The United States has the largest coal reserves in the world. The abundant supply of coal has made it a reliable and economical fuel source for steam-generated electricity.

Coal Mine Maps


North Dakota

Lignite is available from BNSF-served surface mines in North Dakota. This lignite field is part of the Great Plains coal area. Heat values of the deposits in this area range from 6,500 to 7,000 BTU/lb. The lignite is primarily burned by local power plants, but can be used by any properly designed stokers, coal-fired units and cyclone furnaces.

Beulah Mine | Freedom Mine

North Dakota Coal Map

View Guide to North Dakota Coal Mines

Powder River Basin

The Powder River Basin (PRB) of Wyoming and Montana is the largest low sulfur coal source in the nation. Eight of the ten largest mines in the United States are located in the PRB.

PRB Map

View Guide to Powder River Basin Coal Mines

Utah

BNSF Railway has access to Utah coal mines through Utah Railway, a connecting carrier. Mines are accessed by Utah Railway through two loadout facilities, Wildcat and Savage Coal Terminal. Utah Railway interchanges coal trains with BNSF at Provo, Utah (westbound) and Grand Junction, Colorado (eastbound).

Utah Coal Map

View Guide to Utah Coal Mines

New Mexico

BNSF serves two mines in northwest New Mexico — El Segundo and Lee Ranch. The high-quality coal deposits are characterized by high BTU, low-sulfur, low ash, and low moisture content.

New Mexico Coal Map

View Guide to New Mexico Coal Mines