TAU INDUSTRIES (PTY) LTD
DRAFT EIA & EMP REPORT
REFFERENCE NO: GP 30/5/1/1/2/10504PR
PREPARED BY:
JOAN CONSTRUCTION AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD
Cell: 073 912 0800 Tel: 0117915032
Fax: 086 235 5142
Email: [email protected]
Address: No 9 Loerie Rd, Randpark Ridge, Randburg, Johannesburg.
Postal Address: P O Box 4147, Honeydew, 2040
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1. IMPORTANT NOTICE.
In terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (28 of 2002 as amended), the Minister must grant a prospecting or mining right if among others the mining “will not result in unacceptable pollution, ecological degradation or damage to the environment".
Unless the Environmental Authorisation can be granted following the evaluation of an Environmental Impact Assessment and an Environmental Management Programme report in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMA), it cannot be concluded that the said activities will not result in unacceptable pollution, ecological degradation or damage to the environment
In terms of section 16(3)(b) of the EIA Regulations, 2014, any report submitted as part of an application must be prepared in a format that may be determined by the Competent Authority and in terms of section 17(1)(c) the competent Authority must check whether the application has taken into account any minimum requirements applicable or instructions or guidance provided by the competent authority to the submission of applications.
It is therefore an instruction that the prescribed reports required in respect of applications for environmental authorisation for listed activities triggered by an application for a right or permit are submitted in the exact format of, and provide all information required in terms of, this template. Furthermore, please be advised that failure to submit the information required in the format provided in this template will be regarded as failure to meet the requirements of the regulation and will lead to the Environmental Authorisation being refused.
It is furthermore an instruction that the Environmental Assessment Practitioner must process and interpret his/her research and analysis and use the findings thereof to compile the Information required herein. (Unprocessed supporting information may be attached as appendices). The EAP must ensure that the information required is placed correctly in the relevant sections of the Report, in order, and under the provided headings as set out below, and ensure that the report is not cluttered with un-interpreted information and that it unambiguously represents the interpretation of the applicant.
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2. OBJECTIVE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS.
The objective of the environmental impact assessment process is to, through a consultative process- (a) Determine the policy and legislative context within which the activity is located and document how the proposed activity complies with and responds to the policy and legislative context; (b) Describe the need and desirability of the proposed activity, including the need and desirability of the activity in the context of the preferred location. (c) Identify the location of the development footprint within the preferred site based on an impact and risk assessment process inclusive of cumulative impacts and a ranking process of all the identified development footprint alternatives focusing on the geographical, physical, biological, social, economic, heritage and cultural aspects of the environment; (d) Determine- (i) Nature, significance, consequence, extent, duration and probability of the impacts occurring to inform identified preferred alternatives; and (ii) Degree to which these impacts - (aa) Can be reversed (bb) May cause irreplaceable loss of resources, and (cc) Can be avoided, managed or mitigated (e) Identify the most ideal location for the activity within the preferred site based on the lowest level of environmental sensitive identified during the assessment; (f) Identify, assess and rank impacts the activity will impose on the preferred location through the life of the activity; (g) Identify suitable measures to manage, avoid or mitigate identified impacts; and (h) Identify residual risks that need to be managed and monitored
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ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS
IAPs Interested and Affected Parties EMP Environmental Management Plan DEA Department of Environmental Affairs NWA National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998 DWS Department Of Water and Sanitation m Meter EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner ECO Environmental Control Officers PM Project Manager EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner BAR Basic Assessment Report EIr Environmental Impact Report EMP Environmental Management Plan SDF Spatial Development Framework GDP Gross Domestic Product NEMA National Environmental Management Act DAFF Department Of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries SAHRA South African Heritage Resource Agency MPRDA Mineral and Petroleum Resource Development Act
The Site: Refers to the area upon which the proposed development will be carried out IAPs Interested and Affected Parties are all persons who have any concern or interest about regarding a development, project, policy or action and who need to be consulted during the process of decision making. Land use The various ways in which land may be employed or occupied. Planners compile, classify, study and analyse land use data for many purposes, including the identification of trends, the forecasting of space and infrastructure requirements, the provision of adequate land area for necessary types of land use, and the development or revision of comprehensive plans and land use regulations. SAHRA South African Heritage Resources Agency is the national administrative body responsible for the protection of South Africa's cultural heritage. It was established through the National Heritage Resources Act, number 25 of 1999 and together with provincial heritage resources authorities is one of the bodies that replaced the National Monuments Council. Topography Topography, a term in geography, refers to the "lay of the land” or the physio-geographic characteristics of land in terms of elevation, slope and orientation. Vegetation All of the plants growing in and characterizing a specific area or region; the combination of different plant communities found there. Waste Waste is unwanted or undesired material left over after the 9 LOERIE ROAD, RANDPARK, JOHANNESBURG,completion SOUTH AFRICA of CELL: a process. 073 912 0800 "Waste"| EMAIL: LUFUNO@JOANPROJECTS. is a human concept:CO.ZA | TELL: in natural 011 791 5032 iii processes there is no waste, only inert end products.
Table of Contents 1 Contact Person And Correspondence Address ...... 2 2 Description Of The Scope Of The Proposed Overall Activity...... 5 3 Policy And Legislative Context ...... 9 4 Need And Desirability Of The Proposed Activities...... 22 5 Motivation For The Preferred Development Footprint Within The Approved Site...... 23 6 The Environmental Attributes Associated With The Development Footprint Alternatives ...... 80 Climate ...... 80 Biodiversity ...... 81 Socio-Economic ...... 84 Surface Water ...... 86 Air Quality ...... 87 Geology ...... 89 Topography ...... 89 7 Impacts And Risks Identified Including The Nature, Significance, Consequence, Extent, Duration And Probability Of The Impacts...... 93 8 Methodology Used In Determining And Ranking The Nature, Significance, Consequence, Extent, Duration And Probability Of Potential Environmental Impacts And Risks ...... 101 9 The Positive And Negative Impacts That The Proposed Activity (In Terms Of The Revised Site Layout) And Alternatives Will Have On The Environment And The Community ...... 105 11 The Possible Mitigation Measures That Could Be Applied And The Level Of Risk...... 112 10 Motivation For Alternatives ...... 125 11 Assessment Of Each Identified Potentially Significant Impact And Risk ...... 127 12 Summary Of Specialist Reports...... 140 13 Environmental Impact Statement ...... 144 14 Draft Environmental Management Programe ...... 161 15 Financial Provision ...... 206 16 Mechanisms For Monitoring Compliance ...... 209 17 Environmental Awareness Plan ...... 215
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: EAP Details ...... 2 Table 2: Description of the Property ...... 3 Table 3: List Of Activities To Be Undertaken ...... 6 Table 4: Applicable Legislation ...... 9 Table 5: Public Participation Process Followed ...... 26 Table 6: Comments By Interested And Affected Parties ...... 27 Table 7: Current Landuses On Site ...... 90 Table 8: Impacts Including their Nature, Significance, Extent, Duration, Probability and Intensity ...... 95 Table 9: Methodology Used to Rank Impact Significance ...... 101 Table 8-2: Criteria used to determine the consequence of the impact ...... 101
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Table 8-3: Method used to determine the consequence score ...... 102 Table 8-4: Probability classification ...... 102 Table 8-5: Impact significance ratings ...... 102 Table 8-6: Impact status and confidence classification ...... 103 Table 15: Impact Mitigation Measures ...... 113 Table 16: Significant Impact Assessment ...... 127 Table 17: Summary of Impacts ...... 148 Table 18: Management Of Ecological Degradation ...... 162 Table 19: Mitigation Measures For The Development Impacts ...... 173 Table 20: Quantum Of Financials ...... 208 Table 21: Mechanisms For Monitoring Compliance ...... 211
Figure 1: Magaliesburg Climate Graph ...... 80 Figure 2: Magaliesburg Temperature Graph ...... 81 Figure 3: Housing Types Distribution In MCLM ...... 85 Figure 4: Water Courses In the Study Area (Source: Wetland Impact Assessment, Johannes Maree ...... 87 Figure 5: Mining Operations near The Site ...... 88
ANNEXURE LIST:
Appendix 1: EAP Degree Appendix 2: EAP Experience Appendix 3: Locality Map Appendix4: Sensitivity Map Appendix 5: Landuse Map Appendix 6: Site Plan Appendix 7: Rehabilitation Plan Appendix 8: Specialist Reports
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PART A SCOPE OF ASSESSMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT
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1 CONTACT PERSON AND CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
a) DETAILS OF EAP
i) Details of the EAP
Table 1: EAP Details
Name of the Practitioner Lufuno Mutshathama Postal address: P O Box 4147, Honeydew,2040 Physical address No 9 Loerie Road,Randpark Ridge, Randburg, Johannesburg Telephone: 011 074 6866 E-mail: [email protected] Cell: 073 912 0800 Fax: 0862355142
ii) Expertise of the EAP
(1) The qualifications of the EAP Lufuno Mutshathama holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science (graduated in May 2008) from the University of Venda (See Appendix 1). She is a certificated Natural scientist registered with the South African Council of Natural Scientific Professionals (SACNASP Reg: 114437).
