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( "MCR" ) operated the mining operation pursuant to a permit issued <br /> by the Division in 1983 . Prior to 1983 and the enactment of the <br /> Colorado Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Act, the mine was operated <br /> by MCR and its predecessors since the 1950' s . <br /> In 1989 and 1990, the Division issued numerous notices of <br /> violations against MCR regarding conditions at the site which <br /> needed to be abated including pond cleaning, topsoiling, and <br /> reinforcement of a stream embankment . MCR ceased active mining <br /> operations in 1991, facing a dire financial situation. See Exhibit <br /> 2, MCR' s bankruptcy disclosure statement for further details . MCR <br /> attempted to sell the site, but failed. As to the notices of <br /> violation, the Mined Land Reclamation Board ( "Board" ) issued an <br /> order in May 1991 which provided that if MCR could not sell the <br /> site, it was to begin reclamation according to a schedule set by <br /> the Board. <br /> MCR petitioned in bankruptcy in February of 1992 . MCR or a <br /> related corporation, Pitkin Iron, performed certain reclamation <br /> tasks pursuant to cash collateral orders issued by the bankruptcy <br /> court . However, the reclamation did not meet the Board-ordered <br /> schedule . Accordingly, the Board revoked MCR' s permit in 1992 and <br /> forfeited its bond in 1993 . <br /> The bond was in the form of a deed of trust to a rockdust <br /> plant . The plant produced limestone used in the mining operation. <br /> At the time the Division accepted the bond, the plant was worth <br /> approximately $3 million, which was the estimated cost of <br /> reclamation in 1991 . <br /> 2 <br />