43 FEBRUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Five States Honored by OSMRE Adapted from Information by OSMRE The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is thrilled to reveal the winners of the 2024 Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards, showcasing the nation’s most exceptional achievements in reclaiming and restoring previously mined lands. These projects have not only ensured public safety and environmental protection, they have boosted local economies by creating new recreational opportunities and preserving local heritage. The Alabama Department of Labor’s Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program has received the National Award for the highest rated reclamation project, specifically the Piper Mine Reclamation Project. This project transformed a once dangerous, abandoned mine near West Blocton into a safe area, removing hazards such as highwalls, spoil material, and impoundments. The community can now enjoy increased access to recreational amenities, including a new pond, trails, and improved signage. The New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division, Abandoned Mine Land Program has been recognized with the Small Project Award for its Tin Pan Canyon Gob Reclamation Project. This initiative in Raton addressed coal mining waste pile runoff and erosion, stabilizing a nearby road and stream, by constructing a rock drainage channel and installing straw bale terraces with seedlings, the project has improved local water quality, enhanced the landscape, and ensured safe recreational activities. The Pennsylvania Bureau of Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation received the Appalachian States Award for its Penn Hills Township project in Allegheny County. This project successfully remediated hazardous conditions affecting 11 residences, including acid drainage, backyard saturation, and basement seepage, which posed risks of landslides. As a result, homeowners now enjoy safe dwellings with dry yards, structurally sound foundations, and enhanced property values. Additionally, the project addressed acid drainage related hazards, flooding, and travel road concerns, greatly improving driving and walking conditions for the neighborhood, as well as restoring a dilapidated park, providing future recreational opportunities. The Interior States Award was bestowed upon the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for their outstanding project, which converted a legacy coal mining site into a vibrant recreational spot. Key features of the project include the removal of 3200 linear feet of highwall replaced with a water cascade and a naturalized landform, a safe swim area with a beach, and potential for new camping sites, as well as mountain bike trails. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality Abandoned Mine Land Division has earned the Western States and Tribes Award, for its exceptional project in the region. This project focused on Carbon County Road 297, a crucial alternate route for emergency services in Hanna and Elmo, Wyoming. By mitigating subsidence risks through void filling grout, the project ensured the safety of travelers in this remote area, where health care and grocery stores are scarce. “The Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards honor the best examples of AML reclamation in our nation,” said OSMRE Principal Deputy Director Sharon Buccino. “Our State and Tribal partners work hard to remove health hazards and reclaim former coal mines. These reclamation projects showcase innovation, community collaboration, and how reclaiming legacy coal mining problems builds a better future for former coal communities.” Photo courtesy of Alabama Department of Labor Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program. MIN Photo courtesy of Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality Abandoned Mine Land Division. Photo courtesy of Indiana Abandoned Mine Land Program. Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation.
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