2009-12-10_INSPECTION - M1979131

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MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: NA-1979-111 INSPECTION DATE: 19- 9 -9nn9 INSPECTOR =S INITIALS: 11 F OBSERVATIONS This was a pre- operation inspection of the Korinek #1 Pit, DRMS file# M- 1979 -131. This site is located approximately 2.5 miles northwest of Manzanola, Colorado in Crowley County. I, Jared Ebert of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety conducted the inspection. Mr. Gerald Korinek accompanied me on the inspection. This is currently a 110c mining operation with an approved permit area of 8.5 acres. The Operator submitted a conversion application to the Division to increase the permit area to 45.2 acres. The proposed permit area will encompass the current pit excavation, a "pre -law gravel pit ", a "reclaimed area ", an "industrial yard ", and additional land to the north where future mining will occur. The existing mining area was measured using a Trimble GeoXT GPS Unit. The current pit excavation encompasses an area of about 7.38 acres. The highwall was measured to be 1094 feet in length, with a maximum height of 20 feet and set a .5:1 to 1:1 horizontal to vertical ratio. As the Operator mines, they concurrently reclaim former disturbed areas. The Operator had recently graded a pit slope located near the southwest corner of the existing mining area and had spread growth media over the slope (Figure 3.). On the floor of the pit excavation, the operator has placed several pieces of equipment such as a crusher and a small portable conveyor. There is several material stockpiles located throughout the site as well as growth media piles. The Operator mixes manure and soil obtained from a local cattle yard with overburden and fines they generate from processing the mined material. This mixture is used as growth media for reclamation. The "Industrial Yard" noted on Map C -2 of the application is located in the southeast corner of the permit area. This site is where the Operator had stored topsoil from the previous mining operation. Also, there is a gravel washing unit located in this area (Figure 14 and 15). According to Mr. Korinek, they used to wash their mined material; however they no longer use this facility. The Division will need to hold the proper amount of financial warranty to demolish this structure. Just east of the "Industrial Yard ", the Operator /Landowner stores various vehicles and equipment (Figures 16 -17). Some of this area appears to be located within the proposed permit boundary. The "Reclaimed Area" noted on Map C -2 of the application is located in the southwest portion of the proposed permit area. This area is relatively flat except for a small drainage. Some grass has begun to establish in this site, however it is primarily vegetated with Kochia weed. The landowner allows cattle to graze on this property. The Division recommends fencing this area off to prevent grazing for a several growing seasons; until a sufficient stand of grass has established throughout this area. This portion of the site will not be released until the proper amount of native grass has established pursuant to the reclamation standards. The "Pre -law gravel pit" noted on Map C -2 of the application is located in the southeast portion of the proposed permit area. According to Mr. Korinek, this area encompasses several old pit excavations from a state highway project. One major excavation is near the northwest corner of the "Pre -law gravel pit" with a 1:1 to 2:1 highwall with a southeastern aspect. This site has not been mined for a long period of time. An old material stockpile is located near the southeast corner of this site near the access road. All the structures outlined in the permit application were accounted for and no additional structures were observed.