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PERMIT #: M-1978-107 <br />INSPECTOR’S INITIALS: LJW <br />INSPECTION DATE: March 2, 2016 <br /> <br /> <br />Page 2 of 5 <br /> <br />OBSERVATIONS <br /> <br />This inspection was conducted as part of the normal monitoring program established by the Colorado Division <br />of Reclamation, Mining and Safety. The Tozer pit is an Active 112(c) located approximately 12 miles <br />Southwest of Cortez, CO at an elevation of 5600 feet. The site lies on the south side of Montezuma County <br />Road G and access is controlled by a locked gate. In addition to the Operator representative and the <br />inspectors listed above, Jamie Blair of the BLM was present during the inspection. The Tozer pit is an <br />expanded county pit and does not require a financial warranty. Five photos accompany this report to <br />illustrate current site conditions. <br /> <br />The site consists of 59 permitted acres that make up a lower pit area used as a staging and stockpiling area, <br />and an upper pit where the material is being mined from. The site was not active the day of the inspection, <br />but equipment was observed staged at the lower pit area. Material that is mined from the upper pit is <br />transported to the lower pit by means of a conveyor system. The overall footprint of the site was in good <br />condition and free from trash and debris and no noxious weeds were identified at this time. No <br />sedimentation or erosional issues were observed during this inspection. Proper mine identification sign, <br />shown in Photo One, and permit boundary markers were observed, and no problems or possible violations are <br />noted at this time. <br /> <br />The lower pit area lies just off County Road G and is makes up approximately four acres of the permitted area. <br />The area is used for processing, stockpiling and staging for materials to be hauled. Several large stockpiles of <br />various sized materials were observed during the inspection shown in Photos Two and Three. All stockpiles <br />were in good condition and stable. Some various equipment was observed at the base of the conveyor system <br />but were not active during the inspection. <br /> <br />The upper pit is the area of current mining activity. Mining takes place in phases, working around the upper <br />extent of the conveyor system. Photo Four shows the area that is currently being mined, while the area that <br />was previously mined is being backfilled with the natural fines that are product of processing materials for use. <br />A large stockpile of the natural fines was observed on site. Future planned operations in the current area of <br />the pit will consist of a two phase, benched mining plan to excavate materials. The Operator has begun to <br />clear and strip an area south of the conveyor system in preparation for future activities. No topso il stockpile <br />was observed and was not salvaged due to the on-site conditions. <br /> <br />The access road connecting the lower pit to the upper pit was in good condition. Some minor erosion features <br />were observed on the road and the Operator is encouraged to monitor them to ensure they grow with coming <br />spring moisture. An access trail leading through the permit area to Ute Mountain Lands was observed, shown <br />in Photo Five. Minor maintenance is required on the portion of the trail that leads through the active area of <br />the upper pit is required, however it is mostly in good condition. <br /> <br />All responses to this inspection report should be directed to Lucas West at the Colorado Division of <br />Reclamation Mining and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, CO 80203 or by phone at (970)-243- <br />6368. <br /> <br /> <br />