20221107_0-Application

RECEIVED 04ARCADIS
NOY 0 71011
LAND QUALITY SECTION
Arcadis U.S., Inc.
Mr.Adam Parr, P.E. 300 S Washington
Assistant State Mining Engineer Square
Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources Suite 315
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Lansing
512 N. Salisbury Street Michigan 48933
1612 Mail Service Center Phone: [phone]
Raleigh, NC 27699-1612 Fax: [phone]
www.arcadis.com
Date: October 26,2022
Our Ref: 30105159
Subject: Revised Permit Modification Application for Buechel Stone Corporation
Steel Gray Mine, Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Dear Mr. Parr,
In response to the September 23, 2022 Notice of Violation (NOV)of Mining Permit and pursuant to G.S. 74-52 of
the Mining Act of 1971, attached for review and approval, please find a Permit Modification Application for Mining
Permit 61-19 (modification application), the Steel Gray Mine, located near Spruce Pine, North Carolina. The mine
is owned and operated by Buechel Stone Corporation (BSC). Arcadis US, Inc. (Arcadis)is submitting this
application and supporting materials on behalf of BSC.
The attached application is a revision to the July 18, 2022 permit modification issued by the North Carolina
Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) and is intended to address conditions required in the September
23 NOV. Specifically,thee include the following:
• Condition 1 B -Wastewater and Quarry Dewatering: Mine water has ben dewatered, although the permit
modification did not include dewatering. The enclosed modification application has been modified to include
temporary dewatering of the mine pit.
• Condition 4B—Erosion and Sediment Control: NCDEQ noted that surface water discharge to the North
Toe River was occurring at an unapproved outfall adjacent to Sediment Trap T 1-A and that the sediment
traps were not installed as indicated in the permit modification. The enclosed modification application
includes the addition of two new proposed outfalls 02 and 03. Additional sedimentation basins have been
included as part of the new outfalls.
There will be no change to the total permitted acreage (60.90 acres). The proposed mine area remains
approximately 0.70-acre area with an estimated site life of 10 years. Furthermore, per our recent discussion,
adjacent landowner notification is not required for this modification application.
v2

Adam Parr, P.E.
North Carolina DEQ
October 26, 2022
The enclosed package includes one original and five copies of the modification application, attachments, and
figures.
Please contact me with any questions. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Arcadis U.S., Inc.
Christopher S. F4ters, PG
Vice President
Email: chris.oeters(o)arcadis.com
Direct Line: 517.324.5052
Mobile: [phone]
CC. Mr. Chris Bucy, Buechel Stone Corporation
Mr. Kory Bestul, Buechel Stone Corporation
Enclosures:
Permit Application Form plus Attachments (six copies)
w w.arcadis com 2/2
' On1lCaarMWftt BBC MMe eppllulbn mYlm]@].1020

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
NOTE: It is recommended that you contact the appropriate Regional Office or the Raleigh Central Office for a PRE-
APPLICATION MEETING to discuss your intentions and address any questions.
1. Name of Mine Steel Gray Mine
County Mitchell River Basin French Broad
Latitude(decimal degrees to four
places) 035-54-09.28
Longitude(decimal degrees to four
places) 082-01 -58.10
2. Name of Applicant Buechel Stone Corporation
Applicant Contact Chris Bucy Consultant Contact Chris Peters
Applicant Email [e-mail] Consultant Email [e-mail]
Telephone [phone] Telephone [phone]
Cell Phone [phone] Cell Phone [phone]
3 Permanent Address for Receipt of
Official Mail" 7274 Highway 221 North
Marion, NC 28752 � D
4. Mine Office Address Same NOV n
5. Mine Manager Chris Bucy LAND QUAUTySI:C ON
Mine Manager Email [e-mail]
Telephone [phone] Cell Phone [phone]
1 certify that all details contained in this permit application are true and correct to the best of our knowledge.We
fully understand that any willful misrepresentation of facts will because for permit revocation.
Signature*** , Date 10/25/2022
Print Name ApH Dowland
Title CO
'This will be the name that the mining permit will be issued to and the name that must be indicated on the reclamation bond(security)that
corresponds to this site.
"The Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources must be notified of any changes in the permanent address or telephone number.
"'Signature of company officer required.
G.S.74-51 provides that the Department shall grantor deny an application for a permit within 60 days of receipt of a complete
application or,if a public hearing is held,within 30 days following the hearing and the filing of any supplemental information
required by the Department.All questions must be addressed,and all required maps provided before this application can
be considered complete.Attach additional sheets as needed.
Revised July 13.2021 P a g e i

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
NOTE:All the following questions must be thoroughly answered regarding your mining operation for the intended
life of the mine.All responses must be clearly conveyed on a corresponding,detailed mine map.
A.GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MINE
1. Answer all the following that apply:
F-1 This is an application for a NEW permit.
Indicate the total acreage at the site to be covered by the permit
(This is the acreage the new permit fee will be based upon.)
Of this acreage,how much is owned and how much is leased?
Acres owned: Acres leased:
Property owner if leased:
FX-1 This is an application for a MODIFICATION to a mining permit.
Mining Permit Number: 61-19 Total permitted acreage: 60.90
Does the modification involve acreage within the previously approved permitted boundary?
FIYES FX NO
If yes,indicate the acreage to be covered by this modification
Does the modification involve acreage outside the previously approved permitted boundary?
YES FX NO
If yes,indicate the additional acreage to be covered by this modification
NOTE:You must complete all of Section F of this application form entitled Notification of Adjoining
Landowners
Of the acreage to be added to the permit,will any portion be affected(i.e.:disturbed,ground cover
removed by the mining operation?
YES FINO
If yes,indicate the acreage to be affected within the acreage to be added to the permit
The modification fee is based upon the proposed new affected acreage within the previously
approved permitted boundary plus the proposed total acreage to be added outside the previously
approved permitted boundary.
This is an application for TRANSFER of a mining permit.
Mining Permit Number. 61-19 Total permitted acreage: 60.90
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 12

