20240813_Application

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 Archdale Tailings Storage Facility
County Cleveland River Basin Broad River Basin
Latitude(decimal degrees to four places) 35.1915
Longitude(decimal degrees to four places) -81.4035
2. Name of Applicant Albemarle U.S., Inc.
Applicant Contact John Kuhn Consultant Contact Wendy Conn
Applicant Email [e-mail] Consultant Contact [e-mail]
Telephone [phone] Telephone [phone]
Cell Phone [phone] Cell Phone [phone]
3. Permanent Adress for Receipt
of Official Mail** 348 Holiday Inn Drive, Kings Mountain, North Carolina 28086
4. Mine Office Address 348 Holiday Inn Drive, Kings Mountain, North Carolina 28086
5. Mine Manager Kim Hackney
Mine Manager Email [e-mail]
Telephone 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 be cause for permit revocation.
4
Signature*** - �L 1 � Date Z _y
Print Name Christopher Danauskas
Title Site Director
*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 grant or 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 filling of any supplemental
information required by the Department.All questions must be addressed,and all required amps provided before
this application can be considered complete.Attach additional sheets as needed.
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e l

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. GERERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MINE
1. Answer all the following that apply:
❑x This is an application for a NEW permit.
Indicate the total acreage at the site to be covered by the permit 143.8
(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: 143.8 Acres leased: 0
Property owner if leased:
❑ This is an application for a MODIFICATION to a mining permit. No
Mining Permit Number: Total permitted acreage:
Does the modification involve acreage within the previously approved permitted boundary?
❑YES ❑ NO
If yes, indicate the acreage to be covered by this modification
Does the modification involve acreage outside the previously approved permitted boundary?
❑YES ❑ 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 ❑ NO
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: Total permitted acreage:
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e 1 2

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 material mined: No additional mineral extraction is planned for this site.This application is for the
construction of a new Tailings Storage Facility(TSF)to store filtered tailings transported from the Kings Mountain
Mine(KMM)(Permit 23-01),which is located 3 miles away.The TSF has been designed to safely store the KMM
tailings and fill the legacy mica mine pit to aid in reclamation of the site.
In addition to storing tailings, non-potentially acid generating (non-PAG)waste rock will be hauled from KMM to the
Archdale site for use in construction of the TSF perimeter embankment.All proposed activities related to this mine
permit application are collectively referred to as the Project. This mine permit application addresses impacts from
the Project's proposed activities.
3. Mining Method: (N/A) Hydraulic Dredge Front-end Loader&Truck Shovel &Truck
❑ Dragline&Truck ❑ Self-loading Scraper ❑x Excavator&Truck
x❑ Other(please explain): No mining activities are associated with the Project.
4. Expected maximum depth of mine(feet) 60.
Depth is relative to what benchmark? (e.g., natural ground level, mean seal level, road elevation, etc.):
Natural ground level
Expected average depth of mine(feet)The existing legacy mica pit is approximately 50 feet deep, although depths
are variable.Approximately 10 feet of saprolite will be removed to prepare the facility.As the Project progresses,
the elevation will increase until final closure.
5. Has any area at this site been mined in the past?
YES ❑x NO ❑
If yes,when and by whom was this activity conducted?The existing permit owner Imerys conducted open-pit mica
mining activities from the 1990s through approximately 2013 based on aerial photo evidence documenting the
formation of pit lakes.Approximately 15 acres of the Project permit area currently remains undisturbed.
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e 1 3

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]
6. Estimated life of the operation (years): 10.4 years (including 1 year of offsite preparation and 9.4 years of tailings
backfill, corresponding to associated KMM concentrator operations).
NOTE:The Department may request clarification on how life of mine was calculated.
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e 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]
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., 51h 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 512 N. Salisbury St., 51h Floor
1587 Mail Service Center 3401 Carl Sandburg Court
Raleigh, NC 27699-1587 Raleigh, NC 27610
Http://www.ncdot.rg/it/gis [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 2.7
Stockpiles(growth media 5.7
storage area and laydown area)
Waste piles 82.6
Processing areas/haul roads
(haul roads and site roads
17.6
including parking areas)
Mine excavations—tailings 0
storage facility
Other(Please explain)buildings 0.4
Total Affected Acreage 109.1
Total Permitted Acreage 143.8
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e 5

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)
i) 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'
200+ acres 1"=200'
NOTE: Smaller scaled maps may be acceptable if they clearly illustrate the above items.
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e 6

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: 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 September 21, 2021 P a g e 1 7

