ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
FOR EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES ON EXCLUSIVE PROSPECTING LICENCE
EPL4185 AT WLOTZKASBAKEN
January 2013
Prepared by:
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd Gecko House 8 Sinclair Road Windhoek, Namibia
Reviewed by:
Nam Enviro Management and Training Services cc Mutjinde Katjiua
SUMMARY
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd, in the name of its subsidiary Gecko Salt (Pty) Ltd holds EPL4185 which covers 75,335 hectares of coastal desert plains from north of Swakopmund to just south of the Henties Bay peri-urban area.
Gecko intends to establish the “Vision Industrial Park” and harbour within the area. The development will require a large amount of fine and coarse aggregate material as well as armour stone for the construction of a breakwater facility. Besides the envisaged VIP development, Gecko is in the process of exploring a number of high-grade marble occurrences on this EPL.
As part of the EPL4185 falls within the Dorob National Park, Gecko is submitting this EIA together with Environmental Questionnaires and other prescribed documentation in application for an Environmental Clearance Certificate under the Environmental Management Act of 2007.
The company has drawn up an Environmental Management Plan for the prospecting operations and is currently in the process of implementing those measures. Management and exterior control on the adherence of the proposed mitigation actions are considered important tools in preventing negative environmental impacts from the operations.
Activities during the exploration phase include sampling, testing and exploratory drilling. The activities are temporary and are conducted at a small scale than those at the drilling/development, production, and decommissioning/reclamation phases. The impacts described for each resource would occur from typical exploration activities, such as vehicular traffic exploration drilling and bulk sampling. Potential impacts from these activities are presented in this study.
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ...... 4 2. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT ...... 4 2.1 EXPLORATION ON EPL4185 ...... 4 2.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) ...... 5 3. ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK ...... 5 4. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ...... 7 4.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 7 4.1.1 Location and geography of the area ...... 7 4.1.2 Land ownership and surface rights ...... 8 4.1.3 Exploration Targets ...... 9 4.1.4 Exploration conducted and activities undertaken to date ...... 9 4.1.4.1 Solar salt ...... 9 4.1.4.2 Marble Exploration carried out and activities undertaken to date ...... 10 4.1.4.3 Aggregates & armour stone raw material ...... 12 5. EXISTING DAMAGE ...... 13 6. INDUSTRIAL USES OF THE LICENSE AREA ...... 14 6.1 SALT COMPANY ...... 14 6.2 AREVA REVERSE OSMOSIS DESALINATION PLANT AT WLOTZKASBAKAN ...... 14 7. ENVISAGED FUTURE EXPLORATION ...... 14 7.1 AGGREGATES FOR THE VIP DEVELOPMENT: SAND, CRUSHED ROCK, BOULDERS AND AMOUR STONE ...... 14 7.1.1 SwaCa calcite marbles ...... 14 7.1.2 Granitic pegmatites ...... 15 7.1.3 General reconnaissance for industrial minerals mineralization within the EPL ...... 15 7.1.4 Further work to explore the possibility of crystallizing salt within the area ...... 15 8. DESCRIPTION OF THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACT BY THE ENVISAGED EXPLORATION ...... 15 8.1 GEOLOGICAL SETTINGS ...... 15 8.1.1 Regional Geology ...... 15 8.1.2 Local Geology ...... 16 8.2 CLIMATE ...... 17 8.2.1 Wind and Atmospheric Dispersion Potential ...... 17 8.2.2 Precipitation ...... 19 8.2.3 Temperature ...... 20 8.3 AIR QUALITY AND NOISE LEVELS ...... 21 8.3.1 Baseline Air Quality for the Region ...... 21 8.3.2 Baseline Noise Levels ...... 24
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 2
8.4 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 24 8.4.1 Fauna ...... 24 8.4.1.1 Avifauna ...... 25 8.4.2 Flora ...... 25 8.4.3 Lichens ...... 27 8.5 OTHER POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ...... 28 8.5.1 Archaeology and Cultural History ...... 28 8.5.2 Health and Safety ...... 28 8.5.3 Hazardous Materials and Waste Management ...... 28 8.5.4 Land Use ...... 29 8.5.5 Socio-economic Environment ...... 29 8.5.6 Visual impact ...... 29 8.5.7 Water Resources (Surface Water and Groundwater) ...... 29 8.5.8 Accommodation of Exploration Labour ...... 30 8.5.9 Conduct of the Workers ...... 30 8.5.10 Tourism ...... 31 9. MANAGEMENT PLAN TO MITIGATE NEGATIVE IMPACTS ...... 31 9.1 INFRASTRUCTURE...... 32 9.2 WORKFORCE AND ACCOMMODATION...... 32 9.3 WATER ...... 32 9.4 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND REHABILITATION ...... 32 10. IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ARISING FROM THE ENVISAGED EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES ...... 34 11. REFERENCES ...... 40 12. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS ...... 41
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 3
1. INTRODUCTION
Gecko Namibia is a wholly Namibian-owned private company, which was established in 2008 by Mr. Kobus Smit and a number of Namibian partners. A number of ventures and subsidiaries were created in the field of industrial minerals and services to the Namibian mining industry.
Gecko Namibia holds EPL4185 in the name of its subsidiary Gecko Salt (Pty) Ltd. The mineral exploration license is situated along the central Namibian coast and covers 75,335 hectares. It was granted by the Ministry of Mines and Energy on 19 June 2009; the Environmental Clearance was issued by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism on 17 September 2009.
The exploration project targets to secure the supply of fine and coarse aggregate materials for Gecko’s Vision Industrial Park (VIP) development. Another aspect is the exploration, testing and resource definition for the production of armour stone material for the building of a breakwater facility at the VIP site.
Gecko focuses on the development of projects in the industrial mineral sector in Namibia. Independent of the VIP development, the company is busy exploring a number of occurrences of high-grade calcitic marbles within this EPL.
An EIA and EMP is presented in application for an Environmental Clearance Certificate for the prospecting operations in line with the Environmental Management Act of 2007 and the corresponding Regulations which came into effect on 6 February 2012.
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT
2.1 EXPLORATION ON EPL4185
Gecko recognizes that Namibia possesses excellent potential with a number of industrial minerals, which are as yet still untapped. Engaging in exploration, mining and value-adding were possible, both upstream and downstream, results in products for which great demand currently exists in the local and global markets.
The VIP project was borne from the need of the emerging uranium mines in Namibia for locally produced leaching reagents. A separate Environmental Scoping Study was conducted for this project and an EIA for this envisaged development is on its way.
One of the objectives of Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd is to provide sustained employment to Namibians. Thereby a local input into the economy of the country and the mining industry can be achieved in particular through export of products and subsequent foreign exchange earnings.
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 4
Within EPL4185 a number of potentially viable mineral occurrences are present. Exploration work on this license can be divided into two main purposes.
Supply of building materials to the envisaged VIP project and associated infrastructure. This includes securing of different fractions of aggregate materials for mortar, concrete and railway ballast. For the construction of a harbour and marine breakwater different options of armour stone materials are being assessed.
Mineral exploration for a variety of industrial rocks. Emphasis is given on calcium carbonate, feldspar and areas suitable for salt crystallisation.
2.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)
The objective of this Environmental Impact Assessment for the prospecting activities is to ascertain the potential effects those have on the local environment in its broadest sense.
