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• 2.05.3 <br />The existing East Mine utilized coal mining procedures which were designed to maximize the <br />utilization and conservation of the coal resource. That goal remained unaltered in the <br />development of the West Mine facility. The production methods and equipment utilized in the <br />mining of coal did not changed from the existing approved permit except that the equipment Gst <br />was modified to show the addition of a new continuous miner and associated equipment. <br />The mining sequence changed because of the fire experienced on June 1, 1986. This fire forced <br />the sealing of the existing East Mine portals and shafts. In order to return to production safely <br />and quickly, the West Portals were designed and constructed. <br />The First West Sub-main entries (4 or 5 entry system), which access the "D" seam from the West <br />Mme portals, were driven on a heading of approximately N 71 °W. These entries are to provide <br />long-term escapeways and ventilation openings, and short-term coal haulage and access for <br />miners, equipment, and materials. Entries are designed on 100 R. centers, with projected <br />crosscuts on I00 ft. to 120 ft. centers developed after a suitable outcrop barrier pillaz. These <br />entries were driven to the projected South III Sub-mains, as shown on Map 2-5. <br />The South III Sub-main entries (5 to 6 entry system) were driven at an approximate right angle to <br />the First West Sub-main and were developed on 80 ft. to 100 ft. centers with crosscuts at 120 ft. <br />• centers. The sub-mains were advanced north to the II West Sub-mains. <br />Entries in the II West Sub-mains were initially driven east towazds the existing mine. The II West <br />sub-mains were then developed west to the western Lease Boundary. <br />Panel A was developed from the II West sub-mains to maY;mi~e recovery of the coal resource in <br />the vicinity of Steven's Gulch given the mining constraints currently in effect. <br />An additional panel, called Panel A+, was developed and retreat mined from the II West Sub- <br />mains. The location of Panel A+ required driving of development entries into the panel. After <br />this occurred, the existing room and pillar mining method was used to mine the coal from this <br />panel. These methods have been previously described in this section. <br />Mining of panels B, C, G & H followed the A panels. After the II West Sub-mains were <br />developed to the west edge of the lease, the panels presented on Map 2-5 were developed and <br />mined. Map 2-5 shows the area where mining was performed during 1995 - 1997. <br />Refer to Section 2.05.3 (1) for additional discussions of the East Mine and West Mine operations <br />plans. <br />• <br />TR-32 - 9 - 9/99 <br />a/ 8/ o 0 <br />