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Since 1986, Wyoming has held the title of the nation’s leading coal producer. Home to 7 of the top ten producing mines in the United States, it currently provides roughly 40 percent of the country’s coal.
Even as competing energy sources like natural gas rise in popularity, coal remains a large part of the country’s economy. Today, coal supplies over half of the electricity in the nation—a feat which would not be possible without these top producing coal mines in Wyoming.
North Antelope Rochelle
North Antelope Rochelle is the largest coal mine in the world. Producing more coal than any other mine, this surface mining operation sold over 101.5 million tons of the cleanest coal in the U.S. in 2017.
Black Thunder, US
This surface coal mine located in Powder River Basin is the second-most-productive mine in the U.S. It was the first coal mine in the world to transport 1 billion tons of coal.
Antelope Coal Mine
Cloud Peak Energy, one of the largest mining companies in the world, owns Antelope Coal Mine. It mines thermal coal from the Anderson and Canyon Seams, which they chiefly ship to the Midwest, Southwest, and Southeast United States.
Eagle Butte Mine
In 2017, this surface coal mine produced over 17 million short tons of coal. BlackJewel operates this mine and offers year-round tours of its mining facilities.
Cordero Rojo Mine
Cordero Rojo Mine extracts thermal coal from the Wyodak Seam, which they distribute to electric utilities in the West, Midwest, and Southeast United States. In 2017, it produced over 16 million short tons of coal.
Belle Ayr Mine
Belle Ayr Mine is a surface coal mine located in the Powder River Basin. According to the most recent annual coal report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, it produced over 15 million short tons of coal in 2017.
Buckskin Mine
Located in the Powder River Basin, this surface mine has produced over 406 million tons of high-quality, low sulfur coal since it opened in 1981.
Without these top producing coal mines in Wyoming, the country’s electricity generation would never be the same.
