2008-04-15_REVISION - M1980244 (309)

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• storage areas are designated as the SGOSA and the ECOSA. The SGOSA is an existing OSA which will be extended with a lob along the west side of the upper Squaw Gulch drainage. The ECOSA is a new OSA to be constructed as part of the MLE. A third overburden storage area, the AGOSA, has been completed and will be reshaped to accommodate the base of the Phase 5 VLF. Additionally, overburden may be utilized for the construction of haul roads and other fills as required as part of the Cresson Project. Overburden will be placed back into several of the mine areas upon completion of mining in those areas. Mine backfilling activities will occur in the Main Cresson, East Cresson and North Cresson Mine areas. Upon completion of overburden placement, the SGOSA will blend with the backfilled portion of the North Cresson Mine area. Upon completion, the proposed ECOSA will blend with backfilled portions of the East Cresson Mine areas. 5.7.1 Squaw Gulch Overburden Storage Area (SGOSA) and SGOSA Extension General The SGOSA is the largest constructed overburden storage area with a total footprint of approximately 363 acres. The SGOSA will be extended from the currently approved design as part of Amendment No. 8 to the west side of upper • Squaw Gulch as shown on Drawing C-4. The extension area will encompass approximately 79 acres. A portion of the currently existing SGOSA will need to be moved in order to access the Schist Island and Globe Hill portions of the North Cresson mine area. As this overburden material is moved, it will be tested for gold content. If the overburden tests as an ore material, it will be hauled as ore to the crushing facilities and ultimately placed on the VLF. If the material tests as overburden, it will be hauled to one of the overburden storage areas, or incorporated into the backfill of one of the mined areas. Material to be placed in the SGOSA will come from the North Cresson, East Cresson, and Main Cresson Mine areas. As with Amendment Nos. 7 and 8, it is not anticipated that overburden from the southern portions of the Main Cresson Mine area typically will be hauled to the SGOSA; rather, it likely will be used to backfill nearby mine areas. Construction The SGOSA, including the SGOSA Extension will, continue to be constructed in much the same manner as previously approved under Amendment No. 8. The SGOSA overburden is placed in lifts that are, initially, up to about 300(±) • feet high, with benches of appropriate width for erosion control and access during Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Company Cresson Project Mine Life Extension 5-15