20241030_61-04_ADI Comments Received

SIBELCO
Sibelco North America, Inc.
P.O.Box 588•Spruce Pine,NC 28777
(Phone)828/592-2764
October 17,2024
Mr.Adam Parr,State Mining Specialist
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
1612 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1612
Subject: Request for Additional Information
Sibelco North America,Inc. -Hawkins Mine,Permit No. 61-04
Spruce Pine, North Carolina,Mitchell County
Dear Mr. Parr:
As per your request for additional application forms, please find enclosed six copies of the
completed application for my prior submittal to you dated September 19, 2024. Sibelco North
America, Inc. is requesting that Mining Permit No. 61-04 be modified to increase the amount of
land that can be disturbed by an additional 32 acres. Please note the revegetation and seeding rates
are noted within the design package drawings conducted by Geosyntec and the site is covered under
an existing blanket bond for all Sibelco mines in North Carolina.
If you have any questions or require additional information,please do not hesitate to contact
me at(828) 592-2764 or Jeff.FergusonOsibelco.com.
Sincerely,
rfey2Fon,P.E.
Sustainability Manager North America
SIBELCO NORTH AMERICA,INC.
Enclosures RECEIVED
OCT 3 0 1014
LAND QUALITY
MINING PROGRAM

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 Hawkins Mine 61-04
County Mitchell River Basin French Broad
Latitude(decimal degrees to four
places) 35.9412 N
Longitude(decimal degrees to four
places) -82.0819 W
2. Name of Applicant Sibelco North America, Inc.
Applicant Contact Jeffrey S. Ferguson Consultant Contact n/a
Applicant Email [e-mail] Consultant Email n/a
Telephone [phone] Telephone n/a
Cell Phone [phone] Cell Phone n/a
3 Permanent Address for Receipt of
Official Mail" P.O. Box 588
Spruce Pine, NC 28777 OCT 2024
4. Mine Office Address 107 Harris Mining Co. Rd., Hwy. 19E LAND
Spruce Pine, NC 28777 MiNiNG PROGp
5. Mine Manager Jody McKinney, Mining Manager
Mine Manager Email [e-mail]
Telephone [phone] Cell Phone [phone]
1 certify that all details contained in this permit application are true and correct to the best of our knowledge.We
fully understand that any willful misrepresentation of facts will be cause for permit revocation.
Signature"* kt -7v'- Date 9/17/2024
Print Name Rick Singleton
Title Director Operations
'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 filing of any supplemental information
required by the Department.All questions must be addressed,and all required maps provided before this application can
be considered complete.Attach additional sheets as needed.
Revised July 13 2021 P a _q 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.GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MINE
1. Answer all the following that apply:
F-1 This is an application for a NEW permit.
Indicate the total acreage at the site to be covered by the permit
(This is the acreage the new permit fee will be based upon.)
Of this acreage,how much is owned and how much is leased?
Acres owned: Acres leased:
Property owner if leased:
FX-1 This is an application for a MODIFICATION to a mining permit.
Mining Permit Number: 61-04 Total permitted acreage: 504.00
Does the modification involve acreage within the previously approved permitted boundary?
YES ]NO
If yes,indicate the acreage to be covered by this modification 32.00
Does the modification involve acreage outside the previously approved permitted boundary?
YES FINO
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
remn by the mining operation? -1 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.
F-1 This is an application for TRANSFER of a mining permit.
Mining Permit Number: Total permitted acreage:
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 12

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
MINING FEE SCHEDULE
A nonrefundable permit application processing fee when filing for a new mining permit,permit modification,or transferred permit is
required as follows:
APPLICATION TYPE 0—25 ACRES 26+ACRES
New Permit Applications $3,750.00 $5,000.00
Permit Modifications $750.00 $1,000.00
Permit Transfers $100.00 $100.00
Annual Operating Fee $400.00 $400.00
Acres for new permits means the total acreage at the site to be covered by the permit.Acres for modification of permits means the
new affected acres within the previously approved permitted boundary plus the proposed total acreage to be added outside the
previously approved permitted boundary.
2. Name of all materials mined: Alaskite Ore
3. Mining Method:
❑Hydraulic Dredge 0 Front-end Loader&Truck rX-j Shovel&Truck
❑Dragline&Truck ❑Self-loading Scraper
❑Other(please explain):
4. Expected maximum depth of mine(feet) Hawkins Pit—475'
Depth is relative to what benchmark?(e.g.,natural ground level,mean seal level,road elevation,etc.)
Natural ground level at top of highest mining bench
Expected average depth of mine(feet) -300'(-300'depth Westside,-476'depth Northside,-380'depth Eastside,-0'depth Southside
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?Pre-31'Erwn Feldspar,1931-1953 Carolina Min,1953.1987 IMC Corp,1987-1988 Applied Industrial Matenels.
6. Estimated life of the operation(years): 100
NOTE:The Department may request clarification on how life of mine was calculated.
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 13

