Mines & Minerals Momentum, Milestone 4-22-2026
There’s a lot of great work happening in the IDALS Mines & Minerals Bureau with continued progress across our Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program. AML projects involve years of planning, coordination and field work by our staff and contractors to restore mined areas to safe, stable and productive uses.
One of the most recent milestones is the completion of the Woodruff North AML reclamation project in October 2025. The 124-acre site along North Cedar Creek near Bussey in Marion County was strip mined in the 1950s—before modern reclamation requirements—leaving behind significant hazards, including 18.1 acres of unstable piles and embankments, 97.2 acres of spoil material, 1,460 feet of dangerous highwall, two hazardous water bodies and 14 open pits. These conditions created long-standing safety risks and limited the land’s environmental function and usability.
Construction on the $3.58 million project began in October 2023 and focused on removing these hazards and restoring stable landforms. Crews excavated more than 1.3 million cubic yards of earth to re-establish safe grades and reduce steep or unsafe features – returning the land to a more natural, pre-mining condition.
The final design included 16,784 feet of terraces to manage runoff and promote long-term stability, along with six newly constructed wetlands totaling nearly 5.8 acres to improve water quality and provide wildlife habitat. Additional work included placement of 1,395 tons of riprap for erosion control and 3,192 tons of lime to neutralize acidic soils needed to establish a grassland vegetation seeding mix. Together, these features create a landscape that is safer, more resilient and better integrated with surrounding natural resources.
Following a visit to the restored site, a landowner within the Woodruff project area shared their appreciation. “Our property looks amazing. It doesn't even seem like it should be the same piece of land before you started,” said Diane McCombs. “We truly appreciate you getting these coal mine areas reclaimed and just want to say thank you again for all that you have done for the land.”
The Mines and Minerals Bureau currently has 12 projects under construction and an additional 24 projects in the design phase. Five of these projects will be going to bid later this summer. Several of these projects are either owned by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or the Marion County Conservation Board and will enhance outdoor opportunities for the public.
The Woodruff project is a strong example that every project makes a positive impact on both the land and the people connected to it.
