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Mountain Coal Company <br />West Elk Mine <br />Deer Creek Shaft Project Plan <br />Initially, MSHA will require monitoring and inspection of the Deer Creek Shaft function <br />as part of the mine ventilation system_ MSHA will also require at least weekly tests of <br />the functionality of the emergency escape equipment. Routine maintenance will occur to <br />the extent necessary. <br />PROPOSED SHAFT CLOSURE METHODS <br />Upon closure, both Deer Creek Shaft and the emergency escape shaft will be capped with <br />concrete and a steel structure below ground surface and backfill material will be used to <br />cover the caps. The surface concrete collars of the shafts will be removed and the area. <br />re-graded to approximate original contour. The plan for permanent sealing will follow <br />the prevailing CDRMS regulations at 4.07.3, consistent with 30 CFR 75.1711. <br />RECLAMATION PLAN <br />Reclamafion of pad and roads will follow when it is decided by MCC that the shafts are <br />no longer needed for their intended purpose (currently estimated as 2020, the remaining <br />life of the mine). A specific date to commence reclamation is not provided because the <br />future mining plans are somewhat variable and driven by unknown market conditions. <br />• Upon completion of each phase of reclamation activity at the project site, <br />all debris, trash, and equipment will be removed <br />• A backhoe and a bulldozer will redistribute material on and around the <br />shaft pad to achieve as closely as practicable the original contour of the <br />site. The area will then be ripped or scarified <br />• Stored topsoil will be distributed as evenly as possible over the disturbed <br />shaft pad area. <br />• The entire shaft pad area and reclaimed roads will be re-seeded using the <br />USFS/CDMG mutually agreed seed mix described below for the mountain <br />shrub habitat type. <br />Page 10 of 13 <br />