Colorado Joins National Safety Awareness Campaign

The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS) is part of a national campaign to remind everyone that abandoned mines are dangerous. The “Stay Out–Stay Alive" national public awareness campaign sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) aims to warn the public about the dangers of exploring and playing on abandoned mine sites. The campaign is a partnership of more than 80 federal and state agencies, and private individuals. Of the estimated 23,000 abandoned mines in Colorado, 7,000 have been made safe by the DRMS. Colorado receives approximately $2.5 million a year from the U.S. Department of the Interior for these activities and safeguards over 300 mines each year. The funds come from reclamation fees paid by current coal mine operators.

Mine openings often appear safe to explore, but in fact they are dangerous and can contain unstable soil, unsafe roofs and ladders, deadly gases, poisonous snakes and dangerous explosives. The closures or warnings around abandoned mine hazards are in place to remind visitors to enjoy the outdoors, but play it safe by keeping out of abandoned mines.

“Outdoor recreation near abandoned mines requires caution, our records show that since 1955 abandoned mines have claimed 18 lives,” said Ron Cattany, Director of the RMS. “Because funds are limited for our safety program, abandoned mine education programs are increasingly important, and we need everyone’s help to remind people to stay out and stay alive.”