Blackhawk’s mining operations are focused on minimizing any lasting impact to the environment. We employ a team of environmental professionals to oversee and prevent environmental issues before they arise, and each mining facility employs an environmental engineer responsible for reviewing and coordinating water monitoring, sediment control and permit compliance with regulatory authorities. Quarterly environmental meetings are conducted with management and field engineers for all Blackhawk locations to ensure transparency.
INVESTING IN MET COAL
We are committed to continuing to improve our environmental profile, including our carbon footprint. One of the ways we are doing this is by further investing in our metallurgical coal production capabilities while continuing to meet our customers’ demand for thermal coal. Currently, metallurgical coal accounts for more than 70% of Blackhawk’s total coal production, and we expect to at least maintain, and perhaps increase, that percentage over the next several years.
MANAGING OUR COMPLIANCE OBLIGATIONS
Blackhawk is committed to developing and operating our sites in an environmentally conscious manner consistent with regulatory and permitting requirements for all applicable regulatory agencies with public health and safety also being a primary concern. Preliminary plans for sites are developed by a thoughtful process with appropriate consideration for technical, regulatory, environmental, operational, and safety concerns to mesh all these components together into a sustainable yet feasible mining and reclamation plan. Proper placement of mine spoil along with site drainage and sediment control are major components of the planning process.
Planning is followed by a meticulous permitting process with multiple regulatory agencies. Initially this process involves collecting samples and analysis of background surface water, ground water, geology, and soil to obtain the necessary data which will establish the baseline standard for monitoring environmental compliance, reclamation success, and achievement of the approved post mining land use. The permitting process provides a thorough evaluation of any potential stream or and/or wetland impacts and includes a mitigation plan to effectively compensate for any impacts. During this process Blackhawk works closely with various regulatory agencies to identify any potential impacts to fish & wildlife habitat, endangered species, and cultural & historic resources to develop plans and permits that will appropriately avoid, minimize, or mitigate for any impacts.
RECLAMATION PROJECTS
Our goal is to create a new multifunctional landscape that benefits the future needs of the region once our operations are complete. Since 2017, our land reclamation work has resulted in the release of approximately $148 million in bonds which we believe to be the most of any mining operation in the eastern U.S. Also, as a part of reclamation activities we have planted more than 500,000 trees since 2021. Our reclamation work is predicated on rigorous environmental testing, establishing vegetation, clean water sources, and sloping and grading land to create a practical and functioning post mining land use for property owners and the community. We are proud to be recognized as a reliable steward of the land and have received multiple awards for our diligence in reclamation.
