REV01233 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

STATE OF COLORADO DIVISION OF RECLAMATION, MINING AND SAFETY Department of Natural Resources 1313 Sherman St., Room 215 Denver, Colorado 80203 C O L O R A D O Phone: (3031 8663567 DIVISION O F RECLAMATION FAX: (303) 832106 MINING - &- SAFETY November 24, 2006 Mr. Forrest Luke Bill Owens Govemar Trapper Mining, Inc. Ru:sell George P.O. Box 187 Executive DIfCCIOr Craig, CO 81626 Ronaia w. cattany Division DIfCCIOr Natural Resource Trustee Re: Trapper Mine, Permit Number C1981010, Technical Revision No. 98 Dear Mr. Luke: The Division has conducted an initial review of Trapper Mining Inc.'s (TMI) application for a technical revision, TR98. This revision was initially submitted as MR209 on September 20, 2006. On October 8, 2006, a large landslide occurred on the Trapper mine in the East Panel mining area. The slide occurred in a portion of the azea included in MR209 proposed mine plan changes. On October 30, 2006, TMI provided revised maps for MR209 which removed the proposed changes to the mine plan for the G-dip Pit. Due to the proximity of the slide to the proposed mine plan changes to the Z-dip pit, the Division determined that the proposed mine plan changes be reviewed as a technical revision. TMI withdrew MR209, and resubmitted the proposed mine plan changes as Technical Revision No. 98 (TR98) on November 3, 2006. TR98 proposes to reduce the western branch of Z-strike pit by 13.9 acres (estimated volume= 3,458,334 cubic yazds). TR98 proposed to reorient the Z pit to a dip line configuration with anorth-south orientation. TMI proposes 13.5 acres for the Z-dip pit (estimated volume = 694,444 cubic yards). The Z- dip pit is proposed to be immediately east of the existing eastern Z-strike pit ramp. Mining in the Z-dip pit would progress to the east. The proposed changes would result in a reduction of 1 I.l acres previously approved for topsoil stripping. These 11.1 acres would not be disturbed and would not require revegetation as well. TR98 proposes to also abandon construction of haulroads G2 and G4. Previously approved haul roads G2 and G4 had been approved in locations across the azea of the landslide. Haulroad G2 has been brushed. No disturbance associated with construction of haulroad G4 has occurred. The Division proposes to remove the ripping and regrading tasks associated haulroad G2, and the Division proposes to remove all reclamation tasks associated with haulroad G4. The Division estimates the proposed mine plan changes will result in a reduction in the currently approved reclamation costs, primarily due to the reduced backfill and regrade volume. TR98 will not increase the reclamation cost estimate. Upon review of the TR98 application and review of geologic detail currently in the PAP, the Division finds geotechnical information insufficient to demonstrate that the proposed method of mining is compatible with the apparent natural geologic conditions of the azea as suggested by the recent slide, or to Office of Office of Mined Land Reclamation Active and InaRive Mines