Surface Mining and Reclamation Division (SMRD)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who regulates sand and gravel pits?
Sand and gravel pits are regulated from a safety aspect by the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT). Mining and reclamation of these pits are not regulated under State law. If the sand or gravel operations will affect ground water, have a surface-water discharge or create a point-source air discharge, the operation may be regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
How do I get a permit to mine coal?
A permit to mine coal must be obtained from the Railroad Commission. Applications are available by writing or calling the Surface Mining and Reclamation Division, 1701 N. Congress, Austin, Texas, (512) 463-6900. A copy of the Regulations can be obtained through our Records and Publications section.
How do I get a permit to mine other minerals (gold, silver, etc.)?
There are no statewide permits required to mine minerals other than coal, lignite, and uranium. Iron ore and iron ore gravel mining may be regulated depending on the scope of the mine. Water and air discharges from any industrial source, including mines, are regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
What other permits do I need to mine coal?
Other regulatory agencies that should be contacted to determine if a permit or other requirements are needed to mine coal are:
Federal
Environmental Protection Agency (Department
of the Interior)
Mine Safety and Health Administration (Department
of Labor)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Department
of the Interior)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
State
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Texas Historical Commission
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
How many coal mines are there in Texas and where are they located?
There are 20 permits to mine coal in Texas, covering 18 active mines.
How many uranium mines are there in Texas and where are they located?
There are no active uranium surface mines in Texas.
Do you have any educational videos or hand outs on coal/uranium mining?
No, please contact the Texas Mining and Reclamation Association (TMRA) at 314 E. Highland Mall Blvd., Austin, Texas 78752, (512) 467-1300.
How do I order coal/uranium regulations and other publications?
To order Publications, send written requests to:
Railroad Commission of Texas
Publications Public Sales Department
P.O. Box 12967
Austin, TX 78711-2967
RE: Surface Mining and Reclamation Division
Or call the Railroad Commission's Public Sales department at (512) 463-6882 for more information and exact price, including postage and handling charges. (All mail orders will have postage and handling charges added.)
How do I request copies of records?
The Surface Mining and Reclamation Division of the Railroad Commission of Texas has all records on file pertaining to coal/lignite mining permits. Included in these records are: permit applications and revisions, hearing files, hearing exhibits, bonding and bond release information, monthly and quarterly inspection reports of each mine, Annual Coal/Uranium Operations and Progress Reports, monthly and quarterly water reports, soil analysis reports, enforcement information such as Notices of Violations, assessments, complaints at a mine site, and technical files such as design plans and revisions.
In accordance with the regulations at 16 Texas Admin. Code ยงยง12.115, 12.210, and 12.672, these records are available for public viewing at:
Railroad Commission of Texas
Surface Mining and Reclamation Division
William B. Travis Building, 11th floor
1701 N. Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78701
Phone (512) 463-6900
FAX (512) 463-6709
Contact: Records Section
Duplicate copies of most permit-specific records are additionally maintained in the regional field office at the following address:
Railroad Commission of Texas
Surface Mining and Reclamation Division, Regional Office
2202 Old Henderson Highway
Tyler, TX 75502
Phone (903) 595-5501
FAX (903) 595-0437
Contact person: Nanette Mitchell, Secretary
Office hours are from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
Should you wish to receive copies of any records by mail, contact the Records Section at the Austin Office at (512) 463-6900 and describe the nature of your request. It is helpful to Commission staff to describe your request as specifically as possible, since many documents are very voluminous.