BLM puts 3,500+ acres of Wyoming coal on the block Oct. 8

The Bureau of Land Management is teeing up a big coal offering in the Powder River Basin, with more than 3,500 acres of federal reserves in Campbell and Converse counties headed to a competitive sealed-bid lease on Oct. 8, 2025.

The West Antelope III tract sits about 15 miles south of Wright, pressed up against the existing West Antelope Mine. By BLM’s count, it holds roughly 441 million tons of coal, about 365 million of which is considered recoverable. How much ultimately gets mined — and for how long — will hinge on market demand.

Bids open at 10 a.m. in person at the BLM Wyoming State Office in Cheyenne. Only qualified bidders can participate, and the lease goes to the highest cash offer that meets or beats fair market value. Acting State Director Kris Kirby framed the sale as both an energy and economic play, saying it underscores BLM’s role in boosting US energy independence while positioning Wyoming for long-term opportunity. She added that the agency is committed to responsible public-lands management that supports domestic production and nearby communities.

The offering tracks with the Trump administration’s energy strategy to back coal, cut reliance on foreign sources, and lift rural jobs, and dovetails with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s push to streamline federal energy approvals. A formal notice hits the Federal Register on Sept. 25. Full instructions, terms, and bidding details will be available at the BLM Wyoming State Office and on the BLM National NEPA Register. Questions can go to the BLM Wyoming Public Affairs Office at [email protected].

The original story by Raveena Devjee County 17.