Mining and Reclamation

The Mining and Reclamation Division regulates all surface mines in the state as provided for in the Mississippi Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1977 (Sec. 53-7-1 et seq., Miss. Code 1972). Activities include:

• Issuing surface mining permits and notices of exempt operations
• Inspecting permitted areas and investigating complaints
• Overseeing the reclamation done by operators, and
  enforcing the law as per the promulgated Rules and Regulations, Commission orders, and Attorney General’s rulings.

The state’s mines produce sand, gravel, clay, bentonite, chalk, and limestone. There are no underground mines in the state.

The division is also responsible for enforcing the Mississippi Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Act (Sec. 53-9-1 et seq., Miss. Code 1972). This law deals only with the mining of coal and lignite.

• Issuing surface coal mining permits
• Inspecting permitted areas and investigating complaints
• Overseeing the reclamation done by operators, and enforcing the law as per the promulgated Rules and Regulations, Commission orders, and Attorney General’s rulings.
• Click here to view the Mississippi Surface Coal Mining Rules and Regulations.

The division is also responsible for the Mine Safety Training Programs, which provides the mining community with required training:

• 8hr Refresher Training
• New Miner Training

The Mining and Reclamation Division handles surface mine regulation, permitting, and reclamation. The staff are available to answer questions and requests for information about rules and regulations, permit application requirements, and any needed forms.

Useful Links

U. S. Department of the Interior Office of Surface Mining (OSM)

Contact Information

Click here for the Mining and Reclamation Division staff directory.