The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Excellence in Mining Reclamation Awards are given to Wyoming coal and noncoal mine operators who demonstrate an achievement in a specific aspect of mine reclamation or for overall performance in meeting reclamation goals. The 2024 DEQ Excellence in Mining Reclamation Awards will be presented at the 68th Annual Wyoming Mining Association Annual Convention in Cody, June 5-7, 2024.
CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is pleased to award the 2024 Excellence in Mining Reclamation Award for non-coal to Black Hills Lignite Mine for their reclamation efforts.
The Black Hills Lignite Mine is a leonardite mine operated by Black Hills Lignite, LLC. The mine permit area encompasses 2,955 acres and is located in Converse County north of Glenrock.
Black Hills Lignite, LLC is recognized for their efforts in reclaiming the 68.7-acre Amendment 7 mining area. Mining in the area started in 2008, with reclamation starting in 2009 and completing in 2018.
As part of the reclamation process, Black Hills Lignite, LLC carefully stripped and stockpiled topsoil, followed by overburden removal. Overburden was either stockpiled or directly backfilled into a previously mined area.
Backfilling at the Amendment 7 area consisted of restoring the approximate original contour of the land. Topsoil was applied to the contoured surface, raked, and seeded. The mine used a seed mix of 16 species at a rate of 18.5 pounds per acre. The seed species was certified weed-free and was adapted to the site conditions and capable of providing protective soil cover.
Additional strategies to encourage reclamation success included erosion control practices such as the use of straw bale sediment traps, and drilling or harrowing along contour to reduce rills. Stream channels were reconstructed in approximately the original location and at the same length and gradient as pre-mine features.
The reclaimed area now provides habitat for a variety of wildlife such as pronghorn antelope, mule deer, rabbits, gophers, and grassland birds including mourning doves, western meadowlarks, and red-winged blackbirds.
With time, slower growing sagebrush is expected to re-colonize the area to provide additional habitat.
Black Hills Lignite General Manager, Kris Lindgren noted, “The Black Hills Lignite mining team, through their dedicated teamwork and desire to return the land to an improved state, is responsible for the success of this reclamation project. We are honored to accept this award and look forward to displaying our future reclamation achievements with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.”
Matt Kunze, WDEQ Natural Resources Program Supervisor, said “Black Hills Lignite, LLC is commended for completing successful reclamation at the Amendment 7 mining area. The company’s diligent efforts resulted in completing reclamation ahead of the permitted schedule, providing important wildlife habitat for grassland species.”