2011-12-29_PERMIT FILE - C1981012A ‎(3)‎

• Permit No: C1981012A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 12/29/2011
• Section_Exhibit Name: Section 2.05 Operation and Reclamation Plan
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

(2) Operation Description
The aerial extent of existing underground mine workings in the Allen Seam is shown on Map 22 Mine
Progress Map. Surface facilities associated with the underground mining are shown on Maps 11
Sheets 1 -3 and Map 12. Future mining is subject to conditions encountered.
Mining is currently planned for 2011 -2015 within the area bounded by the permit boundary as shown
on Map 3 -2011 Mine Plan. Mining for 2011 -2015 is anticipated to occur in the Allen seam north of the
Purgatoire River and East to the permit boundary. Mining is planned in the Apache seam south and east
of the East Portals. Mining in the Allen and Apache Seams will not overlap except where the Apache
Seam must cross over old Allen seam workings. Blue Seam mining will proceed east to the permit
boundary and then turn south. Continued development and operations of the New Elk Mine within the
lease area will require additional permit revisions to complete full recovery of the coal reserve. Minor
additional surface disturbance may be associated with the continued operation of the mine. This surface
disturbance, if required, will provide for ventilation and escapeways as development progresses away
from the main portal area to maintain continued production and safe working conditions. The total
affected area based on the TR -58 mine plan and historic mining is 3,3799.5 acres. The permit boundary
totals 4,199.5 acres. Long term mine plans are shown on Figure 2. Life of mine acreage as shown on
Figure 2 totals approximately 19,050 acres. Future revisions to the permit may propose mining in the
Maxwell seam.
2.05.3 Operation Plan— Permit Area
The planned underground workings are show on Map 3 -2011 Mine Plan. The generalized stratigraphy
of the Allen, Apache and Blue Seams are shown on Figure 1. The mine was temporarily closed and
sealed in 1989. Dewatering ceased and the lower areas of the mine were gradually flooded.
Phase I of resuming operations required remotely pumping mine water from the East Portal airshaft and
other boreholes using surface- powered pumps. Approvals for this process were granted in 2008 and
dewatering started in December of 2008. Phase II reestablishes mine ventilation by breaching
temporary seals at the East and West Portals and Apache Canyon, and reinstallation of fans at the East
Portal and West Portal airshafts. Phase III is the development of entries to establish ventilation at the
Apache Seam level. Phase IV is the active mining of coal.
The planned development of mains and panels will occur as shown on Map 3 2011 Mine Plan.
Development of main access entries north and south of the portals will begin upon completion of the
connection to the East Portal air shaft. Mining in the Allen Seam will advance north and east of the
slopes. Mains will be developed north off the slope bottom ramping down to the Allen Seam after
crossing over old Allen works. The mains will be extended through the Allen Seam to the east and
north. Panels will be driven off the mains, one panel to the east and four panels to the west. The Allen
Seam mining is development only. No pillar recovery is planned in the Allen seam works.
Simultaneously, access entries will be developed south and east in the Apache Seam. The mains are.
development of room and pillar only with no pillaring. Multiple panels are planned off the mains. No
mining will occur within 150 ft of a gas well. Development only mining will occur within the pipeline
protection corridor. Retreat mining resulting in subsidence is planned in areas within the panels as
outlined in Map 3 -2011 Mine Plan. Timing by year advances from the North to the South.
Mining in the Blue Seam will begin upon completion of the rock slopes from the Bates Portal. Two sets
of seven entry east mains will advance about one mile to the permit boundary. Mining will then turn
south with seven entry south mains paralleling the permit boundary. The south mains are approximately
two miles long. Panels will be developed to the west off of the south mains. Partial pillaring is
performed in the panels that vary in length from about 2,000 to 3,000 feet. A mine panel north of the
TR -58 2.05 -3 Revised 10/6/11