NCG021046_SW and WW Supplemental Report_20240923

Sto rmwate r and Wastewater
Management and Discharge
Supplemental Report
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System —
NCG02 Permit Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project — Kings
Mountain Mine
September 20, 2024
Document No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464
A Albemarle

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
CONTENTS
1. Introduction...........................................................................................................1
1.1. Purpose .........................................................................................................................2
1.2. Applicability of NCG02...................................................................................................2
2. Project Description...............................................................................................3
3. Existing Conditions..............................................................................................3
3.1. Surface Hydrology.........................................................................................................4
3.1.1. Wetlands.............................................................................................................5
4. Project Development............................................................................................6
4.1. Proposed Features........................................................................................................6
4.2. Project Activities ............................................................................................................8
4.2.1. Site Preparation ..................................................................................................9
4.2.2. Construction........................................................................................................9
4.2.3. Operations.........................................................................................................10
4.2.4. Closure..............................................................................................................12
4.2.5. Post-Closure and Final Reclamation................................................................. 12
5. Water Management, Water Use, Treatment, and Discharge ...........................14
5.1. Water Management.....................................................................................................14
5.1.1. Unregulated Water............................................................................................15
5.1.2. Stormwater........................................................................................................15
5.1.3. Wastewater.......................................................................................................16
5.1.4. PAG Contact Water (Wastewater)....................................................................17
5.1.5. Impervious Areas..............................................................................................17
5.2. Surface Water Features and Controls.........................................................................17
5.2.1. Design Criteria ..................................................................................................18
5.2.2. Diversion Channels...........................................................................................19
5.2.3. Culverts and Road Crossings ...........................................................................20
5.2.4. Sediment Control Ponds...................................................................................20
5.2.5. Pit Perimeter Ponds..........................................................................................21
5.2.6. Seepage Collection Ponds................................................................................22
5.2.7. South Creek Reservoir......................................................................................23
5.2.8. Water Storage Basin 1 ......................................................................................23
5.2.9. Water Treatment Plant......................................................................................24
5.3. Site Discharges............................................................................................................24
5.4. Water Balance.............................................................................................................26
5.4.1. Water Balance Results......................................................................................27
5.5. Water Quality...............................................................................................................27
5.5.1. Surface Water Quality.......................................................................................28
5.5.2. Predicted Water Storage Basin 1 Water Quality...............................................28
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 i

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
6. Erosion and Sedimentation Pollution Controls ...............................................30
6.1. Temporary and Permanent Controls ...........................................................................30
6.1.1. Temporary Controls ..........................................................................................30
6.1.2. Permanent Controls..........................................................................................33
6.2. Maintenance Requirements.........................................................................................34
6.3. Responsible Parties.....................................................................................................34
6.4. Vegetation Stabilization Plan.......................................................................................34
7. Analytical Monitoring .........................................................................................35
8. References...........................................................................................................36
Appendix A Figures
Appendix B U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Approved Jurisdictional Determination for
Kings Mountain Mine and Letter Requesting an Updated Approved
Jurisdictional Determination
Appendix C Preliminary Drainage Analysis Report for the NPI, Ore Mining and Process
Areas-Operations
Appendix D Construction Stormwater Management Plan
Appendix E Surface Water Management Report and Addendums
Appendix F Erosion and Sediment Control Plan — Construction and Operations
Appendix G Surface Water Channel Plans
Appendix H Water Treatment Plant Process Description
Appendix I Technical Report: 2023 Prefeasibility Study Surface Water: Water Balance
Development Report
Appendix J Business Corporation Annual Report
Appendix K Kings Mountain Mine Permit Application Cover Letter and Form
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 ii

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
List of Figures (Appendix A)
Figure 1: Project Location Map
Figure 2: USGS Topographic Map
Figure 3: KMM Site Diagram with Existing and Proposed Surface and Stormwater Management
Features
Figure 4: Offsite Areas Contributing to Kings Creek
Figure 5: Kings Mountain Mine Site Layout
Figure 6: KMM Stormwater and Water Management Flowsheet
Figure 7: Legacy Mining Facilities
Figure 8: Life of Mine —Year 0
Figure 9: Life of Mine —Year 5
Figure 10: Life of Mine —Year 9.4
Figure 11: Life of Mine—Year 10.5
Figure 12: Phase 1 Construction Stormwater Plan
Figure 13: Phase 2 Construction Stormwater Plan
Figure 14: Site Wide Stormwater Plan (Operations)
Figure 15: Impervious Areas
Figure 16: KMM Layout with Outfalls (for Section 9 of the NCG02 Permit Form)
Figure 17: KMM Site Features (for Section 9 of the NCG02 Permit Form)
List of Tables
Table 5-1: Impervious Areas within Permit Boundary.................................................................17
Table 5-2: Surface Water Control Design Criteria ......................................................................18
Table 5-3: Sediment Control Ponds............................................................................................21
Table 5-4: Pit Perimeter Ponds...................................................................................................22
Table 5-5: Seepage Collection Ponds ........................................................................................22
Table 5-6: Project Discharge Outfall Locations...........................................................................25
Table 5-7: Water Storage Basin 1 Water Quality Predictions.....................................................29
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 iii

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Acronym Definition
AJD Approved Jurisdictional Determination
Albemarle Albemarle U.S., Inc.
amsl above mean sea level
BMP best management practice
(the) Division Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
DMS dense media separation
ECP Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
gpm gallons per minute
HDPE high-density polyethylene
HQW High Quality Water
1-85 Interstate 85
KMM Kings Mountain Mine
LOM life of mine
NCDEQ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
NCG02 North Carolina General Permit NCG02000
non-PAG non-potentially acid generating
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NPI non-process infrastructure
ORW Outstanding Resource Water
OSF (temporary) overburden storage facility
PAG potentially acid generating
PCSWMM Personal Computer Storm Water Management Model
PMF probable maximum flood
Project Kings Mountain Mine Project
ROM run-of-mine
RSF rock storage facility
RSF-A permanent rock storage facility for non-potentially acid generating
rock
RSF-W temporary rock storage facility for potentially acid generating rock
during construction of RSF-X
RSF-X temporary rock storage facility for potentially acid generating rock
SRK SRK Consulting U.S., Inc.
SWCA SWCA Environmental Consultants
Technology Center Technology Center for Global Research and Development
TSF tailings storage facility
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 iv

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
U.S. United States
USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
WSB water storage basin
WSB-1 Water Storage Basin 1
WTP water treatment plant
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 v

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
1. INTRODUCTION
Albemarle U.S., Inc. (Albemarle), headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a leading global
producer of lithium-based chemicals. Albemarle currently operates a lithium compound and
metal production facility (Kings Mountain Facility) at the legacy Kings Mountain Mine (KMM;
Project) located in the city of Kings Mountain in Cleveland County, North Carolina.
The KMM is located within the city of Kings Mountain and its extraterritorial jurisdiction
Cleveland County, North Carolina, approximately 30-miles west of Charlotte within the United
States (U.S.) Geological Survey Kings Mountain, 7.5-minute quadrangle (Figure 1: Project
Location Map in Appendix A). The Project is located in the Broad River basin, Subbasin Upper
Broad 8-Digit HUC03050105, which is located approximately 2.5 miles from the Catawba-Broad
River divide. KMM is divided by Interstate 85 (1-85)with the main area located on the northern
side of the highway and a smaller area to the south. The larger area to the north is bordered by
South Battleground Avenue (Highway 216) to the north; Dixon School Road and Tin Mine Road
to the west; Quarry Road to the east; and 1-85 to the south and east. The larger, northern area
currently includes the Kings Mountain Facility and the Technology Center for Global Research
and Development (Technology Center).
To meet current and expected demand for lithium products, Albemarle intends to reopen the
legacy mine. The mine's inactive open pit will be widened and deepened, and ore obtained from
the pit will be processed to produce spodumene concentrate. The process of separating ore
from other materials will generate non-ore bearing rock, which will be managed in onsite
facilities or transported by truck to the adjacent Martin Marietta quarry. Additionally, in the later
stages of concentration, tailings will be generated which will be transported to an offsite tailings
storage facility (TSF), called the Archdale TSF, approximately 3 miles southwest of KMM
(illustrated on Figure 1: Project Location Map in Appendix A). The topographic contours of KMM
are illustrated on Figure 2: USGS Topographic Location Map in Appendix A. The Project has
been developed to include engineered and natural measures, such as vegetated buffers, berms,
rock-lined channels, sedimentation ponds, and water collection, treatment, and recycling, in an
effort to protect water quality. More details about such water quality protection measures are
provided in Sections 5 and 6 of this supplemental report.
Albemarle is seeking a Certificate of Coverage to allow the discharges of both stormwater and
wastewater (which originates as mine pit dewatering and process wastewater) from the
proposed active lithium mine site to the surface waters of North Carolina, in accordance with the
terms and conditions of General Permit No. NCG02000. In compliance with the provision of
North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1, other lawful standards and regulations promulgated
and adopted by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission and the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, the NCG02000 permit is issued to all owners or
operators, hereafter permittees, which are covered by this permit as evidenced by receipt of a
Certificate of Coverage by the Environmental Management Commission to allow the discharge
of stormwater, mine dewatering wastewater, and process wastewater to the surface waters of
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 1

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
North Carolina or to a separate storm sewer system conveying discharges to surface waters,
from active and inactive mining sites, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth
within the NCG02000.
The information contained in this Supplemental Report is supplemental to the Notice of Intent
application form termed NCG02.
1.1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this document is to supplement the NCG02 permit application. Pertinent
documents and engineering reports have also been attached as appendices to support the
proposed construction, operation, and closure of the KMM.
A separate permit application has been submitted for discharges from the Archdale TSF.
1.2. APPLICABILITY OF NCG02
As defined and established by the State of North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
(NCDEQ), Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (the "Division"), NCG02000 applies
to the discharge of stormwater, mine dewatering wastewater, and process wastewater to the
surface waters of North Carolina. Specific to KMM, coverage under this General Permit is
applicable to:
• Stormwater point source discharges associated with mining and quarrying of lithium ore,
including mine excavation, processing, and vehicle maintenance.
• Authorized wastewater point source discharges from mining operations as designated in the
permit. Any of the following wastewaters commingled with stormwater will be considered
wastewater:
- Mine dewatering;
- Process wastewater; and
- Discharges from recycle systems.
• Stormwater and/or wastewater point source discharges from industrial activities deemed by
the Division to be similar to these operations in the process, discharge, or exposure of raw
materials, intermediate products, byproducts, final products, or waste products.
All discharges from the proposed Project meet the applicability criteria. The process wastewater
generated from the KMM will be a result of mining activities covered by the NCG02 permit, and
not the result of converting lithium to an intermediate product such as lithium hydroxide or other
final products.
The Project description below describes the proposed mining activities, stormwater and
wastewater management, and discharges. The Project has been designed and will be operated
in such a manner as to comply with all applicable provisions of the NCG02 permit.
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 2

