This Project has Three Distinct Phases

Exploration
ON-GOING

Land Acquisition and Planning
ON-GOING

Construction
IN PLANNING

Exploration

On Going Phase

The Rexton Project will initially involve surface quarries and, in the future, an underground mine. Our exploration program in the region has located limestone of both suitable quality and quantity, and we are now securing the rights to the land, as well as proceeding with applications for the required permits. Exploration may continue, as needed, to further characterize the limestone in the Rexton Project areas.

Click the button below to continue reading about the application on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website.

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March 19, 2015

MDNR Land Transaction Following a recommendation from senior department officials, DNR Director Keith Creagh approved the Graymont land transaction application during meeting of the Natural Resources Committee held in Roscommon, MI This land transaction application approval authorized the following land and /or mineral transactions

Direct Purchase of 1,807 acres

Reduction of ~84% from original November 2013 proposal

Mineral Rights of 7,027 acres

Surface ownership remains with MDNR

Land Exchange of 831 acres

Similar value land provided in exchange


View Final Application

We are Listening to the Community

The final version of the
Land Transaction Application that was approved by the MDNR:

Included a new Community Development fund to provide direct
economic benefit to the project area

Included additional trail easements consistent with Graymont’s
commitment to maintaining continuity throughout the project area

Reduced the amount of surface ownership requested to 2638 acres
with 831 of these acres being transferred through an exchange for similar value lands.

MDNR Land Acquisition Summary

On Going Phase

Land Transaction Map

1,678 Acres
for a West Surface Mine

• 1,007 Acres as direct sale

• 671 Acres transferred as an exchange for land of equivalent value.

160 Acres
for an Eastern Quarry

transferred as an exchange for land of equivalent value.

7,027 Acres
for an Underground Mine

Direct purchase of sub-surface interests and rights to make limited use of the surface to support underground mine operations (Ventilation, mine access, etc.).

• State retains ownership of the surface.

Underground Mine Model

Up to 55 Acres
for an Optional-Surface Easement

To support transportation within the project area.

778 Acres
of Exchange Land

Direct purchase of land adjacent to the underground mine area.

Graymont also submitted an application to the MDNR proposing an exchange of mineral rights involving areas in the Hendricks and Trout Lake townships. This exchange was completed March 26, 2015.

Mineral Exchange Map

As per the application, Graymont transferred its mineral rights on approximately 1718 acres under State owned forest land near the Fiborn Quarry. The State already owned the surface of these properties and wished to consolidate its ownership interests, by owning both the surface and the mineral rights.

The State transferred mineral rights on an equivalent area, approximately
1712 Acres, located in the Hiawatha National Forest to Graymont.

The surface of these properties is
owned by the Federal Government,
represented by the USFS.

We estimate the active areas would be no more than 400 acres of surface mines and 1000 acres for a potential processing facility and mining infrastructure.

~2,700 Acres

Of the total area will be at the surface.

There will be no more than 400 Acres of active surface mining at any time. (Including areas under undergoing active reclamation).Quarry development is expected to advance around 10-20 acres each year. Mined areas will be reclaimed concurrently as the quarry progresses.

7,027 Acres

Of the total area is mineral rights only, and in the proposed underground area.

The state will continue to own & maintain the surface.

Initial Operations

In Planning Phase

Designation of 50 acres within the Hendricks Quarry area was made with the MDNR on December 23, 2015 and associated local and state authorizations are in process. This designation will allow initial operation to be established for extraction, testing and future processing limestone from the project area.

Underground Mining

Underground mining would involve minimal surface disturbance and visibility in the project area.

Only activities that directly support the underground mining process (Access Points, Ventilation, etc…) will be visible on the surface. This area is not expected to exceed 400 acres.

Community Development Fund

Graymont committed to contribute $100,000 per year to a local community development fund (CDF) for at least the first 5 years or until a lime processing facility is operating in the project area.

The fund has been established as the Graymont Community and Economic Development Fund under the management and oversight of Lake Superior State University (LSSU).

This fund was created to provide financial support for economic and community development in areas directly and indirectly impacted by the Rexton Project with the intent of improving the quality of life of the area now, and into the future. During the 2016 award cycle three local townships, one school district and one museum were awarded.

Grant applications for the 2017 award cycle will be accepted beginning May 1, 2017 and until midnight on July 31, 2017. Applications submitted after July 31, 2017 will not be considered. Grants are expected to be awarded in fall of 2017.

Additional details can be found on the LSSU Community Development Fund Webpage

Community Development Fund Page