The Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining’s Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program has received the 2026 National Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Award from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement for its work securing two historic mine shafts in Summit County. The Office of Surf ace Mining Reclamation and Enforcement’s deputy director, Tom Shope, presented the award to Utah on Sept. 21 during the National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs conference in Park City. “These projects demonstrate innovation, strong community partnerships and the lasting benefits of addressing legacy mining hazards while helping build a better future for communities,” Shope said. From 2023 through 2025, Utah’s Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program completed a $358,507 project to safeguard the Thaynes and Silver King mine shafts on Park City Mountain property near Park City. The historic mine sites presented significant public safety hazards in an area that receives more than 4 million visitors annually, including skiers, mountain bikers and hikers, according to the program. The project used custom-designed polyurethane foam and concrete closures to secure the hazardous vertical mine openings. Crews also stabilized the deteriorating foundations of historic mine buildings and headframes. The project was designed to minimize surface disturbance while protecting public safety and preserving important elements of Park City’s mining heritage. The Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program also partnered with the Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History, a local historic preservation organization, to leverage expertise and resources and maximize project funds. “Park City Mountain Resort sees approximately 4 million visitors annually,” said Steve Fluke, Utah Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program manager. “Eliminating the physical hazard of the vertical openings and helping to stabilize the structures directly improved the safety of skiers, mountain bikers and hikers who visit the area around these historic mine sites.” The post Utah Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program receives national award for Summit County project appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less