The Missouri Mining Commission protects public health, safety and the environment from the adverse effects of mining and assures the beneficial restoration of mined lands. Established by Missouri Revised Statutes, section 444.520, RSMo, the commission is responsible for issuing mining permits and overseeing Missouri’s Abandoned Mine Land program. The commission establishes rules and regulations for mining activities and oversees investigations and inspections necessary to ensure compliance. The commission conducts hearings and, when necessary, may revoke a permit, order a forfeiture of bonds or stop operations at a facility for failure to comply. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Land Reclamation Program assists the commission in its duties.
Commission Meetings
The commission meets at least six times a year. Agenda items vary, but they typically include public hearings, actions on rules, requests for variances or work related to compliance issues. The public is welcome to attend these meetings, which may be in person, by conference call or through Webex. The department cannot guarantee the quality of the Webex or conference call options. The department attempts to correct any technical difficulties as they arise, but the meeting will not be subject to change or repeat due to any technical difficulties.
If you would like to address the commission on any agenda item, you will need to notify the department before the meeting. You can do this by emailing the commission secretary at steffanie.ruppel@dnr.mo.gov if attending by Webex or conference call. If attending in person, you can complete a Speaker Request form that will be available at the registration table at the meeting.
Upcoming Meetings
Meeting Video Attendance Available! |
Lewis and Clark State Office Building
LaCharrette/ Nightingale Conference Rooms 1101 Riverside Drive Jefferson City, Missouri |
More Info: Join the January 23, 2025, meeting using Webex |
Meeting Video Attendance Available! |
Lewis and Clark State Office Building
LaCharrette/ Nightingale Conference Rooms 1101 Riverside Drive Jefferson City, Missouri |
More Info: Join the April 24,2025, meeting using Webex |
Meeting Video Attendance Available! |
Lewis and Clark State Office Building
LaCharrette/ Nightingale Conference Rooms 1101 Riverside Drive Jefferson City, Missouri |
More Info: Join the July 24, 2025, meeting using Webex |
Past Meetings
Members
Dr. Gregory Haddock, Associate Provost of Graduate Studies and Special Programs
Chair Representing: Public |
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO |
|
Mike Larsen
Vice-Chair Representing: Public |
Jefferson City, MO | |
Carey Bridges, RG, Missouri Geological Survey Director
Member Representing: State Geologist |
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Rolla, MO |
|
John Hoke, Water Protection Program Director
Member Representing: MoDNR Staff Contact, Clean Water Commission |
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Jefferson City, MO |
|
Kevin James
Member Representing: Public |
Salem, MO | |
David Thorne, Policy Supervisor
Member Representing: Missouri Department of Conservation |
Missouri Department of Conservation
Jefferson City, MO |
|
Chris Williams
Member Representing: Public |
Carl Junction, MO | |
Vacant
Member Representing: Public |
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Christopher Wendelbo
Attorney General's Office Contact Representing: Missouri Mining Commission |
Missouri Attorney General's Office P.O. Box 899 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0899 |
8168892047 |
Guy Frazier, Land Reclamation Program Director
MoDNR Staff Contact |
Missouri Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 |
573-751-4041 |
Steffanie Ruppel
MoDNR Staff Assistant Contact |
Missouri Department of Natural Resources PO Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 |
573-751-4041 steffanie.ruppel@dnr.mo.gov |
Commission Structure
The Missouri Mining Commission is made up of eight members, five of which are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. All members must have an interest in and knowledge of conservation and land reclamation.
- State geologist
- Staff director of the Land Reclamation Program
- Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation
- Staff director of the Clean Water Commission
- Four members of the public, one of which must have training and experience in surface mining
- Only one member of the commission may have a direct link with the mining industry
- No more than three of the appointed members may be from the same political party
Commissioners serve four-year terms and until successors are selected and qualified. If you are interested in serving on this commission, a current Application for Gubernatorial Appointment is required for consideration. You can apply online on the Missouri Boards and Commissions website.
Contact Information
Land Reclamation Program
Missouri Geological Survey
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176
United States