OSM Seal Cover Photo Random link graphics for navigating within this web site
Home page Directory Index Search Question Help
Toolbar3.gif
This page briefly describes the "cover photo" used on the Office of Surface Mining home page. The page changes frequently and briefly highlights a range of subjects related to coal mining and reclamation operating under the Surface Mining Law. Captioned photos that appear on this page are archived in the low resolution Photo Library for future use. All photos are free to use; but should have a photo credit: Chuck Meyers, Office of Surface Mining, unless otherwise noted. The photographs this week show award winning coal mine reclamation at a site near Beulah, North Dakota.
Mining a 13-20 foot seam of coal located 50-150 feet below the ground surface
At The Coteau Properties Company, Freedom Mine a drageline removes overburden and coal is loaded into 300 ton trucks with electric shovels. This lignite coal is used at an adjacent synfuels plant and shipped by rail to a nearby electric power generation plant. The 15 million tons of lignite coal produced annually at this mine provide fuel to generate over 1,600 megawatts of electricity and an average of 160 million cubic feet of natural gas daily from the coal gasification plant. Enlarged Photo (87 KB file)

Reclamation results in 45-acre lake
Approximately 700-1,000 acres of land are reclaimed each year at the Freedom Mine --the same amount as the acreage disturbed by mining. Most of the land is returned to cropland and rangeland; however, at this location the company, working with county, state, and federal agencies as well as community leaders, designed and developed the Harmony Lake Wildlife Management Area. The 45-acre lake, and 637-acre wildlife area was donated to the state of North Dakota, and is an outstanding long-term resource for the local community. Enlarged Photo (103 KB file)

Wildlife management area build on the reclaimed mine land
The wildlife management area and the lake now belong to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department and were opened for public use in October 2003. By working together, the mining company and community have developed a unique resource that is now an integral part of Hazen and Beulah, North Dakota. Enlarged Photo (145 KB file)

(Home Page)

Office of Surface Mining
1951 Constitution Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20240
202-208-2719
getinfo@osmre.gov