HANDBOOK

for

Calculation

of

Reclamation Bond Amounts

Revised October 2020
i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE IV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 1

STATUTORY AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS 2

ASSUMPTIONS 5

METHODOLOGY 6

DATA SOURCES 6

CHAPTER 2: BOND CALCULATION PROCEDURES 8

STEP 1: DETERMINE POINT OF MAXIMUM RECLAMATION COST LIABILITY 8

STEP 2: ESTIMATE DIRECT RECLAMATION COSTS 9

I. Structure Demolition and Disposal (Worksheet 2) 10

II. Earthmoving (Worksheets 3 Through 13) 11

A. Introduction 11

B. Definitions 11

C. Methods And Discussion 12

D. Materials Handling Plan (Worksheet 3) 13

E. Equipment Productivity and Costs 

(Worksheets 5 Through 13) 17

III. Revegetation (Worksheet 14) 18

IV. Other Direct Reclamation Costs (Worksheet 15) 18

STEP 3: ADJUST DIRECT COSTS FOR INFLATION 20

I. During A Permit Term 20

A. Adjustment Using 5-Year Permit Term 20

B. Adjustment Using a Schedule 20

II. Bond Release Considerations 21

III. Worst Case Scenario Re-Evaluation 21

STEP 4: ESTIMATE INDIRECT RECLAMATION COSTS 21

I. Mobilization and Demobilization 21

II. Contingency Allowances 22

III. Engineering Redesign Costs 22
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IV. Project Management Fee 23

V. Overhead and Profit 23

STEP 5: CALCULATE THE TOTAL PERFORMANCE BOND AMOUNT 24

CHAPTER 3: SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR CALCULATION OF 

INCREMENTAL, CUMULATIVE, AND PHASE BONDS 25

INCREMENTAL BONDS 25

CUMULATIVE BONDS 25

PHASE BONDS 26

CHAPTER 4: BOND RELEASE 28

REGULATORY BACKGROUND 28

DISTINCTION BETWEEN BOND ADJUSTMENT AND BOND RELEASE 28

CALCULATION OF ALLOWABLE BOND RELEASE AMOUNTS 29

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR POLLUTIONAL DISCHARGES 29

RELEASE OF BOND POSTED TO GUARANTEE WATER SUPPLY 

REPLACEMENT OR CORRECTION OF SUBSIDENCE DAMAGE 30

REFERENCES CITED 31

APPENDIX A: BOND CALCULATION WORKSHEETS

BOND AMOUNT COMPUTATION A-1

WORKSHEET 1- Description of The Worst-Case Reclamation Scenario A-2

WORKSHEET 2- Structure Demolition and Disposal Costs A-3

WORKSHEET 3- Material Handling Plan Summary A-4

WORKSHEET 4A- Earthwork Quantity A-5

WORKSHEET 4B- Earthwork Quantity A-6

WORKSHEET 5- Productivity and Hours Required for 

Dozer Use A-7

WORKSHEET 6- Productivity and Hours Required for 

Dozer Use- Grading A-8

WORKSHEET 7- Productivity and Hours Required for 

Ripper-Equipped Dozer Use A-9

WORKSHEET 8- Productivity and Hours Required for 

Loader Use A-10
iii

WORKSHEET 9- Productivity and Hours Required for Truck Use A-11

WORKSHEET 10- Productivity for Hydraulic Excavator Use A-12

WORKSHEET 11A- Productivity of Push-Pull or Self-Loading Scraper Use A-13

WORKSHEET 11B- Productivity of Dozer Push-Loaded Scraper Use A-14

WORKSHEET 12- Productivity and Hours Required for Motor grader Use A-16

WORKSHEET 13- Summary Calculation of Earthmoving Costs A-17

WORKSHEET 14- Revegetation Costs A-18

WORKSHEET 15- Other Reclamation Activity Costs A-19

WORKSHEET 16- Reclamation Bond Summary Sheet A-20

WORKSHEET 17- Summary Sheet for Determining Amount of 

Bond to Retain at Phase I Release A-21

WORKSHEET 18- Summary Sheet for Determining Amount of 

Bond to Retain at Phase II Release A-22

APPENDIX B: EXAMPLES

UNDERGROUND EXAMPLE B1-1

AREA MINING EXAMPLE (COMPLETED BY DRAGLINE) B2-1

HAUL BACK EXAMPLE- CONTOUR B3-1

HAUL BACK EXAMPLE- AREA B4-1

MOUNTAIN TOP REMOVAL EXAMPLE B5-1

PROCESSING PLANT EXAMPLE B6-1

APPENDIX C: OVERHEAD AND PROFIT RATE DETERMINATION

TABLE C1-A: National Construction Benchmarks for Overhead and 

Profit Reported as Percentage of Revenue C-1

TABLE C1-B: Financial Benchmark Percentages Equivalents with 

Direct Cost Percentages on Project-Level C-1

TABLE C1-C: Acreage Statistics for Permitted Mine Sites in 

Federal Programs C-3

TABLE C1-D: Indirect Cost Guidelines C-4
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PREFACE

Throughout this document, the OSMRE Handbook for Calculation of Reclamation Bond

Amounts will be referred to as “the Handbook.” This Handbook establishes a 

technically sound, consistent methodology to calculate the amount of performance bond 

required for surface coal mining and reclamation operations under the Surface Mining 

Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act) when the Office of Surface 

Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is the regulatory authority. OSMRE 

first adopted the Handbook as policy guidance in 1987, with minor revisions in 1993. A 

significant update and revision to the Handbook occurred in 2000 in response to 

management direction and user comments. The current version represents an 

additional update and revision following nearly 20 years of application in Federal mine 

permitting and reclamation cost estimation.

Several other Federal agencies, numerous companies in the coal industry, the coalproducing states, and states with non-coal mining use the Handbook as an organized 

approach to cost estimation. Also, many individuals have attended OSMRE's bonding 

workshop on cost estimation. Consulting and governmental (state, federal, Tribal) 

engineers have requested and been provided consultations on the use of this 

Handbook in order to determine reclamation costs estimates for operations in Canada, 

Indonesia and Romania.

OSMRE has a standing Bond Calculation Team that is comprised of regional and 

headquarters staff. Handbook users are encouraged to submit suggested revisions to 

OSMRE Bond Calculation Team members for consideration in future editions. Members 

and the OSMRE offices that they represent are:

Josh Rockwell jrockwell@osmre.gov Div. of Reg Support, Washington, DC

Mark Gehlhar mgehlhar@osmre.gov Div. of Reg Support, Washington, DC

Stefanie Self sself@osmre.gov Tech Support, Pittsburgh, PA

Paul Behum pbehum@osmre.gov Tech Services Branch, Alton, IL

Stephen Partney spartney@osmre.gov Tech Services Branch, Alton, IL

Mathew Hulbert mhulbert@osmre.gov Indian Programs Branch, Denver, CO

Karen Jass kjass@osmre.gov Indian Programs Branch, Denver, CO

Jeremy Spangler jspangler@osmre.gov Indian Programs Branch, Denver, CO

Please consult the directory located on OSMRE's Home Page at http://www.osmre.gov

for current contact information.
Chapter 1 - 1

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Among other requirements, two of the purposes of the Surface Mining Control and 

Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act) is to assure that surface coal mining 

operations are not conducted where reclamation, as required by the Act, is not feasible 

and to assure that adequate procedures are undertaken to reclaim surface areas as 

contemporaneously as possible with the surface coal mining operations. 30 U.S.C. § 

1202(c) and (e).

This Handbook establishes a reclamation cost calculation methodology for use when 

OSMRE is the regulatory authority. Since neither SMCRA nor the Federal regulations 

require adherence to a specific methodology, State regulatory authorities are free to use 

the Handbook or any other method of bond calculation that results in the establishment 

of performance bond amounts that meet all regulatory program requirements.

This Handbook applies to all situations involving the calculation or recalculation of 

reclamation costs when OSMRE is the regulatory authority, including:

• Determination of the amount of bond initially required for permit issuance. See 30 

CFR 800.11.

• Determination of the amount of bond required before mining advances into any 

succeeding increments (under incremental bonding) or operational stages (under 

cumulative bonding) of the permit area. See 30 CFR 800.11 and 800.14.

• Determination of any adjustment in bond required as a result of a permit revision 

that alters the calculations or assumptions underlying the reclamation cost 

estimate for the existing permit and bond. See 30 CFR 800.15.

• Determination of any reduction in the amount of bond that may be approved as a 

result of a change in the operation plan that reduces the future cost of reclaiming 

mined land. See 30 CFR 800.15(c).

• Evaluation of bond adequacy at the time of permit renewal. See 30 CFR 

774.15(b)(2)(iii) and (c)(1)(v). 

• While the minimum requirement to review bond adequacy is during the mid-term 

review and during significant permit modifications; discretionary evaluation of 

bond adequacy at any time may be performed. OSMRE may exercise this 

discretionary bond evaluation based on a reasonable interpretation of 30 CFR 

774.15(c)(1)(i), when read in conjunction with 800.15 and 800.40. See also 30 

CFR 774.15(c)(1)(v). 

• Determination of the amount of bond to be retained at the time of Phase I, II and 

III bond release. See 30 CFR 800.40(c).

• Determination of the amount of bond that must be posted to guarantee correction 

of subsidence-related material damage to land, structures or facilities or 

replacement of water supply damaged by underground mining. See 30 CFR 

817.121(c)(5).
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• Determination of the amount of bond that must be posted to guarantee treatment 

if an unanticipated pollutional postmining discharge requiring long-term treatment 

develops. See OSMRE's March 31, 1997, statement entitled "Policy Goals and 

Objectives on Correcting, Preventing and Controlling Acid/Toxic Mine Drainage." 

The bond reviewer should also consider OSMRE’s AMDtreat software as the 

primary data source during the determination of costs associated with long-term 

treatment of pollutional postmining discharges (https://amd.osmre.gov/).

In addition, if a State regulatory authority uses the Handbook or a variation thereof to

calculate bond amounts, OSMRE may use the Handbook to conduct oversight 

evaluations of bond adequacy, but only after making necessary State specific

modifications such as replacement of Davis-Bacon wage rates with whatever rates apply 

under State law. See generally, 40 U.S.C. §§ 3141 et seq. When conducting oversight, 

OSMRE may, at its discretion, use State specific technical guidance documents and 

resources in place of the Handbook as long as it determines such documents and 

resources are adequate for calculating reclamation cost estimates.

Because the Handbook relies upon standard engineering cost-estimating procedures to 

develop site-specific costs for each reclamation activity, users must be competent in the 

subject matter including: knowledge of standard engineering principles, equipment

productivity guidebooks, and construction cost reference manuals.

The mention of trade names of commercial equipment and products in this Handbook is 

for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by

OSMRE.

This Handbook provides guidance at the national level. However, we recognize that 

there are specific regional and local rates that may differ and in certain circumstances 

actual costs may be substituted for cost ranges identified in this Handbook. When using 

actual costs as a substitute, documentation for variances outside of the cost descriptions 

identified in this manual should be included with the reclamation cost documents. In 

doing so, accepted engineering practices should be employed.

STATUTORY AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

Section 507(d) of SMCRA (30 U.S.C. § 1257(d)) requires each applicant to submit, as 

part of the permit application, a reclamation plan in sufficient detail to demonstrate 

compliance with the reclamation standards of the applicable regulatory program. Section 

509(a) of the Act and its implementing regulations at 30 CFR 800.14(b) require that the 

applicant file a bond in an amount sufficient to cover the cost of reclamation in 

accordance with the approved plan should the regulatory authority have to perform the 

reclamation in the event of bond forfeiture.

Under 30 CFR 773.16 and 800.11(a), a permit applicant must file a bond or bonds before 

the regulatory authority may issue a permit. According to 30 CFR 800.11(b)(1), the bond 

or bonds must cover either the entire permit area or an identified increment of land within 

the permit area upon which the operator will initiate and conduct surface coal mining 

operations during the initial term of the permit. Under 30 CFR 800.11(d)(2), the applicant 
Chapter 1 - 3

also has the option of filing a cumulative bond. As provided in 30 CFR 800.11(d) and 30 

CFR 800.14, a permit applicant's choice of bonding scheme (entire permit area, 

incremental, or cumulative) is subject to regulatory authority approval.

Incremental and cumulative bonds are similar in that the permittee or permit applicant 

initially posts bond for only part of the proposed operation within the permit area. 

However, under the incremental method, each bond applies only to a specific increment 

of the permit area, while under the cumulative method each bond applies to the entire 

permit area even though the permittee may be authorized to disturb only a specified 

portion of the permit area. Under both the cumulative and the incremental methods, the 

permit application must identify the amount of bond required for the land to be disturbed 

by each stage of the operation (when using cumulative bonding) or increment of the 

permit area (when using incremental bonding). The permittee must file any additional 

bond or bonds required for each successive stage of the operation or increment of the 

permit area before beginning that stage of the operation or disturbing that increment of 

the permit area (30 CFR 800.11(b)(2), (b)(3), (b)(4), and (c)).

Under 30 CFR 800.11(b)(4), independent increments must be of sufficient size and 

configuration to provide for efficient reclamation operations should bond forfeiture occur.

With certain parameters under 30 CFR 800.13(a)(2), the regulatory authority has the 

discretion to accept a separate bond or bonds for each phase of reclamation as defined 

in 30 CFR 800.40(c).

Under 30 CFR 800.14(a), the regulatory authority must determine the amount of the

bond based upon:

• The requirements of the approved permit and reclamation plan;

• The probable difficulty of completing reclamation, giving consideration to factors 

such as topography, geology, hydrology, and revegetation; and

• The applicant's reclamation cost estimate for completing the approved 

reclamation plan, although the regulatory authority is not limited by the operator’s 

reclamation cost estimate and may set the value of the reclamation performance 

bond at its discretion.

Paragraph (b) of 30 CFR 800.14 requires that the bond amount be sufficient to ensure 

completion of the reclamation plan if the work has to be performed by the regulatory 

authority in the event of forfeiture. In no case may the bond amount be less than 

$10,000.

Under 30 CFR 800.15 and section 509(e) of SMCRA, the regulatory authority must reevaluate bond adequacy and adjust bond amounts as appropriate whenever the permit 

acreage increases or decreases or the cost of future reclamation changes. However, any 

bond reduction requested as a result of reclamation work performed must be processed 

as an application for bond release under 30 CFR 800.40.
Chapter 1 - 4

A bond adjustment, increase or decrease, as allowed under 30 CFR 800.15 must be 

justified upon demonstration that the reclamation costs, the basis of the existing bond 

amount held by OSMRE, have changed requiring an increase or decrease in the amount 

of bond coverage. A reduction in the amount of bond based on these circumstances will 

not have undergone a formal bond release in accordance with 30 CFR 800.40.

Situations that may qualify as a bond adjustment include deletion of undisturbed acreage 

from the permit area (with the regulatory authority retaining adequate, calculated funds to 

ensure the approved reclamation unless deletion of the acreage would not lower the 

maximum reclamation cost liability for the permit or increment), technological advances 

that increase or reduce the unit costs of reclamation, changes in the mining plan that 

result in a more limited operation than originally approved and bonded, or an alteration in 

the postmining land use that reduces reclamation costs.

Completion of reclamation activities such as backfilling or topsoil replacement does not 

qualify as a change in the cost of future reclamation. See 48 Fed. Reg. 32944 (July 19, 

1983). The permittee must apply for bond release to obtain a bond reduction under these 

circumstances.

Under 30 CFR 800.15(d), the regulatory authority must conduct a bond adequacy review 

whenever the approved permit is revised. The regulatory authority must require 

adjustment of the bond amount to reflect any increase in reclamation costs resulting from 

the permit revision.

Under section 519(c) of the Act (30 U.S.C. § 1269(c)) and 30 CFR 800.40(c), the 

regulatory authority may reduce bond amounts in accordance with a phased release 

schedule as reclamation is completed. However, the amount of bond remaining after 

each of the first two phases must be sufficient to ensure completion of remaining 

reclamation obligations, which means that, after conducting the inspection and 

evaluation required by 30 CFR 800.40(b)(1), the regulatory authority must recalculate 

reclamation costs to determine how much bond to retain and how much, if any, may be 

released.

Under 30 CFR 817.121(c)(5), the regulatory authority must require the permittee to 

obtain additional performance bond to cover the costs of repairing, replacing, or 

providing compensation for material damage to protected land, structures or facilities 

when the damage is a result of subsidence caused by underground mining operations. 

The same requirement applies to subsidence-related material damage to surface lands 

and to certain drinking, domestic, or residential water supplies adversely impacted by 

underground mining operations. Both requirements apply only if the permittee fails to 

correct the damage within a specified time and the damage is not fully covered by the 

permittee's liability insurance policy.

Finally, OSMRE's March 31, 1997, acid mine drainage policy statement clarifies that the 

performance bond or an equivalent form of financial assurance must be adequate to 

ensure completion of the hydrologic reclamation plan approved in the permit. Whenever 

unanticipated pollutional discharges requiring long- term treatment develop, the 

regulatory authority must adjust the bond amount (or require equivalent financial 

assurance) to cover all future costs of monitoring, evaluating, abating, and treating those 
Chapter 1 - 5

discharges to the extent necessary to avoid causing material damage to the hydrologic 

balance.

ASSUMPTIONS

The Handbook's bond calculation methodology assumes that:

• The bond amount will reflect the cost of engaging a third-party contractor to 

complete the reclamation plan in the event that the state regulatory authority must 

complete the reclamation. This ensures that the post-mining land use is 

consistent with the mine permit.

• None of the mining equipment is available for reclamation activities.

• The regulatory authority will use the entirety of the bond to reclaim the site to the 

approved reclamation plan or reclaim the site in a manner that utilizes the full 

bond amount.

• The bond amount will reflect the "worst-case scenario;" i.e., the cost of reclaiming 

the site if the permittee forfeits the bond at the point of maximum reclamation cost 

liability, under the reclamation and operation plans approved as part of the permit. 

Calculating the bond amount in this manner should ensure the availability of 

adequate reclamation funds at all times during the life of the operation.

• The reclamation and operation plans submitted as part of the permit application 

and any special permit conditions imposed by the regulatory authority will serve 

as the basis for determining the amount of performance bond required. The 

regulatory authority will independently calculate reclamation cost estimates. 

Further, it will consider but not rely upon cost estimates supplied by the permit 

applicant.

• Reclamation is concurrent and contemporaneous as practicable. Compliance 

with the approved reclamation and operation plans, permit conditions, and 

performance standards is always assumed.

• The regulatory authority will routinely reevaluate bond adequacy and require bond 

adjustments as authorized or mandated by 30 CFR 800.15.

• The bond amount shall not account for credit resulting from the salvage value of 

building materials or abandoned equipment and supplies.

• The permittee will be in compliance with the approved reclamation and operation 

plans, permit conditions, and performance standards at all times.

• The regulatory authority will routinely re-evaluate bond adequacy and require 

bond adjustments as authorized or mandated by 30 CFR 800.15.

• The initial calculation of bond amounts will not include remediation costs for 

events such as acid mine drainage and landslides that are not anticipated in the 

approved permit or reclamation plan. Should an unanticipated event occur, the 

regulatory authority must require a permit revision and adjust the bond amount to 

include any additional reclamation costs. See, e.g. 30 CFR 774.10(b), 774.13(c), 

and 800.15(d).
Chapter 1 - 6

METHODOLOGY

The methodology in this Handbook reflects standard construction industry costestimating procedures for determining demolition, earthmoving, and revegetation costs, 

which are the most significant elements of the reclamation cost estimate.

Equipment productivity data, hourly rates and other costs used in the examples in 

Appendix B are taken from the sources referenced throughout this document.

Rounding was applied in preparing the examples as follows:

• Equipment productivity hours are rounded to the nearest hour and

• Total bond amounts are rounded to three significant digits.

DATA SOURCES

There are four major sources of the information needed to calculate reclamation cost 

estimates:

• The reclamation and operation plans in the permit or permit application;

• Equipment productivity and performance guidebooks;

• Construction unit cost manuals;

• Contract and cost data from State and Federal abandoned mine land and bond 

forfeiture reclamation programs; the Tennessee Valley Authority; the Natural 

Resources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service); State, 

Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Tribal and Federal forestry 

and wildlife agencies; the Cooperative Extension Service; and the Department of 

Labor for wage rates. These sources may provide local costs for tasks or 

materials. Also, State departments of transportation often publish cost estimates 

for road construction projects and historic cost data which may be representative 

of mine reclamation costs incurred by a State or Tribe in the event of bond 

forfeiture and

• Davis-Bacon labor rates shall be consulted for all Federally funded reclamation 

projects.

The reclamation and operation plans in the permit or permit application provide essential 

information on the type of mining to be conducted, the sequence of mining and 

reclamation activities within the permit area, spoil and topsoil handling, haul distances, 

extent of areas to be disturbed, structures needed during the mining operations, final 

surface configuration, revegetation standards and techniques, and postmining land use 

considerations (such as retention of roads, ponds, and other structures).

Equipment productivity and performance guidebooks are extremely useful when 

estimating earthmoving costs. Most heavy equipment manufacturers publish guidebooks 

containing performance data. For example, the Caterpillar Performance Handbook 
Chapter 1 - 7

includes data on tractors, loaders, scrapers, haulage vehicles, small hydraulic shovels 

and excavators, in addition to a variety of other information such as estimating 

methodologies and heavy equipment cost accounting.

To calculate bond amounts, these guidebooks should be used in combination with a 

comprehensive equipment cost reference guide, such as the 

https://EquipmentWatch.com. These types of reference manuals, which are updated 

periodically, provide hourly ownership and non-wage operating costs for a wide range of 

heavy equipment. Because all contracts awarded by OSMRE to reclaim lands for which 

it is the regulatory authority are direct Federal contracts, labor costs for equipment 

operation must reflect Davis-Bacon wage rates as established by the Department of 

Labor. Any wage rates provided by the Department of Labor, which are used in the 

reclamation estimate, should be documented to include the date, state, county, 

construction type and wage number. On Tribal lands, Tribal wages must be reviewed to 

determine if they are more conservative than local Davis-Bacon wage rates.

The RSMeans Company, Inc., also publishes construction-related cost data 

(https://www.rsmeansonline.com/ManageAccount/QuickStart). RSMeans guides contain 

an extensive array of line-item costs for building construction. These reference manuals, 

which are updated annually, are especially useful for estimating material acquisition 

costs and the costs of specific reclamation tasks such as structure demolition. Because 

the Handbook provides for a separate determination of profit and overhead (see Chapter 

2 and Worksheet 16), only use "bare cost" data from the reference manuals. Bare costs 

do not include profit and overhead. Use of Davis-Bacon wage rates should be used and 

may be found at: https://www.dol.gov/whd/govcontracts/dbra.htm.

Real costs for construction work and materials obtained from local construction 

contractors may be used. Real costs must be supported with receipts or bid information 

and must be updated as necessary as part of the regulatory authority’s obligation to 

periodically review reclamation cost estimates.
Chapter 2 - 8

CHAPTER 2: BOND CALCULATION PROCEDURES

There are five major steps in the bond calculation process:

• Determine the point of maximum reclamation cost liability;

• Estimate direct reclamation costs such as earthmoving, revegetation, and the 

removal and demolition of structures not to be retained as part of the postmining 

land use;

• Adjust direct costs for inflation;

• Estimate indirect reclamation costs, including contractor and equipment 

mobilization and demobilization charges, contingency allowances, redesign 

expenses (including surveying, aerial photography, and monitoring in support of 

this effort), project management fees, overhead cost. Finally, contractor profit is 

added as a percentage of direct cost similar to, but apart from, the allowances for

indirect costs, and

• Calculate the total bond amount.

Appendix A contains worksheets for the orderly completion and documentation of each 

step. Appendix B provides examples of completed worksheets. Appendix C provides 

background and justification for the calculation of overhead and profit.

STEP 1: DETERMINE POINT OF MAXIMUM RECLAMATION COST LIABILITY

Since this is the most important step in the cost-estimating procedure, complete 

Worksheet 1 only after carefully studying the operation and reclamation plans in the 

permit application.

This point will differ for each operation depending on the nature and complexity of the 

operation, the number of factors present, and the operation and reclamation plans. 

Generally, the greatest reclamation cost liability occurs at the point in the permit term at 

which one or more of the following conditions exist:

• The greatest area of disturbance or the greatest area requiring final grading, 

topsoil placement, and revegetation.

• The largest volume of material to be backfilled and graded to establish suitable 

postmining contours and drainages. For multiple-seam mining operations, this is 

likely the point at which coal extraction from the lowest coal seam is complete, 

most of the overburden removed to that point has been placed in excess spoil fills, 

and little or no backfilling has occurred.

• The longest haul distance between spoil or topsoil storage areas and the final 

placement location.

• The greatest number of on-site structures that would need to be demolished and 

removed where they do not have a realistic, approved post-mining land use.
Chapter 2 - 9

• Assume that all sediment ponds and ditches are constructed at full capacity and 

are to be reclaimed consistent with the permit plan.

• Assume that all haul and access roads have been constructed as planned and are 

to be reclaimed consistent with the permit plan.

• The point at which refuse piles require the largest amount of cover material.

• Maximum disturbance of areas with special reclamation needs or special 

materials handling plans, such as sites with prime farmland soils, acidic or toxic 

materials, difficult topographic situations, or underground mine workings that must 

be sealed.

• Cost of imported materials such as riprap, mulch, or other engineered products.

• Due to the unavoidable time frame of the bond-forfeiture process, the estimator 

should assume that the mine pits are flooded to at least the water table elevation 

and may require dewatering and possibly treatment. This considers only a onetime action during reclamation. It does not include long-term abatement of 

unanticipated pollution-level drainage.

The worst-case scenario might not be simply be the result of the longest haul distances 

or longest length of open pit. The longest pit/longest haul distance might not correspond 

to the worst-case scenario if the corresponding volumes are low. Conversely a shorter 

pit/shorter haul distance with a very large haul and fill volume might correspond to the 

worst-case scenario. The estimator may need to determine the worst-case scenario 

through an iterative approach in order to determine where and when it occurs in 

consideration of the approved mining and reclamation plan. Review of reclamation cost 

estimates should be completed by staff who have knowledge and experience with mining 

and reclamation practices.

As with all engineering estimates, the bond calculation should be supported by 

documentation of all assumptions, references, and data sources.

STEP 2: ESTIMATE DIRECT RECLAMATION COSTS

Reclamation of most surface coal mining operations includes the following sequence of 

activities:

• Structure demolition and disposal, including the removal of mining-related 

buildings and other structures and facilities that are not approved for retention as 

part of the postmining land use.

• Earthmoving, including backfilling and rough grading, spoil ridge reduction, 

highwall elimination, final pit elimination, pond and road reclamation, final grading, 

and topsoil replacement.
Chapter 2 - 10

• Revegetation.

In addition, other tasks such as sealing mine portals and pumping and treating 

impounded water may be necessary as part of the reclamation process.

This section describes how to estimate the cost of each of these activities.

I. Structure Demolition and Disposal (Worksheet 2)

With the exception of structures approved for retention as part of the postmining land 

use, the regulations require the reclamation of all haul and access roads and the removal 

and disposal of all mining-related buildings, crushers, coal storage bunkers and silos, 

conveyor systems, fences, foundations, power lines, rail spurs, utilities, storage facilities 

for equipment and supplies, and other similar structures within the permit area.

For cost estimation purposes, removal of a structure means demolition of the structure. 

Below-grade foundations and buried utilities may be left in place when compatible with 

the approved postmining land use.

With respect to the reclamation of roads that are not approved for retention as part of the 

postmining land use, the structure demolition cost category includes expenses 

associated with the removal and disposal of bridges and culverts, as well as any roadsurfacing materials that are incompatible with the postmining land use or revegetation 

requirements. Other road reclamation costs such as grading and scarification are more 

properly included in the earthmoving and revegetation cost categories.

Unless the reclamation plan documents that the pertinent solid waste disposal authority 

has approved on-site disposal, all structure demolition cost estimates must include 

transportation expenses, landfill disposal fees, and other costs associated with the 

disposal of demolition debris in an approved solid waste disposal facility. The approval of 

the solid waste disposal authority may not be necessary for the disposal of loose roadsurfacing materials (shale, gravel, or crushed stone) in the backfill.

Include costs for disposal of abandoned equipment and supplies. Because there is no 

reasonable means of predicting whether equipment and supplies or other materials with 

potential resale value will be left on site at the time of bond forfeiture, do not allow credit 

for the salvage value of building materials or abandoned equipment and supplies.

Use Worksheet 2 and appropriate reference manuals such as the RSMeans guides

(https://www.rsmeansonline.com/ManageAccount/QuickStart), or other actual project 

costs if acceptable by the RA, to calculate the costs required for demolition, removal and 

disposal of structures.

When using reference manuals, avoid data that incorporates overhead and profit. The 

Handbook provides a different method for estimating overhead and profit as the 

Handbook suggests adding overhead and profit as separate, indirect costs. See 

Worksheet 16 and Table 2 & Table 3 in Chapter 2 Step 4.
Chapter 2 - 11

II. Earthmoving (Worksheets 3 through 13)

A. Introduction

For most surface mining operations, earthmoving is the major reclamation cost. 

