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Title: Minerals outlook for Wyoming

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OSTI ID:6385626

Wyoming drilling activity was down. The rig count was at a seven year low in February. Crude oil prices also affect Wyoming's gas production. Fuel oil prices are already low enough to compete with higher priced gas, and may edge out part of the market for natural gas. This year's coal production is still forecast at 112 million tons - a 3.7 percent increase over the 108 million tons produced in 1982. Average coal prices are currently forecast at $13.20 in 1982 and $13.86 in 1983. In 1983, demand for soda ash (trona), iron ore, limestone, and gypsum should reflect any improvements in the national economy. Bentonite is dependent enough on oil and gas drilling activity that significant improvements will probably mirror the status of the petroleum industry. Aggregate (sand, gravel, ballast, clinker, etc.) production will primarily depend on the levels of highway construction and railroad maintenance. Uranium production will remain at low levels, and may even decline with the closure of the Sweetwater mine. There will be some exploration for metals and diamonds in Wyoming this year, however, unless gold and silver prices improve, exploration will fall short of earlier expectations. (DP)

OSTI ID:
6385626
Resource Relation:
Related Information: Information Circular
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English