Reclamation Cost Estimates and Posted Reclamation Performance Bonds
OSMRE is the Regulatory Authority (RA) for determining the amount of the bond set for a coal mine operation. OSMRE requires that adequate bond coverage be in effect at all times and operations without a bond is in violation of SMCRA.
The amount of a posted Reclamation Performance Bond is determined using the mining and reclamation plan in the approved permit issued by OSMRE or the State RA, and reflects the difficulty of the proposed reclamation considering factors such as topography, geology, hydrology and revegetation potential. The OSMRE or the State RA requires the amount of posted bond to be sufficient to assure completion of the approved reclamation plan if the work has to be performed by the RA in the event of forfeiture."
