In 2016, Chaney Enterprises partnered with Silver Companies to mine a 1,200-acre tract of farmland in Woodford, Virginia, with one condition: for every section mined, another would be reclaimed and restored to its former productivity—or better.
The partnership introduced a “10-10-10” approach: preparing 10 acres, mining 10 acres, and reclaiming 10 acres in rotation. This method minimizes environmental disruption and accelerates restoration.
Over the past nine years, roughly 250 acres have been mined, reclaimed, and returned to active agricultural use. What began as depleted soil has now evolved into flourishing fields that support premium horse hay production, much of which is exported to Wellington, Florida, a hub for the U.S. equestrian industry.
“We are proud to partner with Chaney Enterprises on this project,” said Larry D. Silver, CEO of Silver Companies. “Their commitment to going above and beyond in the reclamation process reflects respect for both the land and our community’s future.”
The transformation wasn’t without setbacks. Early reclamation attempts faced low yields and poor soil health. Determined to find a solution, Chaney partnered with Virginia Tech to conduct a three-year soil study, working with graduate researchers to analyze soil composition and drainage patterns.
Using findings from the study, the team redesigned the soil profile, incorporated biosolids and organic matter, and used deep ripping techniques to alleviate compaction and enhance root growth. The results exceeded expectations—reclaimed fields are now yielding at rates higher than before mining began.
The project’s reclamation practices, which include erosion control, pond creation, and careful topsoil layering, have since been recognized by the Virginia Department of Energy for excellence in mine safety and reclamation.
The Woodford property extends well beyond its mining footprint. Within the same 1,200 acres sits The Lodge at Moss Neck, a luxury countryside retreat and working farm that highlights the success of the restoration process.
Constructed from locally sourced timbers like cedar and cherry, the Lodge incorporates sustainable materials, renewable energy, and farm-to-table operations. On-site apiaries, hydroponic systems, and pasture rotations produce honey, eggs, and fresh produce used in its culinary offerings.
“The Lodge at Moss Neck has long been our private retreat,” said Spencer Silver, President of Silver Companies. “We’re now sharing its exclusivity and connection to the land with guests who value sustainability.”
Reclamation laws typically require mined land to be made usable, but Chaney’s work goes far beyond compliance. Each acre is returned to a level of fertility that often surpasses pre-mining conditions, while preserving local hydrology and biodiversity.
In recognition, the 2025 Virginia Mineral Mine Reclamation Awards highlighted Chaney’s project as a benchmark for environmental leadership within the construction materials industry.
For Chaney Enterprises, the Woodford site serves as both a business asset and a community legacy—showing that sustainability and profitability can reinforce, not oppose, one another.
Mining operations at the site are expected to continue through 2030–2031, with reclamation progressing section by section. The company plans for the land to ultimately include productive farmland, ponds, and open conservation spaces, providing long-term benefits to the local environment and economy.
