Abstract
Modeling Reclamation Priorities of Abandoned Mines in New Mexico
Track: Mining and Geosciences
Author
Abandoned mines can present both physical and contamination hazards. The New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division and the New Mexico Abandoned Mine Lands Program are collaborating with state, federal and tribal agencies to inventory and prioritize the reclamation of abandoned coal and uranium mines. A GIS Prioritization Model, using ArcGIS Spatial Analyst and ModelBuilder, was developed to rank these areas based on variables (e.g. presence of open mine features, proximity of habitation and drainages, and land use) that may place people at risk. This decision-making tool was used in pre-planning site risk assessments and reclamation. The analysis includes the Gallup Coal Field and the state-wide distribution of abandoned and inactive uranium mines with a focus on the Ambrosia Lake Uranium Sub-district.
Linda DeLay
New Mexico Energy, Mining & Natural Resources
Mining and Minerals Division
1220 South St. Francis Drive
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
United States
Phone: 505-476-3411
E-mail: linda.delay@state.nm.us
Susan LucasKamat
New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division
New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division
1220 South Saint Francis Drive
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
United States
Phone: 505-476-3400
E-mail: susan.lucaskamat@state.nm.us
Lloyd Moiola
NM Abandoned Mine Land Program
New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division
1220 South Saint Francis Dr NE
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
United States
Phone: 505-476-3400
E-mail: Lloyd.Moiola@state.nm.us
Zoe Isaacson
NM Abandoned Mine Land Program
New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division
1220 South Saint Francis Dr
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
United States
Phone: 505-476-3400
E-mail: zoe.isaacson@state.nm.us