Necessary earthmoving activities most commonly include backfilling, grading, placement 

of cover materials (especially on coal refuse disposal sites), and topsoil redistribution. 

Backfilling consists of the mass transport of spoil to eliminate spoil piles, pits, and 

highwalls.

Grading commonly includes:

• Removing diversions and siltation structures,

• Reshaping road cut-and-fill slopes,

• Reconstructing stream channels,

• Re-contouring all disturbed areas to restore appropriate drainage patterns and 

facilitate the postmining land use,

• Preparing the site for topsoil redistribution, and

• Ripping or scarifying the regraded overburden necessary to ensure topsoil 

adhesion.

To estimate costs for earthmoving activities, complete Worksheets 3 through 13, 

following the instructions below and the examples in Appendix B. Worksheet 3, the 

materials handling plan, identifies and describes each type of earthmoving activity 

needed at the point of anticipated maximum reclamation cost liability.

Worksheets 4A and 4B provide two alternatives for calculating the volumes of materials 

to be handled. Worksheets 5 through 12 provide a means of calculating site-specific 

equipment productivity data for various types and models of equipment, using the 

equipment productivity and performance guidebooks listed in Chapter 1.

B. Definitions

Throughout this handbook, especially the appendices, numerous engineering terms are 

used to identify and describe various correction factors that are necessary for the correct 

calculation of equipment production. The estimated production calculations are required 

in the determination of earthmoving costs. Engineering terms, and how they are 

implemented in earthmoving costs, are best illustrated in the various equipment subsections of the 48th edition of the Caterpillar Performance Handbook. Below is a defined 

list of the engineering terms that are found in this handbook.

Adjustment Factor is used to calculate production estimates by using various 

correction factors that are measured versus assumed.

Blade Factor is a correction factor used to calculate production and is determined via 

blade type
Chapter 2 - 12

Correction Factors include the following: operator factor, material factor, visibility 

factor and efficiency factor. The value for each of these factors is multiplied to equal 

the correction factor.

Effective Grade is total resistance expressed as a percent grade.

Efficiency Factor is the amount of time the equipment is actually in a production mode 

and is a percentage of minutes per hour.

Grade Assistance is a measure of the force that assists machine movement on 

favorable grades (downhill).

Grade Resistance is a measure of the force that must be overcome to move a 

machine over unfavorable grades (uphill).

Ground Pressure is a function of tire deflection and tire penetration.

Material Factor is the ratio of volumetric difference between actual material density 

and assumed.

Operator Factor is used to apply adjustments to production calculations based on the 

machine operator’s experience and ability.

Production is the hourly production of a piece of equipment and is determined by 

multiplying the maximum production by the correction factor.

Rolling Resistance is the force that resists the motion that the equipment is traveling. 

It is calculated by multiplying the rolling resistance coefficient for the contact between 

two specific mediums and the mass of the equipment and the acceleration due to 

gravity.

Shrinkage is the volumetric loss of loose material once placed and compacted.

Total Resistance is the combined effect of rolling resistance and grade 

resistance/grade assistance.

Visibility Factor is based on the operator’s ability to see depending on atmospheric 

conditions.

Weight Correction Factor is used to modify production calculations due to differences 

in actual material density than assumed standard value.

C. Methods and Discussion

Earthmoving is always the largest cost of any reclamation project. When evaluating the 

“worst case” of an initial or periodic permit, the quantities are calculated by the applicant, 

and the OSMRE responsibility is to verify whether the quantities are reasonable. In this 

case, the quantities are speculative, depending on the accuracy of the geological data. 

OSMRE engineers use accepted engineering practices to check these. In a cessation 
Chapter 2 - 13

case, whether by operation abandonment or a “temporary cessation of operations” 

notice, field work is required to determine the quantities. The use of drones and CAD are 

common in this case.

Earthmoving calculations should be present on Worksheets 3, 4A and 4B. Additional 

pages should include information on what data was used to calculate the volumes used 

in the calculations. 

Difficulties and conflicting calculations often occur because there are many different 

methods available. Some traditional methods are very subjective, so results can vary 

even when two people use the same method. This is true of methods such as the varied 

area methods, which can vary based on what locations are used to create the areas –

this is especially true in areas where topology is highly varied, such as in the 

Appalachian coalfields.

Since oversight bonding calculations are based on the permit documents, some of the 

newer technologies that can be used for more consistent calculations (LiDAR, Remote 

Sensing, etc.). Those methods are more useful for existing void calculations or 

reclamation planning. 

It is important to document what method is used for the earthmoving estimations in the 

bonding process. Areas (polygons) with measurements, locations used to create the 

areas (cross-section lines), reasons for swell factors being used, etc.

For more information on some of the commonly used methods to calculate volumes 

based on plans, please refer to: 

https://www.gxcontractor.com/technology/article/13034514/estimating-earthworkvolumes

D. Materials Handling Plan (Worksheet 3)

Use Worksheet 3 to identify and describe each specific earthmoving activity required as 

a result of the configuration of the operation at the point of maximum reclamation liability. 

The determination of equipment needs, productivity, and costs will depend on the 

information provided on this worksheet. Development of the materials handling plan 

requires determination of the volume of material to be handled, haul distances and 

grades, and the types of equipment to be used, as discussed below:

• Material Volume Estimates

Using the reclamation and operation plans in the permit application, compare the 

pre-reclamation and post-reclamation topography of the site to determine the 

amount of material that must be handled. Use standard engineering methods to 

calculate earthmoving volumes. For example, a series of pre-reclamation and 

post-reclamation cross sections can be used to calculate volumes by the averageend-area method (see Worksheet 4A). Alternatively, use Worksheet 4B to 

estimate earthmoving needs by calculating the volume of a series of geometric 

shapes that resemble the difference between pre- and post-reclamation 

topography. Appendix B contains examples of these two approaches. You may 
Chapter 2 - 14

also determine earthmoving volumes using computer programs such as 

Earthvision by Dynamic Graphics, Inc., Carlson Mining Software Suite, and 

SEDCAD by Civil Software Design, LLC. This software is available from OSMRE's 

Technical Information System (TIPS). Document all calculations regardless of the 

method selected. In many cases, material volume estimates may be obtained 

from applicant AutoCAD design data. This data can be compiled in a spreadsheet 

in place of Worksheet 4A and 4B. However, it is suggested that the permit 

reviewer check this data by either using AutoCAD methods or traditional methods 

applicable to Worksheets 4A or 4B.

Material volume is defined according to its state in the earthmoving process. The 

three measures of volume are bank cubic yards (BCY), loose cubic yards (LCY), 

and compacted cubic yards (CCY). Swell is the increase in volume resulting from 

a change from bank state to loose state; i.e., the increase in volume caused by 

excavation. Excavation causes fragmentation, which results in an increase in void 

spaces.

All excavated materials settle over time, reducing both the void spaces and overall 

volume. In addition, mechanical compaction results in some immediate volume 

shrinkage. Hence, the loose volume of material required to backfill an open pit is 

greater than the pit void space (pit volume) because of the shrinkage and 

compaction of the loose backfill material that occurs during and after placement in 

the pit.

One cubic yard of material lying in its undisturbed, geologic state is 1 BCY. One 

cubic yard of material that has been excavated and has expanded in volume as a 

result of the fragmentation that occurs during excavation is 1 LCY. One cubic yard 

of excavated material that has been subsequently compacted during placement is 

1 CCY.

Most equipment productivity calculations are based on moving loose volumes of 

material. Therefore, convert in-place volumes to be moved into loose volumes.

The reclamation and operation plans in the permit application identify the type of 

overburden materials present within the permit area. Generally, they also specify 

swell and shrinkage factors for these materials. Verify this information by 

comparison with swell and shrinkage factors in appropriate equipment guidebooks 

or other standard engineering reference materials.

Some equipment manuals refer to a load factor, which is the loose density divided 

by the bank density. Multiply the loose volume of material by the load factor to 

determine bank volume. This calculation is necessary to estimate productivity and 

payloads in terms of bank cubic yards (BCY). Use the following equation to 

determine the swell factor using a load factor: 

Swell Factor = (100 + load factor) – 100

• Haul Distance Estimates
Chapter 2 - 15

Using the reclamation and operation plans in the permit application (including 

designated haul roads and routes), determine haul distances for each area where 

backfilling, grading, topsoil replacement, or other earthmoving activities will occur. 

Identify the approximate centroid (surface expression of the center of mass) of 

each source material and its destination and determine the centroid-to-centroid 

distance.

• Grade Estimates

Haul grades and surface conditions greatly impact equipment productivity and 

may limit the type of equipment that can be used. Most equipment productivity 

and performance guides express these limitations in terms of the total resistance 

of the haul, which is the sum of the rolling resistance and grade resistance. The 

guides contain tables that convert rolling resistance to an equivalent percent 

grade for various types of road and surface conditions.

• Equipment Selection

Equipment selection for cost estimation purposes is a two-step process:

First, select the type of equipment (for example, bulldozer or scraper) based on 

the guidance in this Handbook, information in equipment productivity and 

performance guides, the reclamation and operation plans in the permit 

application, and experience.

Second, select the model and size of equipment based on information contained 

in the materials handling plan (Worksheet 3), the reclamation and operation plans 

in the permit application, and equipment productivity and performance guides.

For both the first and second steps, complete Worksheets 5 through 12 for 

several types and models of readily available equipment to determine the most 

cost-effective equipment type and model or combination of equipment types and 

models for each earthmoving activity.

When completing Worksheet 13 (earthmoving costs), use an industry publication 

containing recent cost data for construction equipment to determine hourly 

equipment ownership costs EquipmentWatch (https://EquipmentWatch.com) is 

one example of such a publication.

Use regional Davis-Bacon wage rates from the Department of Labor

(www.dol.gov/whd/govcontracts/dbra.htm) to determine hourly labor costs (see 

the examples in Appendix B). In some cases other local costs may be appropriate 

and can be substituted for the EquipmentWatch (https://EquipmentWatch.com) 

and Davis-Bacon (www.dol.gov/whd/govcontracts/dbra.htm) rates. The 

Department of the Interior's Acquisition Regulations (DIAR) require compliance 

with the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 452) 

when reclamation contracts are let on Indian lands. Thus, local tribal wage rates 
Chapter 2 - 16

must be considered when calculating the potential cost of reclamation. For 

example, when estimating reclamation actions occurring on the Navajo Nation, 

wage information can be obtained from the Navajo Nation Department of 

Personnel Management or http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/classplan.html. 

Contact the Tribal employment office or regional Bureau of Indian Affairs offices 

for more information, if necessary. The regulatory authority must use conservative 

assumptions when completing reclamation cost estimates and must justify and 

document any substitutions from the local Davis-Bacon wage

(www.dol.gov/whd/govcontracts/dbra.htm) rates.

Do not automatically select the equipment listed in the operation and reclamation 

plans submitted by the applicant. In the event of forfeiture, equipment such as

draglines, large shovels and equipment unique to the permittee most likely will not 

be available to potential contractors. Before calculating earthmoving costs for 

operations that plan to use this type of equipment, check with several regional 

earthmoving contractors to determine what equipment may be available. To

maintain compliance with Federal procurement requirements, do not base

calculations on equipment available to only one contractor.

Equipment needs for typical earthmoving activities are described below:

Spoil Ridge Reduction: Operations that use area mining methods normally rely 

upon bulldozers to move the tops of the spoil ridges into the valleys between the 

ridges.

Final Pit / Highwall Elimination: Bulldozers are usually the equipment of choice to 

fill the last pit with material obtained from adjacent spoil ridges or the area above 

the highwall (when approved in the permit). When the mining method requires the 

use of stockpiled overburden, scrapers or a combination of trucks and loaders are 

typically used to move stockpiled materials to the pit. When trucks and loaders are 

used, bulldozers spread the material in the pit area. If the pit is to be reconfigured 

for retention as a permanent impoundment, bulldozers are normally used to 

reduce the highwall and spoil slopes to acceptable grades.

In some cases, the reclamation plan may not address this reclamation need. For 

example, the reclamation and operation plans for a mountaintop removal 

operation would assume complete removal of the top of the mountain, meaning 

that no highwall elimination would be necessary. However, if a highwall exists at 

the time of bond forfeiture, we would need to use methods such as ripping or 

blasting to eliminate the highwall.

Final Grading: Scrapers, bulldozers, and motor graders are commonly used to recontour backfilled areas, excess spoil disposal structures, and other disturbed 

areas to facilitate proper drainage and the approved postmining land use and to 

prepare disturbed areas for topsoil redistribution. In some cases, especially for 

sites formerly used as roads or support facilities, ripping with bulldozers may be 

required to reduce compaction in the root zone and provide a slightly rough 

surface to promote topsoil adhesion.
Chapter 2 - 17

Topsoil Redistribution: Topsoil redistribution involves the use of scrapers, frontend loaders, trucks, bulldozers, and/or graders. The choice of equipment depends 

on grade, the haul distance between stockpiles and placement areas, and the 

volume of material to be moved. Prime farmland requires more attention to 

equipment selection and material handling to ensure proper soil horizon 

placement, soil depth, and compaction.

Removal of Diversions and Siltation Structures: Bulldozers are generally adequate 

to grade out diversions and excavated siltation structures. In some cases, a 

hydraulic backhoe excavator or small dragline is required to dredge accumulated 

sediment.

Covering Exposed Coal Mine Waste or Other Acid- or Toxic- Forming Materials: 

When the reclamation and operation plans require the application of cover 

material prior to revegetation, the same equipment considerations as those 

discussed under "Topsoil Redistribution" apply to the transport and distribution of 

this material. Examples include the covering of coarse coal mine refuse, slurry 

impoundments and coal stockpile pads. The permit reviewer may have to 

consider the use of specialized equipment to spread and incorporate alkaline 

amendments such as agricultural ground limestone prior to cover placement as 

per the reclamation plan or in accordance to the acid-producing potential of the 

materials.

E. Equipment Productivity and Costs (Worksheets 5 through 13)

As discussed above, development of the materials handling plan requires a 

determination of equipment productivity and earthmoving costs. Use Worksheets

5 through 12 to calculate the production of individual pieces of equipment and the hours 

required for the job. Use Worksheet 13 to calculate earthmoving costs.

Generally, the productivity of a piece of equipment is expressed in cubic yards per hour. 

Common factors governing equipment productivity are capacity, cycle time, site 

conditions, and material characteristics.

Reclamation jobs do not operate at 100% efficiency. Complex factors such as operator 

skill, repairs and adjustments, and personnel and job layout delays are either addressed 

individually as part of the "Operator Factor'' (see Worksheet 5) or combined in an 

"Efficiency Factor'' (see Worksheets 5 through 12). When site-specific data are not 

available use the information below as guidance.

EFFICIENCY FACTOR

Conditions Crawler Equipment Rubber-tired Equipment

Excellent 0.92 0.83

55 min/hr 50 min/hr
Chapter 2 - 18

Average 0.83 0.75

50 min/hr 45 min/hr

Unfavorable or 0.75 0.67

Night 45 min/hr 40 min/hr

To calculate the number of hours that the equipment is needed, apply productivity rates 

to the amount of material that must be moved. To determine the hourly cost of 

equipment during the reclamation operation, adjust the components of the hourly costs 

found within EquipmentWatch (https://EquipmentWatch.com) for the number of shifts, 

fuel costs, etc., as applicable.

III. Revegetation (Worksheet 14)

Use Worksheet 14 to calculate costs associated with revegetation efforts. The initial 

revegetation process generally consists of seedbed preparation, including such tasks as 

soil sampling, application of soil amendments (fertilizer, lime, etc.), seeding, planting, 

and mulching. Worksheet 14 refers to this as "Initial Seeding." Calculate this cost for all 

disturbed areas within the worst-case scenario. The reclamation plan will specify the soil 

condition and species mix. It will also clarify whether irrigation and the planting of trees 

and shrubs are necessary. Potential sources of cost information for these requirements 

include the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative Service Program; agricultural 

supply firms; agricultural publications; revegetation contractors; landscaping services; 

Federal, State and Tribal forestry agencies; and State, Federal and Tribal abandoned 

mine land and bond forfeiture reclamation contracts and programs.

Weather and site conditions may result in complete or partial failure of an initial 

revegetation effort. The cost estimate must also include reseeding and replanting 

expenses associated with vegetative failures, including all disturbed lands within the 

permit area not yet released. This reseeding and replanting cost is based on site 

conditions and historic vegetative failure rates for the operation being evaluated, or 

similar operations on similar sites. This reseeding and planting cost estimate must 

include an allowance for any soil sampling, regrading and earthmoving costs necessary 

to evaluate and repair the site as part of the reseeding/replanting effort.

Worksheet 14 covers the following aspects of revegetation:

• Initial seeding and planting of the worst-case scenario area.

• Vegetative failure of the worst-case scenario area (i.e., reseeding and replanting 

needed).

• Vegetative failure for any other unreleased disturbed areas within the permit area 

(i.e., reseeding and replanting needed).

IV. Other Direct Reclamation Costs (Worksheet 15)
Chapter 2 - 19

Depending upon site conditions and applicable requirements of the reclamation and 

operation plans, other necessary reclamation activities may include:

• Pumping and treating impounded waters.

• Use of explosives. See Mountain Top Removal Example for calculation method 

and this website (https://www.osmre.gov/resources/blasting/ARBlast.shtm) for 

additional resources.

• Replacing wetlands.

• Sealing underground mine entries and openings.

• Plugging auger holes.

• Sealing monitoring wells and other drilled holes.

• Constructing rock drains.

• Disposing of toxic, hazardous, and other solid (non-coal) waste in accordance 

with state and Federal laws and local ordinances.

• Maintaining roads during reclamation including grading, surfacing, ditches and 

culverts, and snow removal.

• Maintaining ponds. Water sampling and monitoring to the extent required to 

comply with any necessary Federal, State, or local permits.

• Evaluating and rehabilitating structures to be retained as part of the postmining 

land use (ponds, roads, diversions, etc.).

In addition, two other potential cost considerations may arise after permit issuance:

• Under 30 CFR 817.121(c)(5), unless the permittee corrects the subsidence 

damage within a specified time or has sufficient insurance coverage, the 

regulatory authority must require the permittee to obtain additional performance 

bond to cover the cost of (1) correcting subsidence-related material damage to 

surface lands and protected structures, and (2) replacing certain water supplies 

adversely impacted by underground mining operations.

• If an unanticipated pollutional discharge requiring long-term treatment develops, 

the regulatory authority must adjust the bond or require the permittee to post 

equivalent financial assurance to cover all foreseeable abatement and future 

treatment costs.

Since there is no established method of estimating costs for most of the activities listed 

under this heading, use best professional judgement to calculate bond amounts on a 

case-by-case basis. In some instances, the construction cost reference manuals listed in 

Chapter 1 may prove useful. Use Worksheet 15 to explain the basis for all cost estimates 

for these activities.

Use RSMeans guides (https://www.rsmeansonline.com) or obtain estimates from several 

local contractors to determine the amount of bond required to guarantee repair of 

subsidence-related damage to surface lands and protected structures. Similarly, use 
Chapter 2 - 20

estimates from local drilling and plumbing contractors to estimate the bond amount 

required to guarantee replacement of damaged water supplies and delivery systems.

The bond reviewer should also consider OSMRE’s AMDTreat software as the primary 

data source during the determination of costs associated with long-term treatment of 

pollutional postmining discharges (https://amd.osmre.gov/).

STEP 3: ADJUST DIRECT COSTS FOR INFLATION

This step addresses anticipated inflationary increases in reclamation costs during the 

permit term and after permit expiration, but before final bond release.

I. During a Permit Term

There are two approaches for addressing inflation during a permit term. One approach 

uses an inflation factor to increase the initial bond amount to reflect inflation for the full 

permit term. The other approach does not include inflation as an element of the initial 

bond calculation. Instead, it requires recalculation and adjustment of bond amounts on a 

fixed schedule (at a minimum during the mid-term permit review process and at permit 

renewal) to cover any reclamation cost increases due to inflation.

A. Adjustment Using 5-Year Permit Term

To calculate the inflation factor for a 5-year permit term under the first approach, use the 

formula below and an index such as the Historical Cost Indexes (HCI) from RSMeans

(https://www.rsmeansonline.com). We recognize that other cost indexes may be 

appropriate to use in lieu of the one suggested, but for purposes of this example, we 

chose the HCI. 

Divide the HCI for July from the most recent month/year by the HCI for July five 

years earlier, assuming the term of the permit is five years. For example, using 

the most current year, July 2018, divide the HCI by July 2013.

Example: HCI (July, 2018): 222.9 HCI (July, 2013): 201.2

Inflation factor: 222.9/201.2 = 1.1079 [Enter on Worksheet 16.]

Total inflation (5 years): 10.79%

This percentage can be divided by the number of months, then the monthly rate can be 

projected forward to cover the months or years of the proposed permit term.

Multiply the Total Direct Costs from Line 5 of Worksheet 16 by the inflation factor to 

compute the Inflated Total Direct Costs.

B. Adjustment Using a Schedule
Chapter 2 - 21

Under the bond adjustment schedule approach, we must periodically either recalculate 

all reclamation cost estimates or use an appropriate inflation factor to adjust the previous 

reclamation cost estimates to account for inflation since the time of the previous bond 

calculation. When using this approach, Lines 5 and 6 of Worksheet 16 will be the same. 

Add a footnote describing the bond adjustment schedule.

Adjustments for inflation also may be considered when permit revisions change the costs 

of reclamation.

II. Bond Release Considerations

We also must consider inflation when calculating the amount of bond to be retained after 

Phase I or II bond release. For these calculations, use a base period equal to the 

minimum revegetation responsibility period under 30 CFR 816/817.116(c), since there is 

no permit required for reclamation and hence no mid-term permit reviews or permit 

renewals. See Worksheets 17 and 18. As an alternative, you may establish a periodic 

bond adjustment schedule during the revegetation responsibility period. The bond would 

then be adjusted for inflation in accordance with the schedule.

III. Worst Case Scenario Re-evaluation

When reviewing the bond, or bonding increment, for a site, consideration must be given 

to the actual location of the mining operation in the grand scheme of the operation. For 

example, if the site has not reached the worst-case scenario, then it may be appropriate 

to re-evaluate the existing worst-case scenario, given no changes to the reclamation 

plan have occurred. If the mining operation has moved beyond the worst-case scenario, 

then prudent review includes evaluating the next worst-case scenario. In many 

instances, a bond increase is not needed because the existing bond on-hand meets the 

bonding criteria at 30 CFR 800.14 and 800.15 for the outstanding reclamation remaining 

for the site. The worst-case scenario should also be re-evaluated if unanticipated events 

are encountered such as long-term acid mine drainage.

STEP 4: ESTIMATE INDIRECT RECLAMATION COSTS

Use Worksheet 16, standard reference materials, and the procedures set forth below to 

calculate indirect costs, which include contract preparation costs and other administrative 

expenses that the regulatory authority would not incur in the absence of forfeiture. 

Explain any deviations from the standard reference materials in an attachment to the 

worksheet. Compute indirect costs as a percentage of the inflated direct costs as shown 

on Worksheet 16, Lines 7 through 11.

I. Mobilization and Demobilization

This category of indirect costs is an allowance for the cost of moving equipment to and 

from the reclamation site. Costs will vary based on the type and number of equipment to 

be hauled and the distance to the site.
Chapter 2 - 22

Consider whether a separate mobilization/demobilization will be necessary to remove 

sedimentation ponds and associated diversions later and calculate costs accordingly.

Mobilization and demobilization costs are highly variable, dependent on unusual time 

constraints, a need for special equipment, the presence of non-standard features or 

conditions that hinder equipment mobility, or a remote location that may require actual 

cost estimates that could result in the use of a higher percentage. Enter this cost 

estimate on Line 7 of Worksheet 16.

Explain the basis for the estimate on the worksheet or in an attachment.

II. Contingency Allowances

The bond amount must include a contingency allowance to cover unanticipated costs 

resulting from unexpected natural events and uncertainties associated with the 

assumptions that form the basis for the operation and reclamation plans and reclamation 

cost estimates. This category does not include any activity for which the reclamation and 

operation plans provide sufficient information to enable calculation as a direct cost. The 

contingency allowance covers only truly unexpected and unforeseeable events. This 

contingency allowance is also used to cover any damage that occurs resulting from the 

delay between site abandonment and forfeiture on-the-ground reclamation work.

Calculate the contingency allowance as a percentage of the total direct costs on Line 8 

of Worksheet 16. 

III. Engineering Redesign Costs

For various reasons, the reclamation and operation plans in the permit application may 

not reflect site conditions at the time of bond forfeiture. In addition, they may not be 

sufficiently detailed to serve as contract plans and specifications. Therefore, in the event 

of bond forfeiture, the regulatory authority may have to supplement or modify these plans. 

Necessary activities may include:

• Preparing maps and plans to show the extent of required reclamation.

• Surveying topsoil and overburden stockpiles to determine the amount of material 

available.

• Analyzing topsoil and overburden stockpiles to determine whether special

handling is necessary

• Evaluating structures to assess the difficulty of demolition and removal.

• Evaluating impoundments and roads to determine any special reclamation needs 

(such as the presence of toxic materials), the feasibility of leaving those structures 

in place, and the rehabilitation needed to ensure stability and facilitate the 

postmining land use.

• Assessing the condition of areas reclaimed by the permittee to determine whether 

additional work is needed to complete the reclamation plan.
Chapter 2 - 23

• Preparing contract documents.

Calculate the engineering redesign costs as a percentage of the total direct costs on 

Line 9 of Worksheet 16. Explain the cost allowance on Worksheet 16, citing references 

as needed. Cost references should be contemporary with the project.

IV. Project Management Fee 

This fee covers the cost of hiring a project management firm to inspect and supervise the 

work performed by the reclamation contractor. See Table 1 below. Additional 

management tasks may include dam inspection (Note: Under certain circumstances 

where OSMRE is the project manager, this fee may be waived). 

Table 1. Project Management Fee 

Percentage of Direct Cost

Project size of site category 

Project Managed by Federal Agency 0

< 90 acres (including other facilities) 6

> 90 acres < 700 acres 5

> 700 acres 3

Source: See Appendix C for further details.

V. Overhead and Profit 

Because we contract with a third party to perform the actual reclamation work, the bond 

amount must include an allowance for business overhead and contractor's profit. As 

noted in Chapter 1 under "Data Sources," all data used to estimate direct reclamation

costs in Step 2 of Chapter 2 include only expenses directly related to a specific project, 

excluding allowance for overhead expenses and contractor's profit. 

The total reclamation cost for bond calculation must include nonspecific project costs 

essential for supporting the overall contractor’s business functions. All construction and 

reclamation contractors have overhead costs in addition to the direct costs of equipment, 

labor and materials that we have already calculated in Step 2 of this chapter. Overhead 

cost, also referred to as general and administrative (G&A) expenses include information 

technology systems, employee benefits, insurance, building and vehicle leases, asset 

depreciation, administrative payroll, and executive compensation. These corporate-type 

costs are considered “fixed” because they typically are pre-determined or planned prior 

to acceptance of individual projects.

Because reclamation operations differ greatly in size and complexity, overhead cost as a 

percentage of direct cost vary. Smaller projects typically have disproportionate higher 

overhead expenses as fixed assets are less efficiently utilized in comparison to larger 

projects having economies of size advantages generating efficiencies. The average 
Chapter 2 - 24

industry overhead rate is 13 percent of direct cost varying from 10 percent to 15 percent

depending on size (Table 2). 

Table 2. Contractor Overhead

Project size of site category 

Percentage of Direct Cost

< 90 acres 15%

> 90 acres < 700 acres 13%

> 700 acres 10%

Source: The 2019 CLA Civil Construction Benchmark Report, December 2019. Overhead rate is based on 

industry average of benchmark percentage of revenue for General and Administrative Expenses. See 

Appendix C for percentage conversion of revenue percentage basis to direct cost percentage. 

Profits are essential to attract needed capital and continuous investment in any industry. 

Mine reclamation contracting is not sustainable without an expectation of profits accruing 

to the owners of contracting firms. Thus, profit is a final component part of the total cost 

of reclamation. Profit rates and risks go hand in hand as owners require a higher rate of 

return or “risk premium” for riskier projects. The average industry benchmark rate is 7

percent of direct cost (Table 3).

Table 3. Contractor Profit

Percentage of Direct Cost

Normal financial risks 7%

Elevated risks from site-specific 

and locality vulnerabilities 8% -10%

Source: The 2019 CLA Civil Construction Benchmark Report, December 2019. Profit rate based on 

industry average of benchmark percentage of revenue. See Appendix C for further details. 

STEP 5: CALCULATE THE TOTAL PERFORMANCE BOND AMOUNT

Add all entries for direct and indirect reclamation costs on Worksheet 16 to determine the 

amount of bond required.