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
MINING FEE SCHEDULE
A nonrefundable permit application processing fee when filing for a new mining permit,permit modification,or transferred permit is
required as follows:
APPLICATION TYPE 0—25 ACRES 26+ACRES
New Permit Applications $3,750.00 $5,000.00
Permit Modifications $750.00 $1,000.00
Permit Transfers $100.00 $100.00
Annual Operating Fee $400.00 $400.00
Acres for new permits means the total acreage at the site to be covered by the permit.Acres for modification of permits means the
new affected acres within the previously approved permitted boundary plus the proposed total acreage to be added outside the
previously approved permitted boundary.
2. Name of all materials mined: black quartzite
3. Mining Method:
❑ Hydraulic Dredge ❑Front-end Loader&Truck aShovel&Truck
❑Dragline&Truck ❑Self-loading Scraper
0 Other(please explain): Blasting
4. Expected maximum depth of mine(feet) $
Depth is relative to what benchmark?(e.g.,natural ground level,mean seal level,road elevation,etc.)
Top of highwall
Expected average depth of mine(feet) 40
5. Has an area at this site been mined in the past?
YES X NO❑
Mining was by several unknown individuals historica4 and slue Ridge Quarries from 2010.
If yes,when and by whom was this activity conducted.,
6. Estimated life of the operation(years): 10
NOTE:The Department may request clarification on how life of mine was calculated.
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 13

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
B.MAPS
1. Clearly mark and label the location of your mining operation on six(6)copies of a 7.5-minute quadrangle and a county
highway map.These maps,in addition to six(6)copies of all mine maps and reclamation maps,must be submitted
with each permit application.
7.5-minute quadrangles may be obtained from the N.C.Geological Survey:
Mailing Address Physical Address
1612 Mail Service Center 512 N.Salisbury St.,5s Floor
Raleigh,NC 27699-1612 Raleigh,NC 27604
Http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/Ir/geological home [phone]
County highway maps may be obtained from the N.C.Department of Transportation:
Mailing Address Physical Address
NCDOT GIS Unit NCDOT GIS Unit
1587 Mail Service Center 3401 Cad Sandburg Court
Raleigh,NC 27699-1587 Raleigh,NC 27610
http:l/www.ncdot.rg/iUgis [phone]
2. A table/chart must be provided on the mine map that clearly lists the approximate acreage of tailings/sediment ponds,
stockpiles,waste piles,processing areas/haul roads,mine excavations and any other major aspect of the mining
operation that is proposed to be affected/disturbed during the life of the mining permit.A table/chart similar to the
following will be acceptable:
AFFECTED ACREAGE TABLE:
For new permits,complete only the total affected acreage column.
For modifications,complete all columns.
CATEGORY CURRENT AFFECTED PROPOSED CHANGE TO TOTAL AFFECTED
ACREAGE AFFECTED ACREAGE ACREAGE
Tailings/Sediment Ponds 0.33 -0.27 0.06
Stockpiles 0.00
Waste piles 0.89 -0.89 0.00
Processing Areas/Haul Roads 0.46 1 .14 1 .60
Mine Excavations 3.67 0.70 4.37
Other(buffers,cleared areas) 6.85 -4.71 2.14
Total Affected Acreage 12.20 -4.03 8.17
Total Permitted Acreage 12.20 48.70 60.90
Revised July 13, 2021 1 4

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
3. Mine maps must be accurate and appropriately scaled drawings,aerial photographs,or enlarged topographic maps of
the entire mine site.All aspects of the mine site must be clearly labeled on the maps along with their
corresponding(approximate)acreage.Thus,all mine and reclamation maps must denote those activities that
are intended to be conducted during the life of the mining permit.All maps must be of a scale sufficient to clearly
illustrate the following,at a minimum:
a) Property lines of the tract or tracts of land on which the proposed mining activity is to be located including
easements and rights-of-way.
b) Existing or proposed permit boundaries with geographic controls(e.g.metes and bounds,coordinates)labeled
c) Initial and ultimate limits of clearing and grading
d) Outline and width of all buffer zones(both undisturbed and unexcavated)
e) Outline and acreage of all pits/excavations
f) Outline and acreage of all stockpile areas
g) Outline and acreage of all temporary and/or permanent overburden disposal areas
h) Location and acreage of all processing plants(may be described as to location and distance from mine if
sufficiently far removed)
1) Locations and names of all streams,rivers,and lakes
j) Outline and acreage of all settling and/or processing wastewater ponds
k) Outline and acreage of all planned and existing access roads and on-site haul roads
1) Location of planned and existing on-site buildings
m) Location and dimensions of all proposed sediment and erosion control measures
n) Location of 100-year floodplain limits and wetland boundaries
o) Names of owners of record,both public and private,of all tracts of land that are adjoining the mining permit
boundary;if an adjoining tract is owned or leased by the applicant or is owned by the lessor of the mine tract,
names of owners of record of tracts adjoining these tracts that are within 1,000 feet of the mining permit boundary
must be provided on the mine map.
p) Names of owners of record,both public and private,of all tracts of land that are adjoining the mining permit
boundary which lie directly across and are contiguous to any highway,creek,stream,river,or other watercourse,
railroad track,or utility or other public right-of-way.If an adjoining tract is owned or leased by the applicant or is
owned by the lessor of the mine tract,names of owners of record of tracts adjoining these tracts,that are within
1,000 feet of the mining permit boundary,must be provided on the mine map(s).NOTE:"Highway"means a road
that has four lanes of travel or less and is not designated as an Interstate Highway.
q) Map legend
1) Applicant name 5) Scale
2) Mine name 6) Symbols used and corresponding names
3) North arrow 7) Date prepared and revised
4) County 8) Name and title of person preparing map
Map scales should meet the following guidelines:
PERMITTED ACREAGE MAP SCALE
0—49 acres 1"=50'
50—199 acres 1"=100'
FTOO—+acres 1"=200'
NOTE:Smaller scaled maps may be acceptable if they clearly illustrate the above items.
NOTE:In addition to the above,the maps must also include any site-specific information that is provided in
the answers to the following questions(italicized questions/statements)in this application form.This
application will not be considered complete without all relevant items being adequately addressed on the mine
maps.
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 15