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.
The TSF has been designed as a"dry stack"stockpile, contained within a rockfill perimeter embankment.The tailings will be
placed in layers and systematically compacted to meet target densities. Infiltration will be collected in a basinal drainage
system during operations to confirm that seepage quality meets environmental quality objectives. Stormwater runoff(contact
and non-contact)will be managed through several new channels and ponds to be constructed downstream of the TSF (the
surface water management system)where it will be discharged to the environment.
To support the TSF operations, additional facilities and infrastructure will be required.The list of planned
facilities/infrastructure required for the site is as follows:
• A dry stack TSF;
• A surface water management system;
• A transportation route, including haul roads for the tailings and non-PAG waste rock;
• Growth media storage(GMS); and
• Non-process infrastructure(NPI).
The general sequence of development for the proposed mine is as follows:
• Site preparation, including the installation of erosion and sediment(E&S)control best management practices (BMPs)
and the construction of required access roads;
• Clearing and grubbing of existing vegetation and soil salvaging for the initial starter embankment and other
facility/infrastructure footprints;
• Spreading and compacting existing mica-bearing stockpiles within the TSF storage footprint;
• Grading of the base of the TSF and constructing the basinal drainage system (no liner system is required at the base of
the TSF since the tailings and perimeter rock embankment materials have been characterized as non-PAG);
• Initial TSF embankment and perimeter berm construction;
• Installation of surface water infrastructure; and
• Construction of surface infrastructure and service facilities(NPI), including utility installation, at the north and south gate
entrance areas.
The TSF will not be used to store water and any collected water will be immediately pumped out through the surface water
management system.As such,the TSF is not considered a dam per the Department of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
(DEMLR) Land Quality Section's Dam Safety Program requirements and definitions.
The TSF will be backfilled over the KMM life of mine(LOM)requiring progressive raising of the TSF starter perimeter
embankment.The perimeter embankment will be raised throughout much of the life of the facility using centerline
construction methods with rockfill hauled from the KMM.As the facility is raised, additional clearing, grubbing, and foundation
preparation will be performed for alignment of the new embankment footprint.
Operations-related TSF activities will commence in KMM Mining Year 1 in the approximate sequence listed below:
• Hauling of filtered tailings from the KMM tailings loadout facility to the Archdale TSF;
• Continued hauling of non-PAG waste rock from KMM facility to the TSF embankment raise working face;
• Placing tailings either directly at the working face or depositing in temporary storage piles;
• Continued TSF embankment raise construction buildout in five additional construction phases during operations;
• Contact water collection that includes water that has contacted the tailings or embankment wall,which DEMLR will
regulate as mine dewatering/wastewater; and
• Stormwater management.
Additional construction and operations details are described in the supplemental report.
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e 8

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]
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-sections/construction details of each measure. Engineering designs and
calculations are required to justify the adequacy of any proposed measures.
E&S plans are summarized below and described in detail in the attached supplemental report with associated maps.A
preliminary site-specific TSF E&S control plan has been developed.As the site is backfilled using the KMM tailings, a more
detailed,formal E&S plan will be developed using furthered design and operational details to comply with the specific
requirements of the Erosion and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual(2013).The final plan will be approved prior
to the commencement of any land disturbance activities. Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling for sizing the channels,
determining the erosion protection required, and for designing the sediment control pond capacities has been performed and
the results are included in the supplemental report.
All disturbed areas will be managed by sediment control measures consisting of sediment mitigation at the source and wet
ponds to manage discharges to the existing drainages. Ongoing sediment controls will be provided over the life of the Project
by constructing a sediment control pond that will receive non-contact water flows from disturbed and undisturbed natural
ground collected by the perimeter channels. Most sediment controls will be implemented during the construction of the TSF,
while ongoing tailings placement, embankment raises, and concurrent reclamation will require ongoing sediment controls
over the life of the Project.
Erosion protection for channels was selected based on maximum tributary catchment and anticipated velocities during flood
events.The majority of channels will be grass-lined except for channels with steep banks,which will be reinforced with riprap
using appropriately sized material to prevent erosion.
Non-contact water from stabilized surfaces is not expected to require sediment control during operations.
The sequence of installation and maintenance of BMPs is described below.All BMPs will be visually inspected for stability
and operation on an inspection schedule that will be outlined in an approved Stormwater Pollution and Prevention plan.
Sediment control measures will be appropriately installed prior to soil disturbance. Project BMPs will be installed when road
access is established from United States (U.S.) Highway 29 to control and divert non-contact water.The proposed BMPs
may include, but are not limited to, staked silt fences, straw wattles, earthen berms, culverts, check dams, riprap and
diversion channels, sediment ponds, skimmer and riser sediment basins, outlet stabilization,typical operational paved
flumes, and surface stabilization.
Conveyance channels will be sized to safely accommodate peak flow produced by the probable maximum flood. Stormwater
runoff from the TSF will originate from haul roads, perimeter roads, concurrently reclaimed perimeter berms, and adjacent
run-on areas. Non-contact water will be generated from the revegetated or resurfaced NPI components.The channels and
culverts will be capable of conveying the probable maximum flood event in the NPI area to collect and divert runoff around or
across the site without detention.The non-contact water will also discharge under Interstate 85(1-85)through one of two
existing reinforced concrete pipe culverts.
3. A)Will the operation involve washing the material mined, recycling process water, or other wastewater
handling?
❑YES ❑x NO
If yes, briefly describe all such processes including any chemicals to be used.
No.Washing of the transported and deposited filtered tailings materials will occur at the KMM.Tailings processing will occur
at the KMM concentrator facility prior to being transported to the TSF.Water may occasionally be added to the deposited
filtered tailings using a water truck after arrival and placed in the TSF to achieve compaction requirements for dry stack
tailings.
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e 1 9