(2) The summery of the EAP’s past experience Lufuno Mutshathama has just over 10years collective experience in the field of Environmental Management, having worked largely in South Africa’s mining sector. She worked 3years as an environmental officer at the Department of Mineral Resources, 2yrs as a group Environmental Manager in the mining sector and 5 years in environmental consulting as an environmental manager. Her field of expertise includes the compilation of environmental impact assessments and environmental management programmes, environmental auditing and stakeholder engagement. A detailed synopsis of the EAP’s past experience is attached as appendix 2.
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b) DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY
The project site is located approximately 7 km’s West of Magaliesburg and 30km North West of Krugersdorp within the West Rand District Municipality (Mogale City Local Municipality) in the Gauteng Province. Rustenburg is located approximately 44km North West of the project area.
Table 2: Description of the Property
21-digit Surveyor General code T0IQ0000000001510004 T0IQ0000000001510006 T0IQ0000000001510010
T0IQ0000000001520001 T0IQ0000000001520002 T0IQ0000000001520003
T0JQ0000000005120002
T0IQ0000000000450002 T0IQ0000000000450007 T0IQ0000000000450002 T0IQ0000000000450027 T0IQ0000000000450028 T0IQ0000000000450029 T0IQ0000000000450033 T0IQ0000000000450034 T0IQ0000000000450036 T0IQ0000000000450040 T0IQ0000000000450041 T0IQ0000000000450042 T0IQ0000000000450043 T0IQ0000000000450044
Farm Name: Portion 4 ,6&10 OF Zuikerbosfontein 151 IQ,
Portion 1-3 of farm Migalsoord 152 IQ
Portion 2 of Vaalbank 512 JQ
Portion 2, 27, 28.29,33,34,36, 40,41,42,43,44 of Koesterfontein 45IQ
Application area (Ha) 1063ha
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Magisterial district: Krugersdorp Distance and direction from nearest town Approximately 7 km’s West of Magaliesburg, 27 km North West of Krugersdorp and 44km south east of Rustenburg.
Locality map Locality map at a scale not smaller than 1:250000 is attached as Appendix 2 Description of the overall activity. The application is being lodged for the (Indicate Mining Right, Mining Permit, prospecting (including all prospecting Prospecting right, Bulk Sampling, activities) rights, for gold with bulk Production Right, Exploration Right, sampling. Reconnaissance permit, Technical co- This will involve drilling and bulk operation permit, Additional listed activity) sampling simultaneously.
c) LOCALITY MAP
A map drawn to scale is attached as Appendix 3.
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2 DESCRIPTION OF THE SCOPE OF THE PROPOSED OVERALL ACTIVITY.
d) DESCRIPTION OF THE SCOPE OF THE PROPOSED OVERALL ACTIVITY. Listed and specified activities Table 3 overleaf details the proposed activities as well as their extent.
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Table 3: List Of Activities To Be Undertaken
NAME OF ACTIVITY Aerial extent of the LISTED APPLICABLE LISTING WASTE (E.g. For prospecting - Activity ACTIVITY NOTICE MANAGEMENT drill site, site camp, ablution Ha or m² (Mark with (GNR 544, GNR 545 or GNR AUTHORISATION facility, accommodation, an X where 546) (Indicate whether equipment storage, sample applicable an authorisation is storage, site office, access or affected). required in terms route etc…etc…etc of the Waste Management Act). Topsoil storage/stockpile 100 m2 N/A
Drill sites 600m2 (12 sites of 50 X Item 20 of listing notice R983 N/A 2 m each)
Bulk Sampling 5 pits of item 19 under the listing 50m x 25m x 10.5m notice R984 (1250m2 / 0.125ha)
Waste rock dump 100m2
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i. Description of the activities to be undertaken
Prospecting activities will be carried out to assess the potential and feasibility of mining Gold and diamond in the area. Drilling and excavation (trenches) methods will be employed to access core and the bulk samples respectively. The primary activities that will be carried out as part of the prospecting process include:
• Operational Phase: Drilling, Excavation and logging • Decommissioning and Rehabilitation Planning
Field mapping will be carried out to fine-tune the location of the pit and boreholes. The areas surrounding the planned pit and borehole positions will be mapped in the field to monitor the geology recorded by previous work. These positions will be adjusted as required.
Drilling, Excavation and logging
Vegetation present on sites designated for drill sites and excavation will be cleared and topsoil will be stripped from the points designated for excavating pits, drilling boreholes and digging sumps. The topsoil will be stockpiled close to the point of removal and protected to prevent erosion by wind or water.
Determination of contents of gold mineral will be achieved using drilling and bulk sampling techniques. A core drill will be used to drill and access core samples from 12 designated locations across the farms under application.
Each drill site incorporates the following components. Each drill site will consist
A borehole,
The borehole sump of 1m2 (and 0.5m depth)
The area where the drill rig location.
Water cart carrying water that will be used to cool the drill.
The drilling and sampling pit areas will be fenced off with barricade tape that will serve as access control to prevent the injury of animals and people. The drilled boreholes will be closed with a steel casing to suitable depth and place a concrete cap on top. The core and pit results will be recorded for evaluation and core material will be taken to the laboratory for analysis.
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Five (5) sampling pits (of approximately 50m x 25m x 10.5m in dimensions) will be excavated with the use of an excavator. Top soil will be removed from the pit area and stockpiled on the side prior to the drilling and excavating. The drilling and sampling pit areas will be fenced off with barricade tape that will serve as access control during prospecting operations. Drilling and bulk sampling will be conducted simultaneously.
