The Black Thunder Coal Mine is a surface coal mine located in Campbell County, Wyoming, within the Powder River Basin, known for containing one of the largest coal deposits in the world. Opened in 1977 and currently operated by Arch Coal’s subsidiary Thunder Basin Coal Company, it has been one of the largest coal producers in the United States and the world.
In 2022, the mine produced about 62.2 million short tons of coal, accounting for over 25% of Wyoming’s total coal production. The coal it produces is sub-bituminous, low in sulfur, and primarily used for power generation. Black Thunder operates large-scale equipment, including some of the biggest draglines in North America, such as the dragline Ursa Major. The mine has shipped billions of tons of coal over its life span, being the first in the world to transport one billion tons of coal.
The mine grew even larger after acquiring the adjacent Jacobs Ranch Mine in 2009, which increased its annual coal production significantly. However, recent developments have shown production declines and job cuts, with Arch Resources planning to reduce its operational footprint and possibly close some mines in Wyoming, including Black Thunder, amid changing market conditions.
The mine has a significant environmental impact and has been labelled a “carbon bomb” due to the vast carbon dioxide emissions potentially resulting from the coal it produces if fully extracted and burned. It remains a critical player in U.S. coal production and power generation infrastructure while facing future uncertainties in the coal industry.