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
C.PROTECTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
1. Describe in detail the sequence of events for the development and operation of the mine and reference the sequence
to the mine map(s).Attach additional sheets as needed.
Figure 1 is a mine location map, also showing roads. Figure 2 shows the
existing permitted area at the mine. Figure 3 shows the proposed modifications
to the mine plan. Figure 4 shows the area to be mined and the progression of
mining. Mining will proceed from west to east as shown. Attachment 1 describes
in detail the mining progression. Mine development will begin with the
installation of the soil and erosion controls as provided in Attachment 2.
2. Describe specific erosion control measures to be installed prior to land disturbing activities and during mining to
prevent offsite sedimentation(include specific plans for sediment and erosion control for mine excavation(s),waste
piles,access/mine roads,and process areas),and give a detailed sequence of installation and schedule for
maintenance of the measures.Locate and label all sediment and erosion control measures on the mine map(s)and
provide typical cross-sectionslconstruction details of each measure.Engineering designs and calculations are required
to justify the adequacy of any proposed measures.
Soil and erosion control details are provided in Attachment 2. Stormwater
calculations , which were approved as part of the 2010 permit, are also included in
Attachment 2. Locations of previously installed stormwater and erosion control
features are shown on Figure 4. The stormwater/sedimentation ponds and associated
ditches will be inspected at least once per month for buildup of excess sediment and
cleaned out as needed to prevent discharge of sediemnt to the North Toe River in the
event of a flood. the excess sediemnt will be placed on the formerly mined area to the
east (see Figure 3) and incorporated into the planned reclamation for this area.
Erosion in the ditches will be mitigated by placement of rock rip rap as needed.
3. A)Will the operation involve wash in the material mined,recycling process water,or other wastewater handling?
FIYES NO
If yes,briefly describe all such processes including any chemicals to be used.
B)Will the operation involve discharging fresh or wastewater from the mine or plant as a point discharge to the waters
of the State?
ZYES F]NO
!f yes,briefly describe the nature of the discharge and locate all proposed discharge points(along with their method of
stabilization)on the mine map(s).
Discharge non-process wastewater at 4utfalls 01, 02, and 03 as shown on
Figure 3 and 4.
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 16

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
C)Will any part of the proposed mine excavation(s)extend below the water table?
NYES F ]
If yes,do you intend to dewater the excavation(s)?
FX-1YES NO nn nn
Estimated withdrawal rate in gallons per day: V V OO'OO
If yes,what impact,if any,will mine dewatering have on neighboring wells?Locate all existing wells on the mine
maps)that lie within 500 feet of the proposed excavation area.Provide data to support any conclusions or statement
made,including any monitoring well data,well construction data,and current water withdrawal rates.Indicate whether
the proposed mine locale is served by a public water system or private wells.
The withdrawal of groundwater is temporary and intermittent until mining can be
completed in the low areas of the quarry and is expected to stop after 1 month of
dewatering. Two residential wells are located within 500 feet of the area where i dewatering s occurring. Logs were not available for these wells - North Carolina
did not require pvt. well logs before 2008, but industrial and commercial wells in
the area are greater than 200 ft. Because the excavation is just below the water
table, it will only affect the the shallow groundwater in the immediate vicinity and
will have no impact on the wells. The mine locale is served by private wells.
D)If you answered yes to any of the above questions,provide evidence that you have applied for or obtained the
appropriate water quality permit(s)(i.e.,non-discharge,NPDES,Stormwater,etc.)from the Stormwater Program.In
addition,the applicant is required to register water use with the Division of Water Resources,Ground Water
Management Branch,if the operation withdraws more than 10,000 gallons per day and needs a capacity use permit
from the Division of Water Resources,Ground Water Management Branch,if the operation lies in a capacity use area
and withdraws more than 100,000 gallons per day.
A Notice of Intent for a General Industrial Stormwater Permit (NPDES)
NCG020000 was submitted under separate cover. It is also included as
Attachment 5 to this application.
4. A)Will the operation involve crushing or any other air contaminant emissions?
YES 1 NO
If yes,indicate evidence that you have applied for or obtained an air quality permit issued by the Division of Air Quality
or local governing body.
B)How will dust from stockpiles,haul roads,etc.,be controlled?
Dust will be controlled by wet suppression.
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 17

