Laserfiche WebLink
• Three entry systems are generally used to develop inside panels. Generally, mains are developed by five entry <br />sections and remain for the duration of the mine. Occasionally, four entry systems are used when severe roof, floor, <br />or coal conditions are encountered requiring the operator to drop one of the five entries. However, this does not <br />preclude the use of four entries for panel development. <br />No.9 Mine <br />Mining operations in the No. 9 mine were abandoned in March 1985. All mine water discharging from the No. 9 mine <br />was terminated at that time. A reclamation plan for the No. 9 mine and adjacent portal area has been developed and is <br />presented in Section 2.05.4, Reclamation Plan. <br />Minin>; in Big Bottom <br />As shown on the Life-of--Mine Plan Map (Map 22), the permit boundary is being retained around the Big Bottom <br />area. Although there are no present plans to mine in this area, RAG Empire reserves its option under existing <br />"grandfathering" rights to underground mine in this area. This permit does not seek approval to mine in the Big <br />Bottom area. If, in the future, RAG Empire decides to mine in the Big Bottom area, the proper approval will be <br />requested from the CMLRD. <br />MSHA Roof and Ventilation Plans <br />In accordance with MSHA regulations, roof and ventilation plans must be submitted for approval prior to mining. <br />The plans for the No. 6 Mine have been included in this permit as Exhibit 16, MSHA Roof and Ventilation Plans. <br />When approved, the plan for the No. 6 Mine will be included in this exhibit. <br />Geologic and Mineable Reserves <br />In order to satisfy requirements of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) R2 P2 Regulations, the geologic and <br />mineable reserves on all Federal Lease tracts are contained on Table 55, RAG Empire's Federal Coal Resource <br />Recovery and Protection Plan (R2 P2). Due to the sensitive nature of this information, it is requested that this <br />information be kept COTJFIDENTIAL. <br />RAG Empire has committed to contact either the Regional Director or the District Mining supervisor if any <br />archeological, paleontological, or cultural resources are discovered during RAG Empire's mining and/or exploration <br />activities. <br />General Description of Exploration and Development Drilling Practices <br />RAG Empire conducted surface drilling programs to evaluate mine roof conditions, seam thickness, seam quality and <br />other mining parameters. The majority of all future sites were within [he present mine permit (C-81-044) boundary. <br />Roads were constructed to sites in accordance with guidelines set forth in the following narrative. <br />Drilling was conducted using a truck mounted rotary/core rig. Hole depths ranged from 150 feet to 2,200 feet. <br />Cutting were ejected using air until such time that a water medium will be necessary. Auxiliary equipment included <br />one (1) D-7 rated bulldozer, backhoe, pipe truck, water truck, personnel vehicles, and a geophysical logging [ruck. <br />• Some drill holes required new roadwork, and necessary agreements from surface owners were obtained prior to <br />disturbance. Topsoil from pioneer roadwork, mud pits, and consvuction of drill pads was <br />MidTerm Response <br />APPROVED M4R 1. 5 ?f~?^ <br />2.05-6 ` ~ ,3 ~ Revised 12/05/01 <br />