Coal Program

Our Coal Program conducts inspections of active and inactive mine sites, and also works to reclaim coal mines that were abandoned before 1977, when stricter mining laws were enacted. Our main office is in Fort Smith.

The U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement provides money to the states for the design and contracting of the reclamation of coal mine sites that were abandoned before 1977. The money comes from a trust fund established by the U.S. Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. Under the law, fees that are assessed on each ton of coal mined in the U.S. go into the trust fund.

The Surface Mining and Reclamation Office uses state-of-the-art surveying and computer-aided design systems to produce reclamation plans for abandoned mine sites in Arkansas. The division then contracts through the Arkansas Building Authority to have the projects completed.

Permit Application Forms and Documents

The permit application material and revegetation guidelines below apply to coal mining operations. We suggest reviewing our mining handbook and the relevant laws and regulations if applicable before getting started.

Additional Permits for Mining Operations

In addition to mining permits, your mining operation may require a stormwater or an air permit.