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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppendix F LEAF and Humidity Cell Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework (LEAF) and Accelerated Weathering of Solid Materials Using a Modified Humidity Cell (ASTM D 5744-96) Collaboration Technical Summary April 2023 Prepared for: Prepared by: Piedmont Lithium Carolinas, Inc. Marshall Miller &Associates, Inc. 42 East Catawba Street 582 Industrial Park Road Belmont, NC 28012 Bluefield, Virginia 24605 www.mmal.com Page intentionally left blank. Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework(LEAF) and Accelerated Weathering of Solid Materials 1k, ►► Using a Modified Humidity Cell(ASTM D 5744-96)Collaboration Technical Summary April2023 Table of Contents Page No. 1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................1 2 Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework(LEAF)Testing.........................................2 3 Accelerated Weathering of Solid Materials Using a Modified Humidity Cell (ASTM D 5744-96)..............................................................................................................4 4 Summary of Results...........................................................................................................5 5 Operation Plan for Monitoring and Potential Mitigation for Waste Rock Disposal Areas and Backfilled Pits......................................................................................8 5.1 Above-Ground Waste Rock Disposal Area................................................................... 8 5.2 Pit Backfill Waste Rock Disposal Areas......................................................................... 9 Attachments 1 ...................Table of Applicable State and Federal Guidelines for Groundwater and Surface Water 2 ................................................................................................. LEAF Method 1313 Screening Results 3 ....................................................................................Summary of 2019 & 2021-2022 Humidity Cell (ASTM D5744 [reapproved 2001]) Leaching Results 4 ....................................LEAF Test Results RE: V, Al, As and pH under "natural" leachage conditions 5 ............................ Duration of Elevated pH Relative to Regulatory Standards in Humidity Cell Tests 6 ....................................................................................... Humidity Cell Test Results RE: V, Al, and pH 7 ........................................................Summary of Elevated Parameters in Humidity Cell Test Results Exhibits 1 ...............................................................................................Conceptual Reclamation Flow Diagram 2 ........................... Conceptual Diagram of Water Collection and Monitoring System in Backfilled Pit MARSHALL MILLER&ASSoc1ATE5,INc. 1 Page intentionally left blank. Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework(LEAF) and Accelerated Weathering of Solid Materials ►►' ►► Using a Modified Humidity Cell(ASTM D 5744-96)Collaboration Technical Summary April2023 1 Introduction In response to North Carolina Division of Energy, Mineral, Land, and Resources' (DEMLR) additional information request item 4, dated January 14, 2022; Piedmont Lithium Carolinas, Inc. (PLCI) is providing the following details with regard to our current reclamation plan associated with placement of waste rock and tailings material in above-ground disposal areas and backfilled mine pits. This document assumes that all tailings and waste rock materials to be exposed of in the proposed above- ground and pit backfill disposal areas will originate from PLCI's North Carolina mine. The waste rock and tailings assessment, upon which the reclamation plan is based, has evolved since the initial submittal of the mine permit application in August 2021. To date, the waste rock and tailings material assessment includes Acid-Base Account (ABA) testing, "whole rock" elemental determination, Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP), Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework (LEAF) [LEAF Method 1313], and a kinetic testing program through use of the Accelerated Weathering of Solid Materials Using a Modified Humidity Cell (ASTM D 5744-96) protocol. The most current evolution of the assessment includes completion of LEAF testing (as recommended by DEMLR) and additional kinetic (humidity cell) testing; the results of which are now incorporated into the updated reclamation plan. Samples for LEAF test analyses were collected and compiled by PLCI and PLCI coordinated with Eurofins Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) to conduct the LEAF testing. Sample collection for the humidity cell work was completed by PLCI and Marshall Miller&Associates(MM&A), and MM&A coordinated with SGS Laboratory(Lakefield, Ontario,Canada)to conduct the ASTM D 5744- 96 testing. The inclusion of the additional test results into the assessment provides a more thorough understanding of both the short-term and long-term potential leaching characteristics associated with the waste rock and concentrator plant tailings (both with and without by-products associated with feldspar recovery). In this context, the LEAF testing provides an initial screening "snapshot" of potential "worst case" leaching conditions under various hypothetical scenarios and helps to identify Constituents of Potential Concern (COPC). Subsequently, the humidity cell testing (ASTM D 5744-96) provides results that are indicative of more representative (but still potentially aggressive compared to actual field conditions), long-term expected conditions of leaching potential.The humidity cell testing provides a means to more thoroughly evaluate the COPCs identified by the LEAF testing. The LEAF and humidity cell analyses indicate that production of acidic drainage from the waste rock and tailings, initially considered to be a possibility in some cases, is not expected. As discussed in previously submitted information, the waste rock for the site was characterized as either Potentially Acid Generating (PAG) rock or non-Potentially Acid Generating (non-PAG).The distinction between the PAG and non-PAG rock was based on previous ABA testing that indicated that some of the waste rock from the East Pit Extension area (the southeast corner of the East Pit) had the potential to create acidic MARSHALL MILLER&Assocmms,INc. 1 Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework(LEAF) and Accelerated Weathering of Solid Materials ►► ►► Using a Modified Humidity Cell(ASTM D 5744-96)Collaboration Technical Summary Apri12023 conditions. The distinction was originally identified as a change in rock type by PLCI geologists during exploration drilling activities. In general, approximately 93 percent of the waste rock for the entire mine is amphibolite that is non-PAG throughout. The remaining 6-7 percent of the waste rock is a mixture of schist, mudstone, and amphibolite that was initially suspected of containing some PAG material. While initial ABA testing suggested the PAG material had the potential to produce acidic conditions, acidic conditions were not observed in the long-term results from ASTM D 5744-96 (humidity cell) testing. In contrast, the newly-available test data indicate that the waste material (waste rock and concentrator tailings) has the potential to temporarily elevate pH values in the earliest stage of leachate production, with long-term humidity cell testing showing that the elevated pH values are expected to quickly and naturally buffer to a near-neutral pH value. The behaviors of COPCs identified by LEAF and further analyzed via ASTM D 5744-96 (humidity cell testing) are discussed in subsequent sections below. In general, the results of the revised assessment suggest that initial placement of waste material may be expected to result in a "first flush" of water drainage that temporarily exhibits elevated pH values, but that will naturally buffer to a near neutral pH condition. The results of the testing indicate that the temporarily elevated pH leachate can be associated with concentrations of COPCs that, in some cases, may have the potential to temporarily exceed regulatory guidelines for groundwater and/or stream water quality. Long-term ASTM D5744-96 results indicate that, in nearly all cases, elevated pH values and associated COPC concentrations are expected to decrease rapidly as leaching progresses. In consideration of the results of the updated assessment, PLCI has modified the previous reclamation plan. The revised reclamation plan now includes placement of only waste rock and concentrator plant tailings for backfilling of pits and construction of the proposed above-ground waste rock disposal areas. Placement of tailings associated with the conversion plant into above-ground waste rock disposal areas and backfilled pits on the mine site is not part of the current revised plan. The subsequent sections of this document include summary background information for LEAF and ASTM D 5744-96 (humidity cell) testing methodologies; a summary of the results from the LEAF and ASTM D 5744-96 testing;and details of the revised waste disposal and reclamation plan. A table summarizing applicable parameter guidelines for groundwater and surface water is included as Attachment 1. 