Frequently Asked Questions | Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

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osmre-row"> <aside class="usa-layout-docs__sidenav desktop:grid-col-3 layout-sidebar-first osmre-sidebar-first" role="complementary"> <div id="block-resourcesmenu" class="settings-tray-editable" data-drupal-settingstray="editable"> <ul class="usa-sidenav osmre-sidenav "> <li class="usa-sidenav__item expanded dropdown active active-trail first last"> <a title="OSMRE's Resources and Documents" class="usa-current" href="/resources"> <span>Resources</span> </a> </li> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist osmre-sidenav__sublist "> <li class="usa-sidenav__item first"> <a title="A-Z Index" href="/resources/a-z-index"> <span>A-Z Index</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a title="Annual Reports" href="/resources/annual-reports"> <span>Annual Reports</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a title="Budget and Planning" href="/resources/budget-and-planning"> <span>Budget and Planning</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a title="Information for Prospective Employees" href="/resources/careers"> <span>Careers at OSMRE</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a title="Coalex Reports" href="/resources/coalex-reports"> <span>Coalex Reports</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a title="Education & Outreach" href="/resources/education-outreach"> <span>Education & Outreach</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item active active-trail"> <a title="Frequently Asked Questions" class="usa-current" href="/resources/faqs"> <span>FAQs</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a title="Federal Assistance Manual (FAM)" href="/resources/federal-assistance-manual"> <span>Federal Assistance Manual</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a title="Forms, Applications, and Instructions" href="/resources/forms"> <span>Forms</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a title="Glossary" href="/resources/glossary"> <span>Glossary</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a title="Grants and Funding Opportunities" href="/resources/grants-resources"> <span>Grants</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a title="Oversight Document Database (O-Docs)" href="https://www.odocs.osmre.gov/"> <span>Oversight Document Database (O-Docs)</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a title="Reclamation Bonds" href="/resources/reclamation-bonds"> <span>Reclamation Bonds</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a title="OSMRE Sustainable Procurement Plan (SPP)" href="/resources/sustainability"> <span>Sustainability</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/resources/tribal-consultation"> <span>Tribal Consultation</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item last"> <a title="Vulnerability Disclosure Policy" href="/vulnerability-disclosure-policy"> <span>Vulnerability Disclosure Policy</span> </a> </li> </ul> </ul> </div> </aside> <div class="usa-layout-docs__main desktop:grid-col-9 osmre-layout-docs__main"> <h1 class="margin-0"> <span>Frequently Asked Questions</span> </h1> <div id="block-osmre-content" class="block block-system block-system-main-block"> <div class="node node--type-simple-page node--view-mode-full ds-3col-stacked-fluid clearfix"> <div class="group-header"> <div> <div> <div class="usa-accordion paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--432">  <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="432-0141"> Do OSMRE regulations under SMCRA apply strictly to coal mining? </button> </h2> <div id="432-0141" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-field paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--406"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div><p>Yes, SMCRA only regulates coal mining. Therefore, the regulations for OSMRE govern only coal mining.</p> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="432-1191"> Are there similar regulations for non-coal surface mining? Where can I find them? </button> </h2> <div id="432-1191" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-field paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--408"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div><p>No, there are no similar national laws or regulations governing non-coal surface mining.</p> <p>Non-coal mining is primarily regulated by each State under the State鈥檚 laws and regulations. You can find contact information on the <a href="/contact-us/state-tribal-contacts">State and Tribal contact </a>webpage.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.blm.gov/">DOI Bureau of Land Management</a> and the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/">USDA Forest Service</a> have also adopted regulations imposing some restrictions on mining on Federal lands. Please visit their websites for further information.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="432-2512"> I would like to arrange a visit for some foreign scientists to meet with OSMRE personnel. How do I do that? </button> </h2> <div id="432-2512" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-field paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--410"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div><p>Please contact the Director鈥檚 Office at 202-208-4006 to discuss your specific areas of interest.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="432-3372"> Are there internship opportunities with OSMRE? Where can I learn more about them and apply? What about job opportunities? </button> </h2> <div id="432-3372" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-field paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--412"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div><p>You can find advertisements for all OSMRE internships and job opportunities at <a href="https://www.usajobs.gov/">USAJOBS.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="432-4938"> Where can I find surface mining and coal production related statistics? Where can I find statistics related to the number of mines and total mineral production by mineral type for a specific year? </button> </h2> <div id="432-4938" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-field paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--414"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div><p>OSMRE does not keep these kinds of statistics.</p> <p>There are several organizations that might have the information such as the <a href="http://www.nma.org/">National Mining Association</a> and the <a href="https://www.eia.gov">Energy Information Administration.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="432-5487"> Can you provide a list of all active surface mines in the United States? </button> </h2> <div id="432-5487" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-field paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--416"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div><p>OSMRE does not keep that information.</p> <p>You can may find this information by directly reaching out to the <a href="/contact-us/state-tribal-contacts">State and Tribal contacts</a>. You can also request information from the <a href="http://www.nma.org/">National Mining Association</a> and the <a href="https://www.eia.gov">Energy Information Administration.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="432-6292"> Who should I contact regarding claims, permitting, land use, licensing, and States-specific oversight, etc.? </button> </h2> <div id="432-6292" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-field paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--418"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div><p>Please direct these questions to the State regulatory agency in the State you are concerned with.