At the bottom of Worksheet 16, there is a space to record a construction cost index. In 

the absence of major changes to the reclamation and operation plans, this index allows 

the inflation factor portion of the bond estimate to be updated periodically without redoing 

the direct cost calculations needed to establish the initial bond amount. Cost indexes are 

available from numerous sources including RSMeans (https://www.rsmeansonline.com)

and Engineering News Record referenced is the "Construction Cost Index'' published 

monthly in the Engineering News Record (https://www.enr.com/).
Chapter 3 - 25

CHAPTER 3: SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR CALCULATION OF 

INCREMENTAL, CUMULATIVE, AND PHASE BONDS

The bond calculation methodology in Chapter 2 and the assumptions in Chapter 1 

presume that the permit applicant will post bond for the entire permit area prior to permit 

issuance. However, the same methodology and assumptions apply when the applicant 

elects to post bond on an incremental or cumulative basis, or when the applicant elects 

to use phase bonds.

INCREMENTAL BONDS

If the applicant selects the incremental method of bonding, use Chapter 2 to estimate 

reclamation costs and determine the amount of bond required for each increment, rather 

than for the entire permit area. Because the bond posted for each increment applies only 

to that increment, treat each increment as a separate mining and reclamation unit with its 

own maximum reclamation cost liability. When using incremental bonding, the permittee 

must complete the bond release process prior to applying these funds to a subsequent 

increment.

Under 30 CFR 800.11(b)(3), the permit applicant must identify both the initial and 

successive bonding increments, together with the amount of bond proposed to be 

provided for each increment. However, the regulations do not apply this requirement to 

the regulatory authority. Instead, they provide only that, at the time of permit application 

approval, the regulatory authority must calculate the amount of bond required for the 

initial increment. The regulatory authority must then calculate the required bond amount 

for each successive increment at the time that the permittee proposes to disturb that 

increment. See 30 CFR 800.11(d)(3). At its discretion, the regulatory authority may 

calculate the amount of bond required for each successive increment at the same time 

that it calculates the amount of bond required for the initial increment.

CUMULATIVE BONDS

If the applicant selects the cumulative method of bonding, use Chapter 2 to estimate 

reclamation costs and determine the amount of bond required for the initial stage of 

operations. As with incremental bonding, treat this initial stage of operations as a 

separate mining and reclamation unit with its own maximum reclamation cost liability. 

However, legal liability under the bond posted for the initial stage applies to the entire 

permit area, as do bonds posted for all successive operational stages. Hence, unlike 

incremental bonding, the reclamation cost estimates and bond calculations for each 

successive operational stage must include all previously bonded operational stages. See 

30 CFR 800.11(d)(2).

For example, a permittee may choose to post bond annually for the term of the permit 

based on anticipated disturbance during each year of the permit term. Under this 

scenario, the permittee initially would post a bond in an amount sufficient to cover the 
Chapter 3 - 26

maximum reclamation cost liability that would be encountered during the first year of the 

permit term under the approved reclamation plan. The permittee would then supplement 

that bond with additional bonds during each of the following years until the amount of 

bond on file is sufficient to cover the maximum reclamation cost liability for the entire 

permit area. The annual supplement plus the amount of bond posted for previous years 

must always be sufficient to cover the maximum reclamation cost liability associated with 

both the upcoming year and all previous years. 

As with incremental bonding, under 30 CFR 800.11(b)(3), a permit applicant proposing to 

use the cumulative method of bonding must identify both the initial and all successive 

portions of the permit area for which bond will be posted, together with the amount of 

bond proposed to be provided for each portion. However, the regulations do not apply 

this requirement to the regulatory authority. Instead, they provide only that, at the time of 

permit application approval, the regulatory authority must calculate the amount of bond 

required for the initial portion. The regulatory authority must then calculate the required 

bond amount for each successive portion at the time that the permittee proposes to 

disturb that portion. At its discretion, the regulatory authority may update the amount of 

bond required for each successive portion at the same time that it calculates the amount 

of bond required for the initial portion.

In summary, under the cumulative method of bonding, when the permittee proposes to 

advance beyond the initial operational stages, we must calculate maximum reclamation 

cost liabilities for both the entire permit area and the portion of the permit area proposed 

for disturbance. Once the operation reaches the point of maximum reclamation cost 

liability for the permit area as a whole, we may not need to require any additional bond 

for subsequent disturbance. Again, during this process, consideration should be made 

for any unanticipated costs that may be encountered such as long-term acid mine 

drainage.

PHASE BONDS

Under 30 CFR 800.13(a)(2), the regulatory authority has the discretion to either accept 

or reject use of the phase bonding method.

When using phase bonding, the permit applicant posts separate bonds for each phase of 

reclamation as defined in 30 CFR 800.40. The applicant has the choice of posting these 

bonds for the entire permit area or using either the incremental or cumulative method of 

bonding. In all cases, the applicant or permittee must post bonds sufficient to cover all 

reclamation phases for the land to be disturbed prior to initial disturbance. See 30 CFR 

800.40(c). 

Under 30 CFR 800.13(a)(2), each phase bond must specify in detail the scope of work 

that it guarantees. This requirement is important because, with a few exceptions, 30 CFR 

800.40 does not clearly specify the permitting requirements and performance standards 

that each phase covers. Furthermore, 30 CFR 800.40 does not establish all liability 

distinctions. For example, topsoil replacement may be either a Phase I or Phase II 
Chapter 3 - 27

activity. Therefore, before we can calculate reclamation cost estimates using the 

worksheets in Appendix A, the regulatory authority needs to know which of those 

reclamation activities will be covered by which phase bond.

At a minimum, Phase I bond release requires backfilling, regrading and drainage control 

in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. 30 CFR 800.40(c)(1). Each Phase II 

bond must cover topsoil replacement (when not included in Phase I), removal of 

temporary erosion and sedimentation control structures, and establishment of 

revegetation. 30 CFR 800.40(c)(2). Phase Ill has no clearly defined liabilities apart from 

demonstration of revegetation success and reestablishment of vegetation in the event of 

failure. 30 CFR 800.40(c)(3). Some instances may allow Phase II and Phase III bonding 

to be covered with a single release. Therefore, we recommend that Phases II and III be 

covered by a single bond.

Use the methods in Chapter 2 to estimate the maximum reclamation cost liability and 

calculate the amount of bond required for each phase of reclamation. The area to which 

this calculation applies depends upon whether the permittee posts bond for the entire 

permit area or selects an incremental or cumulative approach.
Chapter 4 - 28

CHAPTER 4: BOND RELEASE

REGULATORY BACKGROUND

Under section 519(b) of the Act and implementing regulations at 30 CFR 800.40(b)(1), 

the regulatory authority must, upon receipt of a bond release application, inspect and 

evaluate the reclamation work, including an assessment of the degree of difficulty in 

completing any remaining reclamation. This evaluation also must determine whether 

pollution of surface and ground water is occurring, the probability of future occurrence, 

and the estimated cost of abating this pollution.

Under Section 519(c)(1) of the Act and implementing regulations at 30 CFR 800.40(c)(1) 

and section 519(c)(1), the regulatory authority may release up to 60 percent of the bond 

upon completion of Phase I reclamation, which includes backfilling, regrading, and 

drainage control. As a practical matter, Phase I bond release includes structure 

demolition and removal, as necessary. Phase I bond release is discretionary on the part 

of the regulatory authority, depending upon the results of the evaluation required under 

30 CFR 800.40(b)(1) and an evaluation of remaining reclamation costs. Phase I bond 

release may include topsoil replacement.

Under section 519(c)(2) of the Act and implementing regulations at 30 CFR 800.40(c)(2), 

for lands other than prime farmland, the regulatory authority may release an additional 

amount of bond after establishment of revegetation, provided the lands are not 

contributing suspended solids to streamflow or runoff outside the permit area in excess 

of State and Federal water quality requirements. Phase II bond release may include 

topsoil replacement (if not already completed and released in Phase I) and removal of 

temporary erosion and sedimentation control structures. At this phase, the regulatory 

authority must retain sufficient bond to cover the cost of having a third party reestablish 

revegetation during the revegetation responsibility period in accordance with the 

approved reclamation plan.

For prime farmland, Phase II bond release is contingent upon proof of soil productivity as 

determined by crop yields equivalent to yields from non-mined lands. For all practical 

purposes, this results in a combination of Phase II and Ill bond release.

Finally, under section 519(c) (3) of the Act and 30 CFR 800.40(c) (3), the regulatory 

authority may release the remainder of the bond once the revegetation responsibility 

period expires and the permittee meets all reclamation requirements of the permit and 

approved regulatory program. This action is sometimes referred to as Phase Ill bond 

release.

DISTINCTION BETWEEN BOND ADJUSTMENT AND BOND RELEASE

As discussed in Chapter 1, reduction of bond amounts using the bond adjustment 

provisions of 30 CFR 800.15 is allowable only if the reclamation cost estimates that form 

the basis and assumptions for the existing bond amount are no longer valid for reasons 

other than the performance of reclamation work performed under the currently-approved 

reclamation plan. 
Chapter 4 - 29

CALCULATION OF ALLOWABLE BOND RELEASE AMOUNTS

Upon receipt of a bond release application, the regulatory authority must calculate the 

cost of completing all remaining reclamation requirements for the entire permit area (or, if 

the permittee used the incremental bonding method, for the remaining increment). Use 

Worksheet 17 to calculate remaining reclamation costs when considering Phase I bond 

release. Use Worksheet 18 to calculate these costs when considering Phase II bond 

release. Complete Worksheets 1 through 15 as necessary to support these 

computations.

In all cases, the regulatory authority must retain sufficient funds to complete all remaining 

reclamation obligations including those identified as a result of the inspection and 

evaluation conducted under 30 CFR 800.40(b)(1) and adjusting for present and future 

cost of reclamation if necessary. In addition, at Phase I the regulatory authority may not 

release more than 60 percent of the total amount of bond posted for the area to which 

the release application applies. See 30 CFR 800.40(c)(1). Therefore, even when the 

permittee uses phase bonding, the regulatory authority may not release more than 60 

percent of the total amount of bond posted for all phases initiated within the applicable 

area. Although liability under the Phase I bond is limited to Phase I reclamation activities, 

we must retain at least 40 percent of the total bond posted for the area until Phase II 

reclamation has been completed and a Phase II liability release approved.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR POLLUTIONAL DISCHARGES

If pollutional discharges or other conditions are causing, or may cause without treatment,

material damage to the hydrologic balance outside the permit area exist at the time of 

application for bond release, we must retain a sufficient financial mechanism to cover 

long-term treatment and remediation costs. Use AMDTreat for guidance on calculating 

bond amounts for long-term treatment of pollutional discharges. This bond may not be 

released until treatment is no longer necessary to prevent material damage to the 

hydrologic balance.

In lieu of retention of existing bond, the permittee may, subject to regulatory authority 

approval, establish a separate financial guarantee under 30 CFR Part 800 to cover all 

foreseeable discharge treatment and material damage remediation costs. This is a type 

of bond to cover one aspect of the operation. As stated above, the bond release for this 

aspect would not occur until treatment is no longer necessary to prevent material 

damage to the hydrologic balance, or until another financial mechanism is approved to 

replace the bond.

Depending on individual circumstances, acceptable financial assurance instruments may 

include surety bonds, trust funds, pollution liability insurance, general liability insurance, 

environmental liability insurance, and site liability environmental exposure insurance.

Finally, the permittee has the option of addressing this obligation outside the bonding 

process and the requirements of 30 CFR Part 800 by entering into an enforceable 

contract with another party to assume treatment or remediation responsibilities. See the 

preamble to 30 CFR 700.11(d) (1) (ii) at 53 Fed. Reg. 44362 (Nov. 2, 1988).
Chapter 4 - 30

RELEASE OF BOND POSTED TO GUARANTEE WATER SUPPLY 

REPLACEMENT OR CORRECTION OF SUBSIDENCE DAMAGE

Under 30 CFR 817.121(c)(5), in certain situations, the regulatory authority must require 

the permittee to obtain additional performance bond to cover the costs of repairing, 

replacing, or providing compensation for material damage to protected structures when 

the damage is a result of subsidence caused by underground mining operations. The 

same requirement applies to subsidence-related material damage to surface lands and 

to certain drinking, domestic, or residential water supplies adversely impacted by 

underground mining operations.

The preamble to this rule states that the release procedures of 30 CFR 800.40 apply to 

bond posted under this rule. See 60 Fed. Reg. 16722 (March 31, 1995). However, land, 

structures, and water supplies covered by this bond generally lie outside the permit area. 

Hence, there is no revegetation responsibility period and no need for a phased bond 

release.

Provided all other release criteria and procedural requirements of 30 CFR 800.40 are 

met, the regulatory authority may release the entire bond amount posted under 30 CFR 

817.121(c)(5) once the water supply is replaced, the damage to surface lands or 

protected structures is repaired, or the owner is compensated for damage to protected 

structures.
References Cited - 31

REFERENCES CITED

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, AMDTreat, 

https://amd.osmre.gov.

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Blasting Material, 

https://www.osmre.gov/resources/blasting/ARBlast.shtm.

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 28 through 48, Caterpillar, Inc., Peoria, IL.

EquipmentWatch, https://equipmentwatch.com/, Atlanta, GA.

RSMeans Data Online, www.rsmeansonline.com/ManageAccount/QuickStart, Gordian, 

Rockland, MA.

Grading and Excavation Contractor Magazine, 

https://www.gxcontractor.com/technology/article/13034514/estimating-earthworkvolumes, Nashville, TN.

Earthvision, https://www.dgi.com/earthvision/evmain.html, Dynamic Graphics, Inc., 

Richardson, TX.

Carlson Mining Suite, http://www.carlsonsw.com/, Carlson Software, Carlson Mining 

Software Suite, Maysville, KY.

SEDCAD, http://mysedcad.com/, Civil Software Design, LLC, Ames, IA.

AutoCAD, www.autodesk.com, AUTODESK, Ashburn, VA.

Navajo Nation wage rates can be found at: http://www.dpm.navajonsn.gov/classplan.html

Engineering News Record, www.enr.com, BNP Media, Troy, MI.

Alaska, Mine Closure and Reclamation Cost Estimation Guidelines (Draft), State of 

Alaska, Department of Natural Resources and Department of Environmental 

Conservation, April 2015.

http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/mining/largemine/rcindirects_dowlreport20150407.pdf

BLM, H-3809-1 Surface Management Handbook, Department of Interior Bureau of Land 

Management, Rel. 3-336, September 2012. https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/H3809-1.pdf

BLM, BLM Alaska Mining Reclamation Bonding Guide, U.S. Department of Interior, 

Bureau of Land Management, Alaska State Office, Branch of Energy and Minerals, 

September 2014. https://www.blm.gov/policy/ak-im-2015-001

CLA Civil Construction Benchmark Report, 2019 https://www.claconnect.com/-
References Cited - 32

/media/files/white-papers/2019-civil-construction-benchmark-report.pdf?la=en

USDOE, Defense-Related Uranium Mines Cost and Feasibility Topic Report – Final, 

U.S. Department of Energy LMS/S10859, June 2014. 

https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2017/07/f35/S10859_Cost.pdf

USACE/EPA, A Guide to Developing and Documenting Cost Estimates During the 

Feasibility Study (FS), EPA 540-R-00-002, OSWER 9355.0-75, July 2000. 

https://semspub.epa.gov/work/HQ/174890.pdf
APPENDIX A: BOND CALCULATION WORKSHEETS
Appendix A - 1

BOND AMOUNT COMPUTATION

Applicant: __________________________________

Permit Number: __________________________________ 

Increment Number: __________________________________ 

Permitted Acreage: __________________________________ 

Increment Acreage: __________________________________ 

Type of Operation: __________________________________ 

Location: __________________________________ 

Prepared by: __________________________________ 

Date: __________________________________ 

Total Bond Amount: $_________________________________ 
Appendix A - 2

WORKSHEET 1- Description of The Worst-Case Reclamation Scenario

Assumptions:

Data Sources:
Appendix A - 3

WORKSHEET 2- Structure Demolition and Disposal Costs

Listing of Structures to be Demolished:

Other Items to be Demolished (paved roads, conveyors, power poles, railroads, etc.):

Debris Handling and Disposal Costs:

TOTAL DEMOLITION AND DISPOSAL COST = $ 

Data Sources:
Appendix A - 4

WORKSHEET 3- Material Handling Plan Summary

Listing of All Earthmoving Activities:
Appendix A - 5

WORKSHEET 4A- Earthwork Quantity

Data Source:
Appendix A - 6

WORKSHEET 4B- Earthwork Quantity 

Data Source:
Appendix A - 7

WORKSHEET 5- Productivity and Hours Required for Dozer Use

Earthmoving Activity:

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = x x x x x

Operator Material Efficiency Grade Weight 

Factor Factor Factor Factor Correction Factor

 x x = .

Production Method/ Visibility Elevation 

Blade Factor Factor Factor

Net Hourly Production = yd3/hr. x = yd3/hr.

Normal Hourly Operating Adjustment

Production Factor

Hours Required = yd3 ÷ yd3/hr. = hrs.

volume to be net hourly

moved production

Data Sources:
Appendix A - 8

WORKSHEET 6- Productivity and Hours Required for Dozer Use- Grading

Earthmoving Activity:

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

Description of Dozer Use (% grade, effective blade width, operating speed, etc.):

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = X X X X

Operator material efficiency grade

factor factor factor factor 

 X X X = ___________ 

Weight production visibility elevation

Correction method/blade factor factor

factor factor

Hourly Production = mi/hr X ft X 5,280 ft/mi X 1 ac/43,560 ft3 = ac/hr

 Average effective 

 Speed blade width

Net Hourly Production = ac/hr X = ac/hr

hourly Operating adjustment

production factor

Hours Required = ____________ AC ÷ ___________ ac/hr = ______________ hr

volume to be net hourly

moved production

Data Sources:
Appendix A - 9

WORKSHEET 7- Productivity and Hours Required for Ripper-Equipped Dozer Use

Ripping Activity:

Characterization of Dozer and Ripper Use:

Description of Ripping (ripping depth, cut spacing, cut length, and material to be ripped):

Productivity Calculation*:

Cycle Time = ( ft. ÷ 88 ft./min) + min = min/pass.

cut length [speed] fixed turn time *

Passes/Hour = 60 min/hr. ÷ min/pass x = passes/hr.

cycle time efficiency

factor

Volume Cut/Pass = ( ft. x ft. x ft. ) ÷ 27 cu ft./cu yd.

tool penetration cut spacing cut length

= BCY/pass.

Hourly Production = BCY/pass x passes/hr. = BCY/hr. 

Hours Required = BCY ÷ BCY/hr. = hrs. 

bank volume hourly

to be ripped production

* Calculate separate hauling of ripped material in each lift on Worksheet No. 5, using swell factor 

to convert from bank to loose cubic yards.

** Fixed turn time is dependent on dozer used. Normally 0.25 min. per turn is used.

Data Sources:
Appendix A - 10

WORKSHEET 8- Productivity and Hours Required for Loader Use

Characterization of Loader Use (type, size, etc.):

Description of Loader Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, etc.):

Productivity Calculations:

Cycle time = + + = min

haul time return time basic

(loaded) (empty) cycle time

Net Bucket Capacity = yd3 x = yd3

heaped bucket bucket fill 

capacity factor

Hourly Production = yd3 ÷ min x 50 min/hr. = yd3/hr.

net bucket cycle time (work hour)

capacity

Hours Required = yd3 ÷ yd3/hr. = hrs.

volume to be hourly

moved production

Date Sources:
Appendix A - 11

WORKSHEET 9- Productivity and Hours Required for Truck Use

Earthmoving Activity:

Characterization of Truck Use (type, size, etc.)

Description of Truck Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, capacity, etc.):

Productivity Calculations:

Truck Cycle Time = + + + = min

 haul time return time total loading dump and

 time* maneuver time 

Number of Trucks Required = min ÷ min = . 

truck cycle time total loading time* trucks

Production Rate = yd3 x ÷ min = yd3/min

Net truck capacity** No. of trucks truck cycle 

time

Hourly Production = yd3/min x 50 min/hr. = yd3/hr.

production rate (work hour) 

Hours Required = yd3 ÷ yd3/hr. = hrs.

volume to hourly

be moved production

Total Loading time = min x = min

loader cycle time No. of loader passes

(from Worksheets 8 or 10) 

Number of Loader Passes = yd3 ÷ yd3 = passes

truck capacity Load bucket net (normally round down and

 capacity reduce the truck capacity

and weight accordingly)

* Normally the average of the heaped and struck capacities.

**Net truck capacity = loader bucket net capacity x No. of loader passes/truck.

Data Sources:
Appendix A - 12

WORKSHEET 10- Productivity for Hydraulic Excavator Use 

(Backhoe or Power Shovel)

Earthmoving Activities:

Characterization of the Excavator Used (type, size, etc.):

Description of Excavator Used (loading geometry, materials, etc.):

Productivity Calculations:

Net Bucket Capacity = yd3 x = yd3

heaped bucket fill factor

capacity

Hourly Production = yd3 x 50 min/hr  ̧ min = yd3/hr

net bucket (work hour) cycle time

capacity 

Hours Required = yd3 X yd3/hr = hrs

 volume to be net hourly

 handled production

Data Sources:
Appendix A - 13

WORKSHEET 11A- Productivity of Push-Pull or Self-Loading Scraper Use

Earthmoving Activity:

Characterization of Scraper Used (type, capacity, etc.):

Description of Scraper Route:

Productivity Calculations:

Cycle = + + + = min

Time load time loaded trip maneuver and return trip (push-pull is

(push-pull time spread time time per pair)

is per pair)

Hourly Production = yd3 x min x 50 min/hr = yd3/hr

capacity* cycle time (work hour) (push-pull is per pair)

Hours Required = yd3 x yd3/hr = hrs

 volume to be net hourly 

handled production

* The average of the heaped and struck capacities; use total for two scrapers for push-pull.

Data Sources:
Appendix A - 14

WORKSHEET 11B- Productivity of Dozer Push-Loaded Scraper Use

Earthmoving Activity:

Characterization of Scraper Used (type, capacity, etc.):

Description of Scraper Route:

List Pusher Tractor(s) Used:

Describe Push Tractor Loading Method (see figure below):

Scraper Productivity Calculations:

Cycle = + + + = min

Time load time loaded maneuver and return trip

(push-pull trip time spread time time 

is per pair)

Hourly Production = yd3 x min x 50 min/hr = yd3/hr

capacity* cycle time (work hour) (push-pull is per pair)

Hours Required = yd3 ÷ yd3/hr = hrs

volume to be hourly 

handled production

* The average of the heaped and struck capacities.

Push Tractor Productivity Calculations:

Pusher Cycle = min x = min

Time scraper load pusher 

time factor*

Scrapers Per = min ÷ min = scrapers

Pusher scraper cycle pusher cycle

time time

Pusher Hours = hrs ÷ = hrs

Required scraper hours scrapers (round up)

per pusher 
Appendix A - 15

WORKSHEET 11B (Continued): Productivity of Dozer Push-Loaded Scraper Use

Data Sources:
Appendix A - 16

WORKSHEET 12- Productivity and Hours Required for Motor grader Use

Earthmoving Activity:

Characterization of Grader Used (type, size capacity, etc.):

Description of Grader Route (push distance, % grade, effective blade width, 

operating speed, etc.):

Productivity Calculations:

Grading:

Hourly Production = min/hr x ft x 5280 ft/mi x 1 ac/43560 ft2 x 50 min/hr. 

average effective blade (work hour) 

speed width

= acres/hr

Hours Required = acres ÷ ac/hr = hr

area to be hourly 

graded production

Scarification:

 

Hourly Production = min/hr x ft x 5280 ft/mi x 1 ac/43560 ft2 x 50 min/hr 

 average effective blade (work hour)

 speed width

= acres/hr

Hours Required = acres ÷ ac/hr = hr

area to be hourly 

scarified production

Total Hours = _________________

Data Sources:
Appendix A - 17

WORKSHEET 13- Summary Calculation of Earthmoving Costs

* Include all necessary attachments and accessories for each item of equipment. Also, add 

support equipment such as water wagons, graders, etc. to match total project time as 

appropriate.

** Account for multiple units in truck and/or scraper teams.

*** To compute Total Cost: Add Ownership & Operation Cost and Labor Cost columns then 

multiply by Total Hours Required column.

Data Sources:
Appendix A - 18

WORKSHEET 14- Revegetation Costs

Name and Description of Area to be Revegetated:

Description of Revegetation Activities:

Initial Seeding:

Cost = acres x ($ /acre + $ /acre) = $ .

# of acres to $/acre for seed $/acre for seeding, cost for seeding

be seeded bed preparation fertilizing, and

 mulching

Planting Trees and Shrubs*:

Cost = acres x ($ /acre + $ /acre)= $ .

# of acres $/acre for planting costs for herbicide (cost for planting)

for planting trees and shrub treatment 

Reseeding:

Cost = acres x ($ /acre + $ /acre) = $ .

 # of acres to $/acre for seed $/acre for seeding, cost for reseeding

 be reseeded bed preparation fertilizing, and

 if needed mulching if needed

Other Revegetation Activity for this Area:

(soil sampling, rill & gully repair, and other activities; justify, describe and provide cost estimate with 

documentation; use additional sheets if necessary.)

$ . (Total of other costs)

Assumptions:

TOTAL REVEGETATION COST FOR THIS AREA = $ .

Data Sources:
Appendix A - 19

WORKSHEET 15- Other Reclamation Activity Costs

Descriptions of Reclamation Activity:

Assumptions:

Cost Estimate Calculations:

TOTAL = $ 

Other Documentation or Notes:

(Include additional sheets, maps, calculations, etc., as necessary to document estimate.)

Data Sources:
Appendix A - 20

WORKSHEET 16- Reclamation Bond Summary Sheet
Appendix A - 21

WORKSHEET 17- Summary Sheet for Determining Amount of Bond to Retain at 

Phase I Release

1. Remaining Structure Removal Costs $___________

2. Remaining Earthmoving Costs $___________

3. Remaining Revegetation Costs $___________ 

4. Remaining Other Reclamation Activities Costs $___________

5. Remaining Total Direct Cost $___________

(sum of Lines 1 through 4) 

6. Remaining Inflated Total Direct Costs $___________

(Line 5)*(inflation factor) (Ch. 2 Step 3)

7. Mobilization/ Demobilization (_% of Line 6) $___________

(1% to 10% of Line 6) (Ch. 2 Step 4)

8. Contingencies (%of Line 6) $___________

(3% to 5% of Line 6) (Ch. 2 Step 4)

9. Engineering Redesign Fee (__ % of Line 6) $___________

(2.5% to 6% of Line 6) (Ch. 2 Step 4) 

10. Project Management Fee (_% of Line 6) $___________

(Table 1) (Ch. 2 Step 4) 

11. Contractor Overhead (__ % of Line 6) $___________

(Table 2) (Ch. 2 Step 4)

12. Contractor Profit (__ % of Line 6)

(Table 3) (Ch. 2 Step 4)

13. Total Indirect Costs (sum of Lines 7 through 12) $___________

14. AMOUNT OF BOND TO RETAIN AFTER PHASE I RELEASE $___________

(sums of Lines 6 and 13) 

15. Amount of Bond Required at Time of Application for Release $___________

(original bond amount as modified by any adjustments) 

16. Minimum Amount of Bond That Must Be Retained by Law $___________

(0.4)*(Line 15) 

17. AMOUNT OF BOND TO RETAIN AFTER PHASE I RELEASE $___________

(enter Line 14 or Line 16, whichever is greater) 

18. PHASE I RELEASE AMOUNT $___________

(subtract Line 17 from Line 15) 

Enter Construction Cost Index (Ch. 2 Step 5) 
Appendix A - 22

WORKSHEET 18- Summary Sheet for Determining Amount of Bond to Retain at 

Phase II Release 

1. Remaining Revegetation Costs $___________ 

2. Remaining Other Reclamation Activities Costs $___________ 

3. Remaining Total Direct Costs $___________

(sum of Lines 1 and 2) 

4. Remaining Inflated Total Direct Costs $___________

(Line 3)*(inflation factor) (Ch. 2 Step 3)

5. Mobilization/ Demobilization (_% of Line 4) $___________

(1% to 10% of Line 4) (Ch. 2 Step 4)

6. Contingencies (_% of Line 4) $___________

(3% to 5% of Line 4) (Ch. 2 Step 4)

7. Engineering Redesign Fee (_% of Line 4) $___________

(2.5% to 6% of Line 4) (Ch. 2 Step 4)

8. Project Management Fee (_% of Line 4) $___________

(Table 1) (Ch. 2 Step 4)

9. Contractor Overhead (_ % of Line 4) $___________

(Table 2) (Ch. 2 Step 4)

10. Contractor Profit (__ % of Line 4) $___________

(Table 3) (Ch. 2 Step 4)

11. Total Indirect Costs $___________

(sum of Lines 5 through 10)

12. AMOUNT OF BOND TO RETAIN AFTER PHASE II RELEASE $___________

(sums of Lines 4 and 11) 

13. Amount of Bond Remaining After Phase I Release $___________

14. PHASE II RELEASE AMOUNT $___________

(subtract Line 12 from Line 13)

Enter Construction Cost Index (Ch. 2 Step 5)
APPENDIX B: EXAMPLES
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 1

BOND AMOUNT COMPUTATION

Applicant:

UNDERGROUND EXAMPLE

Permit Number: Example No. 1 Permitted Acreage: 20

Bonding Scheme (permit area, incremental, cumulative): Permit Area

If Incremental:

Increment Number:

Increment Acreage:

If Cumulative:

Acres previously authorized for disturbance:

New acres proposed for disturbance:

Type of Operation:Underground

Location: USA

Prepared by: S. S. Bond

Date: 6/15/2020

Total Bond Amount: $1,238,468
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 2

WORKSHEET 1: DESCRIPTION OF THE WORST-CASE RECLAMATION 

SCENARIO

The worst-case situation for forfeiture would be after all the improvements have been 

built. This would require the third-party contractor the greatest time and dollars to 

reclaim.

