Trump administration accelerates Alabama coal expansion mostly for foreign steel markets

The Trump administration is expediting the approval of a major Alabama coal mine expansion despite environmental and safety concerns, with most of the coal destined for export to foreign steelmakers.

Lee Hedgepeth reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

• The Warrior Met Blue Creek mine expansion will be among Alabama’s largest coal infrastructure projects, with production expected to rise by 60%, mostly serving overseas steel industries.
• The Trump administration added the project to the FAST-41 program, speeding up environmental reviews despite past longwall mining in the area causing property damage and deadly methane explosions.
• Critics warn the expansion threatens to worsen climate change and local environmental hazards while largely benefiting foreign markets rather than U.S. energy independence.

Key quote:

"We sell substantially all of our steelmaking coal production to steel producers outside of the United States."

— Warrior Met corporate filing

Why this matters:

Coal mining poses significant environmental and health risks. Longwall mining can cause land subsidence, damaging homes, and ecosystems. Methane leaks from mines have already led to deadly explosions in Alabama communities. Despite the U.S. government's justification that projects like Blue Creek reduce foreign mineral dependence, nearly all of this coal will fuel foreign steel production, not domestic energy needs. Fast-tracking such projects also undercuts comprehensive environmental reviews that evaluate long-term impacts, including contributions to climate change.

Read more: Trump’s coal revival plan could increase pregnancy risks linked to pollution