Abandoned Mines

The Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program (AML) resolves problems and hazards that result from mining practices before 1977, in accordance with requirements established by the federal Office of Surface Mining under authority of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA).

Lands & Waters Eligible for Reclamation

SMCRA defines lands and waters eligible for reclamation as those affected by coal mining, waste banks, coal processing or other related activities that were abandoned or left in an inadequate state of reclamation prior to August 3, 1977, with no continuing reclamation responsibility under state or federal law.

Alabama has documented an inventory of Abandoned Mine Land (AML) sites presenting Priority 1 (P1) and Priority 2 (P2) health and safety hazards. The estimated cost to reclaim these high-priority sites exceeds $100 million. Many additional sites remain undocumented, and future problems such as mine subsidence will continue to occur due to Alabama’s AML legacy.

AML selects P1 and P2 sites for reclamation from those reported by the public or government agencies, as well as from sites within the AML inventory that significantly impact public health and safety.

Benefits

Eliminates mine-related safety hazards
Improves the environment
Positively impacts local economies, as dollars are spent on reclamation work

Reporting an AML Emergency

Abandoned Mine Land (AML) emergencies are hazards that occur suddenly and present an immediate threat to the public health and safety. They are caused by abandoned underground or surface coal mines and need immediate attention.

Underground Mine Maps

The AML Program maintains and provides digital access to the Alabama Mine Map Repository for Underground Mines. The repository is digitally archived in the Vestavia Hills office and consists primarily of underground coal mine maps, along with a limited number of selected underground metal ore mine maps.

Copies of underground coal mine maps are not available to the public pursuant to State Coal Mining Laws (Code 25-9-300 through 25-9-304). Metal ore mine maps are not subject to this restriction. An appointment is required to review available maps.

Workforce Alabama — Abandoned Mine Reclamation Office
1400 Urban Center Drive, Suite 200
Vestavia Hills, Alabama

See 2013 Directory

Traditional AML Fee-Based Grant

AML funding is provided to Alabama through grants from the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). SMCRA requires that active coal operators pay an AML fee on each ton of coal mined. OSMRE collects the fee and distributes it through annual grants to the AML states and tribes according to a distribution formula established in the law.

AMLER Grant

Congress has appropriated funding for the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program (AMLER) each year since 2016. The program explores and implements strategies that return legacy coal mining sites to productive use through economic and community development, supporting local investment opportunities that provide sustainable, long-term revitalization of coalfield economies.

AMLER is administered by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, which provides eligible states and tribes with grants along with guidance on project eligibility criteria and reporting requirements.

Contact

AML (Non-emergency)
Jeff Butler, AML Program Manager (Acting)
1400 Urban Center Drive, Suite 200
Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35242
Office: 205-945-8671
Direct: 205-582-5185
jeffrey.butler@labor.alabama.gov

AML (Emergency)
For emergencies such as subsidence and gob fires, call 205-582-5185 or 205-945-8671.

For after-hour or weekend emergencies, call 205-582-5185 and leave a voicemail with your name, number and the nature of the problem.

Please do not email in case of an emergency.