|
Cove 3 types of terrain and vegetation
|
The Cove Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) area is
located within the northeastern part of Arizona in the
Navajo Nation. Mining
within the Cove area occurred in the early 1950s to the late
1960s, and included coal, copper, sand & gravel, and,
principally, uranium. The Office of Surface Mining,
Reclamation & Enforcement presented the 2003 People’s
Choice Award, as well as the 2003 Western Regional
Reclamation Award, to the Navajo Abandoned Mine Land
Reclamation Program for exceptional reclamation in the Cove
AML area. Cove
is a very scenic mountain range with natural red geologic
sandstone layers, darted with igneous intrusions.
The area lends itself to outdoor activities such as
hiking, mountain biking, hunting, camping, cross country
skiing, photography, and wildlife watching. |
|
Piles and embankments being covered with clean, natural
material
|
The project addressed a total of 61
sites within 11 project groupings.
Mining techniques at the uranium mines implemented
underground room and pillars, with some open stoping.
Very few activities involved open pits.
The mine sites within this mountainous terrain are
located at the edge of steep slopes and cliffs.
Thus, personnel and equipment were constantly on the
edge of the cliffs, making it difficult to perform the cut
and fill backfilling techniques of the associated mine
waste.
Reclaimed
lands are now aesthetically pleasing and open to the
community and wildlife. The lands once again consist of
landforms that blend with the natural topography and scenic
terrains of the area. Wildlife will continue to benefit from
the successful reclamation program. |
