Yazzie Reclamation Project
Navajo Mine, Fruitland, New Mexico
WASHINGTON – The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) has awarded the 2024 Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Awards to Navajo Transitional Energy Company LLC, of New Mexico, and Black Mesa Pipeline LLC, of Arizona, in recognition of exemplary results in returning a site to productive use after completion of coal mining.
“It takes corporate stewards, citizen public servants, and all levels of government working in partnership to ensure that land mined for coal is restored and transformed,” said Principal Deputy Director Sharon Buccino. “The reclamation performed by this year’s awardees are examples of the ideals envisioned by Congress for coal mine land reclamation under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act.”
OSMRE’s Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Awards recognize mine operators in two award categories: the National Award and the Good Neighbor Award.
The National Award is presented to a coal mining company for achieving the most exemplary mine reclamation in the country. A coal mining operation may be nominated for achievement in a specific aspect of the reclamation, such as the design and implementation of sedimentation control practices, or for its overall performance in meeting the goals of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA).
The Good Neighbor Award is presented to a mine operator for successfully working with surrounding landowners and the community while completing mining and reclamation.
