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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1977-284 INSPECTION DATE 10/10/02 OBSERVATIONS INSPECTOR'S INITIALS GRM This inspection was preformed as part of the normal monitoring program established by the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology. The Mineral Joe Mine is located approximately 12 miles west of Naturita. The permit is approved for 9.5 acres of effected area. The permit is currently in intermittent status. The current bond held by the Division for this site is $28,331.00. The Mineral Joe Claims Mine uses the Duggan Adit for access in conjunction with the JD-5. Both sites were inspected at this time. The Duggan Adit has a secured steel gate and lock to control.access. The main and ancillary roads were in fair to good condition. A recent major rain has caused rilling and sand bars on all roads in the area. Mine roads appear to have held up better than some of the county roads. The mine identification sign and affected area boundary markers are in place and in compliance with Rule 3.1.12 The waste piles on site have been significantly impacted by a major rain storm a few years ago. The high flow of run-on to the site is attributed to the fact that a major drainage dumps onto the site. Cotter has built a diversionary dam and utilized an old drill road as a channel to deflect run-on to the next drainage over which joins with this one further down gradient. A retainage pond and berms along the edge of the waste dumps has helped reduce or eliminate the stormwater impact. This observation is based on the recent rain that impacted the area surrounding the mine and no visible evidence of recent erosion to the site. Under normal circumstances this issue would be listed as problem with a corrective action to repair erosion and possibly address further control measures. However, Cotter has indicated that this site is scheduled for full reclamation next year. Control measures in place appear to have corrected the situation until the site is addressed then. If Cotter decides against reclaiming this site next year, then it must address the erosion repairs to the waste piles next summer. In general the site is clean of trash or debris. Some rail and air duct are scattered around the site but are not considered a overly negative. Reconstruction and repairs to a loading area has produced some scrap timber. All of this will be removed or buried with reclamation efforts. No hazardous materials or waste were noted on site. No surface or ground water issues were apparent. Off site damage was also not observed. An area defined in the permit, above the mine, has an air vent and ore bins still on site. The immediate area has been graded and seeded. The reclamation appears to be going as described in the permit. The BLM will have to decide soon whether to leave the ore bins for historical perspective or have them removed. The air vent hole will be plugged in conjunction with other reclamation efforts possibly next year. In the mean time, the vent is protected with an 8 foot chain link fence that is in good repair. A third area with an additional adit has been plugged and contoured. Grading and slopes meet the permit requirements. A recent seeding does show some signs of limited success, but it is to early to judge. Cotter informed the inspector that work plans are being compiled to begin full reclamation of this site. An updated bond calculation for this site will be sent to the operator within 30 days. As discussed, the update will reflect the current cost of previously agreed upon tasks between the Division and Cotter Corporation.