The Coal Program is responsible for providing permits to coal companies, completing site inspections to confirm compliance and overseeing the reclamation and bond release process. Ensuring provisions of the coal rules are followed allows for continued extraction of coal to occur in a way that reduces and/or eliminates long term impacts to the environment.
Take a look at the interactive map that explores Utah’s coal mines permitted by the Division.
Coal extraction is important to Utah. In 2014, six Utah coal operators produced 17.9-million short tons of coal valued at $600 million. Communities in Carbon and Emery counties rely on the coal industry to provide jobs and stimulate their local economies.
When a mining operation ends, the operator is responsible for reclaiming and restoring the area as close to its pre-mined condition as possible. Once requirements are met, a 10-year period begins and the site is monitored to assure reclamation is successful. After this period, the bond is released. Several notable reclamation projects have occurred in the state including the DesBee Dove Mine, Star Point and White Oak.
