Arkansas has reserves of bituminous, semi anthracite, and lignite coal. The bituminous and semi anthracite coal reserves are estimated to be about 2.2 billion tons, half of which is considered recoverable. Coal mining has been concentrated in west-central Arkansas. Prior to the 1950s, much of the coal was extracted by underground mining methods. Surface mining then dominated until 2008 when underground production again surpassed surface production. Surface remining to remove coal pillars left in shallow underground mines and recovering coal from old mine waste piles has been common.

• Regulation and Reclamation

  • The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), Surface Mining and Reclamation Division, has responsibility for SMCRA activities related to active coal mines (Title V) and SMCRA activities related to abandoned coal mines (Title IV) in the State of Arkansas.

    An example of ADEQ’s effectiveness and efficiency is the AML project located in Sebastian County. The project successfully eliminated three acres of dangerous gob piles, several feet of embankments, and one vertical opening. By incorporating a forfeited pit as a disposal area, ADEQ was able to reduce the amount of reclamation required by 10 acres.

• State Contacts

  • Arkansas
    Abandoned Mine Lands (Title IV)	Regulatory (Title V)
    State Program Links
    Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality Coal Program

• Grants

  • Arkansas grant reports and related documents are contained in the official grant file maintained at the:

    Mid-Continent Region
    501 Belle Street, Suite 215
    Alton, IL 62002
    
    Telephone: (618) 463-6460
    Fax: (618) 463-6470

    They can be reviewed during normal business hours. Alternatively, these documents can be requested through the Tulsa Field Office and a copy of the grant file will be made available. The copy may be requested in paper or electronic format.

• Oversight

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    What is Oversight?

    OSMRE defines "oversight", as the "process of evaluating and assisting states [and tribes] in the administration, implementation, and maintenance of approved programs. In collaboration with each state/tribe, OSMRE develops a Performance Agreement/Evaluation Plan tailored to the unique conditions of each state/tribe program. Performance Agreements/Evaluation Plans between OSM and the states establish how oversight is conducted during each evaluation year.

    Learn more about OSMRE's National Oversight Program.

    Oversight Documents

    To view oversight documents visit, OSMRE's REG-8 Oversight Database: