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• The coal mined to date in the C seam is nearly identical to that shown in <br />the three core holes. Thickness has been between six and seven feet. The <br />immediate roof over the C seam has varied from a carbonaceous shale to a <br />competent sandstone. The coal dips 5 to 10 percent in a northeasterly <br />direction and has a strike of approximately N 60° W. The quality of coal in the <br />channel samples and run of mine quality has improved. The results of four <br />channel samples are shown in Table A1. The quality of the drill holes and <br />channel samples are compared on Table A 2. <br />C Seam Mining Conditions <br />There have been five major problems encountered during the exploration <br />mining of the C seam: <br />• Water <br />• Mud <br />• Methane <br />• Thinner Coal <br />• Higher Sulfur <br />The major problems have been associated with the mud and water <br />encountered in the C seam. The water flowing into the mine has been <br />contributing to the deterioration of the clay and shale in the floor. Mud is <br />created as equipment travels over the wet floor. This mud must be removed <br />continually to allow mining to progress. As the north west mains have been <br />extended on strike, problems with water collecting in the face have been <br />minimized but the mud is still being created. Until the problems with mud are <br />solved, the mine will not be productive. <br />An expansion of the exploration mining area and time frame must be <br />conducted. The first panel to the left of the north west mains will be started. <br />This panel will be almost straight up dip. If the water flows away from the <br />faces the floor may stay in better condition. Only then does the mine have a <br />chance of becoming profitable. If the problems with mud cannot be solved by <br />mining up dip, further evaluation of the future of the mine will be necessary. <br />PHCC R2P2 Page 3 2-28-99 <br />