Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

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

It’s #GirlScoutWeek! OSMRE is proud to have worked with Scouting America to support the Mining in Society merit badge. Scouts learn to identify minerals and their uses, identify mine sites, discuss the risks and benefits of mining, explain how mining is used to produce and process grown things, find out where certain minerals are found and how they are used, mark mining locations on a map, and discuss how the resources are used! In the summer of 2023, our staff traveled to the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia to help out with those merit badges at the Scout Jamboree, held on a former abandoned mine land site! Check out the video for a look at everyone’s adventures: https://ow.ly/vGjr50Vc2wq

🌱Think spring! We sure are at OSMRE! If you’d like to join us, check out the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative’s 2025 tree planting schedule! ARRI is a coalition of groups, including citizens, the coal industry, and government dedicated to restoring forests on coal mined lands in the Eastern United States. Get Involved: https://lnkd.in/geVM8ErV

Ever heard the phrase "In like a lion, out like a lamb"? Here are two documents from OSMRE's National Mine Map Repository that fit this March phrase very well! NMMR doc # 1002264 is of the Lion Mine in Utah and doc # 379991 is of the Lambs Gulf North Mine in Tennessee.

As the Oscars celebrate their version of outstanding achievements, OSMRE is highlighting our own awards in line with the reclamation mission! 🏆 The Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Awards and Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards recognize exceptional achievements in land reclamation. Projects recognized by these acclaimed awards go above and beyond to restore mining sites and feature innovations like reforestation, geomorphic land restoration, wetland creation, acid mine drainage mitigation, landslide stabilization, and watershed improvement. The nomination period for these awards is just around the corner! What stars will be featured on the reclamation red carpet?! Learn more at: https://ow.ly/cssz50V8CcP & https://ow.ly/LvFA50V8CcQ

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement is committed to its mission of protecting people and the environment from the adverse impacts of coal mining while balancing the need for energy. While it has been reported that the Oklahoma Field Office is closed, the office is open and will continue to fulfill its responsibilities to the residents of Oklahoma.

Happy Valentine's Day! Since 1977, OSMRE, along with State and Tribal partners, community organizations and industry, has worked to ensure the cleanup of millions of acres of pre- Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) abandoned mine lands and the return of post-SMCRA mined lands to productive and beneficial use. It's how we show love for energy, environment, and the American people!

This Black History Month, OSMRE is proud to share the story of A Bright Spot In A Dark History: In this episode of Reclaim Restore & More, we speak with members of the National Mine Map Repository, a program area within OSMRE charged with maintaining an archive of mine maps for mines throughout the United States. Their expertise led to an investigation of historical accounts and the findings set the stage for an exciting commentary on life at the intersection of American history and coal mining in Wake Forest, Virginia. Learn more about cold case mapping projects and civil war era coal mining families by reading the story here: https://ow.ly/F7j050UVJzP or listening to the podcast here: https://ow.ly/EApc50UVJzR

February is Career and Technical Education Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the importance of technical education and workforce development in preparing individuals for high-demand careers. To celebrate, today we're highlighting OSMRE's National Technical Training Program! Since 1985,NTTP has provided ongoing education to increase the technical competence and professionalism of Federal, State, and Tribal personnel. Training, from aquatic biology and agronomy to blasting and bond release, serves to build the technical expertise of stakeholders and fosters consistent application of SMCRA standards. Learn more about NTTP opportunities at: https://lnkd.in/e7wcPuvK

February is Career and Technical Education Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the importance of technical education and workforce development in preparing individuals for high-demand careers. To celebrate, today we're highlighting OSMRE's Technical Innovation and Professional Services Training Program! A collaborative effort between OSMRE, States, and Tribes, the TIPS Training Program educates hundreds of students annually in the use of state-of-the-art scientific and engineering tools. The training provided can be found nowhere else and is considered a “one of a kind” opportunity. SMCRA application of those tools represents the most requested and widely supported component of the TIPS program! Learn more about TIPS opportunities at: https://lnkd.in/gUMec74H