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During the transition period, F seam operations will continue while <br />B seam mining operations are starting up. Mining in both seams <br />is likely for up to two years during B seam development. <br />Once the B seam mine becomes fully operational, it is likely that <br />F seam operations will be suspended until such time as market <br />conditions allow mining to continue in that seam. <br />The F seam main entries will be maintained to provide access to the <br />B seam mine, as well as allow future mining in the F seam. <br />The F seam mine plans have been updated to reflect the most recent <br />mine plan based on conditions encountered. It is likely, based on <br />geologic interpretation, that the 1W65 panel will be the last panel <br />developed to the west off the 1st West Submain. This is due to <br />thinning coal in the western portion of the mine block in Lease <br />C-0117192. This was previously indicated by exploration drill <br />holes. This is also consistent with the mineable area shown on the <br />F seam life of mine plan contained in Exhibit 3.4.4.B.1. <br />one additional panel may be developed, depending on geologic and <br />mineablility conditions, to the north of the 1st West Submain. <br />originally a series of short panels were projected in this area. <br />Low coal and poor quality coal associated with a previously mined <br />through channel zone has reduced the projected size of this <br />-' mineable area. Exhibit 3.4.4.B.2 and Exhibit 3.4.4.B.3 have been <br />revised to reflect this projected panel. <br />Additionally, mine plan changes have been made in the 1st East <br />Submain. Plans are to retreat mine the developed portion of the <br />1st East Submain, currently at 16 crosscut, back to 2 crosscut. <br />This area will then be permanently sealed. The reasons for retreat <br />mining this once long term Submain are exceedingly poor roof <br />conditions beneath the middle branch of Sylvester Gulch and <br />projections of continued poor roof conditions in the East Submain <br />beneath the East branch of Sylvester Gulch. <br />Alternative plans to access the coal in this area are shown on <br />Exhibit 3.4.4.B.2 and 3.4.4.B.3. The plan calls for a new Submain <br />to be driven under higher cover associated with the Minnesota Creek <br />drainage divide. Panels will be driven on an angle across the mine <br />block as shown. The panel lengths can be adjusted when the <br />Sylvester Gulch drainage influences ate severe. <br />The life of mine plan for F seam has not changed significantly, <br />therefore Exhibit 3.4.4.B.1 has not been revised. <br /> <br />