the students even knew about the mines or their potential for a career. With this we continue to see our youth leave the State, taking with them a portion of our industry’s future.
While mining is viewed as necessary, it is considered by many to be a destructive industry, with concerns about environmental damage and worker safety. This thought process has led to overregulation by the Federal Government as well as difficulties and higher expenses in the mining and refining processes. These thoughts have also been a component in the above-mentioned reduction in employment numbers as well as the low amount of awareness with our schools. While mining may be viewed as a destructive industry, that does not hold true in the State of Wyoming. We as mining in Wyoming understand the most important asset we have, is our miners, and that the Earth provides us the honor and privilege to live and survive in the manner we enjoy. With these thoughts, Wyoming mines are continually recognized as some of the safest in the world, and we continually work to reduce our environmental footprint. We need to continue to expand and advocate to bring the positive image of the Wyoming mining industry forward.
We as an industry have many avenues we can utilize to advocate. We can discuss with our Congressional Delegation, our state legislature as well as our local government. We have an important mid-term election coming in a few months with many different and influential Government seats up for bid. Please remember in Wyoming most elections are won in the primary election not the general. Please remember to vote early in the primary.
BY: NEIL MAILCOAT Sisecam Board President Wyoming Mining Association
The other strong venue we have is the Wyoming Mining Association. Travis, Pat, and Heidi, continue to maintain a strong voice and presence for Wyoming Mining, not just on a state level, but a national level as well. They have brought favorable solutions to permitting timelines, energy dependance and reliability, water concerns, as well as working with our local University to bring awareness and improve education and training in respect to the mining industry. The Wyoming Mining Association, in conjunction with Mining Associates of Wyoming, has grown into a well-respected and influential association. Please continue to utilize this resource by sharing you concerns, issues and needs.
I want to say thank you to Travis, Pat and Heidi for their time, professionalism and efforts. I look forward to getting to know and working with each of you.
WHAT IS NEXT FOR THE NEXT 70 YEARS?
250 years of being America. 70 years of that time included the lifetime of the Wyoming Mining Association and Mining Associates of Wyoming; collaborating and supporting the leading industry in Wyoming.
We would like to think we have grown responsibly over the years, building awareness and providing the creature comforts that can only come with the addition of coal, trona, uranium and bentonite.
Today, we welcome and support new minerals being mined in Wyoming: gold, rare earths and lithium. What can we expect over the next 70 years?
A lot will change and a lot will remain the same.
To extract, transport and process these precious minerals into end use products we will always need people. Quality people who will come to work with the work ethic and enthusiasm to continue the legacy of the mining industry and create new ways to produce all the efforts it takes to remain competitive and relevant in our world.
Competition and new technology will always be with us. We compete with not only other states and countries but in some cases synthetic products that threaten to replace our natural minerals.
Call me old school but I maintain there will always be a demand at some level for the authentic. That goes for people called employees also.
I had an opportunity to speak to the University of Wyoming College of Education Trustees dinner last fall. The sum of my message was that in mining we hire the “GED to the PhD.” I think for some in that room it was first time they had ever given thought to who works at the mines in Wyoming. It may have well been the first time some of them had ever come face to face with the knowledge that their kids’ schools and or their paychecks came from the revenue generated by the mines in Wyoming. That one never ceases to amaze me!
That thought leads me to another speech I was honored to give to the Wyoming SkillsUSA State Competition awards ceremony this past April. Instead of bombarding those potential hires to the mining industry with stats
and more stats I chose instead to share a simple idea they could tuck in the back of their mind and pull up any time they found themselves in one of those all to familiar and unenviable places – at the cross roads of choosing to do the right thing or just giving a job a lick and a promise.
THE EDGES...Excerpt from Donut Holes for the Soul by Timothy Cotton.
BY: PAT JOYCE Assistant Director Wyoming Mining Association
Retired CIA agent Timothy Cotton took up a side hustle running a podcast and ultimately started writing books about the interesting characters he had met along the way in the CIA and his life.
One such memory was of a young neighbor of his parents in Maine. David was like most young guys when he got out of high school. Lot of ideas of what he wanted to accomplish... or maybe no idea at all. He cycled through a few jobs and was responsible but for a poor decision he made one time that earned him a couple of months in the local county jail.
David had lots of time to think and recall memories in those months. One memory took him back to Saturday morning breakfasts with his dad at the local diner in his hometown. He recalled the neon sign that hung on the back wall behind the counter and red seats. It was prominent, in full view of the diner and said, “Chet’s – Home of the Worlds Finest Toast”.
David has asked Chet one time why he had that sign up there. “Toast is toast Chet. What is so great about your toast?” That conversation ran through David’s mind several times during his sixty-day stint in the Gwinnett County jail, working in the kitchen, sometimes buttering toast and thinking about his veteran friend, Chet and his wisdom.
“It was there that David began to pay attention to his shortcomings. Every piece of toast was a chance to do better. Silly? Maybe. But he’d finally applied it – like butter – in his day-to-day dealings. Years ago, David asked Chet directly about the sign. How can one claim they make the world’s best toast? Chet welcomed the inquiry. Well, the bread is home-baked, but that’s not the secret. What is then replied David? Well, son, do you know how most of your standard restaurant toast has all the butter in the middle” It’s like the butterer didn’t care. You have to care David, about ALL things.
Chet’s eyes met David’s, looking through him like he’d just imparted the wisdom for the ages. I guess, David mustered. He’d never considered it. Toast is toast. The sentence scored a grimace and scowl from the Vietnam Vet standing before him.
