[6] In 1974, exploration geologist Lewis R. Ladwig drilled exploratory holes on the Jacob sheep ranch.

In 2009, the America's Power Factuality Tour stopped at the Black Thunder Coal Mine to report on its role in generating electricity in the US.

The increase was a result of merging the Jacobs Ranch Mine - and its average 38 million tons per year - into the Black Thunder's annual production.

With the acquisition of Jacobs Ranch Mine, Black Thunder is now the world's top coal producer.

[11] The operator claims that "Black Thunder's active mine footprint comprises less than 1/4000th of Wyoming's land area", i.e. up to approximately 25 square miles (60 square km), but reclaimed land and as yet undisturbed areas are not included in this figure and much larger.