Active and Abandoned Mine Operations

DEP's Office of Active and Abandoned Mining Operations (AAMO) oversees nearly 500 Commonwealth employees located within four Bureaus. The office is responsible for the policies and implementation of programs that regulate or minimize the impact from the extraction of coal and noncoal (industrial) minerals. The four programs have distinctive roles and responsibilities but are interrelated and coordinate efforts in many areas.

Bureau of Mine Safety

• Responsible for the health and safety of miners in all underground mines throughout Pennsylvania

Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation

• Responsible for resolving problems such as un-reclaimed mine sites, mine fires, mine subsidence, dangerous highwalls, open shafts and portals, mining-impacted water supplies, and other hazards which have resulted from mining performed prior to 1977

Bureau of District Mining Operations

• Responsible for permitting and inspection of mine sites for a given region and/or specific mining type. There are 6 individual District Mining Offices (DMOs) in Pennsylvania located to best serve the needs of the industry and citizens. Epermitting info 

Bureau of Mining Programs

• Responsible for developing and implementation of policy, procedures, documents, scientific analysis, technical guidance, and statistical reporting in support of DEP's mine permitting, licensing, and compliance operations. Includes the following programs: Operator Licensing, Mine Subsidence Insurance, Blasting Training and Licensing, and the Areas Unsuitable for Mining.

The mission of the Office of Active and Abandoned Mine Operations is to:

• Minimize impacts to the environment while providing a climate that encourages economic growth
• Provide a safe and healthy work environment for miners
• To ensure that the public has an informed opportunity to participate in the debate and process