The objectives of this document are to:
Communicate the results of the EIA for the ongoing and proposed exploration activities
Ensure that the impacts identified are adequately addressed
Facilitate an informed, transparent and accountable decision-making process by the relevant authorities
3. ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK
There are a number of laws In accordance with the national legal framework which are applicable to the proposed site:
LAW/ORDINANCE APPLICABILITY Preservation of Namibia's Ecosystems, essential The constitution of Namibia (1990) ecological process and biological diversity Article 95 (1) Sustainable use of Natural Resources
Prescribes Environmental Impact Assessments Environmental Assessment Policy of for any developments with potential negative 1995 impacts on the Environment
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 5
Effluent discharge permit required under section 56 Water Resource Management Act 24 Seawater abstraction permit required under of 2004 Section 32 Water related pollution and abstraction Establishes Principles for EA Ensures that significant effects of activities are Environmental Management Act 7 of considered timorously and carefully 2007 with Regulations of 2012 Allows for opportunities for participation by I & APs throughout the assessment process
Sea Birds and Seals Protection Act 46 of 1973 (Replaced by the Marine No disturbance of sea birds and seals Resources Act, 27 of 2000)
Removal of living and non-living resources from Seashore Ordinance 37 of 1958 as seashore or seabed and depositing of rubbish amended in 1982 within 3 nautical miles of the sea shore
Nature Conservation Ordinance 4 of 1975 with amendments and special Protection of various species regulations Convention of Biological Diversity Protection of various species Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Ordinance No.11 of 1976 with amendments as well as the Pollution prevention associated proclamations of controlled areas Hazardous Substance Ordinance 14 Pollution prevention of 1974, and amendments Petroleum Products and Energy Disposal of used oil amendment Act of 2000
Draft Pollution and Waste Protection for particular species, resources or Management Bill (1999) components of the environment
Disturbance of shipwrecks, archaeological and National Monuments act cultural sites Convention on Desertification of Combating desertification and mitigation of the 1994 effects of drought Minerals (Prospecting and Mining) Act 33 of 1992 and special Exploration and exploitation of mineral resources regulations
Table-1: Legal framework applicable the exploration work
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 6
4. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
4.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
4.1.1 Location and geography of the area
EPL 4185 covers 75,335 hectares. From the southern boundary which is situated within the municipal lands of Swakopmund the license stretches north-west along the coast line for approximately 51 km to just south-east of the town lands of Henties Bay. The width of the license varies from 11 to 26 km with an average of about 14 km. An overview on the license and a table rendering the corner coordinates are given below.
Figure 1: PL 4185 location map
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 7
Label Longitude Latitude Label Longitude Latitude 1 14.34906000 -22.22098000 11 14.66151000 -22.58227000 2 14.35232000 -22.21649000 12 14.55690000 -22.63826000 3 14.37660000 -22.20306000 13 14.55913000 -22.57617000 4 14.40568000 -22.20016000 14 14.55047000 -22.57680000 5 14.44263000 -22.25216000 15 14.55054000 -22.58257000 6 14.56954000 -22.21046000 16 14.53716000 -22.58367000 7 14.58542000 -22.26068000 17 14.51519000 -22.52503000 8 14.63222000 -22.24195000 18 14.49607000 -22.53355000 9 14.67274000 -22.30117000 19 14.38985000 -22.27564000 10 14.57450000 -22.34150000 Table 2: Corner coordinates of EPL 4185
Geographically the license is situated within the coastal plains of the Central Namib Desert. The EPL area consists mainly of flat ground with some rolling and hilly terrain. Steeper topography occurs in the north-eastern portion of the license. The highest elevation of 261 metres AMSL is found close to the license boundary in the north-eastern part of the EPL.
The Namib coast is an extremely arid area, which is interspersed with several ephemeral, westward-flowing rivers which drain the hinterland and dissect the coastal landscape.
The drainage system in the prospecting area is that of an alluvial plain which covers the Namib platform as a broad, braided stream system. The rivers are all ephemeral with only erratic and very short-lived flow which often only happens every couple of years (3). The longitudinal profile along the drainage shows a convexity towards the sky due to the result of discharge reduction downstream (21).
The area is characterised by a hot, hyper-arid climate typical for a Namibian west coast desert environment. Rainfall is scarce, totalling an average of 30 mm per year. Fog precipitation is the prime source of water supply to the area, but this is highly dependent on topography and inclination of the receiving surfaces. In particular locations fog precipitation can be as high as 200 mm per annum, but this is site specific and generally decreasing from the coastline. It varies between 25 and approximately 100 days of fog per year. Also the evaporation rate is strongly dependant on the distance from the coast and varies within the area between approximately 1400 mm and 3300 mm per annum (22).
4.1.2 Land ownership and surface rights
Except of the municipal lands of Swakopmund and the peri-urban area of Wlotzkasbaken the extent of the EPL is situated on state land. The state land is all governed by the rules and regulations concerning the Doros National Park which was proclaimed over the area in December 2010.
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 8
4.1.3 Exploration Targets
The exploration targets pursued within EPL4185 are the commodity suite of industrial minerals with emphasis on salt, calcium carbonates, silica, gypsum, feldspar as well as aggregate materials from fine (sand) to coarse and armour stones. Work conducted within this area is intimately linked to Gecko’s VIP development. Requirements for the production of the envisaged suite of alkaline chemicals are salt and limestone. Therefore initial exploration comprised the establishment of a potential resource of marble as lime source as well as the reconnaissance work for establishing a salt production facility. Gecko also investigated the potential resources of gypsum in view of roasting the mineral to produce sulphuric acid.
Four alternative sites for the development of VIP were investigated in detail within EPL4185 during the project’s scoping study. For the envisaged industrial development together with a port and bulk handling facility large quantities of coarse and fine aggregates as well as armour stone will be required.
The investigation for calcium carbonate as lime raw material has resulted in the discovery of large potential deposits of high-grade calcitic marbles. The targets generated from detailed mapping are shown with Attachment-1.
4.1.4 Exploration conducted and activities undertaken to date
4.1.4.1 Solar salt
With evaporation exceeding by far the precipitation rate, the Namib Desert offers ideal conditions and the opportunity to produce salt by solar evaporation. Numerous salt pans occur within the area of the EPL, several of them have been in production on a small scale in the past. With the emerging of bigger operations at the Panter Beacon pans, north of Swakopmund, which is situated just outside of the EPL, as well as at Cape Cross and at Walvisbay, the smaller salt producers ceased operations in the 1950s (17).
Attachment-2 shows the natural salt pans existing within the EPL.
As part of a reconnaissance study Gecko has explored different options for producing salt within EPL4185. The following opportunities were looked at:
Salt production by evaporation of sea water
Salt production by crystallising brine from Cape Cross salt pan (EPL4167)
Salt producing by evaporation of brine from the reverse osmosis process (Areva or Namwater plants)
Gecko's consultant for the establishment of salt production, Vladimir Sedivy from Salt Partners in Switzerland had looked at the individual options. For the production of salt from brine piped from EPL4167 at Cape Cross a separate study was undertaken by Koos Calitz.
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 9
4.1.4.2 Marble Exploration carried out and activities undertaken to date
4.1.4.2.1 Marble as lime raw material
One of the main mineral feed materials for the production of alkaline chemicals is calcium carbonate. With a great plethora of marble occurrences within EPL4185 numerous potential resources of lime raw material were looked at.
Initially an inventory of the different stratigraphic marble horizons was undertaken. The table below gives a summary on the different carbonate lithologies present within the EPL together with characteristics of the individual units.
