Hageman: Interior’s mine decision ‘a major win for Wyoming’

CHEYENNE (WNE) — U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo., on Friday applauded the U.S. Department of the Interior’s decision to approve the West Antelope II South Tract Mining Plan Modification.

This action authorizes the recovery of 14.5 million tons of federally owned coal across approximately 857 federal acres in Converse and Campbell counties and extends the operational life of the Antelope Mine through 2037.

The Antelope Mine plays a key role in supplying low-sulfur, low-ash, subbituminous coal to utilities and industrial consumers across the country. With a rail-served facility and surface mining techniques, it is one of the Powder River Basin’s top energy producers.

Hageman released the following statement: “The Department of the Interior’s approval of the mining plan modification for the Antelope Mine is not only a major win for Wyoming, but a win for all national consumers of Wyoming’s energy.

“While this decision follows a rigorous, multi-year federal review process, it is important to recognize that it works hand in hand with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The OBBBA strengthens the long-term viability of operations like Antelope Mine by lowering federal royalty rates and making more land available for coal leasing.”

This story was published on August 9, 2025.