PERMFILE41762

• Permit No: C1981019A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 12/11/2001
• Section_Exhibit Name: 4.23 AUGER MINING
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

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• 4.23 AUGER MINING
Doc Date:12111/2001
Revised, January 24, 1996
Colowyo has identified a number of areas suitable for auger mining within
the active mining pits. In 1993, Colowyo initiated the first test of
augering in "Auger Mining Area #1" as delineated on Map 23, Mine Plan.
The project was a judged a success in terms of efficient and safe
maximization of the coal resource. In 1996, an area located in the West
Pit "Auger Area #2" is selected as the next auger mining project. Section
2.05.3 provides a description of the operation plan for both augering
areas.
The mining operation as described in Section 2.05.3 will be implemented not
only to maximize coal recovery but also to protect the safety of the
workers and to protect the environment. This section describes the methods
of which Colowyo will meet the requirements of Rule 4.23 Auger Mining.
Auger Mining Area #1
As described in Section 2.05.3, the auger mining of the C coal and E coal
will occur under the previously mined X coal in the Section 11 pit. As
such, since no underground coal mining activities will take place in this
immediate vicinity and all recoverable coal reserves will be depleted, no
• consideration is necessary for future underground mining activities.
No auger mining will take place within 500 feet of any abandoned or active
underground mining operation. The augering will follow the surface mining
operation contemporaneously as described in Section 2.05.3.
Ground water in the pit or auger holes will not be a problem as the Colowyo
pit is essentially dry. The main pit moves updip (approximately 6%) and
any theoretical ground water in the pit poses little problem as the
backfilled spoils will allow all subsurface water to flow north downdip to
the original pit boxcut area.
Backfilling of the auger mining area will occur concurrent with the normal
backfilling of the main mining pit and Section 11. The entire area will
eventually be covered by 200-280 feet of backfill replaced and reclaimed
per the approved reclamation plan.
Auger Mining Area # 2
As described in Section 2.05.3 the auger mining of X coal in the West Pit
will take place on the north and east end walls of the initial boxcut.
Since no underground activities will take place in this immediate vicinity
and all recoverable coal reserves will be depleted, no consideration is
• 3-1
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