Computerized reclamation management system for surface coal mines

Over the past decade reclamation costs have increased substantially and today account for about 15-25% of the mining cost in the Illinois basin coal mines. A computerized reclamation management system has been developed and is currently being used by a coal company at several of their mines in the area for cost control, future planning, liability and bond control, and equipment utilization in different reclamation functions. The system has proved very effective for the management of reclamation operations.