Coal is mined at the Vista (Phase I) Project using open-pit surface mining and highwall mining methods.
The production process for Phase I’s open pit operations is as follows:
(a) merchantable timber is harvested within the mine disturbance area;
(b) topsoil within the mine disturbance area is salvaged and placed in stockpiles for future placement, or placed directly, on reclaimed areas;
(c) ponds and ditches are created to control water flow in respect of the disturbance area and to carefully control, and allow for treating of, water discharged from mine and plant operations in order to maintain water quality and protect against any pollution of neighboring water sources;
(d) till above the bedrock is removed with hydraulic shovels and placed in haul trucks where it is transported to designated stockpile locations;
(e) rock (overburden) above the coal seams is drilled and blasted using explosives;
(f) blasted rock is both pushed into previously mined pit void space with bulldozers and removed with hydraulic shovels, excavators, and/or loaders and placed in haul trucks, which then transport the rock to designated stockpile or pit backfill areas;
(g) the uncovered raw coal is mined by:
(i) hydraulic excavator and/or loader and hauled to the truck dump to be sized and belted to the raw coal stockpile area, located near the coal preparation plant; and
(ii) highwall mining method, wh ........
