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I.A.2.c Mining Method Decision The areas close to the outcrop on the south of the mining area were unsuitable for longwall mining due to the low overburden height. Room and Pillar panels RP-1 and RP-2 in the D Seam were excluded from longwall mining because the boundary geometry did not allow longwall mining. Previously designed longwall panels to the west of the West Mains in the D Seam were eliminated in the new mine plan because the coal seam is thin and consists of partings, and it overlies better coal in the B Seam. In BME's opinion the B Seam coal under this portion of the D Seam should not be jeopardized. BME has designed a mining plan which will give the highest resource recovery in the safest and most economical manner. I.A.3 Mining Sequence Map 119 and Map 120 show the mine plan and development sequence for the D Seam and the B Seam, respectively. Initial mining began with the D Seam portals. Underground access to the coal seam has been provided by two declined rock tunnels: one double-compartmentdecline and one single-compartment decline. The double-compartment decline is divided by a steel divider. The upper compartment contains the coal conveyor belt, and the lower compartment is for transportationof men and materials. The single-compartment slope is used solely for intake ventilation through the mine fan. The double compartmentslope is approximately500 feet long driven on a decline of 14° to intersect the coal seam. The ventilation slope is driven on a decline of 16°. Bottom development was completed in the area where the two slopes intersected the coal. The West Mains were developed to a point where development of the South Submains could begin. When the South Submains were completed, the East Exhaust Portal was developed and the portal constructed. Development of the East Mains and the gateroads for longwall panels then began. Mining in the first longwall district comprised of five longwall panels (LW-1 to LW-5) was completed in 1993. The district was subsequentlysealedunderground. Two production crews utilizing two continuous miners can providethe necessarydevelopmentof future longwall panels and mains. One production crews is required for the longwall. Other crews are required for maintenance and support work. Longwall panels LW-6 through LW-9 were mined during 1993-1996. The LW-9 panel was only partially mined when the mine caught on fire on January 31, 1996. The whole district was eventually sealed on February 14, 1996 because the fire could not be controlled. Thus, the remaining LW-9 panel and other panels planned for mining, behind the seals, were abandoned. A new D-Seam mine Rio Blanco County Special Use Permit#81-1 Exhibit B -Mining Plan September2000 5