Navajo Nation to Purchase Navajo Mine from BHP

The Nation began exploring the possibility of acquiring BNCC in October after it became apparent that BHP was not interested in operating the mine beyond 2016. The Navajo Council approved $750,000 to hire several firms to assist in the transaction. The MoU is the first step in ensuring the continued operation of the Navajo mine, where 433 individuals are employed full-time—of which, 85% are Native American. As part of the understanding, the Navajo Nation will continue to provide coal to the Four Corners power plant for 15 years beginning in 2016.