Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

As part of the Great American Expedition, our team traveled to Laramie, Wyoming to highlight innovative reclamation science with state and industry partners at the American Society of Reclamation Sciences Conference.

They shared expertise that supports safer, more efficient coal production and land reclamation, while exploring best practices and emerging technologies in resource stewardship.

We’re proud of their work advancing solutions that benefit communities and the environment.

What was once an abandoned coal mine is now a place where communities gather, kids play, and local economies grow.

Through OSMRE's Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program, the Wellston Recreation Complex in Jackson County, Ohio, was reclaimed and transformed into a full recreation complex featuring soccer fields, paved trails, and parking. Now serving roughly 16,600 users annually, making an estimated $827,000 in local economic activity.

In Shelby County, Alabama, the Hillsboro Sports Park is bringing that same vision to 50 acres of reclaimed mine land, with full-size and youth soccer fields serving a community of 127,000 people.

This is what reclamation looks like. America's land, restored. Go, Team USA!

Most coal seam fires start inside active or abandoned coal mines, and they can burn for decades.

OSMRE's AML Design Workshop in Grand Junction, Colorado trained state and federal professionals to tackle active fires like South Canyon and Harvey Gap, building the expertise needed to protect nearby communities and reduce wildfire danger.

Learn more: https://www.osmre.gov/programs/mine-fires

Lanny Erdos, OSMRE Director and Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management alongside Kate MacGregor, Deputy Secretary of the Interior recognized Navajo Transitional Energy Company Cordero Rojo Mine as the recipient of both the 2025 Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation National and Good Neighbor Award at the 70th Annual Wyoming Mining Association Convention in Gillette, Wyoming.

“These efforts reflect not only technical excellence, but also leadership and a genuine commitment to workforce investment and the surrounding community — demonstrating the backbone of American Energy Dominance.”- Lanny E. Erdos.

When facing historically low coal production, NTEC chose to maintain its workforce and redirect employees toward reclamation, bringing local ingenuity and a wide range of perspectives to the restoration process.

Meet the workforce behind this award-winning reclamation effort: https://ow.ly/9BTp50Z90iY

OSMRE has recognized Navajo Transitional Energy Company LLC with two 2025 national honors — the Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Award and the Good Neighbor Award. These awards highlight reclamation projects that deliver outstanding results and exceed the requirements of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977.

At the Cordero Rojo Mine, NTEC reclaimed five major areas in 2024, regrading 1,145 acres, applying topsoil on 1,114 acres, and permanently seeding 528 acres. Their work connected previously separate parcels into large, continuous reclaimed landscapes — four of them over 1,000 acres.

NTEC also partnered with the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources to test coal char as a soil amendment, exploring its potential to support long‑term soil health on reclaimed lands.

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

Alt text: Picture of people holding an award in Cordero Rojo Mine
Kate MacGregor, Deputy Secretary of the Interior; Steve Williams, NTEC; Vern Lund, NTEC; Gretchen Anderson, NTEC; Bryan Walther, NTEC; Derek Ho**er, NTEC; Kyle Rogers, NTEC; Kyle Colby, NTEC; Cody Davis, NTEC; Jackie King, State Director for Sen. Cynthia Lummis; Ally Garner, Field Representative for Sen. Cynthia Lummis; Lanny Erdos, OSMRE Director and Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management.

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.