2 Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework (LEAF) Testing PLCI (via Eurofins) conducted multiple LEAF Method 1313, pH Dependence tests to evaluate "worst case" leaching potential for numerous potential waste material combinations. The material analyzed with LEAF Method 1313 included both waste rock (PAG and non-PAG) and tailings from the proposed concentrator plant. The LEAF testing (recommended by DEMLR) supplemented and confirmed results of other testing (ASTM D 5744-96) conducted by PLCI. The LEAF test results assist with developing management and mitigation measures to minimize and prevent leaching of COPCs. MARSHALL MILLER&Assocmms,INC. 2 Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework(LEAF) and Accelerated Weathering of Solid Materials ►►' ►► Using a Modified Humidity Cell(ASTM D 5744-96)Collaboration Technical Summary Apri12023 The LEAF testing was completed on representative 1 kilogram (kg) samples, with potential material combinations based on anticipated production rates during normal mining operations. The current assessment considers LEAF testing of the following material combinations: > PAG waste rock > non-PAG waste rock > Concentrator Tailings > PAG/non-PAG waste rock > PAG/non-PAG/Concentrator Tailings > PAG/Concentrator Tailings > non-PAG/Concentrator Tailings Based on input from Eurofins, the LEAF Method 1313 testing was conducted over a pH range from 4.0 — 9.0, and tests under Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP) (beginning pH near that of rainwater) and "natural" (de-ionized water) conditions were also completed as part of the LEAF testing program. The LEAF sample material was milled to a size of 2 millimeters or less, which is much smaller than the expected size of waste rock material to be placed under actual conditions. The reduced size, and therefore increased surface area, of the material tested with LEAF methods artificially increases the potential leachability of the material, as compared to expected actual conditions. The LEAF Method 1313 testing provides an initial screening at a wide range of pH values including those that are unrealistic for the project conditions; consequently, LEAF 1313 provides only an initial "snapshot" for COPCs that could be associated with leaching of the waste material. The results from LEAF are generally consistent with the earliest stages of long-term ASTM 5744-96 (humidity cell) test results (further discussion below). The LEAF How-To Guide (May 2019) issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes that the various LEAF methods are not regulatory compliance tests, and should not be used as such. Instead, LEAF is intended to help provide information about various leaching scenarios so that adverse conditions can be avoided via implementation of mitigation strategies. Specifically, the LEAF How-to Guide states: "The LEAF tests and approach is voluntary and not a requirement under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). This guidance provides a general approach that needs to be tailored to the specific application or regulation under which it is being used.....LEAF is not a regulatory test but may be useful in support of evaluations not designed to meet requirements under the RCRA regulations. The use of LEAF on a site-specific basis needs to be tailored to the questions being asked. The usefulness of LEAF testing will depend on how well test results estimate environmental conditions for a specific application." MARSHALL MILLER&ASSOcmms,INc. 3 Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework(LEAF) and Accelerated Weathering of Solid Materials ►► ►► Using a Modified Humidity Cell(ASTM D 5744-96)Collaboration Technical Summary Apri12023 For the current assessment, LEAF Method 1313 testing has been completed on seven samples representative of the site (not including conversion plant tailings). Summary results tables for each of the individual LEAF tests are included in Attachment 2. The tables summarize results of the testing for laboratory-controlled pH ranges from 4.0 to 9.0, for "Natural" conditions, and for SPLP analysis. The results of the LEAF 1313 testing are discussed in detail in the Summary of Results section of this document. 3 Accelerated Weathering of Solid Materials Using a Modified Humidity Cell (ASTM D 5744-96) Humidity Cell Testing is a kinetic test that subjects a material to varying oxidizing and rewetting conditions over time to simulate the changes in drainage quality with changing composition of a material undergoing leaching. The test method involves periodic (often weekly) leaching of a 1-kg sample of solid material with a water of specified purity. In the current case,the testing was completed with de-ionized water. The test is commonly used in the mining industry to evaluate how drainage characteristics from mining waste material may be expected to change over time. Important notes excerpted from the ASTM International [formerly American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)] information for humidity cell testing(ASTM D 5744-96)1 are included below to emphasize the relevancy of the test method to the current assessment: "This accelerated weathering test method is designed to increase the geological-chemical- weathering rate for selected 1000-g solid material samples and produce a weekly effluent that can be characterized for solubilized weathering products." "The purpose of this accelerated weathering procedure is to determine the following: (1) whether a solid material will produce an acidic, alkaline, or neutral effluent, (2) whether that effluent will contain diagnostic cations (including trace metals) and anions that represent solubilized weathering products formed during a specific period of time, and (3) the rate at which these diagnostic cations and anions will be released (from the solids in the effluent) under the closely controlled conditions of the test." "The principle of the accelerated weathering test method is to promote more rapid oxidation of solid material constituents than can be accomplished in nature and maximize the loadings of weathering reaction products contained in the resulting weekly effluent." 1 D 5744—96(Reapproved 2001),Standard Test Method for Accelerated Weathering of Solid Materials Using a Modified Humidity Cell,ASTM International. MARSHALL MILLER&ASSOcmms,INc. 4 Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework(LEAF) and Accelerated Weathering of Solid Materials ►► ►► Using a Modified Humidity Cell(ASTM D 5744-96)Collaboration Technical Summary Apri12023 "This test method has been tested on both coal and metal mine wastes to classify their respective tendencies to produce acidic, alkaline, and neutral effluent, and to subsequently measure the concentrations of selected inorganic components leached from the waste." "An assumption used in this test method is that the pH of each of the leachates reflects the progressive interaction of the interstitial water with the buffering capacity of the solid material under specified laboratory conditions." As stated, the humidity cell testing allows for assessment of the effects on the leachate from progressive buffering capacity of the solid material overtime, a factor that is not accounted for by LEAF 1313 testing. The humidity cell testing included introduction of de-ionized water and the waste rock material was reduced to a size much smaller (less than 6.35 mm) than that of the planned waste rock material, both of which factors increase the propensity for leaching to occur. For the current assessment, ASTM D 5744-96 testing has been completed for thirteen (13) samples. Attachment 3 includes individual results summary sheets for the humidity cell tests. 4 Summary of Results As stated above, the results of the recent testing program and revised assessment resulted in modification of the proposed reclamation plan. Specifically, the current plan for on-site material disposal includes only waste rock and concentrator plant tailings (with by-products recovery), and excludes conversion plant tailings. The conversion plant tailings will be transported off-site to an appropriate disposal facility (facility selection process is in-progress). The following discussion relates to results specific to the actual planned waste materials. Results from LEAF and ASTM D 5744-96 (humidity cell) test methods provide information for identification of COPCs and for assessment of both short-term and long-term leaching potential from the proposed waste material. The LEAF testing, and long-term results from humidity cell leaching over extended periods, identify that pH values from initial leaching associated with the planned waste material (PAG waste rock, non-PAG waste rock, and concentrator plant tailings) are expected to be elevated above neutral.The pH values are sometimes in excess of applicable groundwater and surface water regulatory and/or guidance standards in the short-term LEAF tests (see Attachment 4 for LEAF test results summary table) and rarely and only marginally so in the very early phases of leaching in a few of the humidity cell samples (see Attachment 5). Comparison of the Attachment 4 and Attachment 5 tables indicates that the pH values for the LEAF test results are generally comparable to the pH values observed in the very early stages of the humidity cell testing (both are elevated above neutral, but the LEAF results more often exceed standards in a laboratory-induced condition), but humidity cell results (Attachment 5) indicate that the elevated pH values are quickly attenuated by the natural buffering capacity of the material and decrease to within regulatory standards within the first week of humidity cell