Formation Member Lithocode Description Arandis Okawayo Naroy Marble with interbedded calc-silicate rock; interbedded layers of siltstone and clasts of siltstone Karibib Nkb Undifferentiated marble with minor calc-silicate rock,local mica schist Karibib Arises river Nkbai White, coarse grained calcite marble; disseminated graphite and phlogopite flakes; rare calc silicates; layering poorly developed; frequent mylonite zones close to hanging wall contact Karibib Otjongeama Nkboj yellowish brown impure marble with interbedded calc-silicate; thickness >500m; ~75% dolomitic calcite marble, marble and dolomite, ~25% calc silicate and bio schist Karibib Onguati Nkbon Schist, impure marble and calc silicate rock Rossing NRs Highly variable lithologies; bluish grey dolomitic marble, minor quartzite, metaconglomerate schist, gneiss and calc- silicate rock. Table 3: Stratigraphic marble horizons within EPL4185 (12)
During an initial reconnaissance survey the individual units were visited in the field. The different rocks were described and the variance within the horizons was recorded where possible. Samples were taken from a large number of occurrences after makroscopical determination of the purity of the materials. When sufficient quality was indicated from those grab samples, they were sent to a laboratory for full element analyses.
From the above testing and selection process samples from a marble occurrence named ME, which forms part of the Karibib Formation indicated the best results. The ME marble thereafter underwent detailed exploration comprising of mapping, pitting, groove sampling as well as diamond drilling of ten boreholes.
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 10
4.1.4.2.2 SwaCa marble project
In the southern portion of EPL4185 extensive lithologies of calcite marbles occur. A huge reserve base of high-grade calcium carbonate is supplemented by areas of marbles with calcium carbonate in access of 96% and very low iron content. Detailed mapping was done and revealed a number of narrow bands which exhibit extraordinary calcite of high purity with CaCO3 >99%. A large portion of the high-grade calcite forms a fold with very coarse grained semi translucent crystals. In recent months Gecko has conducted a drilling program over these high-grade occurrences. Holes were drilled as detailed with the following table.
Date Coordinates Collar Incl Bearing/ Drilling Borehole Azimuth No completed Northing Easting elev. Depth (TN)
SDD - 02 16/09/2012 -22.582657 14.621564 117 -60 351 50.74
SDD - 03 14/09/2012 -22.582443 14.621096 122 -60 2 95.75
SDD - 04 19/09/2012 -22.581845 14.621178 121 -90 N/A 30.00
SDD - 05 22/09/2012 -22.581402 14.621199 119 -60 53.81
SDD - 06 26/09/2012 -22.581887 14.620577 118 -60 12 74.74
SDD - 07 13/10/2012 -22.581159 14.620588 114 -60 8 44.55
SDD - 09 22/10/2012 -22.580111 14.620106 111 -60 190 54.00 SDD - 10 3/11/2012 -22.579900 14.619345 113 -52 356 50.05 SDD - 11 8/11/2012 -22.579811 14.619099 112 -50 0 50.34
SDD - 12 13/11/2012 -22.579397 14.619090 118 -50 181 50.20
SDD - 13 17/10/2012 -22.579373 14.620687 115 -56 24 110.20
SDD - 14 14/11/2012 -22.579467 14.619454 118 -52 182 50.20
SDD - 15 24/10/2012 -22.579617 14.619297 116 -90 N/A 63.00 SDD - 17 11/10/2012 -22.581531 14.620560 112 -90 N/A 41.40 Total metres 818.98 Table 4: SwaCa Drilling program September to November 2012
Please note that the largest part of the marble resource under investigation falls within the municipal area of Swakopmund and therefore outside the Dorob National Park. The area of the SwaCa project is indicated with Attachment-1 in the southern portion of EPL4185.
A number of bulk samples of the high grade calcite were taken for purposes of test work in order to upgrade the material to pure calcite for use as GCC in the paper and mineral filler industry. The tests are presently still ongoing. Pending the results we are looking at additional drilling, bulk sampling and trial mining concerning this project.
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 11
4.1.4.2.3 Gypsum Exploration
Fortunately substantial work was undertaken on the gypsum mineralisation during historic exploration programs within the area. Between 1968 and 1971 B&O Mineral Exploration Company (Pty) Ltd. undertook detailed mapping and trenching within a large part of the present EPL (20). During this exploration work a total of 141 prospect pits were dug down to about 3 metres depth; most of those are still open in the field today.
All geological information and trench positions were digitized from the old records and followed up in the field. Attachment-3 shows the trench positions and areas of sheet gypsum mineralisation.
During the field work ground profiles were taken where it was possible but use was made mostly of pits and trenches from the various exploration endeavours. Emphasis was given on the composition and succession of the top gypsum sequence and 16 samples were taken for analysis and determination of the bulk density of the materials.
4.1.4.3 Aggregates & armour stone raw material
Different potential rocks were evaluated as sources for the production of coarse and fine aggregate material as well as for the cutting of armour stone in view of the planned construction of a new harbour facility within VIP. Preliminary tonnages were calculated from the early exploration data.
A high-level assessment of the availability of aggregates material within the license was undertaken. The material considerations were conducted as part of the concept design stage for a bulk harbour facility within VIP. For the erection of the envisaged marine structure including a breakwater substantial volumes of different sized armour stone would be required. Armour stone blocks are essential to protect a marine structure against wave and current action and scouring.
Close proximity of the material quarry to the construction site is of great importance of the viable supply of such materials for a marine structure.
Attachment-4 is an overview on the locations and sizes of the potential deposits determined from this exploration program. A summary on the different options of aggregate source material is enclosed as Attachment-5. The table also gives an overview on size and potential tonnage of the envisaged deposits.
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 12
5. EXISTING DAMAGE
The entire area of EPL4185 shows numerous tracks. The amount of tracks reveal the intensive presents of human activities in this area between Swakopmund and Henties Bay. For the last century or more individuals as well as exploration teams, small and medium scale miners and tourists have entered the area on their own liking. Human-induced disturbances in the form of vehicle traffic on beaches and the desert plains cause a shearing and compression of the soil that extends to depths of 20cm.
Former prospecting and mining has left trenches, pits and holes that were not rehabilitated. The table below renders a list of historic exploration licenses which were granted within the extent of the current EPL4185. Pictures and air-borne imagery from the license are compiled with Attachment-6. The remnants of various forms of disturbance are highly visible from the air and on the ground.
LICENCE Valid Valid COMPANY NAME NO Size - ha Informal name from to Mineral Groups BEACH KAEMPFE, A F EPL17 10154.5 DEPOSITS 1959 1963 industrial minerals ARTNELL 1244263 EXPLORATION EPL25 1959 1964 non nuclear fuel SWAKOP B & O MINERALS EPL230 397185.8 GYPSUM 1969 1971 base metals OAMITES RIO TINTO EPL541 90178.4 EXTENSION B & O MINERALS EPL599 96403.3 base metals WESTERN MINING EPL600 75767.6 GOANIKONTES 1975 1983 nuclear fuel KARSTEN, W M EPL612 50445.2 1975 1978 nuclear fuel RAND MINES EPL889 64054.6 1978 1983 nuclear fuel NAMEX EPL1599 40239.9 1986 1987 WLOTSKAS ISCOR EPL1986 84524.2 BAKEN 1994 1994 base metals ISCOR EPL1987 49442.8 NONIDAS 1994 1994 base metals API MINING EPL2403 98639.0 base metals MINERAL MINING INDUSTRIES EPL2635 86754.6 SWAKOPMUND 1999 2002 industrial minerals COASTAL GEMS EPL2908 11525.5 WLOTZKABAKEN precious metals Table 5: Historic exploration licenses with EPL4185 (source: Ministry of Mines and Energy of Namibia)
The above list is witnessed by a large number of trenches and sample site as well as several mine sites within the project area.
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 13
6. INDUSTRIAL USES OF THE LICENSE AREA
6.1 SALT COMPANY
Namibia is the largest producer of salt in sub-saharan Africa. The Swakopmund-based Salt Company (Pty) Ltd produces around 130 000 tons of food-grade salt annually (24). The salt works are situated on Mining License 66 which borders on Gecko’s EPL on the south-western side.
