A mine plan modification will restore full-scale mining and prolong operations at the
historic site through 2039.
by Josephine Patterson
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has approved a change in the mining plan for the Black Butte mine in Sweetwater County, Wyo., approximately 25 miles east of Rock Springs. The modification enables Black Butte Coal Co. to recover about 9.2 million tons of federal coal from two areas, known as Pit 15 and Pit 10, covering 450 acres.
The coal will be mined from two seams within the Fort Union Formation. The expected average production rate is between 500,000 and 1.3 million tons per year (Mtpy), which is below the maximum permitted production rate of 5 Mtpy.
Since June 2024, Black Butte has been “on a strictly reclamation plan,” with workers focused solely on restoring previously mined areas while awaiting federal approval of the expansion, reported Cowboy State Daily. The Wyoming news site wrote that the mine plan change had been under federal review since 2014, with the company securing initial lease approval in 2017 and state permits in 2021 before stalling under the previous administration.
In operation since 1977, Black Butte primarily provides thermal coal to the Jim Bridger power plant, Wyoming’s largest coal-fired power plant, as well as supporting jobs across federal, state, and private lands. With the DOI approval, the surface mine is expected to continue operating through at least 2039. The expansion is also expected to add over 50 new jobs at the operation, which currently employs 56 full-time workers.
“The Black Butte mine expansion strengthens our nation’s Energy Dominance by responsibly unlocking federal coal resources,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “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.”
The Black Butte expansion approval supports key Trump administration energy priorities under Executive Order 14154, “Unleashing American Energy,” and Executive Order 14241, “Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry.” These executive orders promote domestic energy production while maintaining responsible land management.
Black Butte Coal Co. is a 50/50 Joint Venture between KCP, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lighthouse Resource, and Bitter Creek Coal Company.