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. B)Will the operation involve discharging fresh or wastewater from the mine or plant as a point discharge to the
waters of the State?
❑x YES ❑ NO
If 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).
Yes.The operation will involve discharging water from the Project from four outfalls to the Waters of the State,which are
identified as the unnamed tributary to Dixon Branch (referred to as"Archdale Creek"). Please refer to the Project maps and
reports showing the locations of all planned outfalls.Water discharged from the TSF will not need treatment beyond the
settling ponds before discharge to the unnamed tributary(Archdale Creek)to Dixon Branch. For additional discharge details
please see the separate TSF NCG02 permit application and the supplemental report.
The following three new culverts will be installed within the Project area, and the downstream culvert endpoints will establish
the permitted Project Outfall discharge points:
• A 24-inch diameter culvert will discharge non-contact water from the southern NPI building pad area from Outfall 001.
• A 30-inch diameter culvert will discharge contact water from the contact water pond from Outfall 002.
• An 18-inch diameter culvert will discharge non-contact water from Outfall 003.
In addition, existing Outfall 004 will be temporary and currently conveys non-contact groundwater and precipitation
stormwater pumped from the legacy open pit to an existing sediment pond (referred to as the forebay pond).The discharge
of the sediment pond currently passes through existing Outfall 004 and flows into an existing 60-inch diameter culvert under
1-85 and into the unnamed tributary(Archdale Creek)to Dixon Branch_
All surface water from the Project will be discharged from the new culverts/permitted outfalls to the unnamed tributary to
Dixon Branch at one of the following three existing culverts.
• A 36-inch diameter culvert that will discharge non-contact water from Project Outfall 001 and offsite areas.
• A 30-inch diameter culvert that will discharge non-contact water from Project Outfall 002.
• A 60-inch diameter culvert that will discharge non-contact water from Project Outfalls 003 and 004
A stream stability study was performed which included hydraulic modeling to evaluate the impacts of discharging to the
unnamed tributary to Dixon Branch.The results are summarized in the supplemental report.The results concluded that
increased flows related to the Project will be minimal and will likely not result in increased instability.
C)Will any part of the proposed mine excavation(s)extend below the water table? (existing inactive mine pit
extends below the water table).
❑x YES ❑ NO
If yes, do you intend to dewater the excavation(s)? Under different permit
® YES ❑ NO
Estimated withdrawal rate in gallons per day: 144
If yes,what impact, if any,will mine dewatering have on neighboring wells?Locate all existing wells on the mine
map(s) 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 aim of the Project includes reclaiming an existing, legacy mica mine pit with the construction of a new TSF landform.
Three of the existing legacy open pits onsite contain pit lakes that have formed over time and extend below the ground water
table.The pit lakes will be dewatered by the current operator under a different authorization. Once the pit has been
Revised September 21, 202_ P a g e l 10