6.2 AREVA REVERSE OSMOSIS DESALINATION PLANT AT WLOTZKASBAKAN
The recently constructed reverse osmosis desalination plant near Wlotzkasbaken, some 30 km north of Swakopmund is located within EPL4185. The design net production of treated water from this facility is 20 million m3 per annum with an associated sea water abstraction of more than 48 million m3. The plant has an expansion capacity to cater for possible future water demand of 45 million m3/year (19).
7. ENVISAGED FUTURE EXPLORATION
Gecko plans to pursue the following projects and exploration activities within EPL4185 in the next three years:
7.1 AGGREGATES FOR THE VIP DEVELOPMENT: SAND, CRUSHED ROCK, BOULDERS AND AMOUR STONE
The envisaged exploration will entail mapping, sampling (possibly blasting of samples), diamond drilling and pending on the results of the aforementioned also trial mining. The preliminary targets are rendered with Chapter 4.1.4.3 above.
7.1.1 SwaCa calcite marbles
A direct continuation of the ongoing exploration and test work is envisaged. The work will encompass diamond drilling, bulk sampling including blasting of fresh material and possibly trial mining of a limited tonnage of less than 300 tons.
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 14
7.1.2 Granitic pegmatites
Numerous occurrences of granitic pegmatites render good targets for the exploitation of different types and qualities of feldspar, lithium minerals and quartz. The exploration work would need to start at grass-root level and progress through a typical range of exploration activities once targets for detailed follow-up work could be identified.
7.1.3 General reconnaissance for industrial minerals mineralization within the EPL
The location of the license, in close proximity to major infrastructure, together the ground covered, render it attractive for industrial mineral exploitation. More reconnaissance work is planned for defining potential targets for follow-up exploration work.
7.1.4 Further work to explore the possibility of crystallizing salt within the area
As a continuation of the reconnaissance work and studies undertaken by the company in the past, more work is required for assessing the viability of large-scale salt production within EPL4185.
8. DESCRIPTION OF THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACT BY THE ENVISAGED EXPLORATION
8.1 GEOLOGICAL SETTINGS
The area covered by the grant is underlain by rocks of Damaran age belonging to the Swakop Group as well as by younger sediments of the Namib Sequence.
8.1.1 Regional Geology
The plains of the Namib Desert are underlain by rocks of the late Proterozoic Damara Orogen. The Damaran lithologies consist of highly metamorphosed rock types including marbles and schists, parasediments and volcanics. Recent sediments (sands and silts) of the Namib Group Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 15
constitute an extensive cover over much of the region filling the stream channels and overlying the Damaran rocks.
EPL4185 belongs to the Northern Central Zone (NCZ) of the Damara Orogen. The Zone is characterized by medium to high grades of metamorphism and numerous granitic intrusions (12). The bed rock structure is comprised of northeast–southwest elongated anticline and synclines of tightly folded Neoproterozoic rocks consisting mainly of amphibolite-facies metasediments. Folding, combined with regional granitization took place between 550 and 470 million years ago (12).
The Neoproterozoic Damaran sequence consists of a lower Nosib Group and an upper Swakop Group. Overlying the clastic sediments of the Nosib, the Swakop Group consists of pelitic and calcareous rock types and includes the Rossing, Chuos, Karibib and Kuiseb Formations.
The orogenic Salem granite suite intruded these metasediments during and after the peak of regional metamorphism. Foliated Salem granite covers a large area to the east of the license.
From the Eocene in the early Tertiary the plains of the Namib started to fill with sediments deposited by numerous drainage lines. The successions belong to the Namib Sequence which covers large areas in the eastern, south-western and northern parts of the country. The sediments filling the Namib plains vary in thickness from 0 to 120 m depending on the depth and width of the palaeo-valleys. Parts of the Tertiary sediments were eroded as a result of uplift that caused the rejuvenation of river flows. The current stream system of braided river beds appears to be mostly dormant and is incised into the Cenozoic palaeo-valley sedimentary cover (13, 21).
Potential / actual impacts none
8.1.2 Local Geology
Numerous rock types such as marbles, schists, quartzites, dolerites and granites are present within Wlotzkasbaken area and they form part of the Damara Orogen. The rocks are Neoproterozoic in age and belong to Swakop and Nosib Groups with both forming part of the Damara sequence. Parts of the prospecting area are covered by surficial deposits with bed rocks of the Damara sequence. Gypsum crusts are widespread on the lower surfaces and along stream beds.
Potential / actual impacts The endeavours undertaking are focussing on creating a viable mine and the supply of raw material to the VIP project.
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 16
8.2 CLIMATE
Aridity, strong winds, regular fog and scarce rains are characteristic of the Namibian coastal area.
The central coastal area have average annual maximum temperature of 22°C and annual minimum temperatures of 11°C, with summer convective storm precipitation. High solar radiation, low humidity and high temperature lead to very high evaporation rates 2400 mm annually for surface water. As a result frosts and temperatures above 35°C are rare at the coast (22).
The Benguela current and the associated cold water upwelling system enhanced by winds blowing from the sea supplies moisture for the area in the form of fog that can reach as far as 140 km inland. The cold, north-flowing Benguela current accounts for some of the low precipitation. Air saturated with moisture creates banks of fog in the coastal zone for at least 160 days a year. The relative humidity on these days is about 80 % and a precipitation of about 130 mm of fog during a year here is more than eight times the average annual rainfall on the coast of less than 15 mm. Mean annual precipitation increases from south to north along the coastline; 31 mm/yr- at Walvis Bay and 37 mm/yr at Swakopmund (21).
As part of the scoping work for the selection of the VIP site, Gecko had an evaluation done on air quality and noise impact (8). Some of the characteristics for the coastal zone are summarized in the following.
8.2.1 Wind and Atmospheric Dispersion Potential
The meteorological characteristics of a site govern the dispersion, transformation and eventual removal of pollutants from the atmosphere (16). The extent to which pollution will accumulate or disperse in the atmosphere is dependent on the degree of thermal and mechanical turbulence within the earth’s boundary layer. The wind speed determines both the distance of downwind transport and the rate of dilution as a result of plume ‘stretching’.
Pollution concentration levels therefore fluctuate in response to changes in atmospheric stability, to concurrent variations in the mixing depth, and to shifts in the wind field. Spatial variations, diurnal and seasonal changes in the wind field and stability regime are functions of atmospheric processes operating at various temporal and spatial scales (4). The analysis of meteorological data observed for the project area provide the basis for the parameterisation of the meso-scale ventilation potential of the site.
Seasonal shifts in the wind field is shown in Figure 2. The summer months (December to February) reflect winds to be mainly from the southwest to the northwest. During Autumn (March to May) the northeast and south-westerly flow is dominant. Winter months reflect an increase in north-easterly flow whilst the Spring months defaults back to the summer pattern. The so called “east wind” conditions are reflected in the north-easterly flow that is prevalent during the winter months. Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 17
Figure 2: Annual wind roses for the BIOTA station near Wlotzkasbaken
Figure 3: Period, day-time and night-time wind roses for the station near Wlotzkasbaken
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 18
Figure 4: Seasonal wind roses for the station near Wlotzkasbaken
Along the coast winds are predominately from the south and west. High-pressure systems over the interior of southern Africa cause strong north-easterly winds, the so-called Berg winds, during the winter months. These Berg winds can blow for a number of days, and are characterised by very high temperatures associated with dry and dusty conditions (15).
