Abandoned Mine Lands
The Bureau of Land Management’s Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) program enhances public safety and improves water quality by reducing or eliminating the effects of past hardrock mining in the western United States.
BLM maintains an inventory of known abandoned mine lands on public lands. Most of the sites are abandoned hardrock mines. As of April 9, 2008, the inventory contained 12,204 sites and 49,376 features. Approximately 20% of the sites have either been remediated, have reclamation actions planned or underway, or do not require further action. The remaining 80% require further investigation and/or remediation.
The BLM and its partners are working on sharing and displaying AML spatial data within a National Mine Land Inventory. Go to www.geocommunicator.gov to view spatial data.
BLM and its “Cooperative Conservation” partners mitigate hazards to protect public health and safety, and restore watersheds for resources, recreation, fish, and wildlife. The AML program helps restore the environment and improve safety for visitors and users of public lands.
Within the BLM, the AML program coordinates projects with the BLM's Hazardous Materials Management program. Many AML sites have hazardous material features that need to be remediated.
BLM and Partners Launch "Fix A Shaft Today (FAST)!" Campaign
The Bureau of Land Management is launching a new campaign to mitigate and remediate abandoned mine land physical safety hazards specifically targeting AML sites located in the southwest desert states. While the FAST Campaign is in the early stages, state agencies in Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and Utah have expressed interest and support. Plans are to invite members of the mining and offf-highway vehicle industries, volunteer and other non-government organizations to participate.
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