U.S. President Donald Trump reacts next to coal industry workers, on the day he signs energy-related executive orders at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 8, 2025.
The approval allows Signal Peak Energy to extract 22.8 million metric tons of federal coal and 34.5 million tons of non-federal coal, extending the mine’s operations by nine years. The facility currently employs over 250 workers and primarily serves markets in Japan and South Korea.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum highlighted the significance of the decision: “Expanding access to federal coal resources strengthens our trade relationships with allies and supports economic growth.” The move follows a directive issued on January 20, 2025, to accelerate energy project approvals and streamline regulatory processes.
The expansion plan, initially submitted in 2020 to the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, underwent extensive federal review and faced legal challenges. The Interior Department finalized the environmental impact statement within a new 28-day review period, reflecting updated policies to expedite such assessments.
This week, Burgum, alongside Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, visited Alaska to promote energy projects, including a liquefied natural gas initiative aimed at Asian markets. These efforts underscore a focus on enhancing energy exports.
Environmental organizations have raised concerns about the mine’s expansion, citing potential impacts on water resources and greenhouse gas emissions. Anne Hedges, executive director of the Montana Environmental Information Center, stated: “It’s utter hogwash that we have to sacrifice the climate, water resources, wildlife, and area ranching operations to send coal overseas to be burned by foreign countries.”
The Interior Department’s decision seeks to balance economic development and international trade with environmental considerations, following consultations and updated regulatory timelines. The Bull Mountains mine expansion aims to sustain employment and meet demand in key export markets while addressing ongoing environmental discussions.
