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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1982-011 INSPECTION DATE 4/8/04 INSPECTOR'S fNITIALS WHE OBSERVATIONS This inspection occurred as part of DMG's routine monitoring of permitted operations. The Hillyer Pit is located approximately 1 mile SE of Silverton, on the Animas River, at approximately 9,300' elevation. Permitted activities include excavation of alluvial material from the annual floodplain of the Animas River and on-site processing to include screening, crushing and stockpiling. The permit is approved for 7.5 acres affected area. Permit status is active. Affected lands are to be reclaimed to support a stable river channel and floodplain area. DMG holds $5,000 financial warranty. Operations appeared dormant. No activities were observed, no individuals were contacted during the inspection. Snow cover, approximately 8 inch depth existed over most of the permit area. Permit documents indicate that pre-permit mining activities have occurred at or near the permit area by various individuals from at least 1976. Unreclaimed disturbances from the pre-permit excavation activities may exist. The original plan was approved for excavation of alluvial materials from the annual floodplain along the west side of the Animas River. The approved plans indicate that the north boundary of the excavation would maintain a 1.5H:1 V slope for 21' depth. East and west side slopes of the pit area would be maintained at 2H:1 V. Pit floorwould extend approximately 1050' to the south, along the river, till the pit floor daylighted with the natural 2% grade of the river. The plan anticipated that the river would enter the pit area during high flow, deposit its bedload and return to the river channel through the south end of the pit. Bedload materials, deposited within the pit area, would then be harvested annually during low flow seasons. Reclamation activities include cessation of material excavation to allow bedload deposition to fill the pit area, minor site grading and revegetation with native grasses and willow transplants. Affected lands were located either entirely within the active floodplain or within previously disturbed areas where topsoil was not available for salvage. Therefore, topsoil is not available for reclamation purposes. Elevation of the pit floor approximated the elevation of the river channel. Portions of the river flow entered the north end of the pit area and exited the south end, as anticipated in the approved plan. Portions of the river flow appeared to remain in the original river channel. Material stockpiles existed at various locations within the active floodplain. The permit holder, Ms. Vota, has indicated a desire to commence final reclamation of the affected lands. Final reclamation would include removal and/or grading of the existing stockpiled material from the floodplain areas, minor grading and revegetation in accordance with the approved plan. On June 19, 2002 DMG calculated the current cost of reclamation at $4,804. Conditions appeared unchanged from the June 2002 calculation, Therefore, the existing $5,000 financial warranty appears sufficient to ensure reclamation of affected lands. No problems or possible violations were observed. Responses to this inspection report should be directed to the Division of Minerals and Geology, 701 Camino del Rio, Room 125, Durango, Colorado 81301, Attn: Wally Erickson, phone no. 970-247-5469. I & E Contact Address NAME Jo Ann Vota OPERATOR Jo Ann Vota Hinman STREET 315 N. Sunburst Lane CITY/STATE/ZIP Durango, CO 81301 cc: Harry Posey, DMG ^ CE ^ BL ^ FS ^ HW ^ HMWMD (CH) ^ SE ^ WOCD (CH)