testing. The long-term humidity cell test results, which involve the repeated introduction of MARSHALL MILLER&ASSOcmms,INc. 5 Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework(LEAF) and Accelerated Weathering of Solid Materials ►►' ►► Using a Modified Humidity Cell(ASTM D 5744-96)Collaboration Technical Summary Apri12023 oxygenated water, are expected to be most representative of actual site conditions at the PLCI mine site. The short-term elevated pH values of the leachate are associated with increased concentrations of Vanadium (V) and Aluminum (Al), as the solubility of those constituents is increased at those higher pH levels. In some LEAF test samples (where pH is greater than —9.3), those parameters in the leachate are elevated above regulatory standards for ground or surface waters (Attachment 4). In the humidity cells, the immediate ("first flush" or Week 0 leach event) on rare occasions exhibited a pH marginally higher than standards; however, twenty (20) to thirty (30) weeks of repeated leaching resulted in no exceedances of standards in V or Al concentrations (Attachment 6). Attachment 7 summarizes all instances where humidity cell test leachate exceeds the groundwater or surface water guidance values. The humidity cell results indicate that initially-elevated pH values (which generally are associated with higher concentrations of V and Al) drop to within standards by the next flushing event (Week 1). Both LEAF Method 1313 results and ASTM D 5744-96 (humidity cell) results consistently indicate that pH values from the waste material are likely to be initially elevated in the very early stages of waste placement. The results from both tests suggest that the temporarily-elevated pH values have the potential to result in elevated concentrations of V and Al, which are recognized as COPCs. However, only a small percentage of the LEAF test results (and none of the early humidity cell results) indicate concentrations for those parameters that exceed regulatory standards. In addition, the humidity cell results indicate that, under continuous waste disposal operations over time, the ever-increasing mass of disposal material allows for attenuation via the natural buffering capacity of the waste material that results in compliant pH and a diminishing rate of release of high-pH-soluble parameters (V and Al). The overall indication is that pH, V and Al are unlikely to exceed applicable regulatory and/or guidance standards in water passing through waste rock disposal facilities associated with the subject mine. The results also indicate that V and Al concentrations are a direct result of elevated pH, and therefore can be mitigated (if necessary) via commonly-implemented pH-control measures (see further discussion in subsequent section). Arsenic (As) occasionally shows up in leaching test results at concentrations greater than 10 µg/L (the drinking water and North Carolina groundwater standard), but at levels that are within the range of, and below, some of the levels shown to exist naturally in groundwater chemistry samples from monitoring wells in the project area. Unlike V and Al, As does not appear to correlate well with the pH of the leachate.Two of seven LEAF samples showed As at levels greater than 10 µg/L, and both of those included PAG waste rock (which is known to be limited to the East Pit Extension area and does not exhibit acidic conditions due to its inherent alkalinity, as shown by subsequent kinetic testing). In the humidity cell program, one of two mudstone samples (again, rock that was originally designated PAG, but does not yield acidic conditions) showed As to leach over the duration of the 20-week program. Drilling information indicates that mudstone is only expected to be present in the East Pit Extension area and is only expected to constitute a small percentage of the overall waste rock material. In contrast, amphibolite (estimated to represent the majority of waste rock in the entire mine) and schist MARSHALL MILLER&ASSOcmms,INc. 6 Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework(LEAF) and Accelerated Weathering of Solid Materials ►►' ►► Using a Modified Humidity Cell(ASTM D 5744-96)Collaboration Technical Summary April2023 (only present in the East Pit Extension) rock samples showed no leaching of As at concentrations exceeding standards. Importantly, groundwater samples collected by PLCI in April 2022 from the recently-installed site monitoring/pump test wells show As to commonly be present in the site groundwater, an observation that is generally consistent with publicly-available water quality data for the area. In the April 2022 groundwater samples, the As content exceeded the primary drinking water standard in approximately one-fourth of the wells,and in one well it occurred at a concentration similar to the highest concentrations seen in the leaching test results. Therefore, at the levels indicated by the test program results, Arsenic is considered to be within background levels common in this area of Gaston County and is not considered a COPC specific to the proposed project. The LEAF Method 1313 test results indicate the potential for Cobalt (Co)to be leachable, but only under certain geologic conditions and only where pH is lower than the expected range of approximately 7.5 to 8.5. LEAF results under natural conditions do not indicate exceedances of North Carolina surface and ground water guidelines for Co. Only one out of the 13 humidity cell tests indicated Co to be leachable at a concentration that exceeded the groundwater guideline.That one humidity cell test involved schist, a rock type that is only present in the East Pit Extension area. In summary, the LEAF Method 1313 and ASTM 5744-96 (humidity cell) test results indicate that the waste rock and concentrator tailings have the potential to create temporarily-elevated pH levels, and associated temporarily-elevated concentrations of some COPCs, in the earliest stages of material placement. However, the long-term humidity cell testing indicates that the temporarily-elevated pH values and associated slightly elevated COPC concentrations are quickly attenuated by the natural buffering capacity of the bedrock material. In addition, since the COPCs that are associated with elevated pH values are pH-dependent, pH-control mitigation measures are applicable. The results indicate that the potential for adverse effects to the environment are not expected and can be reduced or eliminated when pH is maintained between approximately 7.5 to 8.5 through a combination of the material's natural buffering capacity and pH control mitigation measures. In addition to the effects of temporarily-elevated pH (Al and V) in the early stages of waste disposal, certain test results indicate that As and Co are infrequently present under specific geologic and geochemical conditions. Of those, As concentrations from testing are associated only with mudstone and are within the range of As concentrations observed in local groundwater. Elevated Co concentrations can be expected to occur only at lower pH values outside the expected pH range for discharge from the waste material and only appear to be associated with schist, a rock type that is only present in the East Pit Extension area. MARSHALL MILLER&Assocmms,INc. 7 Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework(LEAF) and Accelerated Weathering of Solid Materials ►► ►► Using a Modified Humidity Cell(ASTM D 5744-96)Collaboration Technical Summary April2023 5 Operation Plan for Monitoring and Potential Mitigation for Waste Rock Disposal Areas and Backfilled Pits The current mine reclamation plan includes placement of waste rock and concentrator plant tailings in both above-ground disposal areas as well as in open pit mine areas where mining has been completed. Monitoring and mitigation (if necessary) strategies for each scenario are discussed below. In general, the results of the geochemical analyses completed for the waste rock and concentrator plant tailings (including, but not limited to, humidity cells and LEAF testing) indicate that long-term adverse environmental conditions are not expected to occur associated with either the above-ground waste disposal sites or the backfilled pits. As discussed in previous sections, the analysis indicates that there is a potential for water with elevated pH values (with associated increased concentrations of Al and V) to temporarily discharge from the waste material in early stages of placement, but long-term leach tests indicate that the natural buffering capacity of the material will attenuate both the pH and associated COPC concentrations to within regulatory guidance values. A conceptual flow diagram is included as Exhibit 1 to illustrate the concepts discussed below. 