Coal mining in Iowa declined in the 1920s and most mines closed in the 1950s. Reclamation of the abandoned areas began in 1983 following the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977.

Iowa has paused reclamation of abandoned coal mines until state officials confirm whether federal project grants will be ...

The program has been championed by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “When we successfully reclaim these abandoned coal mine sites, we are not only improving water quality and bolstering ...