The US Department of the Interior has approved a federal mining plan modification for the Spring Creek Mine in Big Horn County, Montana.
The decision, made by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, extends the mine’s life by 16 years.
The extension of the Spring Creek Mine, operated by Navajo Transitional Energy Company, will enable the production of approximately 39.9 million tonnes (mt) of federal coal, while supporting 280 full-time jobs.
It is part of Executive Order 14154, Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation, and Interior Secretary Order 3421, Achieving Prosperity Through Deregulation.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said: “The previous administration waged a full-on assault against US energy. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are reversing that course, unleashing American energy, and ensuring our nation’s security and prosperity.”
The Spring Creek Mine meets coal demands both within the US, including Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota and Washington, and internationally, serving markets in Japan and South Korea.
Since beginning coal shipments in 1980, the mine has had a permitted mining capacity of 36mt per year.
Mining operations primarily involve dragline techniques, with truck and shovel operations used to move coal.
This expansion supports the Trump-Vance administration’s goal of cutting regulatory obstacles and encouraging increased energy production.
Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Walter Cruickshank said: “By expanding access to our nation’s rich coal resources, we are not only bolstering our economy but also reinforcing our energy independence.”
The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement created an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) after a 2021 ruling by the US District Court for the District of Montana, which found the original analysis insufficient.
The EIS assessed various mining alternatives and their effects on both people and the environment.
