MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR JOHN BAZA

Director, John Baza

In October, I attended the One Utah Summit in Cedar City. It was an opportunity to discuss topics that unite us in Utah including water scarcity and resiliency, outdoor recreation, the beauty of Utah’s landscapes, economic entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency, cultural heritage, and diversity. This conference previously had the name of the Utah Rural Summit, but as the name change implies, it is a hallmark of the Cox-Henderson administration to bring all the parts of the state under the same banner of One Utah.

The concept of One Utah is just as appropriate for energy and minerals extraction in the state. We all depend on abundant and affordable energy supplies and mineral resources that come from the earth. Even renewable sources of power, such as wind and solar, rely on materials derived from mined products at some point – whether it is the towers and blades that compose windmills or the minerals that end up in solar panels. In rural Utah, not only do we depend on the same consumer products of fuel and manufactured goods, but local economies are supported by industrial jobs and the service sector that is built around vibrant business activity.

It is easy to align ourselves with one faction or another in a political landscape. It allows us to disregard those sectors of society that do not comport with our views of the world. But the concept of One Utah is constructive by nature. By acknowledging and embracing our interdependence, we can build relationships, partnerships, and collaborations that provide benefit to Utahns wherever we reside. Our mutual successes in society are based on establishing and maintaining good working relationships in all corners of the state.

PEERLESS ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION PROJECT

Staff with the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining’s Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program (AMRP) was contacted by staff from the Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands (FFSL) Price Office regarding a fire burning on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Spring Canyon near Helper, Utah. FFSL investigated and found the fire to be burning in a coal seam and very close to the old Peerless Coal Mine No 2 and No 3 portals. A study of old mine maps digitized by the Utah Geological Survey showed that the old portals connected to extensive underground workings on both sides of the canyon.  Further investigation indicated that several methane explosions and fatalities had occurred at the Peerless Mines while they were in operation. Continued observation showed that the fire was expanding into the coal seam by one foot per week.

Fire burning in a coal seam.

AMRP worked with the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement to obtain emergency approval of grant fund expenditures and extinguish the fire as soon as possible. While preparing the project details for the coal seam fire, a second fire was observed at the coal refuse pile located near the Peerless Mine No 1 mine portal in the same canyon. The fire was located approximately 600 feet north of the coal seam fire. Both coal fires were likely ignited by the Bear wildfire that had burned through the area in June 2021. The addition of the coal refuse fire doubled the project size and cost.

A coordinated, three-week effort by the AMRP resulted in emergency procurement authorization. The AMRP hired a contractor with experience on several previous reclamation projects. Construction started on August 23 with a track hoe improving access along the reclaimed road to the old portals.  Modest improvements to the road allowed ATVs to transport materials to the site including water for quenching and mixing, fire-suppressant foam, and equipment fuel and minimizing impacts to the temporary access route. The burning coal seam was excavated, quenched with water and fire suppressant foam, mixed with soil from the site, then monitored for drops in temperature.  Temperatures of the actively burning coal varied between 500- and 800-degrees F and decreased to below 97 degrees before the final backfill. 

Construction work on the Peerless Abandoned Mine Reclamation Project.

The coal refuse pile was quenched with water and fire suppressant foam and blended with onsite soil. Surface temperatures measured at several smoking vents and fractures varied between 113- and 235-degrees F. After 24 hours, the temperature was reduced to less than 69 degrees F, the area backfilled, and the access road was restored to its pre-work condition. The entire project was completed in five days.

The Peerless Coal fire project highlighted a great interaction between the AMRP, FFSL, and Bureau of Land Management. This project required the group to develop new procedures for handling emergency projects and was successful due to the dedication from all involved.

EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHT: KIM COBURN

Kim Coburn has been a reclamation specialist with the Minerals Program since 2018. She is a mine inspector ensuring operators mine within the permit boundaries and follow applicable rules. She is skilled in geographic information systems (GIS) and uses her knowledge to obtain accurate boundary maps to confirm operators have accurate bonds, which protects the state from operator liability. Kim assists the Minerals team with mapping, bonding, and hydrology reviews. She is a wealth of knowledge and respected by staff as a go-to person. Her favorite part about her job is the opportunity to travel throughout the state and seeing gorgeous and unique areas. 

Kim Coburn

Kim is a licensed professional Civil Engineer and has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering with a minor in astrophysics from the University of Toledo. Prior to her employment with the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining, she was a consultant focusing on municipal engineering where she learned mapping software and project management. 

When Kim isn’t working, she enjoys exploring with her husband and two dogs. Recently, she’s ventured into the world of kayaking.