1
1.0 DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
1.1
INTRODUCTION
Rare Element Resources, Inc. (RER) proposes to continue rare earth element (REE)
exploration activities (drilling, trenching, geologic mapping, ground geophysics and geochemical
soil analysis) over life of mine operations, estimated to be 40 or more years. The exploration
would be conducted within the Project Area as shown on Map P-1. Exploration in Section 20 will
be subject to U.S. Air Force release due to the closure of the nuclear reactor at the former radar
station site. It is anticipated that Section 20 will be released during the project mine life.
It is difficult to predict the level of exploration activity within the target areas during mine
operations with any accuracy due to uncertainties in REE mineralization, processing, and
worldwide economic conditions. The number of exploration drill holes could include up to 2,000
with approximately 1,000 core holes (average depth of 750 feet or 750,000 feet) and 1,000
rotary holes (average depth of 660 feet or 660,000 feet). RER estimates that annual drill holes
could be up to 48 holes per year using both reverse circulation and core drilling methods. RER
may also conduct approximately 20,000 feet of trenching over the life of mine. Prior to each
exploration season, RER will provide the Forest Service with a Work Plan identifying the
anticipated drill hole locations and areas of disturbance for Forest Service approval.
RER is currently conducting exploration in the Project Area under a License to Explore (LE 268)
issued by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality – Land Quality Division (WDEQ-
LQD) for reclamation bonding. Future exploration would be conducted under a Drilling
Notification (DN) for LQD and Forest Service approval.
1.2
ACCESS
1.2.1 Access Route
The selected access route leading to and from the Bull Hill Area Project Area is the Miller Creek
Access Route as shown on Map P-1. The Miller Creek Access Route will be upgraded as part of
the Bear Lodge Project.
1.2.2 Access to Drill Sites
Access to individual drill sites will include main Forest Service roads, secondary roads,
secondary (closed) roads, new temporary roads, and overland access. Existing roads will be
used to the greatest extent possible. Where temporary road construction is necessary,
exploration roads will be located and constructed using best management practices (BMPs) for
silviculture outlined by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) in the
Wyoming Nonpoint Source Management Plan (2004) (Appendix B) to minimize surface
disturbance, erosion and visual contrast, as well as to facilitate reclamation.
RER is proposing winter drilling, as weather conditions permit. Removal of snow from temporary
exploration roads may be necessary in order to facilitate late fall, winter, or early spring
operations. Snow would be removed to the full width of the road plus any turnouts and ditch
lines. Through cuts would be allowed only after snow depths exceed the height of the
equipment deck or across flat ground. Disposal would be to the outside or downhill side of the
road. To the extent practicable, snow mixed with soil would not be placed over the fill slope of
the road.