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Albemarle intends to reopen the existing KMM spodumene mine to meet current and expected
demand for lithium products. The KMM site is comprised of approximately 1,083 acres of
disturbed, undisturbed, and developed land that is bisected by 1-85 with a larger land area
located on the northern side of the interstate and a smaller land area south of the interstate.
Land use around the Project area is variable, including residential and commercial portions of
the city, forested areas, and other mining activities.
The Project will include a processing facility to physically extract and concentrate mineralized
spodumene to produce high quality lithium bearing spodumene concentrate. The spodumene
concentrate product will be shipped offsite. Tailings generated in the concentration process will
be filtered then transported approximately 3 miles southwest to the Archdale TSF.
Activities associated with the proposed Project include the expansion of the existing pit,
construction of rock and overburden storage facilities (RSFs, OSFs), facilities to process and
concentrate spodumene ore, non-process infrastructure (NPI), haul roads, a water treatment
plant (WTP), water storage basins (WSBs) and sumps, fueling facilities, and stormwater
conveyances. The individual components are described in more detail in the following sections
of this document.
The Project will consist of three primary phases:
• Construction
• Operations
• Post-closure/ Final reclamation
Final reclamation will be performed after all mining and processing activities have ceased.
3. EXISTING CONDITIONS
Mining at the site started in 1883 with the discovery of cassiterite, a tin-bearing mineral.
Subsequently, open-pit mining for tin occurred sporadically between 1903 and 1937. Between
1943 and 1945, under sponsorship from the U.S. government, Solvay established a processing
plant and mined spodumene from the outcroppings of pegmatites at the legacy mine. In the
early 1950s, Foote Mineral Corporation, a subsidiary of Newmont Mining Corporation,
purchased the property and began open-pit mining to produce spodumene concentrate, which
continued through the late 1990s using processes very similar to what is proposed for the
reactivation of the mine. Non-ore bearing rock and tailings were stored in several RSFs and
TSFs throughout the site.
In 1993, exploration and mining operations ceased when the open pit bottom reached
approximately 600 feet above mean sea level (amsl). In early 1994, an open-pit lake started to
form due to rainfall and rebounding groundwater, and the pit lake reached an elevation of 820
feet amsl. During the groundwater recovery period (from approximately 1994 to present), water
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 3

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
was pumped sporadically from the legacy mine pit lake to an adjacent aggregate quarry to
support operations.
The legacy mine was restored to meet closure requirements in the 1990s. Reclamation activities
included slope grading, revegetation of disturbed ground, and allowing the open pit to fill with
freshwater through natural hydrologic processes. Much of the legacy ore processing equipment
and the spodumene concentrator plant were removed, though remnants of the mining
operations still exist, including:
• An open pit, filled with water from rainfall runoff and groundwater seepage;
• A tin mine excavation pit (known as PEG-25);
• The Foote Mineral Corporation spur rail line;
• Two TSFs formerly used as tailings ponds;
• Several RSFs;
• Several former mine operation support buildings, which have been repurposed; and
• Several naturally occurring emergent wetlands, Kings Creek, and South Creek.
Within a 16-acre fenced area of the former mining site, Albemarle currently operates the Kings
Mountain Facility. These operations are not related to the Project and permits held for these
activities will remain separate from the operations addressed in this application.
The former mine site also houses the Technology Center which supports other plant and
corporate office functions. The Technology Center is also not part of the Project.
3.1. SURFACE HYDROLOGY
The natural drainage network in the vicinity of KMM is heavily influenced by historical and active
mining activities. The drainage network consists of Kings Creek, South Creek, and a small creek
informally known as Mill Creek, which was impounded to form Executive Club Lake. There are
several artificially created waterbodies that previously supported legacy mine operations (see
Figure 3: KMM Site Diagram with Existing and Proposed Surface and Stormwater Management
Features, in Appendix A). South Creek was impounded in the 1950s to provide a water source
for mine operations, forming the South Creek Reservoir, which remains today.
Kings Creek passes through the Project's mine boundary from northeast to southwest. Prior to
entering the site, water flows past the Martin Marietta quarry pit. Water intercepted by the Martin
Marietta quarry pit is pumped out on a regular basis and discharged into Kings Creek. Martin
Marietta's quarry intermittently pumps water from its pit into Kings Creek, with a pumping
capacity of 2,500 gallons per minute (gpm).
As Kings Creek enters the KMM, it is routed under the current Technology Center through a
620-feet long, 4-feet diameter corrugated metal pipe culvert. From the culvert discharge point,
Kings Creek flows to the southwest and joins with the discharge from South Creek Reservoir
before crossing under 1-85 through three 7-feet wide by 10-feet high concrete box culverts.
South of 1-85, Kings Creek joins with the discharge from Executive Club Lake before flowing off
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 4

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
the Project's permitted boundary to the southwest. The upstream headwater basin outside the
Project contributing to Kings Creek is shown on Figure 4: Offsite Areas Contributing to Kings
Creek (see Appendix A).
South of 1-85, Executive Club Lake (State Dam ID: CLEVE-006) discharges to Kings Creek.
Executive Club Lake was formed during previous mining operations as part of a TSF and
impoundment. An embankment (dam) was constructed to a crest elevation of 850 feet amsl with
a trapezoidal spillway constructed at elevation 845 feet amsl, which was the original control pool
elevation during operations. In the early 2000s, a portion of the embankment was removed
down to 820 feet amsl to allow stormwater to flow through the original dam footprint.
Executive Club Lake collects runoff from the watershed immediately upgradient, with the current
spillway crest at 820 feet amsl allowing for storage of several feet of water. After flowing over
the rock spillway, water joins with Kings Creek approximately 1,500 feet downstream of the
lake. The area below the confluence of Kings Creek and Executive Club Lake is currently
blocked by a beaver dam, forming a large marshy area in the drainage and resulting in localized
flooding.
South Creek begins northwest of the KMM in an area of residential neighborhoods. The creek
flows generally southwards before entering South Creek Reservoir (State Dam ID: CLEVE-007-
H). South Creek Reservoir was constructed in the mid-1950s as part of historical mining
activities and was used as a water source for the former mine. The culverts discharge to a rock
energy dissipater that joins Kings Creek.
Several human-made, isolated waterbodies are within the KMM boundary, the most prominent
being the mine pit lake. The mine pit lake formed in the historical open pit and throughout its life,
no natural discharge flowed to the stream network. Water from the pit lake was sporadically
pumped from the legacy mine pit lake to the adjacent Martin Marietta aggregate quarry.
Dewatering of the lake began in April 2024 and is expected to take approximately 18 months.
No. 1 Mill Pond is a historical water management feature previously used to supply process and
firewater from the Kings Mountain Facility to the legacy plant. It infrequently discharges through
a culvert under the railroad spur into Kings Creek. Mud Pond 1, Mud Pond 2, and PEG-25 Pond
collect local stormwater but have no discharge capabilities.
No High Quality Waters (HQWs) or Outstanding Resource Waters (ORWs), as defined by the
NCDEQ Division of Water Resources, are present within, immediately adjacent to, or
downstream of the Project's permit boundary.
3.1.1. Wetlands
A wetland investigation of the KMM area was performed in 2018 and a wetland delineation
report was prepared. At that time, Albemarle requested an Approved Jurisdictional
Determination (AJD) from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The USACE issued the
AJD on May 29, 2018, with an expiration of May 28, 2023. The proposed KMM was expanded
following the issuance of the AJD to include additional areas. SWCA Environmental Consultants
(SWCA) then conducted a subsequent field investigation of the KMM area throughout 2023 to
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 5

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
identify existing surface waterbodies and wetlands. SWCA produced a wetland delineation
report (SWCA 2023), which was sent to the USACE on October 3, 2023, with a request for an
AJD. The AJD issued in 2018 and the updated AJD request letter are provided in Appendix B.
Results of this study identified 34 distinct wetlands (39.11 acres total) within the Project area, of
which SWCA's professional opinion is that 35.71 acres are USACE jurisdictional.
Additionally, 12 distinct palustrine unconsolidated bottom aquatic features (e.g., ponds, lakes,
and mining pits) totaling 85.58 acres were delineated within the Project area. Of these
delineated palustrine unconsolidated bottom aquatic resources, it is SWCA's professional
opinion that 20.88 acres are USACE jurisdictional. Resources determined to be USACE non-
jurisdictional are generally isolated within the Project area or lack a significant nexus to a
downstream traditional navigable water or are regulated under the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the KMM.
SWCA identified 32 distinct stream segments (20,580 linear feet total) within the Project area, of
which 15 were classified as intermittent and 18 were classified as perennial. Ephemeral
channels were also identified with the Project area, however based on discussions with the
USACE and NCDEQ, these features would not be considered regulated Waters of the United
States or State Waters. As such, these features have not been considered further.
In addition to the USACE jurisdictional surface water features discussed above, there are 3.4
acres of vegetated wetlands and 512 linear feet of isolated streams that may be regulated by
NCDEQ as State Waters.
No jurisdictional wetlands are around the pit or directly downstream of the dewatering release
area that would be inundated (i.e., "filled") or would require the preparation of a Pumping
Operation and Monitoring Plan in accordance with Section G-2 of the NCG02000.
4. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
4.1. PROPOSED FEATURES
The proposed Project layout illustrating the relative locations of the major Project components is
depicted on Figure 5: Kings Mountain Mine Site Layout (see Appendix A). The Phase 1 open pit
outline is shown on the figure in the northeast part of the Project area, along with the ultimate
(Phase 4) pit extents. Haul roads will connect the Kings Mountain open pit to the waste rock
stockpile areas: RSF-X for potentially acid generating (PAG) rock and RSF-A for non-potentially
acid generating (non-PAG) rock. A temporary PAG pile (RSF-W)will be located within the open
pit until RSF-X is fully constructed. The haul roads will also connect to the NPI, located in the
northwest portion of the site, the ore sorting area, and the ore stockpiles located on the east
side of the Project, just north of 1-85. A bridge over I-85 will connect the ore crushing area to the
concentrator area, located immediately south of 1-85. South of the concentrator area, WSB-1 will
collect all non-contact water and treated contact and process water produced within the Project
area before ultimately being discharged from the site to Kings Creek. See Section 5, and
Appendices C, D, and E for a discussion of the stormwater collection and handling system,
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 6

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
water treatment facility, and discharge locations, and Figure 6: KMM Stormwater and Water
Management Flowsheet for a visual depiction.
Facility expansion will occur over the life of mine (LOM), but where feasible, stormwater
management features such as berms, ditches, sedimentation basins, and ponds will be
constructed to address the final configuration. The facility arrangement is such that limited
interim or phased construction will be needed. This is illustrated on Figures 7 through 11
Existing Conditions and LOM Phases 1 through 4 (Appendix A). A discussion of each Project
phase, including activities and their effects on water, is included in Section 4.2.
Components of the legacy mine that will either remain in place with modifications, or that will be
newly added for operation of the Project are shown on Figure 5: Kings Mountain Mine Site
Layout (see Appendix A) and described below. Key natural features (creeks) near the KMM site
are also included.
• Concentrator—a facility designed to physically separate spodumene from pegmatite ore.
• Conveyors—a conveyor system will be used to transport material onsite including over 1-85.
• Crushing and screening circuit—a three-stage crushing circuit where the ore will be reduced
in size to facilitate separation of the spodumene from non-lithium bearing materials.
• Growth media storage—an area where growth media will be stockpiled for future use as soil
coverage for reclamation.
• Haul roads—internal haul roads will either be modified or newly constructed to transport
material across the site. The haul roads will be connected to exit points and offsite roadways
for material transport offsite. Haul roads may be relocated during mining operations, as the
pit expands.
• Kings Creek—a natural creek that has been historically altered by legacy mine operations,
including ongoing operations at the adjacent Martin Marietta mine. Kings Creek enters the
Project area from the adjacent Martin Marietta facility. It will receive discharge from
stormwater outfalls, South Creek Reservoir, and WSB-1 (see description below) through an
unnamed tributary.
• NPI—two NPI areas will be constructed to support operations on the north and south sides
of 1-85. The NPI will provide services and facilities that will support proposed mining and
processing operations, such as storage facilities, maintenance shops, administrative
buildings, utilities, and transportation features.
• Open pit—the existing open pit was excavated during previous mining operations. The pit
footprint will be expanded during Project mining operations.
• OSFs—three storage areas for saprolite and overburden soils removed to improve
foundation conditions and stability for other facilities. The OSFs are designated OSF-1,
OSF-2, and OSF-3. Material from these storage facilities will be used for reclamation.
• Plant feed stockpile—an area used to stockpile ore produced from the crushing circuit, and
to serve as feed to the concentrator plant.
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 7

