2022-02-22_PERMIT FILE - C1980007 (2)

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West Elk Mine 2.02-1 Rev. 11/04- PR10, 04/06- PR10, 10/08- PR14; 01/22- MR459 2.02 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR COAL EXPLORATION During the 1992, 1993, and 1994 drilling seasons, exploration drilling occurred within and outside the current permit area, on adjacent tracts of unleased, federally-owned coal (Federal exploration license Nos. COC-53793 and COC-54360). Notices of Intent to Explore (NOI) were filed and approved by CDRMS prior to the commencement of these exploration programs (Jumbo Mountain: NOI CX-92-212-00, Raven Gulch: NOI CX-93-212-01, and the West Elk Mine area: NOI CX-94- 212-02). MCC filed and received approval for NOI Nos. CX-95-212-05 and X-95-212-04 for exploration activities during the 1995 and 1996 drilling seasons. In 1997, MCC received approval for NOI CX-97-221 for Federal Exploration License No. COC- 58219. Another federal coal exploration license was applied for the Sunset Trail exploration in November 1998. Sunset Trail exploration license No. COC-62540 was conditionally approved by the BLM, but was later withdrawn. In 2003, MCC received approval for NOI X-2003-212-05 for alluvial and hydrologic monitoring wells located on Federal coal leases held by MCC, but were not within the West Elk Mine permit area at that time. In 2005, MCC received approval for NOI X-2005-212-06 for coal exploration located on Lions Mesa and Dry Fork fee and other federal coal, but were not within the West Elk Mine permit area at that time. In 2006 MCC received approval for NOI X-2006-212-07 located on federal lands for the geotechnical investigation of the Deer Creek ventilation shaft location. In 2017 MCC received approval for NOI X-2017-212-09 located on private land and fee coal for two exploration sites. Only one of the two exploration sites was drilled. In late 2017, MCC received approval for NOI X-2013-228-01 for ten exploration sites located within the Sunset Trail federal lease modification areas, but were not within the West Elk Mine permit area at that time. Only three of the ten exploration sites were drilled. In 2018, MCC received approval for NOI X-2018-212-10 located on private land and fee coal in Section 22 for two exploration sites. Only one of the two exploration sites was drilled. Future drilling activities will be conducted in accordance with Section 2.02 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining and in a manner that protects the environment and complies with all applicable Federal and State rules.