ODNR Division of Mineral Resources Management - Abandoned Mine Land (AML)

AML Geotechnical Services

The AML Geotechnical Services section provides drilling and geotechnical investigations for the abandoned mine lands (AML) program.

The section is responsible for investigating complaints from residents or local government officials concerned about AML issues. The AML geologists and engineers utilize the division’s drill rigs to conduct complaint investigations and obtain subsurface information for project designs.

Project design investigations include concentrated subsurface drilling within an AML area that has been selected by the division for restoration funding or study projects in conjunction with outside state and federal agencies.

During calendar year 2007, the AML Geotechnical Services investigated 28 complaints and project designs with the following results:

  • 11 complaints determined to be mining related emergency projects
  • 2 complaints determined to be mining related non-emergency projects
  • 4 project in-house design investigations
  • 11 complaints determined not to be mining related  

Exploritory drilling is conducted to investigate complaints and the extent of subsidence in areas having a history of deep mines