The mine plan outlines the proposed development sequence for the underground 

operation, starting with the installation of a sedimentation pond near the lower boundary 

of the site. Following the installation of the sediment pond, the applicant plans to install 

all the site culverts, diversion ditches, roads, benches, and topsoil stockpiles. Next, the 

applicant proposes to install the coal processing equipment. Concurrently, the operator 

plans to start three underground entries for the manway, materials/conveyor, and 

ventilation. Each entry will receive corrugated arches for about 50 feet into the 

mountainside. In addition, a series of highwalls must be constructed to form benches 

due to the steep slopes of the mountain in this area. These manmade benches provide 

the needed workspace to access the mine.

Most of these improvements are required for the life of the coal mine. An 

administration/change facility and a shop/warehouse facility will be constructed during 

the first 3 years of operations. During the construction period, portable units will house 

these early facilities.

The following discussion will present the tasks needed to be performed for returning the 

mine site to the original pre-mining condition. (See Figures B-1 through B-3 at end of 

worksheets.)

I. Structure Demolition

When returning the site to the postmining land use, most surface mine-related 

structures and facilities will be removed. This includes all buildings and other 

manmade items not identified for postmining land use.

Buildings and Facilities

a. A two-story administration building, sized 60’x60’x18’, will be constructed 

of concrete block on a poured thin, reinforced concrete slab floor. The 

second floor will be of plywood floor over wood floor joists. The cost of 

demolition includes the cost of removing the thin slab.

b. One shop building, sized 60’x120’x18’, will be constructed of insulated 

sheet metal, high enough to accommodate the mine and haul 

equipment. The 6-inch thick concrete floor is designed of 4,000psi 

concrete, reinforced with No. 5 rebar @ 12 inches on center, each way.

Two reinforced concrete aprons of 60’x50’x6” thick are planned at each 
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 3

end of the building. The demolition size will be: building – 60’x120’x18’; 

floor – 60’x220’x6” thick.

c. Two explosive magazines are planned. These steel MSHA-approved 

buildings will be set on a thin concrete slab and must be removed to 

meet the postmining land use. Two steel buildings: 10'x10'x8' high. The 

demolition cost includes removal of the slab.

d. Four structures are included for coal primary and secondary processing, 

storage, and loadout. Each of these structures will be connected with a 

conveyor belt. This system transmits the coal from the mine to the 

loadout structure some 1300 feet from the mine mouth. The items that 

need to be removed are:

- 300' conveyor belt from the mine to the primary processing 

structure

- Primary processing structure = 35'x40'x60' high

- 480' conveyor belt from primary processing structure to the 

stacker

Stacker = 15' diameter x 90'

15' diameter x 100'

- 290' conveyor from the stacker to the secondary-processing 

structure

- Secondary-processing structure = 30'x35'x40' high

- 230' conveyor belt from the secondary-processing structure to the 

loadout structure

Loadout structure = 20'x20'x60' high 

e. The applicant proposes a 2.3-mile powerline to a substation within the 

mine site. The primary entry lines consist of four wires sized 2/0 and 

attached to overhead poles spaced at 250 feet.

f. The water supply includes a 20'x30'x8' treatment building constructed of 

insulated sheet metal on a thin, reinforced concrete slab. The cost of 

demolition includes the cost of removing the thin slab.

g. The applicant proposes three corrugated metal pipe (CMP) culverts 

sized to handle the on-site drainage. The various riprap sections can 

remain as channel protection. The on-site culverts to be removed will be:

- 18" cmp - 132 LF

- 48" cmp - 307 LF

- 84" cmp - 3029 LF

-
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 4

II. Earthmoving Activities

During the mine development, the applicant plans to create several benches on 

the mountainside to create work platforms. Each of these benches will be 

eliminated when returning the site to the approximate original contour (AOC). 

Much of the earthwork associated with bench elimination will be by scrapers and 

bulldozers to create pre-mining slopes. In addition, the bench/stockpile areas, the 

sedimentation pond, and the diversion ditch area must be backfilled and graded 

prior to topsoiling and revegetation. The attached mine plan map shows the 

contours and cross-sections that give the various locations and grades of the 

proposed development. The earthwork activities will include backfilling and 

grading the site and preparing the site (ripping) for topsoil placement.

The dugout sedimentation pond includes all appurtenances necessary to make 

the pond function. The excavated materials will be stockpiled nearby. Removal of 

all piping and riprap will be necessary prior to backfilling and grading. Most 

appurtenances can be bull dozed into the pit and covered with backfill. The 

sediment pond is less than 20 acre-feet in volume and less than 20 feet deep. 

The sediment pond area covers about I acre in size (32,300 cubic yards).

The applicant plans to rebuild 2 miles of old logging road and about 0.5 miles on 

the mine site. The half-mile onsite road will be eliminated with the backfilling and 

grading portion on the reclamation. The mine plan states that 20 percent swell 

can be expected on the earth material.

III. Topsoil Replacement

The topsoil stockpile is located about 500 feet below the sediment pond. The 

mine plan requires 6 inches of topsoil removed and stockpiled before mine 

development could begin. The topsoil stockpile will be adequate to return a depth 

of 6 inches to the mine area. Topsoil volume is 16,133 cubic yards.

IV. Revegetation

The entire area will need seedbed preparation, fertilization, seeding, and 

mulching. Local experience indicates a 50 percent failure on the revegetation due 

to a shorter growing season.

V. Other Reclamation Activities

Three underground entries need to be closed. Each entry has a corrugated arch 

support that extends about 50 feet into the mine. The ventilation access 

measures 10 feet in diameter, the material access is 12 feet in diameter, and the 

manway access is 25 feet on diameter. A masonry wall will be erected to seal the 

entries prior to the covering with backfill materials.
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 5

NOTE: Worksheets 8, 9, 10, 11A, 17 and 18 are not applicable to this example.

Data Source(s):

Underground Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48

Cost Reference Guide for Construction Equipment, RSMeans

Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_3710.htm

PA DEP Mine Site Reclamation Bond Rates, 2020

ODNR Performance Security Estimate & Unit Costs

OSM Handbook for Calculation of Reclamation Bond Amounts, Revised 2020
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 6

WORKSHEET 2A: STRUCTURE DEMOLITION AND DISPOSAL COSTS

Data Sources:

Underground Example Mine Plan

Cost Reference Guide for Construction Equipment, RSMeans
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 7

WORKSHEET 2B: STRUCTURE DEMOLITION AND DISPOSAL COSTS

Data Sources:

Underground Example Mine Plan

Cost Reference Guide for Construction Equipment, RSMeans
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 8

WORKSHEET 3: MATERIAL HANDLING PLAN SUMMARY

*Record grade resistance here. Calculate total resistance on the appropriate worksheet. Total Resistance = Grade Resistance + Rolling 

Resistance.

Data Sources:

Underground Example Mine Plan
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 9

WORKSHEET 4A: EARTHWORK QUANTITY

*Volume is BCY or LCY as appropriate

** Select adjustment factor based on the state of material being moved.

Data Sources:

Underground Example Mine Plan
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 10

WORKSHEET 4B: EARTHWORK QUANTITY

Site Grading

Bench Cut Earthwork Volume = 61,667 LCY (see Worksheet 4A)

Estimate 1/3 moved by scraper and remainder by dozer:

Scraper Volume = 2/3 x 61,667 LCY = 41,111 LCY

Dozer Volume = 61,667 LCY - 41,111 LCY = 20,556 LCY

Sediment Pond Regrade

Embankment Cut Earthwork Volume = 32,267 BCY (from mine plan)

Earthwork Volume = 38,720 LCY (= BCY x 1.2 for 20% swell factor)

Estimate 1/3 moved by scraper and remainder by dozer:

Scraper Volume = 2/3 x 38,720 LCY = 25,814 LCY

Dozer Volume = 38,720 LCY - 25,814 LCY = 12,907 LCY

Disturbed Area =20 acres (from mine plan)

Topsoil Replacement

Cover depth for 20 acres disturbed area = 0.5 ft (from mine plan)

Earthwork Volume = (20 acres x 43,560 ft2/ac x 0.5 ft) / 27 yd3/ft3 = 16,133 LCY

Ripping

Ripping depth for 20 acres disturbed area = 2 ft (from mine plan)

Volume = (20 acres x 43,560 ft2/ac x 2 ft) / 27 yd3/ft3 = 64,533 BCY

Data Source(s): Underground Example Mine Plan
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 11

WORKSHEET 5A: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

Earthmoving Activity: 

1) Backfill and rough grade sediment pond

2) Rough grade bench site

NOTE: Since these two tasks have similar characteristics in push distance and grade, the yardage is

combined, and the total hours required determined. Site located 8,000 feet above sea level.

TOTAL YARDAGE = 20,556 + 12,907 = 33,462 LCY

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

D9 dozer with Semi-U or SU Blade = 375 cy/hr

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

500 LF push distance at 10% effective grade; some material is blasted rock; however, the majority is 

assumed to be average

Volume (LCY): 33,462 Density (lb/LCY): 2500 Distance (ft): 500 Grade (%): 10

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = 0.75 x 0.90 x 0.83 x 0.75 _ 

operator material efficiency grade

 factor factor factor factor

x 0.92 x 1.0 x 1.00 x 1.00 = 0.39 _ 

weight production visibility elevation

correction method/blade factor factor

factor factor

Net Hourly Production = 375 LCY/hr x 0.39 = 146 LCY/hr.

 normal hourly operating 

 production adjustment 

factor

Hours Required = 33,462 LCY ÷ 146 LCY/hr. = 229.9 hrs. 

volume net hourly ROUND UP 

to be moved production

use 230 Hours

Data Sources:

Underground Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 12

WORKSHEET 5B: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

Earthmoving Activity: 

Push tractor to assist loading scrapers

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

D8 dozer with Semi-U or SU Blade

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

Scrapers loaded with Back-track Loading Method. Equipment working at 8,000 ft, msl.

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor =

Operating Adjustment Factor = x x x x x

Operator Material Efficiency Grade Weight 

Factor Factor Factor Factor Correction Factor

 x x = .

Production Method/ Visibility Elevation 

Blade Factor Factor Factor

Net Hourly Production = yd3/hr. x = yd3/hr.

Normal Hourly Operating Adjustment

Production Factor

Hours Required = yd3 ÷ yd3/hr. = hrs.

volume to be net hourly use 117 hrs

moved production

* See Worksheets 11B-1 and 11B-2. (86hr + 31hr = 117hr)

Data Sources:

Underground Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 13

WORKSHEET 6A: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE - GRADING

Earthmoving Activity: 

Final (contour) grading.

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

D6 dozer with an 11-ft wide Straight or “S” blade (effective width with blade overlap = 10ft)

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

Operates along contour at 0% average grade, 8,000ft elevation.

Area (ac.):20 Grade (%):0 Average Speed (mph):3 Effective Blade Width (ft):10 Density 

(lb/LCY)2300

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = 0.75 x 1.00 x 0.83 x 1.00 _

operator material efficiency grade

factor factor factor factor

x 1.00 x 1.00 x 1.00 x 1.00 = 0.63 _

weight production visibility elevation

correction method/blade factor factor

factor factor

Hourly Production = 3.0 mi/hr. x 10 ft. x 5,280 ft./mi x 1 ac/43,560 sq. ft.

average effective blade

speed width

= 3.6 ac/hr.

Net Hourly Production = 3.6 ac/hr. x 0.63 = 2.3 ac/hr.

hourly operating adjustment

production factor

Hours Required = 20 ac ÷ 2.3 ac/hr. = 8.8 hrs.

area to be graded net hourly Use 9 hrs

production

Data Sources:

Underground Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 14

WORKSHEET 7: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR RIPPEREQUIPPED DOZER USE

* Fixed turn time depends upon dozer used. 0.25 min/turn is normal.

** Remember to use the swell factor to convert from bank cubic yards to loose cubic yards when 

applying these data to Worksheet No. 5.

Calculate separate dozer hauling of ripped material for each lift on that worksheet.

Data Sources:

Underground Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 15

WORKSHEET 11B-1: PRODUCTIVITY OF DOZER PUSH-LOADED SCRAPER USE

* The average of the struck and heaped capacities: use total for two scrapers for push-pull.

Data Sources:

Underground Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48

WORKSHEET 11B-2: PRODUCTIVITY OF DOZER PUSH-LOADED SCRAPER USE
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 16

* The average of the struck and heaped capacities: use total for two scrapers for push-pull.

** Using two scrapers to match Worksheet 11B-1: mobilization of more than 2 scrapers is not 

justified for this small task.

Data Sources:

Underground Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 17

WORKSHEET 12: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR MOTOR GRADER

USE

*Motor grader is to be used for the project life of the reclamation contract (see Worksheet 13)

Data Sources:

Underground Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 18

WORKSHEET 13: SUMMARY CALCULATION OF EARTHMOVING COSTS

* Be sure to include all necessary attachments and accessories for each item of equipment. 

Also, add support equipment such as water wagons and graders to match total project time as 

appropriate.

** Account for multiple units in truck and/or scraper teams

*** Calculate the total cost for each item of equipment by adding the second and third columns 

(the ownership and operation and labor costs) and then multiplying that number by the fourth 

column (the total hours required).

Data Sources:

Underground Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48

Cost Reference Guide for Construction Equipment, RSMeans

Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_3710.htm

OSM Handbook for Calculation of Reclamation Bond Amounts, Revised 2020
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 19

WORKSHEET 14: REVEGETATION COSTS

Assumptions:

Assume 50% failure for second seeding.

Data Sources:

Underground Example Mine Plan

PA DEP Mine Site Reclamation Bond Rates, 2020
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 20

WORKSHEET 15: OTHER RECLAMATION ACTIVITY COSTS

(Includes subsidence damage repair costs, water supply replacement costs, and funds 

required to support long-term treatment of unanticipated acid or ferruginous mine 

drainage.)

Other Documentation or Notes:

(Include additional sheets, maps, calculations, etc., as necessary to document 

estimate.)

Data Sources:

Underground Example Mine Plan

PA DEP Mine Site Reclamation Bond Rates, 2020
Appendix B1 – Underground Mining – 21

WORKSHEET 16: RECLAMATION BOND SUMMARY SHEET

Data Source(s):

Underground Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48

Cost Reference Guide for Construction Equipment, RSMeans

Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_3710.htm

PA DEP Mine Site Reclamation Bond Rates, 2020

ODNR Performance Security Estimate & Unit Costs

OSM Handbook for Calculation of Reclamation Bond Amounts, Revised 2020
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 2
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 3
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 4
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 1

BOND AMOUNT COMPUTATION

Applicant:

AREA MINING EXAMPLE (COMPLETED BY DRAGLINE)

Permit Number: EX-2 Permitted Acreage: 115.1 Acres 

Bonding Scheme (permit area, incremental, cumulative): Whole Permit Area 

If Incremental:

Increment Number: N/A 

Increment Acreage: N/A 

If Cumulative:

Acres previously authorized for disturbance: N/A 

New acres proposed for disturbance: N/A 

Type of Operation: Area-Mine with spoil piles and an open pit 

Location: Midwestern U.S. 

Prepared by: Big Boy Bond 

Date: 12/31/2019 

Total Bond Amount: $1,419,064 

 
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 2

WORKSHEET 1: DESCRIPTION OF THE WORST-CASE RECLAMATION

SCENARIO

Reclamation requires the following tasks:

The reclamation and operation plans outline the following mining sequence for this Area 

Mine operation. Mining begins at the southern end of the property and progresses 

northward. Six inches of topsoil and the initial box cut material will be stockpiled 

separately near the southern end of the permit boundary and outside the buffer zone of 

an adjacent creek located along the southern and eastern edge of the permit boundary. 

The operations plan identifies 71 acres of Prime Farmland soils that must be salvaged. 

The mine is located in Crawford County, Kansas. 

The worst-case scenario will occur with the following disturbance:

1. The greatest disturbance of Prime Farmland.

2. The largest pit.

3. The greatest exposure of non-vegetated land.

From inspection, the worst-case scenario was determined as occurring about midway 

through the mining operation when one of the longest pits is through Prime Farmland, 

four spoil ridges exist behind the active pit, and no revegetation has been completed. 

See Figure B-4 at the end of the worksheets for more information.

Assuming this worst-case scenario, the following reclamation tasks must be completed:

1. Structure Demolition: There are no facilities. One haul road and five ponds will 

remain as part of the post-mining land use.

2. Earthmoving Activities: One mine pit was open at the time of forfeiture that will 

need to be backfilled and rough graded. The accompanying cross section 

indicates that about a 40-foot-deep pit exists. The mine plan indicates that the 

highwall will maintain a 1⁄4 Horizontal to 1.0 Vertical slope (1⁄4H: 1.0V) and the 

spoil ridge side will maintain a 1.5H: 1V slope. See the attached sketch.

3. Topsoil Replacement: It is assumed that the next pit to be mined has had all 

topsoil removed. All areas behind the open pit form the start of mining need 

topsoil replaced followed by revegetation. The Prime Farmland areas will receive 

48 inches of topsoil and subsoil and the non-Prime Farmland areas will receive 

six inches of topsoil. These areas will be at final grade once the topsoil is placed.

4. Revegetation: The revegetation worst-case scenario would be if mining started in 

the fall of the year, as scheduled, with no revegetation having occurred within the 

permit boundary. The total area requiring revegetation is 40.5 acres, including 

seedbed preparation, fertilization, seeding, and mulching. Assume a native 

cereal crop for the seed mixture.
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 3

Note: Worksheets 2, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11A, 15, 17 and 18 are not applicable to this example.

Worksheet 1 (continued)

Description of the Worst-Case Reclamation Scenario.

General Sketch of Operations

Typical Spoil Pile Profile
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 4

WORKSHEET 3: MATERIAL HANDLING PLAN SUMMARY

Data Sources: Permit Application Package Mining and Reclamation Plan
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 5

WORKSHEET 4A: EARTHWORK QUANTITY 

*Select the adjustment factor based on the state of the material to be moved.

Cubic Feet converted to Cubic Yards (CY)

Data Source: Permit Application Package Mining and Reclamation Plan
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 6

WORKSHEET 4B: EARTHWORK QUANTITY

Pit Backfill Volume

End Areas of Pit – assume symmetry 

1. 0.5 x 10’ x 40’ = 200 ft2

2. 80’ x 40’ = 3,200 ft2

3. 0.5 x 40’ x 59’ = 1,180 ft2

 Sum = 4,580 ft2

Spoil Ridge Volume

A1 = A2

A1 = 1⁄4 the area of the total spoil pile

A1 = (1⁄4)(1⁄2)(b)(h) 

h = 1⁄2(tan Ө)(b)2

A1 = (1/16)(tan Ө)(b)2

Ө = 34°

B = 80’

A1 = 269.8 ft2 (area is per lineal foot of spoil pile length)

units are in feet and decimal degrees

Ridge 1: 269.8 ft2 per lineal foot x 3,150 feet long / 27 ft3/cy = 31,477 compact cubic 

yards (ccy)

Ridge 2: 269.8 ft2 per lineal foot x 3,267 feet long / 27 ft3/cy = 32,646 compact cubic 

yards

Ridge 3: 269.8 ft2 per lineal foot x 3,384 feet long / 27 ft3/cy = 33,815 compact cubic 

yards

Ridge 4: 269.8 ft2 per lineal foot x 3,501 feet long / 27 ft3/cy = 34,984 compact cubic 

yards

Total volume in spoil piles 1, 2, 3 and 4 = 132,922 ccy

Data Source: Permit Application Package Mining and Reclamation Plan
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 7

WORKSHEET 4B (Continued): EARTHWORK QUANTITY

Volume of Material to be Ripped

40.6 acres x 43,560 acres/ft2 x 2-foot-deep ripping / 27 ft3/cy = 131,003 cubic yards (cy)

Topsoil Volume

Non-Prime Farmland

19.8 acres to receive 6 inches of topsoil

19.8 acres / 43,560 acres/ft2 x 0.5 ft / 27 ft3/cy = 15,972 cy

Prime Farmland

20.7 acres to receive 48 inches of topsoil

Topsoil

20.7 acres / 43,560 acres/ft2 x 0.5 ft / 27 ft3/cy = 16,698 cy

Subsoil

20.7 acres / 43,560 acres/ft2 x 3.5 ft / 27 ft3/cy = 116,886 cy

Data Sources:

Permit Application Package 

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 46.
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 8

WORKSHEET 5A: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

Earthmoving Activity: Spoil ridge reduction.

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.): D9T – “Semi-U” or SU Blade

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

Spoil ridge peaks graded into spoil ridge valleys 

100-foot push at a 3% effective grade; material is a uniform mixture of earth and blasted 

limestone and shale rock.

Correct for weight of spoil material. See Weights of Materials Table in the Caterpillar 

reference for the relevant material.

Weight Correction Factor: 2,300 = 0.932

 (2,700 + 2,600 + 2,100) / 3

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = 0.75 x 0.80 x 0.83 x 0.95 _ 

operator material efficiency grade

 factor factor factor factor

x 0.932 x 1.0 x 1.00 x 1.00 = 0.44 _ 

weight production visibility elevation

correction method/blade factor factor

factor factor

Net Hourly Production = 1,250 LCY/hr x 0.44 = 553 LCY/hr.

 normal hourly operating 

 production adjustment 

factor

Hours Required = 132,922 LCY ÷ 553 LCY/hr. = 240.2 hrs. 

volume net hourly ROUND UP 

to be moved production to 241 Hours

Data Sources:

Permit Application Package 

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 46.
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 9

WORKSHEET 5B: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

Earthmoving Activity: Regrade Ditches

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.): D7R – SU

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = x x x _ 

operator material efficiency grade

 factor factor factor factor

x x x x = _ 

weight production visibility elevation

correction method/blade factor factor

factor factor

Net Hourly Production = LCY/hr x = LCY/hr.

 normal hourly operating 

 production adjustment 

factor

Hours Required = LCY ÷ LCY/hr. = 496 hrs. 

volume net hourly

to be moved production

Use: 496 hours to match Dozer Assist on Scraper.

Data Sources:

Permit Application Package 

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 46.
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 10

WORKSHEET 7: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR RIPPEREQUIPPED DOZER USE

Ripping Activity: Ripping the 40.6 acre site prior to placement of topsoil and subsoils. 

Assume 1,330 foot by 1,330 foot area.

Characterization of Dozer and Ripper Use:

D7R w/ SU blade and 3-shank adjustable parallelogram ripper; ripper as a 39 inch (3.25 

foot) pocket spacing.

Description of Ripping (ripping depth, cut spacing, cut length, and material to be 

ripped):

Sandstone and shale ripping to a depth of 2 feet. Ripping width = 9.75 feet. (3.25 feet x 

3 rippers)

Productivity Calculation:

Cycle Time = ( 1,330 ft. ÷ 88 ft./min) + 0.25 min = 15.36 min/pass.

cut length [speed] fixed turn time *

Passes/Hour = 60 min/hr. ÷ 15.36 min/pass x 0.83 = 3.25 passes/hr.

cycle time efficiency

factor

Volume Cut/Pass = ( 2.0 ft. x 9.75 ft. x 1,330 ft. ) ÷ 27 cu ft./cu yd.

tool penetration cut spacing cut length

= 961 BCY/pass.

Hourly Production = 961 BCY/pass x 3.25 passes/hr. = 3,126.1 BCY/hr. 

Hours Required = 131,003 BCY ÷ 3,126.1 BCY/hr. = 41.9 hrs. 

bank volume hourly

to be ripped production

The D7R dozer is to be used for miscellaneous site work during the life of the project. 

Use 496 hours consistent with Worksheet 13.

* Fixed turn time depends upon dozer used. 0.25 min/turn is normal.

** Remember to use the swell factor to convert from bank cubic yards to loose cubic yards 

when applying these data to Worksheet No. 5. Calculate separate dozer hauling of ripped 

material for each lift on that worksheet.

Data Sources:

Permit Application Package

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 46
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 11

WORKSHEET 11B-1: PRODUCTIVITY OF DOZER PUSH-LOADED SCRAPER USE

Earthmoving Activity: Backfill and Grade final pit areas

Characterization of Scraper Used (type, capacity, etc.): 

CAT 637K Push-Load. 24cy struck capacity, 34 cy heaped. Use an average of 29 cy 

capacity.

Description of Scraper Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, capacity, 

etc.):

Haul Distance = 1,900 LF; 4% effective grade haul; 1,900 LF return 0% effective grade

Haul = 27 MPH X 88 FPM/MPH = 2,376 FPM 1,900 LF/2,376 FPM = 0.80 minutes.

Return = 34 MPH X 88 FPM/MPH = 2,992 FPM 1,900 LF/2,992 FPM = 0.64 minutes.

Describe Push Tractor Loading Method (see figure on next page):

D9R dozer will assist the scraper in loading; back-track loading method with a singlepush tractor.

Scraper Productivity Calculations:

Cycle Time = 0.6 min. + 0.80 min. + 0.6 min. + 0.64 min. = 2.63 min.

load time loaded maneuver and return trip

trip time spread time time

Hourly Production = 29 LCY x 60 min./hr. ÷ 2.63 min. X 0.75 = 495.3 LCY/hr. 

 capacity * cycle efficiency 

 time factor

Hours Required = 568,836 LCY ÷ 495.3 LCY/hr. = 1,148.4 hrs.

volume to hourly production 

be handled

Push Tractor Productivity Calculations:

Pusher Cycle Time = 0.6 min x 1.5 = 0.9 min.

scraper load time pusher factor

Scrapers/Pusher = 2.63 min. ÷ 0.9 min. = 2.93 scrapers. 

scraper cycle time pusher cycle time USE 3 SCRAPERS

Pusher Hours Required = 1,148.4 hrs. ÷ 3 = 383 hrs.

scraper hours scrapers (round up)

per pusher

* Use the average of the heaped and struck capacities.

Data Sources:

Permit Application Package 

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 46.
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 12

WORKSHEET 11B-2: PRODUCTIVITY OF DOZER PUSH-LOADED SCRAPER USE

Earthmoving Activity: Replacing 42 inches (3.5 feet) of prime farmland and subsoils 

over 20.7 acres.

Characterization of Scraper Used (type, capacity, etc.): 

CAT 637K Push-Load. 24cy struck capacity, 34 cy heaped. Use an average of 29 cy 

capacity.

Description of Scraper Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, capacity, 

etc.):

Haul Distance = 1,000 LF haul, 4% effective grade; 1,000 LF return at 0% grade.

Haul = 27 MPH X 88 FPM/MPH = 2,376 FPM 1,000 LF/2,376 FPM = 0.42 minutes.

Return = 34 MPH X 88 FPM/MPH = 2,992 FPM 1,000 LF/2,992 FPM = 0.33 minutes.

Describe Push Tractor Loading Method (see figure on next page):

D9R dozer will assist the scraper in loading. Back-track loading method with a single 

push dozer.

Scraper Productivity Calculations:

Cycle Time = 0.6 min. + 0.42 min. + 0.6 min. + 0.33 min. = 1.96 min.

 load time loaded maneuver and return trip

trip time spread time time

Hourly Production = 29 LCY x 60 min./hr. ÷ 1.96 min. X 0.75 = 667.5 LCY/hr. 

capacity * cycle efficiency 

time factor

Hours Required = 116,886 LCY ÷ 667.5 LCY/hr. = 175.1 hrs.

volume to be handled hourly production 

Push Tractor Productivity Calculations:

Pusher Cycle Time = 0.6 min x 1.5 = 0.9 min.

scraper load time pusher factor

Scrapers/Pusher = 1.96 min. ÷ 0.9 min. = 2.2 scrapers

scraper cycle time pusher cycle time Use 2 scrapers

Pusher Hours Required = 175.1 hrs. ÷ 2 = 88 hrs.

scraper hours scrapers (round up)

per pusher

* Use the average of the heaped and struck capacities.

Data Sources:

Permit Application Package 

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 46.
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 13

WORKSHEET 11B-3: PRODUCTIVITY OF DOZER PUSH-LOADED SCRAPER USE

Earthmoving Activity: Replacing 6 inches of topsoil over 40.5 acres (19.8 acres on 

non-prime and 20.7 acres of prime farmland.)

Characterization of Scraper Used (type, capacity, etc.):

CAT 637K Push-Load. 24cy struck capacity, 34 cy heaped. Use an average of 29 cy 

capacity.

Description of Scraper Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, capacity, 

etc.):

Haul Distance = 1,000 LF haul, 4% effective grade; 1,000 LF return at 0% grade.

Haul = 27 MPH X 88 FPM/MPH = 2,376 FPM 1,000 LF/2,376 FPM = 0.42 minutes.

Return = 34 MPH X 88 FPM/MPH = 2,992 FPM 1,000 LF/2,992 FPM = 0.33 minutes.

Describe Push Tractor Loading Method (see figure on next page):

D9R dozer will assist the scraper in loading. Back-track loading method with a single 

push dozer.

