2012-02-13_REVISION - C1981012 (8)

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(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. During 2011 the Bates Portals were constructed. The portals are located southeast of the silos. A portal face -up was constructed and three approximately 425 foot long slopes were driven to the Blue Seam. Mining in the Blue Seam with secondary recovery will be performed within the eastern portion of the approved permit boundary. Primary and secondary mining in the Blue Seam will overlap primary and secondary mining in the Apache and Allen Seams in some locations. Development in all seams 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. Continuous Miners Roof Bolters Shuttle Cars Man Trips Electric- and Diesel - Powered Scoops Ventilation Fans and Intake Heaters Track - and Rubber -Tired Dozers Table 18. Mining Equipment List Feeder Breakers Belt Drives with Structure and Belting Rock Dust Equipment Supply Scoops Maintenance Vehicles Excavator and Backhoes 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 -04 2.05 -2 Revised 02/29/11