Alabama § 9-1-6 - Declaration of Public Policy and Legislative Intent; Measure of Damages for the Unauthorized Removal of Coal; Retroactive Application of Section.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 9-1-6 — Declaration of Public Policy and Legislative Intent; Measure of Damages for the Unauthorized Removal of Coal; Retroactive Application of Section., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 9-1-6. Declaration of Public Policy and Legislative Intent; Measure of Damages for the Unauthorized Removal of Coal; Retroactive Application of Section.
(a) The objective of this section is to specify the measure of damages for the unauthorized removal of coal in Alabama. It is declared that the extraction of coal provides a major present and future source of energy and is an essential and necessary activity which contributes to the economic and material well-being of the state. In the absence of a reasonable measure of damages as specified in this section, confusion could result in the coal industry causing financial distress and unemployment, and may cause the abandonment and prevent the use of many coal mines. This state has a public interest in removing this hazard and precluding this confusion and distress without doing violence to private rights.
(b) The measure of damages in any civil action for the unauthorized extraction, severance, injury or removal of coal from land, including but not limited to, action for trespass or conversion, when the extraction, severance, injury or removal is in good faith shall be the fair market value of the coal in place before severance as of the time of extraction, severance, injury or removal. The fair market value of the coal in place shall be calculated as the royalty rate prevailing at the time and place of severance.
The measure of damages in all other civil actions for the unauthorized extraction, severance, injury or removal of coal from land, including but not limited to, actions for trespass or conversion, shall be the fair market value of the coal after severance, at the time and place of severance, without allowance for labor and expenses.
(c) This article shall apply to causes of action and actions then existing or thereafter arising when this article becomes effective.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 9-1-6
What does Code of Alabama § 9-1-6 cover?
Section 9-1-6 ("Declaration of Public Policy and Legislative Intent; Measure of Damages for the Unauthorized Removal of Coal; Retroactive Application of Section.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 9-1-6?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 9-1-6" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 9-1-6 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.