Wyoming board sets 4% uranium royalty rate

The state Board of Land Commissioners has established a 4% royalty rate for new uranium leases. Royalties paid last year on uranium production in Wyoming totaled only $3,300. Currently, two companies are producing uranium in the state, and only one produces from a state lease. The Office of Lands and Investments had been charging uranium producers a royalty rate of 2.5 to 3% until 2010 when a 5% rate was imposed. Under the motion adopted Tuesday by the state Board of Land Commissioners, the office can change the royalty rate on uranium when the 10-year leases are renewed. Money from the royalties on production on state trust lands goes to support public schools.