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Planning and Zoning Commission approves MD 2 overlay on two parcels to allow underground mining
Summary
The Sweetwater County Planning and Zoning Commission approved two zone map amendments to add an MD 2 mineral development overlay to roughly 320 acres and 160 acres to allow underground mining; staff said no surface disturbance is proposed and the changes move to the County Commissioners for final approval.
The Sweetwater County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve two zone map amendments that add an MD 2 mineral development overlay to two parcels, allowing underground mining while leaving surface zoning unchanged.
Staff told the commission the first amendment (Recommendation 26 0 7 z 0 0 1) would add the overlay to about 320 acres with surface ownership by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and mineral ownership by the Bureau of Land Management; the second (Recommendation 26 0 7 z 0 0 2) would add the overlay to about 160 acres, with surface ownership by BLM. Staff said both requests conform with the 2015 Sweetwater County zoning resolution and that public notice was posted on 06/08/2026.
"This is an overlay district intended to accommodate underground mining in conjunction with surface uses of the base zoning districts," staff said, emphasizing that the proposals do not change surface zoning and that no surface disturbances are proposed at this stage. Staff reported receiving no negative public comments. Agency responses included no objections from YDOT (Darren Kaufman) and no AML concerns reported by Melissa Labor; Rocky Mountain Power (Erin Bowling) said it had no comments. Lumen submitted an exhibit noting existing copper infrastructure in the area.
The applicant, Tyler Schultz, identified himself as "Tyler Schultz, environmental manager at Shishi Gym Wyoming," and described the first parcel as a "fringe lease" expanding an existing mine area. Schultz said the operations would be underground only, "we mine in 2 different layers ... at 800 feet and 850 feet," and that there is currently no surface disturbance planned.
Committee member (speaker 3) moved to approve the first overlay amendment; Committee member (speaker 2) seconded, and the commission voted in favor. The commission then approved the second overlay amendment by motion and vote; staff told the commission the zoning changes will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final consideration.
Where the record noted conditions or future requirements, staff said they are prospective: YDOT commented that, when project-level work is proposed (for areas accessing State Highway 372), applicants will need to provide additional information on access, utilities and subsidence and work with YDOT at that time. No conditions were required by the commission at the zoning-stage approval.
The commission recorded the motions and carried the approvals; the amendments will proceed to the County Commissioners for final action.
