mining

In the past, the United Mine Workers of America has accused McConnell of blocking pension and health benefits for miners.

But conservation groups and other opponents said the U.S. has enough uranium stockpiled to supply decades' worth of defense needs.

There’s already a 20-year ban on new mining claims on public land north of Yellowstone.

The withdrawal has no bearing on private land, where both companies have plans.

Officials have yet to complete work including basic risk analyses on about 80 percent of abandoned mining sites on federal lands.

Cloud Peak owns the Antelope and Cordero Rojo mines in Wyoming and the Spring Creek mine in Montana.

The panel is supposed to find ways to remove barriers to drilling and mining while making sure taxpayers aren't shortchanged by energy companies.

Most of the land is within the Custer Gallatin National Forest, but the underground minerals are overseen by the Interior Department.

Davis says he expects Zinke to sign a 20-year mineral withdrawal for lands in the Paradise Valley and Gardiner Basin.

An identical bill sponsored by Republican U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte is pending in the House.