2008-08-21_REVISION - M1978091UG

Home Browse Search

With the placement of the above listed features, it is believed that acid formation associated with the waste rock pile is being controlled. The hydrology associated with the 2008 snow melt identified unique flow conditions never before seen or understood in regards to the waste rock toe seeps. The toe seep flows were measured upwards of 200 gpm IN THE ABSENCE of any contributing flow from Deadman Gulch or from underground features associated with the Golden Wonder. These observations lead to the formation of a theory that there exists a second fault/contributory geologic formation associated with the waste rock toe seep flows. It was also realized that the removal of the waste rock would likely not affect the water quality conditions associated with the toe seep. Representatives from the Bureau of Land Management (Dave Lazorchak and Kenny McDaniel) and the DRMS (Tony Waldron and Bob Oswald) recognized these conditions and allowed for the continued study of the hydrologic setting. To-date, -90% of the needed information has been obtained and interpreted. The results will be provided to the agencies for further discussion on the best-next-steps for any water control efforts necessary. #15 DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT OR CONVERSION: The following provides; a) a description of the current site setting associated with the Golden Wonder mine site, which identifies the need for the amendment specifications, as well as b) the components of the proposed amendment to the permit. Figures A.4 and A.5 depict the historic permit areas, while Figure A.6 depicts the proposed permit area for this amendment. Current Site Setting The Golden Wonder mine is an underground gold ore mining operation. The mine is owned by LKA International Inc., and currently operated by Rickmont Mines Inc.(Point of Contact: J.P. Roy [970]-944-1990). However, environmental permit issues and compliance are being addressed by Gault Group Inc. of Cortez, CO (Point of Contact: Karmen King [970]-565-0278). The Golden Wonder mine is comprised of two working pads (Level 3 and Level 6) located on a combination of patented and unpatented claims. The unpatented claims are associated with a portion of the Level 6 area and are on public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management. The Level 3 area is located within patented claims held by LKA International Inc. (Figure A.3). The mine has held an active mine permit with the Colorado Division of Reclamation and Mine Safety since 1978. Mining activity has occurred since 1978 under operation by several leasors and ownerships. The current permitted area of the mine is less than 10 acres (with the combined total of both the Level 3 and Level 6 areas as being 3.5 acres). The current operator is Richmont Mines Inc., who is in the process of rehabilitating underground workings in order to achieve MSHA specifications (completed) and proceeding with underground drilling to isolate the vein structure and be able to design future mining efforts. This current mining activity is relatively small and relies upon the Level 6 portal. These efforts would be characterized as exploration. There is NO extraction or smelting operations associated with the mine. The anticipated mining activity is currently unknown and dependent upon the exploration drilling findings. Until such 4