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OBSERVATIONS <br />PERMIT #: M- 1978 - 091 -UG <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: RCO <br />INSPECTION DATE: July 22, 2011 <br />This was a routine inspection performed by the Division as part of its monitoring program of Hard Rock /Metal <br />110(2) permits. The permitted operator was contacted, about the scheduled inspection, and the onsite <br />operator (Mike Schell) was present at the site throughout the inspection. Mining activity was taking place at <br />the time of the inspection. In addition to the operator working on the surface of the 6 level, there was a small <br />crew working underground. There was no activity or equipment up at the 3 level; the portal door to the <br />workings at the 3 level was locked. No underground inspection was performed at this time. <br />Acid And Toxic Materials: <br />All hydrocarbons are properly stored in protected locations with secondary containment. The mineralized <br />muck is accumulated at the south end of the 6 level pad and periodically hauled up to the 3 level dump, which <br />is an approved activity in the permit. The mineralized muck piled on the 6 level pad and its runoff must be <br />kept out of the drainageway. <br />There were about 45 one -ton sacks of low -grade ore stored up at the 3 level pad. The sacks were all tarped <br />adequately against precipitation, waiting to be mixed with higher -grade ore for shipping. <br />Backfilling and Grading: <br />The borrow area at the north end of the 6 level pad is being used for storage of mining supplies and has not <br />been backfilled or stabilized. The steep face above the storage surface will remain unstable and subject to <br />sloughing until the slope is buttressed by replacing material there (with proper materials and compacted). The <br />operator must monitor this slope, and is encouraged to begin this stabilization, since the upper permit <br />boundary is very close to this face, and slope failure could result in a possible violation for offsite damage. <br />Excess Spoil and Development Waste: <br />There is not much muck and waste rock generated by underground operations that must be hauled to the <br />surface. However, most of the waste rock that comes from the mine is low pH and must be adequately <br />handled to minimize adverse affects to the surface and groundwater. <br />As part of amendment AM -3, the operator committed to no more casting of waste materials down the face of <br />the 6 level dump. During this inspection, however, it was observed that there was new material now on the <br />dump face, specifically: approx 15 -20 cinder blocks, possibly a few pieces of lumber. It also appears that new <br />earthen material has been pushed over the face directly behind the crusher location. This could indicate <br />attempts to build up the berm along the crest, or deliberate dumping. It is important that the onsite operator <br />be familiar with the permit, and discontinue any dumping of materials over the face of the 6 level dump. If <br />not placed underground in stable locations, muck must be hauled up to the 3 level for proper placement. See <br />below. <br />Explosives: <br />Explosives are stored underground, and this was not inspected during this inspection. <br />Financial Warranty: <br />The bond was fully calculated at the time of amendment AM -3 in 2008. It is adequate at this time. <br />Page 2 of 6 <br />