Scraper Productivity Calculations:

Cycle Time = 0.6 min. + 0.42 min. + 0.6 min. + 0.33 min. = 1.96 min.

 load time loaded maneuver and return trip

trip time spread time time

Hourly Production = 29 LCY x 60 min./hr. ÷ 1.96 min. X 0.75 = 667.5 LCY/hr. 

capacity * cycle efficiency 

 time factor

Hours Required = 32,670 LCY ÷ 667.5 LCY/hr. = 48.9 hrs.

volume to be handled hourly production 

Push Tractor Productivity Calculations:

Pusher Cycle Time = 0.6 min x 1.5 = 0.9 min.

scraper load time pusher factor

Scrapers/Pusher = 1.96 min. ÷ 0.9 min. = 2.2 scrapers

scraper cycle time pusher cycle time Use 2 scrapers

Pusher Hours Required = 48.9 hrs. ÷ 2 = 25 hrs.

scraper hours scrapers (round up)

per pusher

* Use the average of the heaped and struck capacities.
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 14

WORKSHEET 11B-1 (CONTINUED): PRODUCTIVITY OF DOZER PUSH-LOADED 

SCRAPER USE

Data Sources:

Permit Application Package 

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 46.

TEREX Americas, by reference.
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 15

WORKSHEET 12: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR MOTOR GRADER

USE

Earthmoving Activity: Road maintenance, final grading, Life-of-Mine maintenance 

work. The motor grader and D7R dozer will be used for the entire duration of 

reclamation activities.

Characterization of Grader Used (type, size capacity, etc.):

Grader Model: 14H with EROPS and scarifier

Description of Grader Route (push distance, grade, effective blade width, 

operating speed, etc.):

N/A

Productivity Calculations: Life-of-Mine maintenance work

Grading

Hourly Production = mi. /hr. x ft. x 5,280 ft./mi. x 1 ac/43,560 sq. ft.

average speed effective blade width

 x = N/A ac/hr.

efficiency factor

Hours Required = acres ÷ ac./hr. = hrs.

area to be graded hourly production (match to scraper fleet)

Scarification

Hourly Production = mi./hr. x ft. x 5,280 ft./mi. x 1 ac/43,560 sq. ft.

average speed scarifier width

 x = ac./hr.

efficiency factor

Hours Required = ___ acres ÷ ___ ac./hr. = _ hrs.

area to be hourly

scarified production

Total Hours Required

Total Hours = ___ + __ = 496 hrs.

grading hours required scarification hours required

The Motor Grader is to be used for Life of Mine site maintenance. Use 496 hours.

Data Sources:

Permit Application Package

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 46
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 16

WORKSHEET 13: Summary Calculation of Earthmoving Costs

Data Sources:

Cost Reference Guide for Construction Equipment, 2019 edition.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_3710.htm.

Davis Bacon Determination” KS20200037
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 17

WORKSHEET 14: REVEGETATION COSTS

Name and Description of Area To Be Revegetated:

The area consists of Prime Farmland and open non-Prime Farmlands. Both areas will be 

vegetated in the same manner. Alfalfa will be the cover crop.

Description of Revegetation Activities:

Revegetate: 40.5 acres with a pasture seed mix; scarification by Cat 14H motor grader (cost 

accounted for under motor grader Life-of-Mine duration).

Cost Calculation for Individual Revegetation Activities:

Initial Seeding

 40.5 ac x ( $ 0** /ac + $ 777 /ac ) = $ 31,469 .

area to be seeded seedbed preparation seeding, fertilizing

costs & mulching costs

Planting Trees and Shrubs

 ac x ( $ /ac + $ /ac ) = $ .

area to be planted planting costs herbicide

treatment costs

Reseeding *

 40.5 ac x 0.3 x $ 777 /ac = $ 9,441 .

area anticipated to Failure Rate seeding, fertilizing

need reseeding ratio & mulching costs

Replanting Trees and Shrubs *

 ac x ( $ /ac + $ 0 /ac ) = $ .

area anticipated to planting costs herbicide

need replanting treatment costs

Other Necessary Revegetation Activities

(Examples of other activities that may be necessary include soil sampling, irrigation, and rill and gully repair. 

Describe each activity and provide a cost estimate with documentation. Use additional worksheets if necessary.)

TOTAL REVEGETATION COST = $ 40,909 .

* Generally, the proportion of the area initially seeded and planted that is anticipated needing reseeding 

or replanting is determined based on historic failure rates for similar sites and conditions. The same 

principle applies to determining the extent of seedbed preparation and soil amendments that may be 

needed as part of any reseeding or replanting effort. If anticipated failure rates vary within the area 

proposed for disturbance, use a separate worksheet for the area subject to each failure rate.

Data Sources:

Permit Application Package and NRCS.
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 18

WORKSHEET 16: RECLAMATION BOND SUMMARY SHEET

1. Total Facility and Structure Removal Costs $ 0 

2. Total Earthmoving Costs $866,528

3. Total Revegetation Costs $40,909

4. Total Other Reclamation Activities Costs $0 

5. Subtotal: Total Direct Costs (sum of Items 1 through 4) $907,437 

6. Inflated Direct Cost = Item 5: $907,437 X 13.32% = $1,028,308

(Total Direct Costs)(Inflation Factor*) (Ch. 2 Step 3)

7. Mobilization and Demobilization (at 5 % of Item 6) $51,415

(Ch. 2 Step 4)

8. Contingencies Allowance (at 3 % of Item 6) $30,849

(Ch. 2 Step 4)

9. Engineering Redesign Cost (at 5 % of Item 6) $51,415

(Ch. 2 Step 4)

10.Project Management Fee (at 5 % of Item 6) $51,415

(Ch. 2 Step 4)

11.Contractor Overhead (at 13 % of Item 6) $133,680

(Ch. 2 Step 4)

12.Subtotal: Total Indirect Costs (sum of Items 7 through 11) $318,774

13.Contractor Profit (at 7 % of Item 6) $71,981

(Ch. 2 Step 4)

14.GRAND TOTAL BOND AMOUNT $1,419,064

(sum of Items 6, 12 & 13)

Enter Current Inflation Information: RSMeans Historic Cost Indexes table 2014 to 2019
Appendix B2 – Area Mining (Dragline) – 19
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 1

BOND AMOUNT COMPUTATION

Applicant:

HAUL BACK EXAMPLE- CONTOUR

Permit Number: Example No. 3 Permitted Acreage: 160.0 

Bonding Scheme (Permit Area, Incremental, Cumulative): Permit Area

If Incremental:

Increment Number:

Increment Acreage:

 

If Cumulative:

Acres Previously Authorized for Disturbance: 

New Acres Proposed for Disturbance: 

Type of Operation: Contour-type surface (truck and loader) 

Location: U.S.A. 

Prepared by: S. H. Partney 

Date 6/3/2020 

Total Bond Amount $ 523,608
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 2

WORKSHEET 1: DESCRIPTION OF THE WORST-CASE RECLAMATION 

SCENARIO

The mining sequence for this haul back operation begins with Pit #l and progresses 

through Pit #66 (see Worksheet 4B). The topsoil from the box cut and the box-cut 

material will be stored separately in the four stockpiles located near Pits #4, #10, and 

#13. From inspection, the worst-case reclamation scenario will occur while Pit #21 is 

being mined due to the pit size and distance from these stockpiles. At this time, all 

additional stockpiles would not exist.

1. Structure Demolition

The mine plan Indicates that the office is located at the southern end of the permit area. 

This facility is mobile therefore it would not be demolished. The office and coal pad area 

combined take up about 0.5 acres. There are no other structures located on the permit 

area.

2. Earthmoving Activities

The worst-case reclamation scenario assumes that Pit #21 is completely mined. 

However, the haul back mining sequence, once in full operation, is conducted such that 

spoil is hauled immediately behind the active coal mining face and placed within the 

previous mined-out area. Therefore, it is assumed that 50 percent of Pit #21 and 50 

percent of Pit #22 requires backfilling. The total volume contained in both stockpiles, 

plus 20 percent swell, and the volume of the haul-road surfacing is enough to fill the 

remaining open pit.

The main haul road is located along the western edge of the permit area, runs for 7000 

feet and is 30 feet wide. The mine plan states that the haul road will be constructed out 

of crushed rock obtained from the initial box cut (Cut 1). The crushed rock will be 34 

inches thick for the entire haul road length. This material will be removed and disposed 

of in the open pit by using the same equipment as used to move the spoil from the 

stockpiles to the open pit.

The mine plan indicates about a 30-foot overburden depth. The highwall is assumed to 

have a 1/4:1 slope and the spoil side is assumed to have a 2:1 slope based on field 

observation (see Worksheet No. 4). Because the mining operation uses scrapers, 

backfilling and rough grading is already accomplished. Therefore, Pits #17 through #22 

require final grading prior to topsoil replacement.

Reclamation of the coal pad/office area will require that contaminated material be 

removed to a depth of 10 inches. This material will be disposed of in the open pit.
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 3

All existing ponds and the containment berm will be left as part of the approved 

postmining land use.

3. Topsoil Replacement

The mine plan indicates that 10 inches of topsoil will be salvaged. The topsoil from Pit 

#22 is assumed to have been removed and placed over Pit #16. The stockpiled topsoil 

will be used to cover Pits #17 through #22, the haul road, and the office/coal pad area. 

The topsoiled areas will then be final graded. The topsoil stockpile located on the west 

side of Pit# 5 will be referred to as TSW on the worksheets and the topsoil stockpile 

located on the east side of Pit %10 will be referred to as TSE on the worksheets.

Data Sources: Mine plan
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 4

WORKSHEET 2: STRUCTURE DEMOLITION AND DISPOSAL COSTS

Listing of Structures to be Demolished:

Other Items to be Demolished (paved roads, conveyors, power poles, railroads, etc.):

*Remove office trailer, 50' X 10' (9’ height); same price as installation fee = $1,440

Cost is based on “demolition of small buildings, steel, including 20-mile haul” from 

RSMeans at $0.32/CF

Subtotal Cost = $ 1,440** .

Debris Handling and Disposal Costs:

** Demolition includes disposal with up to 20 mi. haul. 

TOTAL DEMOLITION AND DISPOSAL COST = $ 1,440 .

Data Sources: 

Means Site Work and Landscape Cost Data, 2019

Mine plan.
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 5

WORKSHEET 3: MATERIAL HANDLING PLAN SUMMARY

Listing of All Earthmoving Activities:
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 6

WORKSHEET 4A: EARTHWORK QUANTITY 

Data Source: Mine plan

WORKSHEET 4B: EARTHWORK QUANTITY

Earthmoving Volume Area Calculations
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 7 

Backfilling of Pits #21 and 22 - 50%

Area a: 0.5 x 30' x 7.5' = 112.5 ft2

Area b: 30' x 100’ = 3,000 ft2

Area c: 0.5 x 30' x 60' = 900 ft2

 = 4,012.5 ft*

Backfill Volume (Calculations on Worksheet 4A) = 142,667 LCY

Haul Road Haul Material:

Total haul road volume = 22,088 LCY

The volume and haul distance (from centroid to centroid) for the northern half of the 

haul road = 12,622 LCY @ 2,200'; for the southern half = 9,466 LCY @ 1700'. The total 

average haul distance = 2,000'.

Spoil Ridge Volume = Pit Backfill Volume – Haul 

Haul Back Volume = Backfill Volume - Haul Road Volume

 = 142,887 - 22,089 = 120,578 CY

A dozer is needed to spread and rough grade this backfill material. Assume that 25% of 

the material is graded 

WORKSHEET 4B (Continued): Earthwork Quantity

(3% average grade) = 142,667 LCY x 0.25 = 10,722 LCY

Office Area, and Coal Pad Area Cleanup
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 8

Office & Coal 

Pad Area: 0.5 acres x 43,560 SF/acre

x 0.83' thick ÷ 27 CF/CY = 673 CY

The total average haul distance = 3,400'. 

Topsoil Replacement - Pits #17 through #22, Haul Road, Office Area, and Coal Pad

Pits #17 through #22: 6 pits x 100' wide x 793' long

x 0.83' thick ÷ 27 CF/CY = 14,679 CY

Haul Road: 7,000' long x 30' wide

x 0.83' thick ÷ 27 CF/CY = 6,479 CY

Office & Coal Pad : 0.5 acres x 43,560 SF/acre

x 0.83' thick ÷ 27 CF/CY = 673 CY .

Total 21,831 CY

Topsoil Volume

Topsoil Haul Distance:

Assume that the total topsoil volume is evenly distributed between the two stockpiles. 

Therefore, 

West Topsoil Stockpile (TSW) = 10,915 CY

East Topsoil Stockpile (TSE) = 10,915 CY

The 7,151 CY of topsoil required for the haul road and office/coal pad area will come 

from TSW. The remaining 3,764 CY topsoil in TSW and the topsoil In TSE will be 

placed over Pits #17- #22. The total average haul distance for TSW is 2,100'. The total 

average haul distance for remaining TSW and TSE Is 750'.
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 9

WORKSHEET 4B (Continued): Earthwork Quantity

Final Grading/Scarification Area - Pits #11 through #22, Haul Road, Office Area, and 

Coal Pad

A planimeter* was used to determine the area of Pits #11 through #22.

Pits #11 - #22 20.8 acres

Haul Road 4.8 acres

Office & Coal Pad Area 0.5 acres

26.1 acres

*A planimeter is a mechanical device for measuring area of irregular shapes

Data Source: Mine Plan
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 10

WORKSHEET 5A: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Spoil Rough Grading for Pits 17 - 22

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.): 

D8R dozer with "Semi-U or SU" Blade

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

100 ft. push @ + 3% effective grade; material is a mixture of earth, blasted sandstone 

and shale rock

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = 0.75 x 0.80_ x 0.84 x 0.95 x 0.94* x

Operator Material Efficiency Grade Weight 

Factor Factor Factor Factor Correction Factor

 1.0 x 1.0 x 1.0 = 0.449 .

Production Method/ Visibility Elevation 

Blade Factor Factor Factor

Net Hourly Production = 870 LCY/hr. x 0.449 = 391.1 LCY/hr.

Normal Hourly Operating Adjustment

Production Factor

Hours Required = 30,326 yd3 ÷ 391.1 LCY/hr. = 77.5 ** hrs.

volume to be net hourly

moved production

* _____2,300 ______ _ = 2,300 = 0.94 hrs.

(2,700 + 2,550+ 2,100) /3 2,466.7

** Use 301 total hours. Assume D8R-SU is available as support equipment during project life; see 

Worksheet 13.

Data Sources: Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 40
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 11

WORKSHEET 5B: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Push tractor to assist loading scrapers.

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

D8N dozer with a "S" Blade 

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

Scrapers loaded with Back-track Loading Method

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = x _ x x x x

Operator Material Efficiency Grade Weight 

Factor Factor Factor Factor Correction Factor

 x x = .

Production Method/ Visibility Elevation 

Blade Factor Factor Factor

Net Hourly Production = LCY/hr. x = LCY/hr.

Normal Hourly Operating Adjustment

Production Factor

Hours Required = 30,326 LCY ÷ 391.1 LCY/hr. = 301 ** hrs.

volume to be net hourly

moved production

* Match to Scraper Fleet Hours (see Worksheets 11B-1 and 11B-2 )

Data Sources: Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 40
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 12

WORKSHEET 7A: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR RIPPEREQUIPPED DOZER USE

Ripping Activity:

This unit will be used for ripping Pits # 16 through 22 prior to topsoil placement.

Characterization of Dozer and Ripper Use:

D8R w/ SU blade and 3-shank adjustable parallelogram ripper; ripper has a 43 inch (3.58-

foot) pocket spacing

Description of Ripping (ripping depth, cut spacing, cut length, and material to be 

ripped):

Ripping depth = 2.7 feet; Cut length = 793'

Ripping effective width = 43"/12"per foot x 3 = 10.75 feet 

Volume = 6 pits x 100' wide x 2.7' deep x 793' long / 27 CY/CF= 47,580 BCY

Productivity Calculation*:

Cycle time = ( 793 ft ÷ 88 fpm ) + 0.3 min = 9.3 min/pass

cut length [speed] fixed turn time**

Passes/hour = 60 min/hr ÷ 9.3 min/pass x 0.83 = 5.38 passes/hr.

 cycle time efficiency

factor

Volume cut = ( 2.7 ft x 10.75 ft x 793 ft) ÷ 27 ft3/yd3

per pass tool cut cut 

penetration spacing length

= 852.5 BCY/pass

Hourly Production = 852.5 BCY/pass x 5.38 passes/hr. = 4,586.3 BCY/hr.

Hours Required = 47,580 BCY ÷ 4,586.3 BCY/hr. = 10.4 hrs.***

bank volume hourly

to be ripped production***

* Calculate separate dozer hauling of ripped material in each lift on Worksheet No. 5, using 

swell factor to convert from bank to loose cubic yards.

** Fixed turn time is dependent on dozer used. Normally 0.25 min. per turn is used.

*** This D8R bulldozer is also to be for rough grading of the backfill area (see Worksheets 5A, 

7A,7B and 7C)

Data Sources: Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 40
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 13

WORKSHEET 7B: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR RIPPEREQUIPPED DOZER USE

Ripping Activity:

Rip the 30' wide haul road prior to topsoil placement.

Characterization of Dozer and Ripper Use:

D8R w/ SU blade and 3-shank adjustable parallelogram ripper; ripper has a 43 inch (3.58-

foot) pocket spacing.

Description of Ripping (ripping depth, cut spacing, cut length, and material to be 

ripped):

Ripping depth = 2.7' Length = 7,000'

Ripping effective width = 43"/12"per foot X 3 = 10.75' 

Volume = 7,000' x 30' wide x 2.7' deep /27 CY/CF= 21,000 cy

Productivity Calculation*:

Cycle time = ( 7,000 ft ÷ 88 fpm ) + 0.3 min = 79.8 min/pass

cut length [speed] fixed turn time**

Passes/hour = 60 min/hr ÷ 79.8 min/pass x 0.83 = 0.63 passes/hr.

 cycle time efficiency

factor

Volume cut = ( 2.7 ft x 10.75 ft x 7,000 ft) ÷ 27 ft3/yd3

per pass tool cut cut 

penetration spacing length

= 7,525 BCY/pass

Hourly Production = 7,525 BCY/pass x 0.63 passes/hr. = 4,740.8 BCY/hr.

Hours Required = 21,000* BCY ÷ 4,740.8 BCY/hr. = 4.4 hrs.***

bank volume hourly

to be ripped production***

* Calculate separate dozer hauling of ripped material in each lift on Worksheet No. 5, using 

swell factor to convert from bank to loose cubic yards.

** Fixed turn time is dependent on dozer used. Normally 0.25 min. per turn is used.

*** This D8R bulldozer is also to be for rough grading of the backfill area (see Worksheets 5A, 

7A,7B and 7C)

Data Sources: Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 40
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 14

WORKSHEET 7C: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR RIPPEREQUIPPED DOZER USE

Ripping Activity:

Rip the office/coal pad area prior to topsoil placement.

Characterization of Dozer and Ripper Use:

D8R w/ SU blade and 3-shank adjustable parallelogram ripper; ripper has a 43 inch (3.58-

foot) pocket spacing

Description of Ripping (ripping depth, cut spacing, cut length, and material to be 

ripped):

Ripping depth = 2.7' Length = 148'

Ripping effective width = 43"/12"per foot X 3 = 10.75' Area = 21,780 SF (0.5 ac.)

Volume = 21,780 sf x 2.7' deep /27 CY/CF = 2,178 cy

Productivity Calculation*:

Cycle time = ( 148 ft ÷ 88 fpm ) + 0.3 min = 1.98 min/pass

cut length [speed] fixed turn time**

Passes/hour = 60 min/hr ÷ 1.98 min/pass x 0.83 = 25.23 passes/hr.

 cycle time efficiency

factor

Volume cut = ( 2.7 ft x 10.75 ft x 148 ft) ÷ 27 ft3/yd3

per pass tool cut cut 

penetration spacing length

= 159.1 BCY/pass

Hourly Production = 159.1 BCY/pass x 25.23 passes/hr. = 4,014.1 BCY/hr.

Hours Required = 2,100* BCY ÷ 4,014.1 BCY/hr. = 0.5 hrs.***

bank volume hourly

to be ripped production***

Use a total of 271.2 hrs.***

* Calculate separate dozer hauling of ripped material in each lift on Worksheet No. 5, using 

swell factor to convert from bank to loose cubic yards.

** Fixed turn time is dependent on dozer used. Normally 0.25 min. per turn is used.

*** This D8R bulldozer is also to be for rough grading of the backfill area (see Worksheets 5A, 

7A,7B and 7C) for a total of 125.1 hrs.; Use 271.2 total hours for added use as support equipment

(see Worksheet 13.)

Data Sources: Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 40
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 15

WORKSHEET 8A: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR LOADER USE

Earthmoving Activity:

1. Load haul truck with spoil from overburden stockpile, west (OSW)

2. Load haul truck with spoil from overburden stockpile, east (OSE)

Characterization of Loader Use (type, size, etc.):

988F, Spade-edge 8.0 CY rock bucket, 11.5' dump height clearance

Description of Loader Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, etc.):

Loading 35 ton trucks from stockpile with minimum haul.

Productivity Calculations:

Cycle time = 0 + 0 + 0.575 = 0.575 min

haul time return time basic

(loaded) (empty) cycle time

Net Bucket Capacity = 8.0 LCY x 0.8 = 6.4 LCY

 heaped bucket bucket fill 

 capacity factor

Hourly Production = 6.4 LCY ÷ 0.575 min x 50 min/hr. = 556.52 LCY/hr.

net bucket cycle time (work hour)

capacity

 1. 60,289 1. - 108.3

Hours Required = 2. 60,289 LCY ÷ 556.52 LCY/hr. = _ 2. - 108.3__ hrs.

volume to be hourly

moved production

Data Sources: Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 28
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 16

WORKSHEET 8B: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR LOADER USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Excavate and load road base material.

Characterization of Loader Use (type, size, etc.):

988F, 8.0 CY spade-edge rock bucket

Description of Loader Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, etc.):

Approximately 50' haul at 4% effective grade

Productivity Calculations:

Cycle time = 0.15 + 0.135 + 0.575 = 0. 86 min

haul time return time basic

(loaded) (empty) cycle time

Net Bucket Capacity = 8.0 LCY x 0.9 = 7.2 LCY

heaped bucket bucket fill 

capacity factor

Hourly Production = 7.2 LCY ÷ 0.86 min x 50 min/hr. = 418.6 LCY/hr.

net bucket cycle time (work hour)

capacity

Hours Required = 22,088 LCY ÷ 418.6 LCY/hr. = 52.8 hrs.

volume to be hourly

moved production

Data Sources: Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 28
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 17

WORKSHEET 8C: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR LOADER USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Office and coal pad area waste cleanup: Remove 10 inches of contaminated material and

place in final pit

Characterization of Loader Use (type, size, etc.):

988F with 8.0 CY spade-edge rock bucket, 11.5' dump height

Description of Loader Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, etc.):

Approximately 50' haul and loading of 35 ton trucks.

Productivity Calculations:

Cycle time = 0.15 + 0.135 + 0.575 = 0. 86 min

haul time return time basic

(loaded) (empty) cycle time

Net Bucket Capacity = 8.0 LCY x 0.9 = 7.2 LCY

heaped bucket bucket fill 

capacity factor

Hourly Production = 7.2 LCY ÷ 0.86 min x 50 min/hr. = 418.6 LCY/hr.

net bucket cycle time (work hour)

capacity

Hours Required = 672 LCY ÷ 418.6 LCY/hr. = 1.8 hrs.

volume to be hourly

moved production

Data Sources: Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 28
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 18

WORKSHEET 9A: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR TRUCK USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Haul spoil from Overburden Stockpile West (OSW) to open pit.

Characterization of Truck Use (type, size, etc.)

Caterpillar 769D, (21.6 + 31.7) / 2 = 26.7 CY capacity (average of struck and heaped)

Description of Truck Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, capacity, etc.):

Haul distance and grade from OSW to open pit.

Haul: 1,600' @ 3% effective grade plus 200' @ 10% effective grade;

Return: 1,600' @ 3% effective grade plus 200' @ (-) 7% effective grade

Productivity Calculations:

Truck Cycle Time = 0.7 + 0.2 + 0.45 + 0.1*** + 2.3** + 2.0 = 5.75 min

haul time return time total loading dump and

time* maneuver time 

Number of Trucks Required = 5.75 min ÷ 2.3 min = 2.5 . 

truck cycle time total loading time* trucks

Production Rate = 25. 6 LCY x 3 ÷ 5.75 min = 13.36 LCY/min

truck capacity** No. of trucks truck cycle 

time

Hourly Production = 13.36 LCY/min x 50 min/hr. = 667.8 LCY/hr.

production rate (work hour) 

Hours Required = 60,289 LCY ÷ 667.8 LCY/hr. = 90.3 hrs.

volume to hourly

be moved production Match to Loader 108.3 hrs.

* Number of = 26.7 LCY ÷ 6.4 LCY = 4.16 passes

 Loader Passes truck capacity Load bucket net (normally round down and

 capacity reduce the truck capacity

and weight accordingly)

** Total Loading time = 0.575 min x 4 = 2.3 min

loader cycle time No. of loader passes

 (from Worksheets 8 or 10)

Net Truck capacity = 6.4 CY * 4 passes = 26.7 CY

*** 200' / (25 MPH x 88FPM/1 MPH) = 0.09 min.  use 0.1 ). 

Data Sources: Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 29
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 19

WORKSHEET 9B: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR TRUCK USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Haul spoil from Overburden Stockpile East (OSE) to open pit.

Characterization of Truck Use (type, size, etc.)

769D, (21.6 + 31.7) /2 = 26.7 CY capacity (average of heaped and struck)

Description of Truck Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, capacity, etc.):

Haul distance and grade from OSE to open pit.

Haul: 800' @ 3% effective grade plus 200' @ 10% grade

Return: 800' @ 3% effective grade plus 200' @ (-)7% grade

Productivity Calculations:

Truck Cycle Time = 0.4 + 0.2 + 0.3 + 0.1*** + 2.3 + 2.0 = 5.3 min

haul time return time total loading dump and

 time** maneuver time

Number of Trucks Required = 5.3 min ÷ 2.3 min = 2.3 

 truck cycle time total loading time* trucks

Production Rate = 25.6 LCY x 3 ÷ 5.3 min = 14.5 LCY/min

 Net truck capacity** No. of trucks truck cycle 

 Time

Hourly Production = 14.5 LCY/min x 50 min/hr. = 724.5 LCY/hr.

 production rate (work hour)

Hours Required = 60,289 LCY ÷ 724.5 LCY/hr. = 83.2 hrs.

volume to be moved hourly production Match to Loader 108.3 hrs.

* Number of = 26.7 CY ÷ 6.4 CY = 4.16 passes

 Loader Passes truck capacity Load bucket net (normally round down and

 capacity reduce the truck capacity

and weight accordingly)

** Total Loading time = 0.575 min x 4 = 2.3 min

loader cycle time No. of loader passes

 (from Worksheets 8 or 10)

Net Truck capacity = 6.4 CY x 4 passes = 26.7 CY

*** 200' / (25 MPH x 88FPM/1 MPH) = 0.09 min.  use 0.1 ). 

Data Sources: Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 29
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 20

WORKSHEET 9C: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR TRUCK USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Haul road base material to open pit.

Characterization of Truck Use (type, size, etc.):

Caterpillar 769D, (21.6 + 31.7) /2 = 26.7 CY average capacity (average of struck and 

heaped).

Description of Truck Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, capacity, etc.):

1800' @ 3% effective grade and 200' haul @ 10% effective grade

1800'@ 3% effective grade and 200' haul@ (-)7% effective grade

Productivity Calculations:

Truck Cycle Time = 0.8 + 0.2 + 0.3 + 0.1*** + 2.3 + 2 = 5.70 min

haul time return time loading dump and

 time** maneuver time

No. of Trucks Required = 5.7 min 2.3 min = 2.5 trucks

truck cycle time loading time 

Production Rate = 28.8 LCY x 2 ÷ 5.7 min = 10.1 LCY/min

Net truck capacity** no. of trucks truck cycle time

Hourly Production = 10.1 LCY/min x 50 min/hr. = 505.3___LCY/hr.

 production rate (work hour)

Hours Required = 22,037 LCY + 505.3 _ LCY/hr. = 43.6**** _ hr. 

volume to be moved hourly production Match to Loader 52.8 hrs.

* Number of = 26.7 CY ÷ 7.2 CY = 3.7 passes

 Loader Passes truck capacity Load bucket (normally round down and

 capacity reduce the truck capacity)

** Total Loading time = 0.575 min x 4 = 2.3 min

loader cycle time No. of loader passes

 (from Worksheets 8 or 10)

Net Truck capacity = 7.2 CY x 4 passes = 28.8 CY

*** 200' / (25 MPH x 88FPM/1 MPH) = 0.09 min.  use 0.1 ). 

**** Use 2 trucks for 52.8 hours each to match loader production rate, see Worksheets 8B, 8C and 9D.

Data Sources: Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 29
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 21

WORKSHEET 9D: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR TRUCK USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Haul office area/coal pad waste material to open pit for burial.

