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III.A.1 Mine Openings The underground access to the coal seams is provided by an open -cut bench <br />and inclined rock tunnels. A cross section of a typical mine portal is shown in Figure III -1. <br />III.A.1.a Portal - D Seam This Portal consists of two rock tunnels: one two-compartment tunnel and <br />one single - compartment tunnel. The two- compartment tunnel is separated by a steel divider. The <br />upper compartment contains the coal conveyor belt, and the lower compartment contains an inclined <br />track for transportation of men and materials. The single - compartment tunnel is used for ventilation <br />and to provide a secondary escapeway. These tunnels were driven N23 0E until the coal seam was <br />intercepted. Once in the coal, bottom development began during which the number of entries driven <br />gradually increased from two to six. (See Map 119.) <br />III.A.1.b Ventilation Entries - D Seam As soon as bottom development was complete and the West <br />Mains were started, a set of four entries (the South Submains) was started toward the Ventilation <br />Entries. The South Submains were driven at S61 0E for about 7300 feet to the intersection with the <br />Ventilation Entries. The Ventilation Entries (2) were driven at S450W for about 1500 feet to the outcrop. <br />These entries were sealed in 2000 and the surface facilities at the site (a.k.a. East Portals) were <br />reclaimed in 2001. <br />III.A.1.c Portal - B Seam This portal is located about 100 feet southeast of the northeast comer of the <br />change house. Its design is similar to the D- Portal. It is about 18' wide and 10' high. The slope leading <br />to the B -Seam is about 450 feet long at 8.50 dip. See Map 101. <br />III.A.1.d Ventilation Entries - B Seam The B Seam ventilation will be provided by the same intake <br />fans as the D Seam by way of short rock tunnels. These tunnels will originate in the D Seam West <br />Mains Entries and ramp down to the B Seam. Additionally, two ventilation exhaust shafts are located <br />along the 'B- Mains' workings to assist in ventilation control. See Maps 147, 151, and 156. <br />III.A.2 Minina Systems <br />Lonawall vs. Room and Pillar Mining BME has designed the mining system to permit the optimum <br />recovery of the coal reserves in the safest and most economical manner. <br />Permit Renewal #6 (01/2014) 111 -2 <br />