Cotter Ferguson, a pioneer in uranium mining and development, helped create a whole new industry in this country. ​

He believed that the U.S. needed a diverse fuel supply to meet its power generation needs. This was at a time when the nation was entirely dependent on foreign sources for its uranium. Mr. Ferguson began exploring for uranium in the Gas Hills of Wyoming. A traveling salesman, he took the time to teach himself the elements of uranium exploration and then spent his leisure time with his Geiger counter in hand prowling the region. By 1955, he had staked out claims in an area which was to become one of the world’s major uranium districts. From his efforts, Gas Hills Uranium Company (now American Nuclear Corp.) became a reality.​

In addition to acquiring and developing uranium properties, the company was a joint owner under various contracts for the Tennessee Valley Authority. Cotter Ferguson was instrumental in negotiating the first contract with a utility under which the utility would develop its own source of uranium to run its reactors.​

Mr. Ferguson was a founder of the Wyoming Mining Association and he received the “Wyoming Mineral Man of the Year” award in 1976.​

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