Through design and reconstruction, the Cordero Rojo mine relocated a portion of the Belle Fourche River and reclaimed the stream channel to provide approximately the same conditions as premining. The reclaimed stream channel is stable from erosion with abundant grass cover, and the aquatic life has been established with macroinvertebrates and invertebrates. These reclamation efforts demonstrate Cloud Peak Energy’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
“Reclamation is a critical part of the mining process, and this award recognizes the successful work of all our employees at the Cordero Rojo mine. We will continue to return the land to a condition that is as good as or better than before mining began,” said Colin Marshall, president and CEO, Cloud Peak Energy.
“Moving and returning the Belle Fourche River was a major project for our team, requiring significant planning and execution,” said Joe Vaccari, general manager, Cordero Rojo. “Its completion highlights our commitment to reclamation and environmental stewardship across the mine.”
Cordero Rojo mined and shipped approximately 34.8 million tons of low-sulfur coal in 2014, making it the third largest coal mine by production in the U.S. last year. Since its inception, the mine has shipped more than 1 billion tons.
