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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20241230_Application NORTH CAROLINAIMNING State of North Cam"r 1612 Mail Service Cwter PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh,NC 27699-1612 Division of EmW,f kwail,and Land Resources (919)707 NOTE;ft is recommerded that you contact the appropriate RegimW Office or the fkaleo Cep Office for a PRE- APPUCATiON MEETING to discuss your intentions and address any questions. Revised Page 1. Name of Mine The Quartz Corp. USA-Spruce Pine County Mitchell River Basin French Broad Latitude(decimal degrees to four per) 35.9020 Longitude(decimal degrees to four places) -82.0640 2. Name of Applicant The Quartz Corp.USA Applicant Contact Jeffrey Curtis Consultant Contact Lilma R Schimmel, P.E. Applicant Email Jeffrey.Curtis@TheQuartzCorp.comConsubnt Email IilmaschimmW@smeinc.com Telephone 828-765-8979 Telephone 704-523-4726 Cell Phone 678-644-2848 Cell Phone 704-941-0765 3 Permanent Address for Receipt of Official Mail** PO Box 309 Spnrce Pine, North Carolina 2$777 4, Mine Office Address 797 Altapass Highway Spruce Pine,North Carolina 28777 5. Mine Manager Rolf PipTert Mine Manager Email rolf.popert@thequart ecorp.com Telephone 828-467-4768 Cell Phone I certify that all details contained in this permit application are true and correct to the hest of our knowledge.We fuVy urAersbW that any wWW rrdstepresentatim of facts will be cat for pemdt mocahm Signature"*` _ _ Date 12/18/2024 Prim Name scm Reece Title Human Resmime Manager' *This will be the name that the minmg permit will be issued to and the name that must be indicated on the redamatim bond(security)that cmfewrcls to ft SAS. *''Thz DNisw of Eby,Ate,mitt tad Resmews=4 be roMed of ary dwxjes in the pertrawt adders or tie mu sber. ni of opt otter rear t. 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 applicatim or,if a public hang is held,wifhht 30 days Wowing the tag aril the tilng of any supplemental motion required by the DepartmenL All questions must be addressed,and all required maps provided before this application can be coraidwed awapWle,Mach adftkmall sheets as ram. Revised September 21,2021 P a g e ; 1 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 (919)707-9220 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. Revised A.GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MINE Page 1. Answer all the following that apply: 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: ❑X This is an application for a MODIFICATION to a mining permit. Mining Permit Number: 61-16 Total permitted acreage: 102.42 Acres Does the modification involve acreage within the previously approved permitted boundary? YES F-1NO If yes,indicate the acreage to be covered by this modification 19.35 Acres 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? IN YES NO If yes,indicate the acreage to be affected within the acreage to be added to the permit 19.35 Acres 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 y 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 (919)707-9220 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: Revised Page 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: N/A 3. Mining Method: ❑ Hydraulic Dredge ❑Front-end Loader&Truck Shovel&Truck ❑ Dragline&Truck ❑ Self-loading Scraper RExcavator&Truck ❑X Other(please explain): No mining to be done relating to this modification 4. Expected maximum depth of mine(feet) Depth is relative to what benchmark?(e.g., natural ground level, mean seal level,road elevation,etc.) Expected average depth of mine(feet) 5. Has AaDy area at this site been mined in the past? YESIAI NO If yes,when and by whom was this activity conducted? previous owners, prior to 1965 6. Estimated life of the operation(years): NOTE:The Department may request clarification on how life of mine was calculated. Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e 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 (919)707-9220 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. Revised 7.5-minute quadrangles may be obtained from the N.C.Geological Survey: Page Mailing Address Physical Address 1612 Mail Service Center 512 N.Salisbury St.,5th Floor Raleigh,NC 27699-1612 Raleigh,NC 27604 Http://Portal.ncdenr.org/web/Ir/geological home (919)733-2423 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.ncdot.rg/it/gis (919)212-6000 2. A table/chart must be provided on the mine map that clearly lists the approximate acreage of tailings/sediment ponds, stockpiles,waste piles, processing