INSPEC23678

• Permit No: M1978323
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Name: MINERALS PROGRAM INSPECTION REPORT
• Inspection Date: 12/12/1997
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

• (Page 2)
MINE ZD # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-78-323
INSPECTION DATE 12/12/97
INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO
This was a partial inspection performed by the Division ae part of its monitoring of 112
permits. The operator was contacted about the inspection and a time was arranged to meet at
the site. The people named on the first page represented the operator and were present
throughout the inspection.
The site is identified by a permit ID sign posted on the scalehouse adjacent to the highway.
The boundaries are marked by posts. One marker in particular (next to the road, toward the
western end of the southern boundary) had been knocked down by equipment. it should be
replaced. All mining activity appears to be occurring inside the boundary.
The site was being actively mined at the time of the inspection. The excavated material at
the west end of the pit was being screened and stockpiled. Several loaders and trucks were
observed moving material. The crusher was set up at the east end of the pit, but was not
operating. No fuel is stored onsite for any equipment. The pit is oriented along the east-
west axis, and daytlights toward the south. It is being enlarged toward the west end, with
the steep highwalls gradually reduced to +/-2:1, as it largely has been on the east end. The
long highwall, on the north, is old and steep, but has been fairly stable. In places the
nearly vertical, 30-foot-plus face has shown no sign of sloughing in its 20 years of existing
(and even has shrubs growing on it). The vertical nature of it will be temporary though,
since the reclamation plan calls for gentler gradients, and the operator plans to mine that
face at a gentler gradient after the highwalls on the E and w ends are established. These
steep slopes are not a problem at this time, since they have shown themselves to be stable
due to the cemented nature of the (conglomerate) material. The pit floor does not appear to
impound water nor contribute sediment to off site areas.
The pit may be excavated another 35 feet deeper from its present floor level. But this will
occur after the floor of the pit has grown within the permit and side slopes are set.
The topsoil pile is north of the pit in a low stable berm. The overburden berm is also north
of the pit, but is located adjacent to the top of the main highwall. It will have to be
moved prior to continued mining on the north. The E and W end elopes will receive this
material to be used for growth medium when reclamation there begins.
There is a small collection of boulders, which are mostly sold to the railroad for riprap and
track bed stabilizing.
There were no structures on the site, and no debris to be removed (other than a few pieces
of corrugated metal culvert pipe belonging to the landowner, in the west end).
The bond is currently $77,125. it has been several years since it was recalculated, so the
Division will be re-assessing the amount. New figures will be sent to the operator when they
are prepared. Until then, the operator is encouraged to report all onsite activity,
especially reclamation, which should help the Division more closely estimate the bond needed.
There were no problems noted at the time of the inspection. If there are questions or
responses to this inspection report, please contact this inspector at the following address
or phone:
Division of Minerals and Geology
484 Turner Dr., Bldg. F-101
Durango CO 81301