Wyoming coal mine expansion approved
The US Department of the Interior said on Tuesday it had approved a mining plan change for the Black Butte coal mine in Wyoming, paving the way for an additional 9.2-million tons of coal to be extracted and extending the mine’s life to at least 2039.
The decision allows operator Black Butte Coal Company to expand into two new areas, known as Pit 15 and Pit 10, in Sweetwater county. The mine, which has been in operation since 1977, supplies coal to the Jim Bridger Power Plant and currently employs 56 full-time workers. The expansion is expected to create more than 50 additional jobs.
“The Black Butte mine expansion strengthens our nation’s Energy Dominance by responsibly unlocking federal coal resources,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a statement. “This decision also supports good-paying jobs in Wyoming and ensures the land is restored after mining, reflecting our commitment to both energy and environmental stewardship.”
He said the approval aligned with Trump administration energy policies under Executive Orders 14154, Unleashing American Energy, and 14241, Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry.
The Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement conducted an expedited environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act. The process included a ten-day public comment period and a virtual public meeting, the agency said.
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