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(Page 2) <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-2007-044 <br />INSPECTION DATE: 5-20-08 <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS GRM <br />This inspection was conducted as part of the normal monitoring program established by the Colorado Division of <br />Reclamation, Mining and Safety for permitted sites. The Whirlwind Mine is a 112d Designated Mining Operation <br />(DMO) underground mine located west of Gateway, Colorado. By policy all DMO mines are inspected on a <br />quarterly basis. This is the first quarterly inspection since approval of the application in February of 2008. Dick <br />White and Jeff Osborne accompanied the inspector on the site visit. <br />The Whirlwind Mine is currently working under an approved Notice of Intent, P-2005-008, while the final processes <br />are completed for full permitting by the Bureau of Land Management. As noted above, DRMS approved the <br />reclamation permit in February 2008. <br />Surface Inspection: <br />The mine identification sign and affected area boundary markers are in place and in compliance with Rule 3.1.12. <br />The sign is located at the main gate to the portal area. Permit boundaries are marked by fencing and t-posts that are <br />readily visible. <br />Fencing has been installed around the surface facilities. Three stranded barb wire runs along the south side of <br />county road just below the dump area. Six foot chain link fencing is then used up beyond the buildings as approved. <br />On the north side an 8 foot wildlife fence isolates the water treatment area from general access. <br />The Whirlwind portal staging area and waste dump area are well maintained. Vent tubing, steel sets, and timber are <br />all stacked neatly on the pad. Fuel tanks are set in secondary containment stock tanks. No evidence of spills such as <br />soil staining was observed. The electric fans for the mine are being run by portable generators which also power all <br />other electrical needs for the site. <br />The waste dump area is being built up and remains within the original footprint of the pre-existing reclaimed waste <br />pile. Muck being deposited at this time appears to be mud and rock from continued work underground. No <br />indications of ore cross contamination were observed. Pre-existing stormwater controls are well maintained and <br />functional. <br />The water treatment plant was observed. Approximately 2 to 3 gallons of raw mine water was noted as being <br />pumped from underground into the primary holding tank. The tank is in good order and no evidence of leaks or <br />overflows was observed. <br />The salvaged topsoil from the waste piles is stockpiled next to the water treatment plant. Straw has been placed on <br />the stockpile to help prevent erosion from wind and precipitation. <br />At the Pack Rat Portal area there is currently little or no activity. The original portal and the maintenance bay have <br />been reopened and a general work pad established. The portal has been secured to prevent bat infiltration until work <br />begins in the mine. Stormwater controls for this area include culverts on the access road and the establishment of a <br />sedimentation pond for the pad area. There is no evidence of unapproved disturbance to reclaimed slopes. No <br />erosion or other issues are noted.