Scoping Report for the Establishment of Exploration Activities of Precious Stones on the Exclusive Prospecting Licence (Epl) 7000 Karasburg District, Karas Region

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT SCOPING REPORT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES OF PRECIOUS STONES ON THE EXCLUSIVE PROSPECTING LICENCE (EPL) 7000 KARASBURG DISTRICT, KARAS REGION.

LEAD CONSULTANT: PROPONENT:

Mr. Gideon Kalumbu Shali Investments (Pty) LTD EnvironClim Consulting Services P O Box 5118 P O Box 40506 Ausspannplatz Ausspannplatz Windhoek Cell: +264 81 5955643 Cell: +264 813353384

DOCUMENT INFORMATION

DOCUMENT STATUS FINAL

PROJECT TITLE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES OF PRECIOUS STONES ON THE EXCLUSIVE PROSPECTING LICENCE (EPL) 7000, KARASBURG DISTRICT, KARAS REGION.

CLIENT SHALI INVESTMENTS (PTY) LTD

P O BOX 5118

AUSSPANNPLATZ

CELL: +264 813353384

PROJECT MR. GIDEON KALUMBU CONSULTANT P O BOX 40506

AUSSPANNPLATZ

WINDHOEK

CELL: +264 81 595 5643

LOCATION KARASBURG DISTRICT,! KARAS REGION

DATE JUNE 2021

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Shali Investments (Pty) LTD have the intention to carry out exploration activity of precious stones at EPL 7000, Karasburg District, !Karas Region.

Shali Investments (Pty) LTD will utilize the available historical mineral occurrence data to determining to enhance the exploration within and around the EPL and carry out surface investigations and other perspective methods such as geophysical surveys, drilling, trenching and bulk sampling. The planned exploration program will consider using a low budget yet technically low risk exploration program that will utilize geophysical exploration methods that will identify buried gravel terraces. This will be accompanied by mapping of the adjacent banks and trenching to determine the existence of gravel terraces, tonnages and then grade. A detailed planning of manpower, trenching dimensions, gravel processing and concentration process will be taken into consideration in order to have a better scope on the precise project capital requirement.

The general area is entirely an arid environment and the Orange River which borders the EPL on the south is the main ecosystem support services in the area. Most of the negative impacts emanating from the exploration of precious stones at EPL 7000 have a medium to low significance and few of the negative impacts have medium significance which can be mitigated to negligibly low with the application of the mitigation measures as per the recommendations outlined by the Environmental Consultant to the proponent (See Section 13 of the report).

The high significance of the impacts as a result of the proposed exploration of precious stones is high on the social impact which is positive. The positive significance in the social impact has been attributed to potential economic intervention associated with the project such as direct and indirect employment opportunities and the prospect of the project to contribute to the national economy through loyalties, taxes and foreign currency earnings.

ABBREVIATION

AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

CC Close Corporation

Covid19 Coronavirus disease

DEA Directorate of Environmental Affairs

DESR Draft Environmental Scoping Report

EA Environmental Assessment

EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner

ECC Environmental Clearance Certificate

ECO Environmental Compliance Officer

ECS EnvironClim Consulting Services

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EMA Environmental Management Act

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EPL Exclusive Prospecting Licence

GPS Global Positioning System

GTZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit

Ha Hectare

HIV Human Immune Virus

I&APs Interested and Affected Parties

IT Information Technology

KM Kilometres

KV Kilovolt

MAWLR Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform

MEFT Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism

MM Millimetres

MME Ministry of Mine and Energy

NAMPOWER Namibia Power Corporation (Pty)

iii

NHC National Heritage Council

PPEs Personal Protective Equipment’s

SME Small Medium Enterprise

USAID United States Agency for International Development

WHO World Health Organization

Tables of Contents

List of Figures ...... 3 List of Tables ...... 3 List of Annexures ...... 3 1.PROJECT BACKGROUND ...... 4 1.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 4 1.2 PROJECT LOCATION ...... 4 1.3 TERMS OF REFERENCES ...... 7 1.4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT ...... 8 1.5 THE PURPOSE OF THE SCOPING REPORT ...... 8 1.6 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES ...... 9 1.6.1 Alternatives ...... 9 1.6.2 No - Go Alternatives ...... 9 2. SUMMARY OF LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK APPLICABLE TO THE PROJECT ...... 10 3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED EXPLORATION PROJECT ...... 17 3.1 Introduction ...... 17 3.2 Exploration Methods ...... 17 3.3 Labour Requirements ...... 18 3.4 Services ...... 19 3.4.1 Energy Requirements ...... 19 3.4.2 Water supply ...... 20 3.4.3 Waste management ...... 20 4. INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES ...... 20 4.1 Housing and Offices ...... 20 4.2 Storage of fuel, lubricant and consumables ...... 22 4.3 Roads ...... 22 4.4 Telecommunication and IT System ...... 23 4.5 Security ...... 23 5. DESCRIPTION OF THE BIO-PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 23 5.1 Climate ...... 23 6. DESCRIPTION OF THE GEOLOGY AND GEOHYDROLOGY ...... 25 6.1 Geology ...... 25 6.2 Geohydrology ...... 25 7. DESCRIPTION OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HERITAGE ...... 26 7.1 Archaeology and Heritage ...... 26

8. DESCRIPTION OF THE BIODIVERSITY...... 26 8.1 Flora Diversity ...... 26 8.2 Alien Plant Assessment ...... 29 8.3 Reptiles Diversity ...... 30 8.4 Avian-Fauna Diversity ...... 32 8.5 Important Biodiversity Areas ...... 33 8.5.1 Vertebrate fauna ...... 33 8.5.2 Flora ...... 34 9. DESCRIPTION OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC ...... 34 10. DESCRIPTION OF THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ...... 35 10.1 Public Participation Requirement ...... 35 10.2 Environmental Assessment Phase 2...... 36 11. ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ...... 36 12. MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 39 13. ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION...... 41 13.1 Impacts During Exploration Phase ...... 41 13.1.1 Surface and ground water Impacts ...... 41 13.1.2 Noise Impacts ...... 42 13.1.3 Dust and Emission Impacts ...... 42 13.1.4 Impacts on biodiversity ...... 42 13.1.5 Visual and Sense of Place Impacts ...... 42 13.1.6 Archaeological and Heritage Impacts ...... 43 13.1.7 Social Impacts ...... 43 13.1.8 Traffic Impacts...... 43 13.1.9 Existing Service Infrastructure Impacts ...... 43 13.1.10 Waste Management Service Impacts ...... 44 13.1.11 Storage and Utilisation of Hazardous Substance ...... 44 13.2 Health, Safety and Security Impacts ...... 44 14. AN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMNT PLAN ...... 45 15. SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 45 16. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMEDATIONS ...... 51 17. REFERENCES ...... 53

List of Figures

FIGURE 1: LOCATION OF EPL 7000 (RED PINNED), KARASBURG DISTRICT, !KARAS REGION (GPS COORDINATES:- 28°.907028S,18°.182500E)………………………………………………………………………………5 FIGURE 2: SATELLITE IMAGE DEPICTING THE ORIENTATION OF EPL 7000 DELINEATED IN RED...... 6 FIGURE 3: FARMS SURROUNDING THE EPL 7000...... 7 FIGURE 4: EPL 7000 DELINEATED IN PINK WITH TARGETED EXPLORATION SITE CIRCLED IN YELLOW ...... 18 FIGURE 5: EXISTING OVERHEAD POWERLINE (33 KV) WHICH STRETCHES FROM NOORDOEWER TO FARM HAAKIESDOORN 137...... 19 FIGURE 6: THE EXISTING BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURES TO BE CONVERTED INTO UNITS TO ACCOMMODATE SOME STAFF MEMBERS...... 21 FIGURE 7: THE EXISTING CONCRETE FLOOR TO BE CONVERTED INTO A BASECAMP...... 21 FIGURE 8: THE EXISTING BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURES TO BE CONVERTED INTO OPERATIONAL OFFICE ...... 22 FIGURE 9: RAINFALL GRAPH FOR HAAKIESDOORN (WORLDWEATHERONLINE, 2021)...... 23 FIGURE 10: TEMPERATURE GRAPH FOR HAAKIESDOORN (WORLDWEATHERONLINE, 2021)...... 24 FIGURE 11: WIND SPEED GRAPH FOR HAAKIESDOORN (WORLDWEATHERONLINE, 2021)...... 24 FIGURE 12: BOSCIA SPP. RECORDED WITHIN THE EPL 7000...... 29 FIGURE 13: PROSOPIS SPP. RECORDED WITHIN THE EPL 7000 ON THE BANK OF THE ORANGE RIVER...... 30

