2024-09-05_PERMIT FILE - C1980007 (2)

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West Elk Mine 2.05-10 Rev. 11/04- PR11; 03/06- PR10; 07/15- MR413; 07/18- PR15, 01/24-TR152, 04/24-TR154 portion of these reservoirs. Dry Fork of Minnesota Creek runs through the coal lease area and conducts water from Deep Creek Ditch to Minnesota Reservoir. As discussed in Section 2.05.6, longwall mining, rather than leaving pillars or coal barriers, is less impacting to the stream, and any downstream water uses are effectively protected by MCC’s approved adjudication plans. Health and Safety General Mine Safety MCC has established that it is the responsibility of all employees to make the environment and health and safety their first consideration, and that no phase of operation or administration has greater importance. Achieving safe and environmentally sound performance of tasks in relationship to man, machines, and the environment is a core value, as opposed to a priority. To this end, MCC has developed an environmental, health and safety policy for West Elk Mine. Explosives and Blasting The mining techniques used at West Elk Mine do not require blasting as part of the regular extraction cycle. Occasionally, explosives are used for underground construction purposes, the removal of large rock or rock spars in the mining area, and when cutting rock is prohibitive with mining equipment. These uses require relatively small quantities of explosives. MCC’s formal Explosives Handling and Blasting Procedures are presented in Exhibit 41. Map 53 shows the location of the powder magazine. Limited application of explosives may be necessary for surface construction activities, such as road cuts and other surface construction. State and Federal mine safety and health regulations and other appropriate regulations will be followed in all circumstances where explosives are used, whether by contractors on the site or by MCC personnel, including Rule 4.08 of the CMLRB’s Regulations for Coal Mining. Blasts that use more than 5 lbs. of explosives or blasting agent will be conducted according to a pre-blasting schedule (4.08.3). As appropriate, a pre-blasting survey (4.08.2) will be performed. Refer also to Exhibit 43, “Specifications for Rock Blasting During Road Construction”. Fire Prevention The facilities at West Elk Mine were designed and constructed to take into account the most effective means of fire prevention. All buildings have been constructed to meet the National Fire Protection Code, National Electrical Code, and other construction codes. The material used in construction is as fire resistant as possible. Belt conveyor systems are equipped with fire detection and suppression equipment. Underground belt conveyor systems are equipped with fire warning alarm systems as required by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Fire prevention is also considered for mining equipment. All mining equipment is equipped with fire suppression systems. In addition, fire-resistant hydraulic oil is used in machinery whenever practical.