RE: Cross-Caribou Mines: Clarifying the Facts, Addressing Concerns, and April 8 Meet and Greet

My name is Tawana Bain, and I serve as CEO and Chairwoman of American Clean Resources Group, Inc. (ACRG). ACRG has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling interest in the company that owns Grand Island Resources, LLC (GIR), operator of the Caribou and Cross mines northwest of Nederland. Under my leadership, we are committed to ensuring these historic mines can once again thrive as responsible, sustainable contributors to our local and regional economies.

I am writing to address recent articles and opinion pieces suggesting that our upcoming Designated Mining Operation (DMO) permit application poses imminent threats to local water supplies and community well-being. While I respect the right to question and voice concerns, I am disappointed that neither I nor the GIR team was consulted before these commentaries were published, particularly given our record of community-centered support. Furthermore, as someone who has long believed in responsible resource management and community engagement, it is disheartening to see misinformation used for political purposes.

I stepped into this enterprise in September 2023 with a passion for social and environmental progress and responsible resource development. My focus is to clean America while rebuilding America, guided by three core principles:

• Upholding the highest standards of environmental stewardship

• Fostering economic development and prosperity

• Building respectful, transparent relationships with local communities

We acknowledge and appreciate the foundation laid by Tom Hendricks and his years of dedication. As we usher in this new chapter, we kindly ask for the same willingness to engage in open, respectful conversation with our team as we work to earn your trust and move forward together. Being new to the area should not invite unfounded attacks or questions about our American identity. My sole aim is to implement sustainable improvements that benefit residents, local businesses, and Colorado’s broader economy.

Some recent publications claim that GIR’s operations have caused “high levels of heavy metals” to enter Coon Track Creek, potentially affecting Nederland’s watershed and Boulder’s drinking water. Here are the facts:

1. 2021 Exceedances and Corrective Measures

In 2021, we observed 11 exceedances of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) aquatic life water quality standards out of more than 400 data points tested. None of these instances violated federal drinking water regulations, even at our 8- inch discharge pipe located four miles upstream from Nederland.

2. Active vs. Passive Water Treatment

We promptly invested over $200,000 in a polishing media active water treatment system, augmenting the three legacy settling ponds from Tom Hendricks’ era (which operated as a passive system). Since installing this active system, there have been no exceedances of aquatic life standards. We also plan to relocate this system below the discharge point so it can run on gravity alone, reducing the risk during power outages. Tom Hendricks understood that an active system would eventually be needed before full mining operations resumed, but until our team arrived, no budget was available to support this crucial upgrade.

3. Independent Validation

On February 22, 2022, the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (DRMS) issued a press release stating it found no evidence indicating groundwater discharges from the mine led to degradation of surface and groundwater resources. This conclusion came after reviewing our water quality data and corrective measures.

4. Barker Reservoir and Local Watersheds Contrary to some claims, Barker Reservoir is rarely used for Boulder’s primary drinking water supply. Our system is specifically designed to protect against any runoff that might flow toward it. In reality, Boulder’s main drinking water source is North Boulder Creek, accessed via the Lakewood Pipeline.

We understand there has been confusion about the scope of our DMO permit application. To clarify:

• DMO Application Requirements: The State of Colorado requires us to obtain a DMO permit under specific criteria. This does not represent a large-scale intensification of mining but rather compliance with existing regulations. Opposing our permit effectively opposes us following the law.

• Permit Boundary Expansion: We widened the permit boundary from roughly 10 acres to about 205 acres so all GIR-controlled ground in the area—old waste dumps, buildings, portals, and connecting roadways, would fall under one regulatory framework. This administrative change helps both regulators and GIR manage the site more effectively.

• No New Mill, No Tailings, No Acid Mine Drainage: Despite multiple rumors, there is no constructed mill onsite, no tailings present, no tailings ponds, and no acid mine drainage at Caribou. There is also no ore processing currently taking place at the site. Allegations of mine waste releases into Coon Track Creek do not reflect factual reality.

