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EXHIBIT E - RECLAMATION PLAN The introduction of Exhibit E states that the intended land uses for the affected area are rangeland, open space and wildlife habitat. In general, the proposed post mining configuration would tend to support these beneficial uses. The two areas of concern in regard to those intended uses are the grading of the waste disposal facilities out slopes, as discussed elsewhere, and the final west pit configuration. Based upon the information provided, the 110 acre west pit will be left as a relatively steep depression of which 57 acres will be topsoiled and seeded. It will be necessary for Battle Mountain to demonstrate that the proposed post mining, open pit configuration is one which will meet the intent of the proposed reclamation plan. This demonstration must address how the proposed configuration will benefit or improve wildlife habitat and/or grazing of domestic animals. In order to provide fora useful post-mining configuration, we would suggest that, at a minimum, the pit be backfilled to elevation 8600 ft. This configuration, while economically achievable, would provide long-term land form stability and provide the beneficial uses as intended by the proposed reclamation plan and by the Mined Land Reclamation Act. Section E.2 General Reclamation Procedures 60. Figure F-1 indicated that the East Pit will be backfilled to approximately the original contour of that area. Please verify that this is the intended post mining configuration. 61. Figure E.3-1 does not provide topographic contours or other information in sufficient detail so that the proposed west pit post mining configuration can be evaluated to any significant extent. Please revise. Section E.2.1 Topsoil/Growth Medium Stockpiling and Use 62. Rule 6.4(1), states that topsoil (generally the A and B soil horizons) must be salvaged and stockpiled separately from the subsoil beneath it. Replacement would occur in the reverse order. Segregating the subsoil from the topsoil maintains the superior plant establishment and growth qualities of the topsoil. Mixture of topsoil and subsoil negates the superior qualities exhibited by topsoil. Please commit to segregating topsoil and subsoil. 63. Figure C-1 illustrates only one topsoil stockpile location. It is assumed that the topsoil salvaging and eventual reclamation operations over the entire 550 acres of disturbance will necessitate topsoil and subsoil stockpile locations closer to the areas requiring growth media replacement. Please illustrate the expected topsoil and subsoil stockpile locations for the entire site on the appropriate figures. -10-