5.1 Above-Ground Waste Rock Disposal Area Design of the above-ground waste rock disposal areas inherently facilitates containment and monitoring of runoff from the waste material via site construction and stormwater runoff control measures. Prior to placement of material in the waste rock area, the native, low-permeability silt and clay-rich soil will be pre-compacted to reduce the potential for infiltration of runoff from the waste material into the underlying ground. Incremental placement of waste material onto the pre-compacted, low-permeability silt and clay-rich soil will provide additional densification and compaction of the soil as the waste disposal area is constructed. Rainwater that infiltrates through the waste material will percolate down to the base of the pile, be impeded by the low-permeability soil beneath the waste pile, and discharge to sediment control ponds that are part of the disposal area design. As the pile is constructed from the bottom upwards, each incremental level of the out-slope will be covered with soil and vegetated to progressively decrease the amount of infiltration. Upon completion of the final waste rock and tailings storage area, the top will be "domed" to create positive drainage, to decrease infiltration, and to reduce the potential for pooling of rainwater on the pile. Each sediment control pond is designed to collect runoff from a specific area of the waste rock pile, facilitating thorough monitoring of discharge. Water quantity and quality monitoring for above-ground waste disposal areas will be conducted for the inflow and outflow of sediment control ponds that are part of the existing waste rock pile design (monitoring will be done immediately upstream and downstream of the pond). In addition, monitoring wells positioned along the perimeter of the proposed mine area will be used to monitor for any adverse groundwater effects from the waste rock pile or other portions of the operation. Monitoring of water MARSHALL MILLER&ASSocmms,INC. 8 Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework(LEAF) and Accelerated Weathering of Solid Materials ►► ►► Using a Modified Humidity Cell(ASTM D 5744-96)Collaboration Technical Summary Apri12023 quality of the inflow to each sediment pond will allow PLCI to evaluate the need for temporary water treatment mitigation procedures on a regular basis. Monitoring of the outflow of each pond will allow PLCI to observe the quality of the final discharge, assess the performance of mitigation procedures, and adjust treatment as necessary. The sampling and testing will be conducted using industry-standard procedures and methods, and certified laboratories. Water quantity and quality monitoring for above- ground waste rock disposal areas will be completed monthly for the first six months of construction and quarterly thereafter, with the option to adjust the frequency of the monitoring based on observed conditions, and subject to review and approval by NC DEMLR. If water quality mitigation is required at a pond,the primary method will be pH adjustment using a low-pH additive, supplemented byflocculant addition if necessary. Adjustment of the pH of water is a common and effective mitigation strategy for a wide variety of mineral, hard rock, and surface mining projects. Upon completion of reclamation activities for above-ground waste disposal areas, water quantity and quality monitoring will be continued until hydrologic equilibrium is established and water quality parameters are stabilized and within regulatory or background ranges. 5.2 Pit Backfill Waste Rock Disposal Areas Placement of waste material into open-pit mining areas will start after mine pits are excavated to their planned completion depth by following the proposed reclamation plan reviewed and approved by DEMLR. During mining and backfilling of a pit, groundwater (and direct rainfall) will enter the pit, be collected, and be pumped out of the pit to a specifically designed pit discharge pond. As indicated on Exhibit 1,water from the pit discharge ponds may either be used at the concentrator plant or discharged to streams.The pit discharge ponds provide locations for monitoring water quality from the pit (and for conducting pH modifications as necessary) in the same way that water will be monitored in the sediment control ponds associated with the above-ground waste disposal area (previously discussed). Due to the reverse-gradient associated with the excavation of and pumping from the open pit, groundwater will flow into, and not out of,the pit up until the time that the water level in the backfilled pit is allowed to reach a level equal to, or greater than, the surrounding natural groundwater table. As a pit is progressively backfilled, groundwater and rainfall will infiltrate and accumulate in the waste material.As pit backfilling progresses, PLCI will monitor the water level and water quality characteristics of water accumulating in the backfill via a water collection and monitoring system (see Exhibit 2). The system will provide PLCI with the means to monitor and sample water in the backfill. The water collection and monitoring system also provides a means for dewatering the backfill, if necessary, in the event of adverse environmental impact. Pumping for mitigation purposes would establish a reverse- gradient condition and prohibit adverse water from moving away from the pit into the groundwater system. In the event that backfill dewatering is necessary for mitigation purposes (due to undesirably low or elevated pH and associated COPCs), water pumped from the backfill would be monitored and treated (pH control) at the pit discharge pond on a monthly basis (with the option to adjust the frequency of monitoring based on observed conditions) until the pH condition is attenuated by the natural buffering capacity of the material. MARSHALL MILLER&Assocmms,INc. 9 Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework(LEAF) and Accelerated Weathering of Solid Materials ►► ►► Using a Modified Humidity Cell(ASTM D 5744-96)Collaboration Technical Summary Apri12023 Upon completion of backfilling of a pit with waste rock and concentrator tailings to the elevation of the surrounding ground,the material will continue to be piled in a manner consistent with the construction specifications defined in the permit (in a similar manner to the construction of the above-ground waste rock disposal areas). As such, incremental levels of the pile on top of the backfilled pit will be covered with low-permeability soil and vegetated progressively to reduce infiltration and reduce excess stormwater runoff. Upon completion of the final above-ground pile on top of a backfilled pit, the top of the constructed pile will be domed to create positive drainage and reduce infiltration. Water monitoring from each backfilled pit will be continued after reclamation until hydrologic equilibrium is established and water quality parameters are stabilized and within regulatory or background ranges. MARSHALL MILLER&ASSocmms,INC. 10 Attachments Page intentionally left blank. Piedmont Lithium Attachment 1: Table of Applicable State and Federal Guidelines for Groundwater and Surface Water USEPA North Carolina North Carolina Drinking Water Ground Water Surface Water Standard Parameter Standard Standard Acute Chronic (Units:µg/L) Hg 2 1 0.012 0.012 Ag 100* 20 Calculate As 10 10 340 150 B 300 H.A. 700 34,000 TV 7,300 TV Ba 2,000 700 21,000 TV Be 4 4 65 6.50 Bi Cd 5 2 Calculate Co 1 16 TV 1.6 TV Cr+6=16 Cr+6=11 Cr 100 10 Calculate Cu 1,300 A.L. 1,000 Calculate Mo 51,000 TV Ni 100 H.A. 100 Calculate Pb 15 A.L. 15 Calculate Sb 6 1 5,300 TV Se 50 20 5 5 Sn 2,000 Sr 25,000 H.A. 2,000 Ti Th TI 2 2 u 30 V 7 W y Zr (Units:mg/L) Al 0.05-0.2* 0.75 0.30 Fe 0.3* 0.3 K Li Mg Mn 0.05* 0.05 Na P Si Zn 5* 1.00 Calculate SO4 250* 250 F 2* 2 68 2 Chloride 250* 250 230 230 Ca NO3 10 10 Acidity Alkalinity Hardness 100 (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in µS/cm) pH 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6-9 6-9 EC Drinking Water/ * Secondary Standard Groundwater H.A. Health Advisory A.L. Action Level Surface Calculate: Water quality standard for Water parameter depends upon water hardness. TV: In-stream target value Piedmont Lithium Attachment 2: LEAF Method 1313 Screening Results PAG Composite [Results for Duplicate(DUP)Substantially Similar except as Noted] LEAF.1 (Note:The LEAF How-To Guide(May 2019)issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency(US EPA)establishes that the various LEAF methods are not regulatory compliance tests,and should not be used as such.Instead,LEAF is intended to help provide information about various leaching scenarios so that adverse conditions can be avoided via implementation of mitigation strategies.) pH-controlled screening tests Parameter @pH9 @pH8 @aH7 I @pH5.5 @pH4 SPLP Natural (Units:µg/L) As 6.3 3.6 1.3B 7.6 17 12 8.9 1.5 8 DUP 8.2 8 DUP 32 8 DUP 15 DUP Ba <3.1 10 15 26 210 <3.1 <3.1 390 DUP Be <0.27 <0.27 <0.27 <0.27 1.3 <0.27 <0.27 4l8 DUP Cd <0.22 0.28 J <0.22 0.39 J <0.22 <0.22 <0.22 <0.22 DUP <0.22 DUP Co <0.26 0.51 2.9 B 35 35 <0.26 <0.26 8.4 8 DUP 68 8 DUP Cr,Total <1.5 <1.5 <1.5 <1.5 9.4 1.5 J <1.5 74 DUP <1.5 DUP Ni <0.52 0.23 22 100 150 0.66 J 0.59 J 0.741 DUP 9.6 DUP 52 DUP 200 DUP <0.52 DUP Pb <0.17 0.21 J <0.17 <0.17 1.1 0.59 J 2.5 <0.17 DUP 12 8 DUP 1.1 DUP Se <0.74 0.77 J <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 TI <0.47 0.64 J <0.47 <0.47 <0.47 <0.47 <0.47 0.551 DUP V 13 3.1 4.2 6.2 47 20 20 4.0 DUP 140 DUP 17 DUP (Units:mg/L) Acidity -17.9 -63.4 -68.5 10.7 150 -28 <5 -23.4 DUP -22.8 DUP 320 DUP 180 DUP -18 DUP Alkalinity 38 120 98 44 <5 37 38 61 DUP 50 DUP <5 DUP Al 0.57 0.073 0.045 0.360 5.400 1.400 1.500 0.0271 DUP 44.0 DUP Ca 20 93 120 280 240 5.5 4.5 68 DUP 180 DUP Fe 0.037 J <0.028 0.044 J 13.00 70.0 0.38 0.34 0.055 DUP 0.20 DUP 89.0 DUP 0.20 DUP 0.29 DUP K 12 12 16 16 24 8.6 8.7 16 DUP 7.9 DUP Li 0.19* 0.22* 0.26 B 0.34* 0.59 0.16 0.17 0.82 8 DUP Mg 2.3 5.5 6.8 9.6 17.0 0.55 0.39 J 24 DUP Mn 0.0017 J B 0.18 B 0.61 1.60 B 1.80 0.0054 0.0045 J 0.28 DUP Na 4 3.9 5.5 4.9 7.4 3.7 3.2 I1.0 DUP P <0.057 <0.057 <0.057 0.22 J 0.97 <0.057 <0.057 0.061 l DUP 15.0 DUP 1.1 DUP Si 2.5 3.9 6.9 16.0 31.0 3.5 3.3 45.0 DUP Zn <0.0029 0.0034 J <0.0029 0.037 0.10 0.0046 J 0.0032 J 0.0069 DUP 0.0063 DUP 