David, it matters. I butter the whole slice of toast and pay attention to the edges. The details matter, even when talking about something as simple as bread that’s been browned in a toaster. I start on the edges, not in the middle, slathering the butter on all of it. Yeah, plenty in the middle, of course. But I make sure the whole slice of toast gets some attention. That’s all it takes. If you’re a plumber, you solder all the joints to the best of your ability. Voila! No leaks. If you’re a writer, you check your punctuation. But I make toast – the world’s finest – never had a complaint.
It wasn’t the Bible verses Dave committed to memory that pulled him away from the alcohol. Sure, it helped, but it was the realization that he’d paid no attention to his own edges, or his middle, for a long time. He wanted to see the sign again and find out if Chet was still there. He wanted to tell him face to face about the little kernel of truth that meant so much.”
To our future Wyoming mining workforce...Let’s make sure they learn to butter their edges. And to pay attention to our own.
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A MESSAGE FROM U.S. SENATOR FOR WYOMING JOHN BARRASSO
KEEPING OUR COUNTRY RUNNING
For the past 70 years, the Wyoming Mining Association has led the way in unleashing American energy and mineral production. Thanks to your members, Wyoming is America’s leading producer of coal, uranium, trona, and bentonite. Your hard work powers America’s economy and provides abundant, affordable, and secure energy to American families.
Energy and mining are the lifeblood of our economy. Wyoming’s tremendous natural resources create good paying jobs and support entire communities. With the Trump administration, we finally have a willing partner who will help make America energy dominant again. And once again, Wyoming’s energy resources are leading the way.
Congratulations on your 70th anniversary. I look forward to continuing to work with members of the Wyoming Mining Association and standing up for Wyoming’s miners and their families. Wyoming and our entire nation are grateful for everything you do to keep our country running strong.
A MESSAGE FROM U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN
HARRIET HAGEMAN
WYOMING RESOURCES WILL DELIVER
The world is waking up to the dangerous new reality that modern supply chains rely on adversarial regimes in Moscow and Beijing. Now, nations are shopping elsewhere for the raw material of the 21st century, and they are finding their prospects right here in Wyoming. With roughly 60 percent of Wyoming’s mineral resource rights under federal jurisdiction, the cooperation between our agencies and private industry has never been so important.
I have been fortunate to work with the Wyoming Mining Association and the National Mining Association in my capacity as Wyoming’s lone U.S. Representative, especially as Co-Chair of the Coal Caucus, to find opportunities for mineral development. Wyoming resources will deliver the industrial renaissance ushered in by the Working Families Tax Cuts law designed to unleash American energy and minerals. The Wyoming Mining Association is making it possible to pioneer a new frontier of economic prosperity in the digital age. Congratulations on reaching 70 years.
BY: U.S.CONGRESSWOMAN HARRIET HAGEMAN (R-WYO.)
BY: U.S. SENATOR JOHN BARRASSO (R-WYO.)
A MESSAGE FROM U.S. SENATOR FOR WYOMING
CYNTHIA LUMMIS
WYOMING MINING IS THE BACKBONE
Congratulations to the Wyoming Mining Association on 70 years of standing up for Wyoming’s miners and our state’s energy legacy. Your advocacy has made a real difference for our families and communities.
Wyoming’s mining industry is the backbone of our state’s economy, powering homes across America, sustaining thousands of good-paying Wyoming jobs, and generating revenues that fund our schools and communities. I’ve been proud to be a relentless fighter in Washington to protect it.
President Trump has been a steadfast ally for coal during his time in office. His administration has reversed costly Obama and Biden-era regulations, expanded federal coal leasing, and pushed back against the radical energy policies that would have devastated hardworking families and mining communities across our great state.
I’m especially proud of my successful 2025 effort to repeal the Biden administration’s Buffalo Resource Management Plan Amendment, a reckless rule that would have ended all future coal mining in the Powder River Basin. Working with my colleagues and the Trump Administration, we used the Congressional Review Act to strike it down and protect Wyoming’s energy future.
Wyoming miners built this state. It’s an honor to fight for our industries and families in Washington.
BY:
U.S. SENATOR CYNTHIA LUMMIS (R-WYO.)
A THANK YOU FROM SKILLS USA
Wyoming SkillsUSA extends its sincere appreciation to the Wyoming Mining Association (WMA) and the Mining Associates of Wyoming (MAW) for their generous $10,000 contribution to our organization. Their continued partnership in supporting career and technical education across our state has helped many a young person develop their skills to be competitive in Wyoming’s workforce.
Over the past seven years, the progress of career and technical education in Wyoming has been closely tied to the leadership and advocacy of WMA and MAW. Many of the most significant changes in CTE—including funding, and access—have been made possible through their engagement and support in the legislative process. Their consistent involvement has helped ensure that the needs of industry remain aligned with educational outcomes. Though there is much still needed to support trades-based education in Wyoming, we would not have been able to see significant advances in policy without steady support from the mining industry.
This investment reflects a shared commitment to preparing Wyoming’s students for high-skill, high-demand careers in
BY: ROB HILL WY SKILLSUSA CHAIR
the energy and extraction industries. Through this collaboration, students are gaining meaningful opportunities to explore industry pathways, develop technical competencies, and better understand the expectations required for success in the workforce.
We also recognize the leadership of Travis Deti and Pat Joyce, whose dedication has strengthened the connection between industry and education. Their efforts ensure students are equipped not only with technical skills, but also with the professionalism, safety awareness, and work ethic essential to Wyoming’s industries.
Pat Joyce’s service on the Wyoming SkillsUSA Board and the development of the Mining Education Committee further reflects this commitment.
