BISMARCK – The North Dakota lignite industry was recognized for its dedication to safety during the Lignite Energy Council’s annual meeting held Oct. 2-3 in Bismarck.

Employees of the Coteau Properties Company’s Freedom Mine near Beulah and the Falkirk Mining Company’s Falkirk Mine near Underwood were recognized with Distinguished Safety Awards for having accident rates lower than the industry average.

Employees at the Coyote Creek Mining Company’s Coyote Creek Mine near Zap and Otter Tail Power Company’s Coyote Station near Beulah received special recognition for achieving the lowest overall accident incident rate in the lignite industry in 2023. They will share a traveling trophy known as “Lignite Louie” for winning the Safety Excellence Award.

“The lignite users and producers in this region believe that the efficient production of a low-cost, reliable energy source cannot be achieved without serious attention to the health and safety of the employees who work to produce that product,” said Jason Bohrer, president and CEO of the Lignite Energy Council. “That’s why we recognize those companies that are leading the way in the field of safety.”

The Lignite Energy Council is a regional trade association representing North Dakota Lignite producers, electric utilities and more than 200 businesses providing goods and services to the mines and plants. The lignite industry generates approximately $5.75 billion in gross business volume and facilitates 12,000 direct and indirect jobs within the state.