Mining
Data
Datasets
Updated Mountaintop Mining Data
Annual mine footprints from 1985–2024. These data are updated versions of those published in the Original Mountaintop Mining dataset. Data for the most recent year (2025) is provided as a provisional data layer; this is indicated in file names. Additional changes could arise from subsequent updates to our US Census Bureau data mask. Provisional data will be updated to a final version when the next annual update is published.
MSS Detecting Mountaintop Mining Data
Provisional annual mine footprints from 1973–1984, derived from Landsat MSS imagery
Mine Land Recovery
These data were created with the support of a grant from the National Geographic Society. Information about our methodology can be found in the Central Appalachian Mine Reforestation Assessment Report.
Original Mountaintop Mining Data
Annual mine footprints from 1985–2015, created for the publication of the “Mapping the yearly extent of surface coal mining in Central Appalachia using Landsat and Google Earth Engine” paper published in PLOS in 2018. These data are no longer updated; for updated data see: Annual Mining 1985–2024.