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(Page 2) <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-2000-113 <br />INSPECTION DATE: 3-25-09 <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS GRM <br />This inspection was conducted as part of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety normal <br />monitoring program. The Mamm Creek Pit is a 112c permitted operation located between I-70 and the Colorado <br />River just east of Rifle, Colorado. Lafarge representative Dan Knox accompanied the inspector on site. The site <br />was last inspected in March of 2006. <br />The Mamm Creek Permit consists of three pit areas in various stages of mining and reclamation with two primary <br />areas of no disturbance. The farthest west pit is located just east of the Dry Creek wash, and major power lines. The <br />pit area has been sloped top soiled reseeded. Evidence of furrowing and mulching were observed threw out the <br />slope and shoulder areas. Slopes appear to be 3:1 or better above and below the water lines. Due to the low water <br />levels currently onsite slope observations were better assessed than otherwise could have occurred. The inspector <br />notes positive vegetation coming up within the furrows themselves. Mr. Knox noted the area had been reseeded <br />approximately a year ago. The outflow structure appears to be in good order with no vegetation growing within the <br />riprap and no erosion being noted. The facilities area has been cleaned up but full reclamation has not been initiated <br />at this time. The permit allows for additional resources to be mined to the west however due to an eagle's nest and <br />other issues it is not clear whether that will occur. If Lafarge decides it cannot mine the adjacent area then <br />reclamation should commence. Until the final disposition of the area is resolved only maintenance is required <br />however. Staff noted some new thistle growing in the reclaimed areas as well as evidence of dead ones from <br />spraying. It appears that Lafarge is complying with its weed management plan at this time in this area. <br />The middle pit is located just east of the slough and has been mined out. However, there is now a gas rig pad built <br />in the middle of the pond. The rig pad complicates reclamation. However it appears that Lafarge has done <br />reclamation on slopes not affected by the rig. Observations were limited due because the inspector is not authorized <br />to be in the immediate vicinity of a gas rig and access was limited. Further discussions within the Division will need <br />to be done prior to any release requests as the well is not part of the final approved reclamation plans. <br />The far east pit is located in the West horse Fence Area. The current processing area is located on the far west side <br />of the pit area and includes a terminal for the conveyor belt system that delivers raw material from a permitted site <br />across the river. The inspector noted herons in their nesting areas seemed to be undisturbed by the activities at the <br />process area or by the conveyor which runs directly next to the area. Reclamation in this area as noted by the photo- <br />documentation is progressing. Slopes have been reshaped along the south and east and work continues along the <br />northwest. Preliminary slopes done in the past are not 3:1 but those reworked and topsoiled do. The inspector notes <br />trees have been planted as required by the reclamation plan. Conifer trees do not seem to have done well while <br />deciduous trees seem to be healthier. Since it is early spring mortality rates on the deciduous trees could not be <br />accurately obtained. At this point it appears that furrowing and seeding are the next tasks for most shore lines and <br />shoulder areas. The inspector noted here to that thistle was present but appears to be being sprayed. Another gas <br />well is located at the west end of this area within the approved pit area. Reclamation requirements of the area have <br />been compromised and as noted will need to be discussed in further detail. <br />The far east area known as the Mamm Creek area is undisturbed. Mr. Knox notes that the landowner wishes not to <br />mine that area so at this time there are no plans to do so. <br />Overall the permit area is clear of any mining related debris. No erosion or sedimentation issues are noted. <br />Wetlands areas are noted as flagged and undisturbed by the mining operations but the inspector is unsure of the <br />impacts by the rig pads and activities.