Potential / actual impacts Wind erosion of disturbed soil surface and gravel roads High wind speed will affect poorly managed waste disposal system Impact from exploration is regarded as minimal and localized because of the limited nature of the activities
8.2.2 Precipitation
The EPL area is characterised by low and very sporadic rainfall (see Figure 5). Over the last ten years the highest recorded monthly rainfall occurred in April 2006, which was 47.4 mm. This accounts for the peak in Figure 5. In February 2009 another very high rain event occurred in the area.
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 19
Average Rainfall 2002 - 2009 7.00
6.00
5.00
4.00
mm 3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Months
Figure 5: Average Rainfall (2002-2009) (source: BIOTA station, Wlotzkasbaken)
Besides rain, the EPL area also receives fog which forms when moist air that has been cooled over the Benguela Current is blown on-shore. Along the coast, the air remains humid throughout the year as a result of moist air feeding off the Atlantic. Even at 14h00 in winter, average humidity values drop only to 60% or 70%, while they are generally above 80 % at other times (11). Walvis Bay area receives on average >125 fog days per year (14). No data could be obtained for Swakopmund, however, experience shows that the number of fog days per year are higher.
Potential / actual impacts Flash floods as a hazard to workers and machinery
8.2.3 Temperature
Temperature extremes, characteristic of most hot deserts, are moderated in the Namib caused by the presence of the cold current off-shore. Minimum temperatures below freezing are seldom recorded, and maximum temperatures lie in the region of 40°C are mainly experienced during February and March (6).
Figure 6 provides the recorded temperature for ten years. The coldest month on average in the last ten years is August at 9°C, whilst the hottest is April at 27°C. The average annual minimum temperature was 13°C, whilst the average annual maximum temperature is 25°C. Seasonal temperature variances are minimal.
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 20
Min & Max Temperatures (1996-2005)
30.00 25.00 20.00 15.00
Celcius 10.00 ° 5.00 0.00 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Min Values Max Values
Figure 6: Min & Max Temperatures (1996-2005) (source: Namibian Meteorological Service)
Potential / actual impacts Dehydration of workforce Sunburn risk Exposure in extreme cold events
8.3 AIR QUALITY AND NOISE LEVELS
For the VIP site selection also a baseline study on air and noise (7) was undertaken during 2011. The site selected for Gecko’s envisaged VIP development is situated, south of Wlotzkasbaken, within EPL4185.
8.3.1 Baseline Air Quality for the Region
Particulates represent the main pollutant of concern within the Erongo Region due to incidences of windblown dust from natural exposed surfaces and existing mining operations in the area (i.e. Rössing Uranium Mine, Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine and Trekkopje Mine that is under construction).
Particulates are divided into different particle size categories with Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) associated with nuisance impacts and the finer fractions of PM10 (particulates with a diameter less than 10 μm) and PM2.5 (diameter less than 2.5 μm) linked with potential health impacts. PM10 is primarily associated with mechanically generated dust whereas PM2.5 is associated with combustion sources. Gaseous pollutants (such as sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, etc.) derive from vehicle exhausts and other combustions sources at the mines and towns such as diesel generators and engines.
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 21
Limited ambient monitoring data are available for the region both on particulate and on gaseous concentrations. As part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) “Central Namib Uranium Rush”, a dust fallout and ambient PM10 monitoring campaign was undertaken. The dust fallout campaign started in August 2009 and is still ongoing whereas the PM10 monitoring, also initiated in August, only lasted for six months delivering limited data. In addition, the baseline was simulated (predicted) including all existing sources of dust generation in the region (i.e. existing mines, roads and windblown dust from the natural environment) (7).
As part of the Walvis Bay Coal Fired Power Station EIA, a short monitoring campaign was undertaken sampling PM10, SO2 and NOx. The results are presented in the subsequent illustrations.
Figure 7: Simulated baseline PM10 highest daily average concentrations for the Erongo Region (7)
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 22
Figure 8: Simulated baseline PM10 annual average concentrations for the Erongo Region (7)
Potential / actual impacts Vehicular movement creates dust Percussion drilling creates various fractions of dust which are hazardous for humans and wild life Blasting, mining and processing operations generate dust. Pollutants would include particulates , oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide , sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds Impacts would depend upon the amount, duration, location, and characteristics of the emissions and the meteorological conditions (e.g., wind speed and direction, precipitation, and relative humidity). Dust is carried by the wind and although dispersed, it affects a larger area. High wind speed will affect poorly managed waste disposal system Impact from exploration is regarded minimal and localized because of the limited nature of the activities
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 23
8.3.2 Baseline Noise Levels
Baseline noise measurements were conducted in 2009 for the Nampower Coal Fired Power Station project near Walvis Bay as well as for the Etango uranium project (9). The information provides some background to ambient noise levels within the wider area of EPL4185.
In general ambient noise levels are considered to be low in the absence of wind interference, and are generally lower than 40 dBA during the day and below 30 dBA during the night. However noise monitoring indicates that vehicular movement contributes significantly to the measured noise levels, although on an intermittent basis.
Measurements were conducted at two locations:
MP1 – approximately 2.5 km north of Walvis Bay halfway between the coastline and the main road to Swakopmund (B2) MP2 – approximately 7.5 km east-north east of Walvis Bay inland of Dune 7
Day-and night-time1equivalent noise levels were recorded and summarised.
A low rumbling noise was probably caused by the surf several kilometres away contributed to the day and night measurements being very much the same.. Surf causes very low frequency noise that can propagate over very long distances, given the right climatic and atmospheric conditions (9).
Potential / actual impacts Vehicles and machinery create noise with is harmful to humans and wildlife Primary sources of noise associated with exploration include earth-moving equipment, vehicle traffic, seismic surveys, blasting, and drill rig operations Noise originating from the machines and other equipment will be silenced to industry standards Workers to wear earplugs together with other PPE
8.4 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT
8.4.1 Fauna
Animal life on the gravel plains tends to be concentrated in the washes and is sustained by the plants in them (15, 18). During the exploration work springboks and jackals were encountered regularly. Other large mammals known to be occasionally seen in the area are hyenas.
The area is known to host a large variety of amphibians, reptiles, insects and rodents (Photo 1). No evidence however was found of any red data species in the area, although this would have to be confirmed by the appropriate scientist.
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 24
Reptiles are well adapted to desert conditions and species diversity of this group is high in the Namib. Lizards are particularly diverse, with 28 species of geckos, skinks and typical lizards known or expected to occur in this area (5).
Potential / actual impacts none
Photo 1: The Desert Chameleon was encountered next to the SwaCa exploration site.
8.4.1.1 Avifauna
No specialist report has been conducted covering the EPL area. During exploration care has to be taken not to disturb ground nesting birds.
Potential / actual impacts disturbance of ground nesting birds by vehicles and individuals
8.4.2 Flora
The EPL falls within the Central Namib undulating sandy-gravel plains, incised by ephemeral sandy washes (10).
Just over 400 plant species occur in the Central Namib - making up to 10% of the flora of the country (23)
The entire EPL area is characterized by scattered specimens of Arthraerua leubnitziae (pencil bush), Zygophyllum stapffii (dollar bush) (Photo 2), Helmstedtia spathulifolia and a large variety of lichens; all of those endemic to the Namib Desert. Lichens are the first colonists of bare habitats and therefore form a ground-cover that prevents wind and water erosion (1).
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 25
Remnants of a sparse cover of grasses is evident along the seasonal drainage lines. These drainages function as critical habitats to animal life.
A number of rocky outcrops and ridges of varying geological composition are located throughout the gravel plains. Superficially those rock outcrops appear largely unvegetated, but on closer examination numerous shallow drainage lines harbour considerable plant life, including endemic and near-endemic species.