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
• Ponds—temporary ponds for retention of runoff and sedimentation control specific to the
water source (contact, non-contact, PAG runoff, and non-PAG runoff).
• RSFs—storage areas for non-ore bearing rock excavated from the open pit.
- RSF-A—storage for non-PAG rock, legacy tailings, and coarse embankment material to
be removed from the legacy TSF. Dense media separation (DMS) rejects (non-
magnetic) will be sent to RSF-A for storage.
- RSF-X—temporary storage for PAG rock, sorted ore rejects, and DMS magnetic rejects.
- RSF-W—temporary in-pit storage for PAG rock until RSF-X is ready to receive material.
• Run-of-mine (ROM) pad—ore mined from the open pit will be hauled and stockpiled on the
ROM pad, before further processing.
• South Creek—a natural creek that has been impounded to support legacy mine operations.
It enters the KMM site from an adjacent neighborhood and generally flows south through the
KMM site before discharging into South Creek Reservoir.
• South Creek Reservoir—a legacy mine water storage pond. The South Creek Reservoir
dam spillway discharges water to Kings Creek through a short unnamed tributary.
• WSB-1—the former legacy TSF that will be modified to serve as water storage for
discharges from the WTP and all contact water (treated and untreated). It will also act as a
sedimentation pond and supply of makeup water (water that is lost during operations) to the
concentrator and other mining operations.
• WTP—a reverse osmosis system used to treat PAG contact water runoff from RSF-X, and
excess water used in the concentrator facility.
4.2. PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Prior to the start of the proposed Project and Project-related activities, site preparation activities
will be completed under existing permits. Water in the legacy open pit is being pumped through
a WTP for treatment before being pumped to discharge into an unnamed tributary to Kings
Creek. This discharge is permitted under NPDES Permit No. NC0090212.
At a pumping rate of 2,500 gpm, the pit lake will be completely dewatered in approximately
18 months, depending on variability in precipitation inputs (SRK 2024a).
Once dewatering is complete, water entering the pit will continue to be discharged under
NCO090212 until the water management features of the proposed Project are constructed, after
which it will be pumped to WSB-1.
Additional ongoing site maintenance will include removal of legacy sand tailings, which are
being progressively excavated from the legacy TSF and sold to offsite third parties as
construction or manufacturing materials.
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 8

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
4.2.1. Site Preparation
Prior to Project construction, site preparation activities will be completed. SRK Consulting U.S.,
Inc. (SRK) and Hatch Engineering, LTD developed a site-wide site preparation and access plan
for the KMM site (SRK 2023a; Hatch 2024a). Site preparation activities will include clearing and
grubbing, relocation of utilities, and construction of temporary access roads. Existing site
conditions, prior to site preparation are shown on Figure 7: Existing Site Conditions with Legacy
Mine Facilities (see Appendix A).
Clearing and grubbing will occur for temporary access roads for utility reroutes, and at the offset
corridor for utility reroutes and roads along 1-85. Growth media will be salvaged and stored.
Relocated utilities include the sewer force main line, the Dominion Energy and City of Kings
Mountain gas distribution lines, and the Rutherford and Duke Energy electrical overhead lines.
Erosion and sediment control best management practices (BMPs) are identified in the relevant
permits that authorize the work and will be installed and maintained during site preparation.
These controls will prevent unauthorized discharge from leaving the site until the permanent
stormwater management system can be constructed. More information on erosion and sediment
controls can be found in Section 6, and the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ECP) included
in Appendix F.
4.2.2. Construction
Many Project components will be constructed to start and sustain mining operations. These
activities are represented in, and will be authorized by, the modified mine permit. Site water
management will evolve throughout the construction phase. Temporary sediment ponds will be
built while operational ponds are developed, and temporary outfall locations will be used.
Figure 12: Construction Phase 1 (see Appendix A) and Figure 13: Construction Phase 2, show
sequenced water management features and connections during the construction phase. A
schematic of the Project site at the end of construction is shown on Figure 8: Life of Mine —
Phase 1 (see Appendix A).
Prior to major earthworks, vegetation will be cleared and growth media salvaged in approved
disturbance areas. Diversion ditches will be installed to intercept non-contact surface water
drainage and convey it to existing drainage outlets. During this phase, BMPs will primarily be
temporary controls such as silt fences, filters, and erosion control blanks, and will be installed
downstream as required to prevent release of sediment to the environment (Section 6.1 and
Exhibits A and B in Appendix D). Temporary sediment control ponds will also be constructed,
many of which will be developed into operational sediment control ponds (Section 5.2).
Construction of the concentrator and associated Project infrastructure including the crushing
circuit, RSFs, OSFs, WSB-1, WTP, haul roads, access roads, 1-85 bridge, NPI areas,
concentrate and tailings loadouts, railway, stormwater management system, and supporting
utilities will be completed in an anticipated 2 to 3-year period after receipt of regulatory approval.
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 9

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
Initial construction activities will include excavation of saprolite and overburden materials
beneath the RSFs to improve stability. The excavated soil will be placed in the OSFs. The OSFs
will be progressively closed during this construction phase.
RSF-A will be constructed from the legacy TSF embankment and rock sourced from the open
pit and will grow as mine operations proceed, reaching an ultimate height of 385 feet above
surrounding grade.
Construction of RSF-X will entail excavation of legacy tailings which will be stored in RSF-A.
The RSF-X liner subgrade foundation will be graded to achieve a positive drainage slope of
approximately 2 percent to the perimeter drainage conveyance system. A high-density
polyethylene (HDPE) liner geomembrane system will be installed on the prepared foundation to
collect and control meteoric water encountering the PAG rock and prevent infiltration into
subsurface soils and the groundwater system. To install the HDPE liner geomembrane system,
RSF-X will be constructed in two phases: Phase 1 (northeast) and Phase 2 (southwest), and
construction will extend into operations. Phase 1 will be constructed first to allow operational
use in the first year of development mining (also referred to as preproduction mining or waste
stripping).
RSF-X will grow as mine operations proceed, reaching an ultimate height of 210 feet above
grade.
WSB-1 construction will involve removing legacy tailings and some coarse rock from the
existing embankment to allow reconstruction of the existing concrete-lined spillway where
necessary; constructing a gravel blanket drain along the downstream face of the embankment;
and constructing a compacted fill buttress to improve stability (SRK 2024a). The WSB-1
embankment will consist of suitable fill materials sourced from the Project. The Project will
restore the embankment to its historical level of 850 feet to increase water storage capacity
during high-flow surge events, and to provide sedimentation control of stormwater flows directed
to it. WSB-1 will operate at a nominal elevation of 830 feet, with an outlet structure that controls
the pond level as needed to account for variable conditions and can retain water for an
extended period of time, if required.
During construction, concurrent reclamation of disturbed areas will occur where possible.
Surface disturbances associated with roads, ditches, embankment faces, and the disturbed
perimeter of facility footprints will be reclaimed after final grades have been established. Erosion
and sediment control BMPs will be installed and maintained during construction to minimize
erosion, sedimentation, and to control surface and stormwater runoff. Removal of vegetation,
soil layers, legacy tailings, and embankment materials will be conducted using bulldozers,
excavators, loaders, scrapers, and trucks.
4.2.3. Operations
During mine operations, the open pit footprint will be expanded to the southwest. Initial
preparation will include removing and storing suitable growth media at the growth media storage
area. A schematic of the Project site during Year 5 of operations is shown on Figure 9: Life of
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 10

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
Mine— Phase 2, and during Year 9.4 (end of operations) on Figure 10: Life of Mine — Phase 3
(see Appendix A). Site-wide water management features are depicted on Figure 14: Site-Wide
Overall Stormwater Plan (Operations) (see Appendix A).
Ore and rock removal will be accomplished by drilling and blasting. After the rock is drilled,
blasted, and loaded, it will be separated into ore and non-ore rock (PAG, non-PAG).
Non-ore bearing rock and other materials separated from ore in the crushing and concentrating
processes will be stored onsite in either RSF-W, RSF-X, or RSF-A depending on the acid
generating nature of the rock and timing of removal. A substantial portion of non-ore bearing
rock has economic value as aggregate and will be transported by haul truck to the adjacent
Martin Marietta quarry.
• RSF-W
- PAG waste rock will be temporarily stored in RSF-W during site preparation activities
while RSF-X is being constructed. RSF-W will be constructed within the drainage basin
of the open pit and all infiltration and seepage through RSF-W will drain into the pit and
be collected by the sump and discharged with the pit dewatering flow. RSF-W is
expected to be in place for approximately 2 years or until RSF-X is ready to receive
materials.
• RSF-X
- PAG waste rock will be stored in RSF-X during operations.
- Meteoric water encountering the PAG rock will be collected by an HDPE geomembrane
liner. This contact water will be routed to a lined collection pond (Collection Pond 51) in
the southwest of the facility from which it will be pumped to the WTP prior to discharge
into WSB-1 (SRK 2023b, 2023e).
• RSF-A
- Non-PAG rock materials will be permanently stored in RSF-A.
- Non-PAG contact water will drain over the native low permeable foundation and be
collected in perimeter collection channels to a collection pond (Collection Pond 61)
located in the southeast of the facility, from which it will be pumped to WSB-1.
The ore will be transported to the ROM pad by haul trucks, where it will be staged before
entering the three-stage crushing system.
During crushing, the ore will be reduced in size, and additional non-ore material will be
separated from the stream (ore sorting, after secondary crushing) and stored in appropriate
RSFs. The resulting ore from the crushing circuit will be conveyed to the plant ore stockpile,
which feeds the concentrator plant.
The concentrator plant will provide further separation of spodumene from the stream, with
removed waste stored in appropriate RSFs, or in the offsite TSF.
The resultant spodumene concentrate product will be transported by rail to offsite locations.
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 11

