At Peabody, we believe land on which we operate is more than a valuable resource. The
stewardship of the land, from exploration to mine closure, underpins our commitment to
sustainability. Peabody is committed to minimizing our footprint through efficient mine
planning and the progressive restoration of areas disturbed by mining activities.
As part of this strategy, Peabody is dedicated to implementing programs and practices
that protect people, reduce environmental impact, prevent uncontrolled releases or
structural failures, and limit liabilities associated with postmining closure and
rehabilitation. We prioritize the proper oversight of all facilities, ensuring that they
are operated in compliance with their design specifications to mitigate risks to both
communities and the environment. This strategy ensures positive post-mine land use,
landform, biodiversity, and environmental outcomes.
Before mining, we conduct thorough comprehensive baseline studies of local ecosystems,
geology, water, and land use to develop the detailed assessments required for mine
permit approvals. These assessments also guide our mine planning process to minimize
impacts, respect critical habitats, and achieve cost-effective reclamation that supports
biodiversity outcomes post-mining.
Prior to the development of any above-ground storage facility, a comprehensive options
analysis is undertaken. This evaluation addresses life-of-mine storage needs, disposal
methods, potential environmental and community impacts, operational management
considerations, and closure obligations. The management of mineral waste in our tailings
impoundments plays a critical role in minimizing the impact of mining for communities,
the environment, and our operations.
Where feasible, our preferred strategy is to store mineral waste below ground level
within available mining voids. If above ground storage is necessary, detailed designs
are developed in compliance with both local and federal regulations. Throughout
construction and operation of each impoundment, regular assessments by qualified,
independent engineers ensure conformity with design specifications, monitoring regimes,
and maintenance protocols, consistent with Peabody’s Coal Waste Containment standard.
We regularly assess the effectiveness of our reclamation practices, track our progress
at each site, and prioritize progressive reclamation through our incentive compensation
metrics. To ensure regulatory compliance is achieved and Peabody’s standards are
implemented, relevant staff receive training on permit conditions and site practices
controls. Where applicable, Peabody also engages with our stakeholders, including
Traditional Owners and Indigenous groups, to incorporate their knowledge and perspective
into the reclamation practice that will shape post-mine land use.
Since the 1960s, Peabody has served as a leader in reclamation performance and
industry-leading practices, and that proud history continues today. Our dedicated
reclamation staff are leaders in the science and methodology that have supported our
performance. By investing in ongoing and progressive land restoration, we have enabled
new uses and redevelopment of former mine sites, including opportunities for renewable
energy projects on reclaimed land, recreational areas for conservation, and housing
developments in mining communities.
Successful land restoration is a metric within Peabody’s executive compensation program,
with a target of reclaiming as much, or more, land than we disturb annually. This
approach balances cost-optimized operational excellence and our commitment to minimizing
environmental impacts from our mines.
Peabody has established an annual target to restore one acre of mined land for every
acre disturbed. In 2025, we surpassed this benchmark by grading 2,629 acres and
revegetating 3,269 acres of mined land, equivalent to 1.6 acres graded and 2.0 acres
revegetated for every acre affected by mining. Our progressive land practices also
resulted in $45.1 million in bond releases and contributed to revitalizing wildlife
habitats, rangelands, forests, prime farmland, grazing areas, and wetlands.