Reclamation Awards

Mineral Mining and the VTCA jointly sponsor an annual mined land reclamation awards program. Mine operations that have performed exemplary, or innovative reclamation of lands previously disturbed for mining are nominated by their respective mine inspectors for awards in quarry and non-quarry categories. Operations that win the overall state award go on to compete with mining operations from other states for national awards. Virginia mining operations have been awarded numerous national reclamation awards. Our operations are considered to be leaders in returning mined land to productive uses.

Our 2024  Reclamation Award Winners:

Please join us in congratulating these award winners for their hard work and for their contributions to keeping our environment healthy and beautiful in the Commonwealth!

Overall Winner and Best Quarry:
Luck Stone Corporation, Rockville Plant created a unique reclamation project that includes a pavilion overlooking the quarry where the company hosts tours to local schools and other visitors. This space provides a first-hand look at the mining cycle. In addition, one mined area was reclaimed to a vineyard and orchard. Three honeybee hives were also installed to provide associates with local honey. The company also realized the value of not mining an area that holds 100,000 tons of reserves to better serve the public.

Best Non-Quarry:
Nestle Purina Petcare is the largest employer of King William County and has operated since 1991. The clay mined here is used in Purina Tidy Cats cat litter. The companys sustainability and environmental goals were reached when reclaiming over 50 acres where mining was completed. After the site was regraded to avoid any water runoff issues, a wildflower and pollinator seed mix was planted.

Honorable Mentions- Quarry:
J.S.G Corporationin James City County reforested areas where mining had been completed in consultation with the Virginia Department of Forestry. Pine trees and native foliage were planted after the area was reclaimed to prevent any problems from water runoff. A pond was also constructed to catch any sediment from mining activity and now is home to native wildlife.

Honorable Mentions- Non-Quarry:
Vulcan Construction Materials, LLC Puddledock Sand and Gravel site in Prince George County overcame acidic runoff and challenging soil to reclaim 13 acres. This project began in the early 2000s. The company designed a water treatment plan and successfully overcame soil issues to finally see a successful plant growth on the area that had once been mined.

View Press Release here »

View more information about our winners here »

C.S. Mundy Star Tannery received a national award for reclamation from the Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC). That award was presented that the IMCC annual meeting in Alaska in June where it won top honors. When reclamation began in 2012, the company faced several issues in getting the proper slope for erosion control in an area where mining was complete. A difficult soil base and lack of topsoil meant extra time, money and experts were needed. The crew at the Star Tannery Mine did not quit and their efforts paid off. The area was properly reclaimed with all water protections in place.