0.21 DUP (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in µS/cm) pH 9.4 7.9 7.3 5.5 4.3 9.8 9.8 SC 220 640 710 1800 1800 81 80 480 DUP 630 DUP 1900 DUP *Calibration Blank Outside Acceptance Limits J -Approximate value,greater than Method Detection Limit but less than Reporting Limit. B-Compound found in both blank and sample. Piedmont Lithium Attachment 2: LEAF Method 1313 Screening Results non-PAG/PAG/Concentrator Tailings with By-Products [Results for Duplicate(DUP)Substantially Similar except as Noted] LEAF.2 (Note: The LEAF How-To Guide(May 2019)issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency(US EPA)establishes that the various LEAF methods are not regulatory compliance tests,and should not be used as such.Instead,LEAF is intended to help provide information about various leaching scenarios so that adverse conditions can be avoided via implementation of mitigation strategies.) pH-controlled screening tests Parameter @pH9 @pH8 @pH7 I @pH5.5 @pH4 SPLP Natural (Units:µg/L) As 1.3 1.0 5.8 7.3 6.8 5.9 DUP 4.2 DUP 2.7 DUP Ba 13 48 170 4.6 JB 4.3 J,B 91 DUP Be <0.27 <0.27 0.84 J <0.27 <0.27 <0.27 DUP Cd <0.22 <0.22 0.42 J <0.22 <0.22 0.25J DUP Co <0.26 0.40 J 33 <0.26 <0.26 32 DUP Cr,Total <1.5 <1.5 3.9 <1.5 <1.5 <1.5 DUP Ni <0.52 0.82 J 40 <0.52 <0.52 33 DUP Pb <0.17 <0.17 <0.17 <0.17 <0.17 <0.17 DUP Se <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 DUP TI <0.47 <0.47 0.63 J <0.47 <0.47 0.5 J DUP 0.571 DUP V 5.8 3.1 12 23 36 3.8 DUP 23 DUP (Units:mg/L) Acidity -16.6 -33.5 6.1 60 -15.1 -13.1 43 DUP Alkalinity 41 63 40 9.4 <5 36 37 52 DUP <5 DUP Al 0.2 0.024 J 2.6 1.1 1.6 1.1 DUP 1.4 DUP Ca 32 78 130 6.4 3.3 110 DUP 5.4 DUP Fe <0.028 <0.028 28.0 0.22 0.34 21.0 DUP 0.48 DUP K 7.8 11.0 14.0 9.1 8.8 14.0 DUP 9.8 DUP 9.3 DUP Li 2.0 B 1.7 B 0.49 0.22 0.28 0.44 DUP 0.20 DUP Mg 2.4 4.7 8.1 0.78 0.34 J 7.7 DUP 0.71 DUP Mn 0.0054 B 0.32 B 2.1 0.0029 J 0.0042 J 1.8 DUP Na 9.3 11.0 5.1 4.2 5.2 4.8 DUP 5.0 DUP P <0.057 <0.057 4.8 0.0811 0.111 2.6 DUP 0.1 J DUP Si 3.1 7.3 22.0 3.0 3.7 18.0 DUP Zn <0.0029 <0.0029 0.11 <0.0029 <0.0029 0.078 DUP (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in µS/cm) pH 8.9 7.5 6.6 5.8 4.5 9.2 9.6 5.1 DUP 9.3 DUP SC 200 450 530 1000 1100 93 80 330 DUP 89 DUP *Calibration Blank Outside Acceptance Limits J -Approximate value,greater than Method Detection Limit but less than Reporting Limit. B-Compound found in both blank and sample. Piedmont Lithium Attachment 2: LEAF Method 1313 Screening Results PAG/Concentrator Tailings with By-Products [Results for Duplicate(DUP)Substantially Similar except as Noted] LEAF.3 (Note: The LEAF How-To Guide(May 2019)issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency(US EPA)establishes that the various LEAF methods are not regulatory compliance tests,and should not be used as such.Instead,LEAF is intended to help provide information about various leaching scenarios so that adverse conditions can be avoided via implementation of mitigation strategies.) pH-controlled screening tests Parameter @pH9 @pH8 @pH7 I @pH5.5 @pH4 SPLP Natural (Units:µg/L) As 8.9 13 3.4 5.6 34 22 32 5.7 DUP 3.9 DUP 7.1 DUP 14 DUP 29 DUP Ba <3.1 7.2 J 18 46 170 <3.1 6.2 J Be <0.27 <0.27 <0.27 <0.27 3.1 <0.27 <0.27 Cd <0.22 <0.22 <0.22 0.35 J 0.53 J <0.22 <0.22 Co <0.26 <0.26 0.66 43 64 <0.26 0.45 J 1.6 DUP Cr,Total <1.5 <1.5 <1.5 <1.5 74 <1.5 2.1 Ni 0.83 J 0.95 J 4.9 13.0 210 0.86 J 1.6 16 DUP 1.1 DUP Pb <0.17 <0.17 <0.17 <0.17 1.1 <0.17 0.27 J Se <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 TI <0.47 <0.47 <0.47 <0.47 <0.47 <0.47 <0.47 V 8.9 2.8 1.8 5.0 49 17 27 7.0 DUP 3.0 DUP 20 DUP (Units:mg/L) Acidity -17.6 -31.9 -15.2 8.1 160 -6.71 <5 <5 DUP -36.4 DUP -21.6 DUP <5 DUP -12.9 DUP Alkalinity 38 73 94 35 <5 33 37 64 DUP 74 DUP 9.1 DUP Al 0.84 0.14 0.028 J 0.51 6.50 1.3 2.3 0.77 DUP 0.18 DUP <0.016 DUP 1.7 DUP Ca 8.2 48 120 250 190 6.0 4.2 10.0 DUP 84 DUP Fe 0.11 <0.028 <0.028 19.0 58.0 0.19 0.74 <0.028 DUP 0.36 DUP 0.49 DUP K 8.9 13.0 11.0 18.0 17.0 11.0 12.0 9.3 DUP I1.0 DUP 14.0 DUP Li 0.15 0.18 B 3.10 B 0.45 B 0.49 0.18 0.20 0.21 DUP Mg 0.9 3.7 3.7 9.3 11.0 0.55 0.56 1.1 DUP 2.8 DUP 4.8 DUP 0.63 DUP Mn 0.0017 J 0.067 B 0.29 B 2.5 B 2.4 0.0022 J 0.0086 0.82 DUP 0.0057 DUP Na 3.2 3.9 11.0 5.0 4.7 5.2 6.3 2.9 DUP 2.8 DUP 3.8 DUP 5.4 DUP P <0.057 <0.057 <0.057 <0.057 4.9 <0.057 <0.057 Si 2.2 3.2 7.1 17.0 23.0 3.1 4.7 2.6 DUP 5.7 DUP 3.9 DUP Zn <0.0029 <0.0029 0.0043 J 0.056 0.12 <0.0029 0.0031 (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in µS/cm) pH 9.3 8.0 7.4 5.6 3.8 9.4 9.6 6.9 DUP SC 180 480 610 18 1700 96 92 370 DUP 1700 DUP *Calibration Blank Outside Acceptance Limits J -Approximate value,greater than Method Detection Limit but less than Reporting Limit. B-Compound found in both blank and sample. Piedmont Lithium Attachment 2: LEAF Method 1313 Screening Results Sample 1-Concentrator Tailings with By-Products [Results for Duplicate(DUP)Substantially Similar except as Noted] LEAF.4 (Note: The LEAF How-To Guide(May 2019)issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency(US EPA)establishes that the various LEAF methods are not regulatory compliance tests,and should not be used as such.Instead,LEAF is intended to help provide information about various leaching scenarios so that adverse conditions can be avoided via implementation of mitigation strategies.) pH-controlled screening tests Parameter @pH9 @pH8 @pH7 I @pH5.5 @pH4 SPLP Natural (Units:µg/L) As 0.801 0.65 J 0.811 5.2 2.1 2.3 1.3 DUP 1.9 DUP Ba <3.1 8.3 J 18 99 <3.1 4.6 JB 78 DUP <3.1 DUP Be <0.27 0.35 J 3 17 <0.27 <0.27 Cd <0.22 0.49 J 1.7 3.3 <0.22 <0.22 2.0 DUP Co <0.26 5.5 26 59 <0.26 <0.26 6.9 DUP Cr,Total <1.5 <1.5 <1.5 410 <1.5 <1.5 4.5 DUP 310 DUP Ni <0.52 29 130 390 <0.52 <0.52 33 DUP 340 DUP Pb <0.17 <0.17 <0.17 0.37 J <0.17 <0.17 Se <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 0.791 DUP TI <0.47 0.75 J 0.95 J 1.7 <0.47 <0.47 1.1 DUP 1.4 DUP V 0.94 J <0.78 <0.78 13 2.9 2.7 1.0 DUP 0.851 DUP 9.4 DUP 2.4 DUP 3.6 DUP (Units:mg/L) Acidity -38.4 -31.1 140 200 -18.3 -13.1 -10.7 DUP 240 DUP -11.0 DUP Alkalinity 52 54 8.6 <5 36 36 30 DUP <5 DUP Al 0.14 0.028 J 0.88 4.70 B 0.59 0.65 0.099 DUP 1.3 8 DUP 4.10 DUP 0.50 DUP 0.71 DUP Ca 28 88 110 130 7.5 6.5 74 DUP 5.6 DUP Fe 0.035 J 0.063 50.0 120.0 0.057 0.087 0.094 DUP 1.70 DUP 62.0 DUP 0.061 DUP K 4.9 6.9 7.3 9.2 5.0 4.5 5.8 DUP 8.5 DUP 7.6 DUP Li 0.26 B 0.93 B 1.50 B 2.30 0.27 0.25 0.69 DUP 1.50 DUP 1.70 DUP Mg 1.3 3.2 4.0 4.9 0.5 0.43 J 2.9 DUP Mn 0.17 B 9.0 B 16.0 B 23.0 0.011 0.0091 8.2 DUP 17.0 DUP 0.0071 DUP Na 3.3 4.7 4.5 5.4 4.4 3.8 3.9 DUP 5.2 DUP 4.6 DUP 4.2 DUP P 0.081 J <0.057 <0.057 2.0 J 0.27 J 0.241 4.0 DUP Si 3.4 9.5 14.0 21.0 3.4 3.3 8.0 DUP Zn <0.0029 0.017 0.28 0.61 B <0.0029 <0.0029 0.043 DUP 0.59 DUP (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in µS/cm) pH 8.1 6.5 5.5 4.0 9 8.9 7.3 DUP 8.8 DUP SC 290 760 1200 1700 87 74 560 DUP 1500 DUP *Calibration Blank Outside Acceptance Limits J -Approximate value,greater than Method Detection Limit but less than Reporting Limit. B-Compound found in both blank and sample. Piedmont Lithium Attachment 2: LEAF Method 1313 Screening Results non-PAG/Concentrator Tailings with By-Products [Results for Duplicate(DUP)Substantially Similar except as Noted] LEAFS (Note:The LEAF How-To Guide(May 2019)issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency(US EPA)establishes that the various LEAF methods are not regulatory compliance tests,and should not be used as such.Instead,LEAF is intended to help provide information about various leaching scenarios so that adverse conditions can be avoided via implementation of mitigation strategies.) pH-controlled screening tests Parameter @pH9 @pH8 @aH7 I @pH5.5 @pH4 SPLP Natural (Units:µg/L) As 0.66 J 0.39 J 0.30 J 0.47 J 5.5 0.79 J 1.3 <0.28 DUP Ba 9.7 J 18 73 150 350 5.2 JB 6.5 JB 28 DUP 48 DUP 110 DUP Be <0.27 <0.27 <0.27 <0.27 5.1 <0.27 <0.27 Cd <0.22 <0.22 <0.22 0.45 J 0.59 J <0.22 <0.22 Co <0.26 <0.26 1.4 21 30 <0.26 <0.26 0.261 DUP Cr,Total <1.5 <1.5 <1.5 <1.5 85 <1.5 <1.5 Ni <0.52 <0.52 1.2 18 26 <0.52 <0.52 0.791 DUP 14 DUP Pb <0.17 <0.17 <0.17 <0.17 0.31 J <0.17 <0.17 Se <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 TI <0.47 <0.47 <0.47 0.66 J 1.3 <0.47 <0.47 V 7.4 5.2 1.4 2.9 98 20 34 8.4 DUP 1.5 DUP 4.0 DUP 3.5 DUP (Units:mg/L) Acidity -20.8 -29.9 -31.9 28 150 <5 -23.0 <5 DUP -54.4 DUP 15 DUP -7.1 DUP -5.54 DUP Alkalinity 35 41 39 <5 <5 35 36 56 DUP 73 DUP 7.7 DUP Al 0.30 B 0.17 B <0.016 0.43 12.0 1.60 1.90 0.39 B DUP 0.034 DUP 0.029 JB DUP 0.18 DUP 0.94 DUP 1.70 DUP Ca 14 23 44 84 150 4.8 3.5 9.4 DUP 33 DUP 5.7 DUP 3.0 DUP Fe <0.028 0.042 J <0.028 18.0 46.0 0.15 0.73 0.028 J DUP 9.5 DUP 0.48 DUP K 9.2 9.8 7.9 11.0 16.0 7.6 7.5 8.6 DUP 5.1 DUP 11.0 DUP 8.1 DUP Li 0.23 0.25 0.22 0.47 0.84 B 0.22 0.26 0.19 DUP 0.10 DUP 0.31 DUP Mg 1.7 2.6 3.0 5.4 11.0 0.61 0.48J 1.1 DUP 1.9 DUP 3.9 DUP Mn 0.013 0.056 1.40 2.60 3.20 B 0.0023 J 0.0089 0.0049 J DUP 0.16 DUP 0.71 DUP 0.0061 DUP Na 4.0 3.9 3.6 4.2 6.7 3.9 5.2 4.0 DUP P <0.057 <0.057 <0.057 0.12 J 12.0 0.098 J 0.17 Si 2.6 3.1 5.1 14.0 35.0 2.5 4.1 2.2 DUP 2.7 DUP 5.8 DUP Zn <0.0029 <0.0029 0.0035 0.081 0.23 <0.0029 <0.0029 0.004 J DUP 0.054 DUP (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in µS/cm) pH 8.6 8.1 6.8 5.5 3.6 9.2 9.6 7.7 DUP 7.3 DUP 6.0 DUP SC 180 470 360 750 1700 87 75 270 DUP 700 DUP 76 DUP *Calibration Blank Outside Acceptance Limits J -Approximate value,greater than Method Detection Limit but less than Reporting Limit. B-Compound found in both blank and sample. Piedmont Lithium Attachment 2: LEAF Method 1313 Screening