Interior announces over US$119 million to reclaim abandoned coal mines

Published by Jess Watts, Editorial Assistant
World Coal, Thursday, 05 June 2025 09:30

In support of President Trump’s commitment to unleashing American energy and revitalising coal country, the Department of the Interior has announced the availability of more than US$119 million in abandoned mine land reclamation fee-based grants for eligible states and tribes.

These grants, authorised under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 and distributed by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, improve public safety, support local economies, and help coalfield communities repurpose former mine lands for new use.

Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, Adam Suess, said:

“These grants reflect our ongoing commitment to the people and places that have powered this country for generations. We’re proud to work alongside states and tribes to turn legacy mining sites into new opportunities.”

Funding for the grants is generated from fees collected on coal production and is based on a congressionally mandated formula tied to each state’s share of past and current coal production. Since 1977, OSMRE has distributed more than US$8.6 billion in abandoned mine land fee-based grants to help states and tribes.

Thomas Shope, OSMRE Regional Director, exercising the delegated authority of the Director, said:

“The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement is proud to continue our strong partnership with states and tribes through the 2025 abandoned mine land fee-based grant programme. These grants ensure our partners have the tools they need to tackle hazards left behind by legacy mining and keep communities safe.”

For fiscal year 2025, 24 coal-producing states and two tribal programmes are eligible for grants. A mandatory 5.7% sequestration applies to the total, resulting in a final amount of US$112.9 million.

By directly funding state and tribal reclamation programmes, the abandoned mine land grants also reflect the federal government’s continued commitment to regions that fuelled America’s industrial growth. States and tribes develop project proposals and oversee implementation, ensuring solutions are tailored to local needs.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/05062025/interior-announces-over-us119-million-to-reclaim-abandoned-coal-mines/