Reclaiming Aggregate Mining Sites In Minnesota Using Private/Public Partnerships

In Minnesota, reclamation of active aggregate mining sites is primarily regulated through local permits issued at the county, township, or municipality. However, for abandoned or depleted aggregate mining sites, a responsible party for reclamation is often no longer available. Since 1995, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has reclaimed several abandoned aggregate sites using innovative public/private partnerships and emphasizing native plant materials. The purpose of these projects is to demonstrate cost effective reclamation methods that can be utilized by both aggregate operators and local government and to promote mine planning and resource identification as it relates to reclamation.