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]
completely dewatered, the Project will include minor excavations during early construction grading activities on the open pit
floors to form a flat, smooth, and sloped surface,which currently extends below the groundwater table, as summarized
below. However, elevations within the pit will increase overtime as tailings are placed in the facility. Depending on their
condition once exposed, some weak foundation soils beneath the proposed starter perimeter embankment may need to be
excavated and backfilled with rockfill to the existing ground level to improve stability.
Water, including stormwater and groundwater is currently collected in the existing pit lakes by pit sumps and pumped to the
forebay sediment pond using surface mounted electric pumps.The forebay pond is meant to drain either through an existing
constructed rockfill berm or by overflowing the berm where it currently discharges to the existing northern drainage swales,
through an existing outfall, into an existing 60-inch diameter culvert under 1-85, and ultimately into the unnamed tributary
(Archdale Creek)to Dixon Branch.
Modeling predicts no impacts to neighboring wells,the nearest of which are approximately 2,000 feet away.All modeled
groundwater impacts will be limited to a small area located in the southeastern corner of the Project permit boundary.
The Project will be served by a public water supply system from the City of Kings Mountain, and therefore no withdrawal of
groundwater will be required for consumption or for processing.
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 coverage under NCG02 General Permit for water discharges associated with the Project has been
submitted to DEMLR concurrent with this application submittal.A water withdrawal registration will be completed and
submitted before permitted operations begin.
4. A)Will the operation involve crushing or any other air contaminant emissions?
❑ YES 0 NO (CHECK 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.
Backfilling the TSF will not involve crushing;therefore, no emissions sources will be generated that will require an air quality
permit.The filtered tailings delivered and placed into the TSF for permanent storage will contain 10 to 15 percent moisture
and therefore will not generate fugitive dust.
B) How will dust from stockpiles, haul roads, etc., be controlled?
Dust will be controlled by adding water within the tailings pad to the placed filtered tailings(facility)to the specified moisture
content levels during compaction, if needed.
Haul roads will use coarse gravel material (imported road base)compacted to meet specified density compaction strengths
to create a nearly impervious surface.This surface will inherently reduce the generation of fugitive dust.Additionally, haul
roads and other access roads will be sprayed with water via water trucks, as needed,to control fugitive dust and maintain
visibility.
Revised September 21, 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]
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 25-foot buffer will be maintained around the Project. Buffer locations are depicted on the attached maps and
figures in the supplemental report.
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 wetland at this site? Show all buffer locations and widths
on the mine map(s).
There are no natural watercourses or jurisdictional wetlands within the Project boundaries.
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 flatters sandy material generally required unless technical justification can be provided to
allow steeper slopes.
There is no open-pit or underground mineral ore extraction proposed for this project.The Project has been primarily designed
to backfill the existing legacy pit to reduce long-term instability issues. However, some foundation excavation may be
required for the new facilities/infrastructure as discussed in the paragraphs below.
When working around the perimeter of the legacy pit,the operator will establish and follow a written ground control plan for
safe control of all highwalls, pits, and spoils banks left over from legacy mining operations.The ground control plan will be
designed to be consistent with prudent engineering design and to provide safe working conditions.
Weaker zones of saprolite within the TSF footprint may need to be excavated to stronger foundation soils/bedrock to improve
the stability of the facility. If required,the foundation will be excavated at safe slope angles and the stability of the excavation
will be analyzed and monitored by a geotechnical engineer to maintain adequate factors of safety at all times. Stability
measures to improve excavation stability may include buttressing with rockfill and/or other ground improvement techniques.
Landslides will be prevented by observational monitoring methods and possible instrumentation that will include monitoring
for and documenting (i.e., mapping and photographing)any fill material instabilities(e.g., rock falls, sluffs, water ponding,
ground movement, etc.)and tension cracks on the surface adjacent to the edges of the existing legacy open pits and/or
excavations, and immediately notifying the appropriate Project supervisor.
The embankment will be constructed with 1.5 horizontal to 1 vertical interior side slopes and 2.5 horizontal to 1 vertical
exterior side slopes to promote long-term stability.
The stability of the embankment was evaluated at one representative geological/analytical cross-section.
Limit equilibrium stability analyses were performed for static factors using circular and non-circular failure surfaces.
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e l 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]
A summary of the results of the stability analyses is referenced in the supplemental report and includes factors of safety and
established stability criteria for all stability runs.
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.
Cross-sections through the TSF over time,from initial embankment construction through final reclamation, and additional
TSF construction and perimeter rock embankment stability details are provided in the supplemental report.The rock
embankment will be constructed using centerline methods with 1.5 horizontal to 1 vertical interior side slopes and 2.5
horizontal to 1 vertical exterior side slopes to promote long-term stability.
The construction materials will be spread into lifts that are as thin as possible(generally no more than 24 inches thick)using
a dozer and compacted using three to four passes with heavy equipment traffic to maximize compaction to create a stable
structure. Each new lift placed against an existing embankment slope will be keyed in by cutting into the existing slope about
24 inches laterally, placing and spreading the new lift, and then compacting the new surface layer as one layer to provide
structural stability.The rock embankment design will include a 3-feet wide (approximately 2-feet thick)layer of crushed and
graded filter sand (processed at the TSF site or imported)along the interior slope face to form a zoned sand filter and prevent
migration of tailings solids through the coarse waste rock outer embankment.
Final stabilization of the reclaimed tailings pile will be achieved by maintaining the designed overall slope ratio of 2.5
horizontal to 1 vertical, controlling erosion on the reclaimed slopes, and implementation of the surface water management
plan by regrading and installation of BMPs until permanent vegetation is established, providing a natural looking landscape
similar to native slopes.
A cross-section through the GMS area is provided in the supplemental report. If natural revegetation is not successful to
promote temporary stabilization of the GMS pile, revegetation of the TSF growth media stockpile may occur after its
construction to enhance nutrient content.
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e l 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]
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).
As discussed, no mineral extraction or open-pit mining is planned for the Project. Some localized excavation and backfilling
of softer overburden/saprolite may be required to improve the strength of the foundation for the TSF.Where allowable, these
soils would be excavated at safe slope angles consistent with the recommended safe slope angles described in Section C.
6.(A.)above.Where not allowable due to space restrictions, an engineered excavation plan will be developed to steepen the
excavation using appropriate engineering solutions, including buttressing the slope with rockfill or other ground retention
systems.
As discussed previously,when working around the legacy open pit, the operator will establish and follow a written ground
control plan for safe control of unconsolidated (non-rock)and overburden slopes which will be consistent with prudent
engineering designs to provide safe working conditions. When benching is necessary, the width and height will be based on
the type of material being excavated and the equipment used for cleaning of benches or for scaling of walls, banks, and
slopes.
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.
Not applicable. No planned hardrock excavations are associated with this Project.
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 Project site will have two gated entrance points from U.S. Highway 29 to prohibit public access. In addition, the TSF
perimeter embankment will form a major barrier to most of the planned mobile equipment activities occurring in the legacy
open pit during construction and operations.A list of the anticipated mobile equipment to be used for the Project activities is
included as an appendix in the supplemental report.
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 detail/cross-section and location of each type of barricade to
be used must be indicated on the mine map(s).
No highwalls will be constructed for the Project. Public access into the TSF will be severed by the construction of a perimeter
embankment. The embankment raise will be constructed over much of the life of the Project and will reach a maximum
elevation of 960 feet above mean sea level and 110 feet above grade.
For safety, an 18-inch compacted earthen soil berm will be constructed on the outside edge of the perimeter haul road.A
cross-section of the perimeter haul road and safety soil berm is provided in the supplemental report.
9. Are acid producing minerals or soils present?
❑YES ❑x NO
If yes, how will acid water pollution from the excavation, stockpiles, and waste areas be controlled?
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e l 14

