Active Mine Operations Recognized for Outstanding Reclamation
Coal-to-Liquids process subject of Washington discussion
Risks from Abandoned Mines Reduced
Department of Energy Releases New Report on Use of Coal Utilization Byproducts (CUBs)
Into the Darkness
AGI Releases New Publication
Fueling Our Future
King Coal Comes Clean
National Coal Council Releases Report on Domestic Coal Resources
Wyoming Jobs Beckon, But Housing is Scarce

Active Mine Operations Recognized for Outstanding Reclamation
Editor's note: Mines are located in IL, IN, TX, WV, and WY

For immediate release
September 23, 2008
Contact: Tom Geoghegan / (202) 208-2838 / tgeoghegan@osmre.gov

(Las Vegas, NV) Eight coal mine operations in five states gained top honors in the annual competition overseen by the US Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM).

The coal mining companies and their employees were recognized at an awards luncheon hosted by the National Mining Association.

"These awards recognize the highest achievements in innovative techniques, reforestation, preparing mined land for long term agricultural use and building enduring community infrastructure" OSM Director Brent Wahlquist said. "All of the entries demonstrated a commitment to the environment and the coal field community," he continued "which is especially important as nearly half of our electricity comes from coal.

Mine operations receiving awards in 2008 are:
Directors Award - For Reforestation
Luminant Mining - Big Brown Mine, Martin Lake Mine, Monticello Mine,
Oak Hill Mine, Thermo Mine - Texas

These mines show how sound science and dedication to stewardship can produce useful land for commercial forestry, food supply for wildlife, and actually add to wetlands. In 2007 alone they planted 1,637,825 trees, including 32 species, 16 of which are hard mast producers for wildlife.

National Awards for Excellence in Surface Mining
International Coal Company, ICG Eastern, Birch River Complex - West Virginia

ICG has pioneered development of bench refuse disposal, avoiding hollow fill impoundments and using materials handling methods that prevent acid mine discharges. Careful use of innovative practices' analyzed and evaluated in partnership with West Virginia University are used here, resulting in exemplary post mining water quality, soil suitable to support 750,000 trees, vegetation and forage for a wide variety of wildlife, a task complicated by re-mining a pre-law mined site.

Rio Tinto Energy America, Jacobs Ranch Mine - Wyoming

Above and beyond regulatory requirements, this company uses sound science to establish and maintain a high level of forage for area ranches, deer, and antelope while recreating ephemeral streams and building natural reservoirs supporting cattle and wildlife. The rigorous environmental standards Rio Tinto requires cover air and water quality, water quantity, mineral and non mineral waste management, hazardous material and contamination control, land use stewardship, and environmental management systems.

Peabody Energy, Black Beauty Coal Company, Miller Creek Mine, Sugar Ridge Pit Indiana

Careful soil analysis and handling, close cooperation with Mid-Western Universities and soil fertility management planning have turned this mined land into prime farmland with high yields. When soils are returned to the mined land, they are layered and lightly compacted enabling high yields. Water impoundments as large as 26 acres on the permit area enhance farming land uses and are stocked with fish. This is exemplary reclamation supporting corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa and is also deserving of special mention for involving the community in planning for enduring use of agricultural land.

Massey Energy, Road Fork Development, Superior Surface Mines - West Virginia

As an integral part of the mine plan at an area with 50 acres of prelaw mined land, Superior Surface mines took an approach that would strengthen a prelaw slurry pond, one of the largest and oldest in the world. Their innovative and practical approach demonstrates that good engineering and a commitment to the environment can go together with efficient mining. Where once refuse material had caught fire and seepage occurred at the pond toe, Superior's efforts have buttressed the pond walls with alkaline material ensuring safety and environmental protection for the heavily populated Main Island Creek Watershed.

Good Neighbor Awards
The Good Neighbor Awards were established by OSM to recognize the most exemplary efforts in establishing good working relations with coal field communities.

The Bronze Good Neighbor Award
Arch Coal, Thunder Basin Coal Company, LLC, Black Thunder Mine - Wyoming

Well known for its high levels of reclamation for ranching and wildlife, along with community involvement, Arch Coal's Black Thunder Mine has developed an unusual program, ensuring that raptors thrive along with other wildlife while mining and reclamation go on. Partnered with national and international wildlife and ecological associations, as well as the U.S. Forest Service, this company goes beyond habitat conservation adding to our body of knowledge of raptor migration patterns and involves area students in the practical scientific work of ground observation.

The Silver Good Neighbor Award
Rio Tinto Energy America, Antelope Mine, Cordero Rojo Mine, Jacobs Ranch Mine, Wyoming

Rio Tinto's strong commitment to environmental excellence and reclamation includes developing self sustaining projects appropriate to area economies and goes well beyond the company's strong financial support for community projects. Assessing community needs during mining and looking to the future after mining and reclamation are complete; Rio Tinto contributes time and expertise to advisory boards, planning teams and active involvement in ecosystem and wildlife education and preservation merging their efforts with local schools. They are heavily involved with organizations to guide young people to productive lives.

The Gold Good Neighbor Award
Arch Coal, Coal-Mac INC., West Virginia

This award honors the company's involvement in the community with special emphasis on its educational efforts. From kindergarten through high school and into college, the personal involvement of managers, executives, and employees is both extensive and exemplary. Mining and reclamation are demonstrated and explained as educational excellence and effort are encouraged. Baseball fields have been built, cultural and recreation activities are encouraged as is the study of local and regional history.

