Cloud Peak Energy’s Antelope Mine Receives National Reclamation Award from Office of Surface Mining

Gillette, WY, October 19, 2010 – On October 19, Cloud Peak Energy’s Antelope Mine, located approximately 70 miles south of Gillette, Wyoming, received a prestigious national reclamation award from the Office of Surface Mining and the National Mining Association. This Excellence in Surface Mining Reclamation Award was received for successful shrub establishment on reclaimed land. The mine overcame the significant challenge of establishing consistent shrub areas from seed by following a three phase approach. This process maintained and introduced a number of different native shrub species using landform designs and target seeding technology.  

Antelope Mine has demonstrated that incorporation of fundamental strategies will yield consistent shrub establishments that are vital to reestablishing diverse post mining ecosystems. Antelope Mine targeted and planted five shrub species with results that surpassed the regulatory standard and goal requirements.  The long term benefits include improved habitat for sage-grouse and other wildlife. These reclamation efforts demonstrate Cloud Peak Energy’s commitment to further enhance the science of reclamation and biodiversity on reclaimed lands.

Colin Marshall, President and CEO of Cloud Peak Energy, noted:  “The company greatly appreciates this award and its recognition of the value that we place on establishing quality reclamation and post-mining habitats.”  

About Cloud Peak Energy™

Cloud Peak Energy Inc. (NYSE:CLD) is headquartered in Wyoming and is the third largest U.S. coal producer and the only pure-play Powder River Basin (PRB) coal company. As one of the safest coal producers in the nation, Cloud Peak Energy specializes in the production of low sulfur, subbituminous coal. The company owns and operates three surface coal mines in the PRB, the lowest cost, major coal producing region in the nation. The Antelope and Cordero Rojo mines are located in Wyoming and the Spring Creek Mine is located near Decker, Montana. With approximately 1,500 employees, the company is widely recognized for its exemplary performance in its safety and environmental programs. Cloud Peak Energy is a sustainable fuel supplier for approximately 4 percent of the nation’s electricity.