Company Proposes Rare Earths Mine In WY

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A Canadian company has proposed a rare earths mineral mine in northeastern Wyoming.

Residents say they would welcome the jobs it would create, but are concerned about the impact the $450 million Bear Lodge Project would have on the environment.

Vancouver, British Columbia-based Rare Element Resources is proposing a mine in the Black Hills National Forest. The Casper Star-Tribune reports the project and a processing plant in Upton could create 130 jobs. Work could begin as early as 2016 if the project is approved by regulators and financed.

The mine site, including a dump site for waste rock and a crushing facility, would cover just over 2.6 square miles. The mine would be a 400 foot pit.

Rare earth metals are used in medical and computer technology and in magnets and lasers.