Results Composite#1,#2,and#3 (Waste Rock) [Results for Duplicate(DUP)Substantially Similar except as Noted] LEAF.6 (Note: The LEAF How-To Guide(May 2019)issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency(US EPA)establishes that the various LEAF methods are not regulatory compliance tests,and should not be used as such.Instead,LEAF is intended to help provide information about various leaching scenarios so that adverse conditions can be avoided via implementation of mitigation strategies.) pH-controlled screening tests Parameter @pH8 @pH7 @pH5.5 I @pH4 SPLP Natural (Units:µg/L) As 0.37J 0.42J 0.52J 1.9 0.511 0.69J Ba 69 180 470 980 22 27 Be <0.27 <0.27 <0.27 2.4 <0.27 <0.27 Cd <0.22 <0.22 0.30 J 0.70 J <0.22 0.25 J Cr,Total <1.5 <1.5 <1 s <1.5 <1.5 <1.5 Ni <0.52 <0.52 11 17 <0.52 <0.52 Pb <0.17 <0.17 <0.17 0.26 J <0.17 <0.17 0.241 DUP Se <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 TI <0.47 0.47 J 0.81 J 1.8 <0.47 <0.47 1.4 DUP Co <0.26 1.4 44 79 <0.26 <0.26 87 DUP V 2.5 1.5 1.7 8.9 8.9 5.2 2.2 DUP 2.4 DUP 17 DUP 5.0 DUP 6.8 DUP (Units:mg/L) Acidity -21.1 -22.7 12 19 7.8 -14.8 36 DUP -9.71 DUP Alkalinity 36 31 5 <5 33 36 Al 0.060 <0.016 0.150 3.90 1.10 0.71 Ca 22 36 77 140 7.10 8.60 Fe 0.076 0.055 3.10 22.0 0.570 0.310 <0.028 DUP <0.028 DUP 0.48 DUP K 8.6 9.50 13.0 15.0 6.50 6.10 Li 0.120 0.120 0.350 0.54 0.084 0.06 0.057 DUP Mg 3.40 5 6.90 9.60 1.10 1.10 Mn 0.120 1.30 2.90 4.30 0.0078 0.0081 0.012 DUP Na 3.40 3.40 4.00 4.60 3.50 3.20 P <0.057 <0.057 0.058 J 0.95 <0.057 <0.057 1.5 DUP Si 3.8 6.60 14.00 56.00 3.70 3.10 28 DUP Zn 0.0029 J 0.003 J 0.046 0.200 <0.0029 <0.0029 (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in µS/cm) pH 7.9 7.0 4.2 9.0 8.7 SC 200 340 630 1200 89 97 *Calibration Blank Outside Acceptance Limits J -Approximate value,greater than Method Detection Limit but less than Reporting Limit. B-Compound found in both blank and sample. Piedmont Lithium Attachment 2: LEAF Method 1313 Screening Results Concentrator Tailings without By-Products [Results for Duplicate(DUP)Substantially Similar except as Noted] LEAF.7 (Note:The LEAF How-To Guide(May 2019)issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency(US EPA)establishes that the various LEAF methods are not regulatory compliance tests,and should not be used as such.Instead,LEAF is intended to help provide information about various leaching scenarios so that adverse conditions can be avoided via implementation of mitigation strategies.) pH-controlled screening tests Parameter @pH8 @pH7 @pH5.5 @pH4 SPLP Natural (Units:µg/L) As 0.901 0.96 J 2.1 1.9 0.92 J O.801 DUP Ba <3.1 <3.1 3.3 J 18 <3.1 <3.1 Be <0.27 <0.27 1.0 7.3 <0.27 <0.27 8.1 DUP Cd <0.22 <0.22 0.27 J 0.46 J <0.22 <0.22 Co <0.26 0.27 J 0.48 J <0.26 <0.26 0.63 DUP Cr,TotaI <1.5 <1.5 <1.5 <1.5 <1.5 1.7J Ni <0.52 <0.51 3.9 7.1 <0.52 0.57J Pb 1.2 0.17 0.82 J ^" 1.7 0.991 DUP Se <0.74 <0.7ti <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 <0.74 TI <0.47 <0.47 <0.47 <0.47 <0.47 <0.47 V 0.86 0.99 J 0.84 J 0.88 J 0.80 J <0.78 <0.78 DUP <0.78 DUP 1.1 DUP 0.85 J DUP (Units:mg/L) Acidity <5 <5 8 23 20 14 12 DUP 23 DUP Alkalinity 7.3 <5 <5 <5 <5 6.8 5.7 DUP Al 0.460 0.220 0.058 0.490 0.280 0.750 0.340 DUP 0.32 DUP Ca 1.60 2.00 6.00 11.00 1.70 1.20 Fe 0.077 0.079 0.055 0.440 0.078 0.120 0.054 DUP 0.50 DUP 0.096 DUP 0.11 DUP K 0.65 0.67 0.76 1.00 0.54 0.54 Li 0.038 0.037 0.098 0.190 0.028 0.036 Mg 0.1601 0.22 J 0.35 J 0.43 0.18 J 0.111 Mn 0.026 0.078 0.820 1.700 0.044 0.017 1.90 DUP Na 1.40 1.30 1.40 1.60 1.60 1.30 P 0.071 J 0.160 J 0.910 2.50 0.077 J 0.066 J Si 1.60 1.40 1.80 2.40 1.70 2.00 Zn 0.00461 0.005 0.049 0.110 0.0036 J 0.00411 (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in µS/cm) pH 8.3 4.2 7.7 9.0 LSE 18 52 55 130 20 *Calibration Blank Outside Acceptance Limits J -Approximate value,greater than Method Detection Limit but less than Reporting Limit. B-Compound found in both blank and sample. Piedmont Lithium Attachment 3: Summary of 2019 Humidity Cell (ASTM D5744-96[reapproved 2001])Leaching Results (Leached for 20 Weeks) Waste Rock 205-7 HC.1 Leachate Week of Peak Final Week Parameter Concentration Range I Concentration Concentration (Units:µg/L) Hg ND(<0.01) - 0.01 15 ND(<0.01) Ag ND(<0.05)µg/L throughout As ND(<0.2) - 0.2 0 ND(<O.2) B ND(<2) 4 1 ND(<2) Ba 0.22 - 0.7 0 0.22 Be ND(<0.007) 0.008 3 ND(<0.007) Bi ND(<0.007)µg/L throughout Cd ND(<0.003) 0.015 5 0.009 Co ND(<0.004) - 0.025 15 ND(<0.004) Cr ND(<0.08)µg/L throughout Cu ND(<0.2) 0.5 0 0.15 Mo 0.95 12.4 5 9.11 Ni ND(<0.1) 0.2 1 0.1 Pb ND(<0.01) - 0.06 1 0.03 Sb ND(<0.9)µg/L throughout Se ND(<0.04) - 0.15 0 ND(<0.04) Sn ND(<0.06) 0.25 0 ND(<0.06) Sr 3.63 6.24 0 3.82 Ti ND(<0.05) 0.24 0 0.20 Th ND(<0.1) - 0.9 1 ND(<0.1) TI ND(<0.005) 0.023 0 ND(<0.005) U 0.031 - 0.272 20 0.272 V 0.3 1.99 0 0.40 W ND(<0.02) - 0.19 0 ND(<0.02) Y ND(<0.002) 0.008 0 0.004 Zr ND(<2)µg/L throughout (Units:mg/L) Al 0.057 0.111 0 0.067 Fe ND(<0.007) - 0.007 0 ND(<0.007) K 0.13 1.8 0 0.130 Li 0.0095 0.317 0 0.0095 Mg 0.177 0.242 15 0.190 Mn 0.00110 0.00524 2 0.00340 Na 0.16 2.28 0 0.16 P ND(<0.003) 0.016 20 0.016 Si 0.38 0.47 1 0.43 Zn ND(<0.002)mg/L throughout SO4 ND(<0.2) 0.5 0 ND(<0.2) F Chloride Ca Not analyzed NO3 Not analyzed Acidity ND(<2)mg/L throughout Alkalinity 9 22 1 0 1 11 Hardness I I Not analyzed (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in µS/cm) pH 6.98 8.01 0 7.15 EC 20 - 44 0 1 22 Piedmont Lithium Attachment 3: Summary of 2019 Humidity Cell (ASTM D5744-96[reapproved 2001])Leaching Results (Leached for 20 Weeks) Waste Rock 212-6 HC.2 Leachate Week of Peak Final Week Parameter Concentration Range I Concentration Concentration (Units:µg/L) Hg ND(<0.01)µg/L throughout Ag ND(<0.05)µg/L throughout As 0.3 1.1 0 0.3 B ND(<2) 4 1 ND(<2) Ba 0.61 - 3.38 0 0.61 Be ND(<0.007) 0.013 3 ND(<0.007) Bi ND(<0.007) - 0.008 1 ND(<0.007) Cd ND(<0.003) 0.010 3 ND(<0.003) Co 0.013 0.048 0 0.030 Cr ND(<0.08) 0.19 20 0.19 Cu ND(<0.2) 2 15 ND(<0.2) Mo 1.61 - 20.5 3 5.36 Ni ND(<0.1) 0.6 1 0 1 0.1 Pb ND(<0.01) - 0.13 1 1 0.01 Sb ND(<0.9)µg/L throughout Se ND(<0.04) - 0.42 0 ND(<0.04) Sn ND(<0.06) 0.2 3 ND(<0.06) Sr 8.32 - 15.7 0 9.27 Ti 0.08 0.38 1 0.08 Th ND(<0.1) - 0.3 2 ND(<0.1) TI 0.011 0.069 0 0.011 U 0.015 3.47 5 0.204 V 0.14 0.59 0 0.20 W ND(<0.02) - 0.19 1 ND(<0.02) Y ND(<0.002) 0.014 20 0.014 Zr ND(<2)µg/L throughout (Units:mg/L) Al 0.059 0.094 10 0.061 Fe ND(<0.007) - 0.008 1 ND(<0.007) K 0.424 7.89 0 0.424 Li 0.0171 - 0.589 0 0.0171 Mg 0.422 0.784 5 0.422 Mn 0.00227 - 0.00637 3 0.00321 Na 0.08 2.13 0 0.09 P ND(<0.003) 0.012 20 0.012 Si 0.52 0.66 5 0.55 Zn ND(<0.002)mg/L throughout SO4 1.9 6.2 0 2.4 F Chloride Ca Not analyzed NO3 Not analyzed Acidity ND(<2)mg/L throughout Alkalinity 10 24 1 0 1 11 Hardness I I Not analyzed (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in µS/cm) pH 7.07 7.77 0 7.10 EC 27 - 82 0 1 31 Piedmont Lithium Attachment 3: Summary of 2019 Humidity Cell (ASTM D5744-96[reapproved 2001])Leaching Results (Leached for 20 Weeks) Tailings 4(Concentrator Tailings without By-Products) HC.3 Leachate Week of Peak Final Week Parameter Concentration Range I Concentration Concentration (Units:µg/L) Hg ND(<0.01) - 0.01 1 5 ND(<0.01) Ag ND(<0.05)µg/L throughout As 0.4 - 1.3 1 0.4 B ND(<2) 9 1 ND(<2) Ba 0.25 2.76 3 0.92 Be 0.009 0.034 20 0.034 Bi ND(<0.007) - 0.017 0 ND(<0.007) Cd ND(<0.003) 0.032 1 0.009 Co ND(<0.004) - 0.027 0 ND(<0.004) Cr ND(<0.08) 0.66 2 ND(<0.08) Cu ND(<0.2) 3 0 ND(<0.2) Mo 0.24 - 26.5 5 0.31 Ni ND(<0.1) 0.3 0 ND(<O.1) Pb 0.01 - 0.16 1 0.04 Sb ND(<0.9) 1.1 2 ND(<0.9) Se ND(<0.04) - 0.05 0 ND(<0.04) Sn 0.11 0.43 0 0.13 Sr 1.59 11.9 2 2.03 Ti ND(<0.05) 0.19 1 ND(<0.05) Th ND(<0.01) - 0.1 2 ND(<0.01) TI 0.006 0.048 1 0.006 u 0.046 12.2 1 0.046 V 0.16 0.47 1 0.16 w ND(<0.02) - 0.25 1 ND(<0.02) y ND(<0.002) 0.011 5 0.003 Zr ND(<2)µg/L throughout (Units:mg/L) Al 0.007 0.55 1 0 0.007 Fe ND(<0.007)mg/L throughout K 0.077 1.12 1 0.119 Li 0.0093 0.135 2 0.0118 Mg 0.043 0.448 2 0.043 Mn 0.0005 0.0219 20 0.0219 Na 0.07 5.35 1 0.11 P 0.034 - 0.131 20 0.131 Si 0.47 1.76 2 0.68 Zn ND(<0.002) - 0.004 0 0.003 SO4 ND(<0.2) 1.4 0 ND(<0.2) F Chloride Ca Not analyzed NO3 Not analyzed Acidity ND(<2) - 2 15 ND(<2) Alkalinity 2 21 2 2 Hardness Not analyzed (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in µS/cm) pH 6.34 7.27 5 6.34 EC 4 - 42 1 1 5 Piedmont Lithium Attachment 3: Summary of 2021-2022 Humidity Cell (ASTM D5744-96[reapproved 2001])Leaching Results (Leached for 20 Weeks) 20-350-ABA8(Schist) H C.4 Leachate Final Week Concentration Week of Peak Concentration Parameter Range Concentration (Week 20) Comments (Units:µg/L) Hg <0.01 N/A <0.01 Ag <0.05 N/A <0.05 As 1.2 - 7.3 20 7.3 B <2 6 2 <2 Ba 0.32 - 1.06 0.32 Be <0.007 N/A <0.00 Bi <0.01 - 0.05 2 <0.01 Detected only once Cd <0.003 0.011 1 <0.003 Detected only twice Co 0.039 0.233 1 0.058 Cr <0.08 0.14 20 0.14 Cu <0.2 2.2 0 <0.2 Mo 0.11 - 5.05 1 0.23 Ni 0.2 2.7 0 0.2 Pb <0.09 0.15 4 <0.09 Sb <0.9 N/A <0.9 Se 0.08 - 0.42 0 0.11 Sn <0.06 0.24 0 <0.06 Sr 4.87 - 14 1 4.87 Ti 0.16 1.38 0 0.31 Th <0.1 N/A <0.1 TI <0.005 - 0.055 2 <0.005 U 0.213 0.743 1 0.301 V 0.52 0.71 0 0.53 W 0.06 - 0.65 0 0.06 Y <0.2 0.11 0 <0.02 Detected only twice Zr <2 N/A <2 (Units:mg/L) Al 0.029 - 0.065 0 0.029 Fe <0.007 0.017 0 0.007 K 0.562 - 3.94 1 0.562 Li 0.016 0.230 1 0.016 Mg 0.260 0.578 1 0.294 Mn 0.00261 0.0086 0 0.00261 Na 0.14 - 6.24 1 0.14 P <0.003 0.013 20 0.013 Si 0.26 - 0.38 4 0.28 Zn <2 N/A <2 SO4 5 - 38 1 5 Static F - - Not Analyzed Chloride Not Analyzed Ca Not Analyzed NO3 - - Not Analyzed Acidity <2 N/A <2 Alkalinity 4 - 13 0 5 Static