Section 1819.13  Auger Mining: Coal Recovery

a)         Auger mining shall be conducted so as to maximize the utilization and conservation of the coal in accordance with 62 Ill. Adm. Code 1816.59.

b)         Auger mining shall be planned and conducted to maximize recoverability of mineral reserves remaining after the operation and reclamation are complete.

c)         Each person who conducts auger mining operations shall leave areas of undisturbed coal, as approved by the Department, to provide access for future underground mining activities to coal reserves remaining after augering is completed, unless it is established that the coal reserves have been depleted or are so limited in thickness or extent that it will not be possible to recover the remaining coal through surface mining with the machinery available.  This determination shall be made by the Department upon presentation of appropriate technical evidence by the operator pertaining to the availability of the remaining coal.

(Source:  Added at 11 Ill. Reg. 8501, effective July 1, 1987)