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West Elk Mine <br /> <br />2.05-10 Rev. 11/04- PR11; 03/06- PR10; 07/15- MR413; 07/18- PR15, 01/24-TR152 <br />relationship to man, machines, and the environment is a core value, as opposed to a priority. To <br />this end, MCC has developed an environmental, health and safety policy for West Elk Mine. <br /> <br />Explosives and Blasting <br /> <br />The mining techniques used at West Elk Mine do not require blasting as part of the regular <br />extraction cycle. Occasionally, explosives are used for underground construction purposes, the <br />removal of large rock or rock spars in the mining area, and when cutting rock is prohibitive with <br />mining equipment. These uses require relatively small quantities of explosives. MCC’s formal <br />Explosives Handling and Blasting Procedures are presented in Exhibit 41. Map 53 shows the <br />location of the powder magazine. <br /> <br />Limited application of explosives may be necessary for surface construction activities, such as <br />road cuts and other surface construction. State and Federal mine safety and health regulations <br />and other appropriate regulations will be followed in all circumstances where explosives are <br />used, whether by contractors on the site or by MCC personnel, including Rule 4.08 of the <br />CMLRB’s Regulations for Coal Mining. Blasts that use more than 5 lbs. of explosives or <br />blasting agent will be conducted according to a pre-blasting schedule (4.08.3). As appropriate, a <br />pre-blasting survey (4.08.2) will be performed. Refer also to Exhibit 43, “Specifications for <br />Rock Blasting During Road Construction”. <br /> <br />Fire Prevention <br /> <br />The facilities at West Elk Mine were designed and constructed to take into account the most <br />effective means of fire prevention. All buildings have been constructed to meet the National Fire <br />Protection Code, National Electrical Code, and other construction codes. The material used in <br />construction is as fire resistant as possible. Belt conveyor systems are equipped with fire <br />detection and suppression equipment. Underground belt conveyor systems are equipped with <br />fire warning alarm systems as required by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. <br /> <br />Fire prevention is also considered for mining equipment. All mining equipment is equipped with <br />fire suppression systems. In addition, fire-resistant hydraulic oil is used in machinery whenever <br />practical. <br /> <br />A variety of fire-fighting equipment is available at West Elk Mine. In addition, fire-fighting <br />equipment is examined regularly to assure that it is fully-operative. ABC-type fire extinguishers <br />of various sizes are available throughout the mine facilities. The prime source of underground <br />fire-fighting capability is the water from pipelines within the mine. Water cars and foam <br />machines are also available for emergency situations. <br /> <br />Personnel at the mine have had training in fire-fighting procedures and some have specific <br />assignments related to fire protection. The fire-fighting training program in use at West Elk <br />Mine includes training for miners in locating, using, and maintaining fire-fighting equipment and <br />escape-ways. Security personnel are assigned fire watch for surface facilities as part of their <br />responsibility. In addition, a clean-up program has been designed to eliminate any accumulation