BISMARCK – North Dakota’s lignite industry was recognized for its dedication to safety during the Lignite Energy Council’s annual meeting held Oct. 2-3 in Bismarck.

Employees at Coteau Properties Company’s Freedom Mine near Beulah and Falkirk Mining Company’s mine near Underwood were recognized with distinguished safety awards for having accident rates below the industry average.

Employees at Coyote Creek Mining Company’s Coyote Creek Mine near Zap and Otter Tail Power Company’s Coyote Station near Beulah received special recognition for achieving the lowest overall accident incident rate in the brown coal industry in 2023 They will share a traveling trophy known as “Lignite Louie” for winning the Safety Excellence Award.

“Lignite users and producers in this region believe that efficient production of a low-cost, reliable energy source cannot be achieved without serious attention to the health and safety of the employees who work to produce that product.” said Jason Bohrer, president and CEO of the Lignite Energy Council. “That’s why we recognize those companies that are leading the way in the field of security.”

The Lignite Energy Council is a regional trade association representing North Dakota lignite producers, electric utilities and more than 200 companies that supply goods and services to mines and plants. The lignite industry generates approximately $5.75 billion in gross turnover and facilitates 12,000 direct and indirect jobs within the state.