Processing and screening of any gold contained in the bulk samples will take place at an existing licensed processing plant and any gold reserves that may be recovered will be evaluated.
Decommissioning and Rehabilitation
Upon completion of the excavation and logging process, the excavation equipment will be removed from site. All campsite facilities will also be removed from site. The pits will be graded and backfilled with the removed subsoil and topsoil that will be removed from excavated and sites will be replaced. The site will also be graded to establish a safe slope. All disturbed areas (including roads) will be ripped and allowed to return to the natural state. Where required, the striped area will be re-vegetated.
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3 POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT e) POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT.
Table 4: Applicable Legislation
APPLICABLE REFFERENCE WHERE APPLIED COMPLIANCE WITH LEGISLATION LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES USED TO COMPILE THE REPORT Constitution of the The Bill of Rights, in the Constitution of The development will ensure that as little damage as possible will be left on Republic of South South Africa (No. 108 of 1996), states that the surrounding environment and local community. This report is drafted to Africa everyone has a right to a non-threatening ensure compliance to this piece of legislation. environment and requires that reasonable measures are applied to protect the environment. This protection encompasses preventing pollution and promoting conservation and environmentally sustainable development. These principles are embraced in NEMA and given further expression. The development will ensure that as little damage as possible will be left
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APPLICABLE REFFERENCE WHERE APPLIED COMPLIANCE WITH LEGISLATION LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES USED TO COMPILE THE REPORT on the surrounding environment and local community. This report is drafted to ensure compliance to this piece of legislation. National National Environmental Management Act NEMA also requires that environmental authorisation is obtained for any Environmental (Act No 107, 1998) requires that measures development/ activity prior to its commencement. The Act also requires that Management Act, are taken to prevent pollution and ecological all environmental impacts (including social impacts) due because of the 1998 degradation; promote conservation; and development and/or its activities are assessed and where possible, secure ecologically sustainable minimised or mitigated. The following are the references where the NEMA development and use of natural resources has been applied (as per section 24 of NEMA): while promoting justifiable economic and • Environmental Authorisation application social development • Public participation
• Scoping report In addition, it makes provision: • EIR - That the disturbance of the environment (biological and physical) is avoided, or where they cannot be altogether avoided, are minimized and remedied: - That a risk-averse and cautious
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APPLICABLE REFFERENCE WHERE APPLIED COMPLIANCE WITH LEGISLATION LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES USED TO COMPILE THE REPORT approach is applied, which takes into account the limits of current knowledge about the consequences of decisions and actions; and - Sensitive, vulnerable, highly dynamic or stressed ecosystems, such as coastal shores, estuaries, wetlands, and similar systems require specific attention in management and planning procedures, especially where they are subject to significant human resource usage and development pressure. National The EIA Regulations (GNR 543) were Activity 19 from the Listing Notice 2 of the NEMA regulations was triggered Environmental promulgated in terms of Sections 24 of the by the proposed development, prompting the EIA. Management Act EIA NEMA, to manage the process, Environmental Authorisation application, Public participation, Scoping report Regulations 2014 methodologies and requirements for the and EIA are all applications of this regulation. undertaking of an EIA
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APPLICABLE REFFERENCE WHERE APPLIED COMPLIANCE WITH LEGISLATION LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES USED TO COMPILE THE REPORT
Mineral and The MPRDA regulates all mining related The prospecting activities including bulk sampling therefore prompts the Petroleum Resources activities and requires that authorisation, application of a prospecting right prior to the commencement of prospecting Development Act, permits and rights are obtained prior to the activities. The following are the references where the MPRDA been applied: 2002 as amended removal of any minerals or the Application for a prospecting right to carry out prospecting activities as per commencement of any mining related section 16 and section 20 of the MPRDA as amended. activities. Mineral Petroleum The MPRDA regulations provide guidance The prospecting right application is therefore made in accordance with the Development on the processes and procedures of MPRDA regulations. Resources obtaining the prospecting rights being Regulations applied. National Heritage The National Heritage Resources Act seeks Should any heritage resources be encountered on site, the Heritage Resources Act (Act to Resource Agency will be contacted and notified of such. 25 of 1999) -Introduce an integrated and interactive system for the management of the national heritage resources; -To promote good government at all levels, and empower civil society to nurture and
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APPLICABLE REFFERENCE WHERE APPLIED COMPLIANCE WITH LEGISLATION LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES USED TO COMPILE THE REPORT conserve their heritage resources so that they may be bequeathed to future generations; -To lay down general principles for governing heritage resources management throughout the Republic; -To introduce an integrated system for the identification, assessment and management of the heritage resources of South Africa; -To establish the South African Heritage Resources Agency together with its Council to co-ordinate and promote the management of heritage resources at national level; -To set norms and maintain essential national standards for the management of heritage resources in the Republic and to protect heritage resources of national
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APPLICABLE REFFERENCE WHERE APPLIED COMPLIANCE WITH LEGISLATION LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES USED TO COMPILE THE REPORT significance; -To control the export of nationally significant heritage objects and the import into the Republic of cultural property illegally exported from foreign countries; -To enable the provinces to establish heritage authorities which must adopt powers to protect and manage certain categories of heritage resources; -To provide for the protection and management of conservation-worthy places and areas by local authorities; and -To provide for matters connected therewith National The National Environmental Management: The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) Environmental Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) (NEMBA) (NEMBA) provides for listing threatened or protected ecosystems, in one of Management: provides for listing threatened or protected four categories: critically endangered (CR), endangered (EN), vulnerable Biodiversity Act ecosystems, in one of four categories: (VU) or protected. The Draft National List of Threatened Ecosystems critically endangered (CR), endangered (Notice 1477 of 2009, Government Gazette No 32689, 6 November 2009)
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APPLICABLE REFFERENCE WHERE APPLIED COMPLIANCE WITH LEGISLATION LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES USED TO COMPILE THE REPORT (EN), vulnerable (VU) or protected. The has been gazetted for public comment. The list of threatened terrestrial Draft National List of Threatened ecosystems supersedes the information regarding terrestrial ecosystem Ecosystems (Notice 1477 of 2009, status in the NSBA 2004. In terms of the EIA regulations, a basic Government Gazette No 32689, 6 assessment report is required for the transformation or removal of November 2009) has been gazetted for indigenous vegetation in a critically endangered or endangered ecosystem public comment. The list of threatened regardless of the extent of transformation that will occur. terrestrial ecosystems supersedes the The Act also provides for listing of species as threatened or protected, information regarding terrestrial ecosystem under one of the status in the NSBA 2004. In terms of the following categories: EIA regulations, a basic assessment report is required for the transformation or removal Critically Endangered: any indigenous species facing an extremely of indigenous vegetation in a critically high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future. endangered or endangered ecosystem Endangered: any indigenous species facing a high risk of extinction regardless of the extent of transformation in the wild soon, although it is not a critically endangered species. that will occur. Vulnerable: any indigenous species facing an extremely high risk of
extinction in the wild in the medium-term future; although it is not a critically endangered species or an endangered species.
