20210831_PLCI_Application

P I E DtAON T
LITHIUM
North Carolina
Mining Permit
Application
Carolina Lithium Project
Piedmont Lithium Carolinas, Inc.
Gaston County, North Carolina
August 30, 2021

PIEDMONT
LITHIUM
August 30, 2021
Mr. David Miller
NC Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
1612 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699
SUBJECT: Piedmont Lithium Carolinas, Inc.
Piedmont Lithium Carolinas, Inc.
32N Main Street Suite 100
Belmont, NC 28012
Carolina Lithium Project — North Carolina Mining Permit Application
Gaston County, North Carolina
Dear Mr. Miller:
Enclosed, please find an original signed mining permit application for the proposed Carolina Lithium
Project (Project) in Gaston County, North Carolina. The proposed Project consists of the mine
excavation and corresponding infrastructure, Concentrate Operations, and a Lithium Hydroxide
Conversion Plant, located on approximately 1,548 acres. The Project is located east of Cherryville,
NC bisected by St. Marks Church Road, Whitesides Road, and Hephzibah Church Road (Figures
and 2, attached).
Also attached is the required application fee to one original mine permit application, and five copies
of the mine permit application. Please reference Appendix M for the required adjoining property
owner information, which corresponds to the Overall Site Plant Map (Appendix A, Sheet 1).
Piedmont Lithium Carolinas, Inc. (PLCI) is hereby submitting this mine application for your review.
Should you have any questions or require additional information following your review of the
enclosed materials, please contact me at [phone] or pbrindllea,piedmontlithium.com.
Yours truly,
C \�, 9"—�
Patrick H. Brindle
Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer
Piedmont Lithium Carolinas, Inc.
cc: Kelly Thames, HDR Engineering of the Carolinas, Inc.
Kevin Andrews, Marshall Miller & Associates
Chris Scott, Marshall Miller & Associates
1 of 2

PIEDMONT
LITHIUM
List of Appendices:
Piedmont Lithium Carolinas, Inc.
32N Main Street Suite 100
Belmont, NC 28012
Appendix A: Overall Site Plan Map and Reclamation Map (Sheets 1-2)
Appendix B: Associated Concentrate Operations Drawings (Sheets 1-34)
Appendix C: Associated Lithium Hydroxide Conversion Plant Drawings (Sheets 1-18)
Appendix D: Supporting Concentrate Operations Documentation
D.1: Piedmont Lithium Carolinas Mine #1 Pit Sequencing Specifications
D.2: Road and Conveyor Construction Specifications
D.3: Ditch General Construction Specifications
DA: Sediment Structures/General Construction Specifications
D.S: Guideline Technical Specifications for Waste Rock Disposal Area
D.6: Drainage Calculations
D.7: Mine Waste Rock and Topsoil Stability Analysis
Appendix E: Supporting Lithium Hydroxide Conversion Plant Documentation
E.1: Road, Parking, Walls, Fencing, and Stream Crossing Construction Specifications
E.2: Rail Construction Specifications
E.3: Drainage and Sediment Structure Specifications
EA: Drainage Calculations
Appendix F: Technical Memorandum — Water Quality Testing
Appendix G: Summary of Waste Rock and Process Tailings Geochemical Assessment and
Addendum Report: Results of Humidity Cell Leaching Tests
Appendix H: Technical Memorandum — Groundwater Model
Appendix I: Acid Base Account (ABA) and Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP)
Test Results Summary, and Proposed Mitigation Plan Associated with Potentially
Acid Producing Waste Rock in the Southern Portion of East Pit
Appendix J: Technical Memorandum — Toxicity Testing of Lithium Hydroxide Conversion Tailings
Appendix K: Technical Memorandum — Evaluation of Mine Pit Operations on Water Quality
Appendix L: Section 404/401 Individual Permit Approvals
Appendix M: Required Adjoining Landowner Notification
Appendix N: Courtesy Adjoining Landowner Notification
Appendix O: Land Entry Agreements
2of2

LEGEND r _
Chi
Mine Boundary (1,548 ac.) Cein: y a • I - //---`",--.---_ LINCO_LN
; BM �� i GASTO_ N C�
B6o - = II 861 0 �/d� �I� 0 sy.�.
USGS 24k Quadrangles
1 inch = 2,000 feet ' �, __ ` l - Q •r I l �Y �J „• '
u� 0 Feet 2,000
�. " ` 1 a �� • Q q max. I weene ch-,�t
�- •\'�.� / •'r. i \� �` r—, LINCOLNTON
,' . •( � ,�. ��- �__ �'' - � , _ WEST u
(� I •� '.\, \� I I � , t� � , Abu _--�-\--�6� /� =/ :� .a 1 !
sE •� Golf Cowse\O �/ •Water
If ��' �� )� _�
90/
41
, Ch
�• l O ego. - z� r
900
erda�n E i�
1 ,� ,;'\ �"� }� t v -•_ ie�z , f Mabtse l
Park
BESSEMER CITY % �- � ChC- � _�
v/'� -�• Applicant: Piedmont Lithium Carolinas, Inc.
��/�Jj]�//�`,^\j�. 4• �, ``� Mine Name: Carolina Lithium Project
County: Gaston
Date Prepared: 8/13/2021
Traner �'�.�-' ( �I� �;�e=• ., z �," Prepared By: KTHAMES
l / Parse , Z' .• asz4 , i ; Preparer's Title: Sr. Environmental Project Manager
7,
CAROLINA LITHIUM PROJECT
USGS TOPOGRAPHIC QUADRANGLES
FIGURE 1
PATH: \\CLTSMAIWGIS_DATA\GIMPROJECTS\T1135_PIEDMONTLITHIUMU0263685_PLI_INTEGRATED_PROJECT\7.2_ WORK _IN_PROGRESSIMAP_DOCSIMXDITASK05_MINE PERMIT102_USGS.MXD - USER: KTHAMES - DATE: 811=021 MINE PERMIT APPLICATION

