Surface Mining and Reclamation Division

(CLICK HERE to go to the Mining Division Home Page)

The Surface Mining and Reclamation Division’s staff of 14 develops and enforces the state's mining and reclamation laws. The programs regulate the removal of materials, and then the return of the mined area to a beneficial purpose.

The Coal Program administers rules and regulations consistent with those issued by the federal Department of the Interior. The program protects citizens and the environment during coal mining and reclamation activities and reclaims dangerous and environmentally hazardous mines abandoned before 1977.

The Non-Coal Program administers state laws and regulations for open cut mining and reclamation of bauxite, clay, sand, gravel, and other materials, including removing sand and gravel from stream beds and some soil and shale pits.

Statewide Response

Five members of the Mining Division, including one inspector, work in the Russellville field office to better monitor coal mining sites in west Arkansas. Active coal mining sites are inspected monthly.

One inspector is assigned to non-coal facilities in Arkansas. The Non-Coal program has a goal to inspect the open-cut sites at least once each year and all sites are inspected in response to complaints.

Reclamation Projects

The Division in FY 2010 completed reclamation of 138 abandoned coal sites.