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The MLRB has evaluated the Kerr Coal operation thoroughly in the course <br />of numerous permit and permit amendment applications over the past <br />several years. Further, the United States Department of the Interior <br />("DOI"), in processing the Emergency Lease Application of Kert Coal, <br />conducted a thorough environmental analysis of the proposed lease as <br />required under 43 CFR Parts 3400.0-4 (a) and 3425.3 As part of this <br />analysis, the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM"), on behalf of the Secre- <br />tary, studied and gathered environmental data concerning the Federal <br />Lease Tract. In addition, at the public hearing held concerning the <br />proposed lease on January 15, 1980, no objections to lease issuance <br />were received. The results of DOI's environmental scrutiny and public <br />hearings process are reflected in a written Environmental Assessment <br />Report dated November 14, 1979. Since the present application covers an <br />extension of an on-going operation which has been scrutinized previously <br />under the Interim Regulations, prior state law, and the Federal Emergen- <br />cy Leasing Program, it is hoped that the past familiarity will allow the <br />review process to progress swiftly. <br />• Maximize tfiA Otilization and ConserSation of Coal Sd Future Surface <br />Mining Can Be Minimized <br />Kerr Coal strives in its mining operations to recover the maximum coal <br />tonnage that may be economically mined. The Company has invested mil- <br />lions of dollars in capital equipment capable of mining to greater <br />depths, thereby increasing the reserve base. Additionally, the Kerr <br />Coal Engineering Department carefully designs the mining plans so that <br />maximum coal recovery is achieved. Kerr Coal currently recovers approx- <br />imately BSX of the surveyed, in-place coal reserves and will continue in <br />every way the effort necessary to maintain this high production effi- <br />ciency. The overall goal of Kerr Coal with respect to coal recovery is <br />to go well beyond the due diligence, ordinary care, and generally <br />accepted mining practices required to maximize coal production from both <br />its private coal reserves and the newly acquired Federal Lease. Maxi- <br />mizing coal production while minimizing costs are objectives that deeply <br />concern both the government and Kerr Coal during these times of high <br />inflation and energy shortages. <br />r~ <br />u <br />-9- <br />