Mining

Location

Gillette, WY

Operator

Buckskin Mining Company

One of the most productive mines in the United States, the Buckskin Mine produces more than 27 million tons of coal per year from the Anderson and Canyon geologic formations. Since 1981, Buckskin has shipped more than 285 million tons of high-quality, low sulfur coal from the Powder River Basin.

Buckskin Mining Company, a subsidiary of Kiewit Mining Group Inc., moves more than 50 million cu. yd. of overburden annually to uncover the 110-ft.-thick coal seam. The use of multiple silos, in-pit crushing and an on-line quality analyzer allow crews to complete sophisticated blending techniques and produce a "super compliant" fuel that meets customers' exact specifications.

Buckskin has achieved notable success for its reclamation program. Buckskin won an award from the U.S. Department of the Interior for its efforts to restore the Rawhide Creek alluvial valley floor. The feat involved replacing topsoil on the alluvial valley floor following all mining operations in the area.