Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program

Mining Legacy:

Colorado’s heritage is mining. It’s what led many people to the state in 1859 and was the most important economic activity for many years.
Over 23,000 hazardous mines and 1,300 miles of streams are impacted by past mining.
Mine openings may seem safe to explore but are dangerous and can contain unstable soil, unsafe roofs and ladders, deadly gases, poisonous snakes and dangerous explosives.
Outdoor recreation near abandoned mines requires caution, RMS records show that since 1955 abandoned mines have claimed 18 lives. In addition, every year someone needs to be rescued from an abandoned mine.

The program is funded through the Department of the Interior by reclamation fees paid by current coal mine operations
RMS receives on average $2 million a year for safeguarding work
$5,000 is average cost for closure of an abandoned mine feature
There is no other program to address past mining hazards and minimal funding is available for environmental projects.
Mining sites in Colorado encompass a wide range of historical and cultural properties. They vary from coal mining properties to precious metals, to dredges and mill sites associated towns, camp sites and out buildings. Providing preservation along with safety and environmental clean-up is important to local communities.

Since 1980, the program has safeguarded 6,127 hazardous openings and reclaimed 1539 acres of abandoned mined land statewide.
The major program activity is to identify the hazards and environmental problems arising from abandoned mines, design appropriate closure methods and reclamation techniques for project sites, and reclaim or safeguard abandoned mine hazards and environmental problems. Project activities include: field investigations, project development, project design, realty work, historical cultural resource evaluation, wildlife considerations, NEPA compliance, construction contract bidding and management, site construction and reclamation, construction inspection, site monitoring and maintenance of prior project work.
RMS has numerous partners participating in closure projects and also interested in alerting the public to the hazards of exploring abandoned and inactive mines. Partners include the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, Division of Wildlife, Women in Mining, local county and city governments, mining associations, private citizens and the Colorado Scenic and Historic By-Ways Commission