Chapter 5: Outdoor Safety
Abandoned Mines
Every year, dozens are injured or killed at abandoned mine
sites.
In 2004, 35 people died in the U.S. in non-mining related
accidents on mine property. In Pennsylvania, 26 people have
lost their lives while illegally on abandoned mine and quarry
property. While hunting or trapping, do not trespass on these
areas.
Stay
Out! Stay Alive!
- Pennsylvania is home to approximately 250,000 acres of
abandoned mine lands as a result of decades of unregulated
mining.
- Abandoned mine openings may be unmarked or unprotected
at the surface and can be hundreds of feet deep.
- Openings covered by decaying material may give way under
the slightest weight.
- Unmarked mine shafts and tunnels can be hundreds of feet
deep and will swallow you without a trace.
- Unstable cliffs, water-filled pits, old explosives and
abandoned buildings all add to the danger.
- To report the location of an abandoned mine or quarry,
please contact Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental
Protection, Bureau of Mine Safety at:
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation
Rachel Carson State Office Building
400 Market Street, P.O. Box 8476
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8476
724-439-7469
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