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
5. A)A buffer will be required between any mining activity and any mining permit boundary or right-of-way.It may be an
unexcavated buffer(no excavation,but roadways,berms,and erosion&sedimentation control measures may be
installed within it),an undisturbed buffer(no disturbance within the buffer whatsoever),or a combination of the two,
depending upon the site conditions.Note that all buffers must be located within the mining permit boundaries.
How wide a buffer will be maintained between any mining activity and any mining permit boundary or right-of-way at
this site?A minimum buffer of 25 feet is recommended,although a wider buffer may be needed depending on site
conditions.Show all buffer locations and widths on the mine map s).
A minimum buffer of 25 ft well be maintaine but the buffer may be larger in
certain areas of the site. Buffers are shown on Figures 3 and 4.
B)A minimum 50 foot wide undisturbed buffer will be required between any land disturbing activities within the mining
permit boundaries and any natural watercourses and wetlands unless smaller undisturbed buffers can be justified.
Depending on site conditions,a buffer wider than 50 feet may be needed.
How wide an undisturbed buffer will be maintained between any land disturbing activities within the mining permit
boundaries and any natural watercourses and wetlands at this site?Show all buffer locations and widths on the mine
map(s).
A 50 ft minimum buffer will be observed along the North Toe River and unnamed
tributary to the east as shown on Figure 3.
6. A)Describe methods to prevent landslide or slope instability adjacent to adjoining permit boundaries during mining.
Minimum 2 horizontal to 1 vertical slopes or flatter for clayey material and minimum 3 horizontal to 1 vertical slopes or
flatter for sandy material are generally required unless technical justification can be provided to allow steeper slopes.
Mining will be performed using the bench method for safety, access, and to
reduce slope instability thus preventing slides and the associated dangers.
Proper sloping of all waste rock material will be observed. Final slopes in
reclaimed areas will be 3HAV or less. Reclamation topography for the
previously mined area is shown on Figure 5 and reclamation topgraphy for the
area to be mined is shown on Figure 6.
B)Provide a cross-section on the mine map(s)for all fill slopes(berms,waste piles,overburden disposal areas,etc.),
clearly indicating the intended side slope gradient,installation of any benches and/or slope drains(with supporting
design information)if needed,and the method of final stabilization.
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 18

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
C)In excavation(s)of unconsolidated(non-rock)materials,specify the angle of all cut slopes including specifications
for benching and sloping.Cross-sections for all cut slopes must be provided on the mine map(s).
Final cross-sections for reclaimed areas are shown on Figures 7 and 8 and
Attachment 2.
D)In hardrock excavations,specify proposed bench widths and heights in feet.Provide cross-sections of the mine
excavation clearly noting the angles of the cut slopes,widths of all safety benches and mine benches,and the
expected maximum depth of the excavation.
The expected maximum depth of the mine is 80 feet. During mining, the rock
will be benched to a maximum height of 20 feet. Figures 7 and 8 show the final
cross-section of mined out area. Note that fill material remaining form the mining
will be used to develop the post-mine topography.
7. Describe other methods to be taken during mining to prevent physical hazard to any neighboring dwelling,house,
public road,or public,commercial or industrial building from any mine excavation.Locate all such structures on the
mine map if they are within 300 feet of any proposed excavation.
The Blasting Plan (see Item 11) is designed to prevent fly rock from leaving the
property.
8. Describe what kind of barricade will be used to prevent inadvertent public access along any high wall area and when it
will be implemented.Vegetated earthen berms,appropriate fencing and adequate boulder barriers may be acceptable
high wall barricades.A construction detaillcross-section and location of each type of barricade to be used must be
indicated on the mine map(s).
Attachment 2 presents the details of barricades used to prevent entry to the
mine site.
9. Are acid roducing minerals or soils present?
YES X NO
If yes,how will acid water pollution from the excavation,stockpiles,and waste areas be controlled?
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NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
10. A)Describe specific plans(including a schedule of implementation)for screening the operation from public view such
as maintaining or planting trees,bushes or other vegetation,building berms or other measures.Show the location of all
visual screening on the mine map(s)and provide cross-sections through all proposed berms or proposed spacing,
sizes and species for tree plantings.
The remote location of the site prevents public viewing from all but one
residential home. All on-site trees will be left to screen the mine site from the
view of residences and Altapass Highway. The mine cannot be seen from the
road in summer when leaves are on the trees.
B)Could the operation have a significantly adverse effect on the purposes of a publicly owned park,forest,or
recreation area?If so,how will such effects(i.e.,noise,visibility,etc.)be mitigated?
No parks are located near the mine site.
11. Will ex losives be used?
X YES NO
If yes,specify the types of explosive(s)and describe what precaution(s)will be used to prevent physical hazard to
persons or neighboring property from flying rocks or excessive air blasts or ground vibrations.Depending on the mine's
location to nearby structures,more detailed technical information may be required on the blasting program(such as a
third-party blasting study).Locate the nearest offsite occupied structure(s)to the proposed excavation(s)on the mine
map and indicate its approximate distance to the proposed excavation.
Figure 3 shows the locations of residences near the mine. The Blasting Plan for
the mine is provided in Attachment 3.
12. Will fuel tanks,solvents,or other chemical reagents be stored on-site?
FIYES ZNO
If yes,describe these materials,how they will be stored and method of containment in case of spill.Indicate the
locations)of all storage facilities on the mine map(s).
Revised July 13, 2021 Page 110

