What are coal reserves?
Coal reserves or coal rights refer to the coal beneath the surface of the ground, along with the right to mine (or not mine) that coal. These rights were “severed” (sold separately from the surface rights) many years ago, sometimes over 100 years ago, to coal companies. The owner of such “severed” rights can proceed with permitting and mining for coal, even if the owner of the surface objects. This is why it is important for a conservation organization such as Athens Conservancy to accept and hold these “severed” rights if possible – to protect surface owners from future mining and to permanently ensure the coal stays in the ground.This also protects the land and water resources on top of coal reserves from the damaging effects of mining.
Fossil fuels including coal have remained in the ground (“sequestered” from the surface) for millions of years. When such fuels are mined and burned, they add fossilized carbon (air pollution) to our atmosphere. Burning fossil fuels such as coal is the leading cause of climate change. Keeping the coal in the ground keeps the carbon permanently in place so it cannot be used as fuel
Why is Athens Conservancy accepting this donation?
The burning of fossil fuels is the primary cause of climate change, and needs to be drastically reduced to prevent major impacts to ecosystems (including humans) worldwide. Accepting this donation aligns with our mission to preserve wild and scenic places, protect water quality, and maintain healthy, resilient ecosystems that support native biodiversity and help counteract the cause of climate change. This move also helps ensure the coal is not further exploited by strip mining or other damaging practices. Keeping the coal in the ground helps address both climate change and destruction of forests, farmland, waterways, and other surface resources above the coal.
What are the benefits to the environment?
By not subjecting the area to additional mining, we are protecting our cherished forests, farmlands and waterways. The surface land above the coal includes private lands, state wildlife areas, and national forest land that could otherwise be mined without the permission of surface landowners.
Protecting our cherished land, air, and waterways is our top priority. Keeping the unleased coal in the ground will protect current surface landowners from future mining that could impact their farms, streams, and forests. It also will prevent carbon from being released into the atmosphere, which is a major contributor to climate change. By our estimation, leaving the coal in the ground may prevent the emission of about 30 million tons of carbon dioxide
Why is the donor giving them to Athens Conservancy?
The donor of these mineral rights for coal reserves trusts Athens Conservancy to be the best long-term steward for this resource. With a mission to protect land and water in our region and to help counteract the cause of climate change, Athens Conservancy will ensure that the resource will not be exploited for short-term gain at the expense of our land, air, and water.
Where exactly is this in Athens County?
The coal reserves being donated are mostly in the northern third of Athens County in Trimble and Dover townships, with some acreage near Carbondale in western Athens County.
How many acres of land does this represent in Athens County?
The coal exists underground beneath approximately 10,000 acres of land.
What can you tell me about the current mining operation?
It’s a surface mine called the Johnson Run Mine, located on Johnson Run Road in Trimble Township. The coal company / mine operator is CCU Coal & Construction.
Is coal being replaced by other fuel sources, and is this a growing trend?
More environmental organizations worldwide are seeing the benefits of keeping coal in the ground, thus keeping fossil fuels from being burned and impacting the environment. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are rapidly growing, while the trend for use of fossil fuels such as coal are diminishing in our region. According to a report from the International Energy Agency, renewables will be the largest source of global electricity generated by early 2025, surpassing coal.
Where is the coal being mined now?
There is a previously existing lease on approximately 1,100 acres, and a surface mining operation, Johnson Run Mine, on 300 of those acres north of Glouster. As a pre-existing lease, it cannot be revoked by a new owner of the coal rights such as Athens Conservancy. Although Athens Conservancy is required by law to observe the terms of the pre-existing lease, it is not required to lease any additional coal reserves in the future once the lease expires.
What determines how much more mining will take place under that lease?
Under the lease, mining could occur anywhere on the 1,100 acres. The current mining permit for only 300 acres was issued in 2020, and coal removal started in 2022. The permit expires in 2025 but may be extended by ODNR, under the terms of the lease. The coal company may apply for additional permits elsewhere on the 1,100 acres during the life of the lease; in any case, coal removal must cease by the end of the lease in 2033. The lease requires the company 6 months after its expiration or termination to complete reclamation and removal of equipment.
How will Athens Conservancy reinvest the royalties into the community?
Athens Conservancy recognizes and respects that coal mining was the backbone of the region’s economy for many decades, and salutes the miners who work to support their families and this community. The Conservancy also understands that many of the profits from mining left the local communities in the past, and did not directly support or benefit the areas where mining took place. In contrast, Athens Conservancy will reinvest back into the community financial royalties from the currently-leased portion of the reserves. The Conservancy’s goal is to enhance air and water quality for the community, preserve natural spaces, and increase outdoor recreation opportunities, supporting jobs and other businesses in the growing outdoor recreation economy of southeastern Ohio.
What would happen to these coal reserves if Athens Conservancy did not accept them?
If these rights were to transfer to a non-environmental entity (including the State or Federal Government), the coal reserves could be subject to additional leases and coal mining, which would contribute to destruction of forests and farmland, climate change, and reduced water quality. Some of these rights occur under public land, such as the Wayne National Forest and Trimble Wildlife Area. If mined, these public lands could be permanently degraded. Athens Conservancy is the best possible steward for these rights, since it will commit to keeping the coal in the ground for the good of the community and the environment, and is not subject to political whims or pressure.
Read full announcement HERE.