2017-02-15_REVISION - C1996083 (2)

Home Browse Search

RN-04 2.03-17 02/17 2.03.8 Permit Term Information (1) Surface mining activities (open pit or strip mining) are not planned within the permit area. (2) The Bowie No. 2 Mine was constructed and opened during the spring and summer months of 1997 with coal production/development beginning on August 15, 1997 in the D-Seam. This room and pillar operation began developing a main and submain system of underground entries to provide the ventilation, haulage and coal conveyor support for years to come. These entries are driven carefully on projections, held to minimum widths with larger than normal coal pillars left in place to assure adequate support for the life of the mine. The mine began longwall production during November 1999 and currently produces at the rate of 5 to 6 million tons per year. During 2003 the B-Seam portal bench was constructed with coal development beginning late in 2003. A coal preparation plant was constructed during late 2003 and early 2004. The coal preparation plant began operations during June 2004. The preparation of the new large coal mine waste bank began in late April and was completed in early July, 2004. The Operator constructed an upland conveyor from the B-Seam portal bench to the D-Seam coal preparation facilities during late 2004. During 2010 the Bowie No. 2 Mine expanded to the west and began mining reserves in Federal Coal Lease C-37210 in the upper B Seam. Mining is also projected in Federal Coal Leases C-27432 & D-36955 During 2012 the Bowie No. 2 Mine expanded to the north. Lease modifications to COC-61209 and COC-37210 were approved. The lease modifications encompass four projected longwall panels. During 2014 the Operator successfully bid on federal coal lease COC-75915. The Operator does not currently hold the coal lease. The lease, if awarded, will allow for further expansion to the north. Approximately 5,291.8 acres were affected during the life of the mine up to the time of temporary cessation (February 26, 2016). This affected acreage does not include any lands in coal lease COC-75915. (3) The applicant expects to conduct underground mining activities in excess of 5 years. The applicant requests a permit term of five years.