2011-10-28_PERMIT FILE - C1981012A ‎(4)‎

• Permit No: C1981012A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 10/28/2011
• Section_Exhibit Name: Section 2.05 Operation and Reclamation Plan
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

(1) Production Methods and Equipment
The New Elk Mine is a typical underground coal mining operation with access to the
Apache Seam through a set of incline slopes driven from the surface to the coal seam.
Ventilation is provided by two return air fans located at the East Portal and West Portal air shafts,
two intake air shafts located in Apache Canyon, and one slope at the East Portal.
The Allen and Apache Seams will be accessed by driving development from the slopes
south and east in the Apache Seam above the old Allen mine works. Mining will take place in
either the Apache or the Allen depending on the coal properties. Ramping down to the Allen will
occur beyond the mined -out area leaving a barrier pillar for safety between the old and new
works. Development will utilize continuous mining methods by pairing continuous miners with
shuttle cars for coal transport to a conveyor belt. Coal extraction will be achieved using room -
and- pillar mining with pillar recovery (secondary mining) where technically feasible and legally
allowed. No secondary mining is planned in any area where protection from subsidence of
surface structures is required.
The major mining equipment used at the New Elk mine is listed in Table 18 Mining
Equipment List. Surface facilities associated with the underground operation consist of
facilities necessary for the production and loading of coal into truck and rail cars for transport.
Ancillary facilities consist of shops, warehouses, administrative buildings, and bathhouse.
Operational facilities included ventilation shafts, ventilation fans, escapeways, and production
and supply slopes to access the Allen Seam. Control of surface water in the surface facilities area
is provided by ditching and drop structures to sediment control structures for holding runoff for
settlement and/or treatment prior to discharge. Mine water is provided through small dams and
pump stations located adjacent to the Purgatoire River. Waste water treatment is provided by
septic tanks and by a sewage treatment plant.
Table 18. Mining Equipment List
Continuous Miners
Feeder Breakers
Roof Bolters
Belt Drives with Structure and Belting
Shuttle Cars
Rock Dust Equipment
Man Trips
Supply Scoops
Electric- and Diesel - Powered Scoops
Maintenance Vehicles
Ventilation Fans and Intake Heaters
Excavator and Backhoes
Track- and Rubber -Tired Dozers
Front -End Loaders
Roads are required to provide access to the surface facilities of the mine. These roads
include employee access and service maintenance roads to associated water storage tanks,
pumping stations, ventilation fans, supply yards and refuse disposal. area. A coal haulage road is
employed in the transport of coal from the coal processing and storage area to State Highway 12.
PR -02 Page 2.05 -2 Revised 8/16/11