2008-03-03_PERMIT FILE - C2006085A (2)

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from the maiin entries, from which panels are mined to access specific • areas of the reserve to meet customer quality requirements.. Northfield anticipates mining concurrently in at least two separate areas of the reserve ,during operations in order to produce a blended coal product for the customers. The main entries will be designed with pillar sizes and barrier pillar sizes to provide life-of-mine support to allow safe and productive conditions to maintain production. Details of main, submain, and panel designs are discussed in more detail in Section 2.05.3. The planned development mining and pillar extraction methods have been utilized effectively at the nearby Southfield and Twin Pines coal mines, <~nd have been shown to be effective and safe mining methods within the Canon City Coal Field. Northfield's anticipated annual coal production is currently estimated to be approximately 400,000 tons per year for the initial and subsequent permit terms. The actual annual production will be determined prior to commencing mine operations upon securing coal contracts with prospective customers. Operation Description The proposed total permit area for Northfield's operations encompasses approximately 1,174 acres for the anticipated life-of- • mine operations, shown on Map 7, Mine Plan. Exploration activities have established that the mineable reserves lie within the north, east and south limits of the proposed permit boundary. Additional coal reserves exist west of the permit boundary, primarily in Section 14, that are currrently not available for leasing. Future expansion of the operation ar~d permit boundary to incorporate these reserves is anticipated after the initial permit term. All proposed surface disturbances associated with mine facilities and structures wrill wholly situate within the proposed permit area. The proposed facility area and ancillary facilities for underground mining are essentially adequate for the planned long-term operations. Surtace facilities will be constructed in three separate, adjacent areas near the mine portals. The planned facility areas will include the primary facility area at the mine portals and an adjacent shaft and mine fan facility. Proposed total disturbance for the three adjacent facility areas is approximately 20 acres. Since all mining will occur underground, the proposed facilities will service the mine operation with little anticipated future expannsion or modification. Descriptions and plans for all mine facilities area described in detail in Section 2.05.3, and are shown on • Map 12. 2.05-2 Revised 5.01.07