The Yellowcake Boom

The fund the panel names runs on coal. The 1977 federal surface-mining law put a fee on every ton of coal mined, and half of what Wyoming's mines pay comes back to the state. Because Wyoming had already reclaimed its abandoned coal sites, the money could go to old uranium pits like these. One Gas Hills job, the Day Loma complex, covered just over 1,000 acres with four pits and more than 9,600 feet of dangerous highwalls. In 2024 the state was still reshaping Gas Hills pits to resemble the land around them.

What the plaque says

The Yellowcake Boom The post-WWII quest for uranium in Central Wyoming was triggered by the sudden demand for yellowcake — processed uranium — primarily for national defense in the early years, but later used to fuel the 104 nuclear power plants in the U.S. One pound of yellowcake produces the same amount of energy as 31 barrels (1,302 gallons) of fuel oil, or 10 tons of coal. Since production started, Wyoming uranium has provided energy equal to 5.9 billion barrels of fuel oil or 1.9 billion tons of Wyoming coal. The photo shows uranium mining operations in the Central Gas Hills circa August 1980. This was one of three large mining areas open in the Gas Hills Uranium District during Wyoming's uranium heyday. The area shown covers several square miles of deep pits, spoil piles, stockpiles, and haul roads. The East and West Gas Hills mining areas were equally as large. Closure of these mines required many years of reclamation by mining companies and the state of Wyoming through the use of the Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Fund. Reclamation continues today. County Road 5 leading north from Jeffrey City extends through the Gas Hills, past mines being reclaimed, and past the remnants of mining towns. This sign is located near the site of the grocery that once served Lucky Mc Camp and other Gas Hill settlements.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• The Rise and Fall of Wyoming's Yellowcake Industry — steps away
• Split Rock — 23 mi
• Jeffrey City: Biggest Bust of Them All — 24 mi
• Bridger Road - Waltman Crossing — 26 mi