Mining companies work in partnership with federal, state and local agencies to ensure that they meet all applicable land management guidelines and practices. In addition, aerial photography is sometimes employed to document the success of ongoing reclamation efforts. Utilities and mining companies employ hundreds of scientists and biologists who use state of the art technologies to evaluate the resource and wildlife conditions of our lands. Scientific analyses are conducted on water, soil, vegetation and other factors crucial to the success of reclamation activities. Hydrologists study and document how sedimentation from the disturbed areas will be controlled and how ground and surface waters will be protected.
Reclamation is widespread and successful.
Most remaining land that has not yet been reclaimed is still producing minerals and metals. The coal industry has reclaimed in excess of 1.6 million acres of mined lands over the past 20 years. Reclaimed land benefits the American people in two ways. First, it has been a source of plentiful and affordable coal energy. Second, it can be a productive, attractive and useful utility and recreational area once the mine is restored.