RECLAMATION SUCCESS

Hunter Darden III's mining and reclamation project of Mine #1 earned a nomination for the Interstate Mining Compact Commission's (IMMC) Reclamation Awards Program.  It is an excellent example of how a mine site can be converted into land that is multifunctional in its uses.  Mr. Hunter Darden is the owner and operator of the mine property.  He provided supervision to mining contractors who extracted (removed) noncoal minerals.  The mine is located in Southampton County, Virginia, and covers 36.5 acres.  The site's specific purpose was for the mining of fill material, mortar sand, concrete sand, sand and gravel.

Hunter Darden with pear tree he planted to benefit wildlife.

Before any mining took place, a plan was developed for how the land would be reclaimed.  Excavators and draglines removed the sand material.  No processing equipment was needed to wash the sand; it was stockpiled and trucked out by contractors.   Mining began in areas of infertile soil and low timber volume.  Ponds were created when the excavations (digging) extended below the water table.  The ponds were developed in irregular shapes for the purpose of providing diversity, maximizing the shoreline, and to improve the appearance of the site.
 

Map of the layout of this area.

Pond created by mining. Geese swimming with their goslings.

While the process of land reclamation was underway, active mining still occurred on another part of the site.  The purpose of the reclamation project was to develop the mined lands into areas that were beneficial to a number of wildlife species.  Mr. Darden is an individual well known in his community as a naturalist and conservationist.  In addition, he originally developed many of the techniques used to enhance the wildlife population at this site.

Vegetated shoreline with trees placed in pond.

The mining operation and land reclamation sets a standard for mine reclamation work conducted elsewhere.  The land use planning and reclamation efforts were voluntary and far exceeded the requirements of Virginia's mining reclamation law.   The efforts and completed works were due to the landowner's interest in wildlife.  He established wildlife food plots, stocked the ponds with fish, installed game shelters, and planted fruit trees.  Mr. Darden works with the local game biologist to provide a sanctuary for injured wildlife. Wild turkey, beavers, bald eagles, turtles, Canadian geese, game animals, and a large variety of fish are among the wildlife that may be seen at this site.  This case study illustrates that mining can be an asset, rather than a liability, to any community.  This site was utilized for its resources and then reclaimed to an area which greatly benefited both humans and the surrounding wildlife.