GEORGE PATTERSON RECEIVES PENDLETON AWARD

The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining & Safety (DRMS) and the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board (MLRB) awarded George Patterson, general mine manager for Energy Fuels Coal, Inc. the Dr. James Pendleton Award. The award was presented February 25th during the 111th National Western Mining Conference Awards Luncheon. The Dr. James Pendleton Award honors the memory of Dr. James A Pendleton, principal scientist with the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety. As an engineering geologist, mentor and trainer, Pendleton provided valuable guidance to the programs in geotechnical engineering, mountain scar reclamation, mine subsidence and resolution of issues at controversial mining operations.

Patterson has directed the reclamation of four mining operations in the State of Colorado: Raton Creek in Las Animas County, Marr Mine in Jackson County, Newlin Creek and the Southfield Mine in Fremont County. All of these sites are reclaimed, with Newlin Creek and Raton Creek having successfully achieved final bond release. Significant phased bond releases have also been approved at the Marr Mine and at Southfield. Working under the approved coal mining permits issued through DRMS, Patterson directed reclamation and maintenance operations over the 10-year reclamation liability period. His efforts included frequent work and interaction with Federal, State, and local agencies while balancing the needs and requests of both public and private landowners. Mr. Patterson went to extra efforts to respond to DRMS issues and concerns but demonstrated flexibility by changing the reclamation plans as conditions required. Successful on-the-ground results at Energy Fuels Coal operations are due in large part to the diligent efforts of George Patterson.

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