The Department of the Interior has approved a mining plan modification that will allow access to 14.5 million tons of federally owned coal at the Antelope Mine in Converse County, Wyoming. The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) issued its decision after completing an environmental assessment and finding no significant impact.
The West Antelope II South Tract Mining Plan Modification covers approximately 857 federal acres and extends the operational life of the mine through 2037. This move supports continued production from one of the Powder River Basin’s major coal sources.
“The Trump administration is delivering on its promise to revitalize American coal and unleash our nation’s energy potential,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “This decision boosts American jobs, enhances energy security and supports communities that rely on coal to power their homes and economies.”
Operated by Navajo Transitional Energy Company, Antelope Mine provides 359 full-time jobs and uses surface-mining techniques. Coal from the site is shipped via rail to power plants and industrial customers nationwide.
The approved plan ensures ongoing supply of low-sulfur, low-ash subbituminous coal from the Powder River Basin, which is important for U.S. coal-fired electricity generation. The decision aligns with national strategies aimed at reducing dependence on foreign energy sources, supporting grid reliability, and maintaining employment in coal-reliant communities.
This action also supports executive orders intended to promote clean coal technologies and U.S. energy independence, as well as recent legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The act lowers royalty payments for mining on federal land and expands available land for such activities.
“As global instability continues to threaten energy markets, the need for reliable, domestic coal has never been clearer,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Mineral Management Adam Suess. “This action underscores our commitment to commonsense permitting, environmental stewardship and Energy Dominance.”
OSMRE conducted a full review under federal environmental laws before issuing its Finding of No Significant Impact, confirming that anticipated mining activities would not cause significant adverse effects.
Earlier this month, another project was authorized in Tennessee for Hurricane Creek Mining, LLC to extract up to 1.8 million tons of coal over ten years on Bryson Mountain in Claiborne County.
Further details about the mining plan modification are available at https://www.osmre.gov/programs/regulating-active-coal-mines/federal-lands.
