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PERMIT #: M- 1977 -493 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: ECS <br />INSPECTION DATE: October 1, 2013 <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />This was a routine monitoring inspection for the Climax molybdenum mine, a 112d -3 hard rock mine operated by the <br />Climax Molybdenum Company — a division of Freeport McMoRan. This site is located at the summit of Freemont Pass <br />on Highway 91. DRMS representatives for this inspection, Eric Scott, and Tyler O'Donnell arrived on -site at <br />approximately 1000. DRMS was guided/accompanied on the inspection by Climax representatives Ray Lazuk and Aaron <br />Hilshorst. <br />The DRMS inspection started with an MSHA safety briefing, followed by a general discussion of the site and some items <br />of interest identified by Climax. Some recent groundwater monitoring data was presented to DRMS, and will be <br />summarized in the upcoming annual report. Climax also plans to update the EPP and Groundwater Monitoring Plans as <br />appropriate to reflect recent data, and possibly propose modifications to these plans, over the winter months. DRMS <br />toured the active mill facility before moving on to observe the open pit and McNulty Gulch OSF areas. DRMS noted that <br />the "North 40" low -grade ore storage area has significantly expanded since the previous inspection. Waste rock from <br />active mining continues to be deposited on the previously existing footprint of the McNulty Gulch OSF. Activity related <br />to the expansion of the McNulty Gulch OSF as approved has not yet commenced. <br />One of the issues recently resolved by Climax since the last DRMS inspection was the occasional "upset" of a concrete <br />drop box structure that passes tailings from the mill to the tailings repository during certain operating conditions. These <br />upset events previously resulted in the discharge of a limited amount of mill tailings onto the ground surrounding the box <br />structure. Climax has cleaned up all the tailings that were discharged as a result of these upsets from the ground surface, <br />and has implemented an engineering solution to the box structure to prevent this issue from recurring in the future. Mr. <br />Lazuk stated that no further issues have been noted since the modifications to the drop box structure. <br />Another issue that Climax has been following up on during the 2013 field season is the characterization of recently <br />identified, possibly impacted, groundwater to surface water seep(s) near the base of the reclaimed Stork Yard area. While <br />it was initially suspected by Climax that this feature may only be a result of seasonal runoff /precipitation events, it now <br />appears that this is likely not the case. Climax as collected analytical data from several locations in the area to make an <br />initial characterization of the issue and determine if there are any observable impacts to the surface drainage. At this time, <br />the monitoring data do not show any detectable impacts to surface water in the Arkansas drainage. However, Climax will <br />need to address this issue, and mitigate any impacted groundwater to surface water discharge that may be occurring at this <br />location. Mr. Lazuk stated that additional information continues to be gathered by Climax to this end so that an <br />appropriate remediation can be implemented, if needed. DRMS will evaluate the data and any potential remedial plans as <br />provided by Climax. Because CDPHE is the primary regulatory entity for surface water quality, DRMS also instructed <br />Climax to contact CDPHE regarding the seeps, so that CDPHE can determine if they wish to become involved in this <br />matter. DRMS also visited the Robinson Lake, and Eagle Park Reservoir to discuss groundwater monitoring in these <br />areas. Climax has also been proactive in gathering additional data to help characterize the groundwater hydrology in this <br />area. <br />There is still a significant amount of construction activity on -site associated with the restart of full -scale mining <br />operations. DRMS observed the location of a new production well installed during the 2013 field season for the new <br />water treatment plant. More area was disturbed for the well installation than would be ideal, but Climax has already <br />implemented storm water BMP's for the area, and seeded the disturbed area to promote rapid revegetation. Construction <br />of the new water treatment plant, the Mayflower TSF emergency bypass tunnel, and many other related projects is <br />ongoing. Tailings are currently being deposited in the Tenmile TSF area. <br />Inspection Contact Address <br />Ray Lazuk <br />Climax Molybdenum Company <br />Highway 91, Fremont Pass <br />Climax, CO 80429 <br />Page 2 of 2 <br />