Virginia Department of Energy’s New $23 Million Initiative to Seal Dangerous Coal Mines

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Efforts are increasing to address abandoned coal mines in our area thanks to additional funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in recent years.

The New River Valley is one of Virginia’s three coal mining regions.

Jesse Whitt from the Virginia Department of Energy is part of a team working to close mines that have been abandoned for decades.

“The main reason we seal off mine entrances is to prevent people from entering,” Whitt said. “Mines are very dangerous.”

He advises hikers to be cautious and watch for signs of coal on the ground, which might indicate nearby abandoned mines. If you see this, stick to marked trails.

“Mines are not like caves,” Whitt explained. “They lack proper ventilation, and their walls and roofs can be unstable, making them hazardous.”

Recently, the Department of Energy received $23 million to address mine safety and environmental issues, such as drainage. They continue to find more abandoned mine sites, increasing from 5,000 data points to around 7,400.

Before you go hiking, check this map to avoid dangerous areas.

“We will be out here more often,” said Virginia Department of Energy Public Relations Manager Tarah Kesterson. “You’ll see our teams working to improve things.”

If you come across anything that might be related to an abandoned coal mine, contact the Department of Energy at 276-523-8100 or [email protected].

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