FACTS ON RECLAMATION

At all U.S. mining operations, detailed reclamation plans must be approved by government officials and local permitting groups before mining begins. Reclamation bonds are posted by mining companies to ensure a successful completion of the process.

Reclamation includes the following steps:

• contouring of land;
• the placement of topsoil or an approved substitute on the graded area;
• reseeding with native vegetation, crops and/or trees;
• and years of careful monitoring to assure success.

Ultimately, reclaimed sites are returned to many productive uses, ranging from recreation areas, farms and golf courses to wildlife areas, parks, wetlands and housing developments. For an extensive listing of post-mining land uses in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia, see the article, "Post-Mining Land Use", published in Coal Leader.

As surface mines are developed, the topsoil is segregated as the overburden (dirt and rock covering the mineral-bearing ore) is removed. That topsoil is then used for reclaiming mined-out areas, so that native trees and grasses can be replanted and thrive. Humid areas with gentle topography are the easiest to restore and revegetate, but special techniques have been developed for use in arid, mountainous and arctic regions

Care is also taken to minimize erosion and runoff where ground cover is temporarily removed. Special flood-control and sediment-control measures are necessary to prevent damage.

Although underground mines do not have as much surface disruption, they do have reclamation responsibilities for stabilizing tailings ponds during use and reclaiming the area when mining is completed. Any surface subsidence must also be accounted for and included in mining plans. As always, surface and groundwater must be protected from acid drainage and metal components higher than the ambient water levels.

Mining companies are constantly seeking better methods of reclaiming mined lands.

Since 1978, more than 2 million acres of mined lands have been restored to their original or better condition, as well as more than 100,000 acres of coal mines abandoned long ago.

Reclamation is required by both state law and the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA). To ensure the long-term success of reclamation, the regulations require the coal company to post bond, ranging as high as $10,000 per acre, for the land it mines. Before the bond can be released to the company, the site must be returned to an "approved" condition and use, and remain stable for several years. The government is required to hold part of the bond for at least five or 10 years, depending on annual rainfall.