Potential / actual impacts Plant growth will be affected by dust from the exploration activities Uncontrolled off-road driving Illegal plant collecting
Photo 2: Zygophyllum stapffii (Dollarbush), notice the windblown waste trapped at the base of the plant.
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 26
Photo 3: Image of sandy flats with ephemeral riverbed
8.4.3 Lichens
The Namibian coastal fog belt has many lichen species, some of which are endemic. Lichens are an important component of desert ecosystems, and they cover a substantial area of the Namib Desert. Attachment-7 shows the lichen fields and assemblages within EPL4185.
The humid and temperate conditions occurring in our coastal desert provide conditions that lichens require to flourish and as a result they can be found colonising almost any undisturbed surface, from natural to man-made.
The area previously known as the West Coast Recreational Area had attracted a huge number of traffic which created a crisscross of tracks on the substrate by off-road driving. The lichens were negatively affected by this direct mechanical impact.
The main impact that prospecting activities may have on lichen is through disturbance of the local habitat. Physical damage and dust of composition which the lichens are not used to might pose threats to the lichen fields.
Physical damage can be caused by driving or stepping onto the lichens. Both dust generation and physical damage during the initial stages of prospecting is minimum as most work involves ground truthing. Movement has to take advantage of existing tracks. Also at advanced stages of prospecting where drilling is be required, driving will be restricted to designated roads.
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 27
Potential / actual impacts Plant/lichen growth will be affected by dust from the exploration activities Mechanical impact destroys the lichens Uncontrolled off-road driving
8.5 OTHER POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
8.5.1 Archaeology and Cultural History
No known archaeological artefacts or areas of interest are located within the EPL area. Extensive middens found along the coast indicate that at least seasonal occupation and use of coastal resources by people during the past thousand yeas took place (DRFN, 2003). Indigenous people, possibly Topnaar, conducted copper mining at Hope and Gorob Mine and may have had mines elsewhere in the area. In the late 1800s and 1900s extensive prospecting work took place on the central Namib Desert plains.
Potential / actual impacts none
8.5.2 Health and Safety
The potential impacts on human health and safety resulting from exploration activities could include: occupational accidents and injuries; vehicle or aircraft accidents, exposure to weather extremes, wildlife encounters, trips and falls on uneven terrain, adverse health effects from dust generation and emissions, and contact with hazardous materials (e.g., from spills).
Potential / actual impacts low because of the limited range of activities and number of workers required during exploration
8.5.3 Hazardous Materials and Waste Management
Exploratory crews may generate waste (plastic, paper, containers, fuel leaks/spills, food and human waste). Wastes produced by exploratory drilling would be similar, but occur to a lesser extent than those produced during the operation of a mine. They would include drilling fluid and muds, used oil and filters, spilled fuel, drill cuttings, spent and unused solvents, scrap metal, solid waste, and garbage.
As the people involved with the work are undergoing an environmental induction they are made aware of the environmental sensitivity and procedures in place relating to waste and hazardous materials. Therefore avoidance of generating waste and recycling of all applicable materials are made daily issues.
The household waste, which is separated from all paper and organic materials, is taken to the official dump site at Swakopmund. Oil from the servicing of the vehicles and machines is Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 28
collected in drums and gets taken together with all other industrial waste which is generated on site to the destined dumping site at Walvisbay.
Potential / actual impacts low because of the limited range of activities and number of workers required during exploration environmental awareness training and control is mandatory
8.5.4 Land Use
Temporary and localized impacts to land use would result from exploration activities. These activities could create a temporary disturbance in the immediate vicinity of an exploration site or drilling camp (e.g. disturb recreational activities). Exploration activities are unlikely to affect mining activities, military operations, or aviation.
Potential / actual impacts low because no farming or other activities are known to take place in the area
8.5.5 Socio-economic Environment
As the activities conducted during the exploration phase are temporary and limited in scope, they would not result in significant socioeconomic impacts on employment, local services, or property values. Nevertheless, the projects and associated investment contribute to the regional economy and target creation of sustained employment.
8.5.6 Visual impact
Impacts to visual resources would be considered adverse if the landscape were substantially degraded or modified. Exploration activities would have only temporary and minor visual effects, resulting from the presence of drill rigs, workers, vehicles, and other equipment. The project area is not regarded as pristine due to the amount and period of disturbance it has received.
Potential / actual impacts low because of the limited range of activities and small number of workers and equipment required during exploration
8.5.7 Water Resources (Surface Water and Groundwater)
Minimal impact to water resources (water quality, water flows, and surface water/groundwater interactions) would be anticipated from exploration activities. Exploratory drill holes may provide a path for surface contaminants to come into contact with groundwater or for waters from subsurface formations to commingle. In the area of the exploration license not Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 29
groundwater of the extent or quality suitable for human consumption is know. Only saline aquifers appear to be present under the entire area (2). All water needed to support drilling operations will be trucked in from off-site.
Potential / actual impacts Low. No ground water abstraction takes place within the larger area. Only small amounts of water will be required. This will be trucked in.
8.5.8 Accommodation of Exploration Labour
Only a limited number of personnel is required for conducting the envisaged exploration work. For all activities, except of drilling programs, the people will reside in Swakopmund and only come to the exploration area for the day.
During any drilling program a temporary tented camp will be established on site. Chemical toilets will be erected and their use is compulsory for all personnel working with the drilling program.
Potential / actual impacts low because of the limited range and duration of activities and small number of workers and equipment required during exploration Uncontrolled off-road driving destroys and creates new tracks Collection of firewood poses hazard to plant life and vegetation Waste storage and littering
8.5.9 Conduct of the Workers
All people working in the area must be made aware of the important features of their environment and the importance of protecting them. Certain basics rules are laid out and it has to be ensured that these rules are being adhered to. Some of the most important ones are:
No killing or capturing of animals No littering No speeding Driving only on existing roads
Problems associated with the conduct of the work force are be mitigated by giving the workers a basic training and outlining and stressing the importance of abiding by the rules. Penalties and fines may in some cases be required in order to ensure adherence to these rules.
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 30
8.5.10 Tourism
The EPL falls within the Dorob National Park, which stretches from Swakopmund 200km northwards to the Ugab River. The area is renowned for its excellent angling potential and visited annually by thousands of fishermen. A particular environmental feature along this stretch of coastline is the extensive lichen fields which are orientated in a north-easterly direction. These are threatened by uncontrolled off-road driving. With tight management control to make sure that the rules laid out in the Environmental Management Plan are adhered to in a proper manner, no significant negative impact is expected to derive from the exploration activities. A positive factor in this is that the mineral targets are not visible from any of the official roads.
Potential / actual impacts low because of the limited range of activities and small number of workers and equipment required during exploration
9. MANAGEMENT PLAN TO MITIGATE NEGATIVE IMPACTS
The purpose of the EMP is:
To summarise the project activities that have the potential for adverse environmental impacts. To identify and outline the aspects of the environment which require management. To compile Project Environmental Specifications for inclusion in contract documents and enforcement on site. To set out the roles and responsibilities of all role-players with regard to environmental management. To specify rehabilitation requirements. To establish monitoring requirements to ensure that all staff members on site comply with the Environmental Specifications. One of the senior geological team members on site should be designated to perform this function on a day-to-day basis.
Gecko’s management is conscious of the company’s special operating conditions within the Dorob National Park. The company is emphasizing on all staff being aware of the DOs and DON’Ts in this project and area.
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 31
9.1 INFRASTRUCTURE
Equipment Items Vehicles 1 to 2 4x4 vehicle Drilling equipment 1 diamond drill rig; (note: only one drilling 1 equipment truck; method will be conducted 1 water truck; at the time) Bulk sampling 1 excavator; 1 truck Table 6: Vehicles and equipment to be used during the exploration work planned
9.2 WORKFORCE AND ACCOMMODATION
Mapping and sampling will include 2 -3 people in the field at any given time. The individuals are accommodated in Swakopmund.
