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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1981-165 INSPECTION DATE 7/9/04 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO OBSERVATIONS This inspection was performed by the Division as part of its monitoring of Hard Rock and Metals 110(2) permits. The operator was contacted about the inspection and a time was arranged to meet at the site. The operator's representative named on page one was present during the inspection. The required permit ID sign was observed posted on the locked entrance gate. Several permit boundary signs were observed, mainly at permit area corners that are not concealed by timber. The site was not active at the time of the inspection, but there was sign of recent activity in the ore storage area above the portal, and on the portal pad also. The operator explained that the ore storage area contained an estimated 100 cubic yards of material cleaned out from the workings, which were non-mineralized enough to be considered as benign. This material will be used on onsite roads and and on adjacent USFS roads (through USFS agreement). There was a small amount (less than 10 cubic yards) of ore also recently brought to the surface, which will be removed from the site this season for assay. The operator is aware that since the location where this ore was placed is not a lined ore storage facility, the ore must be removed before it has been there 180 days. The mill building was secured, with no leaks from the building observed. The ore crusher and conveyor were present outside the building. The operator has not operated the mill in several years. No cyanide is approved for use at this site, and none is stored or used here. No fuel or hydrocarbon is stored outside the mill. The main portal (aka 65 level portal) was safeguarded by locked steel doors. This is a dry portal. There were new pieces of underground development equipment and parts stacked near the portal, indicating recent work and/or upcoming work this season. The operator is reminded that all muck must be properly handled in the permit area, with consideration for surace water quality, sediment transport, stormwater drainage, and permit area boundaries. All stormwater must be properly contained, so that no runoff reports to the creek. The tailings pond was fairly full of water, with about 4 feet of freeboard. The exposed part of the hypalon liner was intact, and no leaks were evident on the outside embankment, so it is assumed to be in good condition. Past weed control activity was evident. There were still a few residual thistles near the margin of the pond, which were pointed out to the operator. Thistles, as all noxious weeds, must be treated timely and regularly to adequately control them. If afuture inspection reveals an increase in noxious weeds, this could become a problem. The reclaimed slope above the ore staorage area appeared to be well vegetated. It may become redisturnbed in the future if additional muck is placed here. The topsoil stockpiles were labeled and vegetated. The operator is protecting them for future reclamation. The bond amount will be recalculated and if an increase is indicated, the new figures will be sent to the operator for review. Increases must be submitted within 60 days of notification. The operator should describe all mining, reclamation, stormwater control, and weed control performed onsite in the annual reports. No further items were observed during the inspection, and no problems at this time. 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: Bob Oswald; phone no. 970-247-5193. I & E Contact Address NAME OPERATOR STREET CITY/STATE2IP E.L. Ballard Mine Development, Inc. 16360 Park Ten Place #325 Houston. TX 77084 cc: Harry Posey, DMG ^ CE ^ BL ^ FS ^ HW ^ HMWMD (CH) ^ SE ^ WOCD (CH) ^ OTHER cc: Harold Luzar, Jr., Mine Development, Inc., 3319 E. 4`h Ave, Durango, CO 81301