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]
All the materials being transported to the TSF from the KMM facility, including the filtered tailings and the waste rock to
construct the embankment, have been characterized as non-PAG. Similarly, all overburden, alluvium, saprolite, legacy waste
rock, and bedrock currently within the Project have also been geochemically characterized as non-PAG,with the exception of
a small amount of high-sulfur bearing mica schist. However, over the lifetime of the operations at Archdale, no low-pH, acidic
conditions or acid rock drainage have materialized (as documented in the supplemental report appendices), and as such are
not expected to materialize during the lifetime of the Project.Any potentially acid generating (PAG)mica schist or other PAG
materials will be identified and will be transported back to KMM for disposal in an appropriate PAG rock storage facility.
Even though the bulk of the materials at the TSF site have been characterized as non-PAG,the operator plans to implement
an operational acid-base accounting testing program during construction similar to the one being implemented at the KMM
facility, to identify PAG materials in real time so they can be managed accordingly.Any PAG materials found at the TSF that
exhibit PAG qualities will be routed back to the KMM through the already in-place truck route that will be moving material
between the two sites. Once the PAG material has arrived at the KMM facility, it will be placed in the PAG-designated rock
storage facility.
See the supplemental report for additional information.
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e l 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]
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.
A visual impact assessment was developed for the Project to address potential impacts to the surrounding areas relative to
Project visibility and includes nearby key observation points.The viewshed analysis categorized the visibility of the Project
facilities and structures and considered areas up to 10 miles from the proposed Project.The results of the viewshed analysis
categorize the visibility of the TSF structures into the following four general visibility tiers: none, limited, moderate, and high.
The results indicate that a majority(99.93 percent)of the proposed TSF Project would not be visible from elevated viewpoints
in Crowders State Park located east of the TSF. In addition, 99.98 percent of the trails within Crowders Park would not have
views of the TSF based on the visual impact assessment results. Pinnacle Peak Key Observation Point 16 is located 4.6
miles east of the TSF and Boulder Overlook is located 2.5 miles east of the TSF in Crowders State Park.
A combination of screening techniques will be employed to reduce public view including a perimeter embankment berm,
vegetative buffers, and maintenance of mature trees along the property boundaries(where feasible)combined with possible
tree plantings.The proposed perimeter berm screenings are shown on several mine maps provided in the supplemental
report. In addition,the proposed regrading, recontouring, and revegetation reclamation activities will help the TSF better
blend into the regional landscape by mimicking existing forms and colors.A photo simulation from the Pinnacle Peak key
observation point is in the supplemental report.
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.The Project will not have an adverse effect on nearby publicly owned parks,forests, or recreation areas. Kings Mountain
National Military Park is the closest national park and is located approximately 2 miles southeast of the Project. Crowder's
Mountain State Park is the closest state or local park and is located approximately 2.1 miles southeast of the Project.The
parks located near the Project are illustrated on a map provided in the supplemental report. Due to the distances from these
parks to the Project, no impacts are anticipated.
11. Will explosives be used?
❑YES ONO
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.
Blasting is not proposed.
12. Will fuel tanks, solvents or other chemical reagents be stored on-site?
❑x YES LINO
If yes, describe these materials, how they will be stored and method of containment in case of spill. Indicate the
location(s) of all storage facilities on the mine map(s).
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e l 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]
Diesel fuel, lubrication oils, hydraulic oils, anti-freeze, and parts cleaner will be stored onsite in double-walled tanks or within
a containment area located near the southern NPI pad in the maintenance shop.A 1,000-gallon diesel fuel aboveground
storage dual containment tank will be placed on the fueling pad.All components will be stored onsite for the duration of
tailings storage activities, including construction, operations, and closure.A Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure
plan will be developed per the requirements of the NCG02 General Permit and will be kept onsite.
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e l 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]
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.
Tailings will be placed in the TSF until the KMM concentrator has ceased operations.The base drain sump pump and the
stormwater pump located at the tailings surface will both be turned off as described below.
The TSF (final graded filtered tailings pile and TSF embankment)will then be covered with growth media and revegetated to
minimize water infiltration and help re-establish natural habitat for use by wildlife and birds. Other disturbed areas will be
completely revegetated to pre-development(related to existing conditions prior to the start of the Project)topography.These
activities are described in detail in the supplemental report,which includes cross-section details.The surface water
management plan on the reclaimed TSF includes a combination of regrading and placement of robust BMPs to stabilize the
soil until vegetation is established.
Growth media will be placed on the majority of the disturbed surface after the regrading and filling activities have been
completed during construction and operations.Approximately 280,000 cubic yards of growth media material will be required
for reclaiming and closing the TSF.The GMS area will store approximately 230,000 cubic yards of growth media for use
during TSF reclamation activities and closure. Growth media will be used as the main cover fill material at the filtered tailings
pile and to reclaim the TSF NPI buildings, seepage collection tank, pond areas, some roads, and the yard area.Additional
growth media that may be needed to reclaim the TSF during closure will be sourced from KMM, if necessary. Leftover growth
media not required for TSF closure will either be added as additional TSF cover fill or removed from the TSF and transported
back to the KMM facility for reclamation use.
Final closure and revegetation activities will include the following (additional details are included in the supplemental report):
• Turning off and dismantling the two pumps (located at the base drain sump and the tailings surface stormwater
collection sump)and removing them from the site immediately after the operations(tailings placement activities)and
minor tailings surface regrading activities described below cease, and closure activities commence.
• Minor regrading of the compacted tailings surface to create a mounded surface that drains waters to the TSF
perimeter channel.
• Placing a minimum of 2 feet of growth media as cover over the surface of the TSF.
• Installing BMPs, including berms and channels, immediately following closure where necessary,to control
stormwater flows off the closed surface and safely route them into the perimeter stormwater management system.
• Cast seeding of the surface of the tailings and the embankment with an approved permanent seed mix.
• Identification and disposal of industrial and hazardous waste in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Removal of remaining consumables by selling or returning to suppliers.
• Removal of buildings and structures in the southwest corner of the TSF at the NPI area and complete reclamation of
the land surface.
• Regrading of the surface of the entire NPI area to re-establish pre-existing topography.
• Breaching and removal of collection and sediment ponds after closure.
• Removal of the seepage collection tank that collects shallow groundwater from the interception drain.
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e l 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]
• Direction of stormwater toward original flow paths to the greatest extent possible. Once the cover has been placed
on the TSF, revegetation has occurred, and the stormwater channels have been reconfigured for closure,the
contact water transfer pond will be reclaimed.
• Removal of the culverts located east and west of the contact water transfer pond, and/or regrading down to re-
establish the original surface water flow.
• Abandonment and closure of all wells that are not needed for post-closure monitoring in accordance with state
regulations.
• Decommissioning and demolition of temporary infrastructure installed to support operations.
• Capping of buried pipelines to be left in place. Dismantling and removal of other pipes and pumps once water
supply to the Project is no longer needed.
• All entrances barricaded.
• Development of the post-closure management plan in conjunction with North Carolina Department of Environmental
Quality, as needed.
• Post-operational monitoring until the Project is certified as fully reclaimed and all bonding-release milestones have
been met, or as are determined in the post-operational monitoring program.
• Preparation of annual reports to document the results of monitoring during closure and post-closure phases.
• Continued engagement with the community and key stakeholders on issues relating to the post-closure vision for
the site, and socioeconomic transitioning intended to develop a comprehensive socioeconomic transition plan for
the site.
• Removal of all fencing which will be sent to a scrap metal facility or an appropriate waste disposal facility once
closure is complete and appropriate exclusionary berms have been placed at the site.
2. Is an excavated or impounded body of water to be left as part of the reclamation?
❑YES ❑x NO
If yes, illustrate the location of the body(s)of water on the reclamation map and provide a scaled cross-
section(s) 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.
No excavated or impounded bodies of water will be left as part of the TSF reclamation.The three culverts installed as part of
the Project near the southern NPI area will be removed during reclamation.
Will the body(s)of water be stocked with fish?
❑YES ONO
If yes, specify species.
No standing bodies of water will remain in post-closure.Therefore,there will be no stocked fish.
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.
No highwalls will be constructed for the Project.The TSF perimeter embankment will prevent public access into the TSF pile.
In addition,the two highway entrances to the TSF will be barricaded to prevent public access.
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e l 19

