Reclaiming Mine Lands in the Ohio Valley for Economic Development

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has recently announced a significant investment of over $18 million in abandoned mine land reclamation projects across the state. This funding, sourced from the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program, aims to address environmental, economic, and safety challenges resulting from historic coal mining activities.

The ODNR's Division of Mineral Resources Management oversees both state and federal AMLER programs, focusing on mitigating issues arising from coal mining operations that occurred prior to modern reclamation laws. The AMLER program specifically targets projects that not only rehabilitate abandoned mine lands but also stimulate economic growth and community development.

The recent AMLER funding encompasses a diverse array of projects across Ohio, each tailored to the unique needs and opportunities within their respective communities:

• Adena Trail and Visitor Center (Village of Adena – Jefferson and Harrison counties): $2,231,095 allocated to develop a trail and visitor center, enhancing local tourism and outdoor recreation.

• Coaltivating Appalachia (Rising Appalachia – Athens County): $1,708,300 dedicated to transforming former mining areas into spaces that support community agriculture and sustainable development.

• Commerce Park Recreation & Entertainment Complex (Village of Bellaire – Belmont County): $1,468,912 invested in creating a recreational and entertainment hub to stimulate local economic activity.

• D.O. Hall Business Center Site Improvement (Guernsey County Port Authority - Guernsey County): $980,000 for site enhancements to attract new businesses and job opportunities.

• Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense (The Youngstown Business Incubator - Mahoning County): $1,200,000 allocated to expand facilities, fostering innovation and employment in the aerospace and defense sectors.

• Dennison Depot Restoration Center, Locomotive and Platform Upgrades (Dennison Railroad Depot Museum - Tuscarawas County): $1,690,000 for restoring historic railroad assets, boosting tourism and preserving cultural heritage.

• Noble Futures: Educating and Empowering for Tomorrow – Noble Master Plan Phase 1 (Noble Local School District - Noble County): $2,450,000 invested in educational infrastructure to prepare students for future opportunities.

• Norma Johnson Center Improvements (Tuscarawas County): $200,000 for enhancing facilities at the environmental education center, promoting conservation and community engagement.

• Outdoor YMCA (Ohio Valley YMCA - Columbiana County): $2,600,000 to develop outdoor recreational facilities, encouraging healthy lifestyles and community cohesion.

• Tablertown, From Coal Mine to Museum: A Black History Journey Renovations (Tablertown People of Color Museum - Athens County): $500,000 dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of African American communities in the region.

• Twin City Opera House, Historic Theater Renovations (Village of McConnelsville - Morgan County): $3,000,000 for restoring a historic theater, enhancing cultural offerings and community pride.

These projects exemplify Ohio's commitment to converting former mining sites into assets that serve current community needs. By focusing on diverse sectors such as education, recreation, business development, and cultural preservation, the AMLER program aims to stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve quality of life.

Reclaiming Mines in West Virginia

In West Virginia, the Office of Abandoned Mine Lands & Reclamation (AMLER) is responsible for addressing hazards such as mine fires, subsidence, and contaminated water supplies resulting from mining activities. The AMLER program administers federal funding for economic development projects on abandoned mine lands, focusing on sites that ceased operations prior to the Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. In November 2024, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced over $140 million in funding for West Virginia from President Biden’s “Investing in America” agenda to address dangerous and polluting abandoned mine lands.

West Virginia can take a similar approach to mine reclamation as Ohio, which has successfully leveraged state and federal funds to transform abandoned mine lands to develop sites suitable for Bitcoin mining and AI data centers by leveraging the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program and AML Economic Revitalization (AMLER) funds. Here’s how:

1. Site Reclamation for Infrastructure Development

• Land Stabilization: Use AML funds to stabilize abandoned mine sites, ensuring the ground is suitable for construction.

• Environmental Remediation: Address water pollution, mine subsidence, and other hazards to make the land viable for industrial use.

• Permitting Assistance: Streamline state and local permitting processes for energy-intensive industries.

2. Power Infrastructure Enhancement

• Grid Upgrades: AMLER funding could support extending or upgrading electrical infrastructure to support high-power loads for Bitcoin mining and AI data centers.

• Renewable Integration: Develop solar, wind, or hydro power on reclaimed sites to supply sustainable energy.

• Waste Energy Utilization: Reclaimed mines can support methane capture projects from underground coal seams, providing a low-cost energy source for mining operations.

3. Water Resources for Cooling

• Mine Water for Cooling: Some abandoned mines have water pools that could be repurposed for cooling Bitcoin mining and AI data centers, reducing operational costs.

• Geothermal Potential: Some mine sites have geothermal heating potential, which could be tapped for low-cost energy.

4. Economic Incentives & Job Creation

• Tax Incentives: Position mining operations within Opportunity Zones or qualify for federal/state tax credits.

• Tech Industry Attraction: Build out high-speed internet and fiber networks to attract AI and blockchain companies.

• Workforce Development: Use funds for training programs to re-skill former coal workers in data center management, electrical engineering, and blockchain technology.

5. Strategic Partnerships

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Work with DePIN companies, crypto miners, and AI firms to co-develop reclaimed land for sustainable mining operations.

• University Collaborations: Leverage research institutions to develop energy-efficient mining solutions on reclaimed mine land.

By aligning reclamation efforts with crypto mining and AI data center infrastructure, West Virginia can turn abandoned mines into economic hubs powered by clean energy while benefiting from federal and state incentives.