List of Tables

TABLE 1. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS RELEVANT FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT ...... 10 TABLE 2: PLANT SPECIES RECORDED AND LIKELY TO OCCUR IN THE VICINITY OF THE EPL 7000...... 26 TABLE 3: REPTILE SPECIES KNOWN TO OCCUR IN THE VICINITY OF THE EPL...... 30 TABLE 4: BIRDS KNOWN AND/OR LIKELY TO OCCUR IN THE VICINITY OF HAAKIESDOORN, !KARAS REGION. .... 32 TABLE 5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ACTIVITIES ...... 35 TABLE 6: STANDARDISED AND INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED METHODOLOGY DETERMINE TO THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LIKELY ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS...... 36 TABLE 7: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT MATRIX FOR THE EXPLORATION OF PRECIOUS STONES AT EPL 7000 ...... 47

List of Annexures

ANNEXURE A: PROOF OF SUBMISSION OF THE RENEWAL APPLICATION FOR THE EPL……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...54

ANNEXURE B: PROOF OF EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE FARM OWNER………………………………………………………………………………………………………...57

ANNEXURE C: PROOF OF NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENTS…………………………………………………………………………………………..59

ANNEXURE D: CURRICULUM VITAE FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER…………………………………………………………………………………………….....69

ANNEXURE E: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)……………………………………..70

ANNEXURE F: PROOF OF NAME TRANSFER…………………………………………………………..71

1.PROJECT BACKGROUND

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Shali Investments (Pty) LTD, hereafter referred to as the proponent intend to undertake exploration activities for precious stones on the Exclusive Pospecting Licence (EPL) 7000. Shali Investments (Pty) LTD is a wholly Namibian owned company with interest in mining. The company had been granted the Exclusive Prospecting Licence in 2018 by the Ministry of Mine and Energy (MME), and has submitted its renewal for the same EPL in April 2021. The proponent has secured both financial and technical partners to carry out the proposed exploration activities. The proposed activity is a listed activity as per Environmental Management Act 2007 (Act No. 7 of 2007) (EMA) and an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) is therefore required to commission such as project. EnvironClim Consulting Services (ECS) was therefore appointed by Shali Investments (Pty) LTD to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and develop an Environmental Management Plan for the proposed project.

1.2 PROJECT LOCATION

EPL 7000 is situated approximately 18 Km east of Noordoewer and borders with Farm Haakiesdoorn 137 on the west and Orange River on the south within the Karasburg District, !Karas Region (see Figure 1, 2 and 3 below). The EPL covers an area of 16 357.6 Ha along the course of the Orange River.

Figure 1: Location of EPL 7000 (red pinned), Karasburg District, !Karas Region (GPS coordinates:-28°.907028S,18°.182500E).

17°45'0"E 17°50'0"E 17°55'0"E 18°0'0"E 18°5'0"E 18°10'0"E 18°15'0"E 18°20'0"E 18°25'0"E 18°30'0"E

28°35'0"S

28°40'0"S

28°45'0"S

28°50'0"S

28°55'0"S

29°0'0"S Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye,

Legend ± Kilometres EPL7000 0 2.5 5 10 15 20

Figure 2: Satellite image depicting the orientation of EPL 7000 delineated in red.

Figure 3: Farms surrounding the EPL 7000.

1.3 TERMS OF REFERENCES

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was carried out in accordance with Namibia Environmental Management Legislations (Environmental Management Act, No 7 of 2007) and its Regulation (Government Notice No. 30 of 2012). The essence of the EIA is to provide substantial information to the Office of the Environmental Commissioner to make an informed decision about whether or not an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) should be issued. The process as defined by the Environmental Regulation (2012) enclosed the following steps, which are described in this document as follows;

➢ Provide a detail description of the planned activity; ➢ Identifying all legislation and guidelines that have reference to the planned activity; ➢ Identify existing environmental (physical, biological and social) conditions of the area in order to determine their environmental sensitivity;

➢ Inform Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) and relevant authorities of the details of the proposed activity and provide them with a reasonable opportunity to participate during the process; ➢ Consider the potential environmental and social impacts of the proposed activity and assess the significance of the identified impacts and; ➢ Outline management and mitigation measures in an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to minimise and/or mitigate potentially negative impacts and assist in formulating a decommissioning plan for the proposed exploration activity.

1.4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT

The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (Government Notice No. 30 of 2012) stipulate that no mining or exploration activities should be undertaken without a valid Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC). Therefore, an ECC shall be applied for in accordance with regulation 6 of the 2012 environmental regulations. It is imperative that the proponent must carry out a public consultation process in accordance with regulation 21 of the 2012 environmental procedure and prepare and submit an environmental scoping report and an environmental management plan for the proposed exploration activity.

1.5 THE PURPOSE OF THE SCOPING REPORT

This report is prepared for the essence of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed establishment of exploration activities for precious stones on the Exclusive Prospecting Licence (EPL) 7000. The scoping process identifies the likely impacts associated with the proposed project during the EIA and eliminate issues which are of little concern. The purpose of this report is thus to;

• Identify any crucial environmental impacts to be considered before commencing with the proposed mineral exploration project within the EPL. • Identify information required for decision making purpose • Inform the public about the proposed exploration activities • Identify the key stakeholders, their comments and concerns • Define reasonable and practical alternative to the proposed project

• Establish the terms of references for the envisaged EIA.

1.6 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

1.6.1 Alternatives

Different EPLs within the areas were primarily considered by the proponent, resulting in considering the most accessible, feasible and economic viable in term of prospect for precious stones based on historical geological data.

1.6.2 No - Go Alternatives

The no-go alternative is basically the baseline against which all alternatives are clarified. The no-go alternative would essentially include maintaining the existing status quo, whereby the exploration of precious stones will not proceed at all. In addition, the exploration activity of precious stones will not take place which would have a negative social and economic impacts to the inhabitants of !Karas Region and losing out on economic prospects associated with this project. Moreover, if the project does not commence the inhabitants will not be in position to secure employment opportunities, emanating from the proposed exploration project. The project will further improve significantly the livelihood of the surrounding communities. The planned project has the potential to contribute enormously to the economy of the country through loyalties, taxes foreign currency exchange.

2. SUMMARY OF LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK APPLICABLE TO THE PROJECT

All mineral rights related to mining activities are regulated by the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), whereas the environmental regulations are regulated by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT). The proposed project shall be established and operated under the provision of the relevant statutory framework of Namibian and international laws of which Namibia is signatory.

Table 1. Legal requirements relevant for the proposed project

Legislation Summary Applicability The Namibian The Namibian constitution is the supreme law of the country which is To undertake the EIA in order to Constitution committed to sustainable development. Article 95(1) of the Constitution maintain the ecological process and of Namibia states that:- “The State shall actively promote and maintain diversity of ecosystem the welfare of the people by adopting policies aimed at … The maintenance of ecosystems, essential ecological processes and biological diversity of Namibia and utilization of living natural resources on a sustainable basis for the benefit of all Namibians, both present and future”. The The Environmental Management Act No 7 of 2007 aims to promote the Legal requirement to undertake an EIA Environmental sustainable management of the environment and the use of natural Management Act resources and to provides for a process of assessment and control of activities which may have significant effects on the environment; and to provide for incidental matters. The acts provide a list of activities that may not be undertake without an environmental clearance certificate.

Legislation Summary Applicability Further, the Act ensures that; (a) Potential threats are considered timeously (b) A comprehensive stakeholder’s consultation is conducted, and all Interested and affected parties are given an opportunity to comment on the project (c) Decision are robust by considering the above-mentioned activities Atmospheric This Ordinance serves to control air pollution from point sources, but it Generation of Greenhouse Gases by Pollution does not consider ambient air quality. This ordinance is being repealed the fuel Prevention Ordinance Act by the proposed Pollution Control and Waste Management Bill. Any No.11 of 1976) person carrying out a ‘scheduled process’ which are processes

resulting in noxious or offensive gases typically pertaining to point source emissions have to obtain a registration certificate from the Department of Health. Draft Pollution This Bill serves to regulate and prevent the discharge of pollutants to Possible Fuel Spill and Leakages may Control and air and water as well as providing for general waste management. The pollute ground and surface water. Waste Management Bill will repeal the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Ordinance (11 of Bill 1976) when it comes into force. The Bill also provides for noise, dust or odour control that may be considered a nuisance. Further, the Bill advocates for duty of care with respect to waste management affecting

Legislation Summary Applicability humans and the environment and calls for a waste management licence for any activity relating to waste or hazardous waste management. Environmental This policy subjects all developments and project to environmental Provision of the EIA and guidelines Policy assessment and provides guideline for the Environmental Assessment. framework (1995) Its provision mandate that Environmental Assessment take due consideration of all possible impacts and incorporate them in the development or planning stages. The Safety: Operating exploration equipment has Occupational A safety risk is a statistical concept representing the potential of an the potential risk of injuries. Safety and Health Act No. accident occurring, owing to unsafe operation and/or environment. In 11 of 2007; the working context “SAFETY” is regarded as “free from danger” to the

health injury and to properties.

