At WAIC, we believe the foundation of a sustainable future begins with our youth, and that's why we're dedicated to instilling a sense of stewardship for Wyoming's natural resources through hands-on and place-based education.

Jon Conrad, Director of Governmental Affairs: TATA Chemicals, North America

A Decade of Innovation

WAIC is proud to introduce Jon Conrad a longtime WAIC supporter and an instrumental figure in Wyoming Students' Wyoming's Future Capital Campaign. "Over the past decade, the soda ash industry has undergone a significant transformation. Technology has been the biggest game-changer," Jon explains. “We’ve moved from traditional blasting techniques to safer, more efficient mining methods such as flexible conveyor trains, longwall and liquid mining methods that eliminate the need for explosives.”

In situ mining—often called “virgin mining”—dissolves underground trona, which is then pumped to the surface and crystallized into soda ash. It’s a cleaner process that reflects the industry's broader shift toward sustainability. One of the most exciting developments is TATA’s pioneering use of small modular nuclear reactors to generate steam—a critical element in soda ash production.

“This will be the first time in the nation that micro-nuclear reactors are deployed for industrial, not electrical, purposes,” Jon says. “We're aiming for a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.”

Wyoming’s energy-forward policy climate is helping. “It’s a perfect storm,” he adds, citing Governor Mark Gordon’s support for a comprehensive cradle-to-grave nuclear energy strategy—from mining and reactor development to storage.

Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce

Trona mining isn’t what it used to be, and neither are the jobs. “Decades ago, you could become a miner straight out of high school. Now, we’re looking for people with strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, industrial experience, and education.”

TATA works closely with Western Wyoming Community College (Rock Springs) that offers programs in plant operations, mechanics, and electrical systems. They also engage with local high schools through career days, encouraging students to pursue associate degrees, apprenticeships, or four-year programs.

“Most of our long-tenured employees come from the Intermountain West and embody the values we cherish here,” Jon says. “Today’s plant operators need to understand algorithms, process controls, and systems diagnostics—skills that didn’t exist in the mining workforce a generation ago.”

Facing Global Competition

The biggest external challenge to Wyoming’s soda ash industry? Global competition—especially from China.

“Our operators are paid well—an average of $50 an hour—but labor accounts for about 40% of production costs,” Jon explains. “Competing with synthetic soda ash producers overseas, where labor is far cheaper, is incredibly tough.”

Most U.S. soda ash producers are foreign owned, including TATA (India) and WE Soda (Turkey). “It’s a global market, and we have to stay competitive, especially given how capital-intensive soda ash production is.”

Strengthening Communities

The soda ash industry may be global, but its roots in Wyoming run deep. TATA’s operations rely on local partnerships—from Union Pacific for transportation, to Wyoming Machinery Company (WY CAT) for equipment, to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for regulatory compliance.

“The school systems also benefit,” Jon notes. “Many of our employees’ children are growing up in mining families, continuing a tradition that defines our state.”

Policy That Moves Us Forward

If Jon could change one thing to strengthen Wyoming’s global position, it would be streamlining the permitting process. “Permits through the BLM or DEQ can take years. That delay hinders expansion and limits our ability to create jobs.”

He believes it’s critical to educate both policymakers and the public on the economic and environmental impacts of mining. “Wyoming’s state seal features a miner for a reason. We have the tools and the responsibility to reclaim the land and leave it better than we found it.”

A Vision for the Future

From nuclear-powered innovation to workforce development, Jon sees a bright future for soda ash in Wyoming. “We’ve shown that we can innovate, collaborate, and preserve our land and values while competing on a global stage,” he says. “Now we need to make sure policy keeps pace with possibility.”

Please contact Jon with any questions/comments: Jon R. Conrad

jconrad@tatachemicals.com

307-872-3445

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TRONA "SODA ASH" is taught in Wyo Wonders 2nd Grade Minerals & Energy Unit lesson—“By-Product Bonanza.” This lesson introduces students to the role Wyoming’s resources play in their daily lives.

In this lesson, trona is featured as one of Wyoming’s key minerals, helping students make connections between their everyday products. The lesson emphasizes that Wyoming produces over 90% of the nation’s trona, making our state’s role in this industry uniquely significant.

WOW! We are honored to have the support of so many incredible members of this community! Because of the generosity of 34 donors, we raised $15,318 spearheaded by the $5,000 Match by Jay Butler & the Robinson Ranch! We can't thank you all enough. To see our programs and what your dollars support, visit www.wyaitc.org and www.wyowonders.org. Thank you!!