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iii iiiiiiiiiiiuiii 999 S1~ 2.0 MINE PLAN ~~ '~~~~' S~I'~IZGUZ Though Lodestar is not currently mining coal from the Munger Canyon Mine, the access road, portals and other facilities may be necessary. Current plans are to mine the reserves south ofthe Munger Canyon mine portals from the McClane Canyon mine. There have been many geologic "surprises" while mining at McClane. First the east fault of the graben then an area where a prehistoric drainage eroded the coal seam. In 2000 it was discovered that the bum on the south side of the active mining area extended about 1000 feet farther into the hillside than expected. If any geologic surprises occur between the McClane Canyon Mine and the reserves at Munger Canyon the access road, mine site, and portals at Munger will be necessary to access the coal to the south. Lodestar will continue to maintain the Munger site in it's current size and configuration until the mains from McClane have passed the location of the Munger Canyon Mine. At that time the decision to reclaim the site or to use it for access to the southern reserves will be made. If Munger will not be used it will be reclaimed as detailed in this permit application. If Munger will be used to access the coal this permit will be amended for the necessary facilities. Mining at McClane will turn toward the south between ten and fifteen years from now. This period may be shorter or longer ~ ~r , dependent u on the rate of production at McClane. ~~ Z' The coal on th rsite will be excavated and trucked to the Munger mine srte where it will be backfilled against the highwall as described in Section 3.9. The reclamation of the Loma Loadout and interim reclamation at the Munger mine bench will be completed by November 1, 2001. 2.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF NIINING OPERATIONS If mining will occur at Munger; it will utilize underground mining methods to extract coal from the Cameo and Carbonera Coal Seams within the permit area shown in Figures 1.1-2 and 2.2-5. A description of mining methods and sequence of mining is specifically outlined in Sections 2.1.1 and 2.1.4. Production is anticipated to be 149,000 tons in the first year increasing to 847,000 tons in the fifth year of operation, although production will be dependent on marketing conditions. Production is discussed in detail in Section 2.1.3. Recovery is discussed in Section 2.1.5. A list of major equipment to be used in this operation is found in Table 2.1-1. The mine bench which was initially excavated to the size necessary for underground exploration activities (2.69 acres), may be enlarged for the expanded activities. Any changes to the existing mine site configuration will be addressed in revisions to this permit. The initial bench site was selected and approved by virtue of a joint on site inspection by the United States Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, and representatives of Sheridan M~ Page 2.1 - 1 2001 / ~~13 /a`