Health: Occupational Health is aimed at the promotion and maintenance of the Provision of clean ablution facility, highest degree of physical, mental and social wellbeing of workers in routine health check-ups for employees, all occupations. This is done by ensuring that all work-related hazards HIV/AIDS awareness etc. are prevented and where they occur, managed.

Legislation Summary Applicability Public Health The Act serves to protect the public from nuisance and states that no Ensure public safety from noise, dusts, Act No. 36 of person shall cause a nuisance or shall suffer to exist on any land or and air pollution. 1919 premises owned or occupied by him/her or of which he/she is in charge of any nuisance or other condition liable to be injurious or dangerous to health.

Water This Act provides a framework for managing water resources based on Ensure that the river systems are not Resources the principles of integrated water resources management. It provides polluted and implement pollution control Management Act (2004) for the management, development, protection, conservation, and use mechanism to avoid water pollution of water resources. Furthermore, any watercourse on/or in close proximity to the site and associated ecosystems should be protected in alignment with the listed principles. Water Act No, This act states that, all water resources belong to the State. It prevents Contaminated water, such as sewage 54 of 1956 pollution and promotes the sustainable utilization of the resource. To sludge must not be dumped into the

protect these resources, this act requires that permits are obtained river. when activities involve the following; • Discharge of contaminated into water sources such as pipe, sewer, canal, sea outfall and • Disposal of water in a manner that may cause detrimental impact on the water resources

Legislation Summary Applicability Petroleum This Act provides a framework for handling and distribution of Safe handling of the petroleum products Product and petroleum products which may include purchase, sale, supply, such as fuel and lubricants. Energy Act No, 13 of 1990 acquisition, possession, disposal, storage or transportation thereof.

Diamond Act 13 This Act deals with the regulation of unpolished diamond in Namibia. Registration in respect of unpolished of 1999 diamond and security check of person employed or engaged in activity related to unpolished diamond. Labour Act No. This Act aims to regulate labour in general and includes the protection Follow legal labour requirements such 11 of 2007 of the health, safety and welfare of employees. The 1997 regulations as safety, remuneration etc

relating to the Health and Safety of employees at work sets out the duties of the employer, welfare and facilities at the workplace, safety of machinery, hazardous substances, physical hazards, medical provisions, construction safety and electrical safety. Regional The Regional Councils Act legislates the establishment of Regional Observe the regional by laws Council Act, Councils that are responsible for the planning and coordination of 1992 (Act No. 22 of 1992) regional policies and development. The main objective of this Act is to

initiate, supervise, manage and evaluate development at regional level. Soil This act promotes the conservation of soil, prevention of soil erosion. Coordinate movement of exploration Conservation equipment to prevent soil erosion. Act No. 76 of 1969 Ensure conservation of topsoil.

Legislation Summary Applicability

Hazardous This ordinance gives provision to control the handling of hazardous Handling of fuel, fire and explosion risks Substances substance in all circumstances, such as manufacturing, imports and Ordinance No. 14 of 1974 exporting of these to ensure human and environmental safety.

National The Act makes provision for the protection and conservation of places Exploration activities such drilling, Heritage Act No. and objects of heritage significance and the registration of such places trenching, and excavation may unearth 27 of 2004 and objects. Part V Section 46 of the Act prohibits removal, damage, archaeological material. alteration or excavation of heritage sites or remains, while Section 48 sets out the procedure for application and granting of permits such as

Word’s Best Precautionary Approach Principle Alluvial diamond exploration particularly Practises in the area with rivers can be This principle is worldwide accepted when there is a lack of sufficient detrimental to the fresh-water knowledge and information about the possible threats to the ecosystem. Therefore, precaution must environment. Hence if the anticipated impacts are greater, then be taken when diamond dredge pump is precautionary approach is applied. In this project, there are no eminent used. uncertainty however in cases when they arise, this approach should be

applied. In the event of any pollution of

freshwater ecosystem, the proponent Polluter Pays Principle

Legislation Summary Applicability This principle ensures that proponents takes responsibility of their must be responsible to clean up the actions. Hence in cases of pollution, the proponent bears the full environment. responsibility to clean up the environment.

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED EXPLORATION PROJECT

3.1 Introduction

Precious stones which in the Namibian mineral context refers to diamond is one of the most valuable commodities. Diamond in natural form with some exception appears in octahedral and cubic shape. In Southern Africa diamond from the Kimberlite have a correlation between the diamond grade and the proportion of primary growth shape. Diamond in eclogite and periodotite xenoliths are characteristically well preserved and are clearly protected from the severe absorption. The dissolution of diamond has been noted to incidental take place during the transference of magma. Lamination which are often pragmatic on the surface of resorbed diamond are positive features. Some diamond has inclusion and tend to have primitive isotopes ratio which reflects archaean ages which are much older than host diatreme. The inclusion of periodotitic diamond for instance have a refractory magnitude of magnesian and depict clear evidence of enrichment in light of rare earth elements and alkalis.

3.2 Exploration Methods

The exploration of precious stones will involves determining historical mineral occurrence within and around the EPL which entails surface investigations, drilling and trenching and perspective methods such as geophysical surveys, drilling, trenching and bulk sampling. A detailed planning of manpower, trenching dimensions, gravel processing and concentration process will be carried out to have a better scope on the precise project capital requirement. The planned exploration program will consider putting together a low budget exploration program that will utilize geophysical exploration methods that will identify buried gravel terraces. Mapping of the adjacent banks and trenching should then follow to determine the existence of gravel terraces, tonnages and then grade. A mini-mobile crushing and screening plant within the EPL boundaries might be set up at a later stage depending on the initial findings from mapping and geophysical outcome. Alternatively, the excavated gravel can be transported and treated at nearby existing plants along the Orange River. Figure 4 below depicts the areas targeted for exploration of precious stones within the EPL.

EPL 5704_ORANGE RIVER: D DAVIDS

100000.000000

Pretectonic gneiss, ortho-amphibolite, metasedimentary rocks Alluvium, sand, gravel, calcrete Dolerite sills and dykes

Tillite, boulder shale, shale, sandstone, limestone E Haib Deposit Shale, mudstone B

Granodiorite, leucogranite, gabbro, diorite

Sandstone, black limestone, conglomerate, shale

.000000 .000000 Noordoewer

-750000 -750000

Andesite, dacite, rhyolite

Legend

EPL5704_target areas EPL5704_outline mineralization_trends TYPE IM, SP

Sn,W,Ta,etc. coal

copper gold

gossan iron-formation

iron-formation (assumed)

kimberlite lead/zinc

uranium

100000.000000 0 2 4 8 12 16 Kilometers

Figure 4: EPL 7000 delineated in pink with targeted exploration site circled in yellow

3.3 Labour Requirements

The proposed project will have huge economic impact to the town of Noordoewer, Warmbad and Karasburg, surrounding settlements and villages; about 25 people will be employed by the project. All employees will undergo through an extensive safety induction and first aid training courses and wildlife awareness program. The Labour Act of 2007 will always be adhered to. The proponent had been granted the Exclusive Prospecting Licence (EPL) and have recently applied for the renewal of the EPL at the Ministry of Mine and Energy (MME) (See Annexure A) and if the exploration yielded successful results, other mandatory permits and authorisation will be applied for and ultimately more people will be employed by the project. The duration of the of the exploration is forecasted to last for a period of 9 months and all the required reports will be submitted to the relevant authorities.

3.4 Services 3.4.1 Energy Requirements

Electricity requirement at the initial stages of the project will be minimal. However, the bulk of the power supply will be required to supply electricity to the base camp and temporary office blocks, and it will be sourced from the existing NAMPOWER overhead powerline which stretches from Noordoewer to Farm Haakiesdoorn 137 (See Figure 5 below). The proponent will in future explore the potential of establishing a renewable source of energy in the form of solar power if the project yield success.

Figure 5: Existing overhead powerline (33 kV) which stretches from Noordoewer to Farm Haakiesdoorn 137.

3.4.2 Water supply

Water will mainly be required for domestic uses and cleaning of equipment’s. Since the project will take place in the arid area and the only water source is the Orange River which is bordering the EPL on south, water will be pumped from the river via a pipeline that will be laid from the river and feed water storage tank which will be erected at the base camp. The water abstraction permit will be applied for from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR). Efforts will be made to ensure that water is used sparingly and recycled where possible.

3.4.3 Waste management

All domestic waste materials that will be generated during the exploration project will be disposed of at Karasburg landfill. A local SME will be contracted to handle the removal of all the solid waste from the site. The proponent will supply adequate temporary sanitary containerize facilities which will be maintained and kept in a hygienic condition. Due to the sensitivity of the area, sewerage must be disposed in a manner that does not pollute the environment. The proponent will be responsible for the emptying of the ablution facility on weekly basis and dispose of at the nearest sewerage disposal ponds in Karasburg. The proponent will further engage the suppliers of consumable such as grease and lubricants upon used to collect and dispose of such waste in an environmentally friendly manner.

4. INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES

4.1 Housing and Offices

Two areas within the EPL have been identified to accommodate the staff complement. The proponent intends to renovate the existing old building infrastructures and convert it into housing units for the management. In addition, the existing concrete slab adjacent to the existing old building structure will be renovated and converted into a camping site to house the rest of the exploration team (See Figure 6, 7 and 8). The tents will be erected to accommodate some of the staff. Some of the existing building infrastructures will be converted into operational office, on condition that an agreement is reached with the owner.

Figure 6: The existing building infrastructures to be converted into units to accommodate some staff members.

Figure 7: The existing concrete floor to be converted into a basecamp.

Figure 8: The existing building infrastructures to be converted into operational office

4.2 Storage of fuel, lubricant and consumables

Lubricants and consumable materials will be stored in containers at a designated area at the site. These substances will only be used for mechanical purposes and it is presumed that they are non- hazardous. All the light vehicles will be filled up at the nearest towns such as Karasburg and Noordoewer. A customised 1000-gallon fuel trailer with an easy to fuel pipe will be used to transport fuel such as diesel needed to operate different equipment required for the exploration project.

4.3 Roads

The access to the EPL will be gained from the B1 road about 89 Km from Grunau and 50 Km from Noordoewer and turn to the east with the D213 for about 45 Km and turn to the right at the T-junction of the D208 which stretches from Karasburg to Gibella for about 53 Km. The EPL is accessible via the road going toward the west through Farm Haakiesdoorn 137. Existing farm roads will be used to access the targeted exploration

sites within the EPL, and new roads will only be established if it is necessary and areas which are less ecologically sensitive will be taken into consideration.

4.4 Telecommunication and IT System

Since the area does not have access to telecommunication networks, provision will be made for two-way radio to enable the exploration team to communicate effectively.

4.5 Security

A reputable local company will be contracted to render security services on daily basis at the site. There will be strict access control to the site since accessing the site will be via Farm Haakiesdoorn 137 and all vehicles entering and leaving the site will be registered.

5. DESCRIPTION OF THE BIO-PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 5.1 Climate

The climate of Haakiesdoorn area where the exploration of precious stones at EPL 7000 is located within the arid savannah. The area has an average annual rainfall of 50 mm – 100 mm. The highest average maximum temperature in the area is more than 36˚C, while the average minimum temperatures are 8˚C - 10˚C (Mendelsohn, 2003). The following graphs depicts the climatic variation in the area.

Figure 9: Rainfall Graph for Haakiesdoorn (Worldweatheronline, 2021).

Figure 10: Temperature Graph for Haakiesdoorn (Worldweatheronline, 2021).

Figure 11: Wind Speed Graph for Haakiesdoorn (Worldweatheronline, 2021).

A clear understanding of the climatic pattern of the area is very imperative particularly rainfall, temperature and wind speed. This will help in the planning and execution of the exploration activity and risk assessment. The area may be subjected to high rainfall, extreme heat and/or high wind speed which in term of this project it’s a concern. There is little rainfall recorded in the area over the years with the highest record in 2011 as depicted in Figure 9 above while the temperature and wind speeds have been fluctuating over the years as depicted in Figure 10 and 11 respectively.

6. DESCRIPTION OF THE GEOLOGY AND GEOHYDROLOGY

6.1 Geology

The geology of the area is characterised by high terrain on the north consisting mainly of granitoids of Richterveld Suite (900Ma), as well as quarzitic sandstone and limestone of the late Precambrian Nama Group. The target deposit is unconformably overlain by patches of Dwyka diamicate, forming the base of the Paleozoic Karoo Sequence. The Noordoewer – Aussenkjer ‘corridor’ itself has underlain by the lowermost Ecca Group (Prince Albert and White hill formations), which consist mainly shale. The Orange River proto-terrace gravels might be distributed over all the sites as separate outliers buried under the thick colluvial-proluvial sedimentary cover. The meso-terrace bedrock has contents of quartz-feldspathic porphyries of the Orange River Group (northern Part) and granites of Bremen Complex (Southern Part). The gravels are pervasively covered by colluvial-proluvial sedimentary mantle. The diamond content in the gravels depends on palaeo-channel geometry and bedrock morphology. The palaeo-channel bends and loops the uneven bedrock. Various thicknesses patella’s and pits and natural palaeo-river’s flow barriers (dykes, etc.) are the most favourable places of diamond deposition. The combination of those factors quite often results in formation of natural traps, frequently with industrial concentration of diamonds embedded inside.

6.2 Geohydrology

The EPL borders the Orange River on the south and is the only source of water in the area. There are no significant rivers that runs through the EPL. The EPL is situated in area with nominal underground water.

7. DESCRIPTION OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HERITAGE

7.1 Archaeology and Heritage

There are no declared heritage sites by the National Heritage Council of Namibia at Haakiesdoorn, Karasburg District, !Karas Region, however, an accidental find procedure at the subject area may be required.

8. DESCRIPTION OF THE BIODIVERSITY

8.1 Flora Diversity

The EPL is falling within the dwarf shrub savanna. The vegetation in the area are sparsely distributed and the only conspicuous plant species in the area are mainly associated with the bank of the Orange River. The most conspicuous indigenous plant species on the bank of the river are Acacia erioloba, Tamarix usneoides, Parkinsonia africana and Searsia spp., while Zygophyllum spp. Salsola spp. and Calicorema spp. are associated with the undulating rocky outcrop inland away from the river.

The overall plant diversity in the area is estimated to be between 100 -149 species and plant endemism is expected to range between 2-5 species. The average plant production in the general area is viewed as “bare ground, extremely low” and there is limited growth of vegetation in the area due to low rainfall (Mendelsohn et al. 2002).

Table 2: Plant species recorded and likely to occur in the vicinity of the EPL 7000.

Species Occurrences Protection Status Conservation Categories

Acacia mellifera Occasional LC -

Acacia erioloba Occasional - F

Boscia albitrunca Common LC F

Boscia foetida subsp. foetida Occasional LC -

Adenolobus garipensis Common - -

Amaranthus praetermissus Common LC -

Calicorema squarrosa Occasional LC NE

Ceraria namaquensis Occasional LC NE

Cleome paxii Occasional - -

Cleome foliosa var. lutea Occasional - -

Crotalaria heidmannii Occasional - -

Dicoma capensis Occasional - -

Dyerophytum africanum Occasional - -

Gomphostigma virgatum Occasional - -

Gorteria corymbosa Occasional - NE

Eragrostis porosa Common LC -

Enneapogon desvauxii Common - -

Emilia marlothiana Occasional - -

Forsskaolea candida Occasional LC -

Heliophila trifurca Occasional - NE

Hermannia gariepina Occasional - -

Hermannia macra Occasional - -

Heliotropium giessii Common - -

Hypertelis salsoloides var. salsoloides Occasional LC -

Hermbstaedtia odorata var. odorata Occasional - -

Kohautia aspera Common - -

Limeum aethiopicum var. glabrum Common - -

Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium Common - -

Monechma cleomoides Common LC -

Orbivestus cinerascens Common - -

Ocimum americanum var. americanum Common - -

Mollugo walteri Occasional LC E

Panicum lanipes Common - -

Polygala leptophylla var. leptophylla Occasional - -

Plicosepalus undulatus Occasional LC -

Ruschia spinosa Occasional - P

Lophiocarpus polystachyus Occasional LC -

Sesamum capense Common LC -

Sida ovata Common - -

Solanum capense Common - -

Solanum rigescentoides Common - -

Spergularia media Occasional - -

Salix mucronata subsp. capensis Common - -

Sisyndite spartea Occasional - NE

Stipagrostis hirtigluma subsp. pearsoni Common LC -

Tapinanthus oleifolius Common LC -

Tamarix usneoides Common - -

Jamesbrittenia megaphylla Occasional - -

Viscum rotundifolium Occasional LC -

Indigastrum argyroides Occasional - -

Indigofera heterotricha subsp. Occasional LC - heterotricha

Indigofera maritima Occasional - -

Zygophyllum leptopetalum Common - -

Ziziphus mucronata Common - F

KEY: LC – Least Concern; E- Endemic; NE- Near - Endemic; P-Protected, F – Forestry protected under Forestry Act (Act 12 of 2001).

