BLM to hold public hearing on proposed metallurgical coal leasing in West Virginia
Eastern States
Northeastern States DO
Contact
BLM Office:
FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The Bureau of Land Management will host a public hearing on proposed underground mining for metallurgical coal in West Virginia. If approved, the plan would make about 4.55 million tons of metallurgical coal available for mining, helping to meet America’s energy needs and support local jobs.
“The public hearing and eventual coal lease sale reflect the important role of metallurgical coal in the manufacturing and energy sectors,” said BLM Eastern States State Director Mitchell Leverette. “It demonstrates our commitment to strengthening our nation’s energy and industrial security, supporting jobs, and addressing supply chain vulnerability.”
RAMACO Resources, LLC, proposes to expand existing privately-owned mines to access federal minerals to produce clean metallurgical coal, used for steelmaking. The proposed lease area includes up to 4,382 acres in Mingo and Wyoming Counties. The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced designation of metallurgical coal as a critical material.
The coal is in underlying federal mineral estate managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the R.D. Bailey Lake project, which encompasses the R.D. Bailey Lake Wildlife Management Area managed by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources. Total surface disturbance would be limited to about two acres.
A notice will publish in tomorrow’s Federal Register to open a 16-day public comment period, which will close March 27, 2026. The BLM will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow, March 11, at the Larry Joe Harless Community Center, 202 Larry Joe Harless Drive, Gilbert, WV 25621. Comments on the fair market value and maximum economic recovery will be accepted at the hearing and may also be emailed to [email protected] or delivered to BLM Eastern States State Office, ATTN: Minerals Branch, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041.
This coal leasing effort directly supports the Trump administration’s goals of reinvigorating the American coal industry, reducing reliance on foreign energy, and creating good-paying jobs in rural communities. It also aligns with Secretary Burgum’s vision of unleashing domestic energy production while streamlining federal processes and ensuring long-term economic growth.
Additional information is available at the BLM National NEPA Register.
-BLM-
Federal Register
The BLM manages about 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.