Wedoany.com Report-Jun 10, The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has approved an expansion of the Bull Mountains coal mine in Montana, enabling Signal Peak Energy to extract an additional 22.8 million tonnes of federal coal and 34.5 million tonnes of non-federal coal. Located in Musselshell and Yellowstone Counties, the mine supports over 250 jobs and is expected to extend its operational life by up to nine years.

This approval allows Signal Peak Energy to extract an additional 22.8mt of federal coal and 34.5mt of non-federal coal.

The expansion is anticipated to generate over $1 billion in economic benefits, including wages, taxes, and local business activity. The mine plays a key role in supplying coal for energy exports to countries such as Japan and South Korea. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum stated: “This is what energy leadership looks like. By unlocking access to coal in America, we are not only fuelling jobs here at home, but we are also standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies abroad.”

The DOI completed an environmental impact statement and issued a record of decision, following alternative arrangements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) after a national energy emergency was declared on January 20, 2025. The environmental analysis exceeded NEPA requirements, aligning with standards set by the U.S. Supreme Court in the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado case. The approval process involved extensive public engagement, led by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, including a public meeting, two rounds of comments, and review of 667 individual submissions.

Additionally, the DOI announced a $130 million investment for coal production in fiscal year 2025 through the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program. This initiative aims to transform former coal mining sites into sources of economic growth and job opportunities, particularly in regions historically dependent on coal mining. The Bull Mountains expansion and related investments reflect efforts to balance energy production with economic and environmental considerations in Montana.