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
4.2.4. Closure
Closure/cessation of mining operations is a milestone point of the Project life-span, with no
specific activities to take place. Closure-related activities will occur during the "post-closure and
final reclamation" phase.
4.2.5. Post-Closure and Final Reclamation
The post-closure strategy involves implementing best management approaches to develop
post-mining land uses that are agreeable to all stakeholders. A schematic of the Project site
during post-closure is shown on Figure 11: Life of Mine— Phase 4 (see Appendix A).
The principal Project facilities considered during post-closure include:
• Open pit
- The pit will remain as a permanent feature after closure. During post-closure, PAG
material from RSF-X will be relocated to the pit bottom. Inundation of PAG material in
the pit will preclude continued oxidation and metal leaching from the material. Water
balance modeling indicates that the pit lake will form quickly due to groundwater and
precipitation inputs and inundate the pit backfill during the 2 years of backfill placement.
- During the initial post-closure pit filling, the pit lake will be a hydrologic sink, with no
outflow to groundwater. After approximately 50 years, the shallow pit water will outflow
via groundwater when water levels reach the weathered bedrock zone with higher
transmissivity. The rate of groundwater outflow from the pit lake will be about 20 gpm at
equilibrium.
- Once the water level in the open pit reaches the lowest elevation in the pit rim at
850 feet amsl, it will discharge to surface water, and report to Kings Creek. This is
expected to occur within 60 years after closure. Discharge from the pit will flow into an
existing drainage via a designed channel that flows into Kings Creek.
- The quality of the future pit lake water is anticipated to be similar to conditions that were
found in the upper layers of the existing pit lake, which are expected to meet applicable
surface water quality standards without treatment. The open pit will not be stocked with
fish upon closure and is not currently being considered for recreational use.
• RSFs
- After closure, the slopes of RSF-A will be regraded between lifts to 2 horizontal to
1 vertical, and 16-foot slope breaks will remain at the top of each lift. Following
regrading, the slopes and slope breaks will be covered with 1 foot of cover and then
1 foot of growth media. The facility will be seeded with the approved seed mix, and tree
seedlings will be planted in accordance with the revegetation plan. PAG material
deposited in RSF-X during operations will be removed after operations. At closure, the
only remaining features of RSF-X will be the liner system and the contact water
collection pond at the southern corner of the facility.
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 12

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
■ During post-closure, the facility liner, including that in the contact water pond, will be
cut into strips and removed for disposal either in an onsite void created by the
removal of other structures or hauled to a licensed landfill. Any soil with leachable
metal concentrations identified beneath the liner will be excavated and removed for
disposal in an appropriate facility.
■ Once the liner has been removed and the underlying soils tested, the area will be
ripped and graded to flow to the west or south into South Creek. The contact water
pond berm will be breached to allow surface water from the facility to flow south into
South Creek. The entire regraded area will receive 1 foot of growth media and be
seeded in accordance with the revegetation plan.
• OSFs
- The OSFs will be constructed during the Project construction phase, at their final
configuration with a slope of no greater than 3 horizontal to 1 vertical and revegetated
once complete. During operations, no additional activities are anticipated unless material
is borrowed for reclamation activities at other facilities. In that case, any disturbed areas
will be revegetated.
• WSB-1
- Closure of WSB-1 will restore discharge from the reservoir to the current stream
configuration. To accomplish this, the section of the embankment raise over the natural
channel will be removed. The side slopes of the cut will be constructed at 3 horizontal to
1 vertical and covered with 1 foot of growth media and reseeded. Riprap will be placed in
portions of the restored drainage that have a channel grade slope of greater than
5 percent.
• Water management
- The WTP will continue to operate until water quality standards can be met without active
treatment and NCDEQ authorizes termination of permit coverage. Treatment facilities
will then be dismantled and disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations.
- After closure cover is placed, all collection and sediment ponds will be breached and
discharges conveyed to drainages.
• Water supply
• Waste management
• Process plant
• Mine support infrastructure
• Electrical utilities
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 13

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
5. WATER MANAGEMENT, WATER USE, TREATMENT, AND
DISCHARGE
The objectives of the Project water management plan is to achieve water quality and water
quantity objectives, reduce potential effects on the downstream environment, and limit the
infrastructure damage from storm events. Objectives will be achieved by separating clean, non-
contact water from water that has come into contact with ore, waste rock, or tailings (i.e.,
contact water). To support achieving these objectives, Albemarle has developed three primary
documents: the Preliminary Drainage Analysis Report for the NPI, Ore Mining and Process
Areas-Operations (Drainage Analysis Report) (Hatch 2024d), a Construction Stormwater
Management Plan (Hatch 2024b) and a Surface Water Management Report(SRK 2024b),
attached in Appendices C, D, and E, respectively.
The Construction Stormwater Management Plan (Hatch 2024b) is designed to provide a phased
approach for construction activities to meet all applicable North Carolina stormwater regulations
as well as industry stormwater standards, guidelines, and BMPs. This plan is in alignment with
the North Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual(NCSCC 2013).
The report includes stormwater management features, the erosion and sediment control plan,
and supporting designs and calculations.
The operational stormwater and erosion and sediment control plans are separated into two
documents Surface Water Management Report (SRK 2024b) and the Drainage Analysis Report
(Hatch 2024d) were developed to guide site water management practices in support of various
permitting applications. The documents were prepared to cover discrete portions of the Project.
The Drainage Analysis Report addresses ore processing and NPI areas during operations,
while the Surface Water Management Report covers mine features such as the pit, rock and
overburden storage facilities, haul roads and sediment control ponds associated with them.
The stormwater management features, layout, and outfalls are illustrated on Figure 5: Kings
Mountain Mine Site Layout in Appendix A. These figures were developed as required in Section
9 of the NCG02 permit application form.
5.1. WATER MANAGEMENT
The objectives of the water management system include minimizing potential impacts on the
downstream environment by managing water within the Project footprint such that water quality
and water quantity objectives are achieved and limiting the loss of production due to damage
from storm events. The principal philosophy of the Kings Mountain Water Management Plan is
to separate clean, non-contact water from water that has come into contact with mining
activities. Non-contact water will be collected in separate surface water diversion structures,
managed with appropriate erosion and sediment controls where required, and released to
existing drainages at or near the predevelopment discharge points. Contact water will be
collected and conveyed in dedicated surface water diversion structures, which will convey water
to WSB-1. WSB-1 will be the Project's centralized contact water collection point. It will be built
over the existing Executive Club Lake and will serve multiple functions including makeup
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 14

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
process water storage, sediment control, and combining wastewater sources into a single
discharge point.
A diagram showing how water within the Project site will be managed is provided on Figure 6:
KMM Stormwater and Water Management Flowsheet (Appendix A). This diagram shows how
water will be collected and diverted around the main Project facilities, including the open pit,
RSFs, and OSFs. It depicts water management components including ponds, flow paths,
culverts, the WTP, and outfalls. Surface water within the Project area will be managed in three
types, which are distinguished in the diagram. The three types, presented in order of least
impacted to most impacted are:
• Non-contact water does not come into contact with mining activities. It traverses vegetated
or newly constructed native soil surfaces. Generally, all surrounding undisturbed watersheds
and any revegetated surface are defined as generating non-contact water. Depending on
activities within the catchment areas, this water is classified as either unregulated or
stormwater discharges according to Division guidance.
• Non-process contact water does come into contact with mining activities, although it is
expected to meet water quality standards prior to discharge post treatment for suspended
solids and sediment. Generally, water that has come into contact with non-PAG waste rock,
pit walls, and/or haul roads is defined as non-contact contact water (SRK 2024b), and if it
were directly discharged, it would be classified as stormwater by the Division, except for pit
dewatering which would be classified as wastewater.
• PAG contact water interacts with PAG waste and will be treated by the WTP prior to
transferring into WSB-1. If it were directly discharged, PAG contact water would be classified
as wastewater in Division guidance.
A complete description of these water management systems is provided in the Kings Mountain
Surface Water Management Report(SRK 2024b), which is included in Appendix E and is
summarized below.
5.1.1. Unregulated Water
Perimeter channels have been designed to route non-contact runoff from undisturbed areas,
preventing precipitation and runoff from becoming contact water. Water collected from
undisturbed catchment areas is classified as unregulated and can be released to the
environment without sediment controls. Outfalls associated with unregulated water are not
permitted, and water quality monitoring will not occur.
5.1.2. Stormwater
Perimeter channels have been designed to route non-contact runoff from disturbed areas that
have not come into contact with ore, preventing precipitation and runoff from becoming contact
water. Non-contact water originating from disturbed areas are classified as stormwater and will
be managed with sediment controls and monitored as per General Permit requirements before
being released through a permitted outfall (Section 5.3).
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 15

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
Erosion protection for channels was selected based on the maximum tributary catchment
throughout the life of the Project and the expected velocities during design flood events. Most of
the channels were designed to be grass-lined, while those segments with steeper gradients will
be lined with rock riprap. Sediment control ponds were designed using the 25-year, 24-hour
storm event (NCSCC 2013).
Stormwater will be routed through one of the Project's sediment control ponds to manage
sediment (See Section 5.3 for further discussion of discharge locations). Water that reports to
the South Creek Reservoir originates in undisturbed portions of the South Creek watershed,
North NPI watersheds, RSF-A run-on watersheds, and haul roads and railroad corridor
watersheds. This water will be collected in a series of diversion channels and conveyed to
South Creek Reservoir. Additional runoff from the three OSFs will be captured in Sediment
Ponds 62, 63, and 64 before being conveyed to South Creek.
Water reporting to Sediment Pond 1 will originate in the Kings Creek watershed, Battleground
Avenue watersheds, access and haul road watersheds, pit watersheds, OSF-2, and Cardio Hill.
This water will be collected in diversion ditches and either diverted to one of three pit perimeter
ponds (Pit Perimeter Ponds 71, 72, and 73) or sent directly to Sediment Pond 1.. Sediment
Pond 1 will act as sediment control for these streams, and will discharge at Outfall 010, where it
will flow overland to a culvert that discharges to Kings Creek.
Water released from South Creek Reservoir will be conveyed to Kings Creek. Additional
discharges from Pond C-02 (Outfall 005) and water released from WSB-1 (Outfall 003) will join
Kings Creek before it leaves the Project boundary.
Additional sources of stormwater will be collected in a series of ponds and discharged to WSB-
1. These sources include runoff from RSF-A, ore processing areas, NPI areas, etc. These
stormwater sources will commingle with wastewater streams (discussed in Section 5.1.3) before
discharge from WSB-1 at Outfall 003.
• RSF-A surface runoff and seepage will be collected in perimeter ditches and conveyed to
RSF Collection Pond 61. The pond water will be pumped to a contact water pipeline and
conveyed to WSB-1.
• Water from the ore sorting areas and process areas will first be collected in one of several
small collection ponds (Pond M 11, Pond M 12, Pond C01, or Pond CO3). From the ponds,
water will be pumped to WSB-1.
5.1.3. Wastewater
Wastewater will originate from mine dewatering (classified as wastewater by DEMLR), and PAG
contact water from RSF-X
Wastewater will be collected across the site and diverted to WSB-1 before discharging at
Outfall 003. This water will be collected from several site features In the open pit, water that
forms in the pit bottom from surface run-on, runoff from the pit walls, and groundwater inflows
will be collected in a transient sump and then pumped to the surface. Water will be conveyed by
a contact water pipeline to WSB-1.
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 16

