This 42-acre area surface mine permit is located near the community of Panther in southwest Daviess County, Kentucky. It was issued to Green Coal Co. on Nov. 25, 1992, and a bond total of $128,000 was forfeited on May 12, 1999.

The mining operation left behind 1,400 feet of dangerous highwall, a large pit that was partially filled with water and several acres of exposed eroding spoil along the slope of the pit. The landowner was concerned that someone would get hurt or killed as the site was frequently used for off-road motorcycling and four wheeling.

Initial surveys and inspections by Madisonville field office personnel determined that conventional reclamation methods would not be practical due to the inadequacy of the available bond funds. An estimate was obtained from a licensed blaster to eliminate the highwall. Based on the blaster's report, field office staff prepared a contract using explosives as an alternative reclamation technique.  Contractors offered competitive bids after evaluating the proposed reclamation plan.  Bret Knight of Knight's Construction in Slaughters, Ky., was the successful low bidder.  

Work commenced at the site on Nov. 8, 1999, and was completed April 14, 2000. The licensed blaster employed by the contractor blasted the highwall into the pit, resulting in a reduced effort to grade and dress the final slope. Enough topsoil was gained from the area above the highwall to allow a growing medium for revegetation purposes. Through innovative field techniques and extraordinary cooperation from the contractor, this site has been returned to a very safe, stable and productive property. All 42 acres of this project was reclaimed expending $127,538.82 of the available bond.