Coal-to-Liquids process subject of Washington discussion
The New York Times reports on efforts in Washington to help promote America's energy independence through government support of coal-to-liquids manufacturing plants.
Read the entire article here.

Risks from Abandoned Mines Reduced
OSM 2006 Annual Report Released

(Washington) — At least 160,000 Americans living near abandoned coal mines are safer now than they were a year ago, according to a report issued by the US Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM).

OSM today released its annual report to the President and Congress on the status of enforcing coal mining regulations and reclaiming abandoned coal mines, many of which pose safety and health risks to nearby communities. OSM reported that a total of 6,984 acres of Abandoned Mine Land problems were reclaimed or lessened during Fiscal Year 2006, reducing risks for an estimated 161,297 Americans living nearby according to Census data.

Federal, State and Indian Tribe agencies have reclaimed almost 240,000 acres of high-priority abandoned mine lands since 1977, when Congress enacted the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. During the same period the coal mining industry has successfully reclaimed about 2 million acres of mined lands under the protective provisions of the Act.

OSM's Annual Report is available online at www.osmre.gov. The report covers operations by OSM and agencies of coal States and Indian Tribes during Fiscal Year 2006 (October 1, 2005-September 30, 2006).

(More Stats below)

OSM Annual Report at a Glance
(As of October 1, 2006)

Regulation of Coal Mining
Since 1977, about 29.5 billion tons of coal have been mined under the protective provisions of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, providing power for an estimated 93 million American homes.

The coal mining industry has successfully reclaimed more than 2 million acres of mined lands.

OSM has provided $1,251,573,305 in grants to the States to assist in funding the regulation of active coal mines.

Reclamation of Abandoned Mine Lands
Federal, State and Tribal agencies have reclaimed almost 240,000 acres of hazardous high-priority coal-related problems.

Since 1977 OSM has provided $4.06 billion in grants to its partners in 24 States and three Indian Tribes to clean up dangerous abandoned mine sites.

Community Partnerships
Since 1999 OSM has awarded 161 Watershed Cooperative Agreements and amendments to existing agreements totaling $14,068,665. Ninety two projects have been completed.

Emergency Response
Since 1977, OSM has addressed 5,099 Abandoned Mine Land emergencies, while the States and Tribes have dealt with 2,764.

By the Numbers
Sample of statistics reported for Fiscal Year 2006 (October 1, 2005-September 30, 2006)

Regulation of Coal Mining
85,745 - The number of full or partial mine inspections conducted by State agencies during Fiscal Year 2006.

1,458 - The number of mine inspection visits conducted by OSM staff during 2006.

2,775 - The number of violation notices issued by State agencies.

91.5% - The percentage of coal mines inspected during 2006 found to have no off-site impacts.

49,796 - The number of acres of mined lands successfully reclaimed by coal operators and released from Phase III Performance Bonds during FY 2006.

Reclamation of Abandoned Mine Lands
161,297 - The lowest estimate, based on Census data, of the number of Americans whose exposure to potential safety risks from Abandoned Mine Lands was reduced during 2006.

6,984 - Acres of Abandoned Mine Land problems reclaimed or mitigated.

548 - Miles of streams treated for Abandoned Mine Land problems.

$302,991,805 -- Abandoned Mine Land fees collected from coal operators in FY 2006

$1,556,475 - Dollar figure of new Watershed Coopera tive Agreements funded to help communities in reduce Acid Mine Drainage from old mines in local streams.

Contact: Ben Owens (202) 208-2565

Department of Energy Releases New Report on Use of Coal Utilization Byproducts (CUBs)
When coal is burned for energy, the materials remaining after combustion have many applicable uses in society. This August 2006 topical reports highlights how CUBs are used in products ranging from synthetic wallboard to concrete.
Read the article.

Into the Darkness
With recent news reports about coal mining fatalities in West Virginia, have you thought about what it is like to work in an underground coal mine? Washington Post magazine writer Joby Warrick did, and his cover article Into the Darkness (Washington Post magazine, January 21, 2007) explores the bond between coal miners that drive them daily into underground coal mines. Read the article.

AGI Releases New Publication
The American Geological Institute recently released its newest publication in its Environmental Awareness Series. Titled Coal and the Environment, this colorful 64-page paperback book takes an unbiased look at the impacts of coal use in society and how technology helps mitigate and reduce environmental impacts from coal production and use. Includes an extensive list of web resources about coal, including online glossaries of coal terms.

Also comes with color poster highlighting the coal mining cycle, with
particular emphasis on reclamation of mine sites. Ordering and price
information is available at this link.

Fueling Our Future
Climate warming is accelerating as energy use soars. Nuclear power won't close the gap. We need to learn to live with coal. Here's one elaborate engineering solution. Jonathan Shaw, Harvard Magazine.
Read the article.

King Coal Comes Clean
Why are Kennedy School researchers singing coal's praises? Find out more about the technology to burn cleaner coal: “coal gasification”. Lory Hough, Kennedy School Bulletin, Harvard University. Read the article.

National Coal Council Releases Report on Domestic Coal Resources
The National Coal Council has issued a two-volume report called Coal:America’s Energy Future. At the request of the Secretary of Energy, NCC prepared the report concerning how domestic coal resources can help meet the Nation’s future energy needs. Volume 1 focuses on several promising clean coal technologies, including coal gasification. Volume II provides a technical overview of clean coal technologies. Downloadable copies are the reports are available here.