Program: abandoned hardrock mine reclamation (AHMR) programaward purpose: the abandoned hardrock mine reclamation (AHMR) program will provide funding to states and U.S. Territories to inventory,…

The Department of the Interior Departmental Offices Interior Business Center awarded the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality $250,000 on October 1, 2025, under the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Reclamation (AHMR) Program (CFDA 15.099).

The award funds inventory, assessment, decommissioning, reclamation, remediation of hazardous substance releases on, and remediation of abandoned hardrock mine lands on state and private lands in Arizona. Eligible activities include land and water resources used for or affected by hardrock mining activities that were abandoned or left in inadequate reclamation status prior to the Infrastructure and Jobs Act of 2021. Priority focus areas are local communities impacted by abandoned hardrock mining activities, including impacted water resources, to improve public health and safety and return land to productive uses.

Performance period runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030. Work is performed in Arizona. The award is assistance type Project Grant. Activities must comply with the Uniform Guidance for Grants and Agreements (2 CFR 200), Build America Buy America, Davis-Bacon Act, and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requirements.

Activities

This grant funds the arizona department of environmental quality to perform the following activities: inventory, assess, decommission, reclaim, respond to hazardous substance releases on, and remediate abandoned hardrock mine (AML) lands on state and private lands. Eligible activities include land and water resources that were used for, or affected by, hardrock mining activities, and abandoned or left in an inadequate reclamation status prior to the passage of the infrastructure and jobs act of 2021. Priority areas including those local communities impacted by abandoned hardrock mining activities, including impacted water resources to improve public health and safety and return land to productive uses. Activities funded by this grant must comply with the uniform guidance for grants and agreements (2 CFR 200), build america buy america, davis-bacon act, and infrastructure investment and jobs act, and include all costs necessary to conduct and manage the approved project.expected deliverables or outcomes: 1.respond, characterize and mitigate safety hazards associated with hardrock mining sites and or associated features.2.improve water quality, groundwater, and surface water quality in areas of historic mining sites.3.evaluate sites that are located near drainage areas and riparian areas for remediation activities. 4.advance the protection of public health and property from effects of hardrock mining activities on state and private lands. 5.assess, inventory, reclaim, and remediate abandoned hardrock mine sites found on state and private lands.6.restore water resources, lands, and sites to productive uses, including agricultural, recreational, traditional, and natural resources development.

Intended beneficiaries

The public benefits directly and indirectly from the funded project that addresses abandoned hardrock mining activities and increases site safety. This investment in state programs across the country will grow the economy, provide opportunities in areas adversely impacted by a loss of mining jobs, continue the inventory of critical minerals, and return lands to a variety of productive uses. These activities provide important economic opportunities for local communities and long-term benefits to the public. Information and data collected by this project will be made available as applicable. Subrecipient activities (if known or specified at time of award): one subaward will be issued to the arizona state inspectors office to update and digitalize historical records and maps of abandoned hardrock mines in arizona.