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
5.1.4. PAG Contact Water (Wastewater)
Wastewater from PAG sources will originate from RSF-X and RSF-W as runoff and seepage.
Runoff from RSF-W will be routed to the open pit sump where settling will occur. The water in
the open pit would then be pumped to WSB-1 forebay, where additional settling will occur, and
the pumped water will be co-mingled with the water in WSB-1 before being recycled for facility
use and discharge of excess wastewater. Once it has become operational in Mine Year 2, PAG
contact water from RSF-X will be collected in RSF Collection Pond 51, then will be pumped to
the WTP, and after treatment, discharged into WSB-1. Water quality modeling indicates that this
temporary situation will not cause exceedances of NCG02 discharge limits or NC surface water
quality standards.
The site will be equipped with emergency generators and emergency overflows, which will be
used if the site loses power due to an unforeseen event. A contingency that will include
locations of tie-in points and/or emergency pumps to address the containment of PAG contact
water onsite will be developed and in place prior to start of operations.
5.1.5. Impervious Areas
The impervious areas throughout the Project site are shown in Table 5-1 and on
Figure 15: Impervious Areas (Appendix A). These areas include buildings, paved process areas,
roads and parking lots, and ground disturbance areas and pads. There is overlap between
some features, therefore the sum of the areas of each feature type do not equal the total
impervious area.
Table 5-1: Impervious Areas within Permit Boundary
Feature Type Area (acres) Percent of Total Area
Existing buildings 3.15 0.29%
Proposed buildings 23.84 2.20%
Proposed haul road 50.46 4.66%
Proposed site road 27.19 2.51%
RSF liner 56.67 5.23%
Ground disturbance area and pads 158.33 14.61%
Total impervious areas 319.64 29.50%
RSF= rock storage facility
5.2. SURFACE WATER FEATURES AND CONTROLS
The design objectives of the surface water management plan are:
• To prevent precipitation and runoff from becoming wastewater. Diversion channels will be
constructed to divert stormwater away from mine areas and to minimize discharge into
receiving environment.
• To collect and treat PAG wastewater prior to discharge.
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 17

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
The design of Project surface water management features and controls was based on the
Personal Computer Storm Water Management Model (PCSWMM) stormwater modeling results.
PCSWMM is a state-of-the-art hydrological and hydraulic software and a commercial version of
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SWMM5 (Stormwater Management Model) used for
single event and long-term simulations of water runoff quantity and quality in urban and rural
watersheds. Modeled results for flows, flow depths, and channel velocities were examined to
iteratively adjust infrastructure designs to arrive at acceptable hydraulic conditions.
Additional details regarding stormwater modeling are included in the Construction Stormwater
Management Plan in Appendix D and the Kings Mountain Surface Water Management Report in
Appendix E. A depiction of surface water management features and the connections between
them is presented on Figure 6: KMM Stormwater and Water Management Flowsheet.
5.2.1. Design Criteria
Design criteria for Project surface water controls were selected to meet or exceed the
requirements of the North Carolina Surface Mining Manual(NCDEHNR 1996) and the North
Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual(NCSCC 2013). Table 5-2
shows the selected criteria and the North Carolina recommendations.
Table 5-2: Surface Water Control Design Criteria
Infrastructure Type Project Design Criteria Recommended by North
Carolina Mining Manual (1996)
and NCSCC
Permanent channels 100-year storm 10-year storm (temporary)
25-year storm (permanent)
Culverts 100-year storm 25-year storm
Ponds 25-year storm for all sediment control ponds 10-year storm (<20 ac)
25-year storm (>20 ac)
Source: SRK 2024b
ac= acre; NCSCC= North Carolina Sedimentation Control Commission; PMP= probable maximum precipitation;
TSF=tailings storage facility
Additional design criteria specified in the North Carolina Surface Mining Manual(NCDEHNR
1996) that were incorporated into the design include:
• Temporary diversions, those that function for less than a year, have been designed to carry
at least the 10-year design storm for the total drainage area, furthermore:
- Temporary diversions will require erosion protection. Velocities over 2.5 feet per second
may require a temporary liner with supporting design calculations unless the soil is
especially erosion resistant.
- Side slopes of the diversion berm will be constructed to a 2 horizontal to 1 vertical, or
flatter. The slopes will then be immediately seeded.
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 18

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
• Permanent ditches and channels, those constructed to function for more than a year and to
carry concentrated runoff non-erosively to a predetermined destination, have been designed
for a minimum 25-year storm event for the total drainage area, furthermore:
- Side slopes will be 2 horizontal to 1 vertical, or flatter.
- Grass-lined channels will generally be used for slopes less than 5 percent.
- Velocities will not exceed 5 feet per second for established grass-lined channels.
- Sharp bends and turns will be avoided.
- Velocities over the maximum allowable design velocity for grass-lined channels will
require a permanent structural lining such as riprap.
- In cases where velocity allows, riprap may be installed in the bottom of the channel with
grass-lined side slopes to decrease the quantity of riprap needed. Filter fabric or a
6-inch-deep sand gravel crushed stone filter would be installed under the riprap to
prevent undermining. The filter would extend under the entire area of the riprap lining.
- The receiving channel or outlet will be protected from erosion by reducing outlet velocity.
- Outlet protection will be included, if necessary.
- Channels will be stabilized as soon as possible after construction, and sediment-laden
runoff diverted away from stabilized channels.
- Channels will be inspected after every major rainfall and appropriately repaired.
5.2.2. Diversion Channels
The diversion channel network has been designed to keep stormwater separate from
wastewater.
The primary components of the water diversion system include:
• Pit perimeter diversion;
• Waste rock diversion and collection channels; and
• A haul road channel network.
Channels will be sized to safely convey the peak flow produced by the 100-year, 24-hour storm
event using the maximum catchments that will report to the channel. Channel drawings are
provided in Appendix G.
Stormwater surface water channels will be constructed prior to disturbance to divert flows
around mine infrastructure. These stormwater water channels convey runoff from disturbed
natural ground to sediment ponds or from sediment ponds to Kings Creek. A detailed discussion
of the stormwater channels around the pit perimeter are provided in the Surface Water
Management Report(Appendix E), which are discussed as "non-contact water channels."
Channels will be constructed around RSF-A, RSF-X, and the ROM pad to collect surface runoff
and seepage from these areas and prevent mixing with stormwater. Wastewater will be
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 19

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
temporarily held in ponds before being pumped to either the WTP (for water collected at RSF-
X), or to WSB-1 for other locations. A detailed discussion of the wastewater channels around
the RSFs, which are discussed as "contact water channels," can be found in the Surface Water
Management Report(Appendix E).
5.2.3. Culverts and Road Crossings
Culverts will be used to transfer water under perimeter and haul roads. A detailed discussion of
these culverts can be found in the Surface Water Management Report(SRK 2024b).
Hydraulic modeling indicates that all Project culverts can safely pass the peak flows from the
100-year, 24-hour storm. Field inspections of existing culverts deemed them in generally good
condition, with minor modifications recommended at some sites including adding riprap at the
outlet for erosion protection.
5.2.4. Sediment Control Ponds
Permanent sediment basins are designed to serve areas larger than 5 acres and function for
longer than 1 year, however ponds with contributing areas of less than 5 acres are proposed.
Eleven dedicated sediment basins have been designed for the site (Table 5-3), which capture
site runoff and allow sediment to settle. WSB-1, while not designated a primary sediment control
pond, does provide secondary sediment control and is therefore included here for
completeness. The 11 dedicated sediment basins, in addition to WSB-1, include:
• Sediment Pond 1 will manage flows from the pit perimeters, haul roads, NPI areas, and
OSF-2. Water will be conveyed to Kings Creek through Outfall 010 as stormwater.
• Sediment Ponds 62, 63, and 64 will manage stormwater runoff from OSF-1 and OSF-3.
Water will be conveyed to South Creek through Outfalls 062, 063, and 064, respectively.
• Ponds C01 and CO3 will collect water from the ore processing area south of 1-85. Water
collected in these three ponds will be conveyed to WSB-1.
• Pond CO2 will collect water from a small portion of the South NPI area, and provide
sediment control prior to release to Kings Creek at Outfall 005.
• Ponds M11 and M12 will collect water from the ore storage area north of 1-85. Water
collected in these two ponds will be conveyed to WSB-1.
• Pond M81 will collect water from the northern NPI area. Water from this pond will be
pumped to Sediment Pond 1.
• WSB-1 will collect runoff from the WSB-1 watershed, in addition to water conveyed from
Ponds M 11, M 12, C01, CO2, and CO3, and water from the WTP. Water will be released to
Kings Creek through Outfall 003 as wastewater.
Characteristics of the sediment control ponds are provided in Table 5-3 and are depicted on
Figure 5: Kings Mountain Mine Site Layout in Appendix A. Figure 6: KMM Stormwater and
Water Management Flowsheet, shows the connections between sediment control ponds, water
sources, and their discharge points.
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 20

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
Table 5-3: Sediment Control Ponds
Name Contri Design Design Depth Skimmer Water Source Water Division
buting Storage Surface (ft) Size Destination Classification
000 0i0 Orifice)
Sediment 112 417 52.5 11 8/6.5 Pit perimeter 010 Stormwater
Pond 1 ponds, haul
roads, NPI
areas, and
OSF-2
Sediment 9.3 417 52.5 11 3/3 OSF-1 062 Stormwater
Pond 62'
Sediment 30.6 20.4 20.7 4 6/5 OSF-1 063 Stormwater
Pond 63'
Sediment 13.3 57 22.6 6 6/3.5 OSF-3 064 Stormwater
Pond 64'
Pond C012 13.4 111.3 25.5 6 - South NPI Internal N/A
Pond CO22 2.7 - 5.9 6 - South NPI 005 Stormwater
Pond C032 38.5 - 58.2 6 - Concentrator Internal N/A
Pond M112 4.7 80.5 17.9 6 - Concentrator Internal N/A
loadout
Pond M122 27.6 345.5 70.6 6 - ROM Pad Internal N/A
Pond M812 22.2 371.6 18.8 6 - North NPI Internal N/A
WSB-1' 281 4289.8 - 30 - WSB-1 003 Wastewater
watershed,
Ponds M11,
M12, C01,
CO2, and CO3,
WTP
Source:
' SRK 2024b
2 Hatch 2024d
-=data unavailable; ac=acres; Division = Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources;ft=feet;ft3=cubic feet;
in = inch; N/A= not applicable; NPI = non-process infrastructure; OSF=overburden storage facility;
ROM = run-of-mine; WSB=water storage basin;WTP=water treatment plant
5.2.5. Pit Perimeter Ponds
Run-on to the north side of the open pit will be diverted to the south to avoid flooding the mining
activities in the bottom of the pit. However, the terrain upgradient of the pit in this area does not
support gravity flows around the perimeter. For this purpose, three ponds will be required on the
perimeter to capture the flows and convey them, through pumps and force mains, to the
perimeter channels discharging to Sediment Pond 1. These ponds will capture the runoff from
the 100-year, 24-hour storm event, and runoff flow exceeding the pond capacity will report to the
pit bottom to be addressed by the active mine pit dewatering system.
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 21

