7 abandoned sites in Iowa to be reclaimed

Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is beginning construction on seven additional abandoned mine land reclamation projects in southeast Iowa. All seven projects, which represent nearly $10 million in combined investment by the department, are expected to begin construction this month and are anticipated to be complete by the end of 2025.

Approximately 120 projects have been completed during the past four decades, with a total investment of nearly $103 million. There are approximately 140 sites awaiting reclamation.

The work is in the following communities, Marion (three projects), Wappapello and Van Buren (three projects).