Coal Mining

The Coal Section is responsible for ensuring the reclamation of land affected by surface and underground mining activity and regulation of development of coal mines in order to maintain the integrity of Montana's natural resources.

Types of Permits

The Coal Section reviews applications for several different types of activities related to coal mining using the best available data and scientific information within the time allotted. If you believe you need a permit, applicable forms and instructions can be found by clicking the "Permitting and Operator Assistance" button. 

Notice of Intent

A Notice of Intent (NOI) is used for the purpose of gathering environmental baseline data (such as wildlife, vegetation and hydrology) to establish the conditions of an area before beginning strip or underground mining, or to determine location, quality, and quantity of a mineral reserve prior to submitting an application for prospecting.

Prospecting

A Prospecting Permit is used for the purpose of determining location, quality, and quantity of a mineral reserve for land not already included in a current mine operating permit and if the prospecting is conducted for the purpose of determining location, quality, and quantity of a mineral reserve. This permit application must include a reclamation plan and bond.

Coal Mine Permitting

A Surface or Underground Mining Permit is used when engaging in mining operations in order to ensure the reclamation of land affected and maintain the integrity of Montana's natural resources. The permit application must include information regarding climate, geology, hydrology, vegetation, etc as well as a detailed reclamation plan and bond.

The Coal Section utilizes an electronic permitting system called the ePermit. The following revision types have public comment periods for completeness and/or acceptability that can be viewed under this system:

• Amendments
• Major Revisions
• Transfers
• Renewals

Bond release applications are still submitted outside of the system. Once approved, the revision remains available on the system until superseded by a new revision. To view both pending and approved applications that are available on the public portal click below:
myCOALPublic