The U.S. Department of the Interior has approved a mining plan modification that will unlock 14.5 million tons of federally owned coal at the Antelope mine in Converse County, Wyo., extending the life of the mine through 2037.
“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.”
The action approves the West Antelope II South Tract Mining Plan Modification associated with Federal Coal Lease WYW-177903 and authorizes coal production across approximately 857 federal acres. A full environmental review of the modification confirms that the project will not result in significant adverse environmental effects, paving the way for continued coal recovery under lawful, science-based oversight.
Antelope is operated by the 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.
Source: Interior Department