Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Just Announced- OSMRE recognizes Navajo Transitional Energy Company LLC as the recipient of not one but two 2025 awards: The Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation National and the Good Neighbor Award. These awards recognize companies whose reclamation projects demonstrate exemplary results and go beyond the requirements of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 in returning a site to productive use after mining.

Cordero Rojo completed reclamation across five major areas in 2024 using a whole-workforce approach. Their team regraded 1,145 acres of backfill, laid topsoil across 1,114 acres, and permanently seeded 528 acres. Separate reclamation parcels were connected into larger contiguous areas, four of which exceed 1,000 acres each.

Cordero Rojo also partnered with the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources to test coal char as a soil amendment, studying its potential to improve soil health and support plant growth on reclaimed land. Monitoring the test plots will continue to determine if coal char is a viable alternate use for coal.

Read the news release: https://www.osmre.gov/news/office-surface-mining-reclamation-and-enforcement-recognizes-coal-operator-2025-excellence

🧪How do you monitor water quality? Students in Wi******er, Kentucky, found out firsthand through interactive experiments. AML Program Specialist Christopher Toney brought acid mine drainage and coal reclamation education to their S.T.E.A.M. summer camp.

📚Students learned about acid mine drainage and water quality, and they got to participate in a hands-on pH testing experiment using common liquids to understand the real-world impact of mine drainage on water.

The visit also recognized America's 250th Anniversary, reflecting on the nation's history and the legacy we are building for future generations.

As part of the Great American Expedition event, OSMRE staff joined the City of Wellston, Ohio, today for the groundbreaking of a new RV park on reclaimed mine land, the city's second major investment through the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program.

Supported by $1,849,400 in AMLER funding through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the project will develop the site adjacent to the Wellston Recreation Sports Complex into a regional outdoor destination projected to draw more than 5,000 overnight visits per year.

OSMRE issued an Authorization to Proceed in January 2026, enabling construction to start development. Future phases include cabins, a kayak launch, a pedestrian bridge, a pool, and expanded RV capacity.

⏳ Time is running out! Nominate standout reclamation projects before the deadline! Nominations for the Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Awards are due Friday, May 29.

📌 Eligible for nomination:
✅ Surface coal mining & reclamation under a Title V
permit (1978–present)
✅ Government-funded reclamation under Enhanced
AML regulations
✅ AML projects integrated with active Title V mining
🚫 Not eligible: AML projects done entirely separate
from Title V operations

Learn more about the details: https://www.osmre.gov/programs/regulating-active-coal-mines/excellence-in-surface-coal-mining-reclamation-awards

🏆Now are accepting nominations for the 2026 Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards! These awards, presented in partnership with the National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs, recognize outstanding state and tribal efforts to reclaim abandoned coal mines.

➡️Nominations must be received by May 29.
➡️Submit nominations or questions about the awards by emailing [email protected]

For more information about the awards, eligibility, and the nomination process and requirements, visit AML Reclamation Awards at: https://www.osmre.gov/programs/abandoned-mine-land-awards-program

Coal built entire communities. But what happens when mined lands are left abandoned?

Across the country, OSMRE is working with state and Tribal partners to answer that question, and the results might surprise you.

AMLER reclamation work does more than return land to its natural state. It reopens what is possible for each community, reshaping landscapes and creating new opportunities where mines once operated.

🔗Read the full story: https://www.osmre.gov/news/stories/coal-comeback

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, one family in a small rural corner of Jackson County, Ohio, chose to celebrate by healing the land they call home. By partnering with OSMRE, ARRI, and the Ohio AML Program, they are restoring their land the right way.

Through native planting and soil restoration, this project is building long-term value for the family and the community. It is a great example of what happens when families, agencies, and science work together.

🔗Read the full story at the link below: https://www.osmre.gov/news/stories/restoring-americas-lands-science-and-stewardship-next-250-years

At the Kamin Science Center's STEM SciTech Day, four OSM staff participated in Career Connections, a small-group activity where middle and high school students asked professionals about STEM career paths, daily responsibilities, and what drives their work.

Civil Engineer Paul Huemmrich reflected on the experience: "STEM Sci-Tech Day provided a rewarding day to connect with interested young minds and start the discussion of balancing environmental protection and energy production."

Events like this allow OSM to join the Freedom 250 missions, spark interest in science-related careers, and show students how reclamation and stewardship shape America's future.

🔗Read the full story at: https://www.osmre.gov/news/stories/osm-freedom-250-outreach-steam-scitech-day-kamin-science-center

How do you turn a former mine site into a classroom for the next generation of forest stewards?

This spring, OSMRE’s ARRI partners joined KY River Properties on a repeatedly mined and reclaimed site near Hazard, Kentucky, where a timber company is working to restore native forests and wildlife habitat.

Our forester, Cliff, joined more than 110 local high school students and over 40 natural resource professionals from state, federal, and nonprofit organizations as they planted trees, practiced safe planting techniques, and explored careers in forestry and land restoration. Together, efforts like these help communities revitalize former mine lands and advance the environment and local economies.

Learn more about how ARRI is restoring forests across Appalachia: https://www.osmre.gov/programs/arri