areas/haul roads,mine excavations and any other major aspect of the mining operation that is proposed to be affected/disturbed during the life of the mining permit.A table/chart similar to the following will be acceptable: AFFECTED ACREAGE TABLE: For new permits,complete only the total affected acreage column. For modifications,complete all columns. CATEGORY CURRENT AFFECTED PROPOSED CHANGE TO TOTAL AFFECTED ACREAGE AFFECTED ACREAGE ACREAGE Tailings/Sediment Ponds 0.06 0.06 Stockpiles 1 .20 -0.61 0.59 Waste piles Processing Areas/Haul Roads 15.54 22.41 37.95 Mine Excavations 2.45 -2.45 0.00 Other(Please explain) Total Affected Acreage 19.25 19.35 38.60 Total Permitted Acreage 102.42 102.42 Revised September21, 2021 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 (919)707-9220 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 September 21, 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 (919)707-9220 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. Revised See additional information on next page. Page 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. Erosion control device locations, installation details, and maintenance requirements are shown on the Drawings. Erosion control measures are anticipated to include the following: silt fence, reinforced silt fence, compost filter socks, construction entrance, erosion control blanket or flexible growth media, temporary bridge and coffer dam. 3. A)Will the operation involve washing the material mined,recycling process water,or other wastewater handling? YES FX If yes, briefly describe all such processes including any chemicals to be used. No wastewater handling associated with proposed modification. B)Will the operation involve discharging fresh or wastewater from the mine or plant as a point discharge to the waters of the State?FI YES FX 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). No additional discharge associated with proposed modification. Process water is treated through an on-site filtration system prior to discharge to the North Toe River (Permit No. NC0000353). Revised September 21, 2021 6 Add Addtional Sheets 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 (919)707-9220 Additional Information Revised Page Please use the space below to provide additional information to answer the questions in the application. Please clearly indicate which question is being continued on the additional space. Construction 1.0btain plan approval and permits prior to beginning proposed work. Conduct pre-disturbance meeting at least one week prior to beginning clearing activities. 2.Install construction entrance to the site and clear and grub access road until location of proposed dam. Install initial erosion control measures related to access road installation. 3.Install laydown yards located off access road. Install E&SC measures until laydown areas are stabilized. 4.Install temporary stream crossing and coffer dam upstream of dam area. 5.13egin dewatering pit through filter bag. Install temporary access bridge to pit area. 6.Place structural fill in pit area to bring to grade. 7.13egin placing structural fill for new dam and install dewatering bypass pipe within fill. 8.Begin final grading and stabilization of access road. Install culverts as shown in the design plans. Replace E&SC measures as needed until stabilization. 9.Begin freshwater reservoir grading. Stormwater shall be managed by pumping until reservoir grades are achieved. Install reservoir outlet pipe and connect to existing piping for reservoir dewatering as needed. 10.Construct reservoir intake structures, intake piping and discharge piping from reservoir. Install electrical and pump control systems and test pump systems. 11.Begin placement of subgrade for permanent dam. Install dam cutoff walls once suitable grades are achieved. Install E&SC measures downstream of dam subgrade placement. 12.13egin installation of geosynthetic liner system for freshwater reservoir and dam. Place cast-in-place concrete road on dam at completion of liner system installation. Install final road surfaces along access roads. 13.Begin demolition of the existing dam. Upon removal, stabilize disturbed area with appropriate seed mix. 14.Install permanent vegetation as appropriate. Remove temporary E&SC measures after stabilization of disturbed areas. Remove cofferdam and restore flows to the newly constructed dam. Revised September 21, 2021 Additional Information Add Addtional Sheets 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 (919)707-9220 C)Will any part of the proposed mine excavation(s)extend below the water table? YES � NO If yes,do you intend to dewater the excavation(s)? YES 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. 