Element Definition
Active coal mines are defined as surface or underground coal mining operations that are permitted and actively producing coal at the time of data compilation. For this element, active coal mines include only mines identified as active in authoritative state or federal mining datasets. Inactive, abandoned, reclaimed, or permitted-but-not-operating mines are not included.
Mapped Feature Description
This element is displayed as point and polygon features representing the reported locations and permitted extents of active coal mining operations in Illinois. Feature geometry reflects mine portals, surface mine boundaries, or other spatial representations provided in the source datasets. The map does not depict subsurface mine workings beyond reported extents, production volumes, blasting zones, or post-mining land-use plans.
Source: Coal Mines in Illinois (ILMINES)
Suitability Classifications
See how to use suitability classifications.
| Classification | Criteria (Distance, Miles) |
|---|---|
| Less Suitable | N/A |
| Suitable | Within |
| More Suitable | 0.5-1 |
| Most Suitable | >1 |
| More Information Needed | N/A |