During drilling operations approximately 4 - 6 people will be working on site – the drill crew and one geologist. A maximum of 4 of these people will be accommodated at a temporary exploration camp near the drilling project.
During bulk sampling the excavation team will also be housed at Swakopmund.
9.3 WATER
A rough estimate shows that approximately 40 – 50 m3 per month is needed during diamond drilling per drill rig. As per procedure during the previous drilling programs within the license, the water will be trucked in from Swakopmund, purchased from the Municipality of Swakopmund. The amount of water includes the requirements at the camp for human consumption.
9.4 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND REHABILITATION
Gecko Salt / Namibia (Pty) Ltd will submit annual Environmental Reports to the Ministry stating the exploration activities and environmental performance of the project. Staff of the MET or Ministry of Mines and Energy may at any time inspect the exploration area. Internal and external monitoring should involve Gecko’s safety and environmental department and members of the MET.
Should the decision be taken that the project is not economically viable the area will be rehabilitated. The rehabilitation measures that are set out in the EMP are binding to all personnel on site including the crew and contractors.
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 32
The main environmental impacts will occur during the drilling activities and pitting and it must be ensured that rehabilitation takes place at the end of each exploration phase, especially before the drilling crew leaves the site.
Unnecessary vehicle movement will be minimised. All vehicular movement must make us of existing tracks and roads as far as possible.
Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd EIA for EPL4185 January2013 33
10. IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ARISING FROM THE ENVISAGED EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES
Table 7 sets out the general aspects and potential environmental impacts arising specifically from the envisaged exploration activities Affected Potential Activity Aspect Mitigation measure/recommendations/explanation environment impact Exploration To establish a strong General EPL area General Provision in the budget is made for Environmental Awareness initiation Environmental behaviour of and training and for internal and external Environmental Awareness Protocol from exploration Monitoring Costs as well as for rehabilitation. the beginning of the team in the EPL Appointment of a senior person to assume responsibility for exploration programme area. environmental issues (Environmental Officer). in order to ensure the All individuals who work on, or visit, the sites are aware of the least possible damage to contents of the EMP. the environment. The EMP should be included in all Tender Documents. Field visit should take place during which main access tracks should be discussed in co-operation with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism staff members or representatives. Implementation To define roles and General EPL area General Senior exploration staff and all senior contractors are aware of, of the EMP responsibilities in terms behaviour of and implementing, EMP requirements. These people shall be of the EMP. To make all exploration expected to know and understand the objectives of the EMP persons aware of these team in the EPL and will, by example, encourage suitable environmentally roles and responsibilities area. aware behaviour to be adopted on all sites. to ensure that exploration Immediate recognition should be given to appropriate activities are conducted environmentally acceptable behaviour. Any inappropriate in compliance with the behaviour should be immediately corrected. An explanation as EMP. To implement to why the behaviour is unacceptable must be given, and, if environmental necessary, the person should be disciplined. management that is preventative and proactive. Environmental To implement General EPL area General Every senior/supervisory member of the team is to familiarise awareness environmental behaviour of themselves with the contents of the EMP and to understand briefings awareness briefings for exploration their roles and responsibilities in 'walking the talk' and ensuring all individuals who visit, team in the EPL
EMP for Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd exploration activities on EPL 4185 34
Affected Potential Activity Aspect Mitigation measure/recommendations/explanation environment impact or work, on site. area. compliance with the EMP. If agreed upon the Environmental Officer will hold an Environmental Awareness Briefing meeting which has to be attended by all exploration and drill contractors before the start of the drilling operation. The meeting should discuss the potential dangers to the environment of the following activities: littering, off-road driving, waste disposal, poaching & plant theft etc. The need to conserve water and implement water saving measures should also be presented. The need for soil / substrate preservation should be explained. Public relations To maintain sound Inform the relevant person at MET regarding movement. relationships with the No littering occurs. landowner (MET) Management of To minimise the risk of General The Project Manager / Geologist and Contractor have identified hazardous pollution through the environment all activities that involve the handling of potentially hazardous substances implementation of all substances and protocols for the handling of these substances reasonable measures to have been put in place and their implementation supervised. prevent leakage, spillage Hazardous substances are handled in accordance with the or inappropriate disposal manufacturer’s specifications and existing legal requirements. of hazardous The Project Manager / Geologist encourages the use of the substances. least polluting, most rapidly biodegradable cleaning product, To minimise the risk of solvent, etc. hazardous substances affecting the health of all The Project Manager / Geologist and Contractor will ensure individuals and plant and that all individuals, who could be exposed to hazardous animal life. substances, are adequately protected and educated about the To use biodegradable safe and proper methods for handling of these substances. products as far as is Procedures for the containment and clean up of accidental reasonably possible. hazardous accidents are developed by the Project Manager / Geologist in accordance to the manufacturer’s specifications. The Project Manager / Geologist or Contractor should immediately implement actions to stop or reduce and contain any spills. The Project Manager / Geologist arranges and supervises
EMP for Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd exploration activities on EPL 4185 35
Affected Potential Activity Aspect Mitigation measure/recommendations/explanation environment impact implementation of the necessary clean up procedures and proper disposal of contaminated soil, water and other materials at an approved facility. Clean up, and dispose of contaminated soil at an official waste site. Waste To maintain a clean and Fauna, general Disturbance to The following waste management procedures shall be management tidy site / area. environment, fauna. implemented: visual impact Visual impact . Minimisation of waste production; . Where possible, compact waste to reduce its bulk; . What is taken in has to be taken out and disposed of at an official waste site; . Waste containers with suitable lids are provided on site; . Illegal dumping and littering is not to be tolerated. Accommodation Provision for Camp area and General The geological / geophysical team is accommodated in (during environmental camp surroundings; behaviour of Swakopmund. exploration standards, waste Fauna, Flora exploration team A long drop or chemical toilet must be established at the camp. drilling only) management and in the EPL. Gecko / the contractor is responsible for the maintenance of rehabilitation; Disturbance to this toilet. After programme completion the long drop will be Disturbance of general fauna & flora. decommissioned. environment Visual impact Development of Disturbance of general General Visual impact. The old tracks which were pre-existing to exploration activities Access Roads environment environment Destruction of shall be used to access the target area. and Tracks flora No additional new tracks shall be made or otherwise be rehabilitated. If practically possible areas will be entered on foot. To enter the drill sites as much as possible along previously established tracks. All newly created tracks shall be rehabilitated after the drilling program has been finalized. Management of To undertake and Disturbance of Loss of Impervious rubber or plastic sheeting is to be used to prevent drill sites rehabilitate the natural indigenous pollution by diesel, oil and other related sources of pollution. respective drilling environment vegetation programmes in such a Disturbance of All litter is placed in a container with a lid that is secured
EMP for Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd exploration activities on EPL 4185 36
