The Division of Mine Permits (DMP) is one of three agencies within the Department for Natural Resources responsible for administering Kentucky's mining, reclamation and abandoned mine land laws. The DMP works closely with the Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement and the Division of Abandoned Mine Lands to ensure that all established standards of operation are addressed and that the public and the environment are protected.
The Division of Mine Permits is comprised of four branches: two technical review branches, a program support branch and an information systems support branch. Technical review is staffed by personnel trained in engineering, geology, hydrology, forestry and biology and is responsible for reviewing all technical aspects of permit applications. Ownership and control review verifies that a coal company is eligible to receive environmental permits through review of their past operating record.
Additionally, the DMP administers several special programs. The Operations Support Section responds to protests and complaints from the public on pending or existing mining operations and also investigates legal right-to-mine and environmental issues. The Small Operator Assistance Program (SOAP) offers the small coal operator financial help (fully federally funded) to offset the costs of water sampling, environmental surveys and hydrologic studies that are required for the submission of a surface coal mining permit application.
The division reviews the following types of applications: originals, amendments, major revisions, minor revisions, renewals, transfers, mid-terms, operator revisions, corporate changes, name changes, address changes and resident agent changes. The appropriate form for each type of application can be downloaded from our Electronic Forms page. Permitting statistics are compiled monthly.
Division of Mine Permits personnel are dedicated public servants willing to provide assistance when and where needed. Contact the DMP by phone at 502-564-2320. An operator will answer your call personally. Or visit the office in Frankfort at 2 Hudson Hollow Road. A map and driving directions are provided for your convenience.
