2012-06-20_PERMIT FILE - C2010089 (59)

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The description of overburden characteristics for NHN Mine are presented in Section 2.04.6, Geology Description. In that section of this application the mining method that will be used is described showing that the suitable weathered portion of the overburden, which in this plan is called the Bench 1 Surface Spoil or free dig zone materials, will be salvaged separately from the other overburden materials and during the reclamation process will be used to cap less suitable unweathered overburden, interburden, and the carbonaceous remnants of mining the UD1 and LD seams. The weathered overburden zone materials at NHN, are shown on Cross Sections A -A' and B -B' (Maps 2.04.6 -4 and 2.04.6 -5) and is referred to at the adjacent New Horizon 2 Mine as Bench 1 or the "free dig zone ". The description of interburden in the NHN permit area is contained in Section 2.04.6 Geology. Overburden and interburden suitability and lithologic units for the NHN permit area are the same as the overburden units at the New Horizon 1 Mine area because the NHN area incorporates a large portion of the previously mined New Horizon 1 Mine area. Any unsuitable material that may be identified in the lower overburden and interburden at NHN Mine will be capped with the suitable weathered overburden or Bench 1 Surface Spoil or free dig zone materials during the backfilling operations. Acid and Toxic - Forming Materials in NHN Mine Permit Area Tables 2.04.6 -2 and 2.04.6 -3 (Section 2.04.6 of this application) contain the physical and chemical properties of the overburden and specifically the weathered (Bench 1/ free dig zone) portion of the overburden and indicate this overburden to be suitable material. Any acid and toxic - forming materials that may occur within the unweathered overburden or interburden will be capped by suitable weathered overburden. The weathered, most suitable overburden or Bench 1 Spoil or free dig zone materials will be mined and backfilled separately from the unweathered overburden and, therefore, no ameliorating activity such as mixing, or special handling will be required to replace a suitable four - foot weathered overburden medium. The cap of weathered overburden will reduce the potential of leachates and runoff from entering the ground water system or discharging into the surface water system. No roads will be surfaced with the unsuitable, acid- Section 2.05.4(2)(d) Page 2 January 2012