Wyoming2025Did Not Pass

HB0010

Changes to Limited Mining Operations

Last scannedOct 9, 2026, 2:19 AM

In one sentence

This act amends rules related to limited mining operations, including bonding requirements and water quality testing.

What it does

Amends the requirements for starting limited mining operations by adding new conditions and increasing bond amounts.
Requires operators to test water quality near proposed mining sites if requested by the department.
Limits how many similar mineral mines can operate within a six-mile radius.
Changes rules about extending mining operations beyond five years, requiring evidence of continued need.

Who it affects

Mining operators who want to start or extend limited mining operations in Wyoming.
The Department of Environmental Quality which oversees these operations.
Surface owners near proposed mining sites who may be notified about nearby operations.

Limits and unknowns

The bill did not pass in the session it was introduced.
Specific details about rulemaking authority are limited without full text.
Effective dates for changes may vary based on when rules are finalized.

Plain language

Terms to know

Limited Mining Operations: Mining activities for noncoal minerals on small areas, usually less than fifteen acres.
Bonding Requirements: Financial guarantees that mining operators must provide to ensure proper reclamation and restoration of land after mining.

Official record

Sources

Source checked

Official bill page Introduced text Official digest Current bill text

Public statements

Why lawmakers voted

Last checked Aug 3, 10:22 AM

Elissa Campbell

R · H56

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker plans to vote against the bill due to constituent concerns about insufficient notification, lack of water testing requirements, and potential damage to groundwater.

Public statementFloor statement at 4:48:53 Watch the statement

Scott Heiner

R · H18

Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker urges support for the bill because it reduces regulations to allow exploration companies to find resources faster without going through lengthy permitting processes.

Public statementFloor statement at 4:57:21 Watch the statement

If a lawmaker is not listed, we couldn't find a published reason.

Wyoming roll calls

Recorded votes

2 roll calls

H COW:Failed 17-39-5-0-12025-01-28 · House17 yes 39 no

Yes: 17
No: 39
Absent: 0
Excused: 5
Conflict: 1

H09 - Minerals:Recommend Amend and Do Pass 8-1-0-0-02025-01-22 · House8 yes 1 no

Yes: 8
No: 1
Absent: 0
Excused: 0
Conflict: 0

Yes 8

CAMPBELLChristopher KnappR · H53 J.R. RigginsR · H59 J.T. LarsonR · H17 Mike SchmidR · H20 Nina WebberR · H24 Reuben TarverR · H52 Scott HeinerR · H18

No 1

Martha LawleyR · H27

Official activity

Bill history

2025-01-28H COW:Failed 17-39-5-0-1House
2025-01-22H Placed on General FileHouse
2025-01-22H09 - Minerals:Recommend Amend and Do Pass 8-1-0-0-0House
2025-01-17H Introduced and Referred to H09 - MineralsHouse
2025-01-02H Received for IntroductionHouse
2024-12-04Bill Number AssignedLSO

Changes

Amendments

2 stored

HB0010HW001

The amendment adds a new requirement that before starting limited mining operations, operators must test the water quality of nearby domestic wells with permission from well owners and report results to the state.

HB0010HS001

The amendment adds limestone to the list of materials that can be used for limited mining operations.