The Copper Ridge Project
The Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining (DOGM), Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program permanently closed 17 hazardous mine openings including five shafts, with funding provided by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
The mines were closed using grates, polyurethane foam and waste rock to prevent people from accessing the sites. Abandoned mines often provide habitat for bats. Rebar grates are often installed to prevent people from entering, while still allowing bats access. At several of the mine openings complete backfilling was the only option to protect the public from high radon levels.
The mines are located on BLM land. DOGM assisted the BLM with closing abandoned mine features, which were a priority due to their proximity to areas with high visitation and recreation use.