LEGEND O
Mine Boundary (1,548 ac.)
®E inc ton.
County Boundary ° }
3 a
o O p
Municipal Boundary ° 1820
1 in = 1.5 miles m O C d
© 150
0 Miles 1.5 O p
I I
° 321
Fallston
� a
�o
Lin -coin County �� 0
o Gaston County
150
,.High
Shoals
o p
Cherryville p o `-0'=
c-
o
° 0 279
o Waco
a
O ° �
ds� f Stanley
/���°/d oh C° 321 °
�q0 o 4�jy o 279 -,
° 274
I
3
Gaston County/° a
North Carolina
i /
FN P I E DPAO N T
0THium
U 275 �1
o ° '1L
® Dallas p p
�om
279 Spencer
Mniifnin�
Applicant: Piedmont Lithium Carolinas, Inc. \
275 °°( . Mine Name: Carolina Lithium Project
Gastonia} County: Gaston
Bessemer Citya Date Prepared: 8/13/2021
O Prepared By: KTHAMES
0 0 d Preparer's Title: Sr. Environmental Project Manager
,. � _ Il-.�7 'III / ��I l � v • • v • •. �� /
CAROLINA LITHIUM PROJECT
NCDOT COUNTY HIGHWAY MAP
FIGURE 2
PATH:\\CLTSMAIWGIS_DATMGIMPROJECTS\T1135_PIEDMONTLITHIUMU0263685_PLI_INTEGRATED_PROJECTM2_ WORK _IN_PROGRESSIMAP_DOCSIM%DITASK05_MINE PERMIT102_MINEPERMIT_COHMA)(D -USER: KTHAMES -DATE 8/13/2021
MINE PERMIT APPLICATION

NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE)
1. Name of Mine Carolina Lithium Project — County Gaston Coun
River Basin South Fork Catawba River
Latitude (decimal degrees to four places) 35.38960
Longitude (decimal degrees to four places)-81.28860
2. Name of Applicant* Piedmont Lithium Carolinas Inc. PLCI
3. Permanent address for receipt of official mail** 32N Main Street, Suite 100
Belmont. NC 28012
Telephone _(74) 461-8000 Alternate No. 412 818-0376
4. Mine Office Address 32N Main Street Suite 100 Belmont NC 28012
Telephone [phone]
5. Mine Manager Patrick Brindle
6. E-mail Address: brindle(&, iedmontlithium.com
I 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 w Date 30, Zola
Print Name Patrick Brindle
Title Executive Vice President — Chief Development Officer
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.
*** Sip,nature 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.

APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
NOTE: All of 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 of the following that apply:
® If 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 that the "new permit" fee will be based upon): 1,548 ac.
Of this acreage, how much is owned and how much is owned? 860 ac.
Of this acreage, how much is owned and how much is under optioned to purchase? 575 ac.
Of this acreage, how much is owned and how much is leased? 113 ac.
Acres leased: 113 Property owner if leased: Elizabeth B. Craig Heirs '/2 & Others (PID:159240)
❑ If this is an application for a MODIFICATION to a mining permit, indicate the mining permit
number and the total (overall) acreage covered by the existing permit.
Mining Permit No.: Total permitted acreage:
Does the modification involve acreage within the previously approved permitted boundary?
Yes ❑ No R. If yes, indicate the acreage to be covered by this modification (this is the acreage
that the "major modification" fee will be based upon):
Does the modification involve acreage outside the previously approved permitted boundary?
Yes ❑ No F. 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 this acreage to be added to the permit, will any portion of this acreage be affected (i.e.:
disturbed, ground cover removed) by the mining operation? Yes ❑ No ❑ (If no, a
"minor modification" fee of $100.00 is required, despite the "undisturbed" acreage to be added).
If yes, indicate the acreage to be affected within the acreage to be added to the permit (the total
acreage to be added to the permit is the acreage that the "major modification" fee will be based
upon):
❑ If this is an application for TRANSFER of a mining permit, indicate the mining permit number
and the total (overall) acreage covered by the existing permit.
Mining Permit No.: Total permitted acreage:
SEE THE FEE SCHEDULE AT THE END OF THIS FORM FOR THE PROPER FEE AMOUNT TO BE
PAID FOR THE REQUESTED PERMIT ACTION(S) AND CORRESPONDING ACREAGE NOTED
ABOVE
2. Name of all materials mined: pegmatite ores which include spodumene for the purpose of lithium
action, as well as quartz, mica (muscovite), feldspar (albite and microcline), other mineral products,
rock products including for aggregate and other industrial or construction purposes
3. Mining method:
❑Hydraulic Dredge ® Front-end Loader & Truck ® Shovel & Truck
Dragline & Truck Self -loading Scraper
Other (explain): Excavator, Truck, and Conveyor Belts
4. a. Expected maximum depth of mine (feet) 138 feet msl
Depth is relative to what benchmark? (e.g., natural ground level, mean sea level, road elevation, etc.)
-2-

APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
b. Expected average depth of mine (feet) 572 feet
5. Has any area(s) at this site been mined in the past? Yes ® No ❑
If yes, when and by whom was this activity conducted? Unknown - evidence of mining activity
observed
6. Number of years for which the permit is requested (Life of the Mining Operation or Life of Lease from
Public Entity): 20 - Life of Mining Operation
B. MAPS
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 OR 512 North Salisbury Street, 5th Floor
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1612 Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
[phone]
httn://nortal.ncdenr.oriz/web/lr/izeoloLical home
County highway maps may be obtained from the N.C. Department of Transportation:
North Carolina Department of Transportation Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Mailing Address:
NCDOT GIS Unit
1587 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1587
Physical Address:
NCDOT GIS Unit
3401 Carl Sandburg Court
Raleigh, North Carolina 27610
[phone]
hiip://www.ncdot.org/it/gis/
2. 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 (see minimum requirements listed below) 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.
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 (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. Location and acreage of all planned and existing access roads and on -site haul roads.
1. Location of planned and existing on -site buildings.
-3-

APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
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.

APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
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. Name of applicant
2. Name of mine
3. North arrow
4. County
5. Scale
6. Symbols used and corresponding names
7. Date prepared and revised
8. Name and title of person preparing map
Map scales should meet the following guidelines:
PERMITTED ACREAGE MAP SCALE
0-49 Acres 1 inch = 50 feet
50-199 Acres 1 inch = 100 feet
200+ Acres 1 inch = 200 feet
(NOTE: Smaller scaled maps may be acceptable if they clearly illustrate the above items)
96'C

APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
A table/chart must be provided on the mine map that clearly lists the approximate acreage of
tailings/sediment ponds, stockpiles, wastepiles, processing area/haul roads, mine excavation 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:
CATEGORY
AFFECTED ACREAGE
Tailings/Sediment Ponds
20
Stockpiles
21
Wastepiles
119
Processing Area/Haul Roads
137
Mine Excavation
403
Other (Railway, Maintenance Yard and
Magazine)
19
Total Disturbed Acreage
719
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
IN THIS APPLICATION FORM (PLEASE NOTE THE ITALICIZED QUESTIONS/STATEMENTS
THROUGHOUT THE FOR*. THIS APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED COMPLETE
WITHOUT ALL RELEVANT ITEMS BEING ADEQUATELY ADDRESSED ON THE MINE
MAPS.
We

APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
C. PROTECTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
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 Carolina Lithium Project (Project) consists of the Concentrate Operations (mine operations) and the Lithium Hydroxide
Concentrate Plant (processing operations). The Concentrate Operations include the Piedmont Lithium Carolinas Mine #1,
a Concentrate Plant, and an Industrial Minerals Plant which make up the mine operations. Marshall Miller & Associates
(MMA) was the engineer of record for the Concentrate Operations and HDR Engineering Inc. of the Carolinas (HDR) was
the engineer of record for the Lithium Hydroxide Conversion Plant.
See Appendix A for the mine/site plan map and reclamation map. Drawings associated with the Concentrate Operations
are in Appendix B and drawings associated with the Lithium Hydroxide Plant are in Appendix C. Below is a list of
Appendices with supporting documentation for the Project including specifications and erosion and sediment control
drainage calculations.
Appendix A: Overall Site Plan Map and Reclamation Map (Sheets 1-2)
Appendix B: Associated Concentrate Operations Drawings (Sheets 1-34)
Appendix C: Associated Lithium Hydroxide Conversion Plant Drawings (Sheets 1-18)
Appendix D: Supporting Concentrate Operations Documentation
D.1: Piedmont Lithium Carolinas Mine #1 Pit Sequencing Specifications
D.2: Road and Conveyor Construction Specifications
D.3: Ditch General Construction Specifications
DA: Sediment Structures/General Construction Specifications
D.5: Guideline Technical Specifications for Waste Rock Disposal Area
D.6: Drainage Calculations
D.7: Mine Waste Rock and Topsoil Stability Analysis
Appendix E: Supporting Lithium Hydroxide Conversion Plant Documentation
E.1: Road, Parking, Walls, Fencing, and Stream Crossing Construction Specifications
E.2: Rail Construction Specifications
E.3: Drainage and Sediment Structure Specifications
EA: Drainage Calculations
Timber enough area to install silt fence, erosion control, internal roads, internal rail, lithium hydroxide plant area,
concentrate plant area, industrial mineral plant area, initial pits, topsoil storage pile area, waste rock disposal area, emulsion
storage and bulk truck parking area, and blasting magazine (Appendix A, Sheet 1). Complete timbering the remaining
areas. Begin grading of the site, grade the magazine storage pad, grade the emulsion storage and bulk truck parking area,
and build topsoil storage area as material is cleared.
The south pit will be mined first, then the excavation of the east pit will begin while the excavation of the south pit is
exhausted. Begin processing material from the pits and placing waste rock in the waste rock disposal area. Begin backfilling
excavated south pit where available with waste rock. The east pit and south pit will be mined simultaneously until the east
pit is depleted. Finally, the west pit will be mined with the north pit until reserves are exhausted. Continue this process until
complete. See Appendix D.1 for pit mining sequence details and specifications
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.
-7-

APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
Erosion and sediment control structures will be installed prior to disturbance in each respective drainage area for
Concentrate Operations (Appendix D) and the Lithium Hydroxide Conversion Plant (Appendix E). Please find attached
detailed sediment control design maps depicting the sediment basins, spillways, conveyance ditches and flumes (Appendix
D and Appendix E).
MMA utilized SEDCAD 4.0 for the design of the Concentrate Operations erosion and sedimentation control measures.
HDR utilized HydroCAD 10.10-5a for the design of the Lithium Hydroxide Conversion Plant erosion and sedimentation
control measures.
See Concentrate Operations erosion and sedimentation control measures calculations in Appendix D.6 and Lithium
Hydroxide Conversion Plant erosion and sedimentation control measures calculations in Appendix EA.
3. a. Will the operation involve washing the material mined, recycling process water, or other waste water
handling? Yes ® No ❑. If yes, briefly describe all such processes including any chemicals to be
used.
Material processed in the Concentrator Plant will be pre -wet with recirculated water, sized on screens and separated using
heavy media separation and froth flotation. Fines tailings will be dewatered using a press and the water will be recirculated
within the Concentrator Plant. Chemicals used during this process include a fatty acid collector, non -petroleum based
mineral frother, anionic flocculent, cationic flocculent, and sulfuric acid.
Specific reagents used at the Concentrator Plant include:
- Ferrosilicon
- Oleic acid
- Armac T
- Hydrofluoric acid
- Armac C
- Kerosene
- MIBC
- F220
- Polyphosphate
- Magnafloc
- Sodium hydroxide
- Sodium carbonate
- Sulfuric acid
- DBNPA
Specific reagents used at the Lithium Hydroxide Conversion Plant include:
- Sodium carbonate
- Calcium oxide
- Hydrochloric acid
- Sodium hydroxide
- DBNPA
- Sodium molydbate
- Polyphosphate
- Sulfuric acid
Native overburden and tailings from the concentrator plant will be placed within the waste rock disposal area and used as
backfill in pits. These materials are non -hazardous per TCLP and humidity cell testing (Appendix G). Approximately 90%
of the native overburden is non-acid producing; however, approximately 10% of the native rock in the southern portion of
the East Pit is potentially acid producing (Appendix I). See #9 for a detailed discussion for the potential for the material to
produce acid and mitigation plan.
—8—

APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
Tailings from the Lithium Hydroxide Conversion Plant are also non -hazardous per TCLP testing (Appendix J). TCLP
testing of the Lithium Hydroxide Conversion Plant tailings did not result in mobilization of minerals with Toxicity
Characteristic Limits, including arsenic, as defined by the U.S. EPA's "D" List.
b. Will the operation involve discharging fresh or waste water 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 your mine
map(s).
Conversion Operation pit discharge will be collected in pit discharge ponds shown on the mine map prior to being released
(Appendix A, Appendix B, and Appendix D). Lithium Hydroxide Conversion Plant construction stormwater will be
collected in sediment basins and sediment traps shown on the mine map prior to being released (Appendix A, Appendix
C, and Appendix E). Water from these sediment and erosion control measures, or the pits, will be discharged at a non -
erosive rate back to surface waters or will be used as makeup water for the Concentrate Plant.
Stormwater runoff will be captured and discharged from sediment basins in a non -erosive manner as depicted and designed
in the erosion and sedimentation control design. An NCG02 NPDES General Permit is anticipated to be submitted in
September 2021 for this site.
�%Z

APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
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 ❑.
If yes, what impact, if any, will mine dewatering have on neighboring wells? Estimated withdrawal
rate in gallons per day: 828,000 apd — 3,312,000 apd . 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 statements 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.
There is no public water system in the vicinity of the mine locale. The estimated withdrawal rate range listed above is
based on a groundwater modeling report prepared by HDR in 2021 (Appendix H).
If mitigation for adversely impacted wells is necessary, PLCI would offer to drill new, deeper wells. PLCI is also
committed to installing observation wells located around the perimeter of the pit excavation areas to monitor groundwater
levels during mine operation (Appendix A, Sheet 1).
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.
Appropriate NPDES stormwater permits will be obtained before construction of the Project begins. Coverage under the
General Permit NCG02 to discharge stormwater, mine dewatering, and process wastewater will be obtained for the Project
before mining and construction operations begins with an anticipated submittal date in September 2021.
Non-stormwater and non -pit water discharges (i.e wastewater effluent created from chemical processing) will not be
discharged as a point source to surface waters and instead is anticipated to be pre-treated and discharged to an existing
municipal collection system via a sewer permit. Approvals to discharge process wastewater to a municipal wastewater
collection system would occur prior to processing operations.
4. a. Will the operation involve crushing or any other air contaminant emissions? Yes ® 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.
It is anticipated that a Synthetic Minor Construction and Operation Air Permit will be filed with the NC Department of
Air Quality (DAQ) in September 2021. Verification of this DAQ permit submittal will be provided to your office for
your information and files.
b. How will dust from stockpiles, haul roads, etc., be controlled?
Dust from stockpiles and haul roads will be controlled by the use of a water truck or other means to control dust.
—10—

APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
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 40-foot-wide planted buffer is required to be maintained around the site. Screening berms will be constructed and
maintained around the waste rock disposal area, mine excavation area, and around the Concentrate Plant and
Industrial Minerals Plant where possible (Appendix A, Sheet 1). Where drainage and water management features
are located (i.e. streams, floodplains, or sediment ponds) that do not allow construction of screening berms, a 100-
foot natural buffer will be utilized. Actual berm construction will be dependent on existing topography.
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 30-foot undisturbed buffer, per the Gaston County Unified Development Ordinance for non-residential
developments for less than 24% imperviousness, will be maintained from stream banks except where stream impacts
are shown/approved. Clean Water Act Section 404 and 401 permits have been obtained and documented (Appendix
L).
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.
Cut slopes and fill slopes are designed to be no steeper than a 2 horizontal to 1 vertical slope. Fills over 30 feet in
height will have benches installed to collect and flume water down the slopes in a non -erosive manner.
b. Provide a cross-section on the mine maps) for all fill slopes (berms, wastepiles, 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.
See Appendix B detail sheets for the Concentrate Operations cross sections of each of these features proposed for the
mine operations.
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).
Cut slopes in unconsolidated material are designed to be no steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical (Appendix B).
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.
-11-

APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
Excavations in hard rock are designed with 32 foot (9.5 meter) horizontal benches with 39.37 foot (12 meter) vertical
working faces and 79 foot (24 meter) final bench heights, resulting in an overall wall angle of 51 degrees (Appendix
B).
7. Describe other methods to be taken during mining to prevent physical hazard to any neighboring
dwelling house, public road, 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.
All mine excavations are located more than 300 feet from any adjoining property line.
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 barricade of a 6-foot-high fence with 4-inch x 2-inch openings will be installed around all mine highwalls once hard
rock excavation begins. See the location of fence on Sheet 1 (Appendix A) and typical detail in Appendix B. A 40-foot-
wide planted buffer is required to be maintained around the site. Screening berms will be constructed and maintained
around the waste rock disposal area, mine excavation area, and around the Concentrate Plant and Industrial Minerals Plant
where possible (Appendix A, Sheet 1). Where drainage and water management features are located (i.e. streams,
floodplains, or sediment ponds) that do not allow construction of screening berms, a 100-foot natural buffer will be utilized.
Actual berm construction will be dependent on existing topography. A barricade of a 6-foot-high fence with 4-inch x 2-
inch openings will also be installed around the Lithium Hydroxide Plant (Sheet 1, Appendix A and Appendix Q. Fences
and screening berms would prevent inadvertent public access.
9. Are acid producing minerals or soils present? Yes ® No ❑.
If yes, how will acid water pollution from the excavation, stockpiles and waste areas be controlled?
SAMPLING RESULTS:
The waste rock in the proposed mining area has been analyzed with a suite of tests to determine the potential for the
material to produce acid or to leach contaminants. In total, the testing included 137 waste rock samples collected from 16
different core holes, in addition to samples of tailings from the Concentrate Plant and the Lithium Hydroxide Conversion
Plant. The testing includes Acid/Base Account (ABA) testing, Whole Rock Elemental Analysis, Toxicity Characteristic
Leaching Procedure (TCLP) testing, and Humidity Cell Leaching.
Approximately 90-percent of the waste rock (predominantly amphibolite) yields test results that indicate no significant
potential for the material to produce acidic conditions. In addition, TCLP test results for 90-percent of the waste rock
indicate that leachate concentrations of elements for which a Toxicity Characteristic Limit is established (including arsenic
and chromium) are all orders of magnitude lower than the respective toxicity threshold values reflected on the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) "D" list of potentially hazardous waste elements. Further, results from 20-week
duration humidity cell leaching test results also indicate that no acidic or hazardous drainage is to be expected from on -
site disposal of - 90% of the waste rock (predominantly amphibolite). Tailings material from the Concentrate Plant was
also analyzed in a manner similar to the amphibolite waste rock, as described above. The results of the analysis of the
Concentrate Plant Tailings indicate that the material is not expected to produce discharge that is acidic or that has
concentrations that exceed the Toxicity Characteristic Limit for materials on the EPA's D List (including arsenic and
chromium). The details and results of the analyses discussed above are included as Appendix G: Summary of Waste Rock
and Process Tailings Geochemical Assessment and Addendum Report: Results of Humidity Cell Leaching Tests.
One area of the southeastern -most portion of the East Pit, accounting for approximately 10-percent of the waste rock to be
generated from the site, yielded test results indicative of the potential to produce acidic conditions. ABA analysis of 36
samples taken from three borings (20-BD-363, 20-BD-350, and 21-BD-408) indicate that some of the samples contain
—12—

APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
sulfide concentrations high enough to potentially produce Acid Rock Drainage (ARD). A change in the host rock around
the pegmatite bands, from amphibolite to schist/mudstone, is believed to be the cause for the potential ARD in this area.
The affected area at the southernmost extent of the East Pit is estimated to include approximately 34 million tonnes of
waste rock, including —25% overburden and saprolite, —19% mudstone, —13% amphibolite, and —43% schist. The schist,
and to a lesser degree the mudstone, display the greatest potential to generate ARD if not properly managed. In particular,
most of the schist samples exhibit significant sulfidic sulfur and very little neutralization potential (NP). The overburden
and saprolite samples appear to be thoroughly leached and are expected to be essentially inert. TCLP testing of the waste
rock in the southeastern -most portion of the East Pit indicates that leachate concentrations of elements for which a Toxicity
Characteristic Limit is established (including arsenic and chromium) are all orders of magnitude lower than the respective
toxicity threshold values reflected on the EPA "D" list. For example, the TCLP results for Arsenic in the tested samples
indicate concentrations ranging from <0.002 to 0.01 milligrams per liter (mg/L), compared to the Toxicity Characteristic
Limit of 5.0 mg/L. The detection limit for the test method is 0.002 mg/L. The results of testing specific to the waste rock
in the southern -most portion of the East Pit are presented and further discussed in Appendix I: Acid Base Account (ABA)
and Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) Test Results Summary, and Proposed Mitigation Plan Associated
with Potentially Acid Producing Waste Rock in the Southern Portion of East Pit.
MITIGATION PLAN:
Despite the indication from the TCLP testing that the waste rock in the southernmost part of the East Pit is not expected to
leach concentrations that exceed, or even approach, the Toxicity Characteristic Limits of the EPA "D" List, a mitigation
plan for the material has been established. The proposed mitigation plan includes multiple components. The zone of
potential ARD-producing overburden has been defined by drilling and geologic modeling. As mentioned previously, of
the approximately 34 million tonnes of waste rock associated with the affected area, the schist (-43% of the rock) and the
mudstone (-19%) have the greatest potential to produce ARD. The available geologic data suggests that the schist and
mudstone are interfingered with other units and it may not be practical to selectively handle only individual units from the
area. If additional data and conditions encountered during mining allow for practical segregation of material during
mining, doing so may reduce the amount of waste rock requiring ABA mitigation.
The mitigation actions will begin even before the area is mined. The open pit mining for the project will be sequenced so
that the southernmost extent of the East Pit is mined only after mining in other select pit areas has progressed to final depth,
creating adequate disposal area in deep pit areas to facilitate burial of the potentially acidic waste rock in positions where
it will be located well below the post -mining groundwater table (no shallower than approximately 100 feet below ground
level). When the potentially acidic waste rock is mined, it will be crushed in the pit and placed on a conveyor to be moved.
While the waste rock is moving on the conveyor, alkaline amendment material will be added to it (via a bin and screw -
feed system) to reduce the potential for initiation of acid generation. The amount of alkaline amendment mixed with the
waste rock will be dependent upon the total Sulfur and sulfide content of the rock, with consideration of laboratory test
results. Movement of the material via conveyor facilitates a thoroughly homogenous mixing of the alkaline material with
the potentially acidic waste rock. The amended waste rock will be placed in the deepest portions of mined pits in
preparation for eventual burial and inundation. During placement, the waste rock material may be periodically covered
with soil or clay material to further reduce the potential for initiation of acid production. Placement of potentially acidic
waste rock in a sub -aqueous environment reduces the amount of oxygen available for sulfide oxidation by several orders
of magnitude. This mitigation method for potentially acidic waste rock has been used for decades to successfully reduce
the opportunity for initiation of ARD. The proposed mitigation plan, which includes selective handling, alkaline
amendment addition, at least partial encapsulation, and final burial in a sub -aqueous environment will greatly reduce any
risk associated with excavation of the potentially acidic waste material. Additional discussion of the mitigation plan is
included in Appendix I.
—13—

APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
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 40-foot-wide planted buffer is required to be maintained around the site. Screening berms will be constructed and
maintained around the waste rock disposal area, mine excavation area, and around the Concentrate Plant and Industrial
Minerals Plant where possible (Appendix A, Sheet 1). Where drainage and water management features are located
(i.e. streams, floodplains, or sediment ponds) that do not allow construction of screening berms, a 100-foot natural
buffer will be utilized. Actual berm construction will be dependent on existing topography.
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?
Significant adverse effect on public parks, forests or recreation areas will not occur as there are no such areas within
a one -mile radius of the Project. There are 10 parks within the City of Cherryville limits, located between 1.85 and
4.2 miles from the Project. There are 2 Gaston County parks between 3.5 and 4 miles of the Project. There is 1 City
of Lincolnton park 5 miles from the Project. The closest park is the Robert H. Ballard Park in the City of Cherryville
approximately 1.85 miles from the Project. There are no NC State Parks within 5 miles of the Project.
The Project will not have adverse effects on visibility to publicly owned parks, forests or recreation areas given the
rolling topography of the region, the required 40-foot-wide planted buffer around the site, and screening berms around
the waste rock disposal area, mine excavation area, and around the Concentrate Plant and Industrial Minerals Plant
where possible (Appendix A, Sheet 1). Where drainage and water management features are located (i.e. streams,
floodplains, or sediment ponds) that do not allow construction of screening berms, a 100-foot natural buffer will be
utilized. Actual berm construction will be dependent on existing topography.
11. Will explosives be used? 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.
All blasting will be done with ANFO, emulsion, bulk, or packaged products. Shots will be initiated with non -el (shock
tube), electric, or electronic blasting caps. Shots will be designed with stemming requirements to minimize air blast and
fly rock. Shot timing will be used to minimize air blast, fly rock and vibration as well. A third -party pre -blast survey has
been completed (or offered to) all residents within 1,500 feet of the property line by Deep Earth Logic to collect baseline
conditions of structures. All blasts will be less than 2 inches per second above 40 Hz and below 1 inch per second below
40 Hz at the nearest occupied dwelling not controlled by Piedmont Lithium Carolinas, Inc. All blasts will be monitored
with a seismograph.
12. Will fuel tanks, solvents, or other chemical reagents be stored on -site? Yes ® NoFT
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).
Diesel fuel, lubrication oils, hydraulic oils, anti -freeze, parts cleaner, heavy media, and froth agents will be stored on site
in double wall tanks or within a confinement area in the Equipment Maintenance Area. Mobile equipment fuels, oils and
cleaners will be stored in the Emulsion Storage and Bulk Truck Storage Area (Appendix A, Sheet 1). Plant media and
agents that will be stored at the plant include a fatty acid collector, a non -petroleum based mineral frother, anionic
flocculent, cationic flocculent, and sulfuric acid. All components will be stored on -site for the duration of the mine
operation.
—14—

APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
A Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan will be developed per the requirements of the NCG02
General Permit that will be kept on -site.
See #3a for a list of reagents/chemicals proposed to be used at the Concentrator Plant and the Lithium Hydroxide
Conversion Plant.
D. RECLAMATION PLAN
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.
See Appendix A (Sheet 2) for the Reclamation Map and for typical details for reclamation of key components of the
Project.
Concentrate Operation Reclamation:
Waste pile reclamation: stabilized by design standard during placement, covered with soil and permanently vegetated.
Topsoil Storage Pile reclamation: topsoil removed for utilization during reclamation, regraded to drain, and permanently
vegetated.
Plant site reclamation: structures removed, disturbed area properly graded to drain, and permanently vegetated.
Emulsion Storage and Bulk Truck Parking Area reclamation; structures removed, disturbed area properly graded to drain,
permanently vegetated.
Pit reclamation: north and west pits to be reclaimed as lakes; south and east pits will be backfilled and vegetated.
Lithium Hydroxide Conversion Plant:
Buildings will be removed. Concrete pads, roads, and rail will remain to be used for a future industrial re -use.
Erosion control measures will be removed once all disturbed areas throughout the Project are properly graded so as not
to hold water and are permanently stabilized with groundcover.
2. Is an excavated or impounded body of water to be left as a part of the reclamation? 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 more shallow water body will be productive and beneficial at this site.
Will the body(s) of water be stocked with fish? Yes ❑ No ®.
If yes, specify species.
The north and west pits will be reclaimed as lakes to approximate depths of 390 feet; south and east pits will be backfilled,
stabilized, and permanently vegetated. See Appendix A (Sheet 2) for the Reclamation Map and for typical reclamation
details.
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.
-15-

APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
A 6-foot-high with 4-inch x 2-inch openings fence will remain around the perimeter of any remaining hard rock
excavations as protection from inadvertent entry to the area (Appendix A). A 40-foot-wide planted buffer is required to
be maintained around the site. Screening berms will be constructed and maintained around the waste rock disposal area,
mine excavation area, and around the Concentrate Plant and Industrial Minerals Plant where possible (Appendix A, Sheet
1). Where drainage and water management features are located (i.e. streams, floodplains, or sediment ponds) that do not
allow construction of screening berms, a 100-foot natural buffer will be utilized. Actual berm construction will be
dependent on existing topography. Fences and berms would provide protection against inadvertent public entry.
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.
Overburden piles and waste rock piles will be constructed with benching and stabilized with rock or covered with topsoil
and vegetated. The Reclamation Map in Appendix A and reclamation details located in Appendix D and Appendix E
depicts typical reclamation details.
5. a. Describe reclamation of processing facilities, stockpile areas, and on -site roadways.
Concentrate Operation Reclamation:
All equipment will be removed from the site and concrete foundations will be covered with soil and permanently
vegetated. Stockpile areas will be properly graded for positive drainage, scarified and permanently vegetated. Roadways
that will not remain for site access will be scarified and permanently vegetated.
Lithium Hydroxide Conversion Plant:
All equipment and buildings will be removed from the site. Concrete pads, internal roads and rail will remain for future
industrial re -use.
b. Will any on -site roadways be left as part of the reclamation? Yes ® NoFT
If yes, identify such roadways on the reclamation map and provide details on permanent road and
ditch line stabilization.
The main entrance road which provides access to the waste rock pile, preparation plant pad, and pit location will remain
for future use. The road will be stabilized with stone and the ditches will be permanently vegetated. See Appendix A.
—16—

APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
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, junk machinery, cables, or other such waste products of mining will be collected by a third -party contractor
and properly disposed offsite.
7. Describe your plan for revegetation or other surface treatment of the affected areas. This plan must
include recommendations for year-round seeding, including the time of seeding and the amount and
type of seed, fertilizer, lime and mulch per acre. The recommendations must include general seeding
instructions for both permanent and temporary revegetation. Revegetation utilizing only tree plantings
is not acceptable. Recommendations can be sought from:
a. Authorized representatives of the local Soil and Water Conservation District;
b. Authorized representatives of the NC Forest Service, Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services;
c. Authorized county representatives of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service,
specialists and research faculty with the Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Forest
Resources at North Carolina State University;
d. North Carolina licensed landscape architects;
e. Private consulting foresters referred by the NC Forest Service, Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services;
f. N.C. Erosion and Sedimentation Control Planning and Design Manual;
g. N.C. Surface Mining Manual: A Guide for Permitting, Operation and Reclamation;
h. Others as may be approved by the Department.
LIME - RATE OF APPLICATION (tons/acre): 2,000 lbs/acre
FERTILIZER - ANALYSIS AND RATE OF APPLICATION (pounds/acre): 750 lbs/acre of 10-10-10
or substitute of similar ratios
SEED - TYPE(S) AND RATE(S) OF APPLICATION INCLUDING YEAR-ROUND SEEDING
SCHEDULE (pounds/acre): [NOTE: Include Legumes]
Seed Types: Seeding Dates: Seeding Rates:
Flat Pea/Perennial Pea Mix
(Naturalized) [ERNMX-112]
Throughout
25 lbs/acre
NC Steep Slope Mix [ERNMX-310]
Throughout
45 lbs/acre
Browntop millet
April 15-August 15
10 lbs/acre
Annual rye grain
August 15-April 15
30 lbs/acre
Flat Pea/Perennial Pea Mix (Naturalized) [ERNMX-112] is a durable legume cover mix for disturbed sites and steep slopes.
This seed mix can be purchased from ERNST Seeds.
NC Steep Slope Mix [ERNMX-310] is a steep slope mix for the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions of NC. This pollinator-
-17—

APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
friendly mix provides food and cover for wildlife. This seed mix can be purchased from ERNST Seeds.
MULCH - TYPE AND RATE OF APPLICATION (pounds/acre) AND METHOD OF ANCHORING: Application rates
of straw shall be 4,000 lbs/acre.
OTHER VEGETATIVE COVERS — TYPE (S) AND RATE (S) OF APPLICATION INCLUDING
SEEDING SCHEDULE (pounds/acre, trees/acre, spacing of trees/shrubs, etc): During reclamation, a
pollinator mix can be utilized from ERNST Seeds.
Revegetation and/or reforestation plan approved by:
Signature —
Print Name
Title
Agency
Date

APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
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 acrea��e, of
each aspect ofthe mining operation, that you intend to affect duringthe life ofthis miningpermit (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 deter to the Department to calculate Vour bond for
you based upon your maps and standard reclamation costs:
CATEGORY
Tailings/Sediment Ponds:
Stockpiles:
Wastepiles:
Processing Area/Haul Roads
Mine Excavation:
Mine Excavation:
Other:
TOTAL AFFECTED AC.:
(TOTAL PERMITTED AC.:
AFFECTED
ACREAGE
RECLAMATION RECLAMATION
COST/ACRE* COST
20 FI)Ac.
X
$ 1,500
/Ac. _
$30,000
21 Ac.
X
$ 1,800
/Ac. _
$ 37,800
119 Ac.
X
$ 2,000
/Ac. _
$ 238,000
137 Ac.
X
$ 2,000
/Ac. _
$ 274,000
141 L Ac.
X
$ 500
/Ac. _
$ 70,500
262(PD Ac.
X
$ 2,500
/Ac. _
$ 655,000
19 Ac. X $ 3,500 /Ac. _ $ 66,500
719 Ac.
1,548 Ac.
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 317 Ac.
b) Positive Drainage 402 Ac. X $1,500.00 = $603,000
SUBTOTAL COST: $1,974,800
Inflation Factor:
0.02 X SUBTOTAL COST: $ 39,496 X Permit Life Provided by Applicant (Life of the Mining
Operation or Life of Lease from Public Entity (in Years)): $789,920.00
INFLATION COST: $ 2,764,720
Total Reclamation Bond Cost: $1,000,000 (blanket bond)
(round down to the nearest $100.00)
(NOTE: The reclamation bond cannot exceed $1 million per GS 74-54)
-19-

APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
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(bl).
SEE THE NEXT TWO PAGES FOR THE "NOTICE" FORM AND THE "AFFIDAVIT OF
NOTIFICATION"
-20-

101[17"a—V
Pursuant to provisions G.S. 74-50(bI) of The Mining Act of 1971, Notice is hereby given that
Piedmont Lithium Carolinas, Inc. has applied on August 30, 2021
(Applicant Name) (Date)
to the Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality,
1612 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1612, for (check one):
® a new surface mining permit,
❑ 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 pegmatite ores which include spodumene for the purpose of lithium extraction,
as well as quartz, mica (muscovite), feldspar (albite and microcline), other mineral products, and rock products
including for or aggregate and other industrial or construction purposes on 1,548.00 acres located about 1 mile
east of Cherryville, NC off/near road St. Marks Church Road, Whitesides Road, and Hephzibah Church Road in
Gaston 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
704-461-8000 . For information on the mining permit application review process, please contact the
Mining Program staff at [phone]. 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.
See Appendix M and N for those property owners Piedmont Lithium Carolinas, Inc.
that were mailed this notice Patrick Brindle
(Addressee/Owner of Record's (Name of Applicant: Include Contact Person
Name and Address) & Company Name, if
Applicable)
32N Main Street, Suite 100
Belmont, NC 28012
(Date of Issuance of this Notice/ (Address of Applicant)
Mailed to Addressee/Owner of Record)
-21-

AFFIDAVIT OF NOTIFICATION
I, Patrick Brindle , 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:
See Appendix M for a list of adjoining property owners, addresses, and copies of certified postmarked envelopes for
each property owner requiring notice of this permit a lication.
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)
[i.e.: City Manager, County Manager, Mayor, etc.]
Dr. Kim Eagle, County Manager
(Address)
County Manager's Office
P.O. Box 1578
Gastonia. NC
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(bl) 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 Departme t upon request.
�A, �2�.u(.uSr 3 , 2.021
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: � dWU V"A �l V\ Ihl p �i i� tics "(-
Title++ of person executing Affidavit
}}CiAt01AH. ✓
I, 11V�� �'�l Ni ' 11�1 p 1/� a Notary Public of the County
State of North Carolina, do hereby certify that FfO,
appeared before me this day and under oath acknow
was
Witness hand and Mt'al s 1, this {� day of - 20
Notary: my G mission expires:
CHRISTINA M CLAYTON
Notary Public - North CarolinJ2021
Gaston County
- 1 - My Commission Explres Dec 18,

APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT
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.
See Appendix O for signed Land Entry Agreements
LANDOWNER:
Signature:
Print Name:
(Title, if applicable)
Company
(If applicable)
Address:
Telephone: (
Date Signed:
APPLICANT:
Signature: *
Print Name: Patrick Brindle
Title: Chief Development Officer
Company: Piedmont Lithium Carolinas, Inc.
Mine Name: Carolina Lithium Project
Telephone: [phone]
Date Signed:
*Signature must be the same as the individual who signed Page 1 of this application.
reclamation maps, and the appropriate processing fee (see next page for fee schedule) 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.
-23-