Reclamation Awards

Part of OSM’s Congressionally mandated mission is to ensure that coal mines are reclaimed after mining is complete, including the reclamation of mines abandoned before the enactment of a Federal surface mining law in 1977. As part of that mission, the bureau has for decades recognized deserving state regulatory agencies and coal mining companies with two annual award programs: one for high-quality reclamation projects at mines abandoned prior to when Congress enacted the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, (SMCRA), the other for reclamation of mines that began operating after the passage of the law.

The Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards recognize outstanding abandoned mine land reclamation in the United States and showcase exemplary reclamation techniques. Only projects funded wholly or in part and completed by approved state or tribal regulatory programs are eligible to win. A panel of judges composed of directors of state reclamation programs and OSM managers vote to determine the winners. View information on 2012 winners.

Read the OSM Press Release about the 2012 AML Awards.

The Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Awards are presented to coal mining companies that achieve the most exemplary mining and reclamation in the country. Typically, winners demonstrate a commitment to using sound mining practices and executing highly effective reclamation plans designed to enhance post-mining beneficial use of the land. View information on 2012 winners.

Read the OSM Press Release about the 2012 Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Awards.

Award Calendar (dates subject to change)

September	Call for nominations released for the upcoming year. Brochure details any updated specifications. Current brochures for 2013: Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Award; Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Award
January	OSM announces focus of Director's Awards for 2013 and beyond
February	Nominations due to OSM for Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Award
April	Nominations due to OSM for Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards
April	Judging of Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Award nominations
May	Judging of Abandoned Mine Reclamation Award nominations
July	Winners announced for all awards
September/ October	Presentation of Awards

History

Since 1986, the Office of Surface Mining has presented awards to coal mine operators who completed exemplary reclamation with a parallel award program for abandoned mine land reclamation commencing in 1992. View information on previous Reclamation Award Winners.

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Photos from Recent Winners

Appalachian Region Award Winner: Lower Rock Creek Watershed Restoration Project, McCreary County, Kentucky	National Award Winner: Dave Johnston Mine, Glenrock Coal Company, Glenrock, Wyoming