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APPLICABLE REFFERENCE WHERE APPLIED COMPLIANCE WITH LEGISLATION LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES USED TO COMPILE THE REPORT Protected species: any species which is of such high conservation value or national importance that it requires national protection. Species listed in this category include, among others, species listed in terms of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The Promotion of The Promotion of Access to Information Act For this project, a public participation is on-going and all stakeholders will Access to (PAIA), Act No. 2 of 2000) gives effect to be invited to make comments on the different reports that will be generated. Information Act (Act the constitutional right of access to According to NEMA EIA Regulations 2017, Section 40, the public No. 2 of 2000) information held by the State and any participation process to which the- information that is held by another person (1)(b) scoping report submitted in terms of regulation 21 and the and that is required to exercise or protection environmental impact assessment report and EMPr submitted in terms of of any rights; to provide that the information regulation 23; Regulator, established in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act,2013, must be subjected to must give all potential or registered interested and must certain powers and perform certain affected parties, including the competent authority, a period of at least 30 duties and functions in terms of this Act; and days to submit comments on each of the EMPr, scoping report and to provide for matters connected therewith environmental impact assessment report, and where applicable the closure
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APPLICABLE REFFERENCE WHERE APPLIED COMPLIANCE WITH LEGISLATION LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES USED TO COMPILE THE REPORT plan, as well as the report contemplated in regulation 32, if such reports or plans are submitted at different times.
(2) The public participation process contemplated in this regulation must provide access to
all information that reasonably has or may have the potential to influence any decision with regards to an application unless access to that information is protected by law and must include consultation with-
(a) the competent authority;
(b) every State department that administers a law relating to a matter affecting the environment relevant to an application for an environmental authorization;
(c) all organs of state which have jurisdiction in respect of the activity to which the application relates; and
(d) all potential, or, where relevant, registered interested and affected parties.
(3) Potential or registered interested and affected parties, including the
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APPLICABLE REFFERENCE WHERE APPLIED COMPLIANCE WITH LEGISLATION LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES USED TO COMPILE THE REPORT competent authority, may be provided with an opportunity to comment on reports and plans contemplated in sub regulation (1) prior to submission of an application but must be provided an opportunity to comment on such reports once an application has been submitted to the competent authority.
National National Environmental Management Air The National Dust Control Regulation (GN R.827), which were promulgated Environmental Quality Act (Act No. 39 of 2004), seeks to on 1 November 2013, define acceptable dust fall rates for residential and Management Air reform the law regulating air quality to non-residential areas. Although Tau Industries will not require an Quality Act (Act No. protect the environment by providing atmospheric emission license for its proposed operations at the site, it will 39 of 2004) reasonable measures for: have to operate within the NAAQS and the National Dust Control Regulations. • the prevention of pollution and ecological degradation • securing ecologically sustainable development while promoting justifiable economic and social development; to provide for national norms and standards regulating air quality monitoring,
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APPLICABLE REFFERENCE WHERE APPLIED COMPLIANCE WITH LEGISLATION LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES USED TO COMPILE THE REPORT management and control by all spheres of government; for specific air quality measure; and for matters incidental thereto.
The intention of this Act is to control the A portion of the area under application is used for agricultural purposes Conservation of over-utilization of South Africa’s natural (crop cultivation). The department of Agriculture (GDARD) has been Agricultural agricultural resources, and to promote the consulted to obtain comments regarding the agricultural aspect. Resources Act 43 of conservation of soil and water resources Furthermore impacts on the agricultural land uses have been accounted for 1967 and natural vegetation. The CARA has in the Impact Assessment. categorised a large number of invasive plants together with associated obligations of the land owner, including the requirement to remove categorised invasive plants and taking measures to prevent further spread of alien plants.
The Environmental Impact assessment carried out has taken consideration of the transformation of agricultural land
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APPLICABLE REFFERENCE WHERE APPLIED COMPLIANCE WITH LEGISLATION LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES USED TO COMPILE THE REPORT temporarily to for the proposed mining prospecting activities and the impacts on the soil fertility on the agricultural land
The National Government is responsible for The application area is located 450m north of the Bloubank River and National Water Act, the equitable allocation and use of the contains several drainage lines and a seepage area. All proposed activities 1998 (Act No 36 of scarce and unevenly distributed water should be carried out within a legal distance from all water courses and 1998) resources of the nation. The aim of water precautions will be taken to ensure that the no water body is disturbed or resource management is to ensure the destructed. sustainable use of water through the protection of the quality of water resources (including rivers and wetlands) for the benefit of all water users. There is a need for the integrated management of all aspects of water resources and the delegation of management functions to a regional or catchment level where appropriate, to enable everyone to
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APPLICABLE REFFERENCE WHERE APPLIED COMPLIANCE WITH LEGISLATION LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES USED TO COMPILE THE REPORT participate. Provision is made for sharing of certain water resources with other countries.
The National Water Act (NWA) aims to provide management of the national water resources to achieve sustainable use of water for the benefit of all water users. This requires that the quality of water resources is protected as well as integrated management of water resources with the delegation of powers to institutions at the regional or catchment level.
Section 21 of the NWA details the water uses and section 40 and 41 describes the process to follow for a water use licence application.
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4 NEED AND DESIRABILITY OF THE PROPOSED ACTIVITIES
f) NEED AND DESIRABILITY OF THE PROPOSED ACTIVITIES
Although mining's contribution to South Africa's GDP has declined over the past 10-20 years, it remains one of the country's critical economic cornerstones and contributes to its economic activity, job creation and foreign exchange earnings. The sector is therefore critical to the country's socio-economic status.
The potential for significant underlying gold reserves has been identified around the preferred location, this owing to the specific underlying geology of the area. It is however essential that prospecting activities are carried out to assess whether or not the reserves can be feasibly mined. Should it be found (through the prospecting activities) that these reserves can be feasibly mined, the associated mining activities will contribute to the above- mentioned benefits, providing the very much needed jobs (given the high level of unemployment) preferentially to members of the local community, contribute to the GDP and foreign exchange earnings through export.
The Mogale City Local Municipality has a total population of about 362,422, of which 24.6 % is unemployed and 32.3% of the youth are unemployed. The development could assist in providing the very much needed jobs preferentially to members of the local community, to help minimise this unemployment rate, especially amongst the youth, and in the long run contribute to the GDP and foreign exchange earnings through export.
The proposed project will therefore to a certain degree help improve the local and national socio-economic status within the country.
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5 MOTIVATION FOR THE PREFERRED DEVELOPMENT FOOTPRINT WITHIN THE APPROVED SITE INCLUDING A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCESS FOLLOWED TO REACH THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT FOOTPRINT WITHIN THE APPROVED SITE.
g) MOTIVATION FOR THE PREFERRED DEVELOPMENT FOOTPRINT WITHIN THE APPROVED SITE INCLUDING A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCESS FOLLOWED TO REACH THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT FOOTPRINT WITHIN THE APPROVED SITE. (i) Details of the development footprint alternatives considered
(a) The property on which or location where it is proposed to undertake the activity; The proposed activity location is dependent on the geology of the area. The prospecting activities will be carried out on the chosen farms due to the underlying geology that potentially bears the required reserves. (b) The type of activity to be undertaken The study will follow the drilling (for core extraction) and bulk sampling methods of prospecting. These methods provide feasible and cost-effective measures of obtaining soil and rock samples from the farms, which will then be analysed for the presence of gold, providing a reflection of the quantity and quality of gold available on the site and therefore the feasibility of mining it.
