2010-05-07_PERMIT FILE - C2009087A (15)

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RULE 2 - PERMITS • 2.05.3 Operation Plan — Permit Area The following sub - sections describe specific mine operation, production, and sequencing considerations for the proposed PSCM. The objectives of the overall operation plan are to maximize resource recovery and optimize production economics, while operating in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. These operating plans have been developed using information presented in Section 2.04, Information on Environmental Resources, and reflect site specific environmental and operational conditions and constraints. These plans provide a basis for understanding and evaluation of potential mining - related impacts and development of appropriate plans for conservation of resources and control or mitigation of potential impacts. This section provides detailed descriptions of the proposed mining operations, and surface facility construction, operation, and maintenance plans. This information is based on knowledge gained from operation of the Foidel Creek Mine, and SCCC's plans for future mine development. To the extent possible, SCCC has incorporated ongoing advances in mining methods and technology, in order to optimize production economics and minimize potential mining - related impacts. Compliance with Environmental Protection Performance Standards In order to avoid redundancy and to provide a comprehensive description of mine operating plans, the descriptions presented in this section are structured to address and include appropriate references to supporting materials and applicable provisions of Rule 4.0, Performance Standards. • Production Methods and Equipment An oval pit, covering an area of approximately 13 acres, will be excavated to a depth of approximately 100 feet, to expose the Wadge seam and create a mine face -up area. Development of the mine face -up area will involve recovery and stockpiling of available soil materials, and excavation of approximately 670,000 bank cubic yards of overburden material, with placement of the excavated material in a designed temporary overburden stockpile (fill) which will be developed as the coal stockpile and facilities pad. During the construction phase the fill material will be installed to several compaction specifications, typically 90% to 95 %, resulting in an overall swell factor of approximately 20 %. Blasting will be required during excavation. Supplemental ground support, consisting of bolted wire mesh, will be installed in the face -up area to provide long -term support above the mine portals. The face -up area will be accessed from the existing Seneca II Mine haulroad, and an access ramp will be extended from the haulroad into the pit during excavation. The location and configuration of the southern surface disturbance area containing the face -up area, roads, and stockpiles are shown on Map 2.05.3 -MIA, Mine Facilities Map (South End). Support facilities located at the northern end of the surface disturbance area are presented in Map 2.05.3 - M1B, Mine Facilities Map (North End). Four portal entries will be developed in the face -up area to provide access to the coal seam. The four entries will be advanced approximately 900 feet into the coal seam, where they will be expanded up to seven entries and turned to the north and south as soon as mining and ground conditions allow. Entry width will be approximately 20 feet. The Wadge Seam varies in height • from 8 - 11 feet, and mine entries will mine the full seam height. The mains are projected to be driven northwest and southeast across the dip of the coal seam. Continuous miner sections will be developed off the mains, slightly down dip. The sections will consist of four entries at the neck, to facilitate initial ventilation and access. The sections will then neck down to three entries for the PSCM Permit App. 2.05 -7 Revision 03/05/10