The proximity of underground mines to urban and developed lands in Illinois

Myers, Alan R.; Obrad, Jennifer M.; Hagar, Samantha L.; Korose, Christopher P.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129800 Copy

Description

Title

The proximity of underground mines to urban and developed lands in Illinois

Author(s)

• Myers, Alan R.
• Obrad, Jennifer M.
• Hagar, Samantha L.
• Korose, Christopher P.

Contributor(s)

Mahat, Sunita

Issue Date

2025

Keyword(s)

Mining

Date of Ingest

2025-10-23T14:29:12-05:00

Abstract

Mine subsidence is the downward movement of the ground surface after a failure of support in an underground mine. Mine subsidence can take place gradually or quickly and can happen over a large area or as a pit that opens at the surface. Both types of downward movement can cause damage to overlying structures and subsequent loss of property value. Although most mine subsidence events in Illinois are related to coal mines due to the extensive area underlain by coal mines, some of which utilized high extraction mining practices, subsidence can occur over other mine types as well. It is important that planners, developers, local government officials, and landowners are made aware of the general locations of undermined areas and their potential impact on existing communities and future development. Results of this study found that over 360,100 housing units representing a population of roughly 904,000 (average 2.51 people per household; U.S. Census Bureau 2023) are located in close proximity to underground mines and may potentially be exposed to subsidence. Approximately 323,500 acres of urban and developed lands overlie or are immediately adjacent to underground mines.

Publisher

Champaign, Ill.: Illinois State Geological Survey, Prairie Research Institute.

Series/Report Name or Number

Circular ; no. 612

Type of Resource

text

Genre of Resource

technical report

Language

eng

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

Sponsored by the Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund (IMSIF)

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2025 Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

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