Peabody Energy Company has received two awards from the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) agency.
The first award is the OSMRE National Award for Excellence in Surface Mining and Reclamation for 2018.
Peabody received the award for its work on Wild Boar Mine, Barren Fork Pit, for exemplary mining operations and reclamation. Wild Boar Mine, located near Lynnville, mined through a 100-acre land area before enactment of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) of 1977. Among other targets for reclamation, the mining left behind 1.2 miles of dangerous highwalls.
Peabody’s reclamation efforts successfully eliminated the highwalls, replaced soil on areas from where it had been removed by previous mining, and converted what had been forested land before mining into wildlife habitat.
Peabody Energy’s Bear Run Mine, located south of Dugger, received OSMRE’s Good Neighbor Award. Bear Run Mine was recognized for various programs and commitments by the mine and its employees through financial, in-kind and volunteer-time donations to surrounding communities and organizations.
For example, last year, during Bear Run Mine’s “Coal Mine Christmas,” employees raised $13,000 that provided 64 children with toys, clothing, coats, shoes and other necessities. Bear Run Mine employees also worked with the Heroes New Hope Foundation, providing the organization with a location as well as financial and volunteer support. The Foundation provides disabled veterans and disabled children with opportunities to hunt and fish.
Among many other philanthropic activities, Bear Run Mine also donated $25,000 for upgrades to the Pleasantville Gymnasium for a new roof, updated electrical service, a new generator and parking areas.
Both awards will be presented by OSMRE to Peabody Energy during the National Mining Association’s Excellence in in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Awards banquet on Sept. 27.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Reclamation, is responsible for enforcing SMCRA in the mining industry in Indiana. Indiana received primacy from OSMRE in 1982.
To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.
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Media contact: Steve Weinzapfel, director, DNR Reclamation, 812-665-2207