The Mining and Minerals Division, New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department Division, (MMD) administers the State's program regulating the surface mining of coal. MMD evaluates applications and issues surface mining permits, revisions, renewals and modifications on all lands that are not within the boundaries of Indian Reservations. MMD also is responsible for inspections and enforcement to ensure compliance with the program's permits and regulatory requirements. Working with the operators MMD program strives to develop innovative approaches to reclamation that enhance the long term stability of reclaimed mine lands.

MMD administers their surface coal mining and reclamation program as mandated by state and federal law to achieve optimum results in a cost-effective and fair manner. Since 1980, New Mexico regulatory program has worked in partnership with the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement to ensure all surface coal mining operations minimize adverse effects to the environment, protect the public interest and the rights of property owners, and return mined lands to a beneficial Postmining land use.

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Outreach for Review of the Proposed Oversight Performance Agreement

We are soliciting comments from citizens, environmental groups, and industry regarding our proposed 2014 annual oversight performance agreement for New Mexico. Please submit your comments for our consideration from May 1-15, 2013 to Bob Postle or in writing to Office of Surface Mining, Western Region, Denver Field Division, 1999 Broadway, Suite 3320, Denver, Colorado 80202-3050. If you are for interested in discussing specific comments on the proposed performance agreement, please contact the Field Office Director at the address above.

The final work plans will be available July 16, 2013. Copies of the documents will be available on this web page or may be requested by emailing or by writing to the address above.

Thank you for your participation in this important process.

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New Mexico Oversight Documents

The Oversight Document System (ODocs) is a new depository library OSMRE developed containing oversight documentation related to State/Tribes oversight program. To access ODocs, click on the link provided below. For more information on Oversight, visit Oversight of Surface Coal Mining. If you have questions, please reference the individual listed under Contact Information.

Website

View the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Resources Department, Mining and Minerals Division website at http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/MMD/index.htm