March 18, 2025 - The U.S. Interior Department on March 13 announced the approval of a federal mining plan modification by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) for the Spring Creek Mine in Big Horn County, Montana. The approval extends the mine’s operational capability by 16 years and allows the production of around 39.9 million tons of federal coal, whilst supporting 280 full time employment opportunities.

The Spring Creek Mine supplies coal in the U.S. to Washington, Arizona, Michigan and Minnesota, and serves South Korea and Japan internationally. The extension’s approval is in sync with the U.S. President Donald Trump’s agenda to diminish regulatory complexities and encourage energy production. On Jan.31, 2025, President Trump issued the executive order titled “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation,” which, among other things, established a policy for the executive branch to be judicious and financially accountable in the spending of funds, from both public and private sources, and to alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens placed on the citizens of the U.S. To accomplish this policy, the executive order necessitates agencies to identify at least 10 existing regulations to be eliminated for every new regulation enacted.

The approval of the Spring Creek Mine expansion marks a significant development in the U.S. coal industry, which has faced increasing pressure from regulatory changes and ever changing energy policies. As one of the largest surface coal mines in the U.S., Spring Creek has played a key role in supporting America’s energy needs while providing long-term employment in Montana’s mining sector.

The OSMRE created an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) after a 2021 ruling by the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana, which found the original analysis insufficient. The EIS evaluated various mining alternatives and their effects on both individuals and the environment.