Wyoming SkillsUSA remains dedicated to empowering students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible citizens. We are grateful for the continued investment and collaboration of WMA and MAW as we work together to build Wyoming’s future workforce.
CONGRATULATIONS!
+ Air Quality and Noise Analysis
+ Cultural and Palaeontologic Resource Inventories and Consultation
+ Environmental Permitting and Compliance
+ Habitat Enhancement, Revegetation, and Weed Management Services
+ National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Environmental Impact Reports
+ Natural Resource Assessment and Evaluations (special status species, wetlands, wildlife, vegetation and soils)
+ Plan of Operations and Permitting
+ Reclamation, Site Closure, and Bond Release Planning and Monitoring
+ Soil Assessments, Mapping, and Planning
+ Water Resources Management and Planning
1956-2026
The more we change the more we stay the same!
When Wyoming resident Bob Budd penned the book Wyoming Mining Association-1956-1986 it was 1986. He father, Bill Budd was finishing his 30-year run as the Wyoming Mining Association (WMA) Executive Director, and Cam Albin of Texasgulf Chemical Company was WMA President. Coal, bentonite, trona and uranium were the industry stars with coal mining just under 150MM tons that year.
WMA was a young 30 years old by then and an emerging force to be reckoned with after a steady and sometimes bumpy growth to adulthood. Today in 2026, WMA is a highly visible and respected association in the State Capitol as well as across the United States of America.
Wyoming’s mines and her favored minerals are still extracted from beneath the earth’s blanket cover of sagebrush and prairie grasses. They are sought out by countries and industries around the world and across America to make the creature comforts for all to enjoy.
Seventy years and seventy WMA Presidents along with just six Executive Directors led the association through the growing pains of regulatory, legislative and financial ups and downs of extracting minerals that would grow into a daily necessity and need for mankind’s adventures and innovations.
Coal became the critical source for power generation and the lifeblood for factories across this country. Today, even though other sources of energy have tried to compete with this giant from Wyoming, coal remains in high demand, albeit not without its challenges.
Bentonite, trona and uranium also made the lives of people around the world more comfortable. The demand for Wyoming’s minerals would ebb and flow as with any commodity but never die. Budd writes that in the “70’s, the mineral industry led the way into unprecedented economic and human growth, a move which some belittled and found objectionable, but one which most were content to profit from just the same.”
WHAT A RIDE!
BY: PAT JOYCE, WMA ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Once the state and the legislators, as well as the population found their “sugar daddy” of mineral taxes it was a lovehate relationship. Even then, the environmentalists found fault with the mining industry but also wanted all the tax money they could scrape up. What has changed? Not a thing.
The irony is not lost on us to see the world of opinion is not new, just recycled. Today, we know without a doubt that when we represent the mining industry in the halls of our Capitol in Cheyenne or Washington D.C., we will meet with those who indicate, “they think we should be put down.” In so many words.
However, as in the 1970’s and other eras I’m sure, those same people wanted to send their children to the schoolhouses mining built in Wyoming and to have them be taught by the teachers who were paid out of the same mining tax revenue. They claim how detrimental our industry is to our air, water and land, all while enjoying the very creature comforts provided by our industry. Ah, the irony.
Today, the Wyoming Mining Association celebrates the growth of mining in Wyoming with new opportunity percolating beneath the surface, making its way to permitting, production, more tax revenue and best of all more jobs for those who make Wyoming their home and where families come home to work generation after generation. Their children will attend those same schools that mining built. And those young families will grow up to find substantial and rewarding work in the same mines, raising the next generations behind them.
And yes, they too, will likely meet the “naysayers” who will be using the same minerals to support their work, while sending their children to the schools that mines built.
Around and around we go!
Happy 70th Anniversary, WMA!
And Happy 250th America!
PAST WMA EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS:
1991-2014 MARION LOOMIS
PAST WMA BOARD OF DIRECTOR CHAIRS:
1956-1958 R. LAUREN MORAN LUCKY MC URANIUM CORP
1958-1960 GLENN E. SORRENSON KEMMERER COAL CO.
1960-1961 ROY COULSON KEMMERER COAL CO.
1961-1962 C.J. PAUSTIAN WYO BEN INC.
1962-1963
E.L. STOUT INTERMOUNTAIN CHEMICAL
1963-1964 ROY ELLERMAN FEDERAL AM. PARTNERS
1964-1965
1965-1966
1966-1967
GEORGE NUGENT BIG HORN COAL CO.
HARRY THORSON BLACK HILLS BENTONITE
R.F. LOVE FMC CORP
1967-1968 R.L. WAHL CF&I STEEL CORP
1968-1969 IAN RITCHIE PATHFINDER MINES CORP.
1969-1970 HOWARD ARNET PACIFIC POWER AND LIGHT
1970-1971 MIKE CIMINO FMC CORP
1971-1972 KEITH COLLINS FEDERAL BENTONITE
1972-1973 LES HEYBORNE CF&I STEEL CORP
1973-1974 MORRIS WORLEY EXXON URANIUM
1974-1975 BOB MOENCH PACIFIC CORP.
1975-1976
DAVID AUER WYO BEN INC.
1977-1977 BOB MACCANNON* CF&I STEEL CORP
1977-1978 DAVID DELLING STAUFFER CHEMICAL CO.
1978-1979 DON ANDERSON PATHFINDER MINES CORP
1979-1980 BUD WESTRE WYODAK RESOURCES DEV.
