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The A & G Coal Corporation’s Strip Mine #5 was
nominated for the Interstate Mining Compact Commission’s 2001 Reclamation
Award. Located near Clintwood, Virginia, the reclaimed site has been
reconstructed to be utilized for residential sites, commercial development,
and hayland pasture areas. The site was nominated because the operations
showed that responsible mining can generate property that is vastly improved
over the pre-mining condition and can be developed with a purpose in mind.
The company completely eliminated highwalls that were left
on a site that had been mined and bond had been forfeited prior to
implementation of Virginia’s permanent program. Disturbed areas were
regraded to accomplish the proposed post mining land use of hayland and
pasture. Mining activity was actually conducted within approximately 10 feet
of a house.
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The operator used blasting mats whenever blasting was
conducted near the brick home. This is the first time that blasting mats
were used at a surface mine in Virginia. The company took additional
care when conducting blasting by constructing a safety catch berm
adjacent to the home and reduced the amount of explosives detonated
while in close proximity to the home.
The company completely eliminated highwalls that were
left on an interim bond forfeiture site. The reclamation of
approximately 5,400 feet of additional pre-law highwall provided more
and better postmining pasture land, potential residential sites, and
additional area for commercial development. This operation is an
excellent example of how additional mining and reclamation can benefit
owners, operators, and the community. A & G Coal Corporation has
provided employment to local residents. Also, a pond constructed below
the fill has been stocked with fish. The overall aesthetics of the
entire permit area have been vastly improved. The company demonstrates
that previously mined lands can be re-mined, the environment improved,
and usable land created while creating jobs in the community. |
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