US Department Interior Approves 1.8M Tons Coal Mine Claiborne County

The U.S. Department of the Interior has approved an expedited permit for Hurricane Creek Mining, LLC, to surface mine coal on Bryson Mountain in Claiborne County, Tennessee, authorizing mining on approximately 635 acres. The project is expected to produce up to 1.8 million tons of coal over the next decade, supporting critical industries such as steelmaking and power generation, while creating local jobs and contributing to America's energy independence. This permit was fast-tracked under newly established environmental review procedures following President Donald Trump's declaration of a national energy emergency and aligns with Executive Order 14261 aimed at revitalizing the coal industry. The coal seams include specialty market and thermal use coal, with potential extraction of rare earth metals or trace minerals also noted. The land, privately owned by CF Ataya LLC, an affiliate of The Nature Conservancy, is planned to benefit wildlife and pollinators in the future. This approval reflects a broader governmental effort to support domestic energy production, secure supply chains, and maintain U.S. competitiveness in the global energy landscape.