2025 Mineral Mine Safety and Reclamation Award Winners Honored at VTCA Annual Meeting

The Virginia Department of Energy (Virginia Energy) honored outstanding achievements in mineral mine safety and land reclamation during the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance (VTCA) Annual Meeting on June 21 at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Presented in partnership with VTCA – which represents more than 90% of Virginia’s mineral mine production – the awards recognize operators who go above and beyond regulatory requirements to protect workers, restore land, and contribute to the Commonwealth’s economy and environment.

“These awards highlight what responsible mineral mining looks like – prioritizing safety, land stewardship, and being a good neighbor,” said Phil Skorupa, Director of the Division of Mineral Mining. “We’re proud to honor companies that are setting the standard not only for operational excellence but also for how they care for their workers, their land, and their communities.”

This year’s winners represent a cross-section of Virginia’s mineral mining industry, which continues to play a vital role in powering the Commonwealth’s economy. In 2024, Virginia’s mineral mining operations produced more than 70 million tons of materials valued at $1.9 billion (USGS estimate), employed over 10,000 Virginians, and reclaimed nearly 1,500 acres of mined lands – primarily for pasture (49%), commercial use (37%), and forestry (9%).

2025 Mineral Mine Reclamation Awards

Selected by the Virginia Orphan Land Advisory Committee, three non-quarry sand and gravel operations received honors for exemplary reclamation efforts. These awards recognize responsible land restoration through best practices in grading, erosion control, and sustainable reuse.

Overall Winner – Non-Quarry

• Iluka Resources Inc., Old Hickory Mine (Dinwiddie County)

Honorable Mentions – Non-Quarry

• Branscome Operating LLC, Hofmeyer Mine (Dinwiddie County)
• Chaney Enterprises LP, Moss Neck Mine (Caroline County)

2025 Mineral Mine Safety Awards

Eight companies earned recognition for exceptional safety performance during the 2024 calendar year. Collectively, these operations worked over 410,000 hours without a single lost-time injury – an impressive achievement demonstrating the industry’s deep commitment to workplace safety.

Quarry Operations

Open Pit Operations