the mining process. New techniques and knowledge gained from previous programs will be applied to the next generation of reclaimed land. Additionally, lessons learned from one site are being shared and applied to other sites and with other companies, underscoring the mission of the entire coal industry that all mined land be reclaimed to very high standards.
Kennecott Energy’s Jacobs Ranch Mine Site
Out west, herds of elk, mule deer and pronghorn antelope thrive on previously mined lands. These herds benefit from more plentiful water sources and vegetative cover. Within a few seasons, these lands become virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding terrain. Wetlands in the West are oftentimes included in the reclamation projects, which has aided and improved wildlife populations of many species in this region. Other examples of post-mining land use are parks, wildlife preserves, and forestry. Mining companies are responsible for planting millions of trees on previously mined property in some cases for future harvesting, in other cases to restore property to its pre-mining character. With the assistance of many universities, mining companies are often leaders in the study of property restoration. Many of the techniques learned on once disturbed reclaimed mining land, assist in the management of land that has been damaged by fire, flood, or other natural occurrences. Making Progress In the future, reclamation will continue its role as a pivotal part of
Mining companies routinely go beyond the basic requirements established by the Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act to help ensure a promising future for previously mined properties. These projects all become the heritage of the company that was active there, thus and this also enables enabling those the companies to remain achieve successful in the future. Responsi-bility and pride in reclamation is are now a cornerstones for coal producers. â–
St. Louis-based Arch Coal is the nation's second largest coal producer. The company mines clean-burning, low-sulfur coal exclusively. In total, Arch contributes about one-tenth of America's coal supply from 13 mining complexes in West Virginia, Wyoming, Kentucky, Virginia, Colorado and Utah. With 118 million tons of coal sales annually, the company provides U.S. utilities with fuel for roughly 6 percent of the electricity used by Americans each year. Arch Coal Inc: www.archcoal.com
Since 1978, more than 2 million acres of coal and hard-rock mined lands in the U.S. have been restored to their original or better condition.
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American Coal Council
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