CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A decision on whether a Kentucky company will be allowed to open what would be Wyoming's first major coal mine in decades isn't expected until midsummer.

The Wyoming Environmental Quality Council held five days of hearings on the proposal from Lexington-based Ramaco last week in Sheridan. Another forum will be held later, likely in June in Cheyenne.

The proposed Brook Mine would be on the banks of the Tongue River north of Sheridan. It's contested by a handful of local landowners and another coal company, Big Horn Coal, which operated in the region until the mid-1980s.

The area was heavily mined in the early 20th century and has a history of sinkholes.

Ramaco CEO Randall Atkins said he hopes the company will be able to move forward after the final meeting.

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