Available at: hwy53relocation/sco ping.html hwy53relocation/sco ping.html  Public Libraries in Eveleth, Gilbert, Mountain Iron, Virginia, and Duluth  MnDOT – District 1 Offices in Duluth and Virginia

 Phase 1 survey complete - 6,332 respondents  Phase 2 survey complete – 76 respondents  Record numbers of returns  Analysis in progress  Study Report will summarize findings  Meeting scheduled for September 17 to release findings.

Cliffs evaluating alignment and Air Quality Alignment may shift slightly Need bathymetric survey! E-1A Analysis

Updated Drilling Plan 5

Two rigs – 24/7  One in pit on barge  Second on the west side of the pit Initial borings along E-1A in pit  Mostly backfill and rock  Minimal amount of formation (no value) at bottom East side – Landfill road – no resources E – high grade resources west side – high value ore  Lower grades toward pit Drilling Results

Vermillion Gold holds leases for gold in Section 16 (School Trust land) August 28 meeting – requested drilling for gold exploration  500’ depth at an angle – 750’ drilling (scissor style)  Cost is $44/ft  Sample and test every 5’  Assay at a cost of $40-50/hole Use Canadian Institute of Mining standards Need to decide today due to barge in pit being done. Gold Lease Drilling

P6 Schedule  255 negative float  Cultural Resources and R/W on critical path Project Delivery Workshop – October 10 Layouts/Cost Estimates Hydrogeology in Rouchleau pit  City of Virginia Water Supply  Minorca Mine pumping Ongoing Activities

Anticipated EIS Schedule Milestone TasksTarget Dates Scoping Document/Draft Scoping Decision Document February 2012 Public Scoping MeetingMarch 2012 Scoping Decision DocumentSeptember 2012 Amended Scoping Decision DocumentSeptember 2013 Draft EIS and Public HearingSpring 2014 Identification of Preferred AlternativeSpring/Summer 2014 Final EISWinter 2014 FHWA Record of DecisionSpring 2015 MnDOT Adequacy DeterminationSpring 2015