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23 <br />As previously noted, exploration mining during the initial permit terms was <br />conducted as an underground operation, utilizing typical underground coal mining <br />equipment. There efforts to accumulate the information necessary to develop <br />comprehensive mining plans have reduced surface impacts associated with road <br />construction and drilling operations. These activities will be ongoing throughout the life <br />of the mine. <br />2.1.2 Life of Mine <br />The life of the McClane Canyon Mine will depend on the amount of coal sold as <br />well as the geologic conditions that are encountered. The mining projections indicate <br />• that there are sufficient reserves to mine for at least 10 to 15 years at the current quality <br />projections. Planned exploration to the south of the existing mine may contribute <br />additional reserves and add year to the life of the mine. Additionally, underground <br />exploration methods may prove that economic reserves exist in other seams within the <br />permit area, see Section 2.1.6. <br />2.1.3 Production <br />A total of 201,867 tons of coal were produced from the McClane Canyon Mine <br />during the 1991 to 1996 permit term. The mine was idle during 1998 and 1999. The <br />mine reinitiated coal production during February 2000 and produced 305,332 tons in <br />calendar year 2000. Production for succeeding years as reported to the DMG is <br />• detailed below: <br />M`Clane Volume 1 06/04 <br />