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(Page 2) <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1977-287 <br />INSPECTION DATE 6/13/02 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS GRM <br />This inspection was conducted as part of the surety release request SL-01 from the operator. The Thunderbolt Mines are <br />located south of US Highway 90 between Vancorum and Paradox, Colorado. The Nil Mine is the last of the mines to be <br />reclaimed within the Thunder Bolt Complex. The weather was clear and no precipitation has been noted in the area for some <br />time. The inspector was accompanied by Umetco Representatives Tony Bates and Bob Barnett. Also accompanying the <br />inspector was DOW Officer Kevin Duckett and BLM Representative Lynn Lewis. <br />All slopes are 3H:1 V at the mine site. Pocking of the slopes has produced an irregular topography that has been conducive <br />to precipitation capture and erosion control. Umetco as part of the reclamation of this site reworked the drainage in the <br />immediate area after a major rain event impacted the spoils pile and caused considerable damage both on and off the site. <br />The reworking included redirection of the main drainage and contact with native rock to prevent any erosion at the toe of the <br />pile. All work was a major benefit to the site and areas down the drainage. No erosion was noted and storm water control <br />measures are adequate. (Photo Documentation attached) <br />Pocking of the slopes has allowed the seeded areas to form pockets of vegetation that are healthy. Evidence that several of <br />the native species of approved grasses are established and reseeding were noted. Western Wheatgrass, Needle and Thread, <br />and Bottlebrush squirrel tail were the predominant species although others were noted. No noxious weeds were noted within <br />the permitted area. Evidence suggest that elk have been grazing on the slopes. The general health of all species of plants <br />appears to be good considering the drought conditions that currently persist in the area. <br />Roads have been ripped and contoured. Native grasses and globemallow, although not abundant, were observed, Tree snags <br />have been scattered over the roads to prevent vehicle entry and erosion control. <br />Air Vents above the mine have been sealed and reclaimed. Roads to these sites have also been reclaimed as described <br />above. The sites were not visited but Umetco has supplied photo documentation of the reclamation work (Photo <br />Documentation attached). All work appears to meet the reclamation plan standards. The portal was sealed and backfilled <br />to conform with the rest of the slope. <br />This site appears not to have any hydrological issues. No ground or surface water are evident within the immediate area. <br />BLM Representative Lynn Lewis has accepted the reclamation work for this site. The Division also found no issues of concern. <br />Based on both agency approvals, staff recommends approval of SL-01 for full reclamation release and termination of the permit <br />file. Upon written confirmation from the BLM of acceptance of the reclamation, DMG will approve the SL-01 for final release <br />of the site. <br />Responses to this inspection report should be directed to Russ Means at the Division of Minerals and Geology, Grand Junction <br />Field Office, 101 South 3rtl Street, Room 301, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501, phone no. 970-241-1117. <br />I & E Contact Address cc: <br /> ^ CE <br />NAME Tonv Bates X BL, Lynn Lewis <br />OPERATOR Umetco Minerals ^ FS <br />STREET P.O. Box 1029 ^ HW <br />CITY/STATE2IP Grand Junction. Colorado 81502 ^ HMWMD (CH) <br /> ^ SE <br /> ^ WOCD (CH) <br /> X OTHER: CDOW, Kevin Duckett <br />