Department for Natural Resources
Fleenor Mining, Inc., Receives Award for Mine Reclamation from Department for Natural Resources

 Carl E. Campbell, commissioner of the Department for Natural Resources, presented a 2009 Commissioner’s Award of Excellence in Reclamation to Fleenor Mining, Inc. for outstanding reclamation work on their surface facility (permit No. 867-0461) located in Letcher county near the community of Roxana. 

            The site is a 467.1 acre surface and underground auger mine operation that began in 2006.   Earlier mining in the late 1960s and early 1970s prior to the enactment of current reclamation regulations left the area in an unacceptable condition.  Due to the company’s outstanding mining and reclamation efforts, approximately 65 of the 70 acres currently disturbed have been completely reclaimed as wildlife habitat.  The post-mining land use was agreed to by the coal company and the landowner prior to mining. 

            The Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement inspector Ivan Whitaker from the Pikeville Regional Office nominated this site because of the company’s exceptional work and their commitment to the environment.  Due to the company’s hard work, the site is well vegetated and local wildlife abound. 

In presenting the award to James Salyer, Commissioner Campbell expressed his sincere appreciation to Mr. Fleenor for his company’s outstanding reclamation work.   Campbell added, “This site illustrates the excellent reclamation that can be accomplished by today’s industry. “

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