1980-1981 TOM THORSON BLACK HILLS BENTONITE
1981-1982 JACK BENNETT STAUFFER CHEMICAL CO
1982-1983 HAROLD MEIER TETON EXPLORATION DRILLING
1983-1984 NELSON FUTCH MOBIL COAL PRODUCING CO.
1984-1985 DON CLUCAS DRESSER MINERALS
1985-1986 CAM ALBIN TEXASGULF CHEMICAL CO.
1986-1987 LEE NUGENT PATHFINDER MINES CORP
1987-1988 JESS LARSEN KERR MCGEE COAL CORP
1988-1989 RICH HODGSON TENNECO MINERALS
1989-1990 RUSS HYNES AMERICAN COLLOID
1990-1991 STEVE MORZENTI POWER RESOURCES, INC.
1991-1992 BOB KOVACICH MOBIL COAL PRODUCING CO.
1992-1993 KEN DAILEY FMC WYOMING CORP
1993-1994 DALE ALBERTS RIO ALGOM MINING CO.
1994-1995 PAUL ANDERSON KERR MCGEE COAL CORP
1995-1996 ROGER HARRIS TG SODA ASH
1996-1997 DONNA WICHERS COGEMA RESOURCES 1997-1998 LARRY FOX POWDER RIVER COAL CO 1998-1999 JOHN CORRA FMC WYOMING CORP 1999-2000 DONNA WICHERS COGEMA RESOURCES 2000-2001 LYLE RANDEN KENNECOTT ENERGY 2001-2002 JOHN CORRA FMC WYOMING CORP 2002-2003 BILL KEARNEY POWER RESOURCES 2003-2004 STEVE JOHNSON P&M COAL MINING CO 2004-2005 RON HUGHES SOLVAY CHEMICAL 2005-2006 LYNDON BUCHER AMERICAN COLLOID 2006-2007 GREG SCHAEFER ARCH COAL 2007-2008 RALPH KNODE STRATA ENERGY 2008-2009 JIM PEARCE FMC CORP 2009-2010 DALE NUTTALL WYO-BEN, INC 2010-2011 STEVE RENNELL ALPHA COAL WEST 2011-2012 WAYNE HEILI UR-ENERGY 2012-2013 MIKE HOHN* OCI WYOMING 2012-2013 RON HUGHES SOLVAY CHEMICALS 2013-2014 GARY RIVENES CLOUD PEAK ENERGY 2014-2015 DALE NUTTALL WYO BEN, INC. 2015-2016 MIKE THOMAS URANERZ ENERGY/ CAMECO RESOURCES
2016-2017 MATT YOUNG BUCKSKIN MINING COMPANY 2017-2018 CRAIG ROOD CINER WYOMING, LLC 2018-2019 DAN CLOSE MI SWACO 2019-2020 PAUL GORANSON ENERGY FUELS 2020-2021 MARC OSTREM WYODAK RESOURCES 2021-2022 TYLER TETRAULT BENTONITE PERF. MATERIALS 2022-2023 AARON REICHL GENESIS ALKALI 2023-2024 BERNARD BONIFAS ENERGY FUELS 2024-2025 CHRISTIAN PALICH EAGLE SPECIALTY MATERIALS 2025-2026 TODD DRUSE BLACK HILLS BENTONITE 2026-PRESENT NEIL MALICOAT SISECAM
2026 SPEAKERS
“URANIUM RISE"
Scott Melbye Executive Vice President, Uranium Energy Corp (UEC)
Scott Melbye is a 42-year veteran of the nuclear energy industry having held key leadership positions in major global uranium mining companies and various industry organizations.
Scott is the Executive Vice President of Texas-based, Uranium Energy Corp (UEC). Through June 2014, Scott was Executive Vice President, Marketing for Uranium One, responsible for global sales activities. Prior to this, Scott spent 22 years with the Cameco Group of companies. He served as President of Cameco Inc., the subsidiary responsible for managing the company’s world-wide uranium marketing and trading activities (annual sales exceeding 30 million pounds U3O8 through established relationships with most global nuclear utilities).
He has served as Chair of the Board of Governors of the World Nuclear Fuel Market (WNFM), and is the current President of the Uranium Producers of America (UPA). He currently serves in an advisory role to the nuclear engineering graduate program at the Colorado School of Mines. Scott is a frequent speaker at international nuclear energy conferences and has testified on uranium matters before the International Trade Commission, U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources, and U.S. House Oversight Committees.
Scott received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with degree specialization in International Business from Arizona State University in 1984.
“NATIONAL COAL COUNCIL PANEL”
Adam Anderson CEO, Western Fuels
Adam Anderson brings over 20 years of energy, utility, and industrial experience to the WFA team and to coal industry. Prior to joining West ern Fuels, Mr. Anderson has built and led sales teams in the energy, automation, and utility sectors. His experience within the energy sector includes service to Arch Resources and Armstrong Energy.
In the years before entering the energy industry, Mr. Anderson served over 25 years in the U.S. Air Force as both an enlisted airman and a commissioned officer, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Mr. Anderson earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering and Legal Studies from the United States Air Force Academy and received his MBA from St. Mary’s University.
“NATIONAL COAL COUNCIL PANEL"
Vern Lund CEO, Navajo Transitional Energy Company, LLC (NTEC)
Vern Lund is the Chief Executive Officer of Navajo Transitional Energy Company, LLC (NTEC), the third largest coal producer in the United States. His career spans more than 30 years in coal operations, engineering, and leadership. Mr. Lund joined NTEC in 2021 as the Vice President of Commercial and Operations prior to being appointed to NTEC’s Chief Executive Officer in 2022. In this role, Mr. Lund has emphasized operational excellence, safety, and profitability while steering NTEC toward growth and diversification for the benefit of the Navajo Nation. He has strengthened stakeholder relationships and advanced community initiatives, including establishing the Navajo Transitional Energy Company School of Energy Resources Excellence Fund at the University of Wyoming in 2024.