Characterization of Truck Use (type, size, etc.):

769C, 26.8 cy bucket capacity (21.6 + 31.7) /2 = 26.7 CY average capacity (ave. of struck 

and heaped)

Description of Truck Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, capacity, etc.):

Haul: 3,200' at 3% effective grade and 200' @ I0% effective grade.

Return: 3,200' at 3% effective grade and 200' @ (-)7% effective grade.

Productivity Calculations:

Truck cycle Time = 1.35 + 0.2 + 0.9 + 0.1 + 2.3 + 2.0 = 6.85 min

 haul time return time total loading dump and

 time* maneuver time 

Number of Trucks Required = 6.85 min ÷ 2.3 min = 3 

 truck cycle time total loading time** trucks

Production Rate = 28.8 LCY x 2 ÷ 6.85 min = 8.41 LCY/min

Net truck capacity*** No. of trucks**** truck cycle 

 time

Hourly Production = 8.41 LCY/min x 50 min/hr. = 420.44 LCY/hr.

production rate (work hour) 

Hours Required = 672 LCY ÷ 420.44 LCY/hr. = 1.6 hrs.

volume to be moved hourly production Match to Loader 1.8 hrs.

* No. of Loader Passes/truck = 26.7 LCY ÷ 7.2 LCY = 3.7 passes

truck capacity Load bucket net (round down and

capacity reduce the truck capacity)

**Loading time/truck = 0.575 min x 4 = 2.3 min 

loader cycle time No. of loader passes (from Worksheets 8 or 10)

***Net Truck Capacity = __7.2 CY x 4 = 28.8 CY 

**** Use 2 trucks for 47.3 hours each to match loader production rate, see Worksheets 8B, 8C and 9D.

Data Sources: Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 29
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 22

WORKSHEET 11B-1: PRODUCTIVITY OF DOZER PUSH-LOADED SCRAPER USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Replacing topsoil over Pits #17 - #22. 

Characterization of Scraper Used (type, capacity, etc.):

Cat 627F Non-push pull 14 CY (struck) + 20 CY (heaped) = (14 CY + 20 CY)/2 = 17 CY 

avg. capacity

Description of Scraper Route: 

750' haul @ 4% effective grade; 750' return @ 4% effective grade

List Pusher Tractor(s) Used:

D8N-S blade push dozer will assist the scraper in loading.

Describe Push Tractor Loading Method:

Back-track loading method with 1 push tractor

Scraper Productivity Calculations:

Cycle Time = 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.6 + 0. 4 = 2.0 min

 load time loaded maneuver and return trip (push-pull/ pair)

 (push-pull/ pair) trip time spread time time 

 

Hourly Production = 17 LCY x 50 min/hr. ÷ 2.0 min = 425.0 LCY/hr.

 capacity* (work hour) cycle time 

Hours Required = 14,679 LCY ÷ 425.0 LCY/hr. = 34.5 hrs.

 volume to be hourly 

 handled production

Push Tractor Productivity Calculations:

Pusher Cycle Time = 0.5 min x 1.5 = 0.75 min 

 scraper load pusher 

 time factor

Scrapers Per Pusher = 2.0 min ÷ 0.75 min = 2.667 min

 scraper cycle pusher cycle (round down)

 time time

Pusher Hours Required = 34.5 hrs. ÷ 3 = 11.5 hrs.

 scraper hours scrapers (round up)

 per pusher

* The average of the heaped and struck capacities. 

Data Sources: Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 28
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 23

WORKSHEET 11B-2: PRODUCTIVITY OF DOZER PUSH-LOADED SCRAPER USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Replacing topsoil over office area and haul road.

Characterization of Scraper Used (type, capacity, etc.):

Cat 627F Non-push pull 14 CY (struck) + 20 CY (heaped) = (14 CY + 20 CY)/2 = 17 CY 

avg. capacity

Description of Scraper Route:

2,100' haul @ 4% effective grade; 2,100' return @ 4% effective grade

List Pusher Tractor(s) Used:

D8N-S blade dozer will assist the scraper in loading.

Describe Push Tractor Loading Method (see figure below):

Back-track loading method with 1 push tractor

Scraper Productivity Calculations:

Cycle Time = 0.5 + 1.1 + 0.6 + 0.8 = 3.0 min

 load time loaded maneuver and return trip (push-pull/ pair) 

 (push-pull/ pair) trip time spread time time 

 

Hourly Production = 17 LCY x 50 min/hr. ÷ 3.0 min = 283.3 LCY/hr.

 capacity* (work hour) cycle time 

Hours Required = 7,151 LCY ÷ 283.3 LCY/hr. = 25.2 hrs.

 volume to be hourly

handled production

Push Tractor Productivity Calculations:

Pusher Cycle Time = 0.5 min x 1.5 = .75 min 

 scraper load pusher 

 time factor

Scrapers Per Pusher = 3.0 min ÷ 0.75 min = 4.0 

 scraper cycle pusher cycle (Use 3 to match 

 time time Worksheet 11B-1)

Pusher Hours Required = 25.2 hrs. ÷ 3 = 8.4 hrs.

 scraper hours scrapers (round up)

 per pusher (Use 20 hrs. Total)

 

* The average of the heaped and struck capacities.

Data Sources: Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 2
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 24

WORKSHEET 12: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR MOTOR GRADER

USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Final grade ripped area prior to placing topsoil.

Characterization of Grader Used (type, size capacity, etc.):

Caterpillar 14G, 215 horsepower, equipped with EROPS and scarifier

Description of Grader Route (push distance, % grade, effective blade width, 

operating speed, etc.):

Pit area (#17 - G22) 10.9 acres

Haul road area 4.8 acres

Coal pad/office area 0.5 acres

TOTAL AREA 16.2 acres

Productivity Calculations:

Grading:

Production = 2.8 mph x 9 ft x 5,280 ft/mi x 1 ac/43,560 ft2 x _0.83___min/hr. = 2.55 acres/hr.

 average effective blade work hour

 speed width factor

Hours Required = 16.2 acres ÷ 2.55 ac/hr. = 6.35 hr.

 area to be hourly 

 graded production

Scarification:

Hourly Production = 2.8 mph x 11.1 ft x 5,280 ft/mi x 1 ac/43,560 ft2 x _0.83 min/hr. = 3.12 acres/hr. 

 average Scarifier work hour

 speed width * factor

Hours Required = 16.2 acres ÷ 3.12 ac/hr. = 5.2 hr.

 area to be hourly 

 scarified production

Total Hours = 11.6 (use_271.2 hrs.**_)___

*7 shanks X (19" spacing / 12in./ft.) = 11.1 ft.

**Motor grader is assumed to be onsite while all earthmoving tasks are being conducted. 

Therefore, it used for the life of the reclamation contract (see Worksheet No. 13)

Data Sources: Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 28
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 25

WORKSHEET 13: SUMMARY CALCULATION OF EARTHMOVING COSTS

* Add support equipment such as water wagons, graders, etc. to match total project time as 

needed. Equipment and Accessory Identification: Support equipment = D8R-SU 3-shank,14G 

and 6,000 gal. Water Tanker

** Total project time = total truck and loader team time = [108.3 + 108.3 + 52.8 + 1.8] = 271.2 

hrs.; 2 trucks are used for 271.2 hrs.; one truck is used for 218.4 hrs. 

*** Account for multiple units in truck and/or scraper teams.

Data Sources: EquipmentWatch, 2019 edition
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 26

WORKSHEET 14: REVEGETATION COSTS

Name and Description of Area to be Revegetated:

Pits #11 - #22 = 20.8 Ac, Haul road = 4.8 Ac, Coal pad/office area = 0.5 Ac; TOTAL = 

26.1 Ac.

Description of Revegetation Activities:

No special revegetation activities required. Seedbed preparation has already taken 

place. The local SCS of face provided an average revegetation cost of $450/Ac.

Initial Seeding:

Cost = 26.1 acres x ($ ** /acre + $ 450 /acre) = $ 11,745 

 (# of acres to ($/acre for seed ($/acre for seeding, (cost for seeding)

 be seeded) bed preparation) fertilizing, and

 mulching)

Planting Trees and Shrubs:

Cost = acres x ($ /acre + $ /acre) = $ $ 0.00 

 (# of acres ($/acre for planting (costs for herbicide (cost for planting)

 for planting) trees and shrub) treatment) 

Reseeding:

Cost = 26.1* acres x ($ /acre + $ 450 /acre) = $ 11,745 

 (# of acres to ($/acre for seed $/acre for seeding, (cost for reseeding)

 be reseeded*) bed preparation fertilizing, and

 if needed) mulching if needed)

Other Revegetation Activity for this Area:

(soil sampling, rill & gully repair, and other activities; justify, describe and provide cost 

estimate with documentation; use additional sheets if necessary.)

 $ ____ 

 (Total of other costs)

Assumptions: ** Scarifying is to be accomplished by motor grader, see Worksheet No. 12.

 TOTAL REVEGETATION COST FOR THIS AREA = $ 23,490 

* Reseeding area is the total area disturbed or to be disturbed which has not received Phase III 

bond release.

Data Sources: Mine plan and the state SCS
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 27

WORKSHEET 16: RECLAMATION BOND SUMMARY SHEET

1. Total Facility and Structure Removal Costs $ 1,440 

2. Total Earthmoving Costs $ _321,143

3. Total Revegetation Costs $ 23,490 

4. Total Other Reclamation Activities Costs 

5. Subtotal: Total Direct Costs (sum of Items 1 through 4) $ 346,073 

6. Inflated Direct Cost = Item 5 $ ___346,073_____ X ___1.0 = $ 346,073 

 (Total Direct Costs) (Inflation Factor*) (Ch. 2 Step 3)

7. Mobilization and Demobilization (at 7 % of Item 6) $ 24,225 

(1% to 10% of Item 6) (Ch. 2 Step 4)

Explanation: All equipment can be mobilized complete using standard 

haulers.

8. Contingencies (at 5 % of Item 6) $ __17,304

 (3% to 5% of Item 6) (Ch. 2 Step 4) 

Explanation: This is a relatively small job, therefore the maximum value 

is used.

9. Engineering Redesign Fee (at 7.3 % of Item 6) $ _25,263

Explanation: Minor changes from the approved plan are necessary 

due to differences In actual spoil vs projected and the need to remove 

haul roads. A relatively high percentage Is used because of project

size. (Ch. 2 Step 4)

10. Contractor Profit (at 12 % of Item 6) $ __41,528

Explanation: Profit is relatively high due to the small size (Ch. 2 Step 4).

11. Contractor Overhead (at 15 % of Item 6) $ __51,911

Explanation: Overhead is 15%, since project size is between 90 and 

700 acres per Table 2. (Ch. 2 Step 4)

12. Reclamation Management Fee (at 5 % of Item 6) $ __17,304

Explanation: A manager is recommended for the project (Ch. 2 Step 4)

13. Subtotal: Total Indirect Costs (sum of Items 7 through 12) $ __177,535 

14. GRAND TOTAL BOND AMOUNT $ __523,608

 (sum of Items 7 and 13)

* This calculation does not reflect an inflation factor because the purpose of the 

calculation is to determine if the posted bond is sufficient for the current conditions. 
Appendix B3 – Haul Back (Contour) – 28
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 1

BOND AMOUNT COMPUTATION

Applicant:

HAUL BACK EXAMPLE- AREA

Permit Number: P-123 Permitted Acreage: 623 

Bonding Scheme (permit area, incremental, cumulative): permit area 

If Incremental:

Increment Number: 

Increment Acreage: 

If Cumulative:

Acres previously authorized for disturbance: 

New acres proposed for disturbance: 

Type of Operation: Area-Type, Truck and Shovel Haulback Surface Mine

Location: Midwestern U.S.

Prepared by: P.T. Bond

Date: 9/24/2020

Total Bond Amount: $ 2,266,703
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 2

WORKSHEET 1: DESCRIPTION OF THE WORST-CASE RECLAMATION 

SCENARIO

Reclamation requires the following tasks:

This mine typifies a mid-sized operation in the North Central U.S. Mining begins in the 

SE corner of the mining area with the box cut shown on Worksheet 4B-3. The operation 

then progresses in a general northwest direction gradually re-orienting the pit toward the 

planned final pit location immediately southeast of a county road. The worst case occurs 

wherever there is: 

1) the greatest disturbance of prime farmland, 

2) the largest open pit, 

3) stream reconstruction is required, and 

4) the largest acreage of revegetation. 

This location is in the northwestern part of the mining area where two seams are being 

extracted (No. 5 and No. 6). At this point, the pit will be about 1,600 ft. long; overburden 

is 32 ft. of loess overlying 11 ft. of bedrock above the 4-foot-thick No. 6 seam. The 

interburden here averages 24 ft. above the 4.5-foot-thick No.5 seam to yield a highwall 

of 81.5 ft. bedrock material is primarily shale. Re-grading the highwall and spoil 

stockpile from 1.5:1 to 3:1 to a depth of 4 ft. below the design pool elevation (490 ft.) is 

required to create the final pit impoundment.

Although a significant amount of the rooting media is to be replaced as prime farmland 

soils the vegetation is to be re-established as a grassland cover crop with tree planting 

along a reconstructed stream channel.

Assumptions:

Backfilling requirements are minimal due to the contemporaneous haulback mining 

technique and the plan for a final pit impoundment. Backfill material will be derived from: 

1) the box cut stockpile 

2) removal of acid-forming material (AFM) in the coal stockpile pad, 

3) material excavated from two haul roads, and 

4) sediment from a permanent impoundment near the coal stockpile (AFM). 

Ripping is required prior to scraper excavation of the coal stockpile and haul roads. 

Deep ripping is also required on all prime soil replacement areas to remove compaction. 

Worksheets 4B-2 and 4B-3 are the applicable mine operation and reclamation plan 

maps, respectively (Data Source: Permit P-123).

Data Sources:

Permit: P-123.

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48.

OSM Handbook for Calculation of Reclamation Bond Amounts, Revised 2020.
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 3

WORKSHEET 2: STRUCTURE DEMOLITION AND DISPOSAL COSTS

Structures to be Demolished:

Other items to be demolished (paved roads, conveyors, utility poles, rail spurs, 

etc.):

Remove two trailers @ $500.00 each.

Cost Subtotal = $ 1,000 

Debris Handling and Disposal Costs:

Removal of trash and derelict equipment, Lump Sum

Miscellaneous scrap equipment removal = $4,000.

Cost Subtotal = $ 4,000 

TOTAL DEMOLITION AND DISPOSAL COST = $ 5,000 

Data Sources:

Permit P-123
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 4

WORKSHEET 3A: MATERIAL HANDLING PLAN SUMMARY

 ** NPP = non-push pull variant, LGP = low-ground pressure variant, MS = multi-shank ripper.

Data Sources: Permit P-123,
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 5

 Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48.
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 6

WORKSHEET 3B: MATERIAL HANDLING PLAN SUMMARY

 ** NPP = non-push pull variant, LGP = low-ground pressure variant. 

Data Sources: Permit P-123

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48.
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 7

WORKSHEET 4A: EARTHWORK QUANTITY 

Note: See Worksheet 4B-3 for applicable drawings.

Data Source: Permit P-123
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 8

WORKSHEET 4B-1: EARTHWORK QUANTITY

Roadway Rip Tot. = 25,600 BCY

Roadway Haul Total = 30,720 LCY

 Spoil Balance

Backfill Needed: 270,186 CY

Stream Reconstruct. -168,786 CY

AFM -46,464 CY

Pond 002 Sediment -3,525 CY

Road Base Material -30,720 CY

Remainder (Box cut 20,690 CY

Spoil)

Note: See Worksheet 4B-3 for applicable drawings.

Data Source: Permit P-123
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 9

WORKSHEET 4B-2: EARTHWORK QUANTITY

In reference to Worksheet 4A and 4B-1
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 10

Data Source: Permit P-123
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 11

WORKSHEET 4B-3 - EARTHWORK QUANTITY
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 12

WORKSHEET 4B-4 - EARTHWORK QUANTITY
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 13

WORKSHEET 5A: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Regrade HW and Spoil Bench to 3:1 to 4 ft. below the final cut lake’s pool level (505 ft.)

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

D9T – SU

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

Volume (LCY): Density (lb./LCY): Distance (ft.): Grade (%):

 54,953 2,100 66 -20

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = 0.75 x 0.80 x 0.83 x 1.40 .

operator material efficiency grade

factor factor factor factor

x 2,300/2,100 x 1.10 x 1.00 x 1.00 = 0.84 .

weight production visibility elevation

correction method/blade factor factor

factor factor

Net Hourly Production = 1,300 LCY/hr. x 0.84 = 1,096 LCY/hr.

normal hourly operating adjustment

production factor

Hours Required = 54,953 LCY ÷ 1,096 LCY/hr. = 50.1 hrs.

volume to be moved net hourly

production

Use: 51 hrs.

Data Sources:

Permit P-123

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48.
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 14

WORKSHEET 5B: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Regrade Ditches

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

D7R – SU LGP

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

Volume (LCY): Density (lb./LCY): Distance (ft.): Grade (%):

 22,289 2,300 50 -10

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = 0.75 x 0.80 x 0.83 x 1.20 

operator material efficiency grade

factor factor factor factor

x 2,300/2,300 x 1.00 x 1.00 x 1.00 = 0.60 .

weight production visibility elevation

correction method/blade factor factor

factor factor

Net Hourly Production = 850 LCY/hr. x 0.60 = 510 LCY/hr.

normal hourly operating adjustment

production factor

Hours Required = 22,289 LCY ÷ 510 LCY/hr. = 43.7 hrs.

volume to be moved net hourly

production

Use: 44 hrs.

Data Sources:

Permit P-123

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 15

WORKSHEET 5C: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Regrade Pre-strip Area

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

D7R – SU LGP

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

Volume (LCY): Density (lb./LCY): Distance (ft.): Grade (%):

 35,408 2,300 50 -10

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = 0.75 x 0.80 x 0.83 x 1.20 .

operator material efficiency grade

factor factor factor factor

x 2,300/2,300 x 1.00 x 1.00 x 1.00 = 0.60 .

weight production visibility elevation

correction method/blade factor factor

factor factor

Net Hourly Production = 850 LCY/hr. x 0.60 = 510 LCY/hr.

normal hourly operating adjustment

production factor

Hours Required = 35,408 LCY ÷ 510 LCY/hr. = 69.4 hrs.

volume to be moved net hourly

 production

Use: 70 hrs.

Data Sources:

Permit P-123

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 16

WORKSHEET 5D: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Excavate Reconstructed Stream Channel

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

D7R – SU LGP

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

Volume (LCY): Density (lb./LCY): Distance (ft.): Grade (%):

 33,754* 2,300 50 -10

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = 0.75 x 0.80 x 0.83 x 1.20 

operator material efficiency grade

factor factor factor factor

x 2,300/2,300 x 1.00 x 1.00 x 1.00 = 0.60 .

weight production visibility elevation

correction method/blade factor factor

factor factor

Net Hourly Production = 1,050 LCY/hr. x 0.60 = 510 LCY/hr.

normal hourly operating adjustment

production factor

Hours Required = 33,754 LCY ÷ 510 LCY/hr. = 66.2 hrs.

volume to be moved net hourly

production Use: 67 hrs.

*This is a support dozer--20% of material hauled by scrapers during stream reconstruction rehandled by 

D7R dozer,

Data Sources:

Permit P-123

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 17

WORKSHEET 5E: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Support to loader at Pond 002; excavate sediment and stack for dewatering at pond 

perimeter.

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

D7R-SU LGP

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

Volume (LCY): Density (lb./LCY): Distance (ft.): Grade (%):

 3,525 2300 100 20

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = 0.75 x 0.80 x 0.83 x 0.60 

operator material efficiency grade

factor factor factor factor

x 2300/2300 x 1.0 x 1.00 x 1.00 = 0.30 .

weight production visibility elevation

correction method/blade factor factor

factor factor

Net Hourly Production = 525 LCY/hr. x 0.30 = 158 LCY/hr.

normal hourly operating adjustment

production factor

Hours Required = 3,525 LCY ÷ 158 LCY/hr. = 22.4 hrs.

volume to be moved net hourly

production

Use: 23 hrs.

Data Sources:

Permit P-123

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 18

WORKSHEET 5F: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Regrade slope of Box cut Spoil Stockpile and support (trap) to loader.

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

D9T - SU

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

Volume (LCY): Density (lb./LCY): Distance (ft.): Grade (%):

 170,986 2,300 100 -20

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = 0.75 x 0.80 x 0.83 x 1.40 .

operator material efficiency grade

factor factor factor factor

x 2300/2300 x 1.10 x 1.00 x 1.00 = 0.77 .

weight production visibility elevation

correction method/blade factor factor

factor factor

Net Hourly Production = 1,100 LCY/hr. x 0.77 = 847 LCY/hr.

normal hourly operating adjustment

production factor

Hours Required = 170,986 LCY ÷ 847 LCY/hr. = 201.9 hrs.

volume to be moved net hourly

production Use: 202 hrs.

Data Sources:

Permit P-123

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 19

WORKSHEET 5G: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Serve as push tractor for 627K scrapers match (time calculations on scraper 

worksheets).

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

D9T - SU

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

Volume (LCY): Density (lb./LCY): Distance (ft.): Grade (%):

 

Match to total scraper team hours; for one task two push tractors support six scrapers.

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = 0.75 x 0.80 x 0.83 x __1.00___

operator material efficiency grade

factor factor factor factor

x 2,300/2,300 x 1.00 x 1.00 x 1.00 = N/A 

weight production visibility elevation

correction method/blade factor factor

factor factor

Net Hourly Production = LCY/hr. x = LCY/hr.

normal hourly operating adjustment

production factor

Hours Required = LCY ÷ LCY/hr = hrs.

volume to be moved net hourly

production

Use: 641 hrs.

Data Sources:

Permit P-123

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 20

WORKSHEET 6: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE--

GRADING

Earthmoving Activity:

Final Grading of Reclaimed Area

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

Dozer Grading Model: D7R-SU

Description of Dozer Use (% grade, effective blade width, operating speed, etc.):

Area (ac.): 237.5 Grade (%): 0 Average Speed (MPH): 4Effective Blade Width (Ft): 14.9

Density (lb./LCY): 2,300

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = 0.75 x 0.80 x 0.83 x 1.00 _

operator material efficiency grade

factor factor factor factor

x 1.00 x 1.00 x 1.00 x 1.00 = 0.50 _

 weight production visibility elevation

correction method/blade factor factor

factor factor

Hourly Production = 4.0 mi/hr. x 14.9 ft. x 5,280 ft./mi x 1 ac/43,560 sq. ft.

average effective blade

speed width

= 7.2 ac/hr.

Net Hourly Production = 7.2 ac/hr. x 0.5 = 3.6 ac/hr.

hourly operating adjustment

production factor

Hours Required = 237.5 ac ÷ 3.6 ac/hr. = 65.8 hrs.

area to be graded net hourly

 production Use: 66 hrs.

Data Sources:

Permit P-123

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 21

WORKSHEET 7A: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR RIPPEREQUIPPED DOZER USE

Ripping Activity:

Rip haul roads to remove compaction prior to excavation

Characterization of Dozer and Ripper Use:

Dozer with Ripper: D10T-SU MS (3-shanks)

Description of Ripping (ripping depth, cut spacing, cut length, and material to be 

ripped):

BCY: 25,600 Cut Spacing (ft.): 12.75 Cut Length (ft.): 300 Tool Penetration (ft.): 2.0

Productivity Calculation:

Cycle Time = ( 300 ft. ÷ 88 ft./min) + 0.25 min = 3.7 min/pass.

cut length speed fixed turn time *

Passes/Hour = 60 min/hr. ÷ 3.7 min/pass x 0.83 = 13.66 passes/hr.

cycle time efficiency

factor

Volume Cut/Pass = ( 2.0 ft. x 12.75 ft. x 300 ft.)  27 cu ft./cu yd.

tool penetration cut spacing cut length

= 283 BCY/pass.

Hourly Production = 283 BCY/pass x 13.66 passes/hr. = 3,871.6 BCY/hr. **

Hours Required = 25,600 BCY ÷ 3,871.6 BCY/hr. = 6.6 hrs. **

bank volume hourly

to be ripped production Use: 7 hrs.

* Fixed turn time depends upon dozer used. 0.25 min/turn is normal.

** Remember to use the swell factor to convert from bank cubic yards to loose cubic yards when 

applying these data to Worksheet No. 5. Calculate separate dozer hauling of ripped material for each 

lift on that worksheet.

Data Sources:

Permit P-123

N 48Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48 
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 22

WORKSHEET 7B: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR RIPPEREQUIPPED DOZER USE

Ripping Activity:

Rip haul roads to remove compaction prior to excavation

Characterization of Dozer and Ripper Use:

Dozer with Ripper: D10T-SU MS (3-shanks)

Description of Ripping (ripping depth, cut spacing, cut length, and material to be 

ripped):

BCY: 38,720 Cut Spacing (ft.): 12.75 Cut Length (ft.): 300 tool penetration (ft.): 2.0

Productivity Calculation:

Cycle Time = ( 300 ft. ÷ 88 ft./min.) + 0.25 min. = 3.7 min/pass.

cut length [speed] fixed turn time *

Passes/Hour = 60 min/hr. ÷ 3.7 min./pass x 0.83 = 13.66 passes/hr.

cycle time efficiency

factor

Volume Cut/Pass = ( 2.0 ft. x 12.75 ft. x 300 ft. ) ÷ 27 cu ft./cu yd.

tool penetration cut spacing cut length

= 283 BCY/pass.

Hourly Production = 283 BCY/pass x 13.66 passes/hr. = 3871.6 BCY/hr. **

Hours Required = 38,720 BCY ÷ 3871.6 BCY/hr. = 10.0 hrs. **

bank volume hourly

to be ripped production Use: 11 hr.

* Fixed turn time depends upon dozer used. 0.25 min/turn is normal.

** Remember to use the swell factor to convert from bank cubic yards to loose cubic yards when 

applying these data to Worksheet No. 5. Calculate separate dozer hauling of ripped material for each 

lift on that worksheet.

Data Sources:

Permit P-123 

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 23

WORKSHEET 7C: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR RIPPEREQUIPPED DOZER USE

Ripping Activity:

Rip Prime Topsoil Replacement Areas to remove compaction

Characterization of Dozer and Ripper Use:

Dozer with Ripper: D10T-SU MS (3-shanks)

Description of Ripping (ripping depth, cut spacing, cut length, and material to be 

ripped):

BCY: 753,830 Cut Spacing (ft.): 12.75 Cut Length (ft.): 300 tool penetration (ft.): 

2.5

Productivity Calculation:

Cycle Time = ( 300 ft. ÷ 88 ft. /min) + 0.25 min = 3.7 min/pass.

cut length [speed] fixed turn time *

Passes/Hour = 60 min/hr. ÷ 3.7 min/pass x 0.83 = 13.66 passes/hr.

cycle time efficiency

factor

Volume Cut/Pass = ( 2.5 ft. x 12.75 ft. x 300 ft. )  27 cu ft./cu yd.

tool penetration cut spacing cut length

= 354 BCY/pass.

Hourly Production = 354 BCY/pass x 13.66 passes/hr. = 4,839.5 BCY/hr. **

Hours Required = 753,830 BCY ÷ 4,839.5 BCY/hr. = 155.8 hrs. **

bank volume hourly

to be ripped production Use: 156 hrs.

* Fixed turn time depends upon dozer used. 0.25 min/turn is normal.

** Remember to use the swell factor to convert from bank cubic yards to loose cubic yards when 

applying these data to Worksheet No. 5. Calculate separate dozer hauling of ripped material for each 

lift on that worksheet.

Data Sources:

Permit P-123

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 24

WORKSHEET 7D: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR RIPPEREQUIPPED DOZER USE

Ripping Activity:

Rip Non-Prime Topsoil Replacement Areas to remove compaction

Characterization of Dozer and Ripper Use:

Dozer with Ripper: D10T-SU MS (3-shanks)

Description of Ripping (ripping depth, cut spacing, cut length, and material to be 

ripped):

BCY: 163,334 Cut Spacing (ft.): 12.75 Cut Length (ft.): 300 tool penetration (ft.): 2.5

Productivity Calculation:

Cycle Time = ( 300 ft. ÷ 88 ft. /min) + 0.25 min = 3.7 min/pass.

cut length [speed] fixed turn time *

Passes/Hour = 60 min/hr. ÷ 3.7 min/pass x 0.83 = 13.66 passes/hr.

cycle time efficiency

factor

Volume Cut/Pass = ( 2.5 ft. x 12.75 ft. x 300 ft. )  27 cu ft./cu yd.

tool penetration cut spacing cut length

= 354 BCY/pass.

Hourly Production = 354 BCY/pass x 13.66 passes/hr. = 4,839.5 BCY/hr. **

Hours Required = 163,334 BCY ÷ 4,839.5 BCY/hr. = 33.4 hrs. **

bank volume hourly

to be ripped production Use: 34 hrs.

* Fixed turn time depends upon dozer used. 0.25 min/turn is normal.

** Remember to use the swell factor to convert from bank cubic yards to loose cubic yards when 

applying these data to Worksheet No. 5. Calculate separate dozer hauling of ripped material for each 

lift on that worksheet.

