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characteristically very hard, typically moderately to highly abrasive, uniform,free from <br /> deleterious mineralization's and other alterations, resistant to weathering upon its surface <br /> exposures,with a less apparent dip/strike as the blocky or laminated character of the deposit to <br /> the west s gradually absorbed by the contact area. <br /> • In conclusion,we are very happy with the manner in which the highwall has performed based <br /> upon the initial design criteria from 2006, and satisfied that the highwall is stable,and not <br /> yielding materials in any type of uncontrolled manner based on our observations.We check the <br /> stability of the exposed face several times a week,occasionally daily. Have photographed the <br /> development of the highwall in order to secure a documented record of the exposed face, <br /> together with any activity. (EXHIBIT 3) <br /> • This type of deposit has performed exceptionally well from a slope stability perspective, since <br /> the primary dipping angle of the referentially foliated biotite gneiss (now largely all gone) is 'laid <br /> back' into the direction of mining and dipping deckling back against it at an angle of between 23 <br /> and 46 degrees,this allow the deposit to 'stick;'the overbearing load down against itself, <br /> effectively forcing or producing a compounded vertical moment which gives this highwall and <br /> deposit its legendary strength. <br /> • The rock itself at this point through the deposit may only be yielding a modular 19.6 to 38 on <br /> LAs and still include some mineralization, or did before it was all removed, but the way it lays <br /> back into the hill allows it to develop a formidable tensile strength and perform at exceptionally <br /> high levels structurally and mechanically,thus precluding the potential for a rotational moment <br /> through the crest of the highwall. <br /> • The materials geotechnical characteristics and highly satisfactory, and together with the mining <br /> constraints employed, and has performed exceptionally well. Comparatively,all indications are <br /> the structural component for the final highwall design at Shaffers Crossing has exhibited and <br /> performed perhaps with less relative activity and movement,than any other commensurate <br /> quarry highwall regionally. Doing so while exposing a mined face that is significantly taller than <br /> most of its competitors.This attests to the stability and superior minable characteristics of the <br /> 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 <br /> face advances.The benches,while relatively obscure, can be demonstrated to be in place and <br /> consistent with the plan as submitted and approved. <br /> • Secondly,the nature of the blocky character of the westernmost art of the deposit, exhibits <br /> laminations and 'layering'trending NE/SW or close to 0 degrees and dipping in a declining <br /> fashion, moderately to 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 <br /> this configuration as the bearing moment tends to be thrust downwards at approximately 90 <br /> degrees and obliquely and laterally horizontally and declining back into the hill with somewhat <br /> less force.The net results that this has developed a well confined set of strata, uniquely well <br /> suited for the direction of the advancing highwall, leaving any exposed face quickly stable with a <br /> minimum potential for any spalling or other activity. <br />