Nationally, he represents coal producers as a member of the Surface Transportation Board’s Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee. Mr. Lund also serves on the Board of the National Coal Council and is a member of the Executive Board of the National Mining Association. His leadership combines technical expertise and strategic vision, positioning NTEC as both a strong energy producer and an advocate for innovation, education, and long-term sustainability in the energy sector.
Lund holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from North Dakota State University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Auburn University, and he completed the Advanced Management Program at the Wharton School. He is also a retired registered Professional Engineer.
2026 SPEAKERS
“NATIONAL COAL COUNCIL PANEL”
James A. Brock Chairman & CEO, Core Natural Resources
James A. Brock has served as Core Natural Resources’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since October 6, 2025, having previously served as Executive Chair of the Board since the January 2025 merger with Arch Resources. Prior to the merger, Mr. Brock was CONSOL’s Chairman of the Board beginning in 2024 and Chief Executive Officer and member of the board of directors since 2017.
With a career in coal spanning nearly five decades, Mr. Brock’s extensive industry knowledge and operational expertise provide Core with invaluable leadership and insight. Mr. Brock began his mining career in 1979 as a summer student at CONSOL’s Matthews Mine and since then has served at various locations in many positions including Section Foreman, Longwall Coordinator, Mine Foreman, Superintendent, Chief Operating Officer (Coal) of CNX Resources Corporation (“CNX”), and as CEO and Chairman of CONSOL Coal Resources LP immediately prior to assuming the role of CONSOL’s Chief Executive Officer in 2017.
Mr. Brock also currently serves on the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance board of directors and is a member of the boards of directors of the National Coal Council and the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity. He is also an executive committee member and Chairman of the board of directors of the National Mining Association and Chairman of America’s Power. Mr. Brock previously served on the board of directors of the West Virginia Coal Association and was inducted into the WVU Hall of Fame in 2016. He is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University.
“NATIONAL COAL COUNCIL PANEL”
Richard M. Russell
Senior VP for Government & Political Affairs, National Mining Association
Richard M. Russell is Senior Vice President for Government and Political Affairs at the National Mining Association.
Most recently, he was the Republican Staff Director for Senator John Barrasso at the Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee. Prior
to joining ENR, Richard was Chairman Barrasso’s Staff Director for the Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW). He previously served as Republican Staff Director for the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.
He also served President George W. Bush as an U.S. Ambassador, on the National Economic Council, and in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Earlier in his career, he worked in the U.S. House of Representatives as Deputy Chief of Staff for the House Science Committee, among other assignments. Richard graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.
“NTL. COAL COUNCIL MODERATOR”
Rob Creager
Executive Director,, Wyoming Energy Authority
Rob Creager is the Executive Director of the WEA. He previously served as Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Mark Gordon, where he strongly emphasized Wyoming’s economic portfolio and public policy. In that role, he led multiple efforts, including implementing multiple pieces of federal legislation and the successful execution of five pandemic-related business relief programs. He led the Governor’s budget transparency promise by creating the Wyoming Sense initiative. Creager has also presided over several of Wyoming’s state agencies and served as the Governor’s liaison to the White House. He is a native of Casper, Wyoming and a graduate of the University of Wyoming.
“INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE"
The Honorable Kate MacGregor Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Kate earned her bachelor’s degree in history and classical studies from the University of Pennsylvania and studied abroad at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. She began her career on Capitol Hill, serving as a Legislative Director in House leadership and later as Professional Staff for the Chairmen on the House Natural Resources Committee.
Kate joined the Department of the Interior in 2017, where she held several senior roles including Deputy Chief of Staff and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management. In 2020, she was confirmed as Deputy Secretary, serving until the end of the Trump administration’s first term. She returned to the role in 2025 under President Trump.
At Interior, Kate has led efforts to expand domestic energy production, improve permitting efficiency, and strengthen coordination with states, Tribes, and local governments. She played a key role in implementing the Great American Outdoors Act, advancing broadband deployment on federal lands, and supporting initiatives to address the crisis of missing and murdered Alaska Natives and Native Americans.
Between her terms at Interior, Kate served as Vice President of Environmental Services at NextEra Energy, overseeing environmental permitting, development, compliance, and mergers and acquisitions for major energy infrastructure projects across the country.
Kate is an avid hockey player and rower, and enjoys hunting, fishing, and hiking in her free time.
“EPA INSIGHT"
The Honorable Cyrus Western Region 8 Administrator, US Environmental Protection Agency
President Donald Trump appointed Cyrus M. Western to serve as the EPA Region 8 administrator in February 2025. As regional administrator, Western will leads the implementation of the administration’s environmental agenda priorities in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and with 28 federally-recognized Tribes.
Prior to joining the EPA, Western served as the House Majority Whip in the Wyoming State House of Representatives, serving District 51. While there, he served on the Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee, chaired the Oil and Gas Bonding Working Group and was vice chair of the Tourism, Recreation and Wildlife Committee.
Western holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Washington and Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, as well as a Master of Liberal Arts in Environmental Studies from the Harvard Extension School in Massachusetts.
“EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES"
John M. Pope, Ph.D. President and CEO, Carbon Geocapture
John M. Pope, Ph.D., currently serves as President & Chief Executive Officer of Carbon GeoCapture, a company he founded in 2016. A serial entrepreneur with a strong desire to make a difference, in 1998, he founded Blue Sky Group as an umbrella for his various ventures, including: Blue Sky Batteries, a company focused on developing nanostructured battery materials; NDC Power, a company that developed a direct ethanol fuel cell; Centennial Woods, a company focused on reclaiming and repurposing Wyoming’s snowfence wood while preserving snowfence inventory; and WellDog, a technical services company that uses innovation to drive sustainability in the carbon, oil, gas, and mining industries to improve economic quality of life without reducing environmental quality of life.
“EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES"
Derek Silbaugh Director Generation Engineering and Environmental Services, Black Hills Corporation
Derek Silbaugh earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming. He currently serves as Director of Generation Engineer ing and Environmental Services for Black Hills Corporation, an investor owned, regulated utility (NYSE: BKH) providing natural gas and electric service to more than 1.3 million customers across eight states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Derek brings more than 30 years of experience in the energy industry, including 18 years with Black Hills Energy in progressively responsible leadership roles. Throughout his career, he has led the development and execution of strategic capital projects, major maintenance programs, and lifecycle management initiatives for generation assets. His work integrates sound engineering practices with operational reliability, environmental compliance, and long term asset planning to support safe, reliable, and cost effective energy delivery.
Currently, Derek is leading major generation initiatives, including the Lange II Generation Project in Rapid City, South Dakota, and
the expansion of the Cheyenne Prairie Generation Station (CPGS) in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Mr. Silbaugh is also responsible for evaluating and incorporating leading edge technologies into Black Hills Energy’s generation and energy infrastructure. His work includes the assessment of carbon capture solutions, coal to hydrogen pathways, multi fuel coal generation options, and other emerging energy technologies. These efforts are focused on identifying practical pathways to enhance the long term resilience, reliability, and sustainability of dispatchable generation resources across the Black Hills fleet.
“WY LAND QUALITY UPDATE"
Brandi O’Brien
Administrator,
Land Quality Division Wyoming Dept. of Environmental Quality
Brandi O’Brien is the Administrator for the Land Quality Division (LQD) at the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ). With over 15 years of service to the WDEQ, Brandi brings extensive regulatory expertise to her leadership role. She previously spent nine years within the LQD’s Source Material and Uranium Recovery Program, regulating the uranium mines and mills in Wyoming. Her foundational experience also includes four years within the Air Quality Division. Brandi holds a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering and a research background, having spent three years as a fellowship student at the Idaho National Laboratory focusing on uranium nitride fuel development.
“OSMRE UPDATE"
The Honorable Lanny E. Erdos Acting Assistant Secretary, Land & Minerals Management Director, Office of Surface Mining And Reclamation Enforcement
Lanny spent 31 years at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (DNR), where he held several positions including reclamation inspector, AML design specialist, permitting manager, and deputy chief. In his final role with DNR, he served as mineral resources management chief responsible for managing and regulating Ohio’s coal and aggregate resources, as well as overseeing abandoned mine land and mine safety programs.
Lanny has also worked in the mining industry as president and vice president for reclamation companies and vice president for environmental compliance, managing reclamation and remediation of mining permits in several states including Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Illinois, Indiana and Alabama.
Lanny is known for his 360-degree perspective of the challenges facing the coal industry due to his varied experience in state regulation, federal oversight, and private sector operations. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between state and federal agencies and other stakeholders and represented Ohio for nearly a decade on the Interstate Mining Compact Commission.
“ADVANCED MANUFACTURING OPPORTUNITIES"
Mike
Wandler President, L&H Industrial
Lanny E. Erdos has served as the Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management since December 2025 and the Director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation Enforcement (OSMRE) since October 2025 at the U.S. Department of the Interior. Lanny has extensive experience in surface mining regulation and reclamation within both the public and private sectors. He has held leadership roles at the state and federal levels and previously served as the OSMRE director from September 2019 to December 2020.
Mike Wandler is the President and CEO of L&H Industrial — a third-generation, family-owned company founded in Gillette, Wyoming in 1964. For over 60 years, L&H has grown into a global operation with offices across the globe and more than 500 employees, serving the world’s toughest industries as a world-class partner for design, engineering, manufacturing, monitoring, and field service. The company delivers Honestly Better® solutions grounded in the belief that transforming machines transforms the future.
Beyond L&H, Mike serves as CEO of Evercore Energy, a startup focused on revolutionizing energy reliability and sustainability for heavy industries through innovative deployment solutions including microreactors. He is also the Founder and Leader of Wyoming’s Innovative Entrepreneurs, an initiative empowering entrepreneurs to grow and diversify Wyoming’s economy by thinking big and building with long-term resilience.
A natural futurist and activator, Mike is driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, transformative thinking, and a belief that success comes from living in flow alongside people equally committed to meaningful change. As a two-time published author covering the pursuit of innovating energy and the mental fitness and resilience behind high performance, he continuously sharpens his leadership through Harvard OPM38, the MIT Entrepreneurship Development Program, Strategic Coach FreeZone, and Abundance 360.
“ENERGY FUTURE POWER"
Daniel Turner Executive Director, Power the Future
Daniel Turner is the Founder and Executive Director of Power the Future (PTF). After 20 years working on political issues at arms-length, a visit to a former coal town in West Virginia inspired him to started PTF to advocate for rural energy communities. Nearly a decade later, PTF is now a leading national voice on energy issues as they pertain to jobs, rural America, and national security.
