KEEP OUT

Old mines can be

DANGEROUS
Abandoned surface mines may contain

unstable highwalls -- that will give way if

walked on or cause you to be hit with rock

from above -- and water bodies that could

hide dangerous objects.

Whether hiking, exploring, hunting, camping, or simply just enjoying the countryside, outdoor activities are a source of enjoyment for millions of Americans each

year. But outdoor recreation also requires caution -- especially near abandoned

mines.

No one knows the exact number

or location of all abandoned

surface and underground coal

mines in this country. But

experts do know that hundreds

are scattered across the

American countryside, primarily

in the eastern coal-producing

states, such as Pennsylvania,

West Virginia, Virginia, and

Kentucky. In western states like

Colorado, Arizona, Montana,

and Utah there are also abandoned “hard-rock” non-coal

mines that pose additional

dangers. Hazardous abandoned mine problems include

open shafts and horizontal

openings resulting from underground mining, and unstable

vertical cliff-like highwalls,

dangerous water bodies, rusting

machinery, and defective

explosives from surface mines.

Many of these hazards are the result of mining that occurred many years ago --

some in the late nineteenth century. There is nothing of value left in abandoned

mines; that’s why they were abandoned. Federal and state reclamation agencies are working to reclaim abandoned mines. But there are so many of them

left that it is vital to know about abandoned mine dangers and stay away from

them.

■ Abandoned mine shafts may be fairly easy to see if they are large, or they

may be obscured by years of vegetative overgrowth. They may be covered by

decayed and rotted boards that will give way under the slightest weight, or

they may be a combination of all these.

■ Abandoned horizontal mine openings lead into underground tunnels that are

prone to cave-in. They may seem safe to explore, but can contain many

hazards -- rotten roof support beams, deadly gases, poisonous snakes,

vertical shafts deep within the tunnels, and flooded sections.

■ Abandoned surface mines also contain dangers. Many of the steep embankments and high walls are very unstable and will give way under the weight of a

person. In addition, water bodies may look like desirable swimming holes or

ice skating ponds; however, they frequently hide steep slippery sides that can

present a life-threatening danger.
Regardless of the type of mine, remember to stay away if you spot what appears

to be an abandoned mine. It’s likely to be dangerous. And if you are in an area

where coal has been mined, watch where you are going. You may stumble

across an abandoned mine when you least expect it. So, be alert!

Don’t go looking for abandoned mines, but if you find what you think is an

abandoned mine shaft, tunnel, or other danger, mark the location so it can be

easily spotted. Be careful not to go too close. Then report what you found to the

nearest location of the Office of Surface Mining, or contact your state mining

reclamation office. Be prepared to describe the approximate location, identifying

landmarks, nearby trails, or other characteristics that will help authorities locate

the mine.

Reporting the location of abandoned mines is a public service. You will be

protecting others from danger, and helping America maintain and improve the

environment. For additional information about abandoned mine land reclamation

visit the Office of Surface Mining world wide web site at: http://www.osmre.gov or

contact the nearest Office.

Abandoned underground mines like the one pictured here may only be closed

with a small board over the opening; however, it would be VERY dangerous to

enter this mine. The unstable roof is caving in and large sections are continuously falling.
For additional information about abandoned mines or to report the location of an

abandoned mine call the nearest Office of Surface Mining office.

Appalachian Regional Coordinating Center

Three Parkway Center

Pittsburgh, PA 15220

Telephone: (412) 937-2828

E-mail: aklein@osmre.gov

Mid-Continent Regional Coordinating Center

501 Belle Street

Alton, IL 62002

Telephone: (618) 463-6460

E-mail: bwahlqui@osmre.gov

Western Regional Coordinating Center

1999 Broadway, Suite 3320

Denver, CO 80202

Telephone: (303) 844-1401

E-mail: rseibel@osmre.gov

Office of Surface Mining

1951 Constitution Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20240

Telephone: (202) 208-2719

Fax: (202) 501-0549

E-mail: getinfo@osmre.gov

http://www.osmre.gov

U.S. Department of the Interior