Welcome to BNI | BNI Coal, BNI Coal, LTD a subsidiary of BNI Energy Inc., is developing North Dakota's abundant lignite energy resource. At its Center Mine, BNI mines and reclaims about 200 acres a year to supply lignite coal to fuel the nearby Milton R. Young Generation Station. Two electric generating cooperatives, Minnkota Power and Square Butte, operate the Young Station, which consumes virtually all of the coal produced at Center Mine under agreements in place through 2037. The Young Station generations low cost,.