Coal Production

Louisiana's estimated 1.0 billion tons of coal reserves consist entirely of lignite. The deposits are located in the northwest part of the State, a moist, temperate region with highly erodible soils. Lignite was recognized in Louisiana as early as 1812. The first documented use occurred at the Confederate arsenal near Shreveport during the Civil War. By the late 1800s, its use by blacksmiths, steamboats, and railroads was common.

Permitted coal production in the State began at the Dolet Hills Lignite Mine in September 1985. This is a mine-mouth operation that uses a seven-mile-long conveyor to transport lignite to the power plant. A second permitted surface operation, the Oxbow Lignite Mine, began production in 1989, transporting its production by truck to the same power plant.

Regulation

Judi Stoute of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources has responsibility for SMCRA activities related to active coal mining in the State of Louisiana.

Reclamation

Judi Stoute of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources has responsibility for SMCRA activities related to abandoned coal mines in the State of Louisiana.

Grants

Louisiana grant reports and related documents are contained in the official grant file maintained at the:

Mid-Continent Regional Office
501 Belle Street, suite 216
Alton, IL 62002

They can be reviewed during normal business hours. Alternatively, these documents can be requested through the Birmingham Field Office and a copy of the grant file will be made available. The copy may be requested in paper or electronic format.

More Information

The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources

Louisiana Oversight Documents

If you are interested in viewing current or past Oversight Documents, please click the appropriate link in the table below for all documents of a particular type for this State, or on the year listed below for all documents of a particular evaluation year for this State.

Oversight Documents by Evaluation Year
EY2010 EY2011 EY2012