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 of benching and sloping. Final cross-sections and locations for such areas must
be provided on the reclamation map.
During operations, natural revegetation will be allowed on the GMS area for temporary stabilization, and if needed,will be
reseeded with a temporary seed mix to stabilize and enhance the nutrient content. Growth media, overburden, soils bank,
and base materials at the Project will be used to revegetate the TSF,TSF embankment, NPI areas, ponds, and roads using
dozers,front end loaders, and haul trucks.After all growth media, overburden, soils bank, and base materials are removed,
disturbed native ground in these areas will be exposed and will be scarified and revegetated with an approved seed mix.A
map and cross-section for the GMS area is provided showing original grade and the maximum GMS stockpile dimensions.
The GMS area covers approximately 5.7 acres,will be approximately 26 feet in average height, and will have 2 horizontal to
1 vertical side slopes. No benches or slope drains are necessary.
All refuse will be removed from the site during reclamation and properly disposed of offsite.
The provided reclamation map figure includes cross-sections through the TSF facility and the NPI area.
5. A) Describe reclamation of processing facilities, stockpile areas, and on-site roadways.
No processing facilities are associated with the Project.The planned revegetation activities for the TSF and the NPI sites
have been described above in Section D.
Roads that are not needed for monitoring access or potential future use will be removed during closure. Roads that remain
after closure will be narrowed to 15 feet and covered with 1 foot of growth media as described in the supplemental report.
Additional road closure details have been described above in Section D.1.
B)Will any on-site roadways be left as part of the reclamation?
®YES ❑ NO
If yes, identify such roadways on the reclamation map and provide details on permanent road and ditch line
stabilization.
A 15-feet wide perimeter road will remain around the TSF.The outside surface of the reclaimed flat road surface will be
ripped, and 1 foot of growth media will be placed and revegetated with the approved seed mix.The outer 2.5 horizontal to 1
vertical perimeter road rock fill slope will have already been permanently revegetated and stabilized with an approved seed
mix.The other end of the existing reclaimed road will consist of a 2-feet thick layer of riprap with 12-inch diameter D50
(where 50 percent of the rocks by weight have an equivalent spherical diameter greater than or equal to this diameter)rock
materials as shown in the closure perimeter channel section.
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 government 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
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e l 20

