US Issues Expedited Permit for Proposed Tennessee Coal Mine

On July 8, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior granted a permit to Hurricane Creek Mining LLC for a coal mine on Bryson Mountain, Claiborne County, Tennessee. The site, on private land, falls under federal regulation by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. The mine is projected to produce 1.8 million tons of coal over 10 years, following prior mining from the 1950s to 2010.

United States Department of the Interior logo and U.S. flag are seen in this illustration taken April 23, 2025.

An accelerated review process, implemented in April 2025, enabled approval within 28 days, replacing lengthier timelines. Hurricane Creek Mining LLC did not provide immediate comment.

On July 7, 2025, the Bureau of Land Management opened public consultation on coal leasing in Montana and Wyoming’s Powder River Basin, with comments accepted until August 7, 2025.

The project supports energy production: “This project reflects a broader shift, one where American resources are being put to work for American strength,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Adam Suess. The coal will serve steelmaking and power generation.