BLM, OSMRE seek input on proposed emergency coal lease at Freedom Mine
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BILLINGS, Mont. — The Bureau of Land Management and the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement are seeking public comments on proposals to lease coal and to approve a federal mining plan modification to mine federal coal on public lands in North Dakota. The agencies issued a draft environmental assessment regarding an emergency lease-by-application and federal mining plan decision recommendation at Freedom Mine in Mercer County.
The requested tracts cover 1,350 acres and contain about 24 million tons of mineable coal. The federal mining plan modification covers 640 acres and 8.4 million tons of federal coal resources already leased under Federal Coal Lease NDM 091535.
“This emergency lease-by-application effort could unlock resources vital for both national security and hardworking Americans who depend on the energy sector,” said BLM Montana/Dakotas State Director Sonya Germann. “Coal mining done under responsible environmental review would bolster domestic energy independence, create jobs, and stimulate local economies through 2045.”
A Notice of Availability will publish in tomorrow’s Federal Register. Additional information and planning documents are available at the BLM National NEPA Register, where comments can be submitted through the “Participate Now” option (preferred). Written comments may also be delivered to Tessa Wallace, Bureau of Land Management, Solid Minerals, 5001 Southgate Dr., Billings, MT 59101. The comment period will close May 2, 2025.
BLM and OSMRE will also host a public meeting April 24, 2025, from 3-7 p.m. CDT at the Beulah Civic Center West Side, 120 7th Street NE, Beulah, ND 58523.
For questions, please contact Geologist John Zeise at 406-896-5081.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.