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. 4. A)Will the operation involve crushing or any other air contaminant emissions? YES ZNO If yes,indicate evidence that you have applied for or obtained an air quality permit issued by the Division of Air Quality or local governing body. B)How will dust from stockpiles,haul roads,etc.,be controlled? During construction, water trucks or other means that may be necessary will be utilized to prevent dust from leaving the permitted area. Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e 17 Add Addtional Sheets 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 (919)707-9220 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). An undisturbed buffer of 25 feet is incorporated where the mine permit extents adjoin property not owned by The Quartz Corp, with the exception of the proposed driveway access at NC Highway 226 and where mining assets consist of existing building and process facilities. 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). An undisturbed buffer of 25 feet is incorporated around any natural watercourses and wetlands within the permit boundary. The 25-foot buffer is consistent with the buffer width shown on the existing Mine Permit Map. Erosion control measures will be used in addition to these buffers to reduce any potential off-site sediment. 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. The angle for graded slopes and fills shall be no greater than the angle which can be retained by vegetative cover or other adequate erosion control measure, structure, or device. In any event, exposed slopes or any excavated channels, the erosion of which may cause off-site damage because of siltation, shall be planted or otherwise provided with groundcover, devices or structures sufficient to restrain such erosion. 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 September 21, 2021 P a g e 18 Add Addtional Sheets 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 (919)707-9220 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). Revised Cut soil slopes shall be graded to a slope of 2 horizontal to 1 vertical or flatter and shall be Page stabilized per the plans. 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. N/A 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. N/A 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). A gate and fence will be installed to restrict public access to the proposed site entry from Highway 226. As part of future site reclamation activities a fence will be added around the excavation area for the proposed freshwater reservoir. 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 9 Add Addtional Sheets 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 (919)707-9220 Revised Page 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 shall be maintained between the facility and public thoroughfares to screen the operation from the public. Additional screening methods, such as constructing earthen berms, shall be employed as deemed appropriate by the Department. A gate and fence will be installed to keep public off the proposed access road. 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 explosives be used? Z YES NO If yes,specify the types of explosive(s)and describe what precaution(s)will be used to prevent physical hazard to persons or neighboring property from flying rocks or excessive air blasts or ground vibrations. Depending on the mine's location to nearby structures, more detailed technical information may be required on the blasting program(such as a third-party blasting study).Locate the nearest offsite occupied structure(s)to the proposed excavation(s)on the mine map and indicate its approximate distance to the proposed excavation. A freshwater reservoir that will be constructed within the permit boundary. The freshwater reservoir is necessary to provide suitable water during time periods when the water in Grassy Creek is too turbid for use in mineral processing operations. Blasting will be required during construction to achieve design grades. Blasting Plan will be developed for excavation and is intended for construction only. 12. Will fuel tanks,solvents,or other chemical reagents be stored on-site? YES F-1NO 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). Chemicals used as part of ore processing are stored in secondary containment and include: diesel fuel, sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid, hydrated lime, alum, Customine, and Custofloat. A double-lined gasoline fuel tank is also present for fueling vehicles. Revised September 21, 2021 Page 10 Add Addtional Sheets 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 (919)707-9220 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 Revised drainage channels to a condition minimizing erosion,siltation and other pollution. This information must be illustrated Page 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. See Additional Information on next sheet. 