Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

#Geologists play a key role in studying Earth's history, structure, and natural processes—and are vital to OSMRE’s work! Happy #GeologistsDay! If you’re a geologist involved in coal mining regulation and reclamation, our National Technical Training Program can help you rock your skills even more! Find the training schedule for in-person and online courses here: https://lnkd.in/gX4eGW8n

NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS! 🏆 OSMRE is accepting nominations for the 2025 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 OSMRE by June 1. Submit nominations or questions about the awards by emailing awards@osmre.gov For more information about the awards, eligibility, and the nomination process and requirements, visit AML Reclamation Awards at: https://ow.ly/UgCk50VkZAe Learn more from the full news release at: https://lnkd.in/gKVWwrMG 📸This aerial view beautifully displays the recipient of the 2024 National Award for reclamation at the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge in Bibb County, AL! Photo courtesy of the Alabama Department of Labor Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program, who was recognized for exemplary work.

Christy Hulsman Luciani has served with OSMRE since 2007 and has been an authorized representative, or inspector, for fifteen years. Her journey began as a Student-Career Experience Program intern, then Christy officially started working with OSMRE the weekend after graduating with a geology/environmental studies degree from the University of Kentucky! During #WomensHistoryMonth, we celebrate the important contributions of women in science, like Christy, whose hard work and leadership help achieve the mission of OSMRE! In her primarily field-based roles stationed out of Kentucky then Colorado, Christy has loved that this work provides the opportunity to meet diverse groups of people and visit amazing places. Some of her most interesting stories are thanks to weather and airport logistics - “I almost got struck by lightning during a monsoon at a Navajo Nation site; Slogged through the mud, rain, and thorny blackberry brambles for 5 years in Washington; Discovered fresh bear scat at a mine in Alaska; And learned how to dress and prepare for field work when it's below 0 and over 100 degrees, all at the same site in the span of 6 months.”

#InTheNews "Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley celebrated the grand opening of the Blacklick Treatment Facility, the newest Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) Treatment Facility. Local community members and elected officials toured the facility and learned how it will eliminate uncontrolled discharges of untreated mine water into Blacklick Creek. The new facility will improve roughly 25 stream miles in the Blacklick Creek and Conemaugh River in Indiana and Cambria counties." This project was funded in part by OSMRE's Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization program. Read more at: https://ow.ly/EcH650Voif9

Uncrewed aerial systems, commonly known as drones, play a crucial role in supporting OSMRE’s mission by enhancing operations on both regulatory and abandoned mine land sites! Early in FY25, staff from Alton, Illinois met with Tulsa Field Office personnel in Eastern Oklahoma to map three Title V sites over two days using rapidly improving technology like the Wingtra, advanced sensors such as LiDAR, and TIPS software. To learn about their innovative work for OSMRE and beyond, check out this story by mining engineer Chris Kiser: https://lnkd.in/gTrakRa5

OSMRE's Amy Ryser started her career as a soil scientist in 2006 and has worked her way up to become a mine permit team leader and inspector across the western region.   During #WomensHistoryMonth, we celebrate the important contributions of women in science, like Amy, whose hard work and leadership help achieve the mission of OSMRE!   Amy has always been passionate about collaborating with many groups, including the mining industry, Tribal and federal partners, and local communities. One of her proudest achievements is helping to make sure the mining industry follows good practices for responsible mining and land restoration. Amy has helped oversee the release of 5,700 acres of reclaimed land and 4,286 acres on Indian lands. She is excited to lead her team in reviewing 4,500 acres of land for release. Amy’s work helps OSMRE protect and restore lands, waters, and cultural heritage, while making sure resources are used in a way that supports communities and the economy for future generations!

Did you know that women comprise approximately 10-17% of the total mining workforce? Check out this National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health science blog on Women In Coal Mining, updated January 2025, to learn more about their contributions and challenges this #WomensHistoryMonth! https://lnkd.in/g4KKs-wb

This #ForestsDay, we celebrate forests and their vital role for millions of Americans. OSMRE's cooperative involvement in the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative restores coal-mined lands across Appalachia by planting high-value native trees, boosting survival rates, and accelerating natural forest growth! Learn how the ARRI program is restoring forests at: https://ow.ly/kTTh50Vk0S0

#Spring into nature! Black Thunder and Coal Creek mine projects in Campbell County, Wyoming, ensure visitors to the area can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, and camping even more as this first day of spring invites us outside. Thunder Basin Coal Company, the 2023 Excellence in Surface Mining “Good Neighbor Award” recipient, has worked with the U.S. Forest Service on reclamation and restoration of Thunder Basin National Grassland. Over the last three years, the special use permit program has helped clean up dump sites, add floating docks to reservoirs, rebuild roads, and even install a public restroom at East Iron Creek Reservoir. These changes improve recreation areas and protect important wildlife, like burrowing owls and sage grouse. Thunder Basin Coal Company’s efforts ensure people can enjoy the beauty of nature this spring and for seasons to come. Learn more about the project at: https://ow.ly/z20150VkTsE

The Department of the Interior has announced approval of a federal mining plan modification by OSMRE for the Spring Creek Mine in Big Horn County, Montana, operated by the Navajo Transitional Energy Company. This decision extends the mine's operational life by 16 years, enabling the production of approximately 39.9 million tons of federal coal and supporting 280 full-time jobs. "By expanding access to our nation's rich coal resources, we are not only bolstering our economy but also reinforcing our energy independence,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Walter Cruickshank. Read the news at: https://ow.ly/RR0e50VhBKF