Affected Potential Activity Aspect Mitigation measure/recommendations/explanation environment impact manner that it will be fauna against wind. The rubbish is taken to an official waste site. difficult to determine Soil contaminated by oil or diesel is removed and dumped on where these activities an approved dumpsite and the area treated to neutralize took place in 5 years hydrocarbon contamination. time. The area of disturbance around the borehole site is kept as small as possible. Boreholes (not drilled at an angle) that intersect water have the casing left in them, the top of the hole around the casing is grouted and the borehole capped before rehabilitating the area. Holes / site are rehabilitated before moving to the next site to minimise vehicle movement to the area. Open water should be fenced off and preferably covered during night to avoid attraction of bees and wildlife. Sumps are fenced in to avoid fatalities of animals attracted by the water. Surface & To conserve water. General Visual Borehole rest water levels and quality are recorded. groundwater To avoid the pollution of environment Groundwater / Working areas, where hazardous substances are handled or management any water and prevent stream pollution stored, are designed to collect and contain hazardous polluted water from substances. Impervious materials are provided, e.g. drip trays, entering stream channels or sumps to collect and contain liquid pollutants. or underground aquifers. To monitor the rest water levels and quality of production boreholes, if water is encountered. Site rehabilitation To rehabilitate the drill General Visual impact The following rehabilitation actions are recommended: sites and camp to as environment Tourism . All drill mud and cores are removed from site to avoid close an approximation activities additional scars in the landscape; of the pristine state as is financially and . All litter from the site i.e. bottles, tins, piping, etc are taken reasonably possible. to an appropriate disposal site. . All debris, scrap metal, etc is removed before moving to a new drill site. . All drilling mud is either disposed of in the open borehole or
EMP for Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd exploration activities on EPL 4185 37
Affected Potential Activity Aspect Mitigation measure/recommendations/explanation environment impact taken off site and disposed of at an official waste site. . All water tanks are dismantled and removed. . All sumps are covered and contoured. The stored top soil / substrate is distributed and raked over the disturbed site. 2 years after rehabilitation the drill sites are not visible from 500m. Management of To avoid, or reduce, the Disturbed areas are kept to a minimum. the natural potential negative impact No incidents of poaching or illegal plant or reptile collection are habitat on the bio-physical reported. Offenders will be handed over to the authorities. environment, including the scenic value thereof. No permanent infrastructure will be developed at the exploration camp; No domestic or other animals are brought to the exploration site. Any person who causes wilful or malicious damage to the environment will be held responsible for repairing the damage immediately and handed over to the authorities. Managing To avoid disturbance of The likelihood that a new site will be found during the natural heritage known archaeological / exploration work is minimal. However the following measures sites & artifacts palaeontological sites. are to be implemented in case of any new found: To record accurately any Documented consultation with an archaeologist, and/or local new sites found and expertise when in doubt. report to the responsible authority. All individuals are aware of which areas are sensitive. Every pile (not waste or ore material dumps) of stones is treated as a possible archaeological site. Do not use them, as the rocks could be a burial cairn or hunting blind. No heritage objects are moved without a permit from the National Monuments Council and any permitted removal of heritage objects is done under the supervision of a qualified archaeologist, palaeontologist or historian. Any archaeological sites that are found are not be disturbed, but be carefully photographed, the exact location recorded and
EMP for Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd exploration activities on EPL 4185 38
Affected Potential Activity Aspect Mitigation measure/recommendations/explanation environment impact the finding reported to the National Monuments Council. Visual quality To preserve the scenic Tourism The movement and use of vehicles be limited to prevent Management aspects of the target activities unnecessary damage to vegetation. area and surroundings. could be potential sites of scientific interest are not defaced. To minimise visual impacts created by No new tracks are created as far as practically possible. exploration as far as The exploration camp and any other area disturbed by reasonably possible. exploration activities are rehabilitated. Establishment of To keep the disturbance Flora Loss of Locate pits at sites suitable for sampling purpose and where pits of flora at a minimum (indigenous) the least floral disturbance is encountered. Try to minimize the visual vegetation Locate pits at sites suitable for sampling purpose and where impact as much as Visual impact they are least visible to the public. possible. Tourism activities
EMP for Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd exploration activities on EPL 4185 39
11. REFERENCES
1. Craven, P., Marais, C., 1986. Namib Flora. Gamsberg Publ, Macmillan, Windhoek, Namibia. 128 pp
2. Christellis, G, et al, 2001. Groundwater in Namibia. An explanation to the Hydrogeological Map. Publ. Dept o Water Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Rural Development. P.15
3. GIESS, W. 1971, 1998. Eine vorläufige Vegetationskarte von Südwestafrika. - Dinteria 4: 31-114
4. Goldreich, Y. and Tyson, 1988. Diurnal and Inter-Diurnal Variations in Lage-Scale Atmospheric Turbulence over Southern Africa. South African Geographical Journal, 70(1). P 48-56
5. Griffin, M. 2003. ‘Annotated checklist and provisional national conservation status of Namibian reptiles’. Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Windhoek.
6. Lancaster, J., et al., 1984. Climat of the Central Namib Desert. Madoquo14(1): p 5- 61
7. Liebenberg-Enslin, H, 2011.: Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Central Namib ‘Uranium Rush- Air Quality Specialist Report, APP/09/MME-02-Rev0.
8. Liebenberg-Enzlin, H., Krause, N., 2011. VIP Site Option Ranking: Air Quality and Noise Impact Evaluation. Report No.: App/11/GHN-01, 41p
9. Malherbe, F., 2009. Noise Impact Study for a Coal Fired Power Station near Walvis Bay in Namibia.
10. Mannheimer, C A & Curtis BA. (eds) 2009, ‘Le Roux & Muller’s Field Guide to the Trees and Shrubs of Namibia’. Windhoek: Macmillan Education Namibia.
11. Mendelsohn J., Jarvis, A., Roberts, C. and Robertson, T., 2002. Atlas of Namibia: A portrait of the land and its people. David Philip Publishers, Cape Town.
12. Miller, R. McG. 2008. The Geology of Namibia: Vol.2, Neoproterozoic to lower Palaeozoic. geol. Surv., Windhoek, Namibia.
13. Miller, R. McG. 2008. The Geology of Namibia: Vol.3, Palaeozoic to lower Cenozoic. geol. Surv., Windhoek, Namibia.
14. Molloy F. and Reinikainen T. (2003) Namibia’s Marine Environment, Directorate of Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Cape Town, South Africa.
15. Pallett, 1995. The Sperrgebiet. Desert Research Foundation of Namibia and Namdeb Diamond Corporation, Windhoek, Namibia. P.84
16. Pasquill and Smith, 1983. Atmospheric Diffusion: Study of the dispersion of Windborne Material from Industrial and other sources. Ellis Horwood Ltd. Chichester. 437 pp
17. Schneider, G. and Genis G. 1992. Gypsum. In: The mineral resources of Namibia. Ministry of Mines and Energy, Geol. Surv. Namibia publ.
18. Seely, M. Pallett, J. 2008. Namibia – Secrets of a desert uncoverved, Windhoek, Namibia
19. Turgis Consulting, 2008: Trekkopje Uranium Project: Final ESIA Report.
20. Villiers, J.S. 1971. Final Report on Concession Grant M46/3/230. Unpubl. rep. B & O Mineral Exploration Company (Pty) Ltd. 12p.
21. Wilkinson, M.J. 1990. Paleaoenvironments in the Namib Desert. University of Chicago, Geography Research Paper No. 231
Online:
22. Digital Atlas of Namibia, http://www.uni- koeln.de/sfb389/e/e1/download/atlas_namibia/main_namibia_atlas.html
23. Namibian Coast Conservation and Management project (NACOMA), http://www.nacoma.org.na
24. Salt Company of Namibia, http://www.saltco.com
12. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS
Attachment-1: Map showing marble exploration targets within EPL4185
Attachment-2: Map showing the salt pans within EPL4185
Attachment-3: Overview map showing historic gypsum exploration within EPL4185
Attachment-4: Overview map on aggregates targets within EPL4185
Attachment-5: Summary on potential aggregates deposits
Attachment-6: Imagery and documentation of existing environmental damage within EPL4185
Attachment-7: Overview map of lichen fields and assemblages within EPL4185
41 Gecko Salt (Pty) Ltd Environmental Impact Assessment EPL4185 December2012