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
• Pit Pond 71 will be located near the north end of the pit and will collect water from the
drainages north and west of the pit.
• Pit Pond 72 will be located near the crest of the northwest side of the existing pit and will
function until approximately Mine Year 3 when the pit will be expanded and consume this
pond.
• Pit Pond 73 will be located on the northwest pit perimeter road, collecting runoff below the
north access road.
Characteristics of the pit perimeter ponds are provided in Table 5-4.
Table 5-4: Pit Perimeter Ponds
RequiredContributing ' %Area " Design Design Depth
Area Disturbed Storage Storage
hOL & -AL I& (ft3 X
I11 (ft3XJOOO) Area
1000)
Pit Perimeter Pond 71 28.3 4 13.7 15.2 24 10
Pit Perimeter Pond 72 8.2 0 55.5 69.5 20.9 5
Pit Perimeter Pond 73 8.3 10 28.4 35.5 13 5
Source: SRK 2024b
ac= acres; ft=feet; ft3= cubic feet
5.2.6. Seepage Collection Ponds
Seepage and runoff from the RSFs will be collected in seepage collection ponds located
adjacent to each RSF. Seepage and runoff collected from RSF-A will be collected in Collection
Pond 61, then pumped to WSB-1. Seepage and runoff collected from RSF-X will be collected in
Collection Pond 51, then pumped to the WTP for treatment. From the WTP, water will be routed
to WSB-1. These ponds have been sized in conjunction with the calculations performed in the
water balance model (SRK 2024a) to address runoff and seepage reporting to the dump toes at
a 25-year annual exceedance precipitation. As the lag through the RSFs will be on the order of
several days to weeks, multi-day storm events and the dynamic facility heights must be
considered. Pumping systems have been developed as part of the water balance model to
maintain adequate freeboard in the pond for storm events up to the 25-year annual exceedance
precipitation. Seepage ponds are summarized in Table 5-5.
Table 5-5: Seepage Collection Ponds
Pond Capacity
RSF Collection Pond 61 0.66 0.35 RSF-A WSB-1
RSF Collection Pond 51 5.21 1.5 RSF-X WTP
Source: SRK 2024b
ac= acres; Mgal = million gallons; RSF= rock storage facility; WSB=water storage basin;
WTP =water treatment plant
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 22

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
5.2.7. South Creek Reservoir
South Creek Reservoir is a legacy water body that will receive runoff from 357 acres of tributary
catchment, mainly the remaining part of the South Creek watershed that will not be occupied by
RSFs and OSFs. The South Creek Reservoir will be maintained throughout the life of the
Project and will continue to operate as a flood control structure for the upstream area. The
reservoir is functioning as designed and no additional work is required on this facility.
5.2.8. Water Storage Basin 1
Stormwater and wastewater will be routed to the proposed WSB-1, which will be constructed
above the footprint of the existing Executive Club Lake. Wastewater and other treated water
streams will be pumped to WSB-1 for sediment control, mixing, and monitoring prior to release
as wastewater through Outfall 003 to an unnamed tributary to Kings Creek. Since WSB-1
receives wastewater streams in addition to stormwater, the discharge at Outfall 003 will be
regulated as a wastewater discharge. From the discharge point at Outfall 003, it will flow
overland approximately 1,500 feet before joining Kings Creek. Water will be withdrawn from
WSB-1 as part of mine operations to provide water for process makeup, raw water supply, and
dust suppression. WSB-1 has been designed to provide adequate water supply to the mine
even during severe drought conditions and to provide wastewater storage if upset conditions
prevent release of wastewater. Mine water balance modeling estimates that WSB-1 can provide
6 months of water containment under average climatic conditions and anticipated demands for
makeup water before water will need to be released from the pond (SRK 2024a).
WSB-1 will be constructed by restoring the historically breeched embankment to the original
crest elevation of 850 feet amsl above the current discharge outlet of approximately elevation
820 feet amsl. Detailed engineering of the embankment, dam hazard classification, and dam
breech analysis will be provided in the WSB-1 Dam Safety Authorization application
(SRK 2024d). Note that the existing storage of Executive Club Lake below elevation 820 feet
amsl is considered dead storage and not included in the calculation.
The primary outlet from WSB-1 will be a low-level outlet through the embankment. The low-level
outlet will include a gated outlet at elevation 820 feet amsl to allow the pond to be completely
drained for maintenance activities but will not be used during normal operations. Normal
operational discharges will be managed through a series of 18-inch diameter vertical risers
placed along the upstream embankment face at 5 feet vertical spacing. Each of these risers
may be manually closed with a cap and accessed from a stairway adjacent to the riser pipes.
Nominal operations are expected to use the riser at elevation 830 feet amsl, maintaining 10 feet
of water within WSB-1 and an estimated volume of 32.09 million gallons. If required due to
upset conditions, additional risers can be capped, raising the water level in WS13-1 in 5-foot
increments.
An emergency spillway will be included for WSB-1 with an invert elevation of 843 feet amsl
which will discharge over natural ground adjacent to the embankment. It will utilize the historical
alignment of the original spillway, routing the emergency overflow back to the original drainage
which joins Kings Creek. The emergency spillway has been sized to convey the probable
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 23

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
maximum flood (PMF) from the surrounding watershed with a maximum flow depth of 2 feet
above the spillway, limiting the maximum water level elevation in WSB-1 to elevation 845 feet
amsl.
Wastewater inflows to WSB-1 will be conveyed from other facilities in the Project area via the
wastewater pipeline, which will discharge to the pond at the far eastern (upstream) end of the
pond which will form a sediment forebay. A 5-feet high permeable rockfill dam will serve to trap
coarse sediments in the forebay. The remainder of WSB-1 will form a long, narrow lake, and
with the nominal 830 feet amsl water level and a 100-year peak inflow, result in an estimated
114 hours of residence time in WSB-1. This is sufficient to trap 4-micron particle sized sediment.
5.2.9. Water Treatment Plant
The WTP will receive inflows of excess water from the concentrator and seepage/runoff from
RSF-X routed through Collection Pond 51. The WTP will be designed for an average flow of 145
gpm and a peak flow of 327 gpm treatment capacity and be constructed adjacent to the
concentrator. The WTP is designed to operate 365 days/year.
Water to be treated by the WTP will first be collected in a feed tank. Water will then travel to the
aeration tank where metals, principally iron and manganese, will be oxidized. Water will then
pass to the reaction tank, which will complete the coagulation and flocculation steps of the water
treatment process. Next, water will pass through the clarifier which will facilitate settling of solids
and clarification of the liquid. Then, it will move through the ultrafiltration system to remove
residual total suspended solids from the clarification stage. From the ultrafiltration system, water
will move through the reverse osmosis system then be stored in the treated water tank. Treated
water from the WTP will either be reused within the concentrator or discharged to WSB-1.
A complete description of each component of the water treatment system, and a block flow
diagram, can be found in Appendix H.
5.3. SITE DISCHARGES
All regulated surface water from the Project site will be discharged to one of eight permanent
and four temporary outfalls on Albemarle's KMM property. The four temporary outfalls will be
used during the Project's construction phase only. Water will be discharged into an unnamed
tributary to Kings Creek, Kings Creek, or South Creek, which eventually flows into King's Creek.
Water from two RSF-A run-on catchment areas will only be exposed to undisturbed areas,
therefore runoff from these two sites is not regulated.
An additional area in the eastern portion of the north NPI area will collect stormwater in a small
temporary sediment pond before it discharges to ground to the east. This discharge will not
enter the natural surface water system. Discharged water will infiltrate to the groundwater
system, therefore this water is unregulated.
For the purposes of the NCG02 permit application and this supporting documentation, the
NCDEQ's Stormwater Program and "Guidance Document for determination of National Pollutant
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 24

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
Discharge Elimination System regulatory status of various discharges on a mine site" were
referenced for the determination and classification of stormwater and wastewater discharges.
The proposed outfall locations are shown in Table 5-6 and illustrated on Figures 3, 5, 8 through
13, 16, and 17, in Appendix A.
Table 5-6: Project Discharge Outfall Locations
Outfall Water Origin Water Type Receiving Water Notes
Number
003 Outlet from WSB-1 dam Wastewater Kings Creek Combined outlet of all the
discharges going into WSB-1,
including water from the
WTP, open pit, ore storage
and processing area ponds,
Collection Pond 61, and
contributing catchments.
Includes both stormwater and
wastewater.
005 Pond CO2 Stormwater Kings Creek Stormwater from south NPI
area, initially from temporary
sediment pond then Pond
CO2 once it is constructed.
010 Sediment Pond 1 Stormwater Kings Creek Stormwater from Sediment
Pond 1, which captures water
from OSF-3, pit perimeter
ponds, and contributing
catchments. Downstream of
Technology Center, near
other stormwater discharge
locations. May flow into the
wetland area and thence to
Kings Creek.
062 Sediment Pond 62 Stormwater South Creek Stormwater from Sediment
Pond 62, which captures
runoff from OSF-1.
063 Sediment Pond 63 Stormwater South Creek Stormwater from Sediment
Pond 63, which captures
runoff from OSF-1.
064 Sediment Pond 64 Stormwater South Creek Stormwater from Sediment
Pond 64, which captures
runoff from OSF-3.
067 Haul road and railroad Stormwater South Creek Stormwater originating in haul
watershed road and railroad watersheds.
201* Temporary sediment pond, Stormwater Kings Creek Temporary (construction
then Pond M11 only)outfall. Stormwater from
south NPI (north of 1-85).
202* Temporary sediment pond, Stormwater Kings Creek Temporary (construction
then Pond M12 only)outfall. Stormwater from
south NPI (north of 1-85).
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 25

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
Outfall Water Origin Water Type Receiving Water Notes
Number 203* Temporary sediment pond, Stormwater Kings Creek Temporary (construction
then Pond C01 only)outfall. Stormwater from
south NPI (south of 1-85).
204* Temporary sediment pond Stormwater South Creek Temporary (construction
only)outfall. Stormwater from
north NPI.
*= Outfall is temporary only, and will be used during the Project's construction phase only.
1-85= Interstate 85; NPI = non-process infrastructure; OSF=overburden storage facility; Technology Center=
Technology Center for Global Research and Development;WSB =water storage basin;
WTP=water treatment plant
5.4. WATER BALANCE
Albemarle commissioned SRK to support prefeasibility-study-level water management for the
proposed open-pit mine and associated facilities and infrastructure at the KMM. That study
presented the development of a water balance model to simulate the water inflows, outflows,
storage, losses, and consumption associated with the Project during construction, operation and
post-closure activities. SRK developed a site-specific water balance model using the
commercial software package GoldSim (GoldSim 2021). The water balance model is a
simulation of the mine water management system that incorporates dynamic aspects of the
mining activities, specifically:
• Predevelopment simulation of the existing streamflows and pit lake filling to establish
baseline conditions.
• Simulation of mine development, including development mine activities, facility construction,
and diversion and management of water around the site in anticipation of mine activities.
• Simulation of active mining, including processing rates, facility growth, demand,
consumption, and discharge of treated and untreated water from the mine process, RSFs,
tailings facilities, and water management ponds and infrastructure.
• Simulation of mine closure and post-closure activities, including re-mining of PAG waste
rock for pit backfill, removal and decommissioning of ponds and diversions, and filling the pit
lake leading to eventual pit lake discharge to the adjacent natural channels.
As an overarching goal of mine water management, the site-wide water balance attempts to
provide sufficient water for the process to operate at design levels while controlling the
undesirable release of impacted water from the site. The water balance process attempts to
consume the most impacted water at the site first, before attempting to consume water from
less impacted sources. Similarly, if water needs to be released from the site, the model attempts
to release (or not capture) the least impacted water first, before releasing other, more impacted
water. Note that released water will be treated, where necessary, before release. While the
model does not explicitly calculate or assign water quality to the water flows within the model,
flows are generally considered to conform to four different water categories and are managed
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 26

