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Wyo mining jobs rise for the first time in 16 monthsWyo mining jobs rise for the first time in 16 monthsTuesday, July 20, 2010 By Business Report Staff CHEYENNE — For the first time in 16 months, Wyoming saw job growth in the natural resources and mining sector, which added 900 jobs in over-the-year comparisons (an increase of 3.6 percent), according to a report by the Research and Planning section of the Wyoming Department of Employment. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continued to decrease, falling from 7.0 percent in May to 6.8 percent in June. Over the year, Wyoming employment decreased by 1,800 jobs (-0.6 percent). Sizable job losses continued in construction (-3,700 jobs, or -14.6 percent), other services (-1,200 jobs, or -9.8 percent), and leisure and hospitality (-500 jobs, or -1.4 percent). In addition to natural resources and mining, job gains were seen in government (including public schools, colleges and hospitals; 1,400 jobs, or 1.9 percent), educational and health services (700 jobs, or 2.7 percent), manufacturing (600 jobs, or 6.7 percent), professional and business services (500 jobs, or 2.8 percent), and transportation and utilities (200 jobs, or 1.4 percent). Employment in wholesale trade was unchanged from a year earlier. From May to June, Wyoming added 7,400 jobs (2.6 percent). This level of increase is consistent with normal seasonal patterns. Large seasonal job gains were seen in leisure and hospitality (5,000 jobs, or 16.0 percent), professional and business services (1,100 jobs, or 6.4 percent), natural resources and mining (800 jobs, or 3.2 percent), and retail trade (600 jobs, or 2.0 percent). Employment decreased in government (-800 jobs, or -1.1 percent) and construction (-400 jobs, or -1.8 percent). Most county unemployment rates followed their normal seasonal pattern and decreased from May to June. The highest rates were found in Lincoln (8.5 percent), Johnson (7.9 percent) and Fremont (7.8 percent) counties. Sublette County posted the lowest unemployment rate (4.2 percent) followed by Niobrara County (5.2 percent). The Wyoming employment news release with July data will be issued on Aug. 24. |
