Environmental Stewardship
Reclamation
Environmental stewardship is at the core of our business philosophy. We produce more surface-mined coal than any competitor in Ohio and have an award-winning history of mine reclamation.
We continue to partner with state universities, the U.S. Department of Interior Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, the Ohio and Kentucky Departments of Natural Resources, the Ohio and Kentucky Divisions of Wildlife and Forestry, and The American Chestnut Foundation to ensure a sterling record for responsible environmental practices.
We are committed to minimizing our environmental impact during the mining process. However, there is always some degree of impact. To minimize the long-term environmental impact of our mining activities, we plan and monitor each phase of our mining projects as well as our post-mining reclamation efforts. As of December 31, 2010, we had approximately $34.9 million in surety bonds to secure the performance of our reclamation obligations. In addition to providing surety bonds, we regularly make a significant investment to complete the required reclamation activities in a timely and professional manner to cause our surety bonds to be released. We perform reclamation activities on a continuous basis as our mining activities progress.
Environmental Awards
Our recent reclamation awards include:- 2011 National Award for Excellence in Surface Coal Mining from the U.S. Department of Interior recognizing Oxford’s exemplary reclamation efforts. Oxford was one of only two companies that received this award, which goes to companies exhibiting the best reclamation practices in the country.
Read the full press release → [80 KB] - Good Neighbor Award recognizing Oxford for working closely with local communities during reclamation efforts. Oxford allowed multiple groups to use its Jockey Hollow West site as an outdoor classroom for reforestation research and monitoring and training for coal mine inspectors. Oxford was the only coal mining operator to be recognized with this award.
Read the full press release → [79 KB] - Ohio Coal Reclamation Award in 2010 (The Greening of the Land Award)
- Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI) Excellence in Reforestation State Awards at both our Barnesville and Jockey Hollow West operations (2010 and 2011)