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January 18, 2012 C- 1980- 007/West Elk Mine <br />GENERAL MINE PLAN COMPLANCE: <br />JRS <br />- The operator is currently mining in longwall panel LWE 3, at approximately cross -cut 63. They were also doing <br />development work in the headgate for longwall panel LWE -4, at approximately cross -cut 65. The mining is <br />progressing as planned and approved on permit Map 51 - E -Seam Projected Workings. <br />PROCESSING WASTE /COAL MINE WASTE PILES — Rule 4.10 and 4.11 Drainage Control; Surface <br />Stabilization; Placement: <br />- The operator is continuing to place, spread and compact refuse in the RPE. There is an estimated 30,000 yards of <br />capacity left in the pile. The refuse was well spread and compacted and there appeared to be positive drainage off <br />of the pile. The reclaimed outslopes of the pile were covered with snow but appeared to be well vegetated and <br />stable. No erosional problems were noted on the reclaimed outslopes at the time of the inspection. <br />- Work continues on the Phase IA buttress and colluvial fill for the RPEE. The buttress has been completed and <br />the operator was working on the colluvial fill behind the buttress. They were at the level of the buttress at the time <br />of the inspection and had two more lifts to go, or approximately 30 feet. They estimated that the colluvial fill <br />would be completed in the next few weeks. Once the colluvial fill is completed they will extend the underdrain <br />upslope approximately 100 feet to accommodate the first lift of refuse. As the volume of refuse increases and the <br />elevation of the pile increases, the operator will continue to extend the underdrain upslope. The operator will <br />complete the ditch system, including the freshwater diversion ditches, this spring and summer, as conditions <br />pen The plan includes using a compacted clay liner below the riprap to increase the stability of the ditches. <br />ROADS — Rule 4.03 Construction 4.03.1(3)14.03.2(3) Drainage 4.03.1(4)/4.03.2(4) Surfacing and <br />Maintenance4.03.1(5) and (6)/4.03.2(5) and (6) Reclamation 4.03.1(7)/4.03.2(7): <br />- The mine entrance road was well maintained and stable at the time of the inspection. The road was plowed and <br />free of snow. <br />- The road to the Sylvester Gulch facilities area was covered with snow but it was well maintained and stable. No <br />rutting or erosional problems were noted at the time of the inspection. <br />- The light -use road up to the RPEE buttress area was well maintained and stable at the time of the inspection. <br />This road is being used for construction traffic. The road will be kept and maintained for some time following the <br />completion of the RPEE haul road. <br />SLIDES and DAMAGE - Rule 4.12: <br />- The repair to the ST -02 slide area has been completed. The operator has reestablished the coal stockpile pad and <br />outslopes. The area appears to have been returned to its pre -slide condition and appears to be stable at this point. <br />The operator excavated all of the slide material and installed a French drain system to intercept the water that <br />caused the instability. The outslopes will need to be seeded this spring. <br />- The operator continues to work on the RPEE haul road slide area. There was additional instability on the lower <br />west side of the slide area that required additional work. The operator was excavating this additional slide area <br />and installing a French drain system to intercept the water that was causing the instability. Once this work is <br />complete the operator will finish the remediation work and complete the RPEE haul road. It was anticipated that <br />this work would be completed within a week. Following the completion of this work, the operator will need to <br />submit a Technical Revision which will include the remediation work and as -built drawing of the areas. <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 8 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 2 <br />Page 3 of 9 <br />