Three U.S. coal mines and four mineral mines, were awarded by the U.S. Department of the Interior Oct. 27 for their environmental performance, mine reclamation accomplishments and community outreach programs.

The awards were presented by officials from the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement and the Bureau of Land Management during ceremonies hosted by the National Mining Association. The annual awards, selected by the agencies, recognize the best environmental and reclamation practices throughout the year for coal and mineral mining.

The Excellence in Surface Coal Mining awards are presented by the OSMRE to coal companies that achieve the most exemplary mining and reclamation in the country, typically by demonstrating sound mining practices and executing effective reclamation plans designed to enhance post-mining land use.

The Reclamation and Sustainable Mineral Development Awards are presented by the BLM in recognition of outstanding reclamation activities that restore land to other productive uses following mining operations and recognize community outreach programs that provide valuable infrastructure and conservation services to local communities.

The winners of the Department of the Interior's Awards are:

OSM award winners:

National Award: North American Coal Corp., Mississippi Lignite Mining Company, Red Hills Mine (Ackerman, MS);
Cloud Peak Energy, Antelope Coal Mine (Gillette, WY)

Good Neighbor Award: Alpha Natural Resources, Elk Run Company Inc. (Boone County, WV):

BLM Award Winners:

Hardrock Mineral Director's Award: Intrepid Potash Wendover (Wendover, UT)

Hardrock Mineral Small Operator Award: NYAC Mining Inc. (Anchorage, AK)

BLM Hardrock Mineral Community Outreach & Economic Security Award: Stillwater Mining Co. (Sweet Grass County, MT)

"Fix A Shaft Today!" (FAST) Award: Harding Pegmatite Mine Safeguard Project (Dixon, NN)