Abandoned Mine Lands Program Policy and Publications

Program Policy

Program Publications

Abandoned Mine Land Inventory Study for BLM-Managed Lands in California, Nevada, and Utah: Site and Feature Analysis

Historic mining has left thousands of abandoned hardrock mine sites scattered across the West on BLM-managed land, presenting physical safety and environmental hazards. In this report the BLM estimated the total number of AML sites and features on BLM-managed land in California, Nevada, and Utah.  From those estimates, BLM then determined the number of sites yet to be inventoried in each of the three states and developed cost and time estimates to complete the work.  Part two of a three-part series.  Available at the BLM Library - publication number BLM/OC/ST-15/001+3720.  November 2014.

Dangers at Abandoned Mines - AML Safety Brochure

The BLM AML program and its federal program partners (National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Office of Surface Mining, and the Environmental Protection Agency) created this safety brochure for abandoned mines.  Remember - Stay Out, Stay Alive!  BLM Publication number: BLM/WO/GI-13/009+3720, P-416.  September 2014.

Abandoned Mine Lands - Feasibility Study for AML Inventory Validation and Physical Safety Closures

The Feasibility Study for AML Inventory Validation and Physical Safety Closures gives an estimate of the costs to validate and address the unremediated AML sites posing physical safety hazards.  Part one of a three-part series.  BLM Publication number: BLM/WO/GI-13/011+1637.  July 2013.

Abandoned Mine Lands "A New Legacy"

The New Legacy publication covers the successes of the BLM's AML program between 2009-2011.  BLM Publication number: BLM/WO/GI-13/007+3720.  May 2013.

Abandoned Mine Lands: A Decade of Progress Reclaiming Hardrock Mines

In 1997, the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service embarked on mutual efforts to address the impacts of hardrock abandoned mine lands (AML).  The purposes of this report are threefold: 1) to shed light on abandoned mining sites and their impacts on public lands; 2) to highlight the accomplishments of the BLM, the Forest Service, and project partners in addressing AML problems; and 3) to describe the outlook for future AML reclamation efforts.  BLM Publication number: BLM-WO-GI-07-013-3720.  September 2007.