BEULAH – The Bureau of Land Management has announced Coteau Properties Company of Beulah was awarded a lease to mine 18.3 million tons of available federal coal across 1,070 acres for $106,292 at Freedom Mine in Mercer County.

The mine also will generate annual rental fees of $3 per acre and a 7% royalty payment on coal produced. Royalties paid will be shared evenly between the State of North Dakota and the U.S. Treasury. These leases support energy independence, rural economic development and fiscal responsibility, all while ensuring fair returns for U.S. taxpayers, according to a BLM news release.

“Through this sale, the BLM is delivering on its commitment to responsibly manage America’s energy resources,” said BLM Montana/Dakotas State Director Sonya Germann. “By cutting red tape and opening access to coal reserves, we’re supporting domestic energy production, local jobs and sustainable economic growth.”