The US Department of the Interior (DOI) has approved a federal mining plan modification for the Spring Creek Mine in Big Horn County, Montana, extending its operational life by 16 years.
The decision allows the Navajo Transitional Energy Company to extract an additional 39.9 million tons of federal coal, securing 280 full-time jobs.
US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said: “The previous administration waged a full-on assault against US energy.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re reversing that course, unleashing American energy, and ensuring our nation’s security and prosperity.”
The Spring Creek Mine supplies coal to domestic markets in Arizona, Minnesota, Michigan, and Washington, as well as international buyers in Japan and South Korea.
The approval aligns with the Trump-Vance administration’s broader agenda to reduce regulatory restrictions and promote domestic energy production.
The policy direction is supported by Executive Order 14154, “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation,” and Interior Secretary’s Order 3421, “Achieving Prosperity Through Deregulation.”
The federal review followed a 2021 ruling by the US District Court for the District of Montana, which determined that the original environmental analysis was insufficient.
In response, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) conducted an Environmental Impact Statement to assess various mining alternatives and their potential effects on communities and the environment.
The Spring Creek Mine, which began coal shipments in 1980, operates with a permitted mining capacity of 36 million tons per year. The site primarily employs dragline mining, supplemented by truck and shovel operations for coal extraction.
It produces 9,350 Btu thermal coal and maintains an annual output of 10 to 15 million tons. The facility has a processed coal storage capacity of 30,000 tons and is serviced by BNSF Railway at NERCO Junction, Montana, with a full-loop rail loading system capable of handling five unit trains.