2. Is an excavated or impounded body of water to be left as part of the reclamation? YES F ]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? YES FX NO 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. A gated fence will be installed around the proposed freshwater reservoir as part of site reclamation activities. Revised September 21, 2021 Page 111 Add Addtional Sheets 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 (919)707-9220 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. See Additional Information sheet. Revised Page 5. A)Describe reclamation of processing facilities,stockpile areas,and on-site roadways. See Additional Information sheet. B)Will any on-site roadways be left as part of the reclamation? YES F ]NO If yes, identify such roadways on the reclamation map and provide details on permanent road and ditch line stabilization. See Reclamation Plan in the Drawings for location of roads to remain. 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. Any building or equipment that is demolished, abandoned, or removed will be done so in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Revised September 21, 2021 FwdPage � 12 Addtional Sheets 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 (919)707-9220 7. Describe your plan for revegetation or other surface treatment of the affected areas.This plan must include recommendations for year-round seeding,including the time of seeding and the amount and type of seed,fertilizer, lime and mulch per acre.The recommendations must include general seeding instructions for both permanent and temporary revegetation. Revegetation utilizing only tree plantings is not acceptable. Recommendations can be sought from: a. Authorized representatives of the local Soil and Water Conservation District; b. Authorized representatives of the NC Forest Service, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; c. Authorized county representatives of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service,specialists and research faculty with the Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Forest Resources at North Carolina State University; d. North Carolina licensed landscape architects; e. Private consulting foresters referred by the NC Forest Service,Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; f. N.C. Erosion and Sedimentation Control Planning and Design Manual; g. N.C.Surface Mining Manual:A Guide for Permitting,Operation and Reclamation; h. Others as may be approved by the Department. Lime Rate of Application(tonslacre): see additional information sheet Fertilizer Analysis and Rate of Application(lbs/acre): see additional information sheet Seed type(s)and rate(s)of application included year-round seeding schedule(lbslacre): NOTE: Include legumes SEED TYPES SEEDING DATES SEEDING RATES see previous sheet Mulch Type,Rate of Application(lbslacre),and Method of Anchoring: see additional information sheet Other Vegetative Cover(s)Type(s)and Rate(s)of Application Including Seeding Schedule(lbslacre,trees/ acre,spacing of trees/shrubs,etc.): N/A Revegetation and/or reforestation plan approved by: Signature Date Print Name Title Agency Revised September 21, 2021 Page 113 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 (919)707-9220 Additional Information Please use the space below to provide additional information to answer the questions in the application. Please clearly indicate which question is being continued on the additional space. RECLAMATION PLAN: Non-industrial areas: Stabilize in accordance with the seeding plan on the drawings as summarized on Page 13 of this application. Industrial areas: Buildings and infrastructure that are no longer in use and/or will not be conveyed to a new property owner shall be removed and/or demolished to the foundations. Basements and other low-lying areas shall be filled with suitable material to prevent ponding of water. Any remaining unstabilized areas shall be stabilized with vegetation in accordance with the seeding plan on the drawings as summarized on Page 13 of this application. Freshwater Reservoir area: Freshwater reservoir to be reclaimed as a lake with all inlets to the reservoir abandoned in place. Overflow piping to be installed and routed to grassy creek directly north of the proposed dam structure. A fence shall be erected directly around the freshwater reservoir area to prevent unauthorized access. Any remaining unstabilized areas shall be stabilized in accordance with the seeding plan on the drawings as summarized on Page 13 of this application. Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e I Additional Information Add Addtional Sheets 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 (919)707-9220 Additional Information Please use the space below to provide additional information to answer the questions in the application. Please clearly indicate which question is being continued on the additional space. seeding specifications TEMPORARY MOUNTAINS UPLAND PERMANENT MOUNTAINS UPLAND STABILIZATION SPECIFICATIONS SEEDING SPECIFICATIONS FEBRUARY 15 TO MAY 15(ELEV.ABOVE 2500 FEET) SEEDING DATES-AUGUST 1 TO JUNE I- SEEDING DATES FEBRUARY 1 TO MAY 1(ELEV.BELOW 2500 FEET) SEEDING MIXTURE&AMENDMENTS APPLICATION RATE (1-B5fACRE) SEEDING MIXTURE&AMENDMENTS APPLICATION RATE(LBSIACRE) KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS 20 (POA PRATEN515) RYEGRAIN 120 HARD FESCUE COMMON NAME ISECALE CEREALE} COMMON NAME (FESTUCA BREVIPILA) 75 (SPECIES) KOBE LESPEDEZA (SPECIES) (FESTUCA LONGIFOLIA) (KUMMEROWIA STRIATA V. 50 RYE GRAIN KOBE) (SECALE CERFALE) 25 SOILAMENDMENTS 1D-10-10 FERTILIZER 750 SOILAMENDMENTS (REFER TO SEEDBED [REFER TO SEEDBED 10-20.20 FERTILIZER 500 PREPARATION NOTES) LIMESTONE 1 2,000 PREPARATION NOTES) LIMESTONE 4,D00 MULCH (REFER TO SEEDING GRAIN STRAW 4,0D0 MULCH NOTES) (REFERTO SEEDING GRAIN STRAW 4,D00 NOTES] SEEDING DATES-MAY 15 TO AUGUST 15 SEEDING DATES-MAY 1 TO SEPTEMBER 1` SEEDING MIXTURE&AMENDMENTS APPLICATION RATE (LBSIACRE) SEEDING MIXTURE&AMENDMENTS APPLICATION RATE COMMON NAME GERMAN MILLET (1-1151ACRE) (SPECIES) (SETARIA ITALICA) 40 KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS 20 (POA PRATENSI S) SOILAMENDMENTS 1D-10-10 FERTILIZER 750 HARD FESCUE (REFER TO 5 EEDBED COMMON NAME (FESTUCA BREVIPILA) 75 PREPARATION NOTES) LIMESTONE 2,OD0 (SPECIES) (FESTUCA LONGIFOLIA) GERMAN OR BROWNTOP MULCH MILLET (REFER TO SEEDING GRAIN STRAW 4,OM (SETARIA ITAUCA OR 1D NOTES) UROCHLOA RAMOSA) SEEDING DATES-AUGUST 15 TO DECEMBER 15 APPLICATIgN RATE SOILAMENDMENTS 10-20-20 FERTILIZER 500 SEEDING MIXTURE&AMENDMENTS (REFER TO SEEDBED (LBSIACRE) PREPARATION NOTES) COMMON NAME RYE GRAIN LIMESTONE 4,D00 (SPECIES) (SECALE CFRFALF) 120 MULCH (REFER TO SEEDING GRAIN STRAW 4,DOO SOILAMENDMENTS 1D-10-10 FERTILIZER 1,DOD NOTES) (REFER TO SEEDBED *ONLY ONE SEED MIXTURE SHALL BE SELECTED DURING PERIODS OF OVERLAPPING PREPARATION NOTES) DATES. LIMESTONE 2,000 MULCH REFERENCES: (REFER TO SEEDING GRAIN STRAW 4,ODO NCDOT STANDARD SEEDING SPECIFICATIONS(LAST REVISED APRIL 2019).EROSION NOTES) AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLANNING AND DESIGN MANUAL,SECTION 6.11(LAST REVISED MAY 2013),NCDEQ. Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e I Additional Information Addddtional Sheets 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 (919)707-9220 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 Ac. X $ /Ac. = $ 0.00 Stockpiles Ac. X $ /Ac. = $ 0.00 Waste Piles Ac. X $ /Ac. = $ 0.00 Processing Area/Haul Roads Ac. X $ /Ac. = $ 0.00 Mine Excavation Ac. X $ /Ac. = $ 0.00 Other Ac. X $ /Ac. = $ 0.00 TOTAL AFFECTED AC.: 0.00 Ac. TOTAL PERMITTED AC.: 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. b) Positive Drainage Ac. X $1,500.00 = $ 0.00 SUBTOTAL COST:$ 0.00 Inflation Factor: SUBTOTAL COST LIFE OF MINING OPERATION OR LIFE INFLATION COST OF LEASE(YEARS) 0.02 x $ 0.00 x = $ 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 The security, which was posted pursuant to N.C.G.S. 74-54, is approved under the existing permit. Revised September 21, 2021 Page 114 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 (919)707-9220 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 OIL Olivine PE Peat Borrow Borrow/fill dirt MI Mica KY Kyanite/Sillimanite/Andalusite AU Gold CS Crushed Stone LI Lithium PH Phosphate TI Titanium OT Other TYPE T/S PONDS STOCKPILES WASTE PILES P.AREA/H.R. MINE EXCAVATION $500/ac. (L) $5001ac. (L) SG, GS, Borrow $18001ac. $20001ac. $18001ac. 1500(FI) 2000(PD) CS, DS, FS, MI,LI, 500(L) 1800 2000 2000 500(L) PF,OL, KY 1500(FI) 2500(PD) PH 