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
D.RECLAMATION PLAN
1. Describe your intended plan for the final reclamation and subsequent use of all affected lands and indicate the
sequence and general methods to be used in reclaiming this land.This must include the method of reclamation of
settling ponds and/or sediment control basins and the method of restoration or establishment of any permanent
drainage channels to a condition minimizing erosion,siltation and other pollution.This information must be illustrated
on a reclamation map and must correspond directly with the information provided on the mine map(s).In addition,
design information,including typical cross-sections,of any permanent channels to be constructed as part of the
reclamation plan and the location(s)of all permanent channels must be indicated on the reclamation map.
There are no buildings or permanent structures on the mine property. The
entrance road for access and any roads needed to access ad pining farm
property will remain. All soil and erosion control measures will be left in place
(as feasibile) until all areas are stable. When areas are stable, the controls will
be removed or converted to armored ditches. Any highwall left will be protected
by a permanent fence or other barriers to prevent access and warn of danger.
2. Is an excavated or impounded body of water to be left as part of the reclamation?
YES VNO
if yes,illustrate the location of the body(s)of water on the reclamation map and provide a scaled cross-sections)
through the proposed body(s)of water.The minimum water depth must be at least 4 feet,measured from the normal
low water table elevation,unless information is provided to indicate that a shallower water body will be productive and
beneficial at this site.
Will the body(s)of water be stocked with fish?
YES FXINO
If yes,specify species.
3. Describe provisions for safety to persons and to adjoining property in all completed excavations in rock including what
kind of permanent barricade will be left.Acceptable permanent barricades are appropriate fencing,large boulders
placed end-to-end,etc.Construction details and locations of all permanent barricades must be shown on the
reclamation map.
See Attachment 2 for details of fencing and barricades.
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 11

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
4. Indicate the method(s)of reclamation of overburden,refuse,spoil banks or other such on-site mine waste areas,
including specifications for benching and sloping.Final cross-sections and locations for such areas must be provided
on the reclamation map.
The reclamation and revegetation plan is provided in Attachment 4. Any waste
rock materials that remain will be regraded and on site soils placed over this
material. Final slope cross-sections of reclaimed areas are shown on Figure 7,
Figure 8, and Attachment 2.
5. A)Describe reclamation of processing facilities,stockpile areas,and on-site roadways.
There are no processing facilities on the property. Any remaining stockpile
areas will be incorporated into the regraded final slopes. The on-site access
roads will remain. Approximately 8.17 acres will be reclaimed. The 3.3 acres of
undisturbed buffer area (see Figure 3) does not require reclamation.
B)Will any on-site roadways be left as part of the reclamation?
Fv]YES F ]NO
if yes,identify such roadways on the reclamation map and provide details on permanent road and ditch line
stabilization.
The existing farm road will be left as an access to the farmlands past the mining
site.
6. Describe the method of control of contaminants and disposal of scrap metal,junk machinery,cables,or other such
waste products of mining.(Note definition of refuse in The Mining Act of 1971.)
No off-site-generated waste shall be disposed of on the mine site without prior written approval from the NC
Department of Environmental Quality,Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources and either the Division
of Waste Management(DWM)or local governing body.If a disposal permit has been issued by DWM for the
site,a copy of said permit must be attached to this application.All temporary and pemtanent refuse disposal
areas must be clearly delineated on the mine map(s)and reclamation map,along with a list of items to be disposed in
said areas.
Solid waste, if generated by the mining activities, will be shipped off-site for
proper disposal. Scrap metal and other usable materials will be recycled on a
regular and as-needed basis. Any lay down yard for used equipment and spare
parts will be maintained in a neat and orderly fashion.
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 112

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
7. Describe your plan for revegetation or other surface treatment of the affected areas.This plan must include
recommendations for year-round seeding,including the time of seeding and the amount and type of seed,fertilizer,
lime and mulch per acre.The recommendations must include general seeding instructions for both permanent and
temporary revegetation.Revegetation utilizing only tree plantings is not acceptable.Recommendations can be sought
from:
a. Authorized representatives of the local Soil and Water Conservation District;
b. Authorized representatives of the NC Forest Service,Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services;
c. Authorized county representatives of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service,specialists and
research faculty with the Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Forest Resources at North Carolina
State University;
d. North Carolina licensed landscape architects;
e. Private consulting foresters referred by the NC Forest Service,Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services;
f. N.C.Erosion and Sedimentation Control Planning and Design Manual;
g. N.C.Surface Mining Manual:A Guide for Permitting,Operation and Reclamation;
h. Others as may be approved by the Department.
Lime Rate of Application(tons/acre): 1 ton/acre
Fertilizer Analysis and Rate of Application(ibs/acre): 0.5 tons/acre
Seed type(s)and rate(s)of application included year-round seeding schedule(lbslacre):
NOTE:Include legumes
SEED TYPES SEEDING DATES SEEDING RATES
See Attachment 4
Mulch Type,Rate of Application(lbslacre),and Method of Anchoring:
Straw mulch applied at 1 ton/acre. See Attachment 4 for additional details.
Other Vegetative Cover(s)Type(s)and Rate(s)of Application Including Seeding Schedule(lbs/acre,trees/
acre,spacing of trees/shrubs,etc.):
See Attachment
Revegetation and/or reforestation plan approved by:
Signature Date
Print Name
Title
Agency
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 113

