2010-02-08_REVISION - M1994097 (8)

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RECLAMATION PLAN The reclamation goal is to restore the disturbed mining areas for future use as rangeland. This goal is consistent with other land uses found in the surrounding area. The overall site reclamation will result in a re-vegetated depression. During all mining phases, approximately eight to fourteen inches of top soils will be removed. The topsoil will be stockpiled around the perimeter of the mine as described in the Mining Plan. The topsoil stockpiles will be re-vegetated to prevent erosion and the stockpiled topsoil will ultimately be used for reclamation. After the topsoil has been removed, scrapers and loaders will be used to excavate the approximate one to three feet of overburden. Overburden will be stockpiled around the perimeter of the mine as described in the Mining Plan and used to create a minimum three to five foot berm along the perimeter of the property. The berm will serve to mitigate the visual impact of the operation. Stormwater controls will be implemented as required by the stormwater permit obtained from the Colorado Division of Public Health and Environment. In general, stormwater controls will consist of a minimum three to five foot earth berm to be placed around the mined area to prevent sediment from migrating off site. It is anticipated there will be no storm water runoff from the mine. Any accidental storm water releases will be addressed in accordance with local, state and federal regulations. The processing and staging area for phases 1, 2, 3, and most of 4 will be located in the previously mined area of the existing Spring Creek Pit. Once a phase is no longer needed for processing and staging, the tall berm surrounding the phase will be mined. Once the tall berm is removed and the phase is no longer needed for processing or staging, reclamation of that phase will begin. The overburden will be compacted and stabilized to prevent erosion. Topsoil replacement will occur once all replacement of the overburden and re-grading of the disturbed phase are completed. Topsoil will be replaced in a single lift, approximately eight to fourteen inches, over the disturbed phase. Once topsoil replacement has been completed, re-vegetation will take place. The intent of the re-vegetation is the establishment of plant communities consistent with the post-mining use. Following topsoil replacement, seed-bed preparation and stabilization may include ripping, disking, harrowing or furrowing. The re-seeding plan calls for the establishment of pasture-type and native grasses at the site. The topsoil with be seeded, using a broadcaster, with the following grasses: Species Variety PLS Rate Broadcast % in Mix Rate/Acre (PLS Ib/ac) Indian ricegrass Rimrock 8 15% 1.20 Siberian wheatgrass Vavilov 11 15% 1.65 Sheep fescue Covar 3 20% 0.60 Galleta Viva 4 20% 0.80 Bottlebrush squirreltail NVS 9 20% 1.80 Sand dropseed NVS 0.6 10% 0.06