502 Million Tons of Coal on Navajo Land: EIS Sparks Mining Controversy
Published Date: 1/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The government is getting ready to study how Navajo Transitional Energy Company's new mining permit might affect the environment. This permit could allow mining on over 9,000 acres and recover 502 million tons of coal on Navajo Nation land. People can share their thoughts by February 4, 2026, and join a public meeting on January 29 to help shape the study.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 1 mixed.
Large-scale coal mine proposed
The permit application would set a permit boundary of 11,526 acres and authorize surface mining on 9,042 acres to recover about 502,984,700 tons of Navajo Nation coal. The initial permit would be for five years with renewals possible, with an anticipated production rate of about 5 million tons per year starting in 2031 and a projected mine life extending to 2136 under the proposed action.
Surface water impacts from arroyo diversion
OSMRE will analyze impacts to surface water quality and quantity from diverting the Pinabete Arroyo into the No Name Arroyo, potential wastewater discharges to the No Name and Pinabete Arroyos, and water use during mining and reclamation. The document identifies those water effects as topics the EIS will evaluate.
Groundwater effects from dewatering
The EIS will evaluate impacts to groundwater quality and quantity that may result from surface mining and reclamation activities that require dewatering. Groundwater effects are listed among the specific resources OSMRE will analyze.
Air quality impacts from mining activity
OSMRE will analyze impacts to air resources as a result of the Project, using an anticipated production rate of about 5 million tons per year starting in 2031 to consider potential impacts. Air resource effects are explicitly listed among the topics for the EIS.
Cultural, wildlife, and vegetation disturbance
The EIS will evaluate disturbances to potential archaeological and tribal cultural resources and impacts to wildlife, vegetation, and federally listed or proposed threatened and endangered species from surface mining activities. The notice lists these resource impacts for analysis.
Road realignment and local infrastructure changes
The Project would require realignment of about 7 miles of Burnham Road and diversion of the Pinabete Arroyo for mining in Area 4 South. The EIS will analyze these changes as part of potential infrastructure effects from the proposed mining.
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