Funding available to reclaim long-abandoned mining land

Indiana DNR received more than $24 million for reclamation in FY24

In federal fiscal year 2024, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) received nearly $24.7 million in federal funding from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement to reclaim more former coal mines to their pre-mining status.

Hoosiers who own such property are encouraged to report it to the DNR - even if you don't want the work done right away.

This funding is part of $377 million Indiana is receiving over 15 years to reclaim former mine land.

Reclamation is the process by which adverse safety, health, and environmental effects of unregulated legacy mines are minimized and mined lands are returned to a beneficial end use. In Indiana, more than 2,000 reclamation projects have been completed since 1982 on both public and private lands.

"Over the last 50 plus years, Indiana has worked to address safety and environmental issues left by unregulated, abandoned mines, improving the productivity and recreational value of the land," said Kit Turpin, director for the DNR Division of Reclamation's Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program. "Earlier this year, the Indiana DNR was honored to receive the Interior States Region Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Award for its work transforming a dangerous highwall at Lynnville Park into a safe location for outdoor recreation. With this influx of funding, we're continuing to reclaim more land and more projects across Indiana's coal country."

Because reclamation funding is distributed based on need, the AML program is cataloging future projects. Indiana's eligibility for these federal grants depends upon the state's inventory of abandoned mine land. To qualify for funding, the land must have been mined and abandoned prior to 1977.

Owners of such land should email their information directly to the AML program at [email protected]. They can also call 1-800-772-MINE (6463) or the Reclamation office number, 812-665-2207.

Once land is reported, an AML project manager and the landowner will review the site together to determine if the impact on the property was caused by unregulated mining. If it was, the project manager will talk with the landowner to determine what needs to be done and discuss accommodating other requests they may have to add to the reclamation design. After that, the project manager will work closely with the landowner during the design process to ensure the property's needs are met. If the landowner approves the design, the project is put up for bid through the state public works process.

The contractor who wins the bid then completes the work under the supervision of the AML program. When the project is complete, AML conducts a meeting to assess the work and make sure all requirements and agreements have been met. The property remains private and in full control of the landowner. Most reclamation projects can be completed within a year.