2020-06-25_REVISION - C1981019 (6)

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RULE 2 PERMITS 2.05 OPERATION AND RECLAMATION PLANS 2.05.1 Objectives The planned operations and reclamation will be similar to those presented in Volume 1, Section 2.05. Operational changes and information specific to the Collom Pit within the Collom mining area are described in the following sections of this permit revision application. 2.05.2 Operation Plan - Estimated Area for Life of Operation Information regarding the permit term is delineated in Section 2.01.5. Information for the operation plan is delineated in Section 2.05.3. Likewise, for purposes of this application, the permit area identifies the area for the life of the mine Colowyo will employ detailed and current engineering designs for all surface mining activities in order to maximize coal recovery. The open pit mining technique minimizes or eliminates coal rib losses and coal fenders. The mining operations described in Section 2.05.3 are designed for maximum coal recovery. 2.05.3 (1) Operation Plan—Production Methods Colowyo has selected its mining procedures on the basis of information from numerous exploration drill holes which penetrated the overburden, the interburden, and the coal seams. Each phase of mining has been carefully scheduled so that all equipment can be operated in situations suitable to their design capabilities. The overall operation plan is designed to flow logically from topsoil removal through reclamation. The plan is designed to maximize coal recovery and minimize environmental disturbances. Colowyo's existing operation plan is described in detail within Volume 1, Section 2.05.3. The locations of the areas to be mined are shown on the Mine Plan — Collom Map (Map 23B). Topsoil removal schedules and stockpile locations are delineated on the Topsoil Handling — Collom Map, (Map 28C). The amounts of topsoil to be removed and replaced are included in Table 2.04.9-16, Topsoil Mass Balance — Collom Mine Area. Topsoil will be removed from an area primarily during the summer and fall months to allow for one year of mining advance. A buffer zone, with topsoil removed, will be left between the undisturbed area and the crest of the pit. Additional information on topsoil handling is presented in Section 2.05.3 (5). The area to be mined within the Collom Pit covers an area of two long ridge lines at about 7900 feet in elevation which is bisected by a 100 to 200 feet deep valley formed by the stream channel of Little Collom Gulch. Ultimately the Collom Pit will cover 880 acres and will be 600 feet deep in places. Seams to be mined in the Collom Pit include the Y, X, A, B, C, E, F, and G. The lowermost seam planned for development is the Gab. As shown on the geologic cross-sections presented in Figure 2.04.6, all of the coal seams to be mined are dipping at approximately 8 percent to the northeast. Cross section locations are shown on Map I IB. Coal production from the Collom Pit will build from about 1.4 million tons in 2016 up to about 4.8 million tons in 2021 and will remain around 5 millions tons per year thereafter. A total overburden/interburden volume of 548,357,000 bank cubic yards (bey) and coal tonnage of 76,461,100 tons estimated to be generated and produced, respectively, from the Collom Pit. Overall strip ratio for the Collom Pit is approximately 7 bey per ton. Normal bench dimensions and heights as described in the ground control plan will be used. Table 2.05.2-3 presents the estimated yearly production. Collom—Rule 2,Page 71 Revision Date: 6/22/20 Revision No.: MR-220