CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon is praising Peabody Energy’s successful pilot shipment of Powder River Basin coal to Vietnam, calling the export an important step toward expanding international markets for the state’s coal industry.
The shipment moved coal from Wyoming through the United States and Mexico using Union Pacific and Ferromex rail networks before being sent to Asia. Peabody has said the test demonstrates a potential route connecting Powder River Basin production with growing thermal-coal demand overseas.
“This effort underscores Peabody’s ability to connect the largest coal basin in the Western Hemisphere with the largest global demand center for thermal coal imports,” Peabody President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Grech said.
Peabody operates several mines in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin, including the North Antelope Rochelle Mine south of Gillette. The company said that mine produced about 65 million tons of thermal coal in 2025.
Gordon said expanding access to international markets remains part of his administration’s broader energy strategy.
“Wyoming coal is an important part of our economy and is also an essential part of our global energy security,” Gordon said. “We will continue using every tool at our disposal, from trade missions to key investments, to ensure our legacy energy industries thrive.”
The governor has supported efforts to develop additional export routes for Wyoming coal, including proposals to increase access to West Coast ports. Peabody has separately said it is exploring opportunities to increase West Coast coal exports, including through a planned port project in Oakland, California.
The pilot shipment also reflects a broader effort by Peabody to increase its exposure to seaborne thermal-coal markets in Asia while continuing to operate its domestic Powder River Basin mines.
Gordon also pointed to Wyoming’s Energy Matching Funds program, which has supported energy research and development projects, including studies related to coal-fired generation at Dry Fork Station.
“I encourage our coal and rail companies to work together to find the best market-friendly routes for shipment of more Wyoming coal,” Gordon said.