</p> <p>Check the <a href="/contact-us/state-tribal-contacts">State and Tribal contact</a> webpage for each respective AML and Regulatory Program. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="432-7245"> How do I apply for staking a claim in my State? </button> </h2> <div id="432-7245" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-field paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--420"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div><p>We advise you to contact the State regulatory agency to see what is required. Check the <a href="/contact-us/state-tribal-contacts">State and Tribal contact</a> webpage for each respective program. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="432-8395"> Where can I locate the contact information for the OSMRE office responsible for my State oversight? </button> </h2> <div id="432-8395" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-field paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--422"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div><p>Visit our <a href="/about/offices">Offices and Organization </a>webpage to locate contact information for OSMRE offices. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="432-9761"> Where can I get more information about Oversight? What about Annual Reports and other Oversight documents? </button> </h2> <div id="432-9761" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-field paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--424"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div><p>For more information, visit the <a href="/programs/regulating-active-coal-mines/oversight">Oversight</a> webpage. </p> <p>For annual state and tribal evaluation reports, visit the <a href="https://odocs.osmre.gov">ODocs webpage.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="432-10342"> Is it possible to view mine permits and environmental impact statements from mines in my State? Who should I contact for this information? </button> </h2> <div id="432-10342" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-field paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--426"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div><p>Visit our <a href="/about/offices">Offices and Organization </a>webpage to locate contact information for OSMRE offices. Each Regional and Field Office will be able to direct you to permitting and NEPA documents.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="432-11878"> Does OSMRE maintain a database of active mining companies? </button> </h2> <div id="432-11878" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-field paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--428"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div><p>No, OSMRE does not keep an active database of mining companies.</p> <p>Please direct these questions to the State regulatory agency in the State you are concerned with. Check the <a href="/contact-us/state-tribal-contacts">State and Tribal contact</a> webpage for each respective program contact.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="432-12746"> I am the Operations Manager for a construction company in Kentucky and was trying to get information on how to get on a bid list for OSMRE and Abandoned Lands. </button> </h2> <div id="432-12746" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-field paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--430"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div><p>Please refer to our <a href="/about/offices">Offices and Organization </a>webpage to locate contact information for OSMRE offices.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="432-13581"> I have specific questions about AVS reports. Who can I contact for this information? </button> </h2> <div id="432-13581" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-field paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--433"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div><p>Questions regarding the AVS should be sent to: AVS Help at <a href="mailto:avshelp@osmre.gov">avshelp@osmre.gov</a> or 1-800-643-9748</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="432-14814"> Does the OSMRE AML Inventory include all land and water damaged by past mining? </button> </h2> <div id="432-14814" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-field paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--435"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div><p>No, the AML Inventory only contains problems eligible for reclamation using the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund.</p> <p>Only coal-related problems caused by mining prior to the enactment of SMCRA and that meet the first two objectives set out in SMCRA, Priorities 1 and 2, have been systematically inventoried.</p> <p>The categories of problems in the Inventory and their share of unfunded reclamation costs in the Inventory are shown in the following table.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="432-15555"> Does the AML Inventory contain information on mine(s) or company(ies) responsible for the damage? </button> </h2> <div id="432-15555" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-field paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--437"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div><p>No. Under SMCRA sites are eligible for reclamation funding if there is no party with a continuing reclamation responsibility under State or Federal law.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="432-1682"> Where can I acquire mine mapping information? How do I order a copy of mine maps from the National Mine Map Repository? </button> </h2> <div id="432-1682" class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-field paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--439"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div><p>You can learn more about accessing the <a href="/programs/national-mine-map-repository">National Mine Map Repository (NMMR) on their webpage.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="group-footer"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </main> <footer class="usa-footer usa-footer--big" role="contentinfo"> <div class="grid-container usa-footer__return-to-top"> <a href="#">Return to top</a> </div> <div class="usa-footer__primary-section osmre-footer-links"> <div class="usa-footer__primary-content"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap"> <div class="tablet:grid-col-12"> <nav class="usa-footer__nav"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col"> <section class="usa-footer__primary-content usa-footer__primary-content--collapsible"> <strong><a class="usa-footer__primary-link" href="/about">About OSMRE</a></strong> <ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled"> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="A-Z Index" href="/resources/a-z-index">A-Z Index</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about/general-information">Citizen Complaint</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/contact">Contact</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="General Information about OSMRE" href="/about/general-information">General Information</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="OSMRE's Mission and Vision" href="/mission_and_vision">OSMRE Mission & Vision</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="Organization Chart for the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement" 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Frequently Asked Questions | Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement