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The Lost Mountain Mining Company is a fossil fuel company recognized
for its successful reclamation of a surface coal mine site. This
mine, referred to as Job No. 6, was positioned atop a large mountain in
southeastern Kentucky. The mine covered 2,156 acres and produced
an average of 1.8 million tons of clean coal per year. The mountainous
terrain, with its long narrow ridges and steep slopes, created a challenge
for the mining operation. Ultimately, the land reclamation process
resulted in a more diverse land with a variety of uses.
| Coal production came primarily from four different seams, or areas.
Most of the reserves were hauled to a preparation plant to be processed
and then shipped by train. The mine used large production equipment
which included mobile front-end loaders, electric shovels, and a 65-cubic-yard
dragline. The dragline was necessary for the transport of the
pre-strip material and the overburden. This type of mining ultimately
changed the land, as is seen in the following photograph. |
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Earlier underground mining in this region produced a number of potentially
threatening situations to the environment and the public. The mining
method used by this company removed past scars and possible hazards.
The primary land reclamation goal of this mining company was to establish
grazing ground and create a gently rolling terrain. The following
two photographs give an example of the resulting terrain.
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| This project has since been recognized as an excellent wildlife habitat.
Revegetation plans were initially intended for grazing by cattle, deer,
and elk. However, due to excellent success, the wild turkey and other
populations have benefited. The remaining permanent bench ponds created
watering holes for land animals and attracted ducks and waterfowl to the
area. |
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This reclaimed area played a significant role in the attempt by the
Kentucky Department of Wildlife to restore the elk population to southeastern
Kentucky. Elk require a large area (approximately 200,000 continuous
forested acres) to roam and graze. An elk population was released
in an area located about 6 miles northeast of the mined area. Elk
have used the reclaimed grasslands for grazing and bedding. Job No.
6 has been recognized for its outstanding job in land reclamation.
It used creative methods of engineering to mine and restore this area in
a fast and efficient manner.
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