Data Sources:

Permit P-123

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 25

WORKSHEET 8A: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR LOADER USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Cleanout Pond 002 of AFM

Characterization of Loader Use (type, size, etc.):

Loader Model: Cat 980-K Heaped 7.06 CY, struck 6.54 CY, (avg. = 6.8 CY), dump 

clearance = 10.67 ft.

Description of Loader Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, etc.):

Load sediment/coal fines piled by LGP dozer and dried, load 40-ton ADT trucks.

Quantity:

3,525 CY

Productivity Calculations:

Cycle time = 0 min + 0 min + 0.55 min = 0.55 min.

haul time return time basic cycle time

(loaded) (empty)

Net Bucket Capacity = 6.8 LCY x 0.90 = 6.12 LCY.

heaped bucket bucket fill

capacity factor *

Hourly Production = 6.12 LCY ÷ 0.55 min x 0.83 x 60 min/hr. = 556 LCY/hr.

net bucket cycle time efficiency

capacity factor

Hours Required = 3,525 LCY ÷ 556 LCY/hr. = 6.3 hrs.

volume to be hourly

moved production Use: 7 hrs.

* See loader section of equipment manual.

Data Sources:

Permit P-123

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48.
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 26

WORKSHEET 8B: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR LOADER USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Load mine bench backfill at box cut spoil stockpile;

Characterization of Loader Use (type, size, etc.):

Loader Model: Cat 980-K Heaped 7.06 CY, struck 6.54 CY, (avg. = 6.8 CY), dump 

clearance = 10.67 ft.

Description of Loader Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, etc.):

Load weathered spoil/loess trapped by dozer, load 40-ton ADT trucks.

Quantity:

20,690 CY

Productivity Calculations:

Cycle time = 0 min + 0 min. + 0.55 min. = 0.55 min.

haul time return time basic cycle time

(loaded) (empty)

Net Bucket Capacity = 6.8 LCY x 0.90 = 6.12 LCY.

heaped bucket bucket fill

capacity factor *

Hourly Production = 6.12 LCY ÷ 0.55 min x 0.83 x 60 min/hr. = 556 LCY/hr.

net bucket cycle time efficiency

capacity factor

Hours Required = 20,690 LCY ÷ 556 LCY/hr. = 37.2 hrs.

volume to be hourly

moved production

Use: 38.0 hrs.

* See loader section of equipment manual.

Data Sources:

Permit P-123

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48.
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 27

WORKSHEET 9A: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR TRUCK USE

Earthmoving Activity: Haul dried sediment/coal fines from Pond 002 to final cut

Characterization of Truck Use (type, size, etc.):

Truck Model: 740C ADTStruck = 23.5 CY, Heaped = 30.1 CY, Avg. = 26.8 CY, 

Load height = 9.8 ft.

Description of Truck Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, capacity, etc.):

40-ton ADT trucks. Density (lb./LCY): 2,300; Distance (ft.): 4,700; Grade (%): 5; Rolling

resistance (%): 5% 

Quantity:

3,525 CY Total Resistance (%): 10%

Productivity Calculations:

No. Loader = 26.8 LCY ÷ 6.12 LCY = 4.38 passes.

Passes/Truck truck capacity * loader bucket (round down to nearest whole number;

net capacity reduces net truck capacity and weight 

accordingly, in calculations below)

Loading Time/Truck = 0.55 min. x 4.0 = 2.20 min.

loader cycle time no. loader passes/truck

(from Worksheet 8 or 10)

Truck Cycle Time = 2.7 min. + 1.59 min. + 2.20 min. + 1.8 min = 8.26 min.

haul time return time loading dump and

time maneuver time

No. Trucks Required = 8.26___ min. ÷ 2.20 min. = 3.75 trucks.

truck cycle time total loading time

Production Rate = 24.48 LCY x 4 ÷ 8.26 min. = 11.9 LCY/min.

 net truck capacity ** no. trucks truck cycle time

Hourly Production = 11.9 LCY/min x 60 min/hr. x 0.83 = 592.7 LCY/hr.

production rate efficiency factor

Hours Required = 3,525 LCY ÷ 592.7 LCY/hr. = 6.0 hr.

volume to be moved hourly production

Use whichever is higher from Worksheets 8 & 9 = 7.0 hrs.

* Use the average of the heaped and struck capacities.

** Net truck capacity = loader bucket net capacity x no. loader passes/truck.

Data Sources:

Permit P-123

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48.
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 28

WORKSHEET 9B: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR TRUCK USE

Earthmoving Activity: Haul dried sediment/coal fines from Pond 002 to final cut

Characterization of Truck Use (type, size, etc.):

Truck Model: 740C ADTStruck = 23.5 CY, Heaped = 30.1 CY, Avg. = 26.8 CY, 

Load height = 9.8 ft.

Description of Truck Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, capacity, etc.):

40-ton ADT trucks. Density (lb./LCY): 2,300; Distance (ft.): 4,700; Grade (%): 5; Rolling 

resistance (%): 5% 

Quantity:

20,690 CY Total Resistance (%): 10%

Productivity Calculations:

No. Loader = 26.8 LCY ÷ 6.12 LCY = 4.38 passes.

Passes/Truck truck capacity * loader bucket (round down to nearest whole 

net capacity number; reduces net truck 

number; capacity and weight 

 accordingly, in calculations below)

Loading Time/Truck = 0.55 min. x 4.0 = 2.20 min.

loader cycle time no. loader passes/truck

(from Worksheet 8 or 10)

Truck Cycle Time = 2.7 min. + 1.59 min. + 2.20 min. + 1.8 min = 8.26 min.

haul time return time loading dump and

time maneuver time

No. Trucks Required = 8.26 min. ÷ 2.20 min. = 3.75 trucks.

truck cycle time total loading time

Production Rate = 24.48 LCY x 4 ÷ 8.26 min. = 11.9 LCY/min.

 net truck capacity ** no. trucks truck cycle time

Hourly Production = 11.9 LCY/min x 60 min/hr. x 0.83 = 592.7 LCY/hr.

production rate efficiency factor

Hours Required = 20,690 LCY ÷ 592.7 LCY/hr. = 35.0 hr.

volume to be moved hourly production

Use whichever is higher from Worksheets 8 & 9 = 85.0 hrs.

* Use the average of the heaped and struck capacities.

** Net truck capacity = loader bucket net capacity x no. loader passes/truck.

Data Sources:

Permit P-123

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48.
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 29

WORKSHEET 11B-1: PRODUCTIVITY OF DOZER PUSH-LOADED SCRAPER USE

Earthmoving Activity: LHD road base material (pre-ripped)

Characterization of Scraper Used (type, capacity, etc.).

List Pusher Tractor(s) Used:

Scraper Model: 637K NPP (Non-Push-Pull) with one D10T-S

D10T Push Tractor with Cushion Blade

Description of Scraper Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, capacity, 

etc.):

Haul Distance = 2900 LF; 5% Roll Resistance; Rock (ripped); 41 CY struck, 50 CY heaped, 

avg. = 45.5 CY; 33.5 MPH = max. speed.

Haul = 20 MPH X 88 FPM/MPH = 1,760 FPM 2,900 LF/1,760 FPM = 1.65 minutes.

Return = 33.5 MPH X 88 FPM/MPH = 2,948 FPM 2,900 LF/2,948 FPM = 0.98 mins.

Describe Push Tractor Loading Method (see figure on next page):

Volume Hauled = 30,720 LCY Back-Track Loading Method: push factor = 1.5

Scraper Productivity Calculations:

Cycle Time = 0.5 min. + 1.65 min. + 0.60 min. + 0.98 min. = 3.73 min.

load time loaded maneuver and return trip

(push-pull trip time spread time time

is per pair)

Hourly Production = 45.5 LCY x 60 min./hr. ÷ 3.73 min. X 0.83 = 609.7 LCY/hr. 

capacity * cycle efficiency 

time factor

Hours Required = 30,700 LCY ÷ 609.7 LCY/hr. = 50.38 hrs.

volume to be hourly production 

handled Use 13 hrs. for a fleet of 4

Push Tractor Productivity Calculations:

Pusher Cycle Time = 0.5 min x 1.5 = 0.75 min.

scraper load time pusher factor

Scrapers/Pusher = 3.73 min. ÷ 0.75 min. = 4.98 scrapers.

scraper cycle time pusher cycle time

Pusher Hours Required = 50.38 hrs. ÷ 4 = 13 hrs.

scraper hours scrapers per pusher

 (round up)

* Use the average of the heaped and struck capacities.
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 30

WORKSHEET 11B1— (CONTINUED) PRODUCTIVITY OF DOZER PUSH-LOADED 

SCRAPER USE

Back-track loading with a single push tractor used for all scraper production tasks 

(Worksheets 11B-1 though 11B-5)

Data Sources:

Permit 

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48.
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 31

WORKSHEET 11B-2: PRODUCTIVITY OF DOZER PUSH-LOADED SCRAPER USE

Earthmoving Activity: 

LHD facility area and coal stockpile AFM (pre-ripped)

Characterization of Scraper Used (type, capacity, etc.):

List Pusher Tractor(s) Used:

Scraper Model: 637K NPP (Non-Push-Pull) with one D10T-S

D10T Push Tractor with Cushion Blade

Description of Scraper Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, capacity, 

etc.):

Haul Distance = 4,700 LF; 5% Roll Resistance; Rock (ripped); 41 CY struck, 50 CY heaped, 

avg. = 45.5 CY; 33.5 MPH = max. speed.

Haul = 20 MPH X 88 FPM/MPH = 1,760 FPM 4,700 LF/1,760 FPM = 2.67 minutes.

Return = 30 MPH X 88 FPM/MPH = 2,640 FPM 4,700 LF/2,640 FPM = 1.78 minutes.

Describe Push Tractor Loading Method (see figure on next page):

Volume Hauled = 46,464 LCY Back-Track Loading Method: push factor = 1.5

Scraper Productivity Calculations:

Cycle Time = 0.5 min. + 2.67 min. + 0.60 min. + 1.78 min. = 5.55 min.

 load time loaded maneuver and return trip

(push-pull trip time spread time time

is per pair)

Hourly Production = 45.5 LCY x 60 min./hr. ÷ 5.55 min. X 0.83 = 409.9 LCY/hr. 

 capacity * cycle efficiency 

time factor

Hours Required = 46,464 LCY ÷ 409.9 LCY/hr. = 113.37 hrs.

volume to be handled hourly production Use 19 hrs. for a fleet of 6

Push Tractor Productivity Calculations:

Pusher Cycle Time = 0.5 min x 1.5 = 0.75 min.

scraper load time pusher factor

Scrapers/Pusher = 5.55 min. ÷ 0.75 min. = 7.40 scrapers.

scraper cycle time pusher cycle time

Pusher Hours Required = 113.37 hrs. ÷ 6 = 19 hrs.

scraper hours scrapers (round up)

 per pusher

* Use the average of the heaped and struck capacities.
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 32

WORKSHEET 11B-3: PRODUCTIVITY OF DOZER PUSH-LOADED SCRAPER USE

Earthmoving Activity: 

LHD soils (prime) from stockpiles to mining disturbance areas.

Characterization of Scraper Used (type, capacity, etc.):

List Pusher Tractor(s) Used:

Scraper Model: 637K NPP (Non-Push-Pull) with one D10T-S

D10T Push Tractor with Cushion Blade

Description of Scraper Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, capacity, 

etc.):

Haul Distance = 1,400 LF; 5% Roll Resistance; Rock (ripped); 41 CY struck, 50 CY heaped, 

avg. = 45.5 CY; 33.5 MPH = max. speed.

Haul = 20 MPH X 88 FPM/MPH = 1,760 FPM 1400 LF/1,760 FPM = 0.80 minutes.

Return = 30 MPH X 88 FPM/MPH = 2,640 FPM 1400 LF/2,640FPM = 0.53 minutes.

Describe Push Tractor Loading Method (see figure on next page):

Volume Hauled = 1,346,095 LCY Back-Track Loading Method: push factor = 1.5

Scraper Productivity Calculations:

Cycle Time = 0.5 min. + 0.80 min. + 0.60 min. + 0.53 min. = 2.43 min.

 load time loaded maneuver and return trip

 (push-pull trip time spread time time

 is per pair)

Hourly Production = 45.5 LCY x 60 min. /hr. ÷ 2.43 min. X 0.83 = 937.9 LCY/hr. 

 capacity * cycle efficiency 

time factor

Hours Required = 1,447,354 LCY ÷ 937.9 LCY/hr. = 1,543.3 hrs.

volume to be handled hourly production Use 257 hrs. for a fleet of 6

Push Tractor Productivity Calculations:

Pusher Cycle Time = 0.5 min x 1.5 = 0.75 min.

 scraper load time pusher factor

 

Scrapers/Pusher = 2.43 min. ÷ 0.75 min. = 3.23 scrapers.

scraper cycle time pusher cycle time

Pusher Hours Required = 1,435.3 hrs. ÷ 3 = 515 hrs.

 scraper hours scrapers (round up)

per pusher

 Use 2 tractors for 257 hrs. each to match mobilized fleet of 6 scrapers.

* Use the average of the heaped and struck capacities.
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 33

WORKSHEET 11B-4: PRODUCTIVITY OF DOZER PUSH-LOADED SCRAPER USE

Earthmoving Activity: 

LHD soils (non-prime) from stockpiles to facility area and former coal stockpile area.

Characterization of Scraper Used (type, capacity, etc.):

List Pusher Tractor(s) Used:

Scraper Model: 637K NPP (Non-Push-Pull) with one D10T-S

D10T Push Tractor with Cushion Blade

Description of Scraper Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, capacity, 

etc.):

Haul Distance = 1,400 LF; 5% Roll Resistance; Rock (ripped); 41 CY struck, 50 CY 

heaped, avg. = 45.5 CY; 33.5 MPH = max. speed.

Haul = 20 MPH X 88 FPM/MPH = 1,760 FPM 1,400 LF/1,760 FPM = 0.34 minutes.

Return = 30 MPH X 88 FPM/MPH = 2,640 FPM 1,400 LF/1,760 FPM = 0.23 minutes.

Describe Push Tractor Loading Method (see figure on next page):

Volume Hauled = 65,334 LCY Back-Track Loading Method: push factor = 1.5

Scraper Productivity Calculations:

Cycle Time = 0.5 min. + 0.34 min. + 0.60 min. + 0.23 min. = 1.67 min.

load time loaded maneuver and return trip

(push-pull trip time spread time time

is per pair)

Hourly Production = 45.5 LCY x 60 min./hr. ÷ 1.67 min. X 0.83 = 1,363.8 LCY/hr. 

 capacity * cycle efficiency 

 time factor

Hours Required = 65,334 LCY ÷ 1,363.8 LCY/hr. = 47.91 hrs.

volume to be handled hourly production Use 24 hrs. for a fleet of 2

Push Tractor Productivity Calculations:

Pusher Cycle Time = 0.5 min x 1.50 = 0.75 min.

 scraper load time pusher factor

Scrapers/Pusher = 3.73 min. ÷ 0.75 min. = 2.22 scrapers.

scraper cycle time pusher cycle time

Pusher Hours Required = 47.91 hrs. ÷ 2 = 24 hrs.

scraper hours scrapers (round up)

per pusher

Use 1 to match mobilized fleet size

* Use the average of the heaped and struck capacities.
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 34

WORKSHEET 11B-5: PRODUCTIVITY OF DOZER PUSH-LOADED SCRAPER USE

Earthmoving Activity: 

LHD spoil and earth from the stream reconstruction channel area to the final cut area.

Characterization of Scraper Used (type, capacity, etc.):

List Pusher Tractor(s) Used:

Scraper Model: 637K NPP (Non-Push-Pull) with one D10T-S

D10T Push Tractor with Cushion Blade

Description of Scraper Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, capacity, 

etc.):

Haul Distance = 1,400 LF; 5% Roll Resistance; Rock (ripped); 41 CY struck, 50 CY 

heaped, avg. = 45.5 CY; 33.5 MPH = max. speed.

Haul = 20 MPH X 88 FPM/MPH = 1,760 FPM 1,800 LF/1,760 FPM = 1.02 minutes.

Return = 30 MPH X 88 FPM/MPH = 2,640 FPM 1,800 LF/2640 FPM = 0.68 minutes.

Describe Push Tractor Loading Method (see figure on next page):

Volume Hauled = 168,786 LCY Back-Track Loading Method: push factor = 1.5

Scraper Productivity Calculations:

Cycle Time = 0.5 min. + 1.65 min. + 0.60 min. + 0.98 min. = 2.80 min.

 load time loaded maneuver and return trip

 (push-pull trip time spread time time

 is per pair)

Hourly Production = 45.5 LCY x 60 min./hr. ÷ 2.80 min. X 0.83 = 811.2 LCY/hr. 

 capacity * cycle efficiency 

 time factor

Hours Required = 168,786 LCY ÷ 811.2 LCY/hr. = 208.1 hrs.

volume to be handled hourly production Use 70 hrs. for a fleet of 3

Push Tractor Productivity Calculations:

Pusher Cycle Time = 0.5 min x 1.5 = 0.75 min.

 scraper load time pusher factor

Scrapers/Pusher = 2.80 min. ÷ 0.75 min. = 3.74 scrapers.

scraper cycle time pusher cycle time

Pusher Hours Required = 208.1 hrs. ÷ 3 = 70 hrs.

scraper hours scrapers (round up)

 per pusher

* Use the average of the heaped and struck capacities.
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 35

WORKSHEET 12: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR MOTOR GRADER

USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Road maintenance and scarification of reclamation area

Characterization of Grader Used (type, size capacity, etc.):

Grader Model: 14M3 with scarifier Max. 3rd gear speed = 5.3MPH Scarifier 

width/pass = 9.7 ft.

Description of Grader Route (push distance, grade, effective blade width, 

operating speed, etc.):

Scarification along topographic contour (0% grade).

Productivity Calculations: Road Grading

Grading

Hourly Production = 5.3 mi. /hr. x ft. x 5,280 ft./mi. x 1 ac/43,560 sq. ft.

average speed effective blade width

 x 0.83 = N/A ac/hr.

efficiency factor

Hours Required = acres ÷ ac./hr. = 428 hrs.

area to be graded hourly production

(match to scraper fleet)

Scarification

Hourly Production = 5.3 mi./hr. x 9.70 ft. x 5,280 ft./mi. x 1 ac/43,560 sq. ft.

average speed scarifier width

 x 0.83 = 5.19 ac./hr.

efficiency factor

Hours Required = 237.5 acres ÷ 5.19 ac./hr. = 45.74 hrs.

area to be hourly

scarified production

Total Hours Required

Total Hours = 427.66 + 45.74 = 474.0 hrs.

grading hours required scarification hours required

Data Sources:

Permit ID

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 36

WORKSHEET 13: SUMMARY CALCULATION OF EARTHMOVING COSTS

Data Sources:

Cost Reference Guide for Construction Equipment, 2019 edition.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_3710.htm.
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 37

WORKSHEET 14: REVEGETATION COSTS

Name and Description of Area To Be Revegetated:

Revegetate all disturbed areas to pasture except for a band of woodlands along the 

reconstructed stream channel. Planting of a cover crop only as the RA will not be 

required to meet productivity.

Description of Revegetation Activities:

Revegetate: 239.8 acres with a pasture seed mix; scarification by Cat 14M3 (cost in 

earthwork section).

Reforestation: 52.6 acres 

Cost Calculation for Individual Revegetation Activities:

Initial Seeding 239.8 ac x ( $ 0** /ac + $ 1,127 /ac ) = $ 270,255 .

area to be seeded seedbed preparation seeding, fertilizing

costs & mulching costs

Planting Trees and Shrubs 52.6 ac x ( $ 200/ac*$2.69/ea. /ac + $ 0 /ac ) = $ 28,299 .

area to be planted planting costs herbicide

treatment costs

Reseeding * 239.8 ac x ( $ 0** /ac + $ 225 /ac ) = $ 53,955 .

area anticipated to seedbed preparation seeding, fertilizing

need reseeding costs & mulching costs

Replanting Trees and Shrubs * 52.6 ac x ( $ 269 /ac + $ 0 /ac ) = $ 14,149 .

area anticipated to planting costs herbicide

need replanting treatment costs

Other Necessary Revegetation Activities

(Examples of other activities that may be necessary include soil sampling, irrigation, and rill and gully 

repair. Describe each activity and provide a cost estimate with documentation. Use additional worksheets 

if necessary.)

TOTAL REVEGETATION COST = $ 366,658.

* Generally, the proportion of the area initially seeded and planted that is anticipated needing reseeding 

or replanting is determined based on historic failure rates for similar sites and conditions. The same 

principle applies to determining the extent of seedbed preparation and soil amendments that may be 

needed as part of any reseeding or replanting effort. If anticipated failure rates vary within the area 

proposed for disturbance, use a separate worksheet for the area subject to each failure rate.
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 38

WORKSHEET 14 (Continued): REVEGETATION COSTS 

Assumptions:

$1,127.00 per acre includes seed mix, 2T/ac. mulch, 3T/ac. lime, 50 lb./ac. nitrogen, 

100 lb./ac. phosphorous, and 100 lb./ac. potassium. Second seeding at $225 per acre 

based on a 20% failure rate. Assume 50% failure for tree replanting ($538/ac. x 0.5 = 

$269/ac.).

Data Sources: Permit P-123

Per acre cost obtained from consultation with AML programs in coal mining states.
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 39

WORKSHEET 15: OTHER RECLAMATION ACTIVITY COSTS

(Includes subsidence damage repair costs, water supply replacement costs, and funds 

required to support long-term treatment of unanticipated acid or ferruginous mine 

drainage.)

Description of Reclamation, Repair or Pollution Abatement Activity:

Plug 3 monitoring wells @ 75 ft. avg. depth = 225 LF X $20.00/LF = $4,500.

Assumptions:

Volume of water to be treated and pumped = nil

Cost Estimate Calculations:

TOTAL COSTS = $ 4,500.00 .

Other Documentation or Notes:

(Include additional sheets, maps, calculations, etc., as necessary to document estimate.)

Data Sources:

Permit P-123

Cost obtained from consultation with AML programs in surrounding states.
Appendix B4 – Haul Back (Area) – 40

WORKSHEET 16: RECLAMATION BOND SUMMARY SHEET

1. Total Facility and Structure Removal Costs $ 5,000 

2. Total Earthmoving Costs $1,265,086

3.Total Revegetation Costs $366,698 

4. Total Other Reclamation Activities Costs $4,500

5. Subtotal: Total Direct Costs (sum of Items 1 through 4) $1,641,284

6. Inflated Direct Cost = 

 Item 5 X 0% = $1,641,284

(Total Direct Costs) (Inflation Factor*) (Ch. 2 Step 3)

7. Mobilization and Demobilization (at 5 % of Item 6) $82,641

(Ch. 2 Step 4)

8. Contingencies Allowance (at 3 % of Item 6) $49,239

(Ch. 2 Step 4) 

9. Engineering Redesign Cost (at 5 % of Item 6) $82,641

(Ch. 2 Step 4)

10. Project Management Fee (at 5 % of Item 6) $82,641

(Ch. 2 Step 4)

11. Contractor Overhead (at 13 % of Item 6) $213,367

(Ch. 2 Step 4)

12. Subtotal: 

Total Indirect Costs $510,529

(sum of Items 7 through 11)

13. Contractor Profit (at 7 % of Item 6) $114,890

(Ch. 2 Step 4)

14. GRAND TOTAL BOND AMOUNT $2,266,703

(sum of Items 6, 12 & 13)

Enter Current Construction Cost Index (Ch. 2 Step 5) 1.0 .
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 1

BOND AMOUNT COMPUTATION

Applicant:

MOUNTAIN TOP REMOVAL EXAMPLE

Permit Number: Example No. 4 Permitted Acreage: 175

Bonding Scheme (permit area, incremental, cumulative): Permit Area

If Incremental:

Increment Number:

Increment Acreage:

If Cumulative:

Acres previously authorized for disturbance:

New acres proposed for disturbance:

Type of Operation: Mountain Top Removal

Location: USA

Prepared by: S. S. Bond

Date: 5/14/2020

Total Bond Amount: $1,444,550
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 2

WORKSHEET 1: DESCRIPTION OF THE WORST-CASE RECLAMATION 

SCENARIO

This is a 175-acre mountain-top-removal site from which six seams of coal will be 

removed (see Figures B-6 through B-9 at end of worksheets). The spoil will be stored 

both in temporary and permanent storage. Spoil material is composed of 90% 

sandstone and 10% shale. The permanent storage will be in two durable rock valley fills 

neither of which encroaches on streams. The temporary spoil storage will be adjacent to 

the working face of the highwall. The spoil above the 2,975 ft elevation will be stored in 

the valley fills while the spoil below elevation 2,975 ft will be temporarily stored, as 

shown on attached drawings, and graded over the disturbed mine area for positive 

drainage.

The worst-case reclamation scenario occurs when the mining of the lower seams (A & 

B) just begins. At this point, approximately 1,400 ft of highwall is exposed above the B 

through E seams. It is assumed that all work activities on both hollow fills are current 

except for spreading topsoil and revegetation. Hollow fills are approximately one-half 

their designed capacity at this point.

The following sections discuss the reclamation plan for the worst-case scenario.

1. Structure Removal

No buildings are planned for the site; however, three 40-ft storage trailers will need 

to be removed.

2. Earthmoving Activities

The first step of the earthmoving activities is backfilling of the open highwall. 

Approximately 1,400 ft of highwall length is exposed at the D-seam level. This 

highwall will be eliminated by blasting a portion of it to an acceptable grade and 

pushing the blast material and the stored spoil to reclaim the highwall. Spoil is 

stored adjacent to the base of the exposed highwall. Prior to topsoil redistribution, 

the spoil storage areas adjacent to the highwall must be graded to final contours.

For the road areas, the main road will be permanent. The access road to the ponds 

will be removed when the ponds are removed.

Ponds are to be removed by grading the pond berms to original drainage contours.

3. Topsoil Replacement and Revegetation

Topsoil will be redistributed by loaders and trucks and will be graded by dozers. It 

is assumed that 140 acres will require topsoil redistribution. This includes the 

mined area and hollow fills. A 6-inch depth amounts to 112,933 cubic yards of 
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 3

topsoil requiring replacement. It is assumed that the topsoil will need to be hauled 

650 feet up a 5% grade to the mined area and 600 ft down a 5% grade to the 

hollow fills. Assume that the trucks will spread 50% of the topsoil in dumping and 

the remaining 50% is spread by dozers.

The areas that require revegetation and topsoil redistribution are listed below.

It is assumed that all areas will be revegetated using the same type of seed mix 

recommended in the mining plan and no tree planting will be conducted.

4. Other Reclamation Activities

a. Ponds will need to be maintained and pumped prior to removal.

b. The haul road is permanent and will need to be maintained until 

reclamation is complete.

c. Drilling and blasting the high wall to an acceptable grade is required.

NOTE: Worksheets 4A, 7, 11A, 11B, 12, 17 and 18 are not applicable to this example.

Data Source(s):

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48

Cost Reference Guide for Construction Equipment, RSMeans

Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_3710.htm

PA DEP Mine Site Reclamation Bond Rates, 2020

ODNR Performance Security Estimate & Unit Costs

OSM Handbook for Calculation of Reclamation Bond Amounts, Revised 2020
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 4

WORKSHEET 2: STRUCTURE DEMOLITION AND DISPOSAL COSTS

Data Sources:

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan

Cost Reference Guide for Construction Equipment, RSMeans
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 5

WORKSHEET 3: MATERIAL HANDLING PLAN SUMMARY

*Record grade resistance here. Calculate total resistance on the appropriate worksheet. Total Resistance = Grade 

Resistance + Rolling Resistance.
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 6

WORKSHEET 4B: EARTHWORK QUANTITY

1. Grade blasted material. Assume 1⁄2 of the material is casted in blasting.

Material Volume = 1⁄2 ((1⁄2 x 58’ x 32.95’ x 1400’) ÷ 27 ft3/yd3) = 24,774 yd3 x 1.60 

swell factor = 39,638 yd3

2. Grade spoil peaks in temporary storage to highwall at lower seams. (See Figure B-8 

at end of worksheets.)

Material Volume = (2 levels x 1⁄2 (35’ x 35’) x 1400’) ÷ 27 ft3/yd3 = 24,774 yd3 = 

63,519 yd3

3. Grade temporary spoil pile left after highwall backfilled.

Material Volume = (1’ (Depth) x 358’ (Area) x 1400’) ÷ 27 ft3/yd3) = 18,563 yd3

4. Load and haul topsoil.

Material Volume (Hollow Fills A & B) = (73.4 ac x 43,560 ft2/acre x 0.5 ft) ÷ 27 ft3/yd3

= 59,209 yd3

Material Volume (Mining, Basins, Ponds, etc.) = (66 ac x 43,560 ft2/acre x 0.5 ft) ÷ 

27 ft3/yd3 = 53,724 yd3

5. Spread topsoil. Assume 1⁄2 of topsoil is spread by trucks; 1⁄2 by dozers.

Material Volume = 112,933 yd3 ÷ 27 = 56,467 yd3

6. Pond removal. Remove ponds by grading to original contours.

Estimate Volume as a 2 ft depth over pond area.