The highlighted species in the table above are the most critical plant species which are highly likely to be affected by the exploration project. Species such as; Acacia erioloba, Boscia albitrunca, Ziziphus mucronata and Ruschia spinosa are protected species under the Forestry Act (Act 12 of 2001), henceforth appropriate consideration should be bequeathed. Furthermore, endemic and near-endemic species occurring in the area should be avoided at all cost, because they have limited geographical distributions. Most of the plant species known and/or occurring in the area, even though they will not be directly affected by the exploration project, their ecological functions particularly in an arid environment are significant and they should be conserved.

Figure 12: Boscia spp. recorded within the EPL 7000.

8.2 Alien Plant Assessment

The alien plants were considered during the botanical assessment. It was found that Prosopis spp. (Figure 13.) is merely the alien plants species found on the bank of the Orange River which border the EPL on the south.

Figure 13: Prosopis spp. recorded within the EPL 7000 on the bank of the Orange River.

8.3 Reptiles Diversity

The general area of the EPL has a relatively diverse species of reptiles of which some are endemic to Namibia. The reptile diversity and endemism in the area is estimated to be 41-50 species, respectively (Mendelsohn et al. 2002). The availability of different habitats such as crevices within the EPL are appropriate for reptile and as such it enhance their presence. The following table represents the reptiles known and/or likely to occur in the general area.

Table 3: Reptile species known to occur in the vicinity of the EPL.

Scientific name Common name Occurrence (√) Conservation Status Snakes Leptotyphlops occidentalis Western Thread Snake √ Endemic Lamprophis fuliginosus Brown House Snake √ - Pseudaspis cana Mole Snake √ - Prosymna frontalis South-western Shovel-snout √ Endemic Dipsina multimaculata Dwarf Beaked Snake √ Endemic Psammophis notostictus Karoo Sand Snake √ - Psammophis leightoni namibensis Namib Sand Snake √ - Dasypeltis scabra Common/Rhombic Egg √ - Eater

Telescopus semiannulatus Eastern Tiger Snake √ - polystictus Telescopus beetzii Beetzs Tiger Snake √ - Aspidelaps lubricus infuscatus Coral Snake √ - Naja nivea Cape Cobra √ - Naja nigricollis woodi Black-necked spitting cobra √ - Bitis arietans Puff Adder √ - Bitis caudalis Horned Adder √ -

Tortoises (Geochelone) Psammobates tentorius Tent Tortoise √ -

Lizards Zygaspis quadrifrons Kalahari Round-Headed √ - Worm Lizard Meroles suborbitalis Spotted Desert Lizard √ - Nucras tessellata Western Sandveld lizard √ - Pedioplanis namaquensis Namaqua Sand Lizard √ - Pedioplanis inornata Plain Sand Lizard

Skinks (Scincidae) Trachylepis capensis Cape Skink √ - Trachylepis occidentalis Western Three-striped Skink √ Trachylepis spilogaster Kalahari Tree Skink √ Endemic Trachylepis striata sparsa Striped Skink √ - Trachylepis sulcata Western Rock Skink √ - Trachylepis variegata variegata Variegated Skink √ -

Monitors (Varanidae) Varanus albigularis Rock or White-throated √ - monitor

Geckos Chondrodactylus angulifer Giant Ground Gecko √ Endemic namibensis Goggia lineata Stripped Dwarf Leaf -Toed √ - Gecko Pachydactylus bibronii Bibron’s Thick- Toed Gecko √ - Pachydactylus capensis Cape Thick-toed Gecko √ Endemic Pachydactylus turneri Turner’s Thick-toed Gecko √ - Pachydactylus mariquensis Marico Thick-Toed Gecko √ - latirostris Pachydactylus haackei Haacke Thick -Toed Gecko √ - Pachydactylus punctatus Speckled Thick-toed Gecko √ - Pachydactylus rugosus rugosus Rough Thick-toed Gecko √ Endemic Pachydactylus serval Western Spotted Thick – √ - Toed Gecko Pachydactylus weberi Weber’s Thick-toed Gecko √ Endemic Ptenopus garrulus maculatus Common Barking Gecko √ - Rhoptropus barnardi Barnard’s Namib Day Gecko √ Endemic Rhoptropus boultoni Boulton’s Namib Day Gecko √ Endemic

Agamas (Agamidae) Agama aculeata Ground Agama Agama anchietae Anchietae Agama √ -

Agama planiceps Namibian Rock Agama √ Endemic Agama atra Southern Rock Agama

Chameleons (Chamaeleonidae) Chamaeleo namaquensis Namaqua Chameleon √ -

Among the species known and/ or likely to occur in the area, 11 of the species are endemic to Namibia. Other reptiles’ species occurring in the general area have no conservation concern.

8.4 Avian-Fauna Diversity

Birdlife is relatively high in the vicinity due to various micro habitats occurring in the area.

Table 4: Birds known and/or likely to occur in the vicinity of Haakiesdoorn, !Karas Region.

Scientific name Common name Namibia Status

Agapornis roseicollis Rosy-faced Lovebird Endemic Apus bradfieldi Bradfield’s Swift - Cypsiurus parvus African Palm Swift - Streptopelia senegalensis Laughing Dove - Oena capensis Namaqua Dove - Pterocles namaqua Namaqua Sandgrouse - Falco rupicolus Rock Kestrel - Falco chicquera Red-necked Falcon - Corvus albus Pied Crow - Hirundu albigularis White-throated Swallow - Hirundo dimidiata Pearl-breasted Swallow - Hirundo cucullata Greater Stiped Swallow - Hirundo semirufa Red-breasted Swallow - Pycnonotus nigricans African Red-eyed Bulbul - Eremomela icteropygialis Yellow-bellied Eremomela - Prinia flavicans Black-chested Prinia - Mirafra passerina Monotonous Lark - Mirafra africana Rufous-naped Lark - Mirafra fasciolata Eastern Clapper Lark - Mirafra sabota Sabota Lark - Calendulauda africanoides Fawn-coloured Lark - Ammomanopsis grayi Gray’s Lark Endemic Chersomanes albofasciata Spike-heeled Lark - Certhilauda benguelensis Benguela Long-billed Lark - Eremopterix leucotis Chestnut-backed - Sparrowlark Eremopterix verticalis Grey-backed Sparrowlark - Calandrella cinerea Red-capped Lark -

Alauda starki Stark’s Lark - Bradornis infuscatus Chat Flycatcher - Namibornis herero Herero Chat - Nectarinia fusca Dusky Sunbird - Bualornis niger Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver - Philetairus socius Sociable Weaver - Ploceus rubiginosus Chestnut Weaver - Quelea quelea Red-billed Quelea - Estrilda astrild Common Waxbill - Vidua paradisaea Long-tailed Paradise - - Whydah Vidua regia Shaft-tailed Whydah - Passer domesticus House Sparrow - Passer motitensis Great Sparrow - Passer melanurus Cape Sparrow - Passer griseus Southern Grey-headed - Sparrow Anthus similes Long-billed Pipit - Serinus alario Black-headed Canary - Crithagra atrogulariis Black-throated Canary - Serinus flaviventris Yellow Canary - Serinus albogularis White-throated Canary - Emberiza capensis Cape Bunting Emberiza flaviventris Golden-breasted - Bunting

The general area of Haakiesdoorn has a high diversity of bird species. Ammomanopsis grayi and Agapornis roseicollis are the two endemic species known to occur in the vicinity. The rest of the species occurring in the area have no conservation concern. There will be limited disturbance on the avian fauna as a result of the proposed exploration project, it is presumed that issues such as noise which will be emitted by exploration equipment when carrying out exploration activities will impact the daily activities of birds.

8.5 Important Biodiversity Areas

Important areas which harbour biodiversity within the EPL are as follows;

8.5.1 Vertebrate fauna a) Rocky areas

Rocky areas – mountains, ridges and outcrops – are generally viewed as unique habitat with diverse biodiversity for vertebrate fauna not necessarily associated with the surrounding areas. b) Drainage lines

Drainage lines, albeit ephemeral, are the lifelines in the drier parts of Namibia with a variety of vertebrate fauna attracted and/or associated with such features. Although not as important as perennial rivers, well vegetated drainage lines are still regarded as important habitat for a variety of vertebrate fauna in the area.

8.5.2 Flora a) Rocky areas

Rocky areas – mountains, ridges and outcrops – are generally viewed as unique habitat with diverse biodiversity for flora not necessarily associated with the surrounding areas. b) Riverine

The bank of the perennial rivers is the habitat of many plant species particularly in the arid environment and plays a major role in maintaining the arid ecosystem. c) Alluvial plain area

Sandy plain areas are associated with diverse species of plant, because vegetation can easily establish in harsh condition and it serves as habitat for many species especially the annual herbs and grasses. d) Protected species

Protected tree/shrub species are viewed as the most important in the proposed exploration areas and any unnecessary removal of these species should be avoided. e) Drainage lines

Ephemeral drainage lines are viewed as important for flora as most of the larger protected, endemic and near-endemic species are often associated with such areas.

9. DESCRIPTION OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC

Farm Haakiesdoorn is situated east of Noordoewer and south of Karasburg in !Karas Region and it borders with South Africa. Karas Region has a population size of approximately 77 421 inhabitants, and it is the second least populated regions in the country (Namibia 2011 Population and Housing Census Report). The main economic drives within Farm Haakiesdoorn and its surrounding area is predominately agricultural farming with a huge focus on agricultural plantation such as palm dates and grapes. Most of the people in the vicinity are employed in the agricultural sectors, although tourism along the Orange River is also another sector which employ a sizeable number of people. Farm Haakiesdoorn feature a school which mainly comprises of children of the farm workers.

10. DESCRIPTION OF THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

10.1 Public Participation Requirement

In term of Section 21 of the EIA Regulations a call for open consultation with all I&APs at well-defined phase of the EIA process is obligatory. This includes participatory consultation with members of the public by providing an opportunity to comment on the planned project. The public was given a profuse time to comments and make suggestions on the proposed project and a public participation meeting was only necessary if there are comments and suggestions from the public. Please see Table 4 below for activity undertaken as part of the public participation process. The public was given time to comment on the project from 12 March 2021 to 26 March 2021. Another calls for comments and suggestions was further made from 15 June 2021 until 25 June 2021 (See Annexure C). However, no comment or suggestions were received from the public. Email correspondence with the owner of Farm Haakiesdoorn were made prior to the site visit (See Annexure B).

Table 5. Public Participation Activities

Activity Remarks

Placement of Advertisements in the Newspaper - Market Watch (Republikein, Namibian Sun & See Annexure C Allgemeine Zeitung)

Activity Remarks

Emails Correspondence with the owner of Farm See Annexure B Haakiesdoorn

10.2 Environmental Assessment Phase 2

The second phase of the Public Participation Process (PPP) entails lodging of the Draft Environmental Scoping Report (DESR). An Executive Summary of the DESR was prepared and the public was given until the 8th July 2021 to submit their comments, suggestion or opinions towards the project.

11. ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

The essence of this section is to define the assessment methodology used in determining the significance, management, location and operational impacts of the exploration of precious stones and where feasible the possible alternatives on the bio- physical and socio-economic environment.

Assessment of the foreseen significance of impact of the exploration of precious stones activities that is not operational at this stage by its nature, intrinsically undefined environmental assessment is therefore an inaccurate discipline. In order to deal with such ambiguity a standardised and internationally recognised methodology has been developed. Thus, this study optimises such methodology to determine the significance of the likely ecological impacts of the proposed exploration project as defined in Table 6 below;

Table 6: standardised and internationally recognised methodology determine to the significance of the likely ecological impacts.

CRITERIA CATEGORY

Impact Description of the potential impact

Nature Positive: The activity will have a social / economical /

environmental benefit. Describe type of effect Neutral: The activity will have a no effect. Negative: The activity will have a social / economical / environmental harmful effect.

Extent Site Specific: Expanding only as far as the activity itself

(onsite). Describe the scale of the impact Small: Restricted to the site’s immediate environment within 1km of the site (limited). Medium: Within 5 km of the site (local). Large: Beyond 5 km of the site (regional).

Duration Temporary: <1 year (not included in the construction).

Short-term: 1-5 years. Predicts the lifetime of the impact Medium: 5-15 years. Long-term: > 15 years (Impact will stop after the exploration or running life of the of the project, either due to natural course or by human interferences). Permanent: Impact will be where mitigation or moderation by natural course or by human interference will not occur in a particular time period that the impact can be considered temporary.

Intensity Zero: Social and/ or natural function and/ or process

remain unaltered. Describe the magnitude (scale/size) of the impact Very low: Affect the environment in such a way that natural and/ or social functions/ processes are not affected.

Low: Natural and/ or social functions/ processes are slightly altered. Medium: Natural and/ or social functions/ processes are notably altered in a modified way. High: Natural and/ or social functions/ processes are severely altered and may temporarily or permanently cease. Probability of occurrence Improbable: Not at all likely.

Probable: Distinctive possibility. Describe the probability of the impact actually Highly probable: Most likely to happen occurring Definite: Impact will occur regardless of any prevention measures. Degree of Confidence in Unsure/Low: Little confidence regarding information predictions available (<40%).

State the degrees of Probable/Med: Moderate confidence regarding available confidence in predictions (40% -80%). based on availability of Definite/High: Great confidence regarding available information and specialist knowledge. (>80%). Significance Rating Neutral: A potential concern which was found to have no

impact when evaluated. The impact on each component is determined by Very low: Impacts will be site specific and temporary with a combination of the above no mitigation necessary. criteria. Low: The impact will have a minor influence on the proposed project and/ or environment. These impacts require some though to adjustment of the project design where achievable or alternative mitigation measures. Medium: Impacts will be experienced in the local and surrounding areas for the life span of the project and may result in long term changes. The impact can be reduced or improved by amendment in the project design or implementation of effective mitigation measures.

High: Impacts have high magnitude and will be experienced regionally for at least the life span of the project or will be irreversible. The impacts could have the no -go proposition on portions of the project in spite of any mitigation measures that could be implemented.

It is imperative to note that the magnitude of the impact must be related to the relevant standard (threshold value specified and source reference). The magnitude of impact is based on specialist knowledge of the specific field.

For each impact, the EXTENT (spatial scale), MAGNITITUDE (size or degree scale) and DURATION (time scale) are described. These criteria are used to ascertain significance of the impact, starting with the event where there is no mitigation required and then with the most effective mitigation measures in place. The pronouncement as to which mitigation measure can be useful lies with the proponent; Shali Investment (Pty) LTD and their acceptance and eventually approval with the relevant environmental authority.

The SIGNIFICANCE of the impact is derived by taking into consideration the temporal and spatial scales and magnitude. Such significance is also informed by the nature of the impact and the receiving environment.

12. MITIGATION MEASURES

There is a mitigation hierarchy of action that can be optimised to respond to any planned project or activity. The mitigation hierarchy entails; avoidance, minimization, restoration and compensation (See Figure 14 below). It is probable and required to prioritise positive benefits emanating from the planned project or activity towards the environment and if negative impacts happen to take place the hierarchy indicates the required actions.

•Enhance of impact: This step is the most critical during project planning • Need to be applied at an early stage of the project Enhance

•Avoidance of impact: This step is the most effective when applied at an early stage of the project planning it can be achieved by; not undertaking certain project or activity that could result in adverse impacts, avoiding areas that are Avoid environmentally sensitive and putting in place preventative measures to stop adverse from taking place. •Impact minimize: this step is usually taken during impact identification and prediction to limit or reduce the degree, extent, magnititude, or duration of adverse impacts. It can be achieved by scaling down or relocating the project. Minimize •Redesigning element of the project and taking supplementary measures to manage impacts.

•Restoration: This step is taken to improve degraded or removed ecosystem following exposure to impacts that cannot be completely avoided or minimised. Restoration tries to return an area to original ecosystem that Restore occurred before impacts. Restoration is frequently needed towards the end of a project's life cycle , but may be possible in some areas of operation.

