Wyo. Stat. § 35-11-427
Application for an in situ mining permit shall be made to the director. The director shall designate the land quality administrator as his representative on all matters concerning the application and all communications concerning review of and final action on the application for land, air and water quality divisions and solid waste management. Nothing herein shall be construed to limit the authority of the director on making the final decision on the permit application. No in situ mining operation shall be commenced or conducted unless a valid mining permit has been issued to the operator. Construction and completion of wells may be authorized prior to issuance of a mining permit or a research and development license pursuant to W.S. 35-11-404(g).
W.S. 35-11-427