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Based on the site observations and discussing performance with the operators on site, Mr. Lewicki <br />concluded that highwalls could be included in the mining operation as long as site personnel were <br />observant for any cracks, mud zones, gravel zones without cementing fines, slips, or any other <br />signs of instability. No highwall should exceed MSHA requirements and any signs of instability <br />must be addressed immediately through backfilling or other means. All past highwalls were con- <br />structed not to exceed 80 degrees from horizontal. No slope stability problems of any kind were <br />identified in any of these highwalls over a minimum of 1 year's time. None of the following things <br />were observed: slips, clay lenses, sand lenses, unconsolidated free flowing material, wet unstable <br />material. All bank material was well- cemented and held up at very steep angles. All newly con- <br />structed highwall slopes after Amendment approval in 2013 should not exceed 45 degrees from <br />horizontal. This milder angle will be more than adequate for the life of the pit. The operator will <br />still be required to observe the excavation for any signs of instability but it is not expected that <br />there will be any. Depths above 60 feet vertically may require benching if any signs of instability <br />EsT&WIP -1111 <br />It appears that there is a zone of some gold in the gravel from the surface to a depth of approxi- <br />mately 20 -30 feet, followed by a barren gravel zone of 30 -40 feet followed by a zone of up to 25 <br />feet that contains a higher percentage of gold. The barren zone will be used to backfill previous pits <br />and the other material will be sent to the plant for processing. Some of the washed gravel will also <br />be used for backfilling and other material may be further crushed and screened for gravel product <br />sale. <br />Once the initial pits have been excavated, barren material and washed gravel will be used to back- <br />fill previous pits. The maximum amount of pit that requires backfilling will be limited to 20,000 <br />cubic yards. <br />A current highwall (start of 2013) of approximately 60 feet height will be implemented at the south <br />end of the infiltration pond. This pond will later become the settling pond for the processing plant <br />Gloria Z Mine 2013 Amendment 12 <br />