Mine

A final decision is up to U.S. District Judge Susan Watters.

It plans to hold an auction next month if it receives multiple bids.

According to the bureau, the project expects to mine about 140,000 tons of bentonite over three to five years.

Arch expects Black Thunder to produce between 62 million and 68 million tons of coal this year.

A state report didn't mention coal falling before the accident.

Black Thunder is the second most productive U.S. coal mine and is located in a region that supplies about 40 percent of the nation's coal.

Officials with Englewood, Colo.-based Westmoreland didn't immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.

The facility would be located in a previously mined area in northern Wyoming near the small ranching community of Ranchester.