Tuesday, AUGUST 12, 2025 |
The U.S. Department of Interior on Monday announced approval of a mining plan modification that will unlock 14.5 million tons of federally owned coal at the Antelope Mine in Converse County, Wyoming.
The action authorizes coal production across approximately 857 federal acres associated with Federal Coal Lease WYW-177903. Yesterday’s decision extends the life of the mine through 2037, supporting continued production from one of the Powder River Basin’s key energy contributors.
“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.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon welcomed the decision as a needed economic boost for the state.
“This announcement is excellent news for Wyoming, our coal mining workforce and for consumers.” the governor’s statement reads. “After this approval was effectively halted by the Biden Administration, the Trump Administration responded by recognizing the needs of Wyoming and the growing demand for energy in this country.”
The governor added a word of caution about a coal mine located in southwest Wyoming.
The Governor Gordon’s statement reads, “We are also keenly aware of a pending decision on the Black Butte Mine expansion in Sweetwater County, which was also halted by the previous administration.”
Under Monday’s ruling, the Antelope Mine in Converse County will produce an additional 14.5 million tons of federally owned coal.
Antelope Mine is operated by Navajo Transitional Energy Company and supports 359 full-time jobs. Located in both Converse and Campbell counties, the mine employs conventional surface-mining techniques and ships coal from an on-site rail facility to power plants and industrial customers across the country.
The reversal of the Biden era policy is viewed as a decisive action to reverse bureaucratic barriers, streamline federal permitting, and reinvest in and reinvigorate coal communities.
