Antelope Mine Expansion Brings Jobs, Stability, and Energy to Wyoming

Mining jobs in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin just got a major boost. The U.S. Department of the Interior has approved a mining plan unlocking 14.5 million tons of federally owned coal at the Antelope Mine in northeast Wyoming, extending its operational life through 2037 and safeguarding hundreds of high-paying jobs.

Straddling Converse and Campbell counties, the mine’s benefits are regional. Operated by Navajo Transitional Energy Company, the Antelope Mine supports 359 full-time positions, with entry-level jobs starting around $30 an hour.

Federal officials say the decision strengthens grid reliability, boosts energy security, and helps shield the U.S. from global market disruptions. It’s part of a broader pattern of support for Powder River Basin mines, including recent extensions in Montana.

WY It Matters

While coal’s market share has shifted, Wyoming remains a cornerstone of national energy security. That’s where the Wyoming Chamber’s Powering Progress initiative comes in: advocating for balanced, forward-looking energy policies so Wyoming producers, from coal to renewables, have the stability and market access they need to keep powering America.

The Antelope Mine extension isn’t just about energy, it’s about Wyoming, and protecting jobs, strengthening communities, and keeping the lights on for millions of Americans.