2002-07-03_PERMIT FILE - M2002004

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• EXHIBIT E - RECLAMATION PLAN OVERVIEW Reclamation of disturbed areas is an integral part of the planned mining operation. Two distinct phases of reclamation will be performed at the Red Rock Mine, including: 1) Mine Area reclamation performed contemporaneously following mining operations; and 2) Final Closure reclamation which will be performed at the time that the facility permanently closes. Red Rock Mine reclamation will involve backfilling and grading mined out areas to achieve planned post- mining topography, reconstructing soil profiles to provide a suitable plant growth medium, reconstructing drainages to safely convey storm water runoff through and off of the mine site, and establishing vegetation communities capable of supporting the designated post-mining land use of grazing as designated by the State Land Board lease. Reclamation will be conducted contemporaneously with mining. The Reclamation Plan is based on the following assumptions: • Disturbed areas will be reclaimed; • Newly excavated materials will be placed into previously excavated, un-reclaimed areas during active mining wherever feasible. Otherwise, materials will be placed in temporary stockpiles and stabilized; • Only a reclaimed small (approximately 300,000 cubic yards) excess construction excavation stockpile will remain at the conclusion of mining and reclamation operations; • Reclaimed materials include topsoil (assumed to average approximately 6 inches in thickness), subsoil (assumed to average approximately 18 to 24 inches in thickness), unconsolidated material • below the soil horizon (variable thickness), and shale (0 to approximately 15-feet thick); • Topsoil (also identified as the A-horizon) will be replaced on top of subsoil (identified as the A-C horizon), and the subsoil will be placed on top of a regraded, mixed, unconsolidated material/shale horizon; • Reseeding will follow completion of materials placement; and • Revegetation efforts will be monitored and maintained through final bond release during the life of the mine. Using the reclamation methods and techniques described in this Exhibit, the Red Rock Mine will be successfully reclaimed to upland prairie rangeland. BACKFILLING, GRADING & POST-MINING TOPOGRAPHY Previously mined areas will be contemporaneously reclaimed as part of the normal mining cycle. As previously discussed, Exhibit D-2 details the sequencing of backfill, including grading and soil placement along with seeding, that will occur concurrent with mining in each panel. The backfill will be composed of unconsolidated materials and shale that cover the Fort Hays Limestone. The unconsolidated material thickness ranges from approximately 0 feet to approximately 25 feet. Shale up to 15 feet in thickness underlies the unconsolidated material in areas along the north eastern edge of mine plan boundary; however, based on exploration data, shale does not appear to occur in the subcrop over much of the resource area. In general, backfilled areas will be about 20 to 30 feet below existing surface elevations. Once backfill grading is completed, subsoil and topsoil will be spread followed by seeding, fertilizing, and mulching. • 1180-Mine Permit Exhibits (Jul.03.02)FINAL.doc E-1 July 3, 2002