1000(L) 2500 5000 5000 2000(L) 2500(FI) 5000(PD) 1000(L) 2000(L) CL 2500 5000 5000 2500(FI) 3700(PD) PE,AU,TI,OT 1000(L) 2500 3000 3500 2000(L) 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 513.0003,IF YOU DISAGREE WITH THE BOND AMOUNT DETERMINED BY THE BOND CALCULATION WORKSHEET,YOU MAY SUBMIT AN ESTIMATE OF RECLAMATION COSTS FROM A THIRD-PARTY CONTRACTOR. SAID ESTIMATE MUST BE PROVIDED WITHIN 30 DAYS TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: Mining Program, 1612 Mail Service Center,Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1612 ALL ESTIMATES MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING,AS A MINIMUM: FINAL GRADING COSTS PER ACRE •LIME AND FERTILIZER COSTS PER ACRE •YEAR-ROUND SEEDING MIXTURE COSTS PER ACRE(FROM APPROVED REVEGETATION PLAN IN APPLICATION/PERMIT DOCUMENT) MULCH AND ANCHORING COSTS PER ACRE •ANY OTHER RECLAMATION COSTS NECESSARY TO COMPLY WITH THE APPROVED RECLAMATION PLAN FOR THE SITE IN QUESTION YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE OF THE DIRECTOR'S FINAL BOND DETERMINATION. Revised September 21, 2021 Page 115 NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh, NC 27699-1612 Division of Energy, Mineral,and Land Resources (919)707-9220 F.NOTIFICATION OF ADJOINING LANDOWNERS The"Notice"form,or a facsimile thereof,attached to this application must be sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested,to: (1)the chief administrative officer of each county and municipality in which any part of the permitted area is located as indicated on the mine map(s); (2)all owners of record, both public and private,of all tracts of land that are adjoining the mining permit boundary;if an adjoining tract is owned or leased by the applicant or is owned by the lessor of the mine tract,all owners of record of tracts adjoining these tracts must be notified(that are within 1,000 feet of the mining permit boundary)as indicated on the mine map(s);and (3)all owners of record, both public and private,of all tracts of land that are adjoining the mining permit boundary which lie directly across and are contiguous to any highway,creek,stream,river,or other watercourse, railroad track, or utility or other public right-of-way. If an adjoining tract is owned or leased by the applicant or is owned by the lessor of the mine tract,all owners of record of tracts adjoining these tracts must be notified(that are within 1,000 feet of the mining permit boundary)as indicated on the mine map(s)."Highway"means a road that has four lanes of travel or less and is not designated as an Interstate Highway. The only exception to the above method of giving notice is if another means of notice is approved in advance by the Director, Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources. A copy of a tax map(or other alternative acceptable to the Department)must be mailed with the completed"Notice"form(the proposed overall permit boundaries and the names and locations of all owners of record of lands adjoining said boundaries must be clearly denoted on the tax map). The"Affidavit of Notification"attached to this application must be completed,notarized and submitted to the Department,with the remainder of the completed application form before the application will be considered complete. NOTES: THIS SECTION MUST BE COMPLETED FOR ALL APPLICATIONS FOR NEW MINING PERMITS AND ALL MODIFICATIONS OF A MINING PERMIT TO ADD LAND TO THE PERMITTED AREA,AS REQUIRED BY NCGS 74-50(b1). SEE THE NEXT TWO PAGES FOR THE"NOTICE"FORM AND THE"AFFIDAVIT OF NOTIFICATION" Revised September 21, 2021 Page 116 NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh, NC 27699-1612 Division of Energy, Mineral,and Land Resources (919)707-9220 NOTICE Pursuant to provisions G.S.74-50(bl)of The Mining Act of 1971, Notice is hereby given that Revised Page has applied on to the Division of Energy, (Applicant Name) (Date) Mineral,and Land Resources, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, 1612 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1612,for(check one): 1-1 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 on acres located (Mineral,Ore) (Number) (Number) miles of off/near road (Direction) (Nearest town) (Number, Name) in County. *SEE ATTACHED MAP FOR PROPOSED PERMIT BOUNDARIES AND CORRESPONDING ADJOINING LANDOWNER NAMES AND LOCATIONS* In accordance with G.S.74-50(bl),the mine operator is required to make a reasonable effort,satisfactory to the Department,to notify all owners of record,both public and private,of all tracts of land that are adjoining the mining