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# Frequently Asked Questions

##         Do OSMRE regulations under SMCRA apply strictly to coal mining?      

Yes, SMCRA only regulates coal mining. Therefore, the regulations for OSMRE govern only coal mining.

##         Are there similar regulations for non-coal surface mining? Where can I find them?      

No, there are no similar national laws or regulations governing non-coal surface mining.

Non-coal mining is primarily regulated by each State under the State’s laws and regulations. You can find contact information on the State and Tribal contact webpage.

The DOI Bureau of Land Management and the USDA Forest Service have also adopted regulations imposing some restrictions on mining on Federal lands. Please visit their websites for further information.

##         I would like to arrange a visit for some foreign scientists to meet with OSMRE personnel. How do I do that?      

Please contact the Director’s Office at 202-208-4006 to discuss your specific areas of interest.

##         Are there internship opportunities with OSMRE? Where can I learn more about them and apply? What about job opportunities?      

You can find advertisements for all OSMRE internships and job opportunities at USAJOBS.

##         Where can I find surface mining and coal production related statistics? Where can I find statistics related to the number of mines and total mineral production by mineral type for a specific year?      

OSMRE does not keep these kinds of statistics.

There are several organizations that might have the information such as the National Mining Association and the Energy Information Administration.

##         Can you provide a list of all active surface mines in the United States?      

OSMRE does not keep that information.

You can may find this information by directly reaching out to the State and Tribal contacts. You can also request information from the National Mining Association and the Energy Information Administration.

##         Who should I contact regarding claims, permitting, land use, licensing, and States-specific oversight, etc.?      

Please direct these questions to the State regulatory agency in the State you are concerned with.

Check the State and Tribal contact webpage for each respective AML and Regulatory Program. 

##         How do I apply for staking a claim in my State?      

We advise you to contact the State regulatory agency to see what is required. Check the State and Tribal contact webpage for each respective program. 

##         Where can I locate the contact information for the OSMRE office responsible for my State oversight?      

Visit our Offices and Organization webpage to locate contact information for OSMRE offices. 

##         Where can I get more information about Oversight? What about Annual Reports and other Oversight documents?      

For more information, visit the Oversight webpage. 

For annual state and tribal evaluation reports, visit the ODocs webpage.

##         Is it possible to view mine permits and environmental impact statements from mines in my State? Who should I contact for this information?      

Visit our Offices and Organization webpage to locate contact information for OSMRE offices. Each Regional and Field Office will be able to direct you to permitting and NEPA documents.

##         Does OSMRE maintain a database of active mining companies?      

No, OSMRE does not keep an active database of mining companies.

Please direct these questions to the State regulatory agency in the State you are concerned with. Check the State and Tribal contact webpage for each respective program contact.

##         I am the Operations Manager for a construction company in Kentucky and was trying to get information on how to get on a bid list for OSMRE and Abandoned Lands.      

Please refer to our Offices and Organization webpage to locate contact information for OSMRE offices.

##         I have specific questions about AVS reports. Who can I contact for this information?      

Questions regarding the AVS should be sent to: AVS Help at avshelp@osmre.gov or 1-800-643-9748

##         Does the OSMRE AML Inventory include all land and water damaged by past mining?      

No, the AML Inventory only contains problems eligible for reclamation using the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund.

Only coal-related problems caused by mining prior to the enactment of SMCRA and that meet the first two objectives set out in SMCRA, Priorities 1 and 2, have been systematically inventoried.

The categories of problems in the Inventory and their share of unfunded reclamation costs in the Inventory are shown in the following table.

##         Does the AML Inventory contain information on mine(s) or company(ies) responsible for the damage?      

No. Under SMCRA sites are eligible for reclamation funding if there is no party with a continuing reclamation responsibility under State or Federal law.

##         Where can I acquire mine mapping information? How do I order a copy of mine maps from the National Mine Map Repository?      

You can learn more about accessing the National Mine Map Repository (NMMR) on their webpage.