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(Page 21 MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1986-076 INSPECTION DATE 7/16/03 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO OBSERVATIONS This inspection was performed by the Division as part of its monitoring of Hard Rock and Metals 110d (DM0) permits. The operator was contacted about the inspection, and a time was arranged to meet at the site. The operator'srepresentative named on page one arrived 30 minutes after the inspection began, but was present during the rest of the inspection. The required permit ID sign was posted at the entrance to the permit area. Several permit boundary signs were observed. A boundary change may be requested in the near future, and all new boundaries must be marked. Given the terrain, it is difficult to see all marked corners from any one location. It is suggested that more markers be placed along the boundaries, and not just at the corners. Likewise, though this is not a requirement, it is suggested that the limits of the current areas being operated (mined, filled, benched, reclaimed, etc.) also have markers around them. There has been no mining or processing activity yet this season. Some site clean-up has been carried out The mill building is in good condition on the exterior. It was locked and the interior was not inspected. The ore intake hopper was empty, and the several process water tanks held only small amounts of water. There was a diesel tank behind the mill, but it was empty and in a temporary location. It will be placed eventually in a spill-proof steel containment pan before it is filled for use. The tailings sump below the tailings outlet auger, was full of tailings from last season. Much debris and equipmentnhas been removed from this bench, clearing space for future activities. The 8' x 12' plywood storage shed was stilt on this bench, but it was very close to the edge. The next bench below the mill building contains the approved tailings pond, though the current operator does not plan to place tailings there. Ore material is being extracted from the far end of this bench, near an old adit which was exposed as a result of this mining. The adit will not be used, but will be closed and avoided. If final closure is not carried out, costs for the closure will have to be added to the bond. There is a small crusher placed on the bench, as well as several small pieces of diesel equipment and numerous tanks and parts for ore processing. Some of these will be removed, others may be employed in future milling capacity. Previously noted diesel spill has been cleaned up. This bench includes a road which leads up to the upper portions of the permit, and to claim areas beyond the permit boundary. This bench and road will probably have to remain open and passable after reclamation. The next bench below the crushing area is where the current operator wishes to gain approval for the future tailings disposal pond. A preliminary excavation was made 130' x 15' x 8' deep), and a small amount of neutralized tailings 12 cubic yards or less) were dumped here in 2002. The operator was informed that these items were not in compliance with the plan, and he ceased continuing it. Upcoming revisions to the permit and plan will address these items. Since the permit is a DMO, with tailings produced and disposed of onsite, the tailings pond must meet the standards of an Environmental Protection Facility fEPFj, in Hard Rock and Metals Rule 7.3. Since there is no approved plan on file for this new pond, a problem has been noted in page one, under "general mine plan compliance." The corrective action will be for the operator to obtain approval for the new pond, through a revision or amendment, by October 15, 2003. Please see the last page. The preliminary earthwork carried out on this new tailings pond, as well as other general grading tasks carried out onsite by this operator, has resulted in no salvage and stockpiling of topsoil, even though it could have been salvaged. The reclamation plan requires topsoil to support revegetation of waste rock and treated tailings. At this time, a problem has been noted on page one, under "topsoil." The corrective action will be for the operator to demonstrate that adequate topsoil will be salvaged during upcoming activities, and stockpiled in a stable location for later use. Such handling will be inspected during future inspections. At this time the operator must provide a statement, which will become part of the reclamation plan, that all salvageable topsoil will be carefully separated and stored. This statement is also due by October 15, 2003. Please see the last page. There is another adit on this tailings bench, which the operator backfilled. The sleet beams at the portal could not be pulled, but the operator stated that he'll try to cut them and blend the slope. Significant sloughing of soil and rock occurs from steep cut slopes such as this. Existing and additional cuts must be stabilized as needed, as well as monitoring the placement of new fills on the outslopes of the site. Final adit closure and necessary maintenance earthwork must be performed as needed. Cont.