How an Alabama coal mine expansion tests the Biden administration

Warrior Met Coal is one of the largest producers of metallurgical coal in the U.S. It is nearing regulatory approval for expanded operations at its Blue Creek facilities between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa .

If approved by state and federal regulators, the project would be one of largest expansions of coal mining in Alabama in recent years .

The project’s fate has become a litmus test for the Biden administration.

Warrior Met Coal received $26.5 million tax abatement from the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority .

The coal produced at Blue Creek is metallurgical coal, most commonly used in the production of steel.

Nearly all met coal extracted in Alabama is shipped overseas to places like China and South America .