2010-06-21_INSPECTION - M2007044

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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-2007-044 INSPECTION DATE: 5-5-09 OBSERVATIONS INSPECTOR'S INITIALS GRM This inspection was conducted as part of the normal monitoring program established by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety for permitted sites. The Whirlwind Mine is a 112d Designated Mining Operation (DMO) underground mine located west of Gateway, Colorado. BLM representative Scott Gerwe and Energy Fuels representative Jess Fulbright accompanied the inspector on site. The mine identification sign and affected area boundary markers are in place and in compliance with Rule 3.1.12. The sign is located at the entrance to the site at the bottom of the hill. Permit boundaries were noted as t-posts along areas of the affected area with others at key corners of the permit area. Chain link fencing is installed along the south side of the county road to prevent public access to mining areas. Fencing also encloses the water treatment tanks area on the south. The inspector looked at stormwater control features due to the unusual heavy winter snow fall in the area and current wet spell. The primary stormwater run-on diversion ditch is in good condition. Vegetation efforts appear to be doing well for the ditch and waste pile area. Approximately 3 acres has been cleared which represents about 1 year's worth of calculated waste rock production. Since this area is to be covered by waste rock temporary vegetation is not required but Energy Fuels has done stabilization seeding. No erosion or sedimentation is noted in this area. All required stormwater control structures within the mine permit area are in good order and working as designed. The sediment run-off containment pond area of roughly 0.46 acres is in good repair. A small pool of water from recent rains was observed. Vegetation along the banks of the structure is maturing with very good density and diversity. No evidence of spill-a-way usage was observed. Topsoil from the exisiting reclaimed slopes of the current waste pile and future dump area have been stripped and moved to the designated topsoil areas. The topsoil stockpiles are noted as being seeded and mulched to prevent erosion. Very good vegetation growth is noted in this area. An annual mustard was observed, but mature grasses are pushing the weed out with time. The stockpiles are in areas designated within the approved mine plans for that purpose. A temporary ore pad area has been constructed to place ore on which is a small, bermed off site with zero stormwater release. Drainage from this area is directed towards a 6" pipe in a sump that sends the water to the untreated water pond. No ore is noted as having been placed here to date. Energy Fuels is currently not pumping underground water as planned. The holding tanks are approximately 50% full. Liners appear to be in good condition. The secondary precipitation tanks were not inspected at this time since no water treatment is being conducted. The Packrat Portal has had no further disturbance than otherwise noted in earlier reports. Some work was done to the sedimentation pond to ensure that it has adequate holding capacity and will not affect the steep waste slopes below. Recent rains provided the inspector with a good observation that the structure is working as designed. There was some concern regarding ditch maintenance along the access road last time. Energy Fuels installed a few more culverts at identifiable weak points in the ditches to reduce flows and road impacts. The roads are in good condition and no erosion issues were noted.