E.DETERMINATION OF AFFECTED ACREAGE AND BOND 61-19-Steel Gray Mine
The following bond calculation worksheet is to be used to establish an appropriate bond(based upon a range of$500 to$5,000 per affected acre)
far each permitted mine site based upon the acreage approved by the Department to be affected during the life of the mining permit. Please insert
Me approximate acre each aspect 9fthe minine operation.that van intend L a ect during L lL phis minine permit to addition clause
insert the aynropriale reclamation costlacre to each careen"from the Schedule of Reclamation Costs Pro with this application form)QR you
can defer to the Deaartment to calculate your bond for you based upon your maps and standard reclamation costs
AFFECTED
CATEGORY ACREAGE RECLAMATION COST/ACRE RECLAMATION COST
Tailings/Sediment Ponds 0.06 Ac. X $ 1,500 /Ac. _ $ 90.00
Stockpiles 0.00 Ac. X S 1,800 /Ac. _ $
Wastepiles 0.00 Ac. X $ 2,000 /Ac. _ $
Processing Area/Haul Roads 2.33 Ac. X $ 2,000 /Ac. _ $ 4,660.00
Mine Excavation 4.37 Ac. X $ 2,500 /Ac. _ $ 10,925.00
Other(berm) 2.14 An. X $ 1,800 /Ac. _ $ 3,852.00
TOTAL AFFECTED AC.: 8.90 Ac.
TOTAL PERMITTED AC.: 61.63 Ac.
Temporary&Permanent Sedimentation&Erosion Control Measures:
Divide the TOTAL AFFECTED AC. above into the following two categories: a) affected acres that drain into proposed/existing
excavation and/or b) affected acres that will be graded for positive drainage where measures will be needed to prevent offsite
sedimentation and sedimentation to onsite watercourses and wetlands.
a)Internal Drainage
b)Positive Drainage 8.90 Ac. X $ 1,500.00 = $ 13,350.00
SUBTOTAL COST: S 32,877.00
Inflation Factor
0.02 X SUBTOTAL COST: $ 657.54 X Permit Life Provided by Applicant(Life of the Mining Operation or
Life of Lease from Public Entity(in Years)): 10
INFLATION COST: S 6,575.40
SUBTOTAL COST+INFLATION COST: S 39,452.40
Total Reclamation Bond Cost: $ 39,400.00
(round down to the nearest S100.00)
(NOTE: The reclamation bond cannot exceed SI million per GS 74-54)

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
SCHEDULE OF RECLAMATION COSTS
Based upon range of$500-$5,000 per affected acre
COMMODITY CODES:
SG Sand and/or Gravel DS Dimension Stone PF Pyrophyllite CL Clay/Shale
GS Gemstone FS Feldspar OL Olivine PE Peat
Borrow Borrow/fill dirt MI Mica KY Kyanite/Sillimanite/Andalusite AU Gold
CS Crushed Stone LI Lithium PH Phosphate TI Titanium
OT Other
TYPE T/S PONDS STOCKPILES WASTE PILES P.AREA/H.R. MINE EXCAVATION
SG,GS,Borrow $500/ac.(L) $1800/ac. $2000/ac. $1800/ac. $500/ac.(L)
1500(FI) 2000(PD)
CS,DS,FS,MI,LI, 500(L) 1800 2000 2000 500(L)
PF,OL,KY 1500(FI) 2500(PD)
1000(L) 2500 5000 5000 2000(L)
PH 2500(FI) 5000(PD)
1000(L) 2000(L)
CL 2500 5000 5000
2500(FI) 3700(PD)
1000(L) 2000(L)
PE,AU,TI,OT 2500(FI) 2500 3000 3500 5000(PD)
(L)=Reclamation to a lake and revegetating side slopes
(FI)=Reclamation by filling in and revegetating
(PD)=Reclamation by grading for positive drainage&revegetating
AS PER NCAC 15A 5B.0003,IF YOU DISAGREE WITH THE BOND AMOUNT DETERMINED BY THE BOND CALCULATION
WORKSHEET,YOU MAY SUBMIT AN ESTIMATE OF RECLAMATION COSTS FROM A THIRD-PARTY CONTRACTOR.
SAID ESTIMATE MUST BE PROVIDED WITHIN 30 DAYS TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: Mining Program,1612 Mail
Service Center,Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1612
ALL ESTIMATES MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING,AS A MINIMUM:
•FINAL GRADING COSTS PER ACRE
•LIME AND FERTILIZER COSTS PER ACRE
•YEAR-ROUND SEEDING MIXTURE COSTS PER ACRE(FROM APPROVED REVEGETATION PLAN IN
APPLICATION/PERMIT DOCUMENT)
•MULCH AND ANCHORING COSTS PER ACRE
•ANY OTHER RECLAMATION COSTS NECESSARY TO COMPLY WITH THE APPROVED RECLAMATION PLAN
FOR THE SITE IN QUESTION
YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE OF THE DIRECTOR'S FINAL BOND DETERMINATION.
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 115

