Published: May 19, 2026 |

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The Bureau of Land Management Casper Field Office has approved the Black Hills Bentonite Mine Project in Natrona County. The development of this project aligns with President Trump’s executive order to Unleash American Energy.

Wyoming bentonite comprises as much as 70 percent of the world’s known supply of the absorbent clay, which is found in many industrial and consumer products. For example, it is useful in oil and gas well construction, as a sealant for dams and other industrial structures, and as a purifying agent, food and beverages, agricultural soil, and other items.

The approved project authorizes Black Hills Bentonite to develop and operate an open-pit bentonite mine on approximately 227 acres of public land administered by the BLM over 20 years.

The project is expected to employ 12 full-time, high-paying jobs over the life of the mine.

To see the final documents approving this project, visit the BLM’s National NEPA Register HERE. You can access the signed finding of no significant impact and decision record for this environmental assessment at this site.

The Bureau of Land Management manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

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