2014-03-17_PERMIT FILE - P2011012

• Permit No: P2011012
• IBM Index Class Name: PERMIT FILE
• Doc Date: 3/17/2014
• Doc Name: Decision to deny or withdraw NOI
• From: DRMS
• To: RM Potash
• Email Name: RCO
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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DIVISION OF RECLAMATION, MINING AND SAFETY
Department of Natural Resources
1313 Sherman St., Room 215
Denver, Colorado 80203
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
March 17, 2014
STATE OF COLORADO
COLORADO
D IV[ S ION OF
RECLAMATION
MINING
SAFETY
John W. Hickenlooper
Governor
Mike King
Executive Director
Jon Thorson
Loretta E. Pirieda
RM Potash Director
3611 South Xenia Street
Denver, CO 80237
Re: Colorado Potash Project, NOI P- 2011 -012, Division Decision or Applicant Withdrawal Required
Dear Mr. Thorson,
The Division initially received the drilling project application, Colorado Potash Project, from RM Potash
on May 19, 2011. We understand that the project has presented, and continues to present, technical
complexities requiring an extended timeframe beyond that necessary for the type of drilling project
typically submitted to our agency for review. A similar situation is ongoing with the project review by
the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), partly due to the need for submitting an environmental
analysis.
The Division has, as you are well aware, remained in contact with you during the project review, through
written correspondence, emails, phone calls, and even meetings with the BLM and your consultant. Our
office has approved numerous extensions of the review period, when it appeared that the file still lacked
the technical adequacy materials required for reaching a positive decision and for a reasonably estimating
the reclamation bond amount. Generous time has been allowed during the process, nevertheless, the
technical adequacy materials are still lacking and the notice cannot be approved.
Pursuant to the Hard Rock and Metals Rules and Regulations, specifically Rule 5.1.3(c), the Division may
extend the technical review of a prospecting notice up to 60 days. However, early in the review process
we acknowledged the need for extra time, and we accordingly approved it.
As of this date, we are fast approaching the three -year anniversary of the submittal of this prospecting
notice. The Division has determined that we cannot extend the decision date for more than 30 days from
the date of this letter. The decision date for this NOI, file P- 2011 -012, is set for April 16, 2014. At that
time the Division will assess the adequacy of the materials that have been provided toward the
requirements, and if the NOI is still insufficient for approval, the NOI will be denied. Alternatively, you
may submit a written request to withdraw the NOI, and the file may be closed in that manner.
This action must be taken by this office. However, this action will remove a looming agency deadline
and allow RM Potash sufficient time to prepare the materials needed for another NOI submittal.
Application for another NOI may be submitted for this project, containing substantially identical
materials, plus the additional materials produced to satisfy our office and the BLM. Our review time of a
new NOI is expected to be much shorter the next time around, and we will have the information needed to
set a bond amount that satisfies the BLM and our office.
Office of Office of
Mined Land Reclamation Denver • Grand Junction • Durango Active and Inactive Mines