From its inception in 1869, Cross Caribou played a major role in shaping Boulder, Nederland, and the entire Colorado Front Range. Today, we have the opportunity to honor that legacy by supporting recreation, safe access, and ongoing environmental care. Our involvement has also included cemetery reclamation, preserving the community’s historical assets. In addition, horseback riding and scenic tour groups benefit from safe access and local hospitality, reinforcing Nederland’s reputation as a unique, vibrant mountain hub.

Over the years, while contributing to state and local taxes that fund public services, infrastructure, and various community programs, we have never charged fees when assisting county residents with:

• Plowing county roads and private driveways during severe winter months

• Conducting approximately 80–100 emergency rescues annually for residents who get stuck on local roads

We view these efforts as part of our civic duty and our commitment to being a reliable neighbor. Until now, we have not sought acknowledgment for these contributions.

The pending DMO permit allows us to reclaim and process legacy mine dumps responsibly, using recognized best practices:

• Processing Legacy Mine Dumps: We plan to test and sample scattered dumps in 5- to 10- acre increments, ensuring only suitable materials are processed. This approach is part of our “Cleaning America While Rebuilding America” initiative, aimed at responsibly reclaiming historical mining sites and restoring natural landscapes. Afterward, each site will be reclaimed according to state requirements.

• Constructing an Onsite Mill (Future Possibility): If and when we construct a mill onsite, it would drastically reduce traffic and emissions by eliminating most off-site ore hauling. The low-sulfide nature of Cross-Caribou ores means no cyanide is needed, only standard flotation methods.

• Reusing Waste Rock: Much of the waste rock can fill tunnels and shafts or be used as road base, reducing environmental impacts and stabilizing existing infrastructure.

Responsible mining can align with Colorado’s environmental values and bolster its economic vitality. Under current national and s ate priorities, such as infrastructure investment, measures to increase America’s mineral production, and sustainable resource development - a well-regulated mine can be an asset:

• Job Creation and Local Spending: At our peak, we employed over 80 staff and consultants, including engineers, geologists, and interns from the Colorado School of Mines. Our monthly payroll often exceeded $700,000, benefiting families and businesses in the region.

• Tax Revenue and Public Benefit: From 2019 to 2022, we spent over $20 million in the local community, supporting commercial activity and boosting tax revenue. Our operations helped maintain a budget surplus for the region during the pandemic.

• Infrastructure and Cultural Projects: We invested $4 million and 20,000 man-hours to restore the Idaho Tunnel beneath Caribou Road—vital for recreation and local travel. We also donate ore and artifacts to visitor centers, schools, and museums, enhancing cultural education and tourism.

• Alignment with State and National Goals: By modernizing a historically significant mine, we show that economic growth and environmental accountability can coexist. This supports broader energy transition initiatives, strengthens domestic supply chains, and keeps Colorado at the forefront of responsible resource development.

Following a Cease-and-Desist Order, our workforce dropped to just 5 full-time and 2 part-time employees. These are real people with families who suffer when mining is halted. Yet our ongoing efforts still support many of the aforementioned tourism and community engagement endeavors.

I welcome dialogue, whether through site tours, data sharing, or collaborative planning. Transparency is essential, and we stand ready to partner with regulators and community stakeholders alike. My focus extends beyond compliance and economic contributions. I believe in long-term environmental stewardship and community respect. We continue addressing historical issues, whether tied to prior mining practices or more recent challenges, and remain committed to the stringent standards set by the DRMS. This is not about short-term profit; it is about building a sustainable, responsible operation that benefits Nederland and the greater Colorado region.

To local officials, neighbors, and state representatives: let us work together so the Cross-Caribou Mines can be a symbol of innovation, opportunity, and best-in-class reclamation. Rather than letting assumptions or misinformation take root, we owe it to ourselves and future generations to base decisions on facts, fairness, and mutual respect. We invite you to join us on April 8, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Caribou Room (55 Indian Peaks Dr., Nederland, CO 80466) for a community meet and greet.

Thank you for considering our perspective. I look forward to forging a more collaborative and productive path forward.

Respectfully,

Tawana Bain

CEO and Chairwoman of the Board

American Clean Resources Group, Inc.

(Designee - Cross-Caribou Mines, Nederland, CO)