2021-04-15_INSPECTION - M1980244

• Permit No: M1980244
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Date: 4/15/2021
• Doc Name Note: Aerial
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• From: DRMS
• To: CC&V
• Inspection Date: 12/9/2020
• Email Name: ERR
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

PERMIT#:M-1980-244
INSPECTOR'S INITIALS:ERR
INSPECTION DATE:December 9,2020
PROBLEMS/POSSIBLE VIOLATIONS
None observed during the inspection.
OBSERVATIONS
This was an aerial photo inspection of the Cresson Project directed by Elliott Russell of the Colorado Division
of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (Division)based on aerial photographs taken by Brock Bowles of the
Division on December 9, 2020. The Operator did not accompany the Division on this aerial inspection. The site
is a 112d-3 gold mine located between Cripple Creek and Victor in Teller County. The purpose of these aerial
inspections is to provide the Division a broad perspective that cannot be obtained from the ground and to
document changes in areas of the mine over time.
This inspection included the following facilities and areas:
• Arequa Gulch Valley Leach Facility (AGVLF, a.k.a. VLF 1);
• Squaw Gulch Valley Leach Facility (SGVLF, a.k.a. VLF 2);
• High Grade Mill and ADR Facilities;
• East Cresson Overburden Storage Area;
• Carlton Tunnel Area; and
• Schist Island, Globe Hill, Globe Hill, and South Cresson Pits.
Arequa Gulch Valley Leach Facility (AGVLF, a.k.a. VLF 1): No solution ponding resulting from leaching
operations was observed on VLF 1 (see Photo 1).
Squaw Gulch Valley Leach Facility(SGVLF, a.k.a. VLF 2): No ponded process solution was observed in the
active leach areas and active ore stacking appeared to be in compliance with TR-103 (see Photo 2). The aerial
images show the approximate areas of Phase 2B Part 1 (see Photo 3) and Phase 2B Part 2 (see Photo 4) of the
facility. The Division approved TR-123 regarding the review and acceptance of the Phase 2B Part 1
Construction CQA Report on November 4, 2020 and TR-125 regarding the review and acceptance of the Phase
2B Part 2 Construction CQA Report on January 22, 2021.
High Grade Mill and ADR Facilities: Aerial images of the High Grade Mill (HGM) and Adsorption,
Desorption, and Recovery Facilities (ADR) are used to perform a broad visual inspection for leaks, spills,
secondary containment problems, and other potential issues that cannot easily be obtained from the ground. The
HGM is located between VLF 1 and VLF 2 (see Photo 2 and Photo 5). No observable issues are noted for the
HGM. ADR 1 (see Photo 6 and Photo 7) is located on the south side of VLF 1 while ADR 2 (see Photo 8) is
located on the west side of VLF 2. The Process Solution Enhancement System Facility (PSES)is located just
west of ADR1. No observable issues are noted for either ADR facility or the PSES.
East Cresson Overburden Storage Area(ECOSA): Reclamation grading and topsoil placement was observed on
the southeast end of the ECOSA (see Photo 9).
Carlton Tunnel Area: The Carlton Tunnel (see Photo 10) is a portion of the Cresson Project permit which is 4.7
miles southwest of the VLF 1 located near the confluence of Cripple Creek and Fourmile Creek. The Carlton
Tunnel is a historic drainage tunnel which drains groundwater from the mining district. The permit area
includes the tunnel portal, a topsoil stockpile, a disposal area, and six passive treatment ponds used by the
Operator to comply with their CDPHE discharge permit. The Operator is currently working with the surface
owner of the northwestern portion of the Carlton Tunnel permit area to provide an updated and accurate survey
of the permit boundary to resolve Citizen Complaint CT-04.
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