His op-eds have been published in dozens of outlets and he is a regular guest on multiple TV and Cable News programs. He has appeared on over 2500 radio programs.
Daniel lives with his family on a working sheep farm in rural Virginia where he also trains service dogs for special needs children.
HERE FROM DAY ONE
For all who call Wyoming home.
Whatever your situation, our team’s got you covered. For member access 24/7, YourWyoBlue.com is your connection to better health. Manage coverage, locate providers, and get support all in one place*.
WORKING FOR YOU ALL YEAR LONG WMA BENEFITS
MEMBER
Federal & State Agency Communications
Annual Convention and MAW Golf Tournament
Safety Conference and Trade Show
Lobbying – State Legislature, Congress
Mineral Work Groups – DEQ Communications
Education – CTE Outreach
Public Outreach
UW Energy Day
Promote/Produce Industry Forums to Support Mining
Partner with and Support Industry Allies
Election Candidate Forums
We’re big in the ways you need us to be, small in the ways you want us to be, with member centers across the state, the largest provider network in Wyoming, and access to the BlueCard® nationwide network.
It’s quality coverage, backed by a name you know and trust.
Wondering how to make Blue work for your business? Scan the code below to learn more about Employer plans and bene ts.
Health insurance that’s rooted in Wyoming
QUESTIONS? Visit BCBSWY.com or call 1-800-851-2227
*Tools available are based on your bene t plan.
REGULATORY AFFAIRS Subcommittees: Sage Grouse Intervention Team Migration Corridor Monitoring
Legislative Affairs
Water Quality Bonding Wildlife Archeology Air Quality
Wyoming Coal Information Committee
Legislative Affairs
Safety Committee
Workforce-Education
2026 SPONSORS
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
THEY ARE WHO MAKE ALL THIS POSSIBLE. WE ARE GRATEFUL TO ALL THOSE THAT OFFER SUPPORT.
YOUR DONATIONS AND BIDDING HELPS FUEL OUR POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE.
BIG THANK YOU TO ALL MINING CLAIM ADVERTISERS!
YOUR GENEROUS PARTICIPATION IS WHAT LEADS TO BIG THINGS THAT WMA CAN ACCOMPLISH.
GOLF TOURNAMENT SPONSORS
BODELL CONSTRUCTION
EAGLE SUMMIT RESOURCES
FERGUSON ENTERPRISES
NORTHSTAR STRATEGIES
PACE ANALYTICAL
WYOMING MACHINERY COMPANY
TRADE SHOW BOOTH VENDORS
AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY - WYOMING
BAROID IDP
BIG HORN TIRE
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF WYOMING
BODELL CONSTRUCTION, AN AECON COMPANY
CARBON GEOCAPTURE / BH ENERGY
CAST TRANSPORTATION
ENERGY LABORATORIES INC.
FERGUSON ENTERPRISES INC
HERITAGE INDUSTRIES
NATIONAL EWP
NORTHWEST PIPE FITTINGS INC.
MSHA SAFETY SERVICES
SWCA ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS
TRANSGARD SOLUTIONS
WATER & ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES (WET)
SAFETY AWARDS
WYOMING MINING ASSOCIATION &
MAW 2025 AWARDS
LARGE CATEGORY CONTRACTORS
with greater than 75,000 hours reported in 2025.
• First Place - GK Construction
6 consecutive years without an LTA | 1,447,143 accumulated hours
• Second Place – Standard Laboratories
1 consecutive years without an LTA | 143,466 accumulated hours
MEDIUM CATEGORY CONTRACTORS
with 25,000 to 75,000 reported hours in 2025.
• First Place - Arnold Machinery Company
8 consecutive years without an LTA | 259,549 accumulated hours
• Second Place – Interstate Power Systems
3 consecutive years without an LTA | 237,363 accumulated hours
• Third Place – Komatsu
3 consecutive years without an LTA | 162,057 accumulated hours
SMALL CATEGORY CONTRACTORS
with less than 25,000 reported hours in 2025.
• First Place - L&H
16 consecutive years without an LTA | 1,043,828 accumulated hours
• Second Place – FireMaster
13 year without an LTA | 316,516 accumulated hours
• Third Place – Epiroc USA, LLC
8 consecutive years without an LTA | 165,157 accumulated hours
AWARDS 2025
MINING ASSOCIATES OF WYOMING
WMA 2025 AWARDS
SURFACE MINE – LARGE CATEGORY
First Place – Thunder Basin Coal Company LLC – Black Thunder Mine
Second Place – Navajo Transitional Energy Company – Antelope Mine
Third Place – Navajo Transitional Energy Company – Cordero Rojo Mine
SURFACE MINE – SMALL CATEGORY
First Place – Eagle Specialty Materials, LLC – Eagle Butte Mine
Second Place – Peabody Caballo Coal, LLC – Caballo Mine
Third Place – Buckskin Mining Company – Buckskin Mine
SURFACE MINE – NON-COAL LARGE CATEGORY
First Place - Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC – BPM Colony Mill
Second Place – Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC – BPM Colony Mine
Third Place – Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC – BPM Lovell Mill
SURFACE MINE – NON-COAL SMALL CATEGORY
First Place – Black Hills Bentonite – Casper Mill
Second Place - American Colloid Company – Yellowtail Mine
Third Place – Wyo-Ben, Inc. – Big Horn Basin Mines
UNDERGROUND MINE – LARGE CATEGORY
First Place –Sisecam Wyoming, LLC – Big Island Mine & Refinery
Second Place – Tata Chemicals Soda Ash Partners LLC – Tata Chemicals Mine
Third Place – American Soda, LLC – Solvay Mine
URANIUM
First Place – Uranium Energy Corporation
Second Place – Strata Energy
Third Place – Cameco Resources
2025 WMA SAFE SAM AWARD :
Thunder Basin Coal Company - Black Thunder Mine
WYOMING NTEC
WINS 2025
NATIONAL SAFETY AWARD
The NMA’s Sentinels of Safety Award recognizes coal and mineral mining operations in 10 categories for recording the most hours in a calendar year without a single lost-time injury. A minimum of 4,000 hours is required for award consideration. The award categories reflect the safety accomplishments of both small and large mines.
