2020-07-14_PERMIT FILE - M2020025 (2)

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Introduction The Bancroft Placer Mine is located approximately 18 miles northwest of Nucla, CO in Montrose County at an elevation of 4830 feet. The Bancroft Placer Mine will mine placer gold and will be limited to a 10-acre area; therefore, this application is for a Limited Impact 110(2) reclamation permit. The permit boundary is shown on Map E-1. Prior to this mining effort, the site was used for rangeland and cattle grazing, —1970s gravel mining, —1980s gravel mining, and historic late-1800s through early-1900s placer mining. Evidence of historic placer mining can be seen throughout the site. The 1970s gravel mining effort was permitted by the Aurora Mining Company with the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (DRMS) under identification number M-1974-081 and was known as the Bancroft Pit; this 1 1 Oc permit has since been terminated. The 1980s 1 12c gravel mining permit,the Little Louise Pit— M-1980-144, was issued in 1982 and terminated sometime afterwards and included acreage on the west side of State Highway 141 as well. A May 1, 2020 DRMS inspection yielded a possible violation of mining without a permit and the site was assigned DRMS identification number M-2020-025. The depth of excavation will be approximately 15 feet. Topsoil is expected to range from 0-4 inches with an average of 2 inches depth. The site is bordered by rangeland to the north, south, west, and cast and runs along Colorado State Highway 141 to the west. Map A-1 shows the general location of the Bancroft Placer Mine. Currently the site is used for cattle ranging and processed gravel will be stockpiled for the property owners exclusive onsite use. The surface rights are owned by Weimer Ranches LLLP and mineral rights are split by Weimer Ranches LLLP and Della Long. A lease to mine and sell the gold resource is secured by Gregg Morrill who is also the Operator. The permit area will include 9.4 acres. Bancroft Placer Mine Julv 2020 i-1