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C. Rock tunnel project <br /> (1) Introduction <br /> The rock tunnel project is an important part <br /> of a long-range program to provide improved access, ventilation <br /> and transportation to coal reserves located west of the present <br /> underground workings. The completed length of the rock tunnel <br /> will be approximately 19, 000 feet. <br /> The present configuration of the mines in <br /> Coal Basin requires that the mined coal be elevated approximately <br /> I,000 feet vertically over a 7 ,000 foot incline with a multiplicity <br /> of conveyors to the surface. From the surface portals located <br /> along the coal outcrop, coal is then hauled down a steep mountain <br /> road in diesel trucks about four miles to the preparation plant. <br /> The truck haul originates at elevations of 9, 500 feet to 10,000 <br /> feet and terminates at an elevation of 8, 000 feet with an average <br /> net loss of elevation of approximately 1, 700 feet. The expense <br /> of elevating the coal to the surface and trucking the coal down <br /> to the preparation plant are significant costs that will be <br /> greatly reduced by the rock tunnel. Other economies are also <br /> expected that, collectively, will increase the efficiency and <br /> productivity of the mining operations and serve to help offset <br /> the increasing costs of federal coal royalties, energy, fuel, <br /> labor, supplies, and rail transportation. <br /> The environmental aspects of the rock tunnel <br /> are very favorable. Several main haulage roads will be downgraded <br /> to service roads and the overall vehicle miles traveled will be <br /> reduced by 60 to 70 percent. <br /> I 30.1 <br />