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several times a week,occasionally daily. . I have photographed the development of the highwall in order <br /> to secure a documented record of the exposed face,together with any activity. <br /> This type of deposit is highly satisfactory,given the mining constraints employed,and has performed <br /> exceptionally well.Comparatively,the structural component for the final highwall design at Shaffers <br /> Crossing has exhibited and performed perhaps with less relative activity and movement,than any other <br /> commensurate quarry highwall regionally. Doing so while exposing a mined face that is significantly <br /> taller than most of its competitors.This attests to the stability and superior minable characteristics of <br /> the underlying lithology that allows this type of configuration to stand so well. <br /> All indications are that this performance with maintain at the current level or improve as the face <br /> advances.The benches,while relatively obscure,can be demonstrated to be in place and consistent with <br /> the plan as submitted and approved. <br /> Secondly,the nature of the blocky character of the westernmost art of the deposit,exhibits laminations <br /> and 'layering'trending NE/SW or close to 0 degrees and dipping in a declining fashion, moderately to <br /> variable,to the ESE at between 21 and 39 degrees on average. <br /> The stratigraphic principal trending alignment affords an excellent level of stability as a result of this <br /> configuration as the bearing moment tends to be thrust downwards at approximately 90 degrees and <br /> obliquely and laterally horizontally and declining back into the hill with somewhat less force.The net <br /> results that this has developed a well confined set of strata, uniquely well suited for the direction of the <br /> advancing highwall, leaving any exposed face quickly stable with a minimum potential for any spalling or <br /> other activity. <br /> This material apparently lends itself very well to the irregular more aesthetically pleasing blasting <br /> technicques deliberately employed in order to obtain an a more natural, less artificial appearance <br /> commonly found in decouple presplit shots.We believe that this has achieved the desired effect of a <br /> more natural, 'softened'appearance for the final highwall,without sacrificing safety and while <br /> optimizing both the stability and extraction performance from the final pit limits. <br /> As such and give the deposit is uniform, hard,durable and unremarkable in terms of any structural or <br /> chemical deformities or other irregularities,and is characteristized by being routine and unblemished, <br /> we are confident that this deposit presents the opportunity todevelop a mined column depth of well in <br /> excess of 950 feet,a depthe we are close to approaching at this time,with no exceptional or remarkable <br /> comments and a high degree of confidence. We hope very much you will concur. <br /> I am happen to verify my field observations and calculations with a technical expert in this area. I am <br /> happy to discuss my observations with experts from the Division at your convenience. I am also happy to <br /> provide my shear analysis and rotation calculations at your request <br /> Thank you <br /> Moores,J <br /> Mining Engineer, Business Development Manager <br /> Elk Creek Companies <br /> Shaffers Crossing Quarry <br /> Ref highwall bench development/design questions <br /> Please feel free to comment and advise <br />