West Virginia University and its project partners, which include Coalfield Development, Nature Conservancy, and the U.S. Research Impact Alliance are leading an exciting mine lands reclamation project for the ACT Now Coalition.
ACT Now is working in a 21-county region located in Southern West Virginia. WVU is tasked with analyzing 3,187 former mine land sites for their ability to support advanced energy as well as other post-mining land uses. Identifying and developing 10 Master Site Plans with the intention of selecting three of those for pilot projects. Lastly, A mine lands selection tool, like a “Zillow” concept, is currently under development and will be used to select criteria that would be desirable to developers looking to come to West Virginia.
Currently, West Virginia has the highest number of mines throughout the Central Appalachian region and this project will create the conditions for West Virginia to become a national leader in mine land reclamation by developing a comprehensive system for the conversion of Former Mine Lands to their highest and best uses. Creating economic opportunities is essential, because they are often in, or adjacent to, persistent poverty communities.
Three Key Outcomes:
- Development of a “Mine Reuse Zillow” with info to reduce barriers, liabilities, and costs.
- Detailed site analysis and development for three potential project sites.
- Recommendations on policy shifts to create favorable regulatory conditions for these types of projects to flourish.