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
F.NOTIFICATION OF ADJOINING LANDOWNERS
The"Notice"form,or a facsimile thereof,attached to this application must be sent certified or registered mail,return receipt
requested,to:
(1)the chief administrative officer of each county and municipality in which any part of the permitted area is located as
indicated on the mine map(s);
(2)all owners of record,both public and private,of all tracts of land that are adjoining the mining permit boundary;if an
adjoining tract is owned or leased by the applicant or is owned by the lessor of the mine tract,all owners of record of
tracts adjoining these tracts must be notified(that are within 1,000 feet of the mining permit boundary)as indicated on
the mine map(s);and
(3)all owners of record,both public and private,of all tracts of land that are adjoining the mining permit boundary
which lie directly across and are contiguous to any highway,creek,stream,river,or other watercourse,railroad track,
or utility or other public right-of-way.If an adjoining tract is owned or leased by the applicant or is owned by the lessor
of the mine tract,all owners of record of tracts adjoining these tracts must be notified(that are within 1,000 feet of the
mining permit boundary)as indicated on the mine map(s)."Highway"means a road that has four lanes of travel or less
and is not designated as an Interstate Highway.
The only exception to the above method of giving notice is if another means of notice is approved in advance by the Director,
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources.
A copy of a tax map(or other alternative acceptable to the Department)must be mailed with the completed"Notice"form(the
proposed overall permit boundaries and the names and locations of all owners of record of lands adjoining said
boundaries must be clearly denoted on the tax map).
The"Affidavit of Notification"attached to this application must be completed,notarized and submitted to the Department,with the
remainder of the completed application form before the application will be considered complete.
NOTES:
THIS SECTION MUST BE COMPLETED FOR ALL APPLICATIONS FOR NEW MINING PERMITS AND ALL MODIFICATIONS
OF A MINING PERMIT TO ADD LAND TO THE PERMITTED AREA,AS REQUIRED BY NCGS 74-50(b1).
SEE THE NEXT TWO PAGES FOR THE"NOTICE"FORM AND THE"AFFIDAVIT OF NOTIFICATION"
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 116

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
NOTICE
Pursuant to provisions G.S.74-50(b1)of The Mining Act of 1971,Notice is hereby given that
Buechel Stone Corporation has applied on to the Division of Energy,
(Applicant Name) (Date)
Mineral,and Land Resources,North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality,1612 Mail Service Center,Raleigh,North
Carolina 27699-1612,for(check one):
a new surface mining permit,
aa modification of an existing surface mining permit to add land to the permitted area;or
a modification of an existing surface mining permit to add land to the permitted area with no disturbance in
the area proposed. Please note that future modification(s)may be submitted by the applicant to allow
disturbance within this area without re-notification of adjoining landowners.
The applicant proposes to mine q u a rtz ite on O.7 O acres located 2
(Mineral,Ore) (Number) (Number)
miles south of Spruce Pine off/near roadAltapass Highway
(Direction) (Nearest town) (Number,Name)
in M itchel I County.
*SEE ATTACHED MAP FOR PROPOSED PERMIT BOUNDARIES AND CORRESPONDING ADJOINING LANDOWNER
NAMES AND LOCATIONS*
In accordance with G.S.74-50(b1),the mine operator is required to make a reasonable effort,satisfactory to the Department,to notify all
owners of record,both public and private,of all tracts of land that are adjoining the mining permit boundary;if an adjoining tract is owned or
leased by the applicant or is owned by the lessor of the mine tract,all owners of record of tracts adjoining these tracts must be notified(that are
within 1,000 feet of the mining permit boundary).In addition,the mine operator must also notify the chief administrative officer of the county or
municipality in which any part of the permitted area is located. Any person may file written comment(s)to the Department at the above address
within thirty(30)days of the issuance of this Notice or the filing of the application for a permit,whichever is later. Should the Department
determine that a significant public interest exists relative to G.S.74-51,a public hearing will be held within 60 days of the end of the 30-day
comment period specified above.
A copy of the permit application materials is on file and available for public review during nominal business hours at the above listed address as
well as at the appropriate regional office.For information regarding the specifics of the proposed mining activity,please contact the
applicant at the following telephone number: 828-803-9723
For information on the mining permit application review process,please contact the Mining Program staff at(919)707-9220. Please note that
the Department will consider any relevant written comments/documentation within the provisions of the Mining Act of 1971 throughout the
application review process until a final decision is made on the application.
Buechel Stone Corporation, Chris Bucy
Addressee/Owner of Record's Name and Address Name of Applicant.Include Contact Person&Company Name,if Applicable
7274 Highway 221 North, Marion, NC 28752
Date of issuance of this Notice/Mailed to Addressee/Owner of Record Address of Applicant
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 117

