# OSMRE Approves Falkirk Mine Expansion

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) approved a mining plan modification on September 21, 2026, for the Falkirk Mine in McLean County, North Dakota. This modification authorizes Falkirk Mining Company, a subsidiary of North American Coal, to recover an additional 1.74 million tons of federal coal under lease NDM 111489. The expansion supports domestic energy security and grid stability by supplying North Dakota's largest power plant, while maintaining environmental safeguards. This approval directly impacts federal coal procurement and energy resource management in the region.

- **Key agency involved:** OSMRE as the federal regulator approving mining plan modifications affecting federal coal leases
- **Contract details:** Mining plan modification under lease NDM 111489 enabling increased coal recovery
- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals and contractors in mining and energy sectors should note the expanded federal coal availability, which may influence supply chain planning and contract opportunities
- **Actionable insight:** Companies engaged in coal mining, energy production, or environmental compliance should evaluate potential impacts on project scopes and federal lease management in North Dakota

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 22, 2026

### Government Entities
- Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE)
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

### Vendors
- Falkirk Mining Company (subsidiary of North American Coal)

### Sources
- [Approved Falkirk Mine Mining Plan Modification Allows Recovery of Additional 1.74 Million Tons of Federal Coal | Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement](https://www.osmre.gov/news/approved-falkirk-mine-mining-plan-modification-allows-recovery-additional-174-million-tons) - Osmre