2019-05-01_INSPECTION - M1987012

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PERMIT #: M-1987-012 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: SJM INSPECTION DATE: March 28, 2019 OBSERVATIONS This inspection was conducted as part of the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety's (Division) normal monitoring program. Photographs are included at the end of this report in order to illustrate some of the conditions observed during this inspection. The King Pit is located approximately 16 miles northeast of Alamosa and accessed from Colorado Highway 150. The site is a 112c operation that includes a total of 344.30 permitted acres. There was an increase of acreage though Amendment No. 2 of 200.43 acres that was approved with conditions on August 28, 2018. The conditional approval decision was based on issues that the Operator and the BLM need to work on based on right of entry and mineral rights issues. Adequate mine identification signage was noted at the entrance to the site. The affected area was adequately marked with markers. The pit is split into two areas, the north and the south with an access road that connects the two. The south area is inactive due to BLM issues. Mining was taking place during this inspection. Materials stockpiles were located at various locations throughout the pit floor. An office and scale had been constructed near the entrance to the mine site. A portable crusher was on site in the northern part of the pit. Overall, the site looked orderly and clean, with minimal debris. APC Southern of Penrose, CO is currently working the pit as a sub -contractor. A water truck was active during the inspection for dust control. The subcontractor was reclaiming the north area as they crushed rock. Slopes along the south and east pit perimeter had been graded to 3H:1V or less. There are some large gully's forming on the southeastern corner that appears to be from upland drainage. The active highwall, approximately 20 feet high or less, was located at the north and south sides of the pit. Noxious weeds were not observed onsite. Topsoil stockpiles are protected with adequate vegetation and are located along the western edge of both pits. The east wall of the south pit also contains bank material. Fuel containers observed on site were stored in adequate secondary containment structures. No problems or violations were noted during this inspection. Responses to this inspection report should be directed to Stephanie Mitchell at the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, Grand Junction Field Office, 101 South 3rd Street, Room 301„ Grand Junction, Colorado 81501, phone number (970) 242-5025. Page 2 of 5