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PERMIT #: M-1977-493 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: ECS <br />INSPECTION DATE: July 7, 2015 <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />This was a routine monitoring inspection for the Climax molybdenum mine, a I I 2 -3 hard rock mine operated by the Climax <br />Molybdenum Company — a division of Freeport McMoRan. This site is located at the summit of Freemont Pass on Highway 91. <br />DRMS representatives for this inspection, Eric Scott, and Wally Erickson and Amy Eschberger arrived on-site at approximately 0915. <br />DRMS was guided/accompanied on the inspection by Climax representatives Ray Lazuk and Aaron Hilshorst. <br />The DRMS inspection started with an MSHA safety briefing, followed by a general discussion of the site overall and some items of <br />interest identified by Climax. One of these issues was a minor tailings release that had occurred the previous evening at the top of 3 <br />Dam. One of the discharge spigots had come unfastened from the Tailings Delivery Line (TDL) where they join to the TDL control <br />valve with a flexible coupling. This is the second such event within the last month, and although there have been no environmental or <br />geotechnical issues as a result of these limited releases, Climax will need to determine how to eliminate this type of event in the <br />future. <br />DRMS then observed the active open pit from the north survey shack area, the McNulty Gulch OSF area and the Storke Yard areas. <br />DRMS noted that the "North 40" low-grade ore storage area has again significantly expanded since the previous inspection, and that a <br />portion of the Ceresco Ridge haul road was now in use. Waste rock from active mining continues to be deposited on the previously <br />existing footprint of the McNulty Gulch OSF. Activity related to the expansion of the McNulty Gulch OSF as approved has not yet <br />commenced. <br />DRMS toured the Sludge Densification Plant (SDP), and the new Property Discharge Water Treatment Plant (PDWTP). The PDWTP <br />was not operating during this visit, but the SDP was being utilized and sludge was being discharged to the cell located on the Tenmile <br />TSF. While on site DRMS also observed the clean water interceptor ditches, pump barges, TDL's, the emergency bypass tunnel and <br />inlet for the Mayflower TSF, and many other features associated with the water capture, routing, diversion and treatment for the site. <br />All were observed to be operating as designed. Topsoil will continue to be salvaged from the perimeter of the Mayflower TSF and <br />parts of Searle Gulch and stockpiled near the south end of the Tenmile TSF dam (3 Dam) for use in final reclamation activities. <br />Biosolids recycling for use in reclamation continues on the far west end of the Robinson TSF. The refuse located near the north area <br />of the Robinson TSF is currently being segregated for removal/disposal. This area will likely be reclaimed in the near future, and <br />complete the reclamation of the surface of the Robinson TSF. <br />Mill tailings were being deposited in the Tenmile TSF during the inspection. Although the Mayflower TSF is not currently being <br />utilized, it will be the primary tailings facility going forward. Because there is limited remaining tailings capacity in the Tenmile TSF, <br />it will remain available online as a "backup" for tailings deposition for the next several years in the event that there is an upset or some <br />other temporary issue preventing the Mayflower TSF from being utilized. <br />DRMS also visited the Robinson Lake, and Eagle Park Reservoir to discuss ongoing groundwater monitoring in these areas. Climax <br />has been proactive in gathering additional data to help characterize the groundwater hydrology in this area to determine if additional <br />groundwater protection measures are necessary in this drainage. To date it appears that the concentrations of several constituents of <br />possible concern in the shallow aquifer monitoring wells, which had previously triggered increased monitoring and investigation, have <br />leveled off and or even begun to decrease to previous levels. Climax will continue to conduct monitoring as required by the approved <br />Water Monitoring Plan in the updated EPP (TR24). <br />Climax also continues to gather data for the characterization of the identified groundwater to surface water seep(s) near the base of the <br />reclaimed Stork Yard area. Although some of the seeps show indications that the water is impacted, there have been no observable <br />effects on the surface water of the Arkansas drainage. Mr. Lazuk stated that additional information continues to be gathered by <br />Climax to this end so that an appropriate remediation can be implemented, if needed. DRMS will evaluate the data and any potential <br />remedial plans as provided by Climax. Because CDPHE is the primary regulatory entity for surface water quality, Climax has also <br />contacted CDPHE regarding the seeps, and is still awaiting regulatory guidance from CDPHE with regard to the seeps. No other <br />issues of concern were noted during this inspection. <br />DRMS ended the inspection with a walk-through of the mill and the reagent loading and storage area. No issues of concern were <br />noted during this inspection. <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 />