•Impact compensation: This step is usually applied to remedy unavoidable residiual adverse impacts. It can be achieved by rehabilitation of the affected site or environment for instance through Compensate habitat improvement. Restoration of the affected site or environment to its previous state or better and replacement of the same resource value at another location (offsets) for instance wetland engineering to provide equivalent area to that lost to drainage or infill.

•Offsets: are often complex and expensive; it is therefore preferable to Offset pay attention to earlier steps in the mitigation hierarchy.

13. ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION

This section describes bio-physical and socio-economic environments, which may potentially take place due to the exploration activity of precious stones described in Section 3. This entails potential long-term impact associated with the project such as exploration activity and short terms impacts such as construction of the basecamps and new road to access the targeted exploration sites with ease. The assessment of potential impacts associated with the project will assist to inform and render a clear synopsis to the MEFT: DEA pertaining to the management of the environmental aspects which have been identified during the assessment process. The MEFT: DEA’s decision on the environmental acceptance of the exploration activity of precious stones within EPL 7000 and setting of conditions (should the exploration project authorised) will be informed by this section in addition to the information provided in this environmental assessment report.

The baseline and likely impacts that could occur as a result of the exploration of precious stone at EPL 7000 are described and assessed with potential mitigation measures suggested. Lastly, recommendation has been made on the potential cumulative impacts which may emanate from the planned activity.

13.1 Impacts During Exploration Phase

During the exploration of precious stones, a considerable land transformation will take place at the targeted exploration sites within the EPL. There is a need to prepare for waste rock sampling heaps, dispatch areas for samples and other onsite supporting facilities such as basecamps and logistical facility.

13.1.1 Surface and ground water Impacts

The potential risks of polluting water resources such as the Orange River may be conceivable. The drilling and trenching equipment that will be used in the vicinity of the river may be contaminated thus polluting water in the river. To avoid the contamination of underground water heavy drilling equipment should be carefully checked for any leakage and if refuelling is taking place on site it must either be a tank mounted on stilts to prevent any leakage.

13.1.2 Noise Impacts

During the exploration machineries and drilling equipment will be used and noise of more than the recommended 85 dB exposure to employees will be inevitably emitted during working hours for an extended period. Its therefore recommended that employees are to be provided with ear protecting gears and given enough breaks in order to provide their hearing ability. The testing of the drilling and exploration equipment to ensure that they are operating may also result in noise being generated. Furthermore, the renovation existing infrastructures and establishment of the accommodation facility will potentially generate short-term noise.

13.1.3 Dust and Emission Impacts

The air quality in the area is considered to be fairly good, however, dust may result during the exploration phase due to machinery and heavy drilling equipment that will be used to make trenches. In addition, dust and emissions associated with exploration may be generated by the movement of vehicles and heavy-duty drilling equipment in the area. Hence, the entire exploration project needs to adhere and guided by the Public Health Act of 2015 and the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Ordinance (No. 11 of 1976).

13.1.4 Impacts on biodiversity

Beside agricultural activity that are taking place in the vicinity, the EPL area have not been disturbed pretty much by human activity, since the ceasing of the utilisation of old building infrastructure and old trenches being founds in the EPL. The exploration of precious stones will thus ultimately result in very limited removal of vegetation in the targeted areas. This will also result in minimal impacts on the fauna found in the area of interest particularly the avian fauna. However, the potential of this exploration project on the freshwater ecosystem should be investigated.

13.1.5 Visual and Sense of Place Impacts

The trenches and heaps of rocks and sand that will be created during exploration will make the landscape of the area visually unpleasant and compromise the aesthetic values of the area. The is possible alteration to the visual characteristic of the site due

to the fact, that the site will now have a different landscape due to the presence of trenches and heap of rocks and sand. The extent of this impacts will mainly rely on the aesthetic values attached to the initial aesthetic quality of the area by the interested and affected parties.

13.1.6 Archaeological and Heritage Impacts

There are no declared heritage sites by the National Heritage Council of Namibia (NHC) within the subject area, however, an accidental find procedure may be required.

13.1.7 Social Impacts

Unemployment is serious concern in the region and the entire country at large. There is a high demand for employment opportunities due to external factors that impact the economy of the country negatively. This exploration project will employ a sizeable number of people from the area on permanent and casual basis and further create cumulative jobs. The intended project will contribute enormously to the national economy through loyalties, taxes and foreign currency exchanges.

13.1.8 Traffic Impacts

Traffic is not anticipated to increase significantly during the exploration project, although it may slightly impact due to the number of commercial trucks to bring supplies to the site, small light vehicles for the exploration team and heavy-duty drilling trucks to be used for exploration purposes. However, if the exploration is done as per schedule and vehicles adhere to usage of demarcated right of ways, the impact is expected to be of very low significance. Impacts on soil may result from vehicles traffic, heavy duty equipment, drilling and material storage and this may cause soil erosion, soil compaction and alteration of soil chemistry due to potential spillage of petrochemicals from vehicles.

13.1.9 Existing Service Infrastructure Impacts

The project will source power from the existing NAMPOWER overhead powerline which stretches from Noordoewer to Farm Haakiesdoorn 137 to supply electricity to the office, staff houses and basecamp that will be renovated and set up in the area. There will be some revenue to be generated by NAMPOWER through electricity levies.

Water that will be required for domestic usage and cleaning of equipment’s is a common practice for many projects taking place along the river, water will be pumped with a generator from Orange River via a pipeline that will be laid from the river and feed water a storage tank which will be erected at the base camp. The water abstraction permit will be applied for from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR). Efforts will be made to ensure that water is used sparingly and recycled where possible.

13.1.10 Waste Management Service Impacts

The exploration project will result in additional people on site who will requires ablution facility and provision of solid waste management services. The proponent will supply adequate temporary sanitary facilities which will be maintained and kept in a hygienic condition. The proponent will be the responsible for emptying the ablution facility on weekly basis and dispose of at the nearest sewerage disposal ponds in Karasburg. Assorted wheelie bins and skip containers will be provided at the site. All domestic waste materials that will be generated during the exploration project will be disposed of at Karasburg landfill. A local SME will be contracted to handle all solid waste from the site. The proponent will further engage the suppliers of consumable such as grease and lubricants upon used to collect and dispose of such waste in an environmentally friendly manner.

13.1.11 Storage and Utilisation of Hazardous Substance

Hazardous substances are considered by the Hazardous Substance Ordinance (No: 14 of 1974) as those substance which may cause injury or ill-health to or death of a human being due to their toxic, corrosive, irritant, strongly sensitizing or flammable nature or the generation of pressure thereby in certain circumstances. It entails manufactures, sales, use, disposal, and dumping as well as import and export. During exploration the use, storage and disposal of such hazardous substance is imminent and can potentially cause serious negative impacts on the environment if such substance spill or enter the environment, therefore such substance should be kept safe in a lockable storage container.

13.2 Health, Safety and Security Impacts

Projects of this nature may always result in the establishment of a temporary workforce in the area. Experience with past project demonstrated that migrant workers may have an opportunity to interact with the local community and a significant risk is created for the development of social conditions and sexual behaviours which attributes to the spread of HIV and AIDS. MEFT have in recent years developed a policy on HIV/AIDS. This policy was developed in-conjunction with international agency such as USAID, GTZ, and Germany Development Fund, providing a non-discriminatory work- environment and for workplace programs managed by the Ministry committee. The MEFT thus, initiated a programme aimed at mainstreaming HIV and gender issues into the environmental impact assessment.

It’s against this background that workers should be provided with Personal Protective Equipment’s (PPEs). A fully stocked first kit with unexpired medicines must always be on site. Due to the prevailing Covid19 pandemic employees should adhere to all Covid19 regulations and protocols; ensuring social distances where feasible, wearing mask, all employees must be monitored for Covid19 symptoms and enforce proper hygiene and as stipulated by the WHO guidelines and should be read together with the condition compiled and outline in the EMP accompanying this report.

14. AN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMNT PLAN

An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is contained to this report as Annexure E. The essence of the EMP is to outline the type and mitigation measures that should be applied during the exploration of precious stones project and decommissioning phase of the project to safeguard that negative impacts allied with the exploration of precious stones are avoided or mitigated.

15. SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS

A summary of the significance of the potential impacts from the exploration of precious stones activity is outlined in the environmental impact assessment matrix (See Table 7 below) and the summary of the mitigation measures proposed for the impacts have been provided. Although some difference in the magnitude of the potential impact would results from the planned alternatives such difference was not considered to be

significant for any possible impacts, therefore the table below is applicable to all the planned alternatives.

