Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Energy
 
Board
Department of Energy
 
chapter
Reclamation Regulations for Mineral Mining [4 VAC 25 ‑ 31]
 
Guidance Documents
Chapter Information
Description This regulation governs the orderly development of mineral resources now and in the future and minimizes the effect of mining on the environment. This regulation is being developed to replace the existing regulation that is being repealed.
State Authority 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-180.3
Federal Authority None entered
Text of Regulation Link to Virginia Administrative Code
Goals of Regulation 1. To use environmentally sensitive mining methods and minimize the effects of mineral mining on the environment.

2. To reclaim land which has been mined for minerals.
Meetings See all meetings (6) relating to this chapter.

Contact Information
Name / Title: Michael Skiffington  / Regulatory Coordinator
Address: Department of Energy
1100 Bank Street, 8th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219-3402
Email Address: mike.skiffington@energy.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)692-3212    FAX: (804)692-3237    TDD: (800)828-1120
Current Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
None

Past Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Regulatory action to reflect updated Code of Virginia related to the prohibited use of cyanide in mining operations
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/18/2024.
Regulatory action to reflect updated Code of Virginia related to Mineral Mines Farm Pond Construction or Expansion.
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/18/2024.
Regulatory action to reflect agency name change and recodification of Title 45.1 Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/31/2022.
Amendments resulting from periodic review to clarify and codify longstanding agency policy Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/25/2019.
Amendments to reclamation regulations for mineral mining resulting from periodic review Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/19/2013.
Amendments to repeal unnecessary and duplicative regulations Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/04/2013.
Amendments to reflect elimination of Surface Mining Review Board in Ch 803 of 2012 Acts of Assembly
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/18/2012.
Promulgation of the Reclamation Regulations for Mineral Mining Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/11/2003.

Withdrawn Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
To promulgate Minerals Other Than Coal Surface Mining Regulations NOIRA Stage withdrawn on 01/01/1900 before the comment period ended.

Periodic Reviews
Last Activity Status
4/4/2023 Filed Pending
10/30/2018 Agency Completed Amend
12/17/2008 Agency Completed Amend