Reclamation is the restoration of the land disturbed by mining operations to an environmentally sound and productive condition for future generations. This involves replacing and grading the rock material which originally covered the coal seam(s) and seeding and planting the areas with the proper grass and tree species.  If allowed by the permit, reclamation may include the construction of buildings, homes or other business structures.

In the photograph above a surface mine is shown in the process of being reclaimed. The extreme left of the photo shows an area where spoil material has been deposited against a highwall. In the center of the picture a bulldozer is seen spreading and grading topsoil. The green area on the right reveals a recently revegetated area.