Abstract

GeoMine Pilot Project: An Example of Collaboration-Based GIS Project Modeling
Track: Mining and Geosciences
Authors: Robert Welsh

The successful completion of the GeoMine Pilot Project is a confirmation of the functionality of the collaboration-based project planning model used by the U.S. Office of Surface Mining, where state and Federal agencies cooperated towards a common GIS solution incorporating multi-sourced geospatial mining and reclamation data. The project management challenges included the process of building trust among stakeholders that are in various regulatory roles in administering the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. Also, the project coincided with a period of increased scrutiny of mining and reclamation practices in Appalachian states where the project data was generated. The project goals and strategic approach were developed through extensive and early involvement of stakeholders at executive, business, and subject matter expert levels. The adoption of the shared-access ESRI/Amazon Cloud-based solution was instrumental in providing a trusted neutral platform that avoided perceived command and control issues and avoided unnecessary bureaucratic structures.