Albemarle is a leader in responsible mining practices, and we intend to redevelop the Kings Mountain Mine in an environmentally and socially responsible way. In addition to the planned implementation of a number of responsible mining practices, Albemarle expects to seek community input throughout the mine life, including completing a voluntary Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) to better understand and develop environmental and social management plans that are designed to minimize adverse impacts and enhance benefits from the mine. 

 

High Standards and Accountability 

As part of our commitment to responsible mining, Albemarle is developing the mine in line with the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance’s (IRMA) Standard for Responsible Mining. This standard is a comprehensive and rigorous set of expectations that independent auditors can use to benchmark mining practices that reduce adverse environmental and social impacts that may stem from this mine redevelopment. As we plan to redevelop the Kings Mountain Mine, we intend to align with the IRMA Standard. 

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Responsible Land Use  

The plan includes the use of the former Kings Mountain Mine to support mining operations and the use of a former mica mine for tailings storage—both designed to minimize the amount of land disturbance necessary. Over 60% of the project site was previously used for mining operations.  

 

Sustainable Water Use  

The mine is designed to operate with collected precipitation to support its operations, relying on external sources only for drinking water, fire protection and sanitary purposes. 

 

Sustainable Resource Management  

A portion of non-ore-bearing material from mining operations is planned to be transferred to the adjacent Martin Marietta Kings Mountain Quarry for processing and sale as construction aggregate.  

In addition, Albemarle is currently testing secondary markets for processed ore tailings, which may have applications in ceramics or construction materials industries.   

Workers in front of table with Caterpillar and Albemarle logos.
SUPPORTING A CIRCULAR BATTERY VALUE CHAIN

In 2023, Albemarle signed agreements with Caterpillar Inc. to collaborate on solutions to support the full circular battery value chain and sustainable mining operations. These efforts include the utilization of next-generation, battery-powered mining equipment that can support Albemarle’s efforts to establish Kings Mountain as the first-ever net zero greenhouse gas emissions lithium mine site in North America. 

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Mitigating Potential Impacts

Water

Albemarle’s goal in the redevelopment of the Kings Mountain Mine site is to design and deploy safe and environmentally responsible mining methods that protect groundwater and surface water resources. We plan to conduct ongoing water monitoring and maintain a mitigation plan to address any issues throughout the lifecycle of the mine operations, through to the closure of the site. 

Air

Albemarle is working with environmental consultants to conduct studies to gather data and develop models to understand how atmospheric processes like wind speed and temperature can disperse potential pollutants during mining activities. We plan to use this information to evaluate the potential impacts of emissions on the surrounding communities and help determine an appropriate mitigation strategy. 

Noise

Albemarle is developing a noise monitoring and mitigation plan. A network of nine monitoring stations has been installed around the site to assess vibration and noise levels produced by mining activity and confirm they are well below thresholds established by state regulations. We expect to provide the monitoring results every quarter.  

Traffic

Albemarle is implementing a comprehensive traffic management plan that analyzes vehicle travel and hauling operations during key phases of the Kings Mountain Mine’s development. The plan is intended to increase safety and minimize negative impacts on nearby residents and other roadway users. The plan takes into consideration the equipment needed to support mining operations, employee and delivery vehicles, and the construction phase. 

Visual Impacts

The redevelopment plan for the proposed Kings Mountain Mine involves the construction of infrastructure to support the mine’s construction and ongoing operations. We anticipate that this development will change some of the viewsheds of certain areas throughout the community such as residential neighborhoods, parks, schools and major travel routes, due to the altered height and mass of the new infrastructure. Albemarle is planning to take detailed measures to mitigate potential visual impacts through the use of buffers, landscaping and berms.  

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