BLM seeks input on proposed metallurgical coal leasing in Alabama
FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The Bureau of Land Management seeks public comment on a draft environmental analysis of two proposed competitive lease sales for metallurgical coal in western Alabama. Metallurgical coal is not the same as thermal coal; it is a raw material primarily used in the steelmaking industry.
Warrior Met Coal, Inc. proposes to expand two existing mines to access and recover federal resources, using underground mining techniques from about 14,050 acres beneath private lands in Tuscaloosa County. Proposed tracts contain an estimated 53 million tons of recoverable metallurgical coal. The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced designation of metallurgical coal as a critical material under the Energy Act of 2020.
BLM will accept public comments until July 21, 2025. Publication of a notice of availability in tomorrow’s Federal Register opens an opportunity for public comment on the draft environmental impact statement. This analysis will inform BLM’s decision on whether to hold competitive lease sales for these coal resources. If a future sale is held, the winning bidder must obtain all necessary permits and approvals, including a permit from the Alabama Surface Mining Commission and an approved mining plan from the Secretary, before any mining operations can begin. The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) and the Alabama Surface Mining Commission are cooperating agencies on this project.
A public hearing will offer the public an opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and comment on the draft environmental impact statement, as well as the fair market value and maximum economic recovery of the coal resources. The hearing will occur June 24, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. CT at the Courtyard Northport, 700 Bridge Avenue, Northport, Alabama. BLM staff will provide a presentation on the project from 6-7 p.m. and will be available to engage with the public and will take comments and questions immediately following the presentation.
BLM is committed to providing access to the meeting information for all participants. Individuals who need special assistance, such as sign language interpretation or other reasonable accommodations, should contact BLM in advance at [email protected]. People who use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 during normal business hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to leave a message. You will receive a reply during normal business hours from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT.
To view the draft environmental impact statement and learn how to provide comments, please visit the BLM National NEPA 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.