(c) The design or layout of the activity The layout of the proposed activity was designed in such a way that spreads out the sampling points, thereby enabling the access of ore samples throughout the farms, a better reflection of the mineral content and a good indication of the location of the minerals if present. This layout is very conceptual in nature and will be optimized based on site specific conditions that the layout remains environmentally, technically and economically feasible.
(d) The operational aspects of the activity; and Open cast (excavation) methods will be undertaken for the trench samples and drilling methods for core acquisition. These methods are also dependent on the location and depth of the ore reserves. Hence there is no alternative for this aspect.
(e) The option of not implementing the activity
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The No-Go option entails the continuation of the current land use (agricultural and natural habitat with no prospecting activity) on the study site proposed for the prospecting activities for gold. The primary positive impacts of this alternative include the retention of the current land capability and the retention of the natural habitat / sensitive ecosystem structures. This option also eliminates all social impacts that have been noted Worthy of noting however is that, should it be found (through the prospecting activities) that the gold reserves on the project site can be feasibly mined, the associated prospecting activities will contribute to job creation, providing the very much needed jobs (given the high level of unemployment) preferentially to members of the local community, contribute to the GDP and foreign exchange earnings through export. Furthermore, the small job creation that the prospecting project itself will generate will not realise.
(ii) Details of the Public Participation Process followed
The section below details the public participation process followed to date. The public participation process followed is an integrated process with the purpose of providing I&APs with sufficient and accessible information to assist them to:
The public participation process followed is an integrated process with the purpose of providing I&APs with sufficient and accessible information to assist them to: Raise comments and make recommendations to be considered during the impact assessment phase; Provide comments on project alternatives and the proposed process of assessment; Verify that their issues were recorded and understood; Contribute local/indigenous knowledge to the process; Comment on the findings of the specialist studies and the EIA and Advise I&APs of the outcome of the environmental authorisation (i.e. DMR decision), and the appeals process and procedure
The following steps were undertaken to satisfy the public consultation process:
• Identification of Interested and affected parties The NEMA Regulations require identification of and consultation with I&APs. The term I&AP generically refers to persons or groups who are directly or indirectly affected by a project, as well as those who may have interests in a project and/or the ability to influence its outcome, either positively or negatively.
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A Register of I&AP’s in terms of Section 42 of the EIA Regulations (GN R 982 of 2014) was compiled. This regulation requires that a register with full contact details of registered I&APs be submitted to the competent authority. This register will form part of the EIA/EMP that will be submitted to the DMR. The two properties (farm portions) are owned by the Mogale Municipality. The letters and copy of the scoping report was hand delivered and the ward councillor for the area also attended the meetings
• Introductory consultation The purpose of the consultation is to inform all identified I&APs of the proposed project and provide the public with information on how to register as an I&AP and comment on the proposed project. The following action items formed part of this consultation:
An email with a consultation letter was sent to the local municipality (which is also the landowner of the project site under application). The project was advertised in a National Newspaper accessible to the local communities around the development site, providing information about the project and the applications underway. Site notices were placed around the project site (and neighbouring farms) and in the Magaliesburg town, also providing information about the project and the associated applications underway and providing information to any I&AP on how to register as such or provide any comments.
• Scoping Phase Consultation During this consultation phase, the draft scoping report is made available to all stakeholders and I&AP for commenting. The following steps were taken: Comments raised from the introductory consultation were added to the scoping report A consultation meeting was held with the general public to furnish all affected parties with information on the project. The draft scoping was distributed to all landowners and I&APs on the stakeholder database via email. The draft scoping report was also sent to State owned departments through post and email.
• EIR Phase Consultation
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During this consultation phase, the draft EIR/EMP report is made available to all stakeholders and I&AP for commenting. The following steps will be taken: The draft EIR/EMP will be distributed to I&APs on the stakeholder database via email for commenting. The draft EIR/EMP will also be sent to State owned departments through post and email for commenting. All comments made on the draft EIR/EMP will be collated into the final report. All Interested and Affected Parties will be notified of the decision by the competent authority to grant/reject the application
The table below shows the process of consultation that has been undertaken by the applicant.
(iii) Summary of issues raised by I&APs
Table 5: Public Participation Process Followed
Interested and Manner of Status Record affected parties consultation appended consulted ?
Land owners Site Notices, Completed Yes Draft Reports affected by Consultation Meetings proposed activities Landowner consultation questionnaires, emails, and others one-on-one. Land Occupiers Site Notices, Completed Yes Draft Reports Reports Consultation Meetings& Municipality Completed Yes Consultation Letter, (same as Landowner) Draft Reports
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Table 6: Comments By Interested And Affected Parties
Interested and Date Issues raised Response to the issue affected comments parties were raised Landowners 12 March 2018 Mr. Chetty questioned who the applicant of this Mrs. Lufuno Mutshathama (EAP)explained that the applicant (Meeting No1) authorization is and why he is not in attendance was in ICU after an unfortunate moto cycle accident and was therefore unable to attend
Mr. Jaco Du Toit further questioned if the applicant Mrs. Mutshathama indicated that since the applicant was in had no manager or representative from his technical an unexpectant accident and in ICU, he was unable to team that could attend the meeting. contact his geologist as a matter of urgency (whom he was meant to bring along to the meeting) and furnish him with details of the meeting for his attendance.
Mr. Olman asked why the meeting was held at a Mrs. Mutshathama asked what the most ideal time and day venue so far from the farms under application would be (Koesterfontein),
Mr. Jaco Du Toit advised that either Friday afternoons Comment Noted or Saturdays would work best.
Mr. Olman asked why the EAP did not do their Mrs. Mutshathama requested that she is given an opportunity homework as it is assumed that the application is to carry out the presentation wherein everything will be within the NW and not Gauteng explained in detail, and any further questions may be raised and responded to after the presentation
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Mr. Olman suggested that the meeting is discontinued Mrs. Mutshathama explained that the company is owned by due to the absence of the applicant and Mr. Du Toit Mr. Andriese Van Staden, who is in partnership with Mr. added that the applicant could’ve sent a representative Johan. She further explained that Mr. Andries couldn’t attend from his company the meeting due to other commitments and therefore had Mr. Johan attend the meeting and represent the company but was unfortunately involved in the accident.
Mr. Chetty then complained that Mr. Van Staeden was Noted embarrassing the community as everyone tried to use their time and financial resources to attend the meeting whilst he attends to other commitments.
Mr. Jerico asked why the councilor of Magaliesburg Mrs. Mutshathama explained that the municipality was was not invited to the meeting consulted and information of some of these I&AP was requested and is still awaited. Mrs. Mutshathama again requested that she is granted an opportunity to present and furnish everyone with all the details, also highlighting that the meeting was not the last to be held and any questions not answered in this meeting would still be attended to in other meetings and communication.
Mrs. (Heidi) James suggested that the meeting is Mrs. Mutshathama asked if the floor (everyone in attendance) cancelled for the following reasons: agrees with the notion that the meeting is cancelled and re- There are no representatives of the scheduled and the floor collectively agreed to the applicant available at the meeting cancellation. The venue for the meeting is far, the name Mrs. Mutshathama requested that the attendance register is of the venue was misspelled and the still signed as the meeting will still be minute, primarily coordinates for the venue were incorrect, detailing that it was agreed upon that the meeting is re-
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therefore rendering it very difficult for some scheduled. I&AP to attend the meeting.