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
accordingly. The full Technical Report 2023 Prefeasibility Study Surface Water: Water Balance
Development Report is provided in Appendix I.
The interconnections between the facilities are displayed on the Project stormwater and water
management flowsheet, included in Appendix A, Figure 6: KMM Stormwater and Water
Management Flowsheet. The flowsheet shows the relationships between diversion channels,
ponds, culverts, the WTP, and outfalls. Flow arrows are color coded to correspond to the three
different water categories (non-contact water, non-process contact water, and PAG contact
water), along with average annual flows along flow paths.
5.4.1. Water Balance Results
Key findings are presented in the Technical Report 2023 Prefeasibility Study Surface Water:
Water Balance Development Report(Appendix 1), with select results presented here.
• The model indicated that the flows at Weir#7, located at the downstream discharge point on
the Kings Mountain property, would typically experience moderate to slightly higher flows
during the LOM than in a no development scenario. The slightly higher predicted flows are
largely due to the addition of pit dewatering flows and the capture of flows previously
contributing to the closed basin (e.g., the pit lake). The closure/post-closure period still
shows a minor increase in flows at Weir#7, as closed basins upstream of the weir have
been graded to drain into the stream network.
• The site-wide water balance is generally net positive, outside extreme droughts where the
WSB-1 water balance is slightly negative and stored inventory is consumed. During the fifth
percentile dry year, the pond volume is not significantly depleted indicating that there is
sufficient water to meet Project demands.
• Water contributions to WSB-1 are consistent across all climate scenarios, with 45 to
47 percent of the flows coming from pit dewatering, and 47 to 49 percent coming from
treated PAG contact water flows. The remaining contributions come from non-PAG contact
water and ROM pad contact water.
• Contact water from the RSFs is largely the result of precipitation infiltration into the waste
rock. The coarse nature of the rock precludes runoff from the waste rock surface except
during significant rainfall events. Once the RSF is closed and covered with a reclamation
cover, collected seepage drops to near zero and is no longer transferred to WSB-1.
5.5. WATER QUALITY
A comprehensive baseline characterization of water quality has been conducted for the Project
site. This characterization, along with results from the water balance model, groundwater model,
mine plan, geological materials characterization, and geologic model, have been used to
develop integrated conceptual models for the proposed future mine facilities. These conceptual
models have been used to develop water quality predictions for the Project. A summary of water
quality characterization and predicted facility water quality is included below.
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 27

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
5.5.1. Surface Water Quality
Albemarle has been conducting routine quarterly surface water sampling from multiple locations
at site for approximately 2.5 years. The number of locations has fluctuated over the project
duration to meet data needs, but at least 8 locations representing important water features on
site have been sampled each event. To date, 75 sample events are available in total.
Results indicate that baseline water quality meets NCDEQ Class C water quality standards, with
exceptions noted below. These exceedances are considered to be geogenic in origin, and
therefore not an impact of the prior operation. Extensive geochemical testing of the naturally
occurring materials within the project boundary has indicated that multiple metals are present in
the rocks at concentrations exceeding average crustal abundance and therefore future
exceedances may be observed within some water bodies. However, forward looking water
quality predictions do not indicate any exceedances at permitted discharge points:
• Copper: nine measurements in exceedance from 75 sampling events, observed in five
locations
• Nickel: four measurements in exceedance from 75 sampling events, observed in three
locations
• Radium-228: three measurements in exceedance from 75 sampling events, observed in
three locations
• Gross alpha: one measurement in exceedance from 75 sampling events, observed in one
location
• pH: three measurements in exceedance (below 6)from 75 sampling events, observed in
three locations
• Cyanide: total two measurements in exceedance from 75 sampling events, observed in two
locations
A discussion of predicted water quality is found in the next section.
5.5.2. Predicted Water Storage Basin 1 Water Quality
WSB-1 will collect and discharge all waters that contact waste rock and ore along with process
wastewater, and therefore has the greatest potential for water quality to be impacted by
operations. Albemarle performed water quality predictions for WSB-1 to compare the anticipated
discharge to NCG02 and NCDEQ Class C Surface Water Quality Standards.
Results are summarized in Table 5-7 below and compared to NCG02 and Class C standards.
Concentrations of all parameters with the exception of pH are predicted to be below NCDEQ
Class C surface water standards and NCG02 wastewater discharge limits.
The predicted marginally low pH is attributed to the naturally acidic pH of rainwater that will
contribute direct precipitation to WSB-1, with precipitation representing approximately 30
percent of total water. However, water quality sampling for Executive Club Lake, which currently
receives essentially the same direct precipitation as will WSB-1, has not shown lower pH, which
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 28

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge-NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
provides strong confidence that the pH of the discharge waters will meet the NCG02 standard.
However, Albemarle has developed and will implement an adaptive operational monitoring plan
to include increased sampling frequency and contingency plans if low pH is measured, which
will include holding material in WSB-1 to prevent discharge before mitigation is implemented.
Discharge of water from WS13-1 is expected to meet all NCDEQ Class C surface water
standards and NCG02 discharge limits.
Table 5-7: Water Storage Basin 1 Water Quality Predictions
NCDEQSurface Water Standard
Parameter Class C Waters 1 e
i
uality Predictions3
Chronic Acute
pH 6.0-9.0 6.0-9.0 5.64 4.94 5.75
Total dissolved 500 210 118 256
solids
Chloride 230 8.71 6.8 11.8
Antimony 0.34/0.34 0.0009 <0.0004 0.0013
Aluminum 0.3/0.75 0.24 0.03 0.64
Arsenic 0.15 0.34 0.15/0.15 0.003 0.0004 0.004
Beryllium 0.0065 0.065 0.0004 <0.00008 0.0007
Cadmium 0.0006 4 0.00394 0.0001 <0.00005 0.0002
Chromium 0.104 0.794 0.117/0.905 0.004 0.001 0.011
Copper 0.013 4 0.0204 0.002 <0.0008 0.005
Fluoride 1.8 6/6 0.16 <0.15 0.23
Lead 0.00394 0.104 0.0003 <0.0001 0.0006
Mercury 0.000012 0.000001 <0.0000003 0.000002
Nickel 0.073 4 0.66 4 0.011 0.002 0.038
Selenium 0.005 0.0004 <0.0001 0.0006
Silver 0.00006 0.0065 4 0.0002 0.0001 0.0003
Zinc 0.167 4 0.165 4 0.126/0.126 0.04 <0.006 0.08
Notes:
All concentrations in milligrams per liter(mg/L)
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality 15A NCAC 0213.0211:Fresh Surface Water Quality Standards
for Class C Waters
2 The two numbers in the NCG02 column represent the daily maximum and monthly average
3 Source: SRK 2024c
4 Thresholds calculated assuming a hardness value of 150 mg/L as CaCO3(calcium carbonate)
NCDEQ= North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality;WSB =water storage basin
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 29

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
6. EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION POLLUTION CONTROLS
As part of site construction and commissioning, Albemarle has prepared ECP templates for the
NPI areas during the Project's construction phase (Hatch 2024e; Appendix D) and a second
plan for operations and the process areas during construction (Hatch 2024e; Appendix D and
SRK 2024e; Appendix F).
The plans comply with the specific requirements of the Erosion and Sediment Control Planning
and Design Manual(NCSCC 2013), and include the following elements:
• Brief narrative
• Construction schedule
• Maintenance plan
• Vicinity map
• Site topographic map
• Site development plan
• Erosion and sedimentation control plan drawing
• Detailed drawings and specifications
• Vegetative plan
• Supporting calculations
• Financial responsibility/ownership form
• Checklist
6.1. TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT CONTROLS
The proposed temporary and permanent stormwater management and erosion controls have
been designed in accordance with the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Planning and Design
Manual(NCSCC 2013) and the North Carolina Surface Mining Manual(NCDEHNR 1996).
6.1.1. Temporary Controls
Temporary sediment and erosion controls will be implemented during different Project phases
and may be used during one or more phase. These temporary controls will be removed when
no longer needed.
6.1.1.1. Construction
During the construction phase, controls will include but are not limited to:
• Silt fences
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 30

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
- Sediment fences will be placed around disturbed surfaces during construction to
minimize sediment from entering the stormwater channels. Sediment fences are
anticipated during:
■ Clearing and construction;
■ Construction of haul roads, stormwater diversion channels, sediment ponds, and
other mine infrastructure; and
■ Construction of the process area and non-process area sites.
• Rock construction entrances
- To be installed at various construction access points to reduce the amount of material
leaving the site on vehicle tires.
• Diversion berms
- Will be used to direct flow to the stormwater collection system away from disturbed,
unconsolidated areas.
• Compost filter socks and sediment fences
- Filter socks comprised of flocculant will be used to filter sediment from sheet or
channelized flow.
• Erosion control blankets
- Will be used to temporarily stabilize disturbed areas to prevent sediment transport during
rainfall events.
• Pumps / pumped water filter bags
- Will be used during dewatering to trap sediment.
• Temporary sediment ponds
- Have been designed to receive stormwater flows from disturbed and undisturbed ground
collected by perimeter channels. Sediment ponds will provide retention time for
suspended particles to settle out of the water column.
- Will be installed to service areas less than 5 acres, for up to 1 year. The storage capacity
of the traps will be at least 1,800 cubic feet of storage per disturbed acre of drainage
area.
• Dust control
- Haul traffic on dirt roads between the mine facilities will be ongoing during mine
development, operations, and post-closure activities and will require regular application
of water for dust control, which will be accomplished by a fleet of water trucks equipped
with sprinkler attachments.
■ Dust control water will be supplied by the pit dewatering prior to discharging into
WSB-1 or directly from WSB-1, if needed.
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 31

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
• Temporary seeding
- The application of seed mixtures will be used to stabilize disturbed areas. Operational
stockpiling of growth media will occur throughout the life of the Project as mine facilities
are developed or incrementally expanded. Where suitable growth media can be
harvested from the surfaces during the facility development, the growth media will be
stockpiled in designated areas. The stockpiled growth media will be used during
concurrent closure and final closure activities, as described below. As the stockpiles
achieve their ultimate shape, the surfaces will be temporarily vegetated to minimize
erosion.
Sediment basin outlet structures will be equipped with skimmers. Skimmer surface drains will
float on the surface of the sediment basin as it fills and drains, releasing the clean water in the
basin rather than draining from the bottom, as conventional outlets do. The skimmer will drain
the basin slowly over several days and at a constant rate to maximize settling. The details of the
skimmer outlet structure are included in Section 5.2.4.
6.1.1.2. Operations
During the operations phase, controls may include controls used during construction, and will
also include but are not limited to:
• Pit perimeter ponds (Section 5.2.5)
• Seepage collection ponds (Section 5.2.6)
- In addition to the stormwater sediment control ponds, wastewater runoff and seepage
from RSF-A and RSF-X will be collected in wastewater channels and routed to collection
ponds associated with each RSF:
■ RSF-A: RSF Collection Pond 61
■ RSF-X: RSF Collection Pond 51
• Rock dam sediment trap (Section 5.2.8)
- WSB-1 will include a sediment forebay consisting of a coarse rock dam to encourage
larger sediment particles to drop out in the upstream portion of the basin to simplify
cleanout.
• Grass-lined channels (Section 5.2.2)
- Temporary stormwater diversions channels will be constructed to route stormwater
through the Project area. Where calculations indicate that grass-lined channels will have
adequate erosion resistance, these channels will be stabilized and revegetated as part
of channel construction.
• Riprap-lined channels (Section 5.2.2)
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 32

