Department of Natural Resources. Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining. Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program

The Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program conducts ongoing inventories aimed at identifying abandoned mines posing a threat to the public's safety or to the environment. As the mines are identified, the degree of hazard or danger is assessed. Once these priorities are assigned, a given number of mines is reclaimed each year, depending on available funds. Reclamation projects entail capping or closing of shafts and tunnels, extinguishing fires and stabilizing erosion problem areas by re-contouring and re-vegetating. Where applicable, historic and economic values are preserved. The program also provides information and educational materials to schools throughout the state on the hazards of abandoned mines.

The Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program is an agency within the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining. Funds for the program come totally from appropriations of federal fees paid by the coal industry, based on a per-ton produced rate. Modest funding agreements with private and federal partners also supplement some of the program's work.

The Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program is overseen by a Program Administrator. Rules governing the administration of the program are found in the Utah Administrative Code, Title R643.