By Scout Nelson
Hamm, Inc., a prominent player in the Kansas mining industry, has been recognized with the prestigious 2024 Governor’s Mined Land Reclamation Award. Presented by the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Conservation on January 9, 2025, this award celebrates Hamm's successful reclamation of the Onaga, Kansas rock quarry site. The company’s commitment to restoring mined land exemplifies responsible environmental stewardship.
Over a span of less than four years, Hamm, Inc. mined over two million tons of rock from the Onaga quarry and fully restored 48 acres to their natural state. The site, initially utilized for extracting quality construction aggregate crucial for a nearby renewable energy wind farm project, now flourishes as a restored prairie.
The reclamation efforts at the Onaga quarry involved meticulous restoration of the topography to ensure natural water retention and the establishment of native grasslands. The property now boasts a vibrant ecosystem of native grassland prairie, wetland flora and fauna, and serves as grazing land for cattle. Additionally, a newly created pond enhances the site’s biodiversity, providing a habitat for local wildlife and a water resource for agricultural use.
This award underscores Hamm, Inc.'s role in promoting a positive image of the mining industry by demonstrating that mined lands can be successfully reclaimed and reintegrated into the natural environment. Their work not only supports local industries but also contributes to the ecological health of the region.
Hamm, Inc., headquartered in Perry, Kansas, operates 16 aggregate quarries and employs over 500 people across the state, further cementing its status as a key player in the Kansas mining sector.
Photo Credits:kansas-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Kansas, Energy, Government & Policy