The Non-Coal Review Branch of the Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement regulates and enforces the surface mining reclamation laws and regulations for non-coal mining sites in the state, which include limestone and dolomite, sand, gravel, clay, fluorspar, tar sands or rock asphalt, shale, surface effects of dredging river sand and gravel, and other vein minerals. Currently we have 214 sites permitted, totaling over 45,500 acres. Approximately 120 of these sites are limestone quarries.

The central office of the Non-Coal Review Branch is located in Frankfort. The branch divides the state into three regions: the Madisonville region covers western Kentucky, the London region covers central Kentucky and the Prestonsburg region covers eastern Kentucky. The branch has five inspectors and each inspector covers approximately 25 counties. Click here for a map of Non-Coal Review Branch regions. If you cannot access this information through this format, contact the Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement, and we will accommodate your special need.

Prospective applicants for new non-coal permits are required to publish a notice of their intention to apply for a permit at least once in a local newspaper. Any person whose interests are or may be adversely affected by the issuance of the permit may request that the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet hold an informal conference on any application for a permit. This gives citizens input into the permitting process.

As in surface coal mining, non-coal surface mining sites must obtain permits and comply with the environmental laws and regulations.  These regulations include measures to control off-site impacts of mining plans for surface water quantity and quality protection, spoil handling, toxic material handling plans, backfilling and grading, topsoil handling and revegetation.

For questions or more information about non-coal permitting or enforcement, contact James McKenzie, branch manager at 502-564-2340 or #2 Hudson Hollow, Frankfort, KY 40601 JamesO.McKenzie@Ky.Gov