Approved Falkirk Mine Mining Plan Modification Allows Recovery of Additional 1.74 Million Tons of Federal Coal

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, or OSMRE, today announced a Finding of No Significant Impact and approval of a mining plan modification for the Falkirk Mine in McLean County, North Dakota to incorporate Revision 40. The decision authorizes recovery of an additional 1.74 million tons of federal coal, supporting domestic energy security, and reinforcing grid stability while upholding rigorous environmental safeguards.

The modification to the mining plan allows Falkirk Mine to expand operations on federal coal reserves under lease NDM 111489. OSMRE and the Bureau of Land Management jointly prepared an environmental assessment, concluding the proposed action will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment. The decision supports responsible coal development while maintaining strong environmental protections under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act.

"Falkirk Mine plays a vital role in keeping electricity affordable and reliable for families and communities across North Dakota, and this mining plan revision ensures that the state can continue contributing to the strength and stability of the nation's energy supply," said Lanny E. Erdos, director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. "As America's energy needs continue to grow, our commitment remains steadfast: advancing responsible development that protects people, land, and water while supporting the resilience of coal communities that power our country."

Coal produced at Falkirk Mine directly supports Coal Creek Station, North Dakota's largest power plant, which is capable of generating 1.2 gigawatts of electricity-enough to power roughly 900,000 homes for a year. Falkirk Mine is also a major source of employment in McLean County, providing more than 400 full-time jobs.

As part of a diverse energy mix, coal is essential for ensuring grid stability, especially during peak demand, emergencies or supply disruption from other sources. The mining plans advance Executive Order 14241, Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production, and Executive Order 14261, Reinvigorating America's Beautiful Clean Coal Industry.

The Finding of No Significant Impact and signed mining plans are available online at https://www.osmre.gov/programs/regulating-active-coal-mines/federal-lands.