How are Coal Mining Permits Approved?
When an application is received by the Mining and Minerals Division (MMD) it undergoes an in depth review to ensure that all of the elements are present, correct and in the prescribed detail. MMD works with the applicant until the application is administratively complete. At that time the public is notified and has the opportunity to review and comment on the application. Public hearings may be held and additional technical issues are typically addressed. Upon completion of the public comment period the Director will make a decision on the disposition of a permit. If it is judged to be approvable the operator must submit a bond which is based on a calculation of what it would cost MMD to complete reclamation should the operator go out of business or not meet the requirements of their permit. The regulations specify that a bond adequate to carry out reclamation must be held for no less than ten years after the last seeding is performed and specific performance standards have been met ba
