US Department Interior Approves Tennessee Coal Mining Project

The U.S. Department of the Interior has approved a new coal mining project by Hurricane Creek Mining, LLC on Bryson Mountain in Claiborne County, Tennessee, projected to produce up to 1.8 million tons of coal over the next decade. This initiative aims to bolster American energy independence and support critical industries such as steelmaking and power generation, aligning with President Trump's national energy emergency and Executive Order 14261 to revitalize the coal sector. The approval process was expedited under Trump’s directive to end discriminatory policies against coal, accelerating permitting and funding for new coal projects on federal land, which also complements the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that reduces royalty rates and expands coal leasing areas. Acting Assistant Secretary Adam Suess emphasized that the project reflects a strategic shift to utilize American resources for economic strength, supply chain security, and competitiveness in the global energy landscape. The mining will cover approximately 635 acres using surface mining techniques, targeting specialized coal seams valuable for steel production and other industrial uses. This project is part of a broader trend of fast-tracking energy resource development, despite concerns from environmental groups about expedited reviews and impacts on protected lands.