2008-09-04_INSPECTION - M2007044

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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-2007-044 INSPECTION DATE: 8-21-08 OBSERVATIONS INSPECTOR'S INITIALS GRM This inspection was conducted as part of the normal monitoring program established by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety for permitted sites. The Whirlwind Mine is a 112d Designated Mining Operation (DMO) underground mine located west of Gateway, Colorado. The purpose of the inspection was the on-site pre- construction review for the stormwater controls approved as part of the Environmental Protection Plan. Staff met with Jeff Osborn, General Manager for Energy Fuels and Greg Lewicki, from Lewicki and Associates, consulting engineer for Energy Fuels. Energy Fuels requested the on site pre-operational visit to discuss the construction of stormwater control structures as approved within the permit. It is anticipated that the Bureau of Land Management will be finishing their permitting process in the next few weeks. At which time Energy Fuels will mobilize a construction crew to begin work. The primary stormwater run-on diversion ditch will be the extension of the pre-existing ditch laterally along the toe of the natural slope from the portal east to the permit boundaries. The ditch will be gradually moved east as disturbance dictates rather than putting it in the final proposed configuration. This will limit the disturbance to an "as needed" configuration and maximize the control for the specific area. The initial south-north lateral runs parallel to the existing toe of the waste dump down the natural drainage for the area. This path was flagged in a general manner with the final exact location dependent upon gaining proper drainage grades. Topsoil from the exisiting reclaimed slopes of the current waste pile will be stripped and moved to the designated topsoil areas as work progresses. Once enough new waste rock is generated to push the staging area out to the north the permanent ore stockpile area will be constructed. This should be accomplished before actual ore production is in full mode. A temporary pad area will be constructed to place ore on which will be a small, bermed off site with zero stormwater release. Any ore stored here will be primarily from chance encounters as development continues and some from exisiting stope areas that are being cleaned up and refurbished. No large ore stockpiling or retention over 180 days will be allowed without the construction of the permanent pad. Drainage from this area will be directed towards a 6" pipe that will send the water to the untreated water pond. The sediment pond area of roughly 0.46 acres was flagged. An as built condition will address the fencing surrounding the water treatment facility. The fence infringes along a minor length of the southeast portion of the sed- pond area. EF plans to narrow the pond at this spot and bell out the ends to ensure that the acceptable holding volumes are maintained. Slash from this area may be moved to other areas within the permit boundaries. The slash will be generated from the juniper pinion area within the sed-pond foot print and along permit boundaries. The permit boundaries are being cleared to ensure no off site disturbances occur and are clearly marked. Other structures discussed were the outflow structure for the sed-pond and road culvert and drainages. The outflow structure will be constructed and inspected prior to being covered. Road culverts and drainages were clearly marked in their general location per the approved plans. Greg Lewicki will be doing the construction engineering certifications and forwarding a post construction report to the Division. The Division may visit the site during construction, but asks that it be informed of when the final construction inspections will be done prior to covering so that it may document progress and details as well.