The Bureau of Land Management has approved an open-pit bentonite mine on about 227 acres of public land in Wyoming.
The mine, dubbed the Black Hills Bentonite mine project, is located in Natrona County, Wyoming. The state produces the bulk of the world’s bentonite, an absorbent clay used in oil and gas production, products like cat litter and animal feed, detergentsm and soaps.
BLM’s approval, announced Friday, allows Casper-based Black Hills Bentonite to develop and operate the mine, including pits that will cover more than 97 acres, as well as about 129 acres for topsoil and overburden, access roads and other activity.
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Black Hills Bentonite did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
