Ohio Division of Mineral Resources Management

The Ohio Division of Mineral Resources Management is proud to be part of continued investment and partnership at work in Ohio’s reclaimed mine lands. These improvements at Jesse Owens State Park & Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area highlight how federal, state, and local collaboration can transform former mining areas into vibrant community assets.

📣 Upcoming Mine Foreperson Examination – May 29th

The Ohio Division of Mineral Resources Management is hosting a Foreperson / Mine Foreperson Exam on May 29th.

If you’re interested in participating, you must complete and submit an application prior to the exam date.

📝 Download the application here:
https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/odnr/mrm/mine-safety/foreperson-exam-application.pdf

Be sure to review all requirements carefully and submit your application on time. Feel free to share this post with others who may qualify or be interested!

We can't wait to check out the new Project Ripple Effect exhibit at COSI - Center of Science and Industry. This collaboration with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is sure to be a fun way to learn about the important of wetlands.

🎉 Congratulations to Howard “Butch” Dyer on his retirement! 🎉

Please join us in celebrating Howard “Butch” Dyer, who is retiring after nearly 10 years of dedicated public service with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Division of Mineral Resources Management. After more than 40 years spent underground in Ohio’s mining industry, Butch brought his passion for supporting miners into public service—making a seamless transition as our Mine Safety Manager and becoming an invaluable resource for inspectors and trainers across the state.

As he looks ahead, Butch is excited for a well‑earned season of relaxation, travel, family time, and plenty of fishing—including bass tournaments with his son in Ravenna every other Thursday.

Thank you, Butch, for your commitment, leadership, and the experience you’ve shared with so many. Congratulations on your retirement, and enjoy every minute of the adventure ahead! 🎣👏

🎉 Congratulations to Treva Knasel on an incredible 37+ years of public service! 🎉

Today, we celebrate the retirement of Treva Knasel, whose career at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has spanned more than 37 years—including 27 dedicated to the Division of Reclamation and now the Ohio Division of Mineral Resources Management. Through decades of change, Treva embraced new technology, supported her colleagues, and mastered roles from Telephone Operator to Environmental Specialist (earning the title of “ARP Queen” along the way!).

Her commitment, flexibility, and passion for helping others—especially through her advocacy for OCSEA members—have left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to work with her.

Treva is looking forward to a simpler life filled with travel, friends, and family… and maybe even stepping into an “ole folks’ advocate” role one day.

Please join us in thanking Treva for her service, her laughter, and her unmatched dedication. Congratulations on your well‑earned retirement, Treva! 💛

Celebrating excellence today!

Couldn’t be prouder to highlight this incredible achievement from our Ohio Department of Natural Resources law enforcement team — a milestone that truly sets the standard nationwide. 🎉💙

The Division’s Mine Safety Section Underground Inspectors recently trained with a Biomarine company representative on a new apparatus purchased by the Division. This hands‑on instruction ensures our staff is fully prepared to properly train and support Mine Rescue Teams. We’re proud of their continued commitment to safety and readiness!

Vertical Opening Emergency – Guernsey County

The Ohio Division of Mineral Resources Management’s Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Emergency Program recently repaired a vertical opening in Guernsey County after a landowner discovered a subsidence on January 5, 2026 while tending to cattle. The opening measured 7 feet wide and 6 feet deep and was located in a pasture previously underground‑mined for coal.

Crews attempted repairs on February 10, but frozen ground delayed work until conditions improved. Final repairs were successfully completed on February 23.

How we fixed it:
• Water was pumped from the subsidence
• The area was excavated down to solid ground
• Lined with fabric and filled with D‑rock
• Capped with soil, then seeded and mulched
• A temporary fence was installed to protect the area from the cattle until grass grows in

The site was originally mined by The Wills Creek Coal Company and abandoned in 1929. The coal extracted was from the Upper Freeport No. 7 seam, mined at an elevation of 50 feet beneath a surface elevation of 820 feet.

This repair helps protect both the landowner and livestock while ensuring long‑term stability of previously mined areas.

The Ohio Division of Mineral Resources Management will soon be posting an opening for a dedicated and experienced professional to join our team as a Mine Safety Surface Inspector 1.

Applicants must be able to meet these minimum qualifications:
• 6 years of mining experience
• Foreman certification for Surface Mines
• Successful completion of the Deputy Mine Inspector exam prior to application

Have questions about the exam process or testing location?
📞 Contact our Cadiz office at (740) 942‑9150 — our team is happy to help.

🌿 We're Hiring! 🌿

Come join the team at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources – Division of Mineral Resources Management!

We’re looking for energetic, passionate individuals to fill the role of Natural Resources Engineer 1. This position is headquartered in Tuscarawas County at:
📍 2207 Reiser Avenue SE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663
Learn more about the Division of Mineral Resources Management here:
👉 https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-odnr/mineral-resources-management/mineral-resources-management

✨ What You’ll Do
• Gather data and assist with engineering aspects of Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) reclamation projects
• Prepare preliminary reports and designs for reclamation site work
• Conduct field investigations
• Assist with complaint investigations
• Perform inspections and recommend design changes during construction

📌 Ready to Apply?
Find additional information and submit your application here:
🔗 https://dasstateoh.taleo.net/careersection/oh_ext/jobdetail.ftl?job=260001EF&tz=GMT-05%3A00&tzname=America%2FNew_York