Table 7: Environmental impact assessment matrix for the exploration of precious stones at EPL 7000

No Description of Project mitigation Cumulative potential Extent Magnitude Duration SIGNIFICANCE Probability Confidence Reversibility alternative / impact impact mitigation IMPACTS DURING EXPLORATION OF PRECIOUS STONES No Local Medium- Short Medium Probable Certain Reversible Medium- Exploration mitigation Low term Low (-ve) of precious Mitigation Local Low Short Medium -Low Probable Certain Reversible Low (-ve) Surface and stones term Ground Water No go No Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral Impacts mitigation term Mitigation Local Neutral Medium Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral term No Local Medium Short Medium Probable Certain Reversible Medium (- Exploration mitigation term ve) of precious Mitigation Local Medium - Medium Medium-Low Probable Certain Reversible Low (-ve) stones Low term Noise Impacts No Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral mitigation term No go Mitigation Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral term No Local Low long Medium Probable Certain Reversible Low (-ve) Exploration mitigation term of precious Dust and Mitigation Local Very low Medium Medium-Low Probable Certain Reversible Very low (- stones Emission term ve) No Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral Impacts mitigation term No go Mitigation Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral term

No Description of Project mitigation Cumulative potential Extent Magnitude Duration SIGNIFICANCE Probability Confidence Reversibility alternative / impact impact mitigation No Local Medium Short Medium Probable Certain Reversible Medium (- Exploration mitigation term ve) of precious Mitigation Local Low Short Low Probable Certain Reversible Medium - stones Impacts on term Low (-ve) biodiversity No Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral mitigation term No go Mitigation Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral term No Local Medium Short Medium Probable Certain Reversible Medium – Exploration mitigation term low (-ve) of precious Visual and Mitigation Local Low Short Medium-Low Probable Certain Reversible Low (-ve) stones Sense of Place term No Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral Impacts mitigation term No go Mitigation Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral term No Local Very low Short Low Probable Certain Irreversible Very low(- Exploration mitigation term ve) of precious Archaeological Mitigation Local Negligible Short Very Low Probable Certain Irreversible Negligible stones and Heritage term (-ve) No Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral Impacts mitigation term No go Mitigation Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral term No Local Medium- Short High++ Probable Certain Reversible Medium- Social Impacts mitigation Low term Low (-ve)

No Description of Project mitigation Cumulative potential Extent Magnitude Duration SIGNIFICANCE Probability Confidence Reversibility alternative / impact impact mitigation Exploration Mitigation Local Low Short High++ Probable Certain Reversible Low (-ve) of precious term stones No Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral mitigation term No go Mitigation Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral term No Local Low Short Medium-Low Probable Certain Reversible Low (-ve) Exploration mitigation term of precious Mitigation Local Very low Short Low Probable Certain Reversible Very low stones term Traffic Impacts No Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral mitigation term No go Mitigation Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral term No Local Medium Short Medium - Low Probable Certain Reversible Medium - Exploration mitigation term Low (-ve) of precious Existing Mitigation Local Low Short Low Probable Certain Reversible Very low (- stones Service term ve) Infrastructure No Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral Impacts mitigation term No go Mitigation Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral term Waste No Local Medium Short Medium -Low Probable Certain Reversible Medium - Exploration Management mitigation term Low (-ve) of precious Service Mitigation Local Low Short Low Probable Certain Reversible Low (-ve) stones Impacts term

No Description of Project mitigation Cumulative potential Extent Magnitude Duration SIGNIFICANCE Probability Confidence Reversibility alternative / impact impact mitigation No Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral mitigation term Mitigation Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral No go term Mitigation Local Neutral Medium Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral term No Local Low Short Medium Probable Certain Reversible Low (-ve) Exploration mitigation term of precious Storage and Mitigation Local Very low Short Low Probable Certain Reversible Very low (- stones Utilisation of term ve) Hazardous No Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral Substances mitigation term No go Mitigation Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral term No Local Neutral Short Medium Probable Certain Reversible Medium- Exploration mitigation term Low of precious Mitigation Local Neutral Short Low Probable Certain Reversible Low stones Health, Safety term and Security No Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral Impacts mitigation term No go Mitigation Local Neutral Short Neutral Probable Certain Reversible Neutral term

16. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMEDATIONS

The purpose of this section is to summarise and conclude the assessment report with reference to Table 5 above and provide the way forward. Most of the negative impacts from the exploration of precious stones at EPL 7000 are deemed to have medium to low significance, contrary some negative impacts have medium significance which can be mitigated to negligibly low with the application of the mitigation measures. By implementing the mitigation measures in Section 13 together with the EMP contained in this report in Annexure E the significance of the negative impacts emanating from the proposed exploration of precious stones will be reduced to low.

The species diversity in the area highlights the status of this arid environment. The greatest apprehension are the protected and endemic species of plant, reptile and antelopes occurring in the area. The proposed exploration project, if properly implemented will have minimal impacts on biodiversity. The protected plant species falling within the project areas should be avoided at all cost. The impacts on vegetation can be rated low-medium but localized to the targeted exploration sites only. However, the proponent should adopt a policy of compensating for the loss plants and contributes enormously to the reduction of climate change. The proposed exploration project will be carried out in the area with controlled and limited movement particularly at night and the likelihood of human-wildlife conflicts is less likely to transpire, however, the employees should always be vigilant. Human-wildlife conflict continue to be a huge challenge in many parts of the country, hence human wildlife policy should be the guiding document to ensure that all relevant policies are taken into consideration. The presence of antelope in the vicinity can easily entice unlawful activities such illegal hunting, therefore any suspected activity related to poaching should be reported to the nearest police or anti-poaching unit within the line ministry.

The high significance of the impacts as a result of the proposed exploration of precious stones is high in the social impact which is positive. The positive significance in the social impact has been attributed to potential direct and indirect jobs associated with the project and the likelihood of the project contributing to the national economy through loyalties, taxes and foreign currency earnings.

With reference to the information available at the project planning stage, the confidence in the environmental assessment carried out is considered to be acceptable and adequate for the decision making particularly in terms of the environmental impacts associated with the project. Therefore, this project must be approved and issued with an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) by MEFT: DEA. However, with continuous changing of the environment, regular monitoring must be in place and the proponent must appoint an Environmental Practitioner of his choice to continuously carry out environmental audits for submission to the office of the Environmental Commissioner.

17. REFERENCES

• Curtis, B. and Mannheimer, C. 2005. Tree Atlas of Namibia. National Botanical Research Institute, Windhoek, Namibia. • Government Gazette, 27 December 2007. No. 3966, Act No. 7, 2007 Environmental Management Act 2007. • Henderson, L. 2001. Alien Weeds and Invasive Plants: A Complete Guide to Declare Weeds and Invaders in South Africa. Plant Protection Research Institute: Agricultural Research Council. • Herbarium of Namibia (WIND). 2015. BRAHMS Database. National Herbarium of Namibia (WIND), National Botanical Research Institute, MAWF, Windhoek, Namibia. • Klaassen, E. & Kwembeya, E. 2013.A Checklist of Namibian Indigenous and Naturalised Plants. National Botanical Research Institute: Windhoek. • Mannheimer, C. & Curtis, B. A. (eds) 2009. Le Roux and Müller’s Field Guide to the Trees and Shrubs of Namibia. Windhoek: Macmillan Education Namibia. • Mendelsohn, J., Jarvis, A., Roberts, C. & Robertson, T. 2003.Atlas of Namibia. David Philips Publisher. Cape Town. • Ministry of Environment and Tourism, 2002. Atlas of Namibia. Comp. J. Mendelsohn, A. Jarvis, T. Roberts and C. Roberts, David Phillip Publishers, Cape Town. • Namibia Statistic Agency (NSA), 2011. Namibia 2011 Population and Housing Census Main Report. Available at: http://nsa.org.na/page/publications. • Newmans, K. 2000. Birds By Colour, Southern Africa Common Birds Arranged by Colour, Struik New Holland Publishing (Pty) Ltd • Van Oudtshoorn, F. 1999. Guide to grasses of southern Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria, South Africa. • World Weather on-line, 2021. Available at: http://www.worldweatheronline.com/ Haakiesdoorn

Annexure A: Proof of Submission of the Renewal Application for the EPL

Annexure B: Proof of Email Correspondence with the Farm Owner

Annexure C: Proof of Newspaper Advertisements

Annexure D: Curriculum Vitae for the Environmental Assessment Practitioner

Annexure E: Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

Annexure F: Proof of Name Transfer