Resources and Reports
Learn more about zombie mines and the mine cleanup crisis
Recommended Reforms to Prevent Zombie Mines
Our 2024 Congressional policy platform to prevent zombie mines identifies key problems and provides policy solutions.
This 2021 Appalachian Voices report estimates that there are more than 633,000 acres of unreclaimed modern mines in the East that will cost up to $9.8 billion to clean up.
This document summarizes bonding systems allowed under state law, and which systems are actually utilized at this time.
More than 50 organizations have signed onto our platform calling for Congress to enact reforms to prevent zombie coal mines.
Coal Mine Clean Up Works Report
In 2020, The Western Organization of Resource Councils found that reclaiming coal mines in the West could create more than 6,000 jobs annually.
Zombie Mine Impacts to Communities
Unreclaimed coal mines span the US and create economic and environmental harms.
Functionally Abandoned Surface Mines in Kentucky Report
Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center found that 40% of “active” coal mine permits in Kentucky are functionally abandoned.
Social Media Highlights
Zombie coal mines are a serious issue, but learning about them can be entertaining.