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Spoil Quality <br />• The spoil sampling and analysis program approved for New Horizon Mine is described in <br />Section 2.05.4(2)(d)-6 Regraded Spoil Monitoring Program of Permit C-81-008. Ten (10) <br />topsoil samples and six (6) backfill spoil samples for 2009 were collected from within the <br />New Horizon 2 area. The soil samples were collected by a hand auger. Each backfill <br />sample site consists of two subsurface samples; one is a 0 to -2 ft interval, the other is a - <br />2ft to -4 ft intervals. Sample identifiers are given the suffix A and B, respectively. <br />Topsoil and spoil samples are shipped to Servi-Tech Laboratories in Hastings, NE for <br />analysis. The analytical results (see Attachment 2009-A) indicate that all samples are <br />suitable. No additional grading, special handling, or amendment applications took place in <br />2009. <br />Soil Redistribution <br />In general, the topsoil that was used for redistribution is live handled from ahead of the <br />active mining area to the awaiting backfill area. Because the material is moved by mine <br />equipment and is scheduled amongst the other mining functions. Currently only the area <br />south of BB road and west of 27 road (Morgan's proprieties) is handled in a different <br />manner. This area has 2 different zones that vary in thickness; A Lift (top) & B Lift (lower) <br />and is considered to be prime farmland. These zones are striped and segregated into <br />different stockpiles. These zones will be laid down in the same zone they were striped <br />from; B underlying A. Occasionally, mining parameters require that some topsoil be <br />stockpiled adjacent to a laydown area prior to spreading. <br />• Topsoil Thickness <br />The thickness of soil replaced during 2009 was located north of BB Road and verified by <br />survey at an approximate 23 inch depth. Sample sites for the New Horizon 2 mining area <br />were selected systematically utilizing a 465 foot by 465 foot grid pattern. Sites at New <br />Horizon 2 were determined from CAD drawings using distances and azimuths from <br />established survey points and located in the field by a survey grade GPS unit. <br />A 2-3/4 inch hand auger was used at each site to excavate a pilot hole through the entire <br />soil strata. An abrupt boundary, defined by color and rock fragment content, typically <br />occurred at the soil/spoil interface. The replaced soil thickness was measured through the <br />pilot hole immediately after encountering the spoil. Minor Revision # 44 was approved by <br />DMG in August 2000. The revision, based on years of extensive sample analysis, allowed <br />for a reduction in the parameters for which the soil is analyzed. <br />Soil thickness as determined by past sampling is shown on Exhibit 2009-6. Soil thickness <br />information for each sample site is located on the map. The average topsoil thickness for <br />the 2009 sampling session is approximately 1.9 feet. <br />New Horizon 2 has many different soil thickness requirements as shown on Map 2.05.4-4 <br />in section 2.05(2)(d) of the current Permit C-81-008. The current minimum topsoil depth <br />north of BB Road and west of 27Road is 10 inches on the Lloyd property. Exhibit 2009-8 <br />• shows the type and area of the reclaimed land. <br />F:\Eng\DATA\Word\Ann Reclaim Report\2009\2009RECRPT.doc 2