Hardness Not Analyzed (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in MS/cm) pH 6.91 - 8.32 1 0 7.2 Static EC 1 25 102 1 1 25 Static Piedmont Lithium Attachment 3: Summary of 2021-2022 Humidity Cell (ASTM D5744-96[reapproved 2001])Leaching Results (Leached for 20 Weeks) 20-363-ABA6(Mudstone) H C.5 Leachate Final Week Concentration Week of Peak Concentration Parameter Range Concentration (Week 20) Comments (Units:µg/L) Hg <0.01 N/A <0.01 Ag <0.05 N/A <0.05 As 0.5 - 2.1 15 1 B <2 4 2 <2 Ba 0.13 0.82 1 0.13 Be <0.007 0.009 2 <0.007 Detected only once Bi <0.01 N/A <0.01 Cd <0.003 - 0.015 2 <0.003 Co 0.090 0.0149 3 0.1 Cr <0.08 0.12 N/A 0.12 Detected only once Cu <0.2 0.4 0&1 <0.2 Mo 0.06 - 4.37 3 0.06 Ni 0.3 1.7 0 0.3 Pb <0.09 0.3 1 <0.09 Detected only twice Sb <0.9 N/A 0.04 Se <0.04 - 0.24 0 0.04 Sn <0.06 0.33 0 <0.06 Sr 11.3 32.2 2 11.3 Ti 0.11 1.35 5 0.27 Th <0.1 - 0.1 1 <0.1 Detected only once TI <0.005 0.033 2 <0.005 U 0.075 0.699 2 0.243 V 0.47 1.3 3 0.47 W <0.02 - 0.67 0 <0.02 Y <0.02 N/A <0.02 Zr <2 N/A <2 (Units:mg/L) Al 0.018 - 0.085 1 0.021 Fe <0.007 0.012 1 <0.007 K 0.098 0.606 0 0.08 Li 0.0185 0.220 2 0.0185 Mg 0.0406 - 0.922 3 0.406 Mn 0.00512 0.0192 2 0.00512 Na 0.08 1.64 0 0.08 P <0.003 0.059 1 0.011 Si 0.25 0.53 2 0.25 Zn <0.002 0.013 1 <0.002 Detected only twice SO4 11 - 21 7&8 12 Static F - Not Analyzed Chloride - - Not Analyzed Ca 5.57 8.98 2 5.57 NO3 - - Not Analyzed Acidity <2 N/A <2 Alkalinity 3 - 16 1 2 1 5 Static Hardness - Not Analyzed (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in µS/cm) pH 6.86 - 7.88 1 1 7.18 EC 1 41 - 69 1 2 1 48 Piedmont Lithium Attachment 3: Summary of 2021-2022 Humidity Cell (ASTM D5744-96[reapproved 2001])Leaching Results (Leached for 20 Weeks) 21-408-ABA5 (Schist) H C.6 Leachate Final Week Concentration Week of Peak Concentration Parameter Range Concentration (Week 20) Comments (Units:µg/L) Hg <0.01 N/A <0.1 Ag <0.05 N/A <0.05 As 1.3 - 5.6 15 4.1 B <2 7 1&2 <2 Ba 0.39 1.09 0 0.39 Be <0.007 0.017 0&1 <0.007 Bi <0.01 - 0.04 2 <0.01 Detected only once Cd <0.003 0.008 2 0.003 Co 0.050 0.181 0 0.095 Cr <0.08 0.10 15&20 0.10 Cu <0.2 1.1 0 0.3 Mo 0.20 4.78 1 0.33 Ni 0.3 4.5 0 0.3 Pb <0.09 N/A <0.09 Sb <0.9 N/A <0.9 Se 0.06 - 0.6 0 0.06 Sn <0.06 0.28 0 <0.06 Sr 12.6 30 0 12.6 Ti <0.005 0.72 0 0.07 Th <0.1 N/A <0.1 TI <0.005 - 0.034 0 <0.005 U 0.699 1.85 2 0.716 V 0.13 0.33 0 0.13 W 0.05 0.9 0 0.05 Y <0.02 0.05 0 <0.02 Detected only once Zr <2 N/A <2 (Units:mg/L) Al 0.025 - 0.066 0 0.05 Fe <0.007 0.013 0 <0.007 Detected only once K 0.467 - 4.27 0 0.467 Li 0.0062 0.108 1 0.002 Mg 0.240 0.670 0 0.24 Mn 0.0073 0.0193 0 0.0175 Na 0.05 5.08 0 0.05 P <0.003 0.008 0,1,&20 0.008 Si 0.28 0.45 0 0.28 Zn <0.002 0.003 2 <0.002 Detected only once SO4 12 - 26 0&1 16 Static F - Not Analyzed Chloride Not Analyzed Ca Not Analyzed NO3 - Not Analyzed Acidity <2 N/A <2 Alkalinity <2 - 20 1 0 1 <2 Static Hardness - Not Analyzed (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in MS/cm) pH 6.86 - 7.96 1 1 7.12 1 Static EC 1 14 105 1 1 14 Piedmont Lithium Attachment 3: Summary of 2021-2022 Humidity Cell (ASTM D5744-96[reapproved 2001])Leaching Results (Leached for 20 Weeks) 21-408-ABA6(Amphibolite) H C.7 Leachate Final Week Concentration Week of Peak Concentration Parameter Range Concentration (Week 20) Comments (Units:µg/L) Hg <0.01 N/A <0.01 Ag <0.05 N/A <0.05 As 0.9 - 3.5 15 3.2 B <2 3 0&2 <2 Ba 0.34 - 0.47 1&3 0.35 Be <0.007 0.013 2 <0.007 Detected only once Bi <0.01 N/A <0.01 Cd <0.003 - 0.006 1 <0.03 Co 0.074 - 0.226 0 0.158 Cr <0.08 0.13 2 0.08 Cu <0.2 0.7 0 0.3 Mo 0.11 - 1.36 1 0.36 Ni 0.4 4.7 0 0.5 Pb <0.09 N/A <0.09 Sb <0.9 N/A <0.9 Se <0.04 - 0.21 0 <0.04 Sn <0.06 0.22 0 <0.06 Sr 5.78 24.7 0 5.78 Ti 0.14 0.53 1 0.14 Th <0.1 n/a <0.1 TI <0.005 - 0.019 20 <0.005 U 0.009 0.032 10 0.01 V 0.39 0.58 0&2 0.39 W 0.24 - 9.78 2 0.24 Y <0.02 N/A <0.02 Zr <2 N/A <2 (Units:mg/L) Al 0.027 - 0.052 0 0.027 Fe <0.007 0.01 2 <0.007 Detected only twice K 0.447 - 0.912 0 0.56 Li 0.0084 0.0406 2 0.0084 Mg 0.182 - 0.588 0 0.182 Mn 0.00123 0.00604 0 0.00123 Na 0.19 1.65 0 0.19 P <0.003 0.018 20 0.018 Detected only once Si 0.26 - 0.39 3 0.27 Zn <0.002 0.002 20 0.002 SO4 3 15 0 3 Static F - - Not Analyzed Chloride Not Analyzed Ca 2.10 7.60 0 2.22 NO3 - - Not Analyzed Acidity <2 3 4 <2 Alkalinity <2 - 13 1 <2 Static Hardness Not Analyzed (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in µS/cm) pH 6.50 - 7.71 1 1 6.77 EC 1 16 61 1 0 1 16 Piedmont Lithium Attachment 3: Summary of 2021-2022 Humidity Cell (ASTM D5744-96[reapproved 2001])Leaching Results (Leached for 20 Weeks) 21-408-ABA11(Amphibolite) H C.8 Leachate Final Week Concentration Week of Peak Concentration Parameter Range Concentration (Week 20) Comments (Units:µg/L) Hg <0.01 N/A <0.01 Ag <0.05 N/A <0.05 As 1.5 - 6.5 20 6.5 B <2 3 2&3 <2 Ba 0.1 - 0.24 0 0.13 Be <0.007 0.015 2 <0.007 Detected only once Bi <0.01 N/A <0.01 Cd <0.003 - 0.009 5 <0.003 Detected only twice Co 0.016 - 0.068 0 0.19 Cr <0.08 0.15 0 0.1 Cu <0.2 1.2 0 <0.2 Mo 0.11 - 2.73 1 0.22 Ni <0.1 0.8 0 <0.1 Pb <0.09 N/A <0.09 Sb <0.9 N/A <0.9 Se <0.04 - 0.12 0 <0.04 Sn <0.06 0.34 0 <0.06 Sr 9.01 - 19.3 0 9.01 Ti 0.14 3.1 0 0.14 Th <0.1 N/A <0.1 TI <0.005 - 0.008 2 <0.005 Detected only once U 0.015 0.035 4 0.02 V 1.28 2.05 0 1.28 W 0.05 0.64 0 0.05 Y <0.02 N/A <0.02 Zr <2 N/A <2 (Units:mg/L) Al 0.036 - 0.107 0 0.052 Fe <0.007 0.029 0 <0.007 K 0.132 - 0.705 0 0.159 Li 0.0071 0.0561 1 0.0071 Mg 0.241 - 0.369 0 0.259 Mn 0.00181 0.00469 1 0.00181 Na 0.09 3.32 0 0.09 P <0.003 0.015 20 0.015 Si 0.33 0.48 0&3 0.35 Zn <0.002 N/A <0.002 SO4 <2 - 3 1&2 <2 F - Not Analyzed Chloride Not Analyzed Ca Not Analyzed NO3 - - Not Analyzed Acidity <2 N/A <2 Alkalinity 5 - 22 0 8 Hardness Not Analyzed (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in µS/cm) pH 1 7.33 8.95 1 1 7.45 1 Below 8 at week 1 EC 1 18 52 1 0 1 20 Piedmont Lithium Attachment 3: Summary of 2021-2022 Humidity Cell (ASTM D5744-96[reapproved 2001])Leaching Results (Leached for 20 Weeks) 21-408-ABA13 (Mudstone) H C.9 Leachate Final Week Concentration Week of Peak Concentration Parameter Range Concentration (Week 20) Comments (Units:µg/L) Hg <0.01 N/A <0.01 Ag <0.05 N/A <0.05 As 4.1 - 24.2 15 22.7 B <2 23 2 <2 Ba 0.14 - 0.65 2 0.14 Be <0.007 0.074 2 <0.007 Bi <0.01 - 0.1 2 <0.01 Cd <0.003 0.080 2 0.003 Co 0.028 0.2 2 0.05 Cr <0.08 0.19 2 0.08 Cu <0.2 0.7 0 <0.2 Mo 0.08 0.8 10 0.18 Ni 0.1 0.7 0 0.1 Pb <0.09 0.44 2 <0.09 Sb <0.9 1.1 2 <0.9 Detected only once Se <0.04 - 0.36 2 0.05 Sn <0.06 0.43 0 <0.06 Sr 16.5 26.6 0 17.4 Ti 0.1 0.95 2 0.12 Th <0.1 N/A <0.1 TI <0.005 - 0.15 2 <0.005 Detected only once U 0.012 - 0.071 15 0.050 V 0.7 1.64 1 0.70 W 0.27 - 3.9 0 0.27 y <0.02 0.02 2 <0.02 Detected only once Zr <2 N/A <2 (Units:mg/L) Al 0.027 - 0.063 0 0.028 Fe <0.007 0.02 2 <0.007 K 0.048 0.31 0 0.074 Li 0.0295 0.471 0 0.0295 Mg 0.019 0.333 0 0.325 Mn 0.00147 0.00439 4 0.00249 Na 0.12 - 4.93 0 0.12 P <0.003 0.018 20 0.018 Si 0.34 - 0.45 3 0.34 Zn <0.002 0.012 2 <0.002 SO4 5 12 0&20 7 F - Not Analyze Chloride Not Analyze Ca Not Analyze NO3 - Not Analyze Acidity <2 N/A <2 Alkalinity 7 - 30 1 0 1 8 Static Hardness - Not Analyze (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in µS/cm) pH 1 7.18 8.97 1 1 7.S7 EC 1 32 71 1 0 1 34 1 Below 50 after week 0 Piedmont Lithium Attachment 3: Summary of 2021-2022 Humidity Cell (ASTM D5744-96[reapproved 2001])Leaching Results (Leached for 25 Weeks) 20-350-ABA6(Schist) HC.10 Leachate Final Week Concentration Week of Peak Concentration Parameter Range Concentration (Week 25) Comments (Units:µg/L) Hg <0.01 N/A <0.01 Ag <0.05 N/A <0.05 As 0.4 - 1.4 15 0.6 Elem.An.140 µg/g B <2 12 4 <2 Ba 0.36 - 1.29 0 0.39 Be <0.007 0.012 2 0.011 Bi <0.01 N/A <0.01 Cd 0.003 - 0.026 20 0.026 Co 0.513 5.39 0 1.33 Cr <0.08 0.13 1 <0.08 Cu <0.2 1.9 0 <0.2 MO 0.06 - 0.34 1 0.22 Ni 3.2 49.2 0 5.3 Pb <0.09 0.15 0 <0.09 Detected only in week 0 Sb <0.9 N/A <0.9 Se 0.26 - 1.16 1 0.33 Sn <0.06 0.29 0 <0.06 Sr 15.2 - 56.7 1 15.2 Ti <0.05 0.12 1 <0.05 Th <0.1 - 0.1 5 <0.1 Detected only once TI <0.005 0.017 2 <0.005 U 0.119 0.506 2 0.119 V <0.01 0.08 2&3 <0.01 W <0.02 - 0.16 1 <0.02 Y <0.02 3 0 <0.02 Zr <2 N/A <2 (Units:mg/L) Al 0.008 0.038 3 0.008 Fe <0.007 0.104 15 0.021 K 0.302 - 3.72 0 0.302 Li 0.0054 0.0365 1 0.0054 Mg 0.263 2.32 1 0.263 Mn 0.0173 0.0735 15 0.0641 Na 0.07 - 3.73 0 0.07 P <0.003 0.006 20 <0.003 Si 0.27 - 0.48 3 0.27 Zn <0.002 0.008 15 0.003 SO4 37 - 87 1 37 F - - Not Analyzed Chloride - - Not Analyzed Ca 15.8 31.4 2 15.8 NO3 - - Not Analyzed Acidity <2 7 1 <2 Alkalinity 3 12 1 0 2 Hardness I - - Not Analyzed (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in µS/cm) pH 6.58 7.45 1 1 6.7 EC 1 94 207 1 1 1 98 Piedmont Lithium Attachment 3: Summary of 2021-2022 Humidity Cell (ASTM D5744-96[reapproved 2001])Leaching Results (Leached for 25 Weeks) 20-350-ABA12(Amphibolite) HC.11 Leachate Final Week Concentration Week of Peak Concentration Parameter Range Concentration (Week 25) Comments (Units:µg/L) Hg <0.01 N/A <0.01 Ag <0.05 N/A <0.05 As 1.2 - 2.2 15 1.6 Elem.An.2.2 µg/g B <2 4 2 <2 Ba 0.15 0.49 15 0.17 Be <0.007 0.008 2 <0.007 Bi <0.01 N/A <0.01 Cd <0.003 - 0.007 0 0.004 Co 0.044 - 0.108 0 0.086 Cr <0.08 0.15 2 <0.08 Cu <0.2 1.5 0 0.2 Mo 0.08 4.62 3 0.16 Ni 0.1 0.6 0 0.1 Pb <0.09 0.11 20 <0.09 Sb <0.9 N/A <0.9 Se <0.04 - 0.13 0 <0.04 Sn <0.06 0.2 0 <0.06 Sr 5.69 15 1 7.97 Ti 0.05 3.12 0 0.05 Th <0.1 N/A <0.1 TI <0.005 - 0.011 2 <0.005 U 0.009 0.068 15 0.009 V 0.30 3.48 0 0.30 W 0.04 - 1.56 2 0.04 Y <0.02 N/A <0.02 Zr <2 N/A <2 (Units:mg/L) Al 0.028 - 0.12 0 0.028 Fe <0.007 0.04 0 <0.007 K 