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
AFFIDAVIT OF NOTIFICATION
I, Chris B ucy ,an applicant,or an agent,or employee of an applicant,for a
new Mining Permit,or a modification of an existing Mining Permit to add land to the permitted area,from the N.C.Department of
Environmental Quality,being first duly sworn,do hereby attest that the following are all known owners of record,both public and
private,of all tracts of land that are adjoining the mining permit boundary(including,where an adjoining tract is owned or leased
by the applicant or is owned by the lessor of the mine tract,all owners of record of tracts adjoining these tracts,that are within
1,000 feet of the mining permit boundary)and that notice of the pending application has been caused to be mailed,by certified or
registered mail,return receipt requested,to said owners of record at their addresses shown below,such notice being given on a
form provided by the Department:
Adjoining Landowner Name Address
Quinn, Vickie 285 Humpback Mtn Road, Spruce Pine, 28777
Queen, Ruth 2533 Altapass Hwy, Spruce Pine, 28777
Laws, Matthew & Cara Hollifield 239 Ettas Ln, Spruce Pine, 28777
Greene, Mark 1142 Washburn Rd, Spruce Pine, 28777
Attach additional list if necessary. Additional adjoining landowners listed on the following page.
I do also attest that the following individual is the chief administrative officer of the county or municipality in which any part of the
permitted area is located and that notice of the pending application has been caused to be mailed,by certified or registered mail,
return receipt requested,to said office at the following address:
Chief Administrative Officer Name Address
(i.e.:City Manager,County Manager,Mayor,etc.)
The above attestation was made by me while under oath to provide proof satisfactory to the Department that a reasonable effort
has been made to notify all known owners of record,both public and private,of all tracts of land that are adjoining the mining
permit boundary(including,where an adjoining tract is owned or leased by the applicant or is owned by the lessor of the mine
tract,all owners of record of tracts adjoining these tracts,that are within 1,000 feet of the mining permit boundary)and the chief
administrative officer of the county or municipality in which any part of the permitted area is located in compliance with N.C.G.S.
74-50(b1)and 15A NCAC 5B.0004(d).I understand that it is the responsibility of the applicant to retain the receipts of mailing
showing that the above notices were caused to be mailed and to provide them to the Department upon request.
Signature of Applicant or Agent Date
If person executing Affidavit is an agent or employee of an applicant,provide the following information:
Name of Applicant Chris B u cy
Title of person executing Affidavit Operations Manager
a Notary Public of the County of ,
State of North Carolina,do hereby certify that appeared before me this
day and under oath acknowledged that the above Affidavit was made by him/her.
Witness my hand and notarial seal,this day of 20
Notary: My commission expires:
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 118

Steel Gray Mine-Adjacent Property Owners Additional List
NC Mining Permit Application
Adioining Landowner Name Address
Kinard,James& Martha 409 Fairway Dr, Fort Mill,SC 29715
Morgan,Theral E&Lynne S 2500 N Kings, Myrtle Beach,SC 29577
Yancey Timer Resources LLC PO Box 302,Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Bryant, Myron &Susan 358 Cherry Blossom Ln Burnsville, NC 28714
Included in Application Body:
Queen, Ruth 2533 Altapass Hwy,Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Greene, Mark Roger 1142 Washburn Rd,Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Quinn, Vickie 285 Humpback Mtn Rd,Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Matthew Laws& Cara Hollifield 239 Fttas Ln,Spruce Pine, NC 28777

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
G.LAND ENTRY AGREEMENT
We hereby grant to the Department or its appointed representatives the right of entry and travel upon our lands or operation
during regular business hours for the purpose of making necessary field inspections or investigations as may be reasonably
required in the administration of the Mining Act of 1971 pursuant to G.S.74-56.
We further grant to the Department or its appointed representatives the right to make whatever entries on the land as may be
reasonably necessary and to take whatever actions as may be reasonably necessary in order to cant'out reclamation which the
operator has failed to complete in the event a bond forfeiture is ordered pursuant to G.S.74-59.
LANDOWNER: APPLICANT:
Signature Signature*
Print Name Hollifield, JD & Jo Etta Print Name A"dil
land
Title(if applicable) Title coo
Company(if applicable) Landowners of Record Company Buechel Stone Corporation
Address 181 Greenberry Rd Mine Name Steel Gray Mine
Bakersville, NC 28705 Telephone [phone]
Telephone Date Signed ��1112T
Date Signed
*Signature must be the same as the individual who signed Page 1 of this application.
One original and five(5)copies of the completed application,six(6)copies of all location maps,mine maps and
reclamation maps,and the appropriate processing fee in the form a check or money order payable to the North Carolina
Department of Environmental Qualifi►must be sent to the Raleigh Central Office at the address listed on the front cover
of this application form.
Inquiries regarding the status of the review of this application should be directed to the Mining Program staff at(919)707-9220.
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 129

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
G.LAND ENTRY AGREEMENT
We hereby grant to the Department or its appointed representatives the right of entry and travel upon our lands or operation
during regular business hours for the purpose of making necessary field inspections or investigations as may be reasonably
required in the administration of the Mining Act of 1971 pursuant to G.S.74-56.
We further grant to the Department or its appointed representatives the right to make whatever entries on the land as may be
reasonably necessary and to take whatever actions as may be reasonably necessary in order to carry out reclamation which the
operator has failed to complete in the event a bond forfeiture is ordered pursuant to G.S.74-59.
LANDOWNER: APPLICANT:
Signature k�uR•�(_ _ �" Signature*
Print Name Hollifleld, JD & Jo Etta Print Name ARiowland
Tide(if applicable) Title coo
Company(if applicable) Landowners of Record Company Buechel Stone Corporation
Address 181 Greenberry Rd Mine Name Steel Gray Mine
Bakersville, NC 28705 Telephone [phone]
Telephone S k$ - 38 S- - 0 Date Signed
Date Signed 10- 3l- A a
*Signature must be the same as the individual who signed Page 1 of this application.
One original and five(5)copies of the completed application,six(6)copies of all location maps,mine maps and
reclamation maps,and the appropriate processing fee in the form a check or money order payable to the North Carolina_
Department of Environmental Quality must be sent to the Raleigh Central Office at the address listed on the front cover
of this application form.
Inquiries regarding the status of the review of this application should be directed to the Mining Program staff at(919)707-9220.
Revised July 13, 2021 Page 119
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