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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1982-011 INSPECTION DATE 9/2/05 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS WHE OBSERVATIONS This inspection occurred as part of DMG's routine monitoring of permitted operations and to verify the amount of financial warranty required forthe operation. Two photos and a reclamation costestimation accompanythis report. The Hillyer Pit is located approximately 1 mile SE of Silverton, on the Animas River, at approximately 9,300' elevation. The permit is approved for 7.5 acres affected area. Permitted activities include excavation of alluvial material from the annual floodplain of the Animas River and on-site processing to include screening, crushing and stockpiling. The approved plan indicates that the north boundary of the excavation would maintain a 1.5H:1 V slope for 21' depth. East and west side slopes of the pit area would be maintained at 2H:1 V. Pit floor would extend approximately 1050' to the south, along the river, till the pit floor day lighted with the 2% grade of the river. The plan anticipated that the river would enter the pit area during high flow, deposit its bedload and return to the river channel through the south end of the pit. Bedload materials deposited within the pit area would be harvested annually during low flow seasons. Reclamation activities include cessation of material excavation to allow bedload deposition to fill the pit area, minor site grading, and revegetation with native grasses and willow transplants. Affected lands were located either entirely within the active floodplain or within previously disturbed areas where topsoil was not available for salvage. Therefore, topsoil is not available for reclamation purposes. Affected lands are to be reclaimed to support a stable river channel and floodplain area. DMG holds $5,000 financial warranty. No activities were observed; no individuals were contacted during the inspection. Permit status is active. The permit area appears to be located at the south end of an industrial/stockpile area between the railroad grade and the Animas River. Stockpiles of various road base, debris and railroad materials have been previously observed in the area, suggesting that the area has been utilized by multiple individuals. Permit documentslndicate that pre-permit mining activities had occurred at or near the permit area by various individuals from at least 1976. Unreclaimed disturbances from the pre-permit excavation activities appear to exist along the east river bank. Elevation of the pit floor approximated the elevation of the river channel. Portions of the river flow entered the north end of the pit area and exited the south end, as anticipated in the approved plan. The operator has recently removed a significant portion of the material stockpiles placed by previous operators. Reclamation backfilling and grading appeared nearly completed for the northern end of the permit area. W illow shrubs appeared to be thriving in low-lying areas of the permit boundary. The site appeared stable, no evidence of excessive erosion or weed infestation was observed. Remaining reclamation appeared limited to removal of remaining stockpiled material, minor grading, and revegetation. DMG has reviewed the current cost of reclamation, totaling $4,576. Therefore, the existing $5,000 financial warranty appears sufficient to ensure completion of reclamation. No problems or possible violations were observed. 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: Wally Erickson, phone no. 970-247-5469. I & E Contact Address NAME Jo Ann Vota OPERATOR Jo Ann Vota Hinman STREET 315 N. Sunburst Lane CITY/STATE/ZIP Durango CO 81301 cc: Harry Posey, DMG ^ CE ^ BL ^ FS ^ HW ^ HMWMD (CH) ^ SE ^ WOCD (CH)