Twenty American mining operations – six coal mines and 14 mineral/metal mines – will be honored for their extraordinary safety performance in 2024.
Large Surface Coal, Antelope Coal Mine
Navajo Transitional Energy Company, LLC* Douglas, Wyoming
WMA ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
2025 SALESPEOPLE OF THE YEAR
EQUIPMENT SALESMAN
TOM GORTON
MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES SALESMAN
DAVID BANKENBUSH
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SHANE HANSEN
2026 PECK COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
PECK AWARD
JON LUERAS – EAGLE SUMMIT RESOURCES
In 1983 the Wyoming Mining Association (WMA) established the Peck Community Achievement Award. The first recipient was Senator Roy Peck, posthumously, and the presentation was made to the members of his family at the WMA Convention in Cheyenne on June 18, 1983. This award is given annually to a representative or employee of the Wyoming mining industry that goes “above and beyond” in their community.
The winner of the 2026 Peck Community Achievement Award is Mr. Jon Lueras of Eagle Summit Resources.
Jon’s career at Eagle Summit Resources (ESM) has been a great success story. After beginning his career with Eagle Summit in the purchasing and accounts payable department, he worked his way up to maintenance coordinator through his dedication and hard work.
He is a very active member of the Gillette community. Jon is a leader in the Northeast Wyoming Brotherhood of Advocates raising money to assist families with chronically ill children, providing room and board and travel expenses as they visit doctors out of town to lessen the financial burdens of medical care. Through volunteering at the Buffalo VA and his work with Affiliates Motorcycle Club, he works to raise funds assist disabled veterans in Wyoming.
Jon is chairman of the Wyoming Coalition of Clubs, a group of motorcycle club members from across the state that works in support of motorcycle rights causes. He is also a member of the National Coalition of Clubs which does the same at the national level. He is a member of the American Legion, the Moose Lodge, and is a former Campbell County Republican Committeeman.
ESM General Manager Matt Cook notes that Jon genuinely cares about the people he works with and works hard every day to help the company succeed. He also works hard off the job, and his commitment to giving back to the community and serving others demonstrates the kind of person that he is.
Jon and his wife Terry have been married for nearly 29 years. The have three daughters, Aurora, Morgan and Rylee, and were recently blessed with a granddaughter, Elsie.
MINING ASSOCIATES
LETTER FROM THE MAW PRESIDENT
As President of the Board of Directors for the Mining Associates of Wyoming (MAW), I am honored to represent the independent firms, suppliers, and service providers that form the backbone of our state’s proud mining industry. Our partnership with the Wyoming Mining Association (WMA) has never been more vital.
OFFICERS
Randy Quig | President
Wyoming Machinery
Ellis Day | Vice President
Interstate Power Systems
Eric Borchers | Treasurer
Komatsu Mining Corp. Group
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Travis Deti
Wyoming Mining Association
Steve Ford
Liebherr USA
Dale Brown
WWC Engineering
Alderson Burchett
Brake Supply
Tony Trouchon
Nelson Brothers
Rory McAmis Epiroc
Baron Fidler
Dyno Nobel Inc.
Jeff Pope
Holland & Hart LLP
For generations, Wyoming has been the energy and industrial heart of America. Whether it is powering the nation with clean-burning Powder River Basin coal, supplying trona for global glass and green technology manufacturing, producing bentonite, or revitalizing our uranium and rare earth sectors, our state leads the way. However, this leadership relies on a highly skilled workforce, safe operations, and commitment to our communities.
BY: RANDY QUIG MAW Board President Wyoming Machinery
As we navigate economic demands and shifting federal policies, the role of MAW remains steadfast. Our members provide the essential tools, environmental services, equipment, and expertise that keep Wyoming mines running safely and efficiently. We are dedicated to ensuring that the voices of our suppliers and associate members are heard by policymakers, regulators, and the public.
We invite you to join us at our upcoming events—such as the WMA Annual Convention and the Annual Safety Show in Gillette—where industry leaders, safety professionals, and suppliers gather to innovate and strengthen our unified voice. Together, we will ensure that Wyoming’s mining industry remains not only the most productive in the nation, but a thriving cornerstone of our economy for decades to come.
Thank you for your continued dedication, resilience, and investment in the future of Wyoming.
ASSOCIATES OF WYOMING
We’ve been the strong right arm of the Wyoming mining industry for over 30 years! We, the service & supply companies, support the Wyoming Mining Association. Thanks to the skilled, dedicated people, equipped with the best machines, tools and techniques on earth, Wyoming mining continues to be safe, strong and vital.
THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF OUR MEMBERS, WE’RE HELPING TO KEEP IT THAT WAY!
At L&H, we engineer mining solutions that go the full distance—from initial concept to real-world performance. Every part, every system, is designed for durability, precision-built in our shops, and proven in the toughest field conditions. Backed by decades of experience and deep mechanical knowhow, our teams deliver upgrades and components that don’t just keep your equipment running—they make it stronger, smarter, and Honestly Better®.
