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West E[k Mine <br />Representative samples-of the B-Seam coal, overburden, roof, and floor strata have been <br />collected and analyzed from core holes drilled within the mine petzrtit azea, and elsewhere azound <br />the lease holdings. The location of these holes are shown on Map 8 and the analytic results are <br />presented in Exhibit 13. Stratigraphic cross-sections and geochemical analyses indicate that <br />these results are representative of the existing conditions throughout the West Elk coal lease azea. <br />Table 3 Recoverable Reserves (MM Tons) <br />Reserves B-Seam* E-Seam** Total <br />Federal Leases 89 62 151 <br />Fee 3 0 3 <br />Total 92 62 154 <br />Assumptions: <br />All reserve estimates based upon MCC's 1998 Long Range Mine Plan dated June 1997. <br />` Coal weight@ 861bs.lft.', 8 ft. minimum miningheight, 12 ft. maximum miningheight. <br />"' Coal weight@ 82 lbs./ft.', 8 ft. minimum mining height, 1 I ft. maximum mining height. <br />.i <br />B-Seam Roof and Floor <br />Core examination and actual observed conditions suggest that the B-Seam has the most competent <br />roof rocks of the three mined or minable seams. Immediately overlying the B-Seam is from 1 to 2 <br />feet of a dark gray mudstone. This lithology is generally competent, but may locally be weakened <br />where slickensides, fossils, or joints disrupt bedding continuity and rock strength. Above this fine- <br />grained "cap rock", a widespread sandy unit occurs which forms the main roof of the B-Seam. This <br />sandstone typically provides good anchorage for roof bolts and forms a strong beam above the <br />mined entries. Locally, this sandy unit may be weakened by jointing or thin, fine-grained <br />laminations, which commonly occur near the unit's base. <br />B-Seam roof conditionshave historically been excellent. From 1 to 2 feet of top coal is commonly <br />left urtmined in the roof to improve roof conditions by eliminating air slaking, which can weaken <br />the immediate roof shale over time. In leaving top coal, sulfur in the coal product is also reduced <br />by avoiding higher concentrations of sulfur that occur neaz the top of the seam. <br />The base of the B-Seam is predominately comprised of siltstone and shale. Because all of the lower <br />coal bench (B3) is left urtmined and in place for quality reasons, floor conditions of the normal <br />mining interval are generally excellent. On occasion, floor conditions degrade when mining <br />inadvertently encounters the lower claystone parting (Figure 6). <br /> <br />2.Q4-29 Revised Jun. 1995PR06; Revised Jan. /998 PROS <br />