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Surface Mining – Workforce Alabama Surface Mining
Our Surface Mining program ensures that lands mined for non-fuel minerals are reclaimed in accordance with state law. These minerals include sand, gravel, clay and bauxite.
Permits
Workforce Alabama issues mining permits, ensures that mine sites are properly bonded for reclamation purposes and makes periodic inspections. A streamlined permit application process reduces the start-up time for new operations and expedites permit renewals. The annual fee is $250 per application and $2,500 per acre bonding.
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
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.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), enacted November 15, 2021, includes provisions that directly or indirectly affect the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. In addition to extending abandoned mine land fee collections and mandatory AML grant distributions, the law authorized $11.293 billion in new funding for deposit into the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund.
The objective of the BIL Abandoned Mine Land Program is to address coal-related AML problems, including emergencies, physical hazards from legacy coal mining that threaten public health, safety and the environment—including acid mine drainage and water supplies adversely affected by legacy coal mining. The law also encourages states and tribes to prioritize projects that provide employment for current and former coal industry workers.
Retaining Grants
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 authorizes eligible states and tribes to retain up to 30% of BIL AML grants in a long-term fund for the following uses:
- Abating causes and treating the effects of acid mine drainage resulting from coal mining practices
- Preventing, abating and controlling subsidence
- Preventing, abating and controlling coal mine fires
States and tribes eligible for BIL AML funds are encouraged to conduct public engagement as early as possible during each grant cycle. The public must be provided at least 60 days to review and offer input on projects proposed for funding.