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tons in subsequent years through 2010. The mine shut down their operations in December of 2010 <br />and went into temporary cessation February, 2011. The operation has remained idle. When in full <br />operation, maximum projected annual coal production is 500,000 tons, with a projected annual <br />production of 300,000 to 500,000 tons. <br />Coal is mined at the exposed face by a continuous miner. The mined coal is then shuttled to a <br />conveyor which transports the coal to the surface. The coal is then crushed, stockpiled, and loaded <br />into highway trucks for delivery. <br />When mining ceases permanently, the portals will be sealed and backfilled. The sediment pond, <br />haul road sections and office area will be graded to approximate original contour (AOC), and <br />drainages will be reestablished. The operator was granted a variance from AOC for the mine bench <br />area, to allow for backfilled slopes of lesser gradient than existed prior to mining. The backfilled <br />slopes will be stable and will support the approved postmining land use. The mine highwall will be <br />completely backfilled, with the natural sandstone outcrop that forms a near vertical face above the <br />portals to remain undisturbed. Topsoil or other suitable plant growth material will be spread on <br />graded areas, and the site will be seeded and mulched to establish vegetative cover of a variety <br />consistent with surrounding naturally occurring vegetation. <br />15 <br />