The Department of the Interior has approved a permit for Hurricane Creek Mining, LLC to mine coal on Bryson Mountain in Claiborne County, Tennessee. This project aims to produce up to 1.8 million tons of coal over the next decade, supporting America's energy independence and creating local jobs. The coal extracted will serve industries such as steelmaking and power generation.
Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Adam Suess stated, "This project reflects a broader shift, one where American resources are being put to work for American strength. We’re not just issuing permits—we’re supporting communities, securing supply chains for critical industries, and making sure the U.S. stays competitive in a changing global energy landscape."
The permit was granted following an expedited environmental review process established under new procedures aimed at accelerating reviews of energy projects. This is part of the government's response to the national energy emergency declared by President Trump earlier this year. The approval aligns with Executive Order 14261 titled “Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry” and complements the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's support for the coal industry by reducing royalty rates for mining federal coal and opening additional land for leasing.
Hurricane Creek Mining, LLC is authorized to surface mine several coal seams across approximately 635 acres using auger, highwall, and contour methods. The mined coal includes specialty market coal primarily used in steelmaking and special industrial applications, as well as thermal use coal occasionally blended with lower-grade coal for electricity generation.
Further details on this project can be found at https://www.osmre.gov/laws-and-regulations/nepa/projects.
