---
title: "Check a surface-coal reclamation plan before the permit application is lodged"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/energy-resources-and-mining/check-a-mining-development-and-closure-proposal-before-lodgement/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A13-PU20261022-18-US"
practice_area: "Energy, Resources & Mining"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Check a surface-coal reclamation plan before the permit application is lodged

> From the draft plan, list whether it identifies the lands to be mined over the life of the operation, the pre-mining condition of the land, the mining and reclamation methods, an estimate of reclamation cost per acre,…

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/energy-resources-and-mining/check-a-mining-development-and-closure-proposal-before-lodgement/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Energy, Resources & Mining](https://ailawframework.com/practice/energy-resources-and-mining.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | From the draft plan, list whether it identifies the lands to be mined over the life of the operation, the pre-mining condition of the land, the mining and reclamation methods, an estimate of reclamation cost per acre, and a timetable for the major steps. Do not write the plan and do not lodge it. |
| What the lawyer must review | A reclamation plan submitted as part of a surface-coal mining permit application, under an approved State program or a Federal program, must include the detail needed to show that reclamation required by the chapter can be accomplished (30 U.S.C. § 1258(a)). The opened text includes identification of the lands and the size, sequence, and timing of subareas for which individual permits will be sought; the condition of the land before mining; the engineering techniques and major equipment; a plan for surface-water drainage and water accumulation; a plan, where appropriate, for backfilling, grading, and revegetation; an estimate of the cost per acre of the reclamation; and a timetable for each major step. You decide whether the plan meets the section, and you write anything that is lodged. The performance bond in § 1259 is filed after approval and before the permit is issued, and it is sized to complete this plan. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Check a mining development and closure proposal before lodgement](https://ailawframework.com/practice/energy-resources-and-mining/check-a-mining-development-and-closure-proposal-before-lodgement.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: From the draft plan, list whether it identifies the lands to be mined over the life of the operation, the pre-mining condition of the land, the mining and reclamation methods, an estimate of reclamation cost per acre, and a timetable for the major steps. Do not write the plan and do not lodge it.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- This is surface coal mining. A hardrock plan of operations on public land is 43 C.F.R. § 3809, not this section.
- Test-boring results are also in the section. Use them only after you read that paragraph.

## Sources

- [30 U.S.C. § 1258, Reclamation plan requirements](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/30/1258) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [30 U.S.C. § 1259, Performance bonds](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/30/1259) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*