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
- Temporary wastewater channels along the perimeter of the RSFs will route runoff and
seepage flows to the individual wastewater ponds associated with each mine facility
before being transferred to the WTP or WSB-1.
• Outlet protection level spreader (Section 5.2.8)
- WSB-1 will discharge into a tributary of Kings Creek through a vertical riser pipe. The
outlet pipe will use a level spreader at the discharge point into the tributary to minimize
erosion.
• Paved flume (Section 5.2.8)
- The emergency spillway from WSB-1 will discharge on the right abutment of the dam
and has been sized to convey the PMF over natural ground to a tributary of Kings Creek.
The descent down to the tributary will be paved to minimize erosion of the hillside and
the tributary in the unlikely event the spillway is discharging.
6.1.2. Permanent Controls
The various erosion and sediment control measures to be used during operation are described
in the ECPs provided in Appendix F. Permanent controls include:
• Sediment control ponds (Sections 5.2.4 and 5.2.7)
• Grass-lined channels (Section 5.2.2)
- Permanent stormwater diversions channels will be constructed to route stormwater flow
through the Project area. Where calculations indicate that grass-lined channels will have
adequate erosion resistance, these channels will be stabilized and revegetated as part
of channel construction.
• Riprap-lined channels (Section 5.2.2)
- Permanent wastewater channels along the perimeter of the RSF will route runoff and
seepage flows to the individual wastewater ponds associated with each mine facility
before being transferred to WSB-1 or the WTP.
• Outlet protection level spreader
- Outlet level spreaders will be used on all permanent sediment control ponds that
discharge to the environment, including Sediment Pond 1, South Creek Reservoir,
Sediment Ponds 61 through 63, and Pond CO2.
- Permanent pond Sediment Pond 1 will discharge into Kings Creek using a skimmer as
well as an emergency spillway. The outlet pipe from the skimmer, as well as the
discharge from the emergency spillway, will both use level spreaders at the discharge
point into Kings Creek to minimize erosion.
- The existing South Creek Reservoir outlet structure includes a riprap rock down chute
that functions as a level spreader to minimize erosion as it discharges into Kings Creek.
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 33

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
6.1.2.1. Post-Closure
As part of post-closure, controls will include but are not limited to:
• Surface grading
- Final RSF surfaces will be constructed at an overall slope of 2.5 horizontal to 1 vertical,
although some operational slopes will be a mix of angle of repose faces and horizontal
catch berms. Angle of repose surfaces remaining at closure will be regraded to 2.5
horizontal to 1 vertical. Where Project infrastructure has been demolished and removed,
the surface will be regraded to provide positive drainage.
• Surface topsoiling, roughening, and revegetation
- Surfaces that will remain at closure, including regraded mine facilities and removed
infrastructure, will be covered with a minimum of 2 feet thickness of growth media
stockpiled during the development and operational stages of the mine. The surfaces will
be roughened prior to permanent seeding using a vegetation plan developed and
validated during the operational phase of the mine.
• Riprap-lined channels
- Additional channels may be required to convey water from closed surfaces, which will be
developed during the closure plan design; this will include the final outlet from the Kings
Mountain pit, which will form a lake that is predicted to fill the pit and overtop around the
year 2090. Based on post-mining topography, a channel will be designed and
constructed to discharge the PMF from the pit lake overtop to the adjacent Kings Creek.
6.2. MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Maintenance of all erosion and stormwater control features at the site will be the responsibility of
Albemarle, who will prepare and maintain a schedule for regular inspection and maintenance.
Maintenance will also include system inspection following significant storm events, removal of
sediment, debris, and new plant growth from all conveyances and sediment ponds, and repair of
damage to the system, as necessary, to maintain proper operation consistent with the design.
Maintenance requirements will be explicitly defined in the ECP that will be prepared and
approved prior to construction. It will include a review and updated schedule for the plan itself to
comply with the most recent guidance documents, practices, and procedures.
6.3. RESPONSIBLE PARTIES
Albemarle's site maintenance team will have primary responsibility for implementing the ECP in
coordination with the site environmental and capital projects teams.
6.4. VEGETATION STABILIZATION PLAN
In accordance with the North Carolina Application for a Mining Permit, the reclamation plan
includes plans for year-round seeding, including the time of seeding and the amount of seed,
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 34

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
type of seed, fertilizer, lime, and mulch per acre. The recommendations must include general
seeding instructions for both permanent and temporary revegetation.
7. ANALYTICAL MONITORING
Analytical monitoring will occur at all stormwater and wastewater discharge outfalls and/or
authorized representative discharge outfalls, as specified in Section 5.3. Stormwater sampling,
as outlined in General Permit NCG02000, will occur at eight permanent and five temporary
outfall locations, while wastewater sampling as outlined in General Permit NCG02000, will occur
at one outfall, located at the WSB-1 outlet, which will discharge commingled stormwater and
wastewater. Each outfall will discharge to a freshwater receiving stream, either South Creek,
Kings Creek, or a small tributary to Kings Creek (Section 5.3). South Creek and Kings Creek are
not classified as HQW, ORW, tidal salt waters, primary nursery area, or trout water.
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 35

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge-NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
& REFERENCES
AECOM. 2024. Water Quality Sampling Report- Q3 & Q4 2023. Prepared for: Albemarle
Corporation. May 2024.
FHA (Federal Highway Administration). 2021. "HY-8" culvert analysis software. Federal
Highway Administration. Version 7.70.10.0. June 2, 2021.
GoldSim. 2021. GoldSim, Version 14.0. GoldSim Technology Group. November 2021.
Hatch (Hatch Engineering, LTD). 2023a. Albemarle Kings Mountain Select Phase Study- Utility
Relocation & Site Access- Preliminary Clearing and Soil Disturbance. October 6, 2023.
Project No. H371132.
Hatch. 2023b. Albemarle: Kings Mountain Mine Select EPCM: Environmental Management
Plan. December 13, 2023.
Hatch. 2024a. Utility Relocation & Site Access- Preliminary Clearing and Site Disturbance -
Albemarle Kings Mountain Mine Select Phase Study. August 20, 2024.
Hatch. 2024b. Construction Stormwater Management Plan -Albemarle Kings Mountain Mine
Select Phase EPCM. July 12, 2024.
Hatch. 2024c. Water Treatment Plant Process Description-Albemarle Kings Mountain Mine
Select Phase EPCM. March 26, 2024.
Hatch. 2024d. Preliminary Drainage Analysis Report for the NPI, Ore Mining and Process
Areas-Operations-Albemarle Kings Mountain Mine Select Phase EPCM. July 5, 2024.
Hatch. 2024e. Construction Stormwater Management Plan -Albemarle Kings Mountain Mine
Select Phase EPCM. July 12, 2024.
ISO 748:2021-Hydrometry
MAC (The Mining Association of Canada). 2021. Developing an Operation, Maintenance, and
Surveillance Manual for Tailings and Water Management Facilities. Version 2.1. March
2021.
NCDEHNR (State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural
Resources). 1996. North Carolina Surface Mining Manual.
NCSCC (North Carolina Sedimentation Control Commission). 2013. Erosion and Sediment
Control Planning and Design Manual. May 2013.
SRK (SRK Consulting U.S., Inc.). 2023a. Technical Memorandum: Pre-production 2024 Access
and Utility Reroute Works for Kings Mountain Site - Rev08. Submitted to Albemarle.
October 6, 2023. SRK Project No. USPR000576.
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 36

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
SRK. 2023b. Select Phase Geotechnical Report— Waste Rock Design and Stability— Kings
Mountain Mining Project, North Carolina, USA Rev03. Report prepared for Albemarle
Corporation. September 15, 2023. (Includes the Kings Mountain Waste Rock
Management Plan).
SRK. 2023c. Technical Memorandum: RSF-X Design. Report submitted to Albemarle
Corporation. September 15, 2023. Albemarle Document No. KM60-EN-RP-9480.
SRK. 2023d. Numerical Report to Support EA, Hydrogeological Study and Groundwater
Modeling. Report prepared for Albemarle Corporation. Albemarle Document No. KM60-
EN-RP-9044.
SRK. 2023e. Conceptual Report Closure Plan Kings Mountain Mining Project. Report prepared
for Albemarle Corporation. September 2023.
SRK. 2024a. Technical Report: 2023 Prefeasibility Study— Surface Water: Water Balance
Development Report: Kings Mountain Mining Project, Rev1.0. Prepared for Albemarle
U.S., Inc. April 12, 2024. Albemarle Document No.: KM60-EN-RP-9053.
SRK. 2024b. Surface Water Management Report: Kings Mountain Mining Project, Rev03.
Prepared for Albemarle U.S., Inc. April 15, 2024. Albemarle Document No.: KM60-EN-
RP-9052.
SRK. 2024c. Technical Report: 2023 Prefeasibility Study— Geochemistry Water Quality
Predictions, Kings Mountain Mining Project. Prepared for Albemarle U.S., Inc. April 15,
2024. Albemarle Document No.: KM60-EN-RP-9151.
SRK. 2024d. Dam Safety Permit Application for Contact Water Pond.
SRK. 2024e. Erosion and Sediment Control Plan: Kings Mountain Mining Project. April 3, 2024.
Albemarle Document No.: KM60-EN-RP-9052.
SWCA (SWCA Environmental Consultants). 2023. Wetland and Waterbody Delineation Report
for the Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Cleveland County, North Carolina. Prepared for
Albemarle U.S., Inc. September 2023.
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464 37

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
APPENDIX A FIGURES
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
APPENDIX B U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS APPROVED
JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION FOR KINGS MOUNTAIN MINE AND
LETTER REQUESTING AN UPDATED APPROVED JURISDICTIONAL
DETERMINATION
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
APPENDIX C PRELIMINARY DRAINAGE ANALYSIS REPORT FOR THE NPI,
ORE MINING AND PROCESS AREAS-OPERATIONS
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
APPENDIX D CONSTRUCTION STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
APPENDIX E SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT REPORT AND ADDENDUMS
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
APPENDIX F EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN - CONSTRUCTION
AND OPERATIONS
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
APPENDIX G SURFACE WATER CHANNEL PLANS
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
APPENDIX H WATER TREATMENT PLANT PROCESS DESCRIPTION
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
APPENDIX I TECHNICAL REPORT: 2023 PREFEASIBILITY STUDY
SURFACE WATER: WATER BALANCE DEVELOPMENT REPORT
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
APPENDIX J BUSINESS CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT
(Section 9 of NCG02 application form.)
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464

Stormwater and Wastewater Management and Discharge—NCG02 Application
Kings Mountain Lithium Mine Project
APPENDIX K KINGS MOUNTAIN MINE PERMIT APPLICATION COVER
LETTER AND FORM
(Supporting narrative and appendices are not provided with this application.)
Doc No.: KM60-EN-RP-9464