NITRATE REDUCTION PROGRAM AT THE LINE CREEK OPERATION

Blasting activities at the Line Creek operation are releasing oxides of nitrogen and arecontributing to chemical changes in the surrounding watersheds. Through analysis of themechanisms of nitrogen release, history of explosive usage, historical nitrate release, changingregulatory requirements, strategy analysis and social impacts associated with the release ofnitrates a nitrate reduction plan will be established.The paper develops the framework for engineering groups, operations groups andmanagers to make decisions around the development of a sustainable and achievablecommunication and monitoring plan for nitrate release while working to meeting the regulatory,social, and stakeholder requirements to continue efficient and effective mining operations.The strategy recommended within this document is to develop practices around nitratemanagement through effective operational practices, introduction of high stability emulsion andemulsion contact with water. The effective operational controls will provide the mechanisms forreduction of oxides of nitrogen rather than through capital projects.