October 24, 2026 - Iowa has started four projects totaling nearly $4.9 million to restore approximately 150 acres of abandoned coal mine land in Mahaska and Marion counties.

Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig announced the work Oct. 20, saying reclamation will improve soil and water conditions while preparing former mine sites for productive use. Nine additional projects are under construction, and 21 more are being planned or designed.

The latest work includes the nine-acre Memmelaar West project in Mahaska County, costing approximately $469,000, and the 36-acre Paul Todd project in Marion County, costing about $1.04 million. The adjoining Wilcox East and Noah sites in Marion County cover 105 acres under a combined construction package of roughly $3.4 million. Completion is anticipated in December 2027.

Iowa’s abandoned surface coal mine lands can contain unstable embankments, steep exposed walls, water-filled pits, obstructed waterways and acidic soils. Reclamation addresses those conditions and supports future farming, conservation and recreation.

Over more than four decades, the state has restored 7,195 acres through investments approaching $117 million. Federal support comes through the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, with approximately $8.44 million going to Iowa this year.