The Department of the Interior has moved forward with three competitive coal lease sales in Alabama, Montana and Utah this fall. These sales reflect the Trump administration’s commitment to strengthening American Energy Dominance, supporting local economies and securing a stable supply of critical resources for the nation’s economy.
“Coal has long been the backbone of America’s energy and industrial strength,” said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “By moving forward with these lease sales, we are creating good-paying jobs, supporting local communities, and securing the resources that keep America strong. President Trump’s leadership is putting American workers first and ensuring our nation’s energy future is built on reliable, homegrown resources.”
The Bureau of Land Management offered two lease areas covering about 14,050 acres beneath private lands in Tuscaloosa County, Ala. The tracts contain an estimated 53 million tons of recoverable metallurgical coal. The sealed-bid sale took place on September 30 at the BLM Eastern States State Office in Falls Church, Va.
In Emery County, Utah, the BLM offered about 120 acres known as the Little Eccles Tract, containing an estimated 1.29 million tons of recoverable coal. The sale was in response to an application submitted by Canyon Fuel Company, operator of the Skyline mine since 1981. Sealed bids were submitted to the BLM Utah State Office in Salt Lake City by October 1, which is when the sale took place.
In Big Horn County, Mont., the BLM offered about 1,262 acres containing an estimated 167.5 million tons of recoverable coal. The lease sale was in response to an application by Navajo Transitional Energy Company, operator of the Spring Creek mine. If issued, the lease could extend the mine’s life through 2051, supporting high-paying jobs and contributing to U.S. energy security. The sale will be held on October 6 at the BLM Montana State Office in Billings.
All three sales advance the Trump administration’s priorities under Executive Order 14241, “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production,” and Executive Order 14261, “Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry.” The BLM manages these resources under the Mineral Leasing Act and the coal provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Each sale follows federal review and public involvement, including environmental analysis and opportunities for public comment. Winning bidders must meet fair market value requirements and secure all necessary state and federal permits, including an approved mining plan from the Secretary of the Interior, before mining can begin.