No one knows the exact number or location of all abandoned
surface and underground coal mines in this country. But experts do know that
hundreds are scattered across the American countryside, primarily in eastern
coal-producing states, such as Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia,
and Kentucky.
In western states like Colorado, Arizona, Montana, and Utah there are also
abandoned "hard-rock" non-coal mines that pose additional dangers.
Hazardous abandoned mine problems include open shafts and horizontal openings
resulting from underground mining and unstable vertical cliff-like highwalls,
dangerous water bodies, rusting machinery, and defective explosives from
surface mines. Many of these hazards are the result of mining that occurred
many years ago — some before the turn of the century. There is nothing of value
left in abandoned mines; that's why they were abandoned. Federal and state
reclamation agencies are working to reclaim abandoned mines. But there are so
many of them left that it is vital to know about abandoned mine dangers and
stay away from them.
-Abandoned mine shafts may be fairly easy to see if they are
large, or they may be obscured by years of vegetative overgrowth. They may be
covered by decayed and rotted boards that will give way under the slightest
weight, or they may be a combination of all these.
-Abandoned horizontal mine openings lead into underground
tunnels that are prone to collapse. They may seem safe to explore, but can
contain many hazards — rotten roof support beams, deadly gases, poisonous
snakes, vertical shafts deep within the tunnels, and flooded sections.
-Abandoned surface mines also contain dangers. Many of the steep embankments and high walls are very unstable and will give way under the weight of a person. In addition, water bodies may look like desirable swimming holes or ice skating ponds; however, they frequently hide steep slippery sides that can present a life-threatening danger.
Regardless of the type of mine, remember to stay away if you spot what appears to be an abandoned mine. It could be dangerous. And if you are in an area where coal has been mined, watch where you are going. You may stumble across an abandoned mine when you least expect it. So, be alert!
Don't go looking for abandoned mines, but if you find what you think is an abandoned mine shaft, tunnel, or other danger, mark the location so it can be easily spotted. Be careful not to go too close. Then report what you found to the nearest location of the Office of Surface Mining or contact your state mining reclamation office. Be prepared to describe the approximate location, identifying landmarks, nearby trails, or other characteristics that will help authorities locate the mine.
Reporting the location of abandoned mines is a public service. You will be protecting others from danger and helping America maintain and improve the environment. For additional information about abandoned mine land reclamation, contact the Office of Surface Mining or the nearest state reclamation office.
Source: osmre.gov
Active and abandoned mine contacts: http://www.osm.gov/contacta.htmAdditional information on abandoned mine land reclamation: