INSPEC00837

• Permit No: M1982121
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Name: Insp Rpt
• From: DMG
• To: Pitkin Iron Corporation
• Inspection Date: 6/17/2003
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

(Page 2)
MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1982-121
INSPECTION DATE 6/17103 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS GRM
OBSERVATIONS
This inspection was preformed as part of the normal monitoring program established by the Colorado Division of Minerals and
Geology. The Mid Continent LST Quarry is a 112c permitted site with a maximum allowable disturbance of 32.8 acres.
Diane Delaney, the operator s representative was present for the inspection.
The mine identification sign and affected area boundary markers are in place and in compliance with Rule 3.1.12: The Mine
sign is located at the main entrance. A locked gate controls access to the site. Permit boundary markers were not observed
directly: The Mining Map elevations and haul roads however clearly show that the site is within the approved boundaries.
The operator stated that the boundaries were re-staked within the last few years.
The Mid Continent Quarry has had little activity since the last inspection in 1999. Some limestone fines have been removed
from stockpiles for a specific mine capping project in Leadviiie. Otherwise, no major mining has been accomplished. The
limited activity still is considered active mining by definition. No mining equipment or structures were noted at the mine site. A
scale is the only man made feature and it is located at the main entrance below.
Noxious and/or problematic weed infestation was observed within the affected area. The infestation, if not controlled,
will most likely hinder and/or delay successful reclamation of this site and contribute to off-site spreading and establishment of
these weeds. Dalmatian Toadflax, hounds tongue, and thistle were observed on site. These infestations are relatively light and
with proper control will not become a major issue that requires submission of a technical revision of a weed control plan in the
future. Please supply this Office with documentation that the weeds have been addressed. A copy of this report will be sent
to the appropriate weed control authority for this area.
Volunteer vegetation has begun to invade cut banks, roads and other lightly disturbed areas. Slender wheat grass and rice
grass were observed to be doing very well. Topsoil for this site is minimal and stockpiled in small areas along the west side of
both bench areas. These stockpiles are well vegetated and show now signs of loss or erosion.
Storm water control efforts appear to be working well. A major drainage has been redirected by use of culverts and bar ditches
to minimize impact on the site. The nature of the materials being mined help reduce erosional effects and only small riling and
cuts were noted and these were predominately in the haul roads. Small berms have been consVucted to contain run-off.
Evidence of containment was noted on the lower bench in particular.
Some minor sloughing of material was noted on the mine benches. The materials appear to be have come from mining
activities and not instability.
Overall the site is clean of debris and appears to be complying with the approved permit conditions.
The operator has had ongoing litigatioh with the Bureau of Land Management concerning mining rights and sales of materials
from this site. The litigation puts the entire permit in a state of Limbo that the Division cannot correct until such time as a
definitive answer to these issues is reached. The Division. records show documentation on this issue back in the mid 1990 s,
but nothing on the current status of the litigation or efforts towards resolution of the matter. Staff is requesting written
documentation of an update concerning the issues from both the operator and BLM. The Division cannot accurately
assess current reclamation costs or address other issues until this is resolved.