Coal Production

Missouri has a rich history of coal mining activity. Coal deposits were first mined in Missouri in the late 1840s, giving the state the distinction of being the first state west of the Mississippi River to produce coal for commercial use. Although most of the early coal mines in the state were underground, surface mining began in the mid 1930s, and has accounted for virtually all the coal produced in Missouri since the 1960s. Approximately 67,000 acres were affected by surface coal mining in 48 Missouri counties before enactment of SMCRA in 1977.

Missouri's coal ranges from lignite to high volatile bituminous. Its coal reserve is estimated to be six billion tons, accounting for between one and two percent of the coal reserves in the United States. The coal-bearing areas cover about 23,000 square miles or 33 percent of the State. Twelve of the 20 identified coal seams have been mined. The relatively high sulfur content of Missouri's reserves is greater than 2.5 pounds per million BTU and averages four percent by weight.

Regulation

Ron Dumey of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Land Reclamation Program, has responsibility for SMCRA activities related to active coal mining in the State of Missouri.

Reclamation

Ron Dumey of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Land Reclamation Program, has responsibility for SMCRA activities related to abandoned coal mines in the State of Missouri.

Grants

Missouri 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 Alton Field Division and a copy of the grant file will be made available. The copy may be requested in paper or electronic format.

More Information

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Missouri 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