During Mining

After Reclamation

Mining inevitably disturbs land. Modern mines reclaim the surface during and after mining is completed, returning the land to useful purposes.  Following is information about a few of the many mined land reclamation success stories. Note the differences in the pictures between how the land looks during mining and how the reclaimed areas look after mining.  The reclaimed mine lands are often more attractive to wildlife and human uses than before mining started.  

Examples are included for the following types of commodities mined: 
Coal, Industrial Minerals, Clay Minerals, Limestone,  Aggregates, Sand and Gravel, Gold/Silver,  Molybdenum, Other Metals

Examples of Erosion and Sediment Control - from Office of Surface Mining

Wildlife Restoration and Enhancement - from Office of Surface Mining