January 20, 2011
N.D. lignite mines produce nearly 29 million tons in 2010
North Dakota’s four large lignite mines produced 28.8 million tons of lignite coal in 2010 – down about 1 million tons from 2009. The reduction is due to scheduled outages at various power plants along with increased power production from the Garrison Dam, due in large part to higher water levels in Lake Sakakawea.
Three mines – the Freedom, Falkirk and Center Mines – sold less coal in 2010 than the previous year while the Beulah Mine totals increased slightly. Since 1988, North Dakota’s lignite production has consistently been about 30 million tons per year, making North Dakota one of 10 major coal-producing states in the United States.
