NTEC Celebrates Safety Achievement at Antelope Mine
FARMINGTON, N.M., December 16, 2025 – In a remarkable demonstration of commitment to safety and operational excellence, the Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC) proudly announced that its Antelope Mine in Douglas, Wyoming, has received the prestigious 2024 Sentinels of Safety Award for Large Surface Coal Mine. Presented by the National Mining Association, this accolade is delivered annually to those mines exhibiting exemplary safety records within various categories.
A Record-Breaking Safety Milestone
The criteria for winning the Sentinels of Safety Award are stringent; mines must achieve at least 4,000 injury-free hours. The Antelope Mine achieved a staggering 766,248 injury-free hours for the year 2024 alone, leading to an impressive total of 1,533,802 injury-free hours since May 1, 2023. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given that the mine has an annual production capacity of up to 25 million tons of coal. Such a safety record is a testament to the rigorous safety practices and a robust organizational culture centered on employee well-being.
The Culture of Safety
David Hamlin, the general manager of the Antelope Mine, emphasized the importance of teamwork in achieving this milestone. “Our motto is ‘One team, one family,’ and our employees really live that,” he stated. The culture at Antelope Mine fosters a supportive environment where safety is everyone’s responsibility. “During all of 2024 we had no reportable injuries and it’s our culture that drives that. Everyone looks out for each other,” he added. This collective ownership of safety is a critical component of NTEC’s operational success.
A Legacy of Excellence
The recognition of the Antelope Mine is just one of many accolades earned by NTEC over the years. The company has consistently been recognized for its dedication to safety, receiving multiple Sentinels of Safety awards, as well as accolades from the states of Wyoming and Montana, and the Rocky Mountain Mining Institute. These awards highlight NTEC’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and sustainable mining operation.
About NTEC
Founded by the Navajo Nation, the Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC) stands as a leader in the energy sector, embodying a vision to manage its extensive natural resources responsibly. The company is dedicated to providing clean, reliable energy solutions that not only support the Navajo Nation’s economic growth but also benefit communities across the Southwest and beyond.
NTEC’s strategic focus lies in achieving sustainable energy solutions while ensuring the prosperity of future generations. Their commitment extends beyond mining into reclamation and environmental stewardship, ensuring minimal impacts on the lands they operate on.
Safety, Reclamation, and Recognition
In addition to winning the Sentinels of Safety Award in both 2024 and 2022, NTEC has garnered further accolades, including the Safety Award for Large Surface Mine from the Rocky Mountain Coal Institute and the National Award for Excellence in Surface Mining Reclamation from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.
Such honors underscore NTEC’s leadership not only in coal mining but also in safety practices and environmental reclamation efforts, further solidifying their role as a pioneering entity in the energy industry.
For more information about NTEC and their initiatives, visit www.navenergy.com.
Contacts:
- Lauren Burgess
Phone: 720-566-2925
Email: Lauren.burgess@navenergy.com
NTEC’s achievements in safety and sustainable practices serve as a model in the mining industry, showcasing how dedication to employee welfare and environmental stewardship can coexist with high production standards.