Mr. Olman and Mrs. James both requested that it is Mrs. Mutshathama also explained that the aim of the meeting well captured in the minutes that the meeting is not was for her to begin an ongoing consultation process being cancelled due to a disinterest in the public to participate in the meeting, but due to the inadequacies of the planning of the meeting. Mrs. James heeded that Mrs. Mutshathama is however not the applicant.
Mr. Olman insisted that that there are a lot of Mrs. Mutshathama responded by explaining that the public questions that require the applicant’s response consultation is the responsibility and duty of the EAP and the not the applicant. She further explained that the applicant is not in any legal way requested to participate in the public consultation unless he is needed to respond any questions that she as an EAP may fail to respond to.
Mrs. James highlighted that if all the I&AP in Mrs. Mutshathama explained that the project is still in its very attendance could make time in such short notice and early stages of screening and scoping and that any questions put in the effort to attend the meeting, then the that cannot be answered immediately will still be answered as applicant could’ve shown the same courtesy and Mr. the project progresses. She added information on the project Olman insisted that the next meeting is held at a is still being collected form I&AP, together with all concerns location closer to Magaliesburg and objections
Mrs. Mapangire (EAP) requested the chance to Mrs. Mutshathama agreed to the suggestion and proposed explain the EAI process that had to be followed, to the that the I&AP may chose a location of their preference for the
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I&APs next meeting. Mr. Olman indicated that the community is aware of the process as similar projects have been applied for in the same area and the community has gone through the same consultation process. Mr. Olman added that the applicant is unwise in lodging an application in that area as the burden in that area is not economically viable and is therefore wasting everyone’s time. Mrs. James questioned why the process must be explained to the community if the engagement is being Mrs. Mapangire responded that she needed to furnish the forced on the I&APs, and added that they are not floor with info on the process that is to be followed and then interested in sitting in the meeting any longer and release everyone. waste time
Mrs. James requested that the provision of information Mrs. Mapangire explained that what has been done for the is done in a proper forum. project so far is a baseline study that informs the first part of the project and the meeting is meant to be an interactive setup where additional information about the application area is gathered from I&AP and the relevant specialist studies can then be identified after all the information gathering. She further added that all findings from specialist studies would then be presented to the I&AP and decisions can be made as to whether a consent or objection is given
Mr. Jaco Du Toit heeded that due to the legacy of Mrs. Mutshathama explained that not giving a gold mining in the Witwatersrand, none of the consent/objecting is not a problem and all that has to be done community members will give consent. is that a formal objection is given in writing.
Mr. Chetty commented that the applicant is hiding Mrs. Mutshathama responded that the community might be behind the door and this will result in big issues. He having the wrong idea about the applicant’s absence and added that as an introductory meeting, the applicant added that the absence is because of the unforeseen
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was supposed to avail himself and meet the accident, and a doctor’s note may be brought along to the community and that his absence is highly questionable next meeting to ascertain this and makes the application look very sketchy
In response Mr. Olman added that it is still unacceptable that he is not in attendance as he could have sent a representative
Mrs. James commented that whilst the EAP says Mrs. Mutshathama explained that it is during the scoping there are in the scoping phase, they haven’t contacted phase that required specialist studies are carried out. all landowners, however, before any heritage scoping Mrs. Mapingire also explained that through various desktop report is compiled, a specialist must have access to studies and the use of information and GIS layers from the land and to physical go and see every farmer and SANBI for example, it was realized that there are wetlands in that has not been done for this scoping report, making the application area. Such information informed in the it invalid. She suggested that the scoping is re-done, decision of then including a wetland specialist to come and first with all farmers visited initially, then scoping report assess the impacts of the proposed development on the re-done in depth and then finally begin with the public wetland. She further explained that in the same manner, participation desktop studies indicated that parts of the area under application are classified as critical biodiversity areas as well as ecological support areas, which the informed the decision to also include a biodiversity specialist to assess the biological impacts to result from the development
Mr. Du Toit enquired if the EAPs have visited all the Mrs. Mutshathama confirmed that not all farms were visited farms under application as no one has been to his farm
Mrs. Heidi alluded that EAPs have not completed a Mrs. Mutshathama responded that what has been carried out scoping report but rather a screening report is a screening and scoping phase
Mr. Olman highlighted that prior to the next meeting, a Mrs. Mutshathama asked the floor again if they want the
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nearby venue will be chosen, all farmers/landowners meeting scraped and re-scheduled for a new date or that the will be consulted and advised on the project and that meeting proceeds as planned. notifications will be placed as per the requirements of the law
Mrs. Heidi responded in pointing out that a new date Mrs. Mutshathama explained that the idea of conducting and cannot be decided upon until the complete public completing specialist studies in the scoping phase is participation is carried out, all farms have been visited misleading as they are not completed and incorporated in the for a site assessment, detailed scoping report is scoping report. completed with all specialists’ studies conducted, and it She further explained that the process followed is that of is uncertain how long it will take for all of that to be firstly lodging an application, then screening and scoping done. phase within which you assess the area for the possible impacts and specialist studies that will be required in the EIA phase, after which a draft scoping report will be provided to I&AP for review and inclusion of additional information or commentary into a final Scoping report which is then sent to the regulator. Once the Scoping report is approved by the regulator, proceedings into the EIA phase are made and specialists carry out their respective studies/assessments and a draft EIA report is compiled and provided to I&AP for review and commentary again (and another meeting is scheduled is requested), or any objections. A final EIA that incorporated any such commentary/objections is submitted to the regulator for a final decision on the project.
Mr. Du Toit questioned how the process will proceed if Mrs. Mutshathama explained that if no consent is given or an consent from the individual private landowners has not objection is given, the objection is included in the report and been given submitted to the authority (DMR), who will then assess the objection and decide
Mr. McKenzie requested to get clarity in asking Mrs. In response Mrs. Mutshathama acknowledged Mr. Mutshathama who she and her team are in the context McKenzie’s comment/concern, and explained that she and
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of the application and who Tau Industries is. He further her team are independent consultants and the company commented that the application to bring mining in the name is Joan Construction and Projects Magalies area is unwelcomed as there are a lot of farmers in the area, both new and old, who are trying to establish and sustain their farming livelihoods and mining would interfere with that as there are existing mining issues such as the water issue affecting some farms.
Mr. Kevin indicated that the map provided in the Mrs. Mutshathama responded that site notices were posted presentation has several farm portions with owners. He around the area then asked how all the owners were notified of the project
Mr. Kevin objected and indicated that only 1 site Mrs. Mutshathama responded in saying that several notices notice was posted outside his property and it fell off, was posted. Mrs. Mutshathama further explained that SMS and that no other notices were posted. and emails were also sent to some landowners.
Several attendees (all at once) objected to this and Mrs. Mutshathama further explained that landowner contact claimed to have only received information about the details were obtained from Win deeds and from the project from Mr. Mark and questioned why they haven’t municipality, and that any landowner details still not found received individual communication from these sources would still have to be found through other means.
