What happens to the land when mining is finished?
Before mining even begins, companies must submit – and both the government and landowner must approve – a comprehensive land restoration and reclamation plan. Some areas are reforested, others commercially developed to improve the quality of life for residents. For example: Working with the state government and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, mining companies in eastern Kentucky reintroduced 1,500 elk to properly reclaimed mines over a five-year period. The elk herd now numbers more than 10,000 animals.2 Mining operations have created much needed level land throughout Appalachia. Today communities benefit from commercial developments such as shopping malls, airports and recreational facilities, leading to a higher quality of life and greater economic diversity and prosperity in the region.
