Solid mineral (including sand and gravel) mines do not require a mining permit from the Department of Energy and Natural Resources, but may require several permits from other federal, state, parish or other municipal government agencies. Anyone planning to operate a non-coal mine in Louisiana may refer to the Permitting section below for important contact information. Please understand that the list and information presented below is not all-inclusive. It is the responsibility of the prospective non-coal mine operator to determine the appropriate regulatory process for permitting and operating a non-coal mine.

• Department of Environmental Quality
  The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) should be contacted for a for a Water Discharge Permit. ALL earth-moving operations greater than 1/2 Acre require an LPDES permit, even "closed-loop" operations. For more information, contact Kim Corts, (225) 219-3208, DEQ Water Permits Division.
• Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
• The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) should be contacted to determine if the proposed mine needs a permit for activities within jurisdiction. For Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act laws and regulations, contact Chris Davis at (225) 765-2642. For Wildlife Diversity Program concerns, contact Carolyn Michon at 337-735-8734.
• Mine Safety and Health Administration
  The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) should be contacted for a mine identification number and for information regarding the MSHA Safety Training requirements.
• US Army Corps of Engineers
  The US Army Corps of Engineers should be contacted for a permit under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
• Parish Police Jury or Parish Council 
  Contact the Parish Police Jury or Parish Council for the parish where the mine is planned to be located to determine whether a mining or pond permit may be required under the individual parish ordinances.

Most written procedures on mine reclamation are designed for coal mining, but the general concepts can apply to any type of surface mine and include, at the least:

• Identify planned post-mining land use
• Remove equipment and facilities
• Grade the site
• Revegetate

• Louisiana DEQ Sand and Gravel BMP Manual
  National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
• Abandoned Mines
  Conservation Practice Standard 543 and Statement of Work 543
• Current Mines
  Conservation Practice Standard 544 and Statement of Work 544
• Mining Specifications for Prime Farmland
• Louisiana Statewide Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Plan (in progress)