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Production Methods and Equipment <br /> Through careful evaluation of geologic, production, and economic information company engineers have concluded <br /> that the only economic and efficient mining method is the employment of a longwall system. Beginning in May 1985, <br /> a longwall system was implemented in the No. 5 Mine. The longwall system is the primary mining method employed <br /> at both the No. 5 and No. 6 mines as shown on the No. 5 Mine Plan Map (Map 22) and the No. 6 Mine Plan Map <br /> (Map 23). In 1995, active mining operations ceased, and the Mine was put on"Temporary Cessation" status. Limited <br /> site reclamation activities occurred during 2008-2010, during which, the site came out of Temporary Cessation and <br /> was considered to be in Active Reclamation status. In 2013, MCM requested and received CDRMS approval to <br /> return the Mine to Temporary Cessation status. Ongoing care, maintenance, and monitoring of Mine lands and <br /> facilities continued during the periods of both Temporary Cessation and Active Reclamation. <br /> MCM returned to a full hydrologic monitoring schedule in 2009, in anticipation of application for bond release on <br /> some areas, and with limited facilities demolition and reclamation of the associated disturbance areas. In 2016, MCM <br /> requested a return to Active Reclamation status, and initiated site-wide facilities demolition and reclamation activities, <br /> which are currently ongoing. With these activities, MCM has no further plans for future mining, and anticipates that <br /> reclamation of mine disturbance will be completed in compliance with the approved reclamation plans, with the <br /> objectives of achieving final bond release and termination of the Mining and Reclamation Permit. MCM has <br /> continued to retain the associated surface and mineral rights consistent with retention of full right-of-entry to complete <br /> all required reclamation, monitoring, and site maintenance activities, and will maintain the Permit as an active, <br /> working document(note that regardless of operating status, the Permit will need to be maintained for at least ten years <br /> following permanent seeding of reclaimed areas). <br /> Given that the Williams Fork Mines have been inactive for a period of several years, MCM periodically evaluates all <br /> existing facilities and structures, and has removed or is currently removing and reclaiming any structures and areas <br /> which are not critical to support the approved postmining land uses. Those structures and facilities which remain are <br /> generally structurally sound, and would have value relative to the postmining land uses. <br /> The No. 5 mine produced coal from the"F"seam, while the No. 6 mine can produce coal from the"E"and"H"seam. <br /> Additional geologic information has been provided on these coal seams as well as the associated burden materials in. <br /> RN18-07 2.05-2.1 Revised 07/10/18 <br />