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
B. MAPS
1. Clearly mark and label the location of your mining operation on six(6)conies 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
Htto://Portal.ncdenr.ordweb/Ir/geological home [phone]
County highway maps may be obtained from the N.C.Department of Transportation:
Mailing Address Physical Address
NCDOT GIS Unit NCDOT GIS Unit
1587 Mail Service Center 3401 Carl Sandburg Court
Raleigh,NC 27699-1587 Raleigh,NC 27610
http://www.nGdot.ro/!Ugis [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 10.00 0.00 10.00
Stockpiles 2.00 0.00 2.00
Waste piles 100.75 32.00 132.75
Processing Areas/Haul Roads 4.00 0.00 4.00
Mine Excavations 147.75 0.00 147.75
Other(Please explain) 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total Affected Acreage 264.50 32.00 296.50
Total Permitted Acreage 504.00 0.00 504.00
Revised July 13, 20:; P a g e ( 4

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
3. Mine maps must be accurate and appropriately scaled drawings,aerial photographs,or enlarged topographic maps of
the entire mine site.All aspects of the mine site must be clearly labeled on the maps along with their
corresponding(approximate)acreage.Thus,all mine and reclamation maps must denote those activities that
are intended to be conducted during the life of the mining permit.All maps must be of a scale sufficient to clearly
illustrate the following,at a minimum:
a) Property lines of the tract or tracts of land on which the proposed mining activity is to be located including
easements and rights-of-way.
b) Existing or proposed permit boundaries with geographic controls(e.g.metes and bounds,coordinates)labeled
c) Initial and ultimate limits of clearing and grading
d) Outline and width of all buffer zones(both undisturbed and unexcavated)
e) Outline and acreage of all pits/excavations
f) Outline and acreage of all stockpile areas
g) Outline and acreage of all temporary and/or permanent overburden disposal areas
h) Location and acreage of all processing plants(may be described as to location and distance from mine if
sufficiently far removed)
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.
NOTE:In addition to the above,the maps must also include any site-specific information that is provided in
the answers to the following questions(italicized questions/statements)in this application form.This
application will not be considered complete without all relevant items being adequately addressed on the mine
maps.
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 15

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
C.PROTECTION OF NATURAL.RESOURCES
1. Describe in detail the sequence of events for the development and operation of the mine and reference the sequence
to the mine map(s).Attach additional sheets as needed.
Potential mine areas are first drilled (exploration phase). If mining of an area is
deemed desirable, the first phase of mining will involve overburden removal.
Once overburden is stripped, the rock is drilled and blasted. The rock is then
hauled to the plant to be crushed for further processing. Once an area is mined
out, and reclamation will not interfere with mining or mine activities, reclamation
will commence.
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-sectionskonstruction details of each measure.Engineering designs and calculations are required
to justify the adequacy of any proposed measures.
All erosion control measures are in place as per past sediment&erosion control
plans approved by the Division of Land Quality. Any future sediment & erosion
control plans shall be approved by the Division of Land Quality prior to
construction. This application includes expansion of existing sediment basin
HAW3 with silt fence, check dams and diversions as detailed on the attached
drawings.
3. A)Will the operation involve wash in the material mined,recycling process water,or other wastewater handling?
FX-1YES NO
If yes,briefly describe all such processes including any chemicals to be used.
The mine and mine waste areas are governed by General NPDES permit
NCG020000. The currently idled processing site consists of wet screens and
wet grinding/processing utilizing acids approved to discharge by NPDES
process water discharge permit.
B)Will the operation involve discharging fresh or wastewater from the mine or plant as a point discharge to the waters
of the State?
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).
Mine dewatering and storm water from the mine, mine waste and tailings areas
are covered under NPDES General Permit COC No. NCG020793.
Process water discharged by the plant site is covered under NPDES Permit No.
NC0000175.
Revised July 13, 2021 P a q e 16

