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March 23, 2026
Virginia Energy Recognizes Excellence in Reclamation in the Commonwealth’s Mineral Mining Industry
Luck Stone Corporation’s Rockville Plant in Goochland County took top honors for exemplary reclamation in 2023 from the Virginia Department of Energy (Virginia Energy). Three other mine sites were awarded for going above and beyond regulatory requirements when reclaiming the land in areas where mining was complete.
“Reclamation is key to protecting our water, animals and, most importantly, the people that live near a Virginia mineral mining site,” said Virginia Energy Director of Mineral Mining Phil Skorupa. “Going above and beyond the regulations to be a good steward and an exemplary neighbor deserves recognition and we applaud these companies for doing just that.”
The following mines were recognized for their reclamation efforts:
Overall Winner and Best Quarry:
Luck Stone Corporation’s Rockville Plant created a unique reclamation project that includes a pavilion overlooking the quarry where the company hosts tours to local schools and other visitors providing a first-hand look at the mining cycle. In addition, one mined area was reclaimed to a vineyard and orchard. Three honeybee hives were also installed to provide associates with local honey. The company also realized the value of not mining in an area that holds 100,000 tons of reserves to better serve the public.
Best Non-Quarry:
Nestle Purina Petcare is the largest employer of King William County and has operated since 1991. The clay mined here is used in Purina Tidy Cats cat litter. The company’s sustainability and environmental goals were reached when reclaiming over 50 acres where
mining was completed. After the site was regraded to avoid any water runoff issues, a wildflower and pollinator seed mix was planted.
Honorable Mention Quarry:
J.S.G Corporation’s operation in James City County reforested areas where mining had been completed in consultation with the Virginia Department of Forestry. Pine trees and native foliage were planted after the area was reclaimed to prevent any problems from water runoff. A pond was also constructed to catch any sediment from mining activity and now is home to native wildlife.
Honorable Mention Non-Quarry:
Vulcan Construction Materials, LLC Puddledock Sand and Gravel site in Prince George County overcame acidic runoff and challenging soil to reclaim 13 acres. This project began in the early 2000’s. The company designed a water treatment plan and successfully overcame soil issues to finally see a successful plant growth on the area that had once been mined.
C.S. Mundy’s Star Tannery received a national award for reclamation from the Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC). That award was presented that the IMCC’s annual meeting in Alaska in June. When reclamation began in 2012, the company faced several issues in getting the proper slope for erosion control in an area where mining was complete. A difficult soil base and lack of topsoil meant extra time, money and experts were needed. The crew at the Star Tannery Mine did not quit and their efforts paid off. The area was properly reclaimed with all water protections in place.
This year’s winners were chosen by Virginia’s Orphan Land Advisory Committee. The companies will be awarded at the annual Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance (VTCA) conference in Virginia Beach on July 13th.