Material Volume = (155,250 ft2 x 2’) ÷ 27 ft3/yd3 = 11,500 yd3

7. Pond access road removal. 

Material Volume = ((3,800’ x 10’ x 1’) ÷ 27 ft3/yd3) = 1,407 yd3

Data Source(s): Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 7

WORKSHEET 5A: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

Earthmoving Activity: 

Grade spoil, 1/2 blasted rock, into open pit.

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

D9 dozer with Semi-U or SU Blade = 1300 cy/hr

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

The dozer is used to push 1/2 of blasted rock into the open pit. The material will be 

pushed 140 feet down -30% effective grade

Volume (LCY): 39,638 Density (lb/LCY): 2550 Distance (ft):

140 Grade (%): -30

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = 0.75 x 0.70_ x 0.83 x 1.6 x 0.90 x

Operator Material Efficiency Grade Weight 

Factor Factor Factor Factor Correction Factor

 1.0 x 1.0 x 1.0 = 0.63 .

Production Method/ Visibility Elevation 

Blade Factor Factor Factor

Net Hourly Production = 825 LCY/hr. x 0.63 = 521 LCY/hr.

Normal Hourly Operating Adjustment

Production Factor

Hours Required = 39.638 LCY ÷ 521 LCY/hr. = 76.1 ** hrs.

volume to be net hourly

moved production use 77 hrs.

* Weight Factor = 2,300 lb/yd3 ÷ 2,550 lb/yd3 = 0.90

** Normal dozing with straight and U-blades use 1.00

Data Sources:

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 8

WORKSHEET 5B: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

Earthmoving Activity: 

Grade spoil from temporary storage to open pit

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

D9 dozer with Semi-U or SU Blade

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

The dozer is used to push spoil 100 feet up a +30% effective grade

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = 0.75 x 0.70_ x 0.83 x .30 x 0.90 x

Operator Material Efficiency Grade Weight 

Factor Factor Factor Factor Correction Factor

 1.0 x 1.0 x 1.0 = 0.12 .

Production Method/ Visibility Elevation 

Blade Factor Factor Factor

Net Hourly Production = 1100 LCY/hr. x 0.12 = 129 LCY/hr.

Normal Hourly Operating Adjustment

Production Factor

Hours Required = 63.519 LCY ÷ 129 LCY/hr. = 490.8 ** hrs.

volume to be net hourly

moved production use 491 hrs.

* Weight Factor = 2,300 lb/yd3 ÷ 2,550 lb/yd3 = 0.90

** Normal dozing with straight and U-blades use 1.00

Data Sources:

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 9

WORKSHEET 5C: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

* Weight Factor = 2,300 lb/yd3 ÷ 2,550 lb/yd3 = 0.90

** Normal dozing with straight and U-blades use 1.00

Data Sources:

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 10

WORKSHEET 5D: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

* Weight Factor = 2,300 lb/yd3 ÷ 2,550 lb/yd3 = 0.90

** Normal dozing with straight and U-blades use 1.00

Data Sources:

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 11

WORKSHEET 5E: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

* Weight Factor = 2,300 lb/yd3 ÷ 2,550 lb/yd3 = 0.90

** Normal dozing with straight and U-blades use 1.00

Data Sources:

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 12

WORKSHEET 5F: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

* Weight Factor = 2,300 lb/yd3 ÷ 2,550 lb/yd3 = 0.90

** Normal dozing with straight and U-blades use 1.00

Data Sources:

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 13

WORKSHEET 6A: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE -

GRADING

* Weight Factor = 2,300 lb/yd3 ÷ 2,550 lb/yd3 = 0.90

** Normal dozing with straight and U-blades use 1.00

Data Sources:

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 14

WORKSHEET 8A: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR LOADER USE

* See loader section of equipment manual.

Data Sources:

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 15

WORKSHEET 8B: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR LOADER USE

* See loader section of equipment manual.

Data Sources:

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 16

WORKSHEET 9A: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR TRUCK USE

Data Sources:

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 17

WORKSHEET 9B: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR TRUCK USE

Data Sources:

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 18

WORKSHEET 13: SUMMARY CALCULATION OF EARTHMOVING COSTS

* Be sure to include all necessary attachments and accessories for each item of equipment. 

Also, add support equipment such as water wagons and graders to match total project time as 

appropriate.

** Account for multiple units in truck and/or scraper teams

*** Calculate the total cost for each item of equipment by adding the second and third columns 

(the ownership and operation and labor costs) and then multiplying that number by the fourth 

column (the total hours required).

Data Sources:

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48

Cost Reference Guide for Construction Equipment, RSMeans

Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_3710.htm

OSM Handbook for Calculation of Reclamation Bond Amounts, Revised 2020
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 19

WORKSHEET 14: REVEGETATION COSTS

Assumptions:

Assume 25% failure for second seeding.

Data Sources:

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan

PA DEP Mine Site Reclamation Bond Rates, 2020
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 20

WORKSHEET 15A: OTHER RECLAMATION ACTIVITY COSTS

POND MAINTENANCE DURING RECLAMATION

(Includes subsidence damage repair costs, water supply replacement costs, and funds 

required to support long-term treatment of unanticipated acid or ferruginous mine 

drainage.)

Other Documentation or Notes:

(Include additional sheets, maps, calculations, etc., as necessary to document 

estimate.)

Data Sources:

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan

PA DEP Mine Site Reclamation Bond Rates, 2020
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 21

WORKSHEET 15B: OTHER RECLAMATION ACTIVITY COSTS

HAUL ROAD MAINTENANCE DURING RECLAMATION

(Includes subsidence damage repair costs, water supply replacement costs, and funds 

required to support long-term treatment of unanticipated acid or ferruginous mine 

drainage.)

Other Documentation or Notes:

(Include additional sheets, maps, calculations, etc., as necessary to document 

estimate.)

Data Sources:

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan

PA DEP Mine Site Reclamation Bond Rates, 2020
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 22

WORKSHEET 15C: OTHER RECLAMATION ACTIVITY COSTS

BLASTING COSTS FOR HIGHWALL REMOVAL

(Includes subsidence damage repair costs, water supply replacement costs, and funds 

required to support long-term treatment of unanticipated acid or ferruginous mine 

drainage.)

Other Documentation or Notes:

Use of the OSMRE AR BLAST WEBSITE Worksheet “Blast Design Rules of Thumb” to 

determine blast design using a typical blast hole drill of 3.5” : 

https://www.osmre.gov/resources/blasting/arblast.shtm

Data Sources:

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan

OSM Blast Design Rules of Thumb

Blasting contractor cost discussions.
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 23

WORKSHEET 15D: OTHER RECLAMATION ACTIVITY COSTS

105 ft/row × 156 rows = 16,380 lin ft drilling 

936 holes – requiring detonators to boosters = 936

Data Sources:

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan

OSM Blast Design Rules of Thumb

Blasting contractor cost discussions.
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 24

WORKSHEET 15E: OTHER RECLAMATION ACTIVITY COSTS TOTAL

(Includes subsidence damage repair costs, water supply replacement costs, and funds 

required to support long-term treatment of unanticipated acid or ferruginous mine 

drainage.)

Other Documentation or Notes:

(Include additional sheets, maps, calculations, etc., as necessary to document 

estimate.)

Data Sources: 

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan 

OSM Blast Design Rules of Thumb

Blasting contractor cost discussions.
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 25

WORKSHEET 16: RECLAMATION BOND SUMMARY SHEET

Data Source(s):

Mountain Top Removal Example Mine Plan

Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48

Cost Reference Guide for Construction Equipment, RSMeans

Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_3710.htm

PA DEP Mine Site Reclamation Bond Rates, 2020

ODNR Performance Security Estimate & Unit Costs

OSM Handbook for Calculation of Reclamation Bond Amounts, Revised 2020
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 26
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 27
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 28
Appendix B5 – Mountain Top Removal – 29
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 1

BOND AMOUNT COMPUTATION

Applicant: 

PROCESSING PLANT EXAMPLE

Permit Number: Example No.5 Permitted Acreage: 31.0

Bonding Scheme (permit area, incremental, cumulative): permit area

If Incremental:

Increment Number:

Increment Acreage:

If Cumulative:

Acres previously authorized for disturbance:

New acres proposed for disturbance:

TypeofOperation: Coal Processing with Reclamation

Location: U.S.A. - West Virginia

Prepared by: P.T. Bond 

Date: 02/02/2020

Total Bond Amount: $ 396,320.00
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 2

WORKSHEET 1 : DESCRIPTION OF THE WORST-CASE RECLAMATION 

SCENARIO

The coal-processing operation consists of a processing plant, a rail loading facility, and 

a refuse disposal area. The processing/loading site covers a disturbed area of 

approximately 9 acres. The refuse disposal site covers approximately 22 acres. (Figures 

B-1 0 through B-13 pertain to this example and can be found at the end of the 

worksheets.)

The processing/loading operation consists of a raw coal stockpile, an underground 

conveyor to the plant, the processing plant, conveyors from the plant to the refuse 

stockpile and the clean coal silo/stockpile, a scale house/office, scale, and shop 

building. Surface drainage control structures include diversion ditches, two storage 

basins that supply water to the plant, and sedimentation pond No. 001. The railroad ties 

and rail were previously removed.

Reclamation of the area includes removal of all structures from the processing/loading 

site. Waste coal and contaminated soil will be excavated and transported to the refuse 

disposal area. The surface of the site will be ripped to loosen and mix the compacted 

soil prior to seed-bed preparation. The site will be returned to its approximate original 

contour and vegetated with herbaceous species, achieving a condition capable of 

supporting an industrial post-mining land use.

Refuse from the processing operation will be transported to the refuse disposal area via 

a public road, approximately 1.4 miles away. The refuse disposal site is an abandoned 

surface coal mine from which the spoil will be salvaged, segregated and stored along 

the perimeter for use as a topsoil substitute to cover the refuse. Refuse will be 

compacted in lifts, then topsoil substitute will be graded to cover the completed lifts with 

4 feet of material. Sedimentation pond No. 002 provides surface drainage control for the 

refuse disposal site.

The refuse disposal area will be covered with the topsoil substitute and vegetated with 

species that will stabilize the site and provide wildlife enhancement, achieving an 

undeveloped post-mining land use.

When it has been determined that vegetation has been successfully established and the 

surface drainage control structures are no longer required, the storage basins and 

sedimentation pond No. 001 will be backfilled and eliminated, and the sites vegetated.

Sedimentation pond No. 002 will be removed to create a rock-lined channel on that site. 

The adjacent terrain will be vegetated.

Source(s): Permit Application
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 3

WORKSHEET 1 (continued)

DESCRIPTION OF THE WORST-CASE RECLAMATION SCENARIO

NOTE: Worksheets 4A or B, 10, 11A or B, 12, 17 and 18 are not applicable to this example.

Data Source(s): Permit Application
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 4

WORKSHEET 2: STRUCTURE DEMOLITION AND DISPOSAL COSTS

Structures to be demolished:

Other items to be demolished (paved roads, conveyors, etc.):

Conveyor Systems: Structural steel supports for elevated units; underground units 

enclosed in metal pipes; total length of conveyor system is 790 linear feet.

790 LF x 16 / 1 LF = $12,640 Subtotal = $_12,640.00__

Debris Handling and Disposal Costs:

Lump-sum cost to move rubble and gravel into the underground conveyor excavations 

and removal/disposal of culvert with dozer. 

Lump sum = $9,000 Subtotal = $ 9,000.00 

Haul Steel and concrete building waste disposal, by truck to local landfill (5 miles)

7,995 cy X $14.70/cy Subtotal =$ 117,527.00__

TOTAL DEMOLITION AND DISPOSAL = $____205,017.00

Data Source(s): Means Heavy Construction Cost Data, 2019; AML data 
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 5

WORKSHEET 3: MATERIAL HANDLING PLAN SUMMARY
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 6

WORKSHEET 5A: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Excavate 6-inch layer of coal waste and contaminated soil from the 1.4 acres stockpile 

area. Swollen volume of material is 1,300 LCY.

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

D7E with SU-Blade dozer and 3-shank ripper

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

Dozer will excavate and pile material for loading. The average push distance is 50 feet 

and the effective grade is 0 percent. The material weight is 1,600 lb/LCY.

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = 0.75 x 0.80_ x 0.83 x 1.0 x 0.74* x

Operator Material Efficiency Grade Weight 

Factor Factor Factor Factor Correction Factor

 1.0** x 1.0 x 1.0 = 0.37 .

Production Method/ Visibility Elevation 

Blade Factor Factor Factor

Net Hourly Production = 700 LCY/hr. x 0.37 = 259 LCY/hr.

Normal Hourly Operating Adjustment

Production Factor

Hours Required = 1,300 LCY ÷ 259 LCY/hr. = 5 hrs.

volume to be net hourly

moved production

*Weight Factor = 1,600 lb/LCY = 0.74

 2,150 lb/BCY

** Normal dozing with SU blade use 1.00

Data Source(s): Permit application, Caterpillar Performance Handbook Ed. 46
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 7

WORKSHEET 5B: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Grade waste/soil at refuse site to blend with contour of fill. Swollen volume of material is 

1,300 LCY.

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

D7E with SU-Blade dozer and 3-shank ripper

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

Dozer will excavate and pile material for loading. The average push distance is 50 feet 

and the effective grade is 0 percent. The material weight is 1,600 lb/LCY.

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = 0.75 x 1.2 x 0.83 x 1.0 x 0.74* x

Operator Material Efficiency Grade Weight 

Factor Factor Factor Factor Correction Factor

 1.0** x 1.0 x 1.0 = 0.55 .

Production Method/ Visibility Elevation 

Blade Factor Factor Factor

Net Hourly Production = 925 LCY/hr. x 0.55 = 509 LCY/hr.

Normal Hourly Operating Adjustment

Production Factor

Hours Required = 1,300 LCY ÷ 509 LCY/hr. = 3 hrs.

volume to be net hourly

moved production

*Weight Factor = 1,600 lb/LCY = 0.74

 2,150 lb/BCY

** Normal dozing with SU blade use 1.00

Data Source(s): Permit application, Caterpillar Performance Handbook Ed. 46
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 8

WORKSHEET 5C: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Grade topsoil substitute material to distribute over refuse and achieve final contour. 

Swollen volume of material is 6,400 LCY.

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

D7E with SU-Blade dozer and 3-shank ripper

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

Dozer will grade material to achieve 4-foot depth over 0.86-acre surface of refuse fill. The 

average push distance is 150 feet and the effective grade is 0 percent. The material 

weight is 1,600 lb/LCY.

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = 0.75 x 1.2 x 0.83 x 1.0 x 0.74* x

Operator Material Efficiency Grade Weight 

Factor Factor Factor Factor Correction Factor

 1.0** x 1.0 x 1.0 = 0.55 .

Production Method/ Visibility Elevation 

Blade Factor Factor Factor

Net Hourly Production = 400 LCY/hr. x 0.55 = 220 LCY/hr.

Normal Hourly Operating Adjustment

Production Factor

Hours Required = 6,400 LCY ÷ 220 LCY/hr. = 29 hrs.

volume to be net hourly

moved production

*Weight Factor = 1,600 lb/LCY = 0.74

 2,150 lb/BCY

** Normal dozing with SU blade use 1.00

Data Source(s): Permit application, Caterpillar Performance Handbook Ed. 46
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 9

WORKSHEET 5D: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE

Earthmoving Activity:

Grade embankment material to backfill storage basins and pond no. 001. Swollen volume 

of material is 6,500 LCY.

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

D7E with SU-Blade dozer and 3-shank ripper

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

Dozer will embankment to fill excavations. The average push distance is 100 feet and the 

effective grade is 0 percent. The material weight is 1,600 lb/LCY.

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = 0.75 x 1.0 x 0.83 x 1.0 x 0.74* x

Operator Material Efficiency Grade Weight 

Factor Factor Factor Factor Correction Factor

 1.0** x 1.0 x 1.0 = 0.46 .

Production Method/ Visibility Elevation 

Blade Factor Factor Factor

Net Hourly Production = 580 LCY/hr. x 0.46 = 267 LCY/hr.

Normal Hourly Operating Adjustment

Production Factor

Hours Required = 6,500 LCY ÷ 267 LCY/hr. = 24 hrs.

volume to be net hourly

moved production

*Weight Factor = 1,600 lb/LCY = 0.74

 2,150 lb/BCY

** Normal dozing with SU blade use 1.00

Data Source(s): Permit application, Caterpillar Performance Handbook Ed. 46
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 10

WORKSHEET 6: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR DOZER USE -

GRADING

Earthmoving Activity:

Final Grading

Characterization of Dozer Used (type, size, etc.):

D6R with 13’8” blade.

Description of Dozer Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, material, etc.):

Grading along contour (0% grade) to smooth coal refuse moved by truck and loader team 

and to eliminate rills and gullies prior to topsoil replacement in loose cubic yards.

Productivity Calculations:

Operating Adjustment Factor = .75 X 1.0 X .83 X 1.0 X

Operator material efficiency grade

factor factor factor factor

 .74* X 1.0 X 1.0 X 1.0 = 0.46 _

weight production visibility elevation 

correction method/blade factor factor 

factor factor 

Hourly Production = 3.0 mi/hr X 12 ** ft X 5,280 ft/mi X 1 ac/43,560 ft3 = 4 ac/hr

Average effective 

Speed blade width 

Net Hourly Production = 4 ac/hr X 0.46 = 2 ac/hr

 hourly Operating adjustment

production factor

Hours Required = 31 AC ÷ 2 ac/hr = 16 . hr

area to be net hourly

graded production

*Weight Factor = 1,600 lb/LCY = .74 

 2,150 lb/BCY

**Effective blade width: 13.75’ – 1.5’ overlap = 12’

Data Source(s): Permit application, Caterpillar Performance Handbook Ed. 46
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 11

WORKSHEET 7: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR RIPPER 

EQUIPPED DOZER USE 

Ripping Activity:

Characterization of Dozer and Ripper Use: 

D7E with SU-blade and 3 shank parallelogram ripper.

Description of Ripping (ripping depth, cut spacing, and material to be ripped):

Dozer will rip surface area of 7 acres (304,920 ft2). The average cut length is 200’, ripping 

is about 2.45’ deep and 9.75’ wide. 

(3 ripper shanks with a 3.25’ spacing and 3.25’ gap between passes. Pass width = 3 X 

39”/12”/1’ = 9.75’)

Productivity Calculations:

Cycle Time = ( 200 ft ÷ 88 ft/min) + 0.3 min = 2.6 min/pass

 cut length [speed] fixed turn time

Passes/Hour = 60 min/hr ÷ 2.6 min/pass X 0.83 = 19 passes/hr

cycle time efficiency

factor 

Volume Cut/Pass = ( 2.45 ft X 9.75 ft X 200 ft) ÷ 27 ft3/yd3 = 177 BCY/pass

tool cut cut

penetration spacing length

Hourly Production = __177___ BCY/pass X 19 passes/hr = ____3,363____ BCY/hr

Hours Required = 27,669 BCY ÷ 3,398 BCY/hr = 8 hr

bank volume

to be ripped

Fixed turn time depends on dozer used. 0.3 min/turn is normal.

Data Source(s): Permit application, Caterpillar Performance Handbook Ed. 46
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 12

WORKSHEET 8: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR EXCAVATOR USE 

Earthmoving Activity:

Load excavated waste coal and contaminated soil into 8-ton OTR truck for haul to refuse 

area. Swollen volume of material is 1,300 cubic yards.

Characterization of Loader Use (type, size, etc.):

Caterpillar 325F L Excavator

Description of Ripping (ripping depth, cut spacing, and material to be ripped):

Excavator will have 2.2 heaped yd bucket to load truck for haul to refuse site.

Productivity Calculations:

Net Bucket Capacity = 2.2 LCY X 0.85* = 1.87 LCY

 heaped bucket bucket fill 

 capacity factor 

Hourly Production = 1.87 LCY ÷ 0.30 min X 0.83 X 60 min/hr = 310.42 LCY/hr

 cycle time* efficiency

factor

Hours Required = 1,300 LCY ÷ 310 LCY/hr = 4.19 hr

Volume to hourly use 5 hrs

be moved production

*See excavator section of equipment manual.

Data Source(s): Permit application, Caterpillar Performance Handbook Ed. 46
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 13

WORKSHEET 9: PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS REQUIRED FOR TRUCK USE 

Earthmoving Activity:

Haul waste coal and contaminated soil for haul to refuse disposal site. Swollen volume of 

material is 1,300 cubic yards.

Characterization of Truck Use (type, size, etc.):

8-ton OTR truck, average capacity

Description of Truck Use (origin, destination, grade, haul distance, capacity, etc.):

Trucks will haul material from processing/loading site to disposal site, a haul distance of 

1.4 miles (7,400 ft). The effective grade is 4%; the effective grade for the return is 4%.

Productivity Calculations:

No. Loaders Passes/Truck = 8 LCY ÷ 1.87 LCY = 4.28 passes

truck capacity net capacity

Net Truck Capacity = 1.87 LCY X 5 = 9.35 LCY

loader bucket number loader 

net capacity passes/truck

Loading Time/Truck = 0.30 min X 5 = 1.5 min

Loader cycle number loader

time passes/truck

Truck Cycle Time = 5.61 + 3.36 + 1.5 + 2.0 = 12.5 min

haul time return time total loading dump and 

time maneuver time

No. Trucks Required = 12.5 min ÷ 1.5 min = 9 trucks

truck cycle time total loading time

Production Rate = 8 LCY X 9 ÷ 12.5 min = 5.76 LCY/min

net truck number truck cycle time

capacity trucks

Hourly Production = 5.76 LCY/min X 60 min/hr X 0.75 = 259.2 LCY/hr

Production rate efficiency factor

Hours Required = 1,300 LCY ÷ 259 LCY/hr = 5.02 hr

Volume to hourly use 5 hours

be moved production

*Normally the average of the struck and heaped capacities.

Haul time: 7400 ft/(15 mph X 88 fpm/1 mph) = 5.61 minutes. Return time: 7400 ft/(25 mph X 88 

fpm/1 mph) = 3.36 minutes

Data Source(s): Permit application, Caterpillar Performance Handbook Ed. 46
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 14

WORKSHEET 13: SUMMARY CALCULATION OF EARTHMOVING COSTS

Data Source(s): Caterpillar Performance Handbook Ed. 46, Davis Bacon-Labor Costs, 

website: excavation.promatcher.com – Morgantown, WV, RSMeans Heavy Construction 

Cost Date 2019, EquipmentWatch – Nov 2019 and June 2020.
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 15

WORKSHEET 14: REVEGETATION COSTS

Name and Description of Area to be Revegetated:

Seven acres of processing/loading site and 5 acres of refuse site.

Description of Revegetation Activities:

Seedbed preparation, liming, seeding and mulching; shrub-planting pattern will cover 

total area of 1 acre; 50% reseeding failure rate assumed and 20% plant failure 

assumed.

Cost Calculation for Individual Revegetation Activities:

Initial Seeding

 12 ac x ($ 500 /ac + 43.88 /ac) = $ 6527.00 

Area to be seeded seedbed preparation seeding, mulching,

 & mulching

Planting Trees and Shrubs

 1 ac x ($ 350 /ac) + 300 /ac) = $650.00 

Area to be planted planting herbicide treatment

Reseeding

 12 ac x .50 x ($ 500 /ac + 43.88 /ac) = $ 3,263.00 

Area to be seeded seedbed preparation seeding, mulching,

 & mulching

Replanting Trees and Shrubs

 1 ac x .20 x ($ 350 /ac) + 300 /ac) =$ 130.00 

Area to be planted failure rate planting herbicide treatment

Other Necessary Revegetation Activities

(Examples of other activities that may be necessary include soil sampling, irrigation, and 

rill and gully repair. Describe each activity and provide a cost estimate with 

documentation. Use additional worksheets if necessary.

Other Costs: $ 0 .

Total Revegetation Cost: $ 10,570.00 

Data Source: AML Contract Data, USDA
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 16

WORKSHEET 15: OTHER RECLAMATION ACTIVITY COSTS

(Subsidence damage repair costs, water supply replacement costs, funds required to 

support long-term treatment of unanticipated or ferruginous mine drainage, etc.)

Description of Reclamation, Repair or Pollution Abatement Activity:

Grade to eliminate embankment of sediment pond No. 002 and construct rock-lined 

drainage channel using on-site rock. Channel will be 300 feet long.

Assumptions: 

Unit cost includes elimination of rock-line embankment. Rock to be used to line final 

drainage channel. 

Cost Estimate Calculations:

Dozer D7E use for 40 hours X 185.73/hr = $7,429.20 to remove embankment and 

create rock-lined post-mine channel. 

TOTAL COSTS = $7,429.00

Data source(s): Permit Application, WV Davis-Bacon Wage Rate (Nov 2019), 

EquipmentWatch (Nov 2019)
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 17

WORKSHEET 16- RECLAMATION BOND SUMMARY SHEET
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 18
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 19
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 20
Appendix B6 – Processing Plant – 21
APPENDIX C: OVERHEAD AND PROFIT RATE DETERMINATION
Appendix C – 1

Overhead and profit rates are based on actual average benchmarks for the heavy

construction industry (Table C1-A). Overhead costs are those cost associated with 

General and Administrative (G&A) expenses. For financial reporting these costs are 

expressed as a percentage of revenue to adhere to accounting standards for making 

cross-industry comparisons. Revenue serves as the base being that it is consistently 

measured across industries. For our purpose for reclamation bond calculations direct 

cost is the starting component and foundation for applying indirect costs rates and profit 

to obtain a full cost. 

For consistency with financial reporting we must convert reported rates to a direct cost 

percentage. To accomplish this, it is necessary to bridge these rates using a common 

project in dollar costs but expressed on both percentage basis (Table C1-B). Given a 

$25 million project, $3.5 million (14% of $25 million) accounts for overhead and profit 

leaving $21.5 million ($25 - $3.5 million) for the remaining other indirect cost and direct 

cost. In our bond calculation other indirect cost is 23% of direct cost, including 

mobilization and demobilization (7%), engineering redesign fee (7%), reclamation 

project management fee (5%), and contingency cost (4%). We can infer a direct cost in 

dollars of $17.48 million ($21.5 x 1.00/1.23), using the proportionality factor of direct 

cost (1.00) to total other indirect and direct cost (1.23). With the projects direct cost in 

dollars, we infer all other percentages expressed as a percentage of direct cost. On a 

direct cost basis, overhead rate is 13% ($2.25/$17.48) and the profit rate becomes 7% 

($1.25/$17.48). As percentage equivalents to industry financial reporting rates these 

rates serve as our average overhead and profit rates applied in our reclamation cost 

estimates. 

Although overhead and profit are commonly paired under the label “O & P” in 

construction cost estimation, project-specific rates for overhead are independent of 

project profit rates. Overhead rates are size dependent while profit variation is typically 

dependent on inherent risks of projects. 

Table C1-A: National Construction Benchmarks for Overhead and Profit Reported 

as Percentage of Revenue 

Source: 2019 CLA Civil Construction Benchmark Report

Table C1-B: Financial Benchmark Percentages Equivalents with Direct Cost 

Percentages on Project-level
Appendix C – 2

Other indirect cost of 23% includes mobilization and demobilization (7%), engineering 

redesign fee (7%), reclamation project management fee (5%), and contingency cost (4%). 
Appendix C – 3

Table C1-C: Acreage Statistics for Permitted Mine Sites in Federal Programs

Source: Office of Surface Mining Inspection & Enforcement (I&E) tracking system from 

Mine Site Inspection (MSI) reports. 

Higher rates of overhead are applied to smaller projects in part because such projects 

generate relatively less revenue for a given amount fixed costs or assets they use. In 

addition, fixed transactions cost such as those for billing are higher on a per project 

basis. For example, the amount of administrative time used for processing accounting 

and billing documents for small projects might be the same as for large projects. 

Greater efficiencies achieved on larger projects is generally referred to as economies of 

size benefit. These pre-determined costs are necessary to give contracting firms the 

capacity or suitable operating scale for which to provide service for expected 

reclamation workload over multiple months and years. Thereby, such costs are deemed 

“fixed overhead” with respect to individual projects. 

We establish broad categories of actual mine site (Table C1-C) for assigning overhead 

rates. Statistically variable overhead rates would approximate the industry’s overall 

long-term overhead rate benchmark rate. We accomplish this using three categories for 

project size with corresponding overhead rates. A large proportion of sites (52%) are of 

less than 90 acres and are assigned the highest overhead rate of 15%. Projects sizes 

that are greater or equal to 90 acres but less than or equal to 700 acres are assigned a 

13% overhead rate. Projects greater than 700 acres are assigned the lowest overhead 

rate of 10%. Although this category accounts for the fewest projects (9%) the category 

accounts for the bulk of total acreage (80%) due to the significantly larger sites with a 

mean of 5,825 acres. 

This approach using physical units of measure of size calibrated to an industry 

benchmark eliminates the problem of ever-changing sizes by costs measured in 

nominal dollars. These rates are is consistent from our review of Federal indirect cost 
Appendix C – 4

guidelines (Table C1-D) including BLM (2012), USACE (2002), and DOE (2014) all with 

profit and overhead rates independently specified. 

Table C1-D: Indirect Cost Guidelines