PERMFILE44603

• Permit No: C1980004A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 5/13/2002
• Section_Exhibit Name: Section 2.0 General Description of the Mining Operation
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

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MINE DESIGN
2-13
The East Main entries were advanced through the fault by driving a set of three
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rock slopes to the upthrown block of coal (See Figure 2.1-1). The Rock Slopes provide
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access to the eastern portion of the reserves. The entries will eventually be extended
to the eastern lease edge. Note that at all property boundaries, a 50ifoot barrier pillar
will be left.
The outer boundaries of this reserve block are uncertain because there may be
burned areas on the outcrop and the orientation of the east fault may not be exactly as
shown. To allow for this uncertainty, the mine was designed so the entries and panels
are aligned with areas where the coal should not be affected by these conditions.
When the adverse conditions are encountered, the mine design will be adjusted so that
maximum recovery of the coal resource will be possible. ~
The first block of coal mined will be panels developed to the north from the East
Mains. This block of coal will provide three to five years of mining depending on
annual production and recovery. The second block of coal will be mined from the
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South Mains. Panels will be developed both east and west from the South Mains. The
third block of coal will be mined form 1 West Submains. Panels will tie developed
-- -- _
south from the 1 West Submains. Upon final retreat from the mine, south panels will be
from the
The coal reserve west of the graben will be evaluated for economic recovery
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before final mine closure. A decision will be made at a later date whether to drive
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ramps to the lower seam off of the 2 North Submains. This block of coal may be
developed second depending on data collected during the advance of the 2 North
Submains. Any decision to abandon these areas will be made in consultation with the
• BLM.
M`Clane
Volume 1
12/99
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