As part of the Trump administration’s commitment to strengthening American energy independence and economic security, the Bureau of Land Management will hold a competitive sealed-bid coal lease sale for federal coal reserves at the Freedom Mine in Mercer County, North Dakota, on 3 September 2025.Â
The sale advances Executive Order 14241, “Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry,” and is authorised under the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended.
“This lease sale reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to expanding domestic energy production and ensuring a stable supply of affordable, reliable power,” said Acting BLM Director Bill Groffy. “The proposed lease will help maintain operations at one of the nation’s most productive lignite coal mines, supporting local jobs and reinforcing America’s energy security.”
The Coteau Properties Company applied to lease approximately 1,070 acres containing an estimated 18.3 million t of recoverable federal coal. If approved, the lease would allow continued operations at the Freedom Mine until 2045, supporting American energy independence, preserving critical energy infrastructure, and strengthening the regional economy.
To assess potential impacts of the lease and related mining plans, the BLM and the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement prepared a draft environmental assessment and hosted a public comment period from 1 April – 2 May 2025, including a public meeting on 24 April.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/07082025/blm-to-hold-coal-lease-sale-for-freedom-mine-in-north-dakota/