BLM to review potential impacts of proposed metallurgical coal leasing in Alabama

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Today the Bureau of Land Management announced its intent to develop an environmental impact statement to analyze the potential impacts of holding two competitive lease sales for metallurgical coal in western Alabama.

Warrior Met Coal, Inc. proposes to expand two existing mines to access and recover federal metallurgical coal using underground mining techniques from about 14,040 acres beneath private lands in Tuscaloosa County. Metallurgical coal is used to produce coke, a raw material essential to the steelmaking process. The company proposes to access approximately 5,720 acres of federal coal to expand their Mine No. 4 and another 8,320 acres of federal coal to expand their Blue Creek Mine No. 1.

Publication of a Notice of Intent in tomorrow’s Federal Register opens an opportunity for public comment on this environmental review. The public is invited to provide information for the BLM to consider as it develops the environmental impact statement, including the scope and comments on preliminary alternatives, and suggestions for other alternatives. The BLM will accept public comments until May 30, 2024. Please visit the BLM National NEPA Register for more information and to provide comments.

- BLM -

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.