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]
temporary and permanent refuse disposal areas must be clearly delineated on the mine map(s)and
reclamation map, along with along with a list of items to be disposed in said areas.
Industrial and hazardous waste will be identified in accordance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and other
applicable waste regulations and disposed of offsite at an approved third-party facility. Other waste products will be removed
and transferred to an appropriate waste disposal facility once closure is complete.
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e l 21

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 much 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): Lime application is not proposed at this time.
Fertilizer Analysis and Rate of Application(Ibs/acre): Fertilizer application is not proposed at this time.
Seed type(s)and rate(s)of application included year-round seeding schedule(Ibs/acre):
NOTE: Include legumes
SEED TYPES SEEDING DATES SEEDING RATES
North Carolina Steep Slope Mix All dates 45 Ibs/acre
(ERNMX-310)
Native Habitat Strip Mine Mix All dates 20 Ibs/acre
(ERNMX-111)
Native Steep Slope w annual Feb 15—Aug 15 60 Ibs/acre
rye(ERNMX-181)
Native Steep Slope w grain rye Aug 15—Feb 16 75 Ibs/acre
(ERNMX-181-2)
Mulch Type, Rate of Application (Ibs/acre), and Method of Anchoring: Mulch application will consist of small
grain straw at an approximate application rate of 2000 pounds per acre that will be tacked or
mechanically tied down within 2 days after the mulch is spread.
Other Vegetative Cover(s)Type(s)and Rate(s)of Application Including Seeding Schedule(Ibs/acre,
trees/acre,spacing of trees/shrubs, etc.):
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e l 22

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]
Temporary cover species, application dates and rate for erosion control will include:
• -Brown top millet: February 15 to August 15, 20 Ibs/acre
• -Annual rye grain:August 15 to February 15, 30 Ibs/acre
Revegetation and/or reforestation plan approved by:
Signature Date
Print Name
Title
Agency
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e l 23

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]
E. DETERMINATION OF AFFECTED ACREAGE AND BOND
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) for each permitted mine site based upon the acreage approved by the Department to be
affected during the life of the mining permit. Please insert the approximate acreage, for each aspect of the mining
operation, that you intend to affect during the life of this mining permit(in addition, please insert the appropriate
reclamation cost/acre for each category from the Schedule of Reclamation Costs provided with this application form) OR
you can defer to the Department to calculate your bond for you based upon your maps and standard reclamation costs:
CATEGORY AFFECTED RECLAMATION RECLAMATION
ACREAGE COST/ACRE COST
Tailings/Sediment Ponds 2.7Ac. X $1,500 /Ac. = $4,050
Stockpiles 5.8 Ac. X $ 1,800 /Ac. = $10,440
Waste Piles 82.6 Ac. X $2,000 /Ac. = 165,200
Processing Area/Haul Roads 17.6 Ac. X $2,000 /Ac. = $35,200
Mine Excavation 0 Ac. X $5,000 /Ac. = $0.00
Other Ac. X $ /Ac. = $
TOTAL AFFECTED AC.: 109.1 Ac.
TOTAL PERMITTED AC.: 143.8 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 Ac. 26.5
b) Positive Drainage Ac. 82.6 x $1,500.00 = $0.00
SUBTOTAL COST: $0.00
Inflation Factor:
SUBTOTAL COST LIFE OF MINING OPERATION INFLATION COST
OR LIFE OF LEASE(YEARS)
0.02 X$0.00 X 10.4 = $0.00
Total Reclamation Bond Cost:
TOTAL RECLAMATION BOND COST =SUBTOTAL+ INFLATION =$0.00
Round down to the nearest$100.00
NOTE: The reclamation bond cannot exceed$1 million per GS 74-54
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e l 24

