The Excellence in Reclamation Award was initiated in 1996 to recognize excellence in coal, hard rock, aggregate, and abandoned mine land reclamation projects, and other industry-related initiatives worthy of recognition. EMNRD-MMD presents the awards at the annual New Mexico Mining Association Convention.

Examples of appropriate nomination topics include, but are not limited to: 1) advancing reclamation science through studies at the mine site, using the scientific method; 2) applying state-of-the-art, innovative reclamation techniques which mitigate mining-related impacts to people and/or the environment (surface water, ground water, livestock, wildlife habitat, plants, soils, or cultural resources); 3) developing state-of-the art, innovative post-mine land use applications to reclaimed portions of the mine site; 4) voluntary reclamation of a mine by an operator that is not required by any regulatory program; 5) increasing public awareness of mining issues through open public processes (e.g., stakeholder meetings, voluntary public meetings, publications, etc.); or, 6) other related efforts or initiatives deserving special recognition.

Nomination criteria:

1. Eligible nominees include any entity involved in the reclamation of a mine site or portion of a mine site in New Mexico; or other related efforts or initiatives deserving recognition.
2. Not eligible nominees include those currently in violation of any state or federal environmental law.
3. Nominations can be for a site that is either an active or inactive mining operation in the state, regardless of whether they are under MMD’s jurisdiction.
4. Nominations can include reclamation or safeguarding on abandoned mine land.
5. Nominations can include educational or instructional programs aimed at raising awareness of and interest in mining-related professions.
6. Nominations for awards may be made by any interested person, group or company including: consulting groups, environmental groups, the owner or operator of the mine, government agencies, or the contractor performing the reclamation.

Past award winners and projects are listed below.