The Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health, Inc., a trust to fund projects designed to improve mine safety and health, has released its first call for proposals. Under this announcement, the foundation is seeking concept papers in four broad areas: 1) safety; 2) health; 3) safety and health management; and 4) training. Concept papers are due by March 15, 2013. Also, The US Department of the Interior’s Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are accepting nominations for their annual awards recognising exemplary models of reclamation and sustainable development.
After an independent review, applicants of selected concept safety papers will be invited to submit full proposals to the Alpha Foundation, with a detailed technical approach and budget. Final selection of projects will be completed this summer.
Approximately $10 million is committed to this solicitation, and it is expected that up to 15 qualified projects will be funded in 2013.
Complete details of the call for concept papers, goals of the foundation and contact information can be found at http://www.alpha-foundation.org/callforproposals.html
The 2013 Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Awards, given by OSM, recognise outstanding reclamation methods and techniques for active coal mines. Nominations are being accepted until February 15, 2013. Surface coal mining and reclamation operations are eligible to win awards in three categories. The National Award recognises coal mining companies that have achieved exemplary mining and reclamation practices. The Good Neighbour Award recognises companies that have successfully worked with surrounding land owners and the community. The Director’s Award is given to a coal company for outstanding achievement in a specific area of reclamation. Additional information concerning the awards and the nomination process may be found on the OSM website http://www.osmre.gov/topic/awards/Awards.shtm.
The 2013 Reclamation and Sustainable Mineral Development Awards, given by BLM, recognise non-coal solid mineral development and operations that embody the principles of sustainable development or represent outstanding examples of reclamation or environmental stewardship. The deadline for nominations has been extended until March 29, 2013. Operators are eligible to win the Hardrock Mineral Environmental Award, the Hardrock Mineral Community Outreach and Economic Security Award, the Hardrock Mineral Small Operator Award, the Hardrock Mineral Director’s Award and the “Fix A Shaft Today!” (FAST!) Award. Additional information about the awards and the nomination process may be found here http://www.nma.org/pdf/tmp/012213_BLM_awards.pdf.
The 2013 Department of the Interior Awards will be presented at a luncheon on October 30 hosted by the National Mining Association in Washington, D.C.