The United States Department of the Interior announced on Tuesday it has approved a new coal mine on Bryson Mountain in Claiborne County.
Officials said Hurricane Creek Mining, LLC, the company behind the project, will produce up to 1.8 million tons of coal over the next 10 years.
Adam Suess, the acting assistant secretary for Land and Minerals Management, said it will help strengthen America’s energy independence and create local jobs.
“This project reflects a broader shift, one where American resources are being put to work for American strength,” said Suess. “We’re not just issuing permits—we’re supporting communities, securing supply chains for critical industries, and making sure the U.S. stays competitive in a changing global energy landscape.”
The permit for the project was approved through an expedited environmental review in response to President Donald Trump declaring a national energy emergency, which included signing executive orders on what he called the “beautiful clean coal industry.”
As approved, officials said Hurricane Creek Mining is authorized to surface mine several coal seams on about 635 acres by auger, highwall and contour methods.
The announcement comes as energy leaders across the state and even Gov. Bill Lee are pushing for a larger nuclear energy portfolio in Tennessee.
The coal from this mine will support industries like steel manufacturing and power generation.