Mr. Kevin asked why the farmers weren’t visited Mrs. Mutshathama explained that is was detailed in the individually meeting presentation that permission would be requested from all landowners to access farm and make individual visitations
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Mr. Molefe highlighted that 2 proposals were made, Mrs. Mutshathama asked once again if the meeting could be the first to postpone the meeting due to the concerns closed that were made in the meeting however the presentation was still being referred to in further discussion- which is a contradiction and secondly that there is outstanding information, issues of invitations and the issue of the inadequate venue. He then raised a concern that the meeting seemed to be continuing even in the absence of other parties or stakeholders such counsellors and municipality representatives and asked that a decision is made that the meeting is postponed until all stakeholders are well represented
Mr. Chetty suggested that the register is not signed as Mrs. Mutshathama mentioned that the meeting would still it could be used as an official document. He further have to be minuted and the register would indicate which suggested that only contact details are provided, but individuals that agreed that the meeting is postponed. not signatures
Mr. Chetty also advised Mrs. Mutshathama that (Mrs. Mrs. Mutshathama indicated that she would request Jenny) the local newspaper journalist could be used to permission to access the farms moving forward, and post further communication. adjourned the meeting and asked all attendees to furnish their details 6 April 2018 Angelique McAdam: I said, it is requested that it be Mrs. Mutshathama (EAP): We had setup the meeting for the (meeting 2) added under item 4 (Questions and comments) to holiday like we sent an email. We decided that people would ensure that the next meeting incorporates the whole be gone, rather we should have it today on a Thursday community that is affected and has the proper quorum, because normally if you are going, you will go this afternoon. because if you look around the people affected by this, we cannot mark this meeting as an information session what is the population of Magalies currently? I think about 4000. If you look around here in the meeting, it Gerad Van Staden (Applicant): I do not want anybody upset does not constitute a quorum for decisions to be made. at the end of the day, so I personally did not know that I am just letting you know that this is not a well tomorrow is a holiday. So, I was busy attending to some constituted meeting because the amount of people family matters. I would like you to decide on a date and we sitting here does not constitute the whole community can reschedule.
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Jaco Du Toit: This is not a consultation because you Mrs. Mutshathama (EAP): The meeting cannot be re- are not consulting the affected parties. scheduled. If you decide to reschedule we will put a notice as, the people who attended decided that they reschedule the You have issued an invitation but what is the time slot meeting and we will attach it to the scoping report which we that you have picked? You picked a time slot where are going to submit to the DMR. You should understand that none of the very few affected parties can make it, look your comments wouldn’t have been included in the scoping at the attendance it’s even worse than the first report. We understood our mistake in the previous meeting. meeting. Everyone understands holidays, and none holidays. Today is a working day, if we had proceeded to do the meeting tomorrow you would have something to say. Today is a Thursday
Jaco Du Toit: How many people work half-day on a day before the long weekend, how many people go Mrs. Mutshathama: People who could not make it notified us away on the long weekend? and we have told them that we would attend to them one on one. People who did not even an apology or a complaint to say that we cannot do this and that, we could have moved it to yesterday. Jaco Du Toit: Did you get a formal acceptance from anyone stating that “I will be there” or “meeting Mrs. Mutshathama: No one responded, and it is not my duty accepted”? to make a follow-up on whether the people are attending or not Unidentified Gentleman 1: I received an email on the 16th of April for this meeting that was schedule for today. And they asked you that if you couldn’t attend the meeting to let them know. If everyone did not receive the email, then how come everyone is here?
Jaco Du Toit: Not everyone is on the email or Mrs. Mutshathama: As mentioned, we arranged with those electronic communication; again, you can ask them if who indicated that they cannot attend, to see them on a one they have everybody’s email. This cannot be on one basis. Only few people responded. Let me just do constituted as a full public participation because it is what we need to do and your comments we will incorporate not representing the whole community or the affected them when you must ask questions. Can I ask that whoever
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parties. is asking a question or making a comment to please say your name first each time you speak? Can I note you ma’am and give the gentleman a chance? We cannot get people to attend; all we must do is invite them, setup a place to meet but we cannot get them to the meeting. Like I am saying to show that we are not hiding anything, this is not the first and last meeting, but you are still going to get the opportunity to make comments.
Daniel Mlilo: Good day everyone, my name is Daniel Mlilo and I am the Community Liaison Officer of Ward 81. I think meetings of this nature do not need a quorum. If people have received notices that there is this meeting. Public participation is not a political meeting is not a political meeting, in a political meeting we must meet quorum, but this is not a political meeting but a public participation meeting. Whoever is there will get the information and if you have got queries, everything is written on the handout. If any person feels they are not interested in the meeting, they should just leave us in peace so that the meeting may proceed.
Angelic McAdam: May we continue with the meeting. Mrs. Mutshathama: We will continue with the meeting. I will also indicate how the process works as we spoke in the previous meeting. So, you know when you are going to be consulted, your comments and everything like that. I understand that people have an hour or so, so let’s just proceed and give comments where we are supposed to.
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Bonney Cinnamond: The last time your applicant Mrs. Mutshathama: Not at all, the applicant is not at all never pitched, and we agreed to postpone the compelled to attend public participation meetings, but the meeting. Today there is a legitimate complaint about interested and affected parties wanted him here. the slot, but you are arguing with us. Is it not the applicant’s decision whether we do this meeting or not?
Angelic McAdam: Chair if we may, we are adding to Noted the agenda. The one is the notice of the meeting, two the representation of the applicant. So, can we continue so we can all understand the purpose of the meeting
I&Aps requested that the applicant and team Mr. Gerad Van Staden (herein referred to as GVS) introduced introduce themselves himself as the applicant (and owner and sole director of Tau Industries) and apologized for not being able to attend the previous meeting due to accidents that occurred and called for personal commitments. He added that the mining Director that should have been at the meeting was shot in the Cash- in-transit heist that happened where he was a cross-by driver. He pleased that it was unfortunate and out of their circumstances not to be able to make it. He also apologized about the inconvenient venue of the first meeting, stating that the venue was sourced through google as the EAP LM was not familiar with the place and just took a venue within the Magalies. He indicated that it was miscommunication for which they would like to apologize. GVS also mentioned that he would still consult on one on one the farm owners who would prefer that
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Mr. Chris Van Der Merwe (herein referred to as CVM) introduced himself as the registered Consultant Geologist, from (Precision Capital Development Services) PCDS Resource Solutions registered with; GSSA, SAMRAC, NI 43- 101 and will be consulting for Mr. Van Staden on the project. He indicated that he was appointed to have a look at some of the items that need to be addressed on the initial Prospecting Works Program. Stating that there are a lot of things that need to be adjusted and amended and that they have started working on this recently.
Mr. Inus Greyling then introduced himself and explained that he will oversee the financials, community and modelling of the project. He explained that once the prospecting activity is done, he would do the financial modelling
Jaco Du Toit: I have sent about 30 questions that I Mrs. Mutshathama: Yes, I have and have also printed them would like us to go through today. Did you receive out. them? Chris Van Der Merwe: I have seen some of the questions, so I am aware of the issues and have been looking at it for the last couple of weeks.
Daniel Mlilo: I see that there are a lot of disruptions to the meeting, so I am requesting again that people who do not want to be in this meeting go out and leave us. Our grandfather here wants to go home, this was just an introduction you haven’t even started on the actual presentation and go into details of what this meeting is about.