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
C)Will any part of the proposed mine excavation(s)extend below the water table?
FIYES a NO
If yes,do you intend to dewater the excavation(s)?
FIYES ❑ NO
Estimated withdrawal rate in gallons per day:
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.
No neighboring wells exist within 500 feet of the existing excavation area.
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.
NPDES Permit No. NC0000175, NPDES General Permit NCG020000,
Water Withdrawal Registration updated annually (Facility ID 0194-0001)
4. A)Will the operation involve crushing or any other air contaminant emissions?
FXIYES ]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.
Air Permit No. 321OR42
B)How will dust from stockpiles,haul roads,etc.,be controlled?
Water sprays are utilized in crushing to reduce fugitive dust. In addition, the ore
is very dense which helps minimize fugitive dust from stockpiles. Contracted
water trucks are utilized throughout the mine areas, waste areas, and haul roads
as needed.
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 17

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
5. A)A buffer will be required between any mining activity and any mining permit boundary or right-of-way.It may be an
unexcavated buffer(no excavation,but roadways,berms,and erosion&sedimentation control measures may be
installed within it),an undisturbed buffer(no disturbance within the buffer whatsoever),or a combination of the two,
depending upon the site conditions.Note that all buffers must be located within the mining permit boundaries.
How wide a buffer will be maintained between any mining activity and any mining permit boundary or right-of-way at
this site?A minimum buffer of 25 feet is recommended,although a wider buffer may be needed depending on site
conditions.Show all buffer locations and widths on the mine map(s).
A minimum unexcavated buffer of 25 feet is maintained between any mining
activity and adjoining property or highway right-of-way.
B)A minimum 50 foot wide undisturbed buffer will be required between any land disturbing activities within the mining
permit boundaries and any natural watercourses and wetlands unless smaller undisturbed buffers can be justified.
Depending on site conditions,a buffer wider than 50 feet may be needed.
How wide an undisturbed buffer will be maintained between any land disturbing activities within the mining permit
boundaries and any natural watercourses and wetlands at this site?Show all buffer locations and widths on the mine
map(s).
A minimum unexcavated buffer of 50 feet will be maintained for any future land
disturbing activities adjacent to any natural watercourse or wetlands unless
smaller undisturbed buffers can be justified.
6. A)Describe methods to prevent landslide or slope instability adjacent to adjoining permit boundaries during mining.
Minimum 2 horizontal to 1 vertical slopes or flatter for clayey material and minimum 3 horizontal to 1 vertical slopes or
flatter for sandy material are generally required unless technical justification can be provided to allow steeper slopes.
Overburden is sloped so as to prevent landslides and slope instability.
Overburden piles are re-vegetated to further increase their stability. The
majority of the mine is hard rock, which by its nature, will not pose an instability
problem. A stability analysis for the requested Phase II mine rock waste area
extension, by a licensed North Carlina Geo-Technical Engineer, is included with
this application.
B)Provide a cross-section on the mine map(s)for all fill slopes(berms,waste piles,overburden disposal areas,etc.),
clearly indicating the intended side slope gradient,installation of any benches and/or slope drains(with supporting
design information)if needed,and the method of final stabilization.
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 18

