1985-03-25_REVISION - M1983052 (4)

Home Browse Search

Mr. Saletta March 22, 1985 Page 2 All topsoil stockpiles which you observed in your inspections have been used in 1985 reclamation . Topsoil has been spread to an approximate depth of four to six inches . No figures are available for the volume of topsoil used in 1985 . As stated in the approved permit , the operator who held the property prior to Marathon made no attempt at salvaging topsoil or performing reclamation. We have salvaged all topsoil that was available. This amounts to some 100 yards of material. This topsoil is stored at the location shown on Exhibit F-1 of the permit and has been graded and seeded. Please note the following revisions to our amendment application. Line 13b of the application form states that the total acreage of affected lands is nine acres. This should be changed to read 24 acres . Pilot Plant operations comprise ten acres ; seven acres for operations and three acres for ponds. The Joker Mine pit will be a maximum of one acre . The disturbed area that is undergoing reclamation in 1985 totals 13 acres. Exhibit E - Reclamation Plan states that the large buildings will be preserved for the benefit of the BLM grazing permittee . Although we intend to preserve the buildings at operations end , they will remain for the use and benefit of us or the mining claim owners, not the grazing permittee. Your letter of March 18 , 1985 states that according to Federal Law and regulations the large buildings on public lands must be removed at the end of mining . This statement is incorrect . So long as Marathon or its successors or assigns has an interest in the lands upon which the buildings are situated, the buildings may remain . Marathon ' s interest in the property is by virtue of its leasehold interest in unpatented mining claims owned by Centennial Gold Corporation and unrelated third parties . Upon termination of Marathon' s mining permit and leasehold interest in the property, the mining claims will revert to the owners. The owners plan to maintain and hold the claims indefinitely. Federal law provides that a mining claimant may construct and maintain improvements including large buildings on his mining claims for so long as such improvements may be necessary or convenient for the working of his claim. This includes buildings for equipment storage or other uses which may arise in the course of a mining claimant ' s prospecting or mining activities (as those terms are used by the common man) .