0.074 - 0.509 0 0.039 Li 0.0109 0.371 0 0.0109 Mg 0.141 - 0.377 20 0.207 Mn 0.00146 0.00315 3 0.00161 Na 0.05 6.22 0 0.05 P <0.003 0.023 20 <0.003 Si 0.21 - 0.52 0 0.21 Zn <0.002 0.003 10 <0.002 Detected only once SO4 3 13 18 9 F - - Not Analyzed Chloride - - Not Analyzed Ca 2.03 5.31 15 4.26 NO3 - - Not Analyzed Acidity <2 N/A <2 Alkalinity 3 - 16 0 6 Hardness Not Analyzed (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in µS/cm) pH 6.87 - 9.12 1 1 6.93 Exceeded 8.5 only in week 0 EC 1 23 52 1 0 1 27 Piedmont Lithium Attachment 3: Summary of 2021-2022 Humidity Cell (ASTM D5744-96[reapproved 2001])Leaching Results (Leached for 25 Weeks) 21-408-ABA14 (Schist) HC.12 Leachate Final Week Concentration Week of Peak Concentration Parameter Range Concentration (Week 25) Comments (Units:µg/L) Hg <0.01 N/A <0.01 Ag <0.05 N/A <0.05 As 0.2 - 0.5 1 0.2 Elem.An.5.7 µg/g B <2 4 2&3 <2 Ba 0.28 0.67 20 0.28 Be <0.007 0.026 1 <0.007 Bi <0.01 - 0.01 0 <0.01 Detected only once Cd <0.003 0.022 2 0.007 Co 0.019 0.064 2 0.035 Cr <0.08 0.13 20 <0.08 Cu <0.2 0.8 0 <0.2 MO 0.19 22.4 3 0.19 Ni <0.1 0.7 5 <0.1 Pb <0.09 N/A <0.09 Sb <0.9 N/A <0.9 Se 0.06 - 0.28 0 0.07 Sn <0.06 0.28 0 <0.06 Sr 9.30 20.0 15 14.9 Ti 0.09 0.89 1 0.14 Th <0.1 - 0.2 1 <0.1 Detected only once TI <0.005 0.013 2 0.005 U 0.040 0.977 15 0.687 V 0.29 0.98 0 0.29 W 0.03 1.5 0 0.03 Y <0.02 N/A <0.02 Zr <2 N/A <2 (Units:mg/L) Al 0.031 - 0.094 0 0.031 Fe <0.007 - 0.011 2 <0.007 K 0.427 - 4.83 0 0.427 Li 0.0096 0.344 2 0.0096 Mg 0.215 0.528 10 0.243 Mn 0.00209 0.00555 15 0.00442 Na 0.03 5.26 0 0.03 P <0.003 0.012 0 <0.003 Si 0.28 0.43 3 0.28 Zn <0.002 - 0.007 15 <0.002 Detected only once SO4 10 21 13 17 F - - Not Analyzed Chloride - - Not Analyzed Ca 2.89 8.53 15 7.65 NO3 - - Not Analyzed Acidity <2 N/A <2 Alkalinity 4 - 21 1 1 1 5 Hardness Not Analyzed (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in µS/cm) pH 6.84 - 8.69 1 1 7.00 EC 1 37 69 1 0 1 48 Piedmont Lithium Attachment 3: Summary of 2021-2022 Humidity Cell (ASTM D5744-96[reapproved 2001])Leaching Results (Leached for 30 Weeks) 21-408-ABA9(Schist) HC.13 Leachate Final Week Concentration Week of Peak Concentration Parameter Range Concentration (Week 30) Comments (Units:µg/L) Hg <0.01 N/A <0.01 Ag <0.05 - 0.07 0 <0.05 Detected only in week 1 As <0.2 - 1.0 15 0.2 El.An: 20 µg/g B <2 5 3 <2 Ba 0.47 - 1.55 0 0.52 Be <0.007 N/A <0.007 Bi <0.01 N/A <0.01 Cd <0.003 - 0.007 2,5,15,&20 0.005 Co 0.139 0.561 0 0.505 Cr <0.08 0.6 0&5 <0.08 Cu <0.2 0.6 0&5 <0.2 Mo 0.10 4.13 25 0.13 Ni 0.5 5.2 0 4.2 Pb <0.09 0.16 1 <0.09 Sb <0.9 N/A <0.9 Se 0.08 - 1.09 0 0.08 Sn <0.06 0.29 0 <0.06 Sr 12.5 45.9 0 12.5 Ti <0.05 0.4 4 <0.05 Th <0.1 N/A <0.1 TI <0.005 - 0.015 0&2 <0.005 U 0.152 - 1.091 2 0.228 V 0.03 0.14 4&20 0.03 W <0.02 - 0.3 0 <0.02 y <0.02 0.03 0 <0.02 Detected only once Zr <2 N/A <2 (Units:mg/L) Al 0.009 - 0.055 3 0.009 Fe <0.007 N/A <0.007 K 0.729 - 8.00 0 0.729 Li 0.0115 0.123 0 0.0133 Mg 0.19 1.82 0 0.19 Mn 0.0128 0.0897 30 0.0897 Na 0.04 - 4.96 0 0.06 P <0.003 0.010 20 <0.003 Si 0.29 0.62 3 0.32 Zn <0.002 0.005 15 <0.002 SO4 31 - 68 0 35 F - - Not Analyzed Chloride - - Not Analyzed Ca 12.1 25.6 0 12.1 NO3 - - Not Analyzed Acidity <2 9 1 <2 Detectable in weeks 1 and 2 Alkalinity 2 - 20 0 3 Below 10 by week 1 Hardness Not Analyzed (Units:pH in Standard Units,EC in µS/cm) pH 1 6.79 7.62 1 1 6.95 EC 1 76 199 1 0 1 82 Page intentionally left blank. Piedmont Lithium Attachment 4: LEAF Test Results Re: V,Al, As and pH under "natural" leachate conditions (Note: The LEAF How-To Guide(May 2019)issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency(US EPA)establishes that the various LEAF methods are not regulatory compliance tests, and should not be used as such. Instead, LEAF is intended to help provide information about various leaching scenarios so that adverse conditions can be avoided via implementation of mitigation strategies.) V Al As Concentration Concentration Concentration Sample ID and Description (µg/L) (µg/L) (µg/L) pH LEAFA PAG Composite 20 1.50 8.9 - 15 9.8 LEAF.2 non-PAG/PAG/Concentrator Tailings with By-Products 23 - 36 1.4 - 1.6 2.7 - 6.8 9.3-9.6 LEAF.3 PAG/Concentrator Tailings with By-Products 27 1.7 - 2.3 29 - 32 9.6 LEAF.4 Sample 1-Concentrator Tailings with By-Products 2.7 - 3.6 0.65 - 0.71 2.3 8.9 LEAFS non-PAG/Concentrator Tailings with By-Products 34 1.7 - 1.9 1.3 9.6 LEAF.6 Composite#1,#2,and#3(Waste Rock) 5.2 - 6.8 0.71 0.69J 8.7 LEAF.7 Concentrator Tailings without By-Products <0.78 - 0.95.1 0.75 0.92.1 9.0 Piedmont Lithium Attachment 5: Duration of Elevated pH Relative to Regulatory Standards in Humidity Cell Tests Test Week in Week in Sample Duration pH which pH which pH Material ID (weeks) Range falls below 9 falls below 8.5 Note 2017-2018 Waste Rock Waste Rock 205-7 20 6.98 - 8.01 N/A N/A 2017-2018 Waste Rock Waste Rock 212-6 20 7.07 - 7.77 N/A N/A Concentrator Tailings Tailings 4 20 6.34 - 7.27 N/A N/A Schist 20-350-ABA8 20 6.91 - 8.32 N/A N/A Schist 21-408-ABA5 20 6.86 - 7.96 N/A N/A Schist 20-350-ABA6 25 6.58 - 7.45 N/A N/A Schist 21-408-ABA14 25 6.84 - 8.69 N/A Week 1 Was 8.69 in Week 0;8.45 in Week 1 Schist 21-408-ABA9 30 6.79 - 7.62 N/A N/A Mudstone 20-363-ABA6 20 6.86 - 7.88 N/A N/A Mudstone 21-408-ABA13 20 7.18 - 8.97 N/A Week 1 Was 8.97 in Week 0;8.42 in Week 1 Amphibolite 21-408-ABA6 20 6.50 - 7.71 N/A N/A Amphibolite 21-408-ABA11 20 7.33 - 8.95 N/A Week 1 Was 8.95 in Week 0;7.83 in Week 1 Amphibolite 20-350-ABA12 25 6.87 - 9.12 Week 1 Week 1 Was 9.2 in Week 0; 8.22 in Week 1 Piedmont Lithium Attachment 6: Humidity Cell Test Results Re:V,Al, and pH Test V Week Al pH when Week when Sample Duration pH (µg/L) pH when when (mg/L) Al>0.3 Al>0.3 Material ID (weeks) Range Range V>7 µg/L V>7 µg/L Range mg/L mg/L 2017-2018 Waste Rock Waste Rock 205-7 20 6.98 8.01 0.30 1.99 N/A N/A 0.057 0.111 N/A N/A 2017-2018 Waste Rock Waste Rock 212-6 20 7.07 7.77 0.14 0.59 N/A N/A 0.059 0.094 N/A N/A Concentrator Tailings Tailings 4 20 6.34 7.27 0.16 0.47 N/A N/A 0.007 0.55 7.21 1 Schist 20-350-ABA8 20 6.91 8.32 0.52 0.71 N/A N/A 0.029 0.065 N/A N/A Schist 21-408-ABA5 20 6.86 7.96 0.13 0.33 N/A N/A 0.025 0.066 N/A N/A Schist 20-350-ABA6 25 6.58 7.45 <0.01 0.08 N/A N/A 0.008 0.038 N/A N/A Schist 21-408-ABA14 25 6.84 8.69 0.29 0.98 N/A N/A 0.031 0.094 N/A N/A Schist 21-408-ABA9 30 6.79 7.62 0.03 0.14 N/A N/A 0.009 0.055 N/A N/A Mudstone 20-363-ABA6 20 6.86 7.88 0.47 1.3 N/A N/A 0.018 0.085 N/A N/A Mudstone 21-408-ABA13 20 7.18 8.97 0.7 1.64 N/A N/A 0.027 0.063 N/A N/A Amphibolite 21-408-ABA6 20 6.50 7.71 0.39 0.58 N/A N/A 0.027 0.052 N/A N/A Amphibolite 21-408-ABA11 20 7.33 8.95 1.28 2.05 N/A N/A 0.036 0.107 N/A N/A Amphibolite 20-350-ABA12 25 6.87 9.12 0.30 3.48 N/A N/A 0.028 0.12 N/A N/A Page intentionally left blank. Piedmont Lithium Attachment 7: Summary of Elevated Parameters in Humidity Cell Test Results Sample Duration of Elevated Standard Material ID Parameter Concentration Exceeded Comment 2017-2018 Waste Rock 2 Samples, No Instances of Elevated Parameters Concentrator Tailings 1 Sample, No Instances of Elevated Parameters Schist 20-350-ABA8 None 21-408-ABA5 None 20-350-ABA6 Co Week 0-1 and 10-25 NCGW 21-408-ABA14 pH Week 0 NCGW Week 0 pH =8.69 21-408-ABA9 None Mudstone 20-363-ABA6 None 21-408-ABA13 As Week 1-20(duration) DW, NCGW Sb Week 2 NCGW Detected only once pH Week 0 NCGW Week 0 pH =8.97 Amphibolite 21-408-ABA6 None 21-408-ABA11 JpH I Week 0 NCGW Week 0 pH =8.95 20-350-ABA12 JpH I Week 0 NCGW ]Week 0 pH =9.12 Notes RE: Humidity Cell Test Results >V: while indicated to be a potential COPC in LEAF M.1313 tests as a result of highly-elevated pH,V in Humidity Cells shows no exceedences of a standard at any time. >Al: while indicated to be a potential COPC in LEAF M.1313 tests as a result of highly-elevated pH,Al in Humidity Cells shows no exceedences of a standard at any time. >As: can exceed the DW standard and NCGW standard for extended periods in the mudstone. >Co: exceeded the NCGW standard in only one sample(a schist),and did so fairly persistently but at only low-level exceedences. >pH: slightly exceeded a standard in 4 of 13 samples, but quickly declined to within standards. Page intentionally left blank. Exhibits HkLLNNLLER Page intentionally left blank. P I E DAAO N T Stream and Wetlands LITHIUM Conceptual Reclamation Flow Diagram Onsite Lithium Treatment Hydroxide Product Pit Discharge t Ponds Offsite Waste Water Water Treatment Facility Pit Discharge Ponds Conversion Plant Active Open Pit Ore Ore Conversion Plant Tailings Concentrator Plant Concentrator Tailings Plant Water Waste Rock Disposal Facility ZAbove-ground Waste Rock Waste Rock Disposal Area I 7 Water I Fully Excavated Concentrator Plant Tailings Open Pit (to be backfilled) Sediment Control Ponds o Monitoring Point Stream and Wetlands Exhibit 1 Page intentionally left blank. CONCEPTUAL DIAGRAM OF WATER COLLECTION AND MONITORING SYSTEM IN BACKFILLED PIT WATER COLLECTION AND MONITORING SYSTEM ORIGINAL (DESIGN TBD) ORIGINAL GROUND GROUND COMPLETED PIT Q �BACKFILL ROCK ROCK O O WATER COLLECTION AND WATER COLLECTION AND MONITORING SYSTEM MONITORING SYSTEM (DESIGN TBD) ORIGINAL (DESIGN TBD) ORIGINAL GROUND GROUND AB VE-GROUNDi ♦Y WASTE ♦1 iiFtt♦ C PI iii ? �BACKFILLBACKFILL� ROCK ROCK? O O WATER COLLECTION AND MONITORING SYSTEM (DESIGN TBD) ORIGINAL TEMPORARYABOVE-GROUND GROUND TREATMENT ����.♦ BR WATT LE *IF NECESSARY, WATER COLLECTION AND MONITORING ¢ SYSTEM CAN BE PUMPED TO CREATE"REVERSE BACKFILL GRADIENT"CONDITIONS TO TEMPORARILY FACILITATE pH MITIGATION CONTROL. Y ROCKY , O Exhibit 2 Page intentionally left blank.