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Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program Receives National Award

11/03/2025

The Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining’s Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program (AMRP) has received the prestigious 2025 National Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Award from the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.

The award recognizes the AMRP for its Kenilworth Mine Fire Emergency Abatement Project in Carbon County, which exemplified excellence in reclamation by successfully eliminating health, safety, and environmental hazards that threatened the nearby community.

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Newton, Fluke, Jones & Brierley Assoc. receive 2025 National AML Reclamation Award at conference.

Draft Bond Rule

Existing well bonding rules are outdated. Draft rule aims to improve operator bonding and reduce state costs

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AI-generated: Wooden post with 'BOUNDARY R647' tape in a rocky, disturbed mine site landscape.

Minerals Rule Update: Boundary Marking

8/27/2025

On August 27, 2025, the Board of Oil, Gas, and Mining established new rules (R647-2-107; R647-3-107; R647-4-107) that specifically target mining and exploration activities involving bonded area of less than 160 acres.

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Our Recent Videos

The importance of recycling produced water to Utah's oil and gas industry

Utah’s oil and gas industry is increasingly turning to recycled produced water for drilling and completion operations, reducing its reliance on freshwater. Once considered waste, this byproduct has become a valuable resource for operators. Recycling produced water not only boosts operational efficiency but also eases demand on freshwater supplies, supporting more sustainable energy development across the state.
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A Day in the Life of an Inspector

Have you ever wondered what an oil and gas inspector does? Take a look at this video highlighting a day in the life of an inspector and their role in ensuring responsible energy development.
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Orphan Well Emergency Plugging and Abandonment May 2025

Division staff recently completed an emergency plugging of an orphaned natural gas well leaking gas near Vernal, Utah. The video highlights the swift action taken to address the leak, ensuring public safety and environmental protection.

Kenilworth Coal Fire Mitigation

A coal seam fire at the reclaimed Kenilworth Mine in Carbon County prompted emergency action in August 2024 due to increased smoke affecting residents in the town of Kenilworth. Contractors sealed surface openings with foam to reduce airflow, slow the fire, and minimize smoke.

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Picacho Reclamation Project Phase 2

The Utah Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program, part of the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining, recently completed phase two of the Picacho Peak Project in Beaver County. This month-long project involved closing 53 hazardous mine openings on private property using steel grates and backfill.

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Utah Oil and Gas Program Overview

The mission of the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining's Oil and Gas Program is to promote the exploration, development and conservation of oil and natural gas resources in Utah while creating energy-related jobs, boosting local economies and generating oil and gas tax revenues. The demand for reliable and affordable energy is essential for the well-being of our state.

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Thaynes Canyon Mine Stabilization Project

The Utah Abandoned Mine Reclamation (AMR) Program and the Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History work together to preserve historic mining structures in Park City, Utah by working to make them safe from collapse.

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