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
MINE
TYPE T/S PONDS STOCKPILES WASTE PILES P.AREA/H.R. EXCAVATION
$500/ac. (L) $500/ac. (L)
SG, GS, Borrow $1,800/ac. $2000/ac. $1800/ac.
1500(FI) 2000 (PD)
CS, DS, FS, MI, 500 (L) 500 (L)
LI, PF, OL, KY 1800 2000 2000
1500(FI) 2500 (PD)
1000(L) 2000(L)
PH 2500 5000 5000
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 3000 3500
2500(FI) 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 DETERMINDED 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
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e l 25

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]
• 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 September 21, 2021 P a g e l 26

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 PERMTIS AND ALL
MODIFICATIONS OF A MINING PERMIT TO ADD LAND TO THE PERMITTED AREA,AS REQUIRED BY NCGS 74-50(b1).
SEE THE NEXT TO TWO PAGES FOR THE"NOTICE" FORM AND THE"AFFIDAVIT OF NOTIFICATION"
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e l 27

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
Albemarle U.S., Inc. has applied on 08/05/2024 to the Division of
(Applicant Name) (Date)
Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, 1612 Mail Service Center,
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1612,for(check one):
❑x a new surface mining permit,
❑ a 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 sand tailings(storage only)' on 143.80 acres located 4.30
(Minerals, Ore) (Number) (Number)
miles Southwest of Kings Mountain, NC off/near road U.S. Highway 29
(Direction) (Nearest town) (Number, Name)
in Cleveland County.
*SEE ATTACHED MAP FOR PROPOSED PERMIT BOUNDARIES AND CORRESPONDING ADJOINING LANDOWNER
NAME 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 any 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 normal 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: [phone]
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.
Christopher Danauskas
348 Holiday Inn Drive, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 Contact: John Kuhn,Albemarle U.S., Inc.
Addressee/Owner of Record's Name and Address Name of Applicant, Include Contact Person&Company Name, if Applicable
348 Holiday Inn Drive, Kings Mountain, NC 28086
Date of Issuance of this Notice/Mailed to Addressee/ Address of Applicant
Owner of Record
'See attachment for further details on applicant proposal.
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e l 28

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]
Attachment to Notice Section of State Mine Permit Application
No mineral extraction is planned for this site, which is presently an inactive mica mine site. The applicant proposes to
construct a Tailings Storage Facility(TSF) within the existing inactive mine pits to store sand tailings generated at the
proposed Kings Mountain Mine(KMM) (Mine Permit 23-01), located approximately 3 miles away.
Operations at the KMM will produce concentrated spodumene ore as a product. The concentration process(performed at
the KMM site)occurs by physical separation of ore from other materials that do not contain ore, including mineral sand
tailings(which resemble beach sand). The sand tailings produced at the KMM will be transported to the TSF site and placed
into an engineered TSF embankment to provide safe storage, and to fill the legacy mica mine pits to aid in reclamation of the
site.
Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e l 29

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, John Kuhn , 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
See Supplemental Report,Appendix L See Supplemental Report,Appendix L
Attach additional list if necessary.
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:
David Cotton, County Manager Cleveland County PO Box 1210, Shelby, North Carolina 28151
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 and 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.
/-�v,
I 2
Si ature o plicant of Agent Date
If rson executing Affidavit is an agent or employee of an applicant, provide the following information:
Name of Applicant John Kuhn
Title of person executing Affidavit ull " ( cknq ey-
I'HM I6'3M lXX'Y12 a Notary Public toff the County of t��dA,
Sta��gf North Carolina,do herby certify that Jlahn IC,LkhY , appeared before me this day and under
Ned that the above Affidavit wa made by him/her.
�•`��`,Q�•Witness rn s id notarial seal,this day of ►l YES _ 20A .
aryA , s My commission expires:
c, AUB 0

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 Signature*- 1-% .10 /J-
Print Name Christopher Danauskas Print Name Christopher Danauskas
Title(if applicable) Site Director Title Site Director
Company(if applicable) Albemarle U.S., Inc. Company Albemarle U.S., Inc.
Address 348 Holiday Inn Drive Address 348 Holiday Inn Drive
Kings Mountain, NC 28086 Kings Mountain, NC 28086
Mine Name Kings Mountain Mine
Telephone [phone] Telephone [phone]
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 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 Septeri,dei <!, P a g e J I