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Jaco Du Toit: Besides my list of questions that I would Mrs. Mutshathama: I need to do a proper environmental like us to go through a little bit later when we have the assessment and then make a recommendation. Q&A session, I have got one question. You are a specialist in this area and have done a lot of assessments. Based on all the information that is currently available on this area (its environmental state and previous applications) and available for you for assessment, what is your professional feeling on how successful Mr. Van Staden’s application will be?
Jaco Du Toit: Can we just a comment that Prospecting is a pre-cursor and predecessor of mining
Mr. Molefe (Councilor): Let us allow her to finish the presentation first then we can follow with the questions. By so doing we are interrupting, remember that in the previous meeting we requested this venue so that we can allow her to carry out the presentation and thereafter raise questions. If you keep on interjecting, honestly that is not fair. Let us hear the presentation and thereafter proceed with questions.
Jaco Du Toit: All this information is available from Mrs. Mutshathama: If you do not want me to do this previous studies, why is it necessary to do all this presentation, it is fine we can leave it and head to the again? discussion
Bonney Cinnamond: Not only do I live here I am a Mrs. Mutshathama: These potential impacts are detailed here
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manager of a Non-Profit Organization (NPO) in in the presentation, and the proposed mitigations are also Kaalfontein and I emailed you about that. I said to you detailed, and you still have questions. Do you want me to skip what about compromising those people’s rights and the presentation? you failed to answer me. I work for NPO for mentally disabled people and I emailed you. What about their rights with all this pollution? Apart from the fact that this is a place for tourism whatever, and you never bothered to answer my email.
Daniel Mlilo: Continue with the presentation please.
Mr. Salmon: Everything is detailed there on page 4 of Mrs. Mutshathama: Can I take it that their suggestion is what the presentation copy. the house wants? The request is that we must skip the presentation because you have copies and can read yourselves. Then we can skip to the questions because that is the burning issue here in this house. I can accept it if there is no one who will come back tomorrow and say that “she skipped the potential impacts and mitigation and then decided to call it a meeting”.
Mr. Salmon: So, constitutional we can deny you Mrs. Mutshathama: Yes, you do but please also note that access to our property to come and explore? whilst the land belongs to you, the minerals underneath it belongs to the state, which is everyone and therefore everyone has a right to access them with the granting of the right to do so under the
Barney Cinnamond: Does Tau work for the State? Mrs. Mutshathama: No, Tau is a private company, and the Does he then have a right to the mineral? I’m trying to owner is part of the state understand how Tau then the right to the minerals has because the minerals belong to the state.
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Barney Cinnamond: The whole Magalies community Mrs. Mutshathama: This platform is a consultation platform is supported by tourism, it is a national heritage site, where you get to raise any of your concerns such as this one. and this whole application is ridiculous and Everyone has a right to object to this application in writing. unnecessary. This whole Magalies community I We are trying to get everyone’s comments or objections and supported by tourism and there are a lot of people add them to the project records for the DMR to assess. If you employed by its tourism sector. How do you guys now have an objection, comment, input or whatever you call it, you propose for such a project in a tourist attraction area need to put it down in writing as an individual or group so that and heritage site? there is a committee at Koesterfontein. You can do that and write it down. Even if it is an objection you can write it in bold Mr. Victor Molefe: You (Barney) are being emotional letters stating that it is an objection to application of this about this issue instead of being rational nature and indicate the reference numbers like I have indicated and given you there. If you lose the references call Bonney Cinnamond: I have every right to be me or email me and I will give them to you. What we must do emotional as I live here is to get everyone’s input or comment or whatever it is, then we put it in the report. The governing body or person that will Victor Molefe: You (Bonney) are not the only affected resolve that is the DMR. As an EAP I am not allowed to party here, we are a whole community of Magalies and deprive anyone an opportunity to comment or object. have our own concerns/interests regarding the project. I am the ward councilor of Magaliesburg and represent the whole community and not an individual
Kabelo Tshabalala: You speak as if you are the only person affected by the project and speak for your own benefits, this is not right, and we refuse to be bullied by a few selfish individuals here. You are busy mentioning things that our people are not benefiting from. You are the only people benefiting from the tourism that you are talking about, if our people are not benefiting. If fact you turn them into slavery. Magalies has a community of disadvantaged people in the township who also want to benefit from the project.
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Jaco Du Toit: Initially it was said that there will be a processing plant, it was then later said that it would be Mrs. Mutshathama plant was removed to reduce the footprint removed, why is it still in the PWP (Prospecting works of the project. At the time it was removed, the PWP was programme) document already submitted with the application. Once the scoping report has been accepted we will be able to then revise the PWP.
Jaco Du Toit: Please explain to the community that Mrs. Mutshathama: That is correct, every applicant prospect prospecting is a predecessor of mining, and that the with the intention to mine. ultimate intention is mining, therefore if we allow the prospecting to go through, we open the door for mining in the area.
Jaco Du Toit: Why does the application include both Chris Van Der Merwe (Consultant Geologist): I have recently prospecting through drill cores and trenching? started getting involved in and there are several issues as you have rightfully pointed out. And there is a whole lot of things, that’s why some people are off the whole thing and we are starting to address it. A challenge in erratic mineralization is that it’s not always easy to work with drill core samples, therefore you must use larger samples for more homogenous material to sample
Jaco Du Toit: So, you know the area /minerals are disseminated that is why now you guys are applying Chris Van Der Merwe: Exactly, hence the need for trenching, for the specific inclusion to trench. because that just gives you just the ultimately the more homogenous material to sample.
Jaco Du Toit: Ok We will talk a little later about the
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impacts of that. Now can you explain the volumes, the Mrs. Mutshathama & Chris Van Der Merwe: The sizes of the tons and the dimensions of the trench you have trenches will be reviewed and scaled downed. All the applied for. We have seen three applications. There information is being reviewed to be addressed were 6 holes in the 1st application but only 3 are accounted for in the presentation, then three more for the other 2. Ultimately there will be about 2 and a half million tons of material that will be removed from the proposed trenches and hole. This is therefore what should be regarded as strip mining and not trenching
Jaco Du Toit: It is said that it is 200m x 70m x 10.5m Chris Van Der Merwe: Well at this point, I cannot respond to deep, how many Olympic swimming pools would you anything more than that. As I have said that I have inherited fit in there? this information recently and we are working through it so that Mr. Salmon: Yea, that is considered mining that is not we can amend and do what is practically required with a a trench. minimized impact Mrs. Londiwe Mapangire: Can we please understand that at this stage we are scoping, meaning we draft the information we have collected from the desktop studies, including information regarding the different activities, impacts and procedures. When we consult, we give you the opportunity to review the report and point out things that you would like changed. For example, as she has pointed out, bearing in mind that we have not been to these farms so from google earth we cannot see that there is a mental institution. So, what happens at this point you as Interested and Affected Parties give us all the information that we could not pick up and then we then go further and conduct detailed specialist studies. The scoping report informs the EIA. During the EIA phase we carry out additional specialist studies that further provide information for a detailed assessment. All concerns about vegetation have been noted a biodiversity study will be conducted. We are not here to tell you that this is what we are
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doing therefore decide, rather we are collecting more information to inform the process so