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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1991-079 INSPECTION DATE 6-30-2005 OBSERVATIONS INSPECTOR'S INITIALS SSS This was a routine monitoring inspection conducted as part of DMG's ongoing monitoring program for permitted mines in Colorado. The mine identification sign and affected area boundary markers are in place and in compliance with Rule 3.1.12. The Coordinates of the site entrance were recorded with the Trimble GPS. 39°01'49"N, 108°33'41"W, 4600' elevation MSL. This pit is currently approximately 15 feet deep with water that flowed in during flooding of the adjacent Colorado River in late May 2005. The pit was maintained in a dewatered condition prior to that event. The force of the river entering and dropping into the pit resulted in three erosional features on the south side of the pit. The erosional channels vary 3-12 and similar in width. The center channel extends beyond the property line onto BLM controlled surface area that lies between the river and the mine. This channel is located on a highpoint between the two other channels that are located in swales. The location of the middle channel supports Mr. Lyman's stated observations that waterwas piping underneath the surface from the BLM land to the pit, eventually collapsing and creating this channel. During this inspection, the inspector noted two locations where small sink holes had formed and may have been the initiation of more piping features. All sediment from erosion of these channels was captured in the pit. the only off-site damage noted is the portion of the middle channel that extends into the BLM property. Because it cannot be demonstrated that the erosion progressed from the pit to the BLM property, but may have resulted from piping, this is not considered to be an enforcement situation. These erosion channels are noted as a problem and will need to be repaired. DMG will leave it up to the permittee as to how the channels are to be repaired. It appears that they can either be filled in completely, or possibly it would be more beneficial to grade and stabilize these channels so they function as controlled inlets to the pit for future flooding events. The drop from the pit wall crest to the expected water level after completion of reclamation is not expected to be significant enough to cause major erosion to the post mine reclamation, but during mining, a controlled flow into the pit during flooding maybe advisable. In any case, a technical revision to the permit will need to be submitted that addresses howthe erosion channels will be repaired. The revision will need to include specifications for compaction of fill, grading and surface stabilization. Elam will need to contact the BLM regarding handling and coordination of erosion channel repairs on their property. The revision will need to be submitted by August 31, 2005 and receive DMG approval within statutory timeframes. During flooding, Elam was able to remove the fuel tank from the pit and place it in a temporary bermed area near the scales. They will use this opportunity to replace the spill containment liner with a liner more suited to this use as determined during a spill event at another of Elam's operations. The old liner was very badly degraded and virtually ineffective. Elam should not delay replacing any spill containment liners at their other operations, especially if the tanks are located this close to groundwater and the liners are compromised. The site weed control plan appears to be keeping noxious weeds from infesting the site. There are several locations with knapweed encroaching into the permit area that Elam reportedlytreats each year. The majority of tamarisk and Russian olive encroaching on the site appear to be in the areas where mining and reclamation were completed prior to January 19, 2005. Elam will need to implement their recently approved tamarisk and Russian olive management plan for the remainder of the affected areas of the site. Management on the reclaimed areas is also strongly encouraged, but not mandatory. This inspection was scheduled, in part, to collect information on current site conditions for use in updating the reclamation cost estimate to ensure the state holds adequate bond to reclaim the site. With the pit currently filled with water, this task has been delayed. Elam is asked to notify DMG upon completion of pit dewatering so an additional inspection can be done to collect this information. Much of the overburden pile was used to build a berm along the buffer area between the pit and the river as well as across the pit floor on the facilities level. Elam will need to contact the Army Corps of Engineers regarding these dikes, to determine if they can remain as permanent features, or if they need to be permitted or removed. Elam will need to notify DMG of the results of these conversations and take any permitting actions necessary to keep the reclamation permit accurate and up to date. Topsoil piles along the haul road on the north side of the pit/facilities area appear to need shaping and stabilization, preferably by grading to slopes less than 3H:1 V and seeding with the approved seed mix. This work should be completed so that seeding can take place in September.