permit boundary;if an adjoining tract is owned or leased by the applicant or is owned by the lessor of the mine tract,all owners of record of tracts adjoining these tracts must be notified(that are within 1,000 feet of the mining permit boundary).In addition,the mine operator must also notify the chief administrative officer of the county or municipality in which any part of the permitted area is located. Any person may file written comment(s)to the Department at the above address within thirty(30)days of the issuance of this Notice or the filing of the application for a permit,whichever is later. Should the Department determine that a significant public interest exists relative to G.S.74-51,a public hearing will be held within 60 days of the end of the 30-day comment period specified above. A copy of the permit application materials is on file and available for public review during 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: 828-765-8986 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. Addressee/Owner of Record's Name and Address Name of Applicant.Include Contact Person&Company Name,if Applicable Date of Issuance of this Notice/Mailed to Addressee/Owner of Record Address of Applicant Revised September 21, 2021 1 Add Page Page 117 NORTH CAROLINA MINING State of North Carolina 1612 Mail Service Center PERMIT APPLICATION Department of Environmental Quality Raleigh, NC 27699-1612 Division of Energy, Mineral,and Land Resources (919)707-9220 AFFIDAVIT OF NOTIFICATION Revised Page I, 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 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: Chief Administrative Officer Name Address (i.e.:City Manager,County Manager, Mayor,etc.) The above attestation was made by me while under oath to provide proof satisfactory to the Department that a reasonable effort has been made to notify all known owners of record, both public and private,of all tracts of land that are adjoining the mining permit boundary(including,where an adjoining tract is owned or leased by the applicant or is owned by the lessor of the mine tract,all owners of record of tracts adjoining these tracts,that are within 1,000 feet of the mining permit boundary)and the chief administrative officer of the county or municipality in which any part of the permitted area is located in compliance with N.C.G.S. 74-50(b1)and 15A NCAC 5B .0004(d). I understand that it is the responsibility of the applicant to retain the receipts of mailing showing that the above notices were caused to be mailed and to provide them to the Department upon request. Signature of Applicant or Agent Date If person executing Affidavit is an agent or employee of an applicant, provide the following information: Name of Applicant Title of person executing Affidavit I, a Notary Public of the County of State of North Carolina,do hereby certify that appeared before me this day and under oath acknowledged that the above Affidavit was made by him/her. Witness my hand and notarial seal,this day of 20 Notary: My commission expires: Revised September 21, 2021 Page 118 Add Addtional List 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 (919)707-9220 ADDITIONAL AFFIDAVIT OF NOTIFICATION Revised Adjoining Landowner Name Address Page Revised September 21, 2021 P a g e I Additional Landowners 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 (919)707-9220 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 Revised during regular business hours for the purpose of making necessary field inspections or investigations as may be reasonably Page 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 Scott Reece Print Name Scott Reece Title(if applicable) Human Resource Manager Title Human Resource Manager Company(if applicable) The Quartz Corp USA Company The Quartz Corp USA Address PO Box 309 Spruce Pine Mine Name The Quartz Corp. USA-Spruce Pine North Carolina 28777 Telephone 828-765-8979 Telephone 828-765-8979 Date Signed 12/18/2024 Date Signed 12/18/2024 *SW,eture must be the same as the individual who sued Page 1 of this motion One original and five 15 les of the completed application.six 6 copies of all Wcation maps,mine maps and racbmathm macs mW the arusroorao prooesslrrg fee in the fomt a check or momy order enable to the North eta Department of Environmental Qualft must be sent to the Raleigh Central Office at the address listed on the front cover of apascatiom form Inqums regarding the status of the review of this motion shad be directed to this Miring Program staff at(919)707-92M Revised September 21, 2021 Page 119