SMCRA

The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 or SMCRA was enacted to control public and environmental hazards associated with surface coal mining. Since the passing of SMCRA, operators are required to obtain a valid permit from the state regulatory authority in order to mine, and their permit application must include an approved reclamation plan. Operators must also acquire adequate insurance if they want to mine (i.e., a bond.) The mine will also be inspected regularly during the operation to make sure it in compliance with all current regulations.

SMCRA additionally created the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) to carry out activities under the law, and it created the Abandoned Mine Lands program.