Coal mining in Alaska has been well documented and every mine of significance has been identified. The coal inventory was completed in 1983 and 340 sites were identified. A literature search of known non-coal mines was compiled in 1991 and 432 sites were identified. The non-coal inventory is incomplete for state, private and native lands. Every inventoried site was evaluated to determine if it qualified for AML funding.
Federal policy requires that priority one and two coal projects be completed first.
Only priority one non-coal projects can be reclaimed. Priority one non-coal sites can be worked on simultaneously with coal sites if they have been requested by the Governor. Because of the subjective nature of the criteria priority two non-coal sites were identified for further evaluation. Protection of public health, safety, general welfare and property from extreme danger resulting from the adverse effects of past coal mining practices. Protection of public health, safety and general welfare from adverse effects of past coal mining practices which do not constitute an extreme danger.