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
C)In excavation(s)of unconsolidated(non-rock)materials,specify the angle of all cut slopes including specifications
for benching and sloping.Cross-sections for all cut slopes must be provided on the mine map(s).
The amount of unconsolidated material is minimal. Temporary overburden
stockpiles are at a minimum angle of 2:1.
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.
Typical existing bench widths are approximately 35-75 feet wide with heights of
approximately 50-70 feet. All future proposed bench widths will typically be
approximately 25 feet wide with heights of approximately 25 feet.
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.
NIA. There are no such structures within 300 feet of any proposed excavation.
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).
Currently there is a chain link fence located North of the highwall to prevent
access to the highwall. A chain link fence, boulders stacked end-to-end, or
earthen berms will be placed at the top of the final highwall prior to final
reclamation. In addition, all access roads are locked when mining is not in
progress.
9. Are acid roducing minerals or soils present?
YES FX NO
If yes,how will acid water pollution from the excavation,stockpiles,and waste areas be controlled?
NIA
Revised July 13, 2021 p a g e 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]
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.
Existing vegetation and topography shields portions of the mine from public
view. Screening of the entire mine site is not possible given the topographic
setting of this operation.
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?
N/A
11. Will[Xg
sives be used?
YES FINO
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.
Bulk ANFO is the current explosive of choice. All blasting is contracted out. Blasting
records are made on each individual blast describing location, type of material, date and
time fired, number of holes, hole diameter, rows, level, burden, spacing, depth, method
of firing, delay method, maximum pounds per delay, explosives used, grade, size and
amount, total energy, estimated tons in shot and stemming. The blaster's name, permit
number, and signature are also recorded along with direction and distance in feet to the
nearest dwelling and weather conditions. Seismograph readings are taken during each
blast. The operator will take reasonable precaution to insure that fly rock is not thrown
off Sibelco property.
12. Will fuel tanks,solvents,or other chemical reagents be stored on-site?
IYES FNO
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).
A double-walled diesel fuel truck is located at the mine shop and is utilized
throughout the mining and tailings areas. Permanent storage of fuels and
lubricants occurs at the mine shop and at the plant site with dedicated
secondary containment for all.
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 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]
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.
As the Hawkins Quarry progresses elevationally, "mined-out" lower bench areas
will be reclaimed. Similarly, as overburden and waste disposal areas cease being
utilized, they will also be reclaimed. Mined-out benches may be reclaimed by
placing overburden over them. Where feasible, loose overburden materials will be
placed over bench tops to provide a vegetative rooting medium. Following the
_cessation of mining and processing activities, the mine and tailings disposal areas
will be utilized as wildlife habitat. The plant site will be utilized as an industrial site.
2. Is an excavated or impounded body of water to be left as part of the reclamation?
E]
YES �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.
Will the body(s)of water be stocked with fish?
FIYES FINO
If yes,specify species.
3. Describe provisions for safety to persons and to adjoining property in all completed excavations in rock including what
kind of permanent barricade will be left.Acceptable permanent barricades are appropriate fencing,large boulders
placed end-to-end,etc.Construction details and locations of all permanent barricades must be shown on the
reclamation map.
When mining is complete, the highwall area will either be fenced, earthen berms,
contain large boulders placed end-to-end or a combination of the three. Gates
will remain locked on former haul/access roads.
Revised July 13, 2021 P a g e 11

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
4. Indicate the method(s)of reclamation of overburden,refuse,spoil banks or other such on-site mine waste areas,
including specifications for benching and sloping.Final cross-sections and locations for such areas must be provided
on the reclamation map.
Unconsolidated overburden will be graded so that its slope is no less than 2:1.
These areas will be seeded, fertilized and mulched in accordance with approved
Reclamation Plans. All mining areas have erosion control plans and reclamation
plans approved by the Division of Land Quality.
5. A)Describe reclamation of processing facilities,stockpile areas,and on-site roadways.
At the completion of mining by Sibelco North America in the Hawkins area,
existing processing facilities may be stripped of machinery and transported to
other facilities on an as-needed basis. The remaining facility may be sold "as
is", as an industrial site. Stockpile areas will be graded and seeded. On-site
roadways will be left in the plant area.
B)Will any on-site roadways be left as part of the reclamation?
AYES F ]NO
!f yes,identify such roadways on the reclamation map and provide details on permanent road and ditch line
stabilization.
The only on-site roadways to be left as a part of reclamation will be those at the
plant site and access to mining/tailings areas as well as exploration roads.
6. Describe the method of control of contaminants and disposal of scrap metal,junk machinery,cables,or other such
waste products of mining.(Note definition of refuse in The Mining Act of 1971.)
No off-site-generated waste shall be disposed of on the mine site without prior written approval from the NC
Department of Environmental Quality,Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources and either the Division
of Waste Management(DWM)or local governing body.If a disposal permit has been issued by DWM for the
site,a copy of said permit must be attached to this application.All temporary and permanent refuse disposal
areas must be clearly delineated on the mine map(s)and reclamation map,along with a list of items to be disposed in
said areas.
Scrap metal will be collected in a "bone yard(s)" at the plant area. The "bone
yard"will be periodically inventoried and scrap deemed to be of no further use
will be sold. Sanitary waste generated on-site is disposed of off-site at a
permitted landfill. On-site generated mineral waste is disposed of in the
tailings/overburden disposal areas.
Revised July 13, 2021 P a Q e 112

NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center
PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources [phone]
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'
Print Name Rick Singleton Print Name Rick ksingleton
Title(if applicable) Director Operations Title Director Operations
Company(if applicable) Sibelco North America, Inc. Company Sibelco North America, Inc.
Address P.O. BOX 588 Mine Name Hawkins
Spruce Pine, NC 28777 Telephone [phone]
Telephone [phone] Date signed 09/17/2024
Date signed 09/17/2024
'Signature must be the same as the individual who signed Page 1 of this application.
One orlglnal and rive(5)copies of the completed application,slx(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 cn 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.
July , a g 119