The surface geology of the Kosse Mine is dominated by the Eocene-aged Calvert Bluff Formation, which is mostly composed of "mudstone with various amounts of sandstone, lignite, ironstone concretions, and in the uppermost part, locally glauconitic" (Proctor et al. 1970). The floodplain of Steele Creek and the lower reaches of its largest tributaries (Owens Creek and Polecat Creek) are dominated by Holocene alluvial deposits that include "indistinct low terrace deposits; gravel, sand, silt, silty clay, and organic matter" (Proctor et al. 1970). Some of the gravel in the Holocene alluvial deposits may have been suitable for knapping by local prehistoric populations and is the most likely raw material source for the chert and quartzite lithic artifacts recovered during previous survey within the mine (cf. Dixon and Sherman 2010; Sherman and Watkins 2007; Sherman et al. 2006). The sandstone and ironstone in the Calvert Bluff Formation, if it outcrops locally, may have served as a raw material resource for prehistoric populations for making ground stone tools and grinding implements or for use in roasting pits (see Sherman et al. 2007). Significant deposits of clay suitable for pottery manufacture were recorded in southern Limestone County and northern Robertson County, and specifically, near Headsville (Potter and McKnight 1931). A large outcrop of kaolinite, which appeared to have been exploited at least historically, was identified at site 41LT424 (Sherman and Watkins 2007). ........

The Kosse Mine began extracting lignite (coal) in 2007. Surface mining operations is conventional open pits excavated by large draglines and supported by standard earth moving equipment. Kosse Mine Renewal/Expansion Continued mining of the Kosse Mine by the proposed Kosse Mine Renewal/Expansion would provide Luminant Generation Company LLC with reliable access to an additional reserve of low cost lignite resources. Surface mining operations would continue with conventional open pits excavated by large draglines and supported by standard earth moving equipment such as front-end loaders, hydraulic excavators, hydraulic backhoes, haulers, motor graders, dozers, end dumps, and scrapers.