CHEYENNE — Plans for a major gold and copper mine west of Cheyenne are edging closer to becoming reality as U.S. Gold Corp. continues to move the long-discussed CK Gold Project toward a 2026 construction start.

The CK Gold Project has been in the works for several years, building on the region’s historic legacy in the Silver Crown Mining District, a mineral-rich area about 20 miles west of Wyoming’s capital city. The site sits just east of Curt Gowdy State Park, an area popular with outdoor enthusiasts but also home to mines dating back more than a century.

The Copper King Mine, which sits at the heart of the project area, was first developed in 1881 by the Adams Copper Mining and Reduction Company. Although mining activity slowed decades ago, interest in reviving the site has persisted due to its valuable gold and copper deposits.

In 2016, U.S. Gold Corp. acquired the full mineral lease and began exploration in earnest in 2020. According to company reports, the site holds promising ore reserves that could support 10 to 12 years of mining, producing valuable metals for domestic use and export.

If the CK Gold Project proceeds on schedule, it could mark Wyoming’s first operating gold mine since the 1950s, injecting new energy into the state’s economy. The project is expected to create over 100 direct mining jobs, with an estimated 1,000–2,000 indirect jobs created across Cheyenne and surrounding communities through support services, transportation, and local businesses.

Beyond jobs, the mine could boost local tax revenues, help diversify the region’s economy, and provide local ranchers and landowners with new opportunities once the mine closes. According to past reporting by the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, once operations end, the land would be restored for cattle grazing, maintaining its current agricultural use.

Environmental responsibility is also a core part of the plan. Unlike older mines that used cyanide to extract gold, the CK Gold Project will rely on froth flotation, a more modern and environmentally safer method for separating valuable minerals from ore.

To further reduce risks, the Land Quality Division of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality asked the company to strengthen the design of its tailings management system. On July 1, an amendment request was submitted to add a geomembrane liner beneath the compacted soil liner of the tailings facility — an added safeguard to prevent potential leaks or contamination.

Project leaders say the timeline has shifted due to practical realities on the ground. On July 14, an additional amendment was filed with the Industrial Siting Division (ISD) to officially move the planned start of construction from April 2024 to early 2026 and extend the permit window through the end of 2026.

“The change in the construction start date is driven by water supply complications due to right-of-way issues and higher water development costs than anticipated when the application was submitted and approved,” explained Jenny Staeben, administrator for the ISD. “Gold King Corp and the Board of Public Utilities are currently evaluating water alternatives that appear to be obtainable by the first quarter of 2026. … The extension will acknowledge unforeseen weather and supply chain delays that may impact the commencement of construction.”

Water access and cost concerns are key challenges in getting the mine operational. Securing reliable water rights and infrastructure is essential for mineral processing and dust control at the open-pit site — and rising development costs since 2020 have added new hurdles.

Both amendment requests — the design upgrade and timeline change — are expected to be authorized on or after August 12, unless a formal hearing is requested before 5 p.m. August 11. If a hearing is triggered, the proposals will be discussed by the ISD Council at its August 12 meeting.

Supporters see the project as an opportunity to responsibly revive Wyoming’s mining sector while ensuring that modern best practices and reclamation standards guide the work. Once mining operations wrap up, the plan is to return the land to ranching and open spaces, continuing the area’s long-standing ties to Wyoming’s ranching heritage.

The CK Gold Project also comes at a time when domestic supply of critical minerals, especially copper, is a growing national priority as the U.S. ramps up renewable energy and electric vehicle production — both of which depend heavily on copper.

While local reaction has been mixed — with some neighbors worried about environmental impacts — backers argue that the project’s design, water protections, and final land restoration will help Wyoming meet future mineral needs without sacrificing its natural heritage.

The next few months will determine if the project remains on track for groundbreaking in 2026 — setting the stage for a historic return to gold mining in the Cowboy State.

Originally reported by Alyssa Tolman in Wyoming News.