Indiana is home to a wide variety of mineral resources. The Division of Reclamation oversees the mining and restoration of land disturbed for the extraction of coal, clay, shale and oil shale. Another division of the IDNR, the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil and Gas - Home, permit and inspect oil and natural gas production facilities.
In addition, sand, gravel and crushed stone are mined extensively. Dimension limestone, peat, marl, and gypsum are also found throughout Indiana. The management and oversight of these materials is usually within the jurisdiction of local entities. Typically these are overseen through local zoning criteria, local air pollution boards, County Engineers, County Commissioners, or other local offices.
Although these other mineral operations are not regulated comprehensively, some individual aspects may require permits or compliance with State or federal programs.
Questions regarding the volume of water potentially impacted should be directed to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water. Construction activity within a natural waterway may necessitate a Construction in a Floodway Permit, also from the IDNR Division of Water.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) administers programs for water quality as well as air pollution and erosion controls. The certification, permitting and use of explosives are under the IDHS: Regulated Explosives Use. Questions or concerns about active blasting operations go to IDHS-Code Enforcement Section at 317.232.2391. Mine safety is a combined effort of the Indiana Department of Labor Bureau of Mines, and the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) - Coal Mine Safety and Health housed in the U.S. Department of Labor.
Highway access, road debris and “tracking”, loose loads and other highway related issues may be pursued with either the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), or the Indiana State Police (ISP).
The Indiana Geological Survey Home Page (IGS) maintains maps, production data, resource location and characteristics, and other information. They are located on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
Additional sources of industry information: