BLM to hold coal lease sale for Freedom Mine in North Dakota
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WASHINGTON – As part of the Trump administration’s commitment to strengthening American energy independence and economic security, the Bureau of Land Management will hold a competitive sealed-bid coal lease sale for federal coal reserves at the Freedom Mine in Mercer County, North Dakota, on Sept. 3, 2025. The sale advances Executive Order 14241, “Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry,” and is authorized under the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended.
“This lease sale reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to expanding domestic energy production and ensuring a stable supply of affordable, reliable power,” said Acting BLM Director Bill Groffy. “The proposed lease will help maintain operations at one of the nation’s most productive lignite coal mines, supporting local jobs and reinforcing America’s energy security.”
The Coteau Properties Company applied to lease approximately 1,070 acres containing an estimated 18.3 million tons of recoverable federal coal. If approved, the lease would allow continued operations at the Freedom Mine through 2045, supporting American energy independence, preserving critical energy infrastructure, and strengthening the regional economy.
To assess potential impacts of the lease and related mining plans, the BLM and the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement prepared a draft environmental assessment and hosted a public comment period from April 1 through May 2, 2025, including a public meeting on April 24.
A notice of availability announcing the lease sale will publish in Monday’s Federal Register. Additional information is available at 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.