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OBSERVATIONS <br />PERMIT #: M- 1992 -058 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: TC1 <br />INSPECTION DATE: May 8, 2012 <br />This was a pre- operation inspection related to the pending conversion application from a 110c to a 112c permit <br />(CNO1). The primary purpose of the visit was to assist DRMS in the estimate for the financial warranty after <br />the conversion. The Operator's representative (Aaron Tezak) and the BLM's representative (Stephanie Carter) <br />were present for the inspection. The site is accessed from Fremont CR 45 off U.S. Hwy 50, approximately six <br />miles southeast of its Howard, CO. <br />Inspection: <br />Existing Permit Boundary: The Permit sign and boundary markers were properly posted (Photo 1). The mine <br />has been developed to the practical limit based on its current permit boundary. This inspector walked the <br />existing northern permit boundary and the proposed permit boundaries with the Operator's and BLM's <br />representatives. Survey posts mark the northern permit boundary (Photo 2). A stormwater containment berm <br />should be constructed near the permit boundary to direct runoff towards the pit, rather than off the north side of <br />the ridge. <br />The existing topsoil is relatively thin, as can be seen in the road cut to the north permit boundary (Photo 3). <br />Mr. Tezak pointed out several pre -law test pads in the vicinity of the northern permit boundary (for example, <br />see Photo 4). <br />Proposed Stockpile Area: <br />The proposed Stockpile Area is adjacent to the mine access road (Fremont CR 45) about 11/4 miles southwest of <br />the existing pit area. The area has pinyon juniper cover typical of this region (Photo 5). There are also <br />remnants of previous disturbance, not related to the Mica White operation. (Photo 6). <br />Pit: There is a large stockpile of material in the pit (Photo 7). This is helping to buttress the pit wall, which was <br />noted as being unstable in the previous inspection report. The Operator indicated they are out of room to have <br />stockpiles of material and be able to process additional mined material, thus the reason for the conversion and <br />the new stockpile site. A jaw (primary) crusher and a cone (secondary) crusher were observed on site (Photo 8). <br />The mine was not operating at the time due to recent rain storms. No standing water was observed in the pit. <br />Adjacent Lands: No structures exist within 200 feet of the proposed expansion boundaries. The current <br />expansion area is rangeland and wildlife habitat. No noxious weeds were observed in the pit or adjacent area. <br />Current Stipulations: <br />There are no current stipulations. <br />Records: <br />• The previous inspection was conducted 2/10/2010. An inadequate financial warranty was cited and <br />resolved in June 2010. <br />• The permit anniversary date is August 5` The operator is current with annual fees and reports through <br />2011. <br />Bond: <br />The DRMS calculates the financial warranty based on cost estimates for the DRMS to perform reclamation <br />should the Operator be unable to perform reclamation as stated in the Permit Reclamation Plan. The DRMS <br />reclamation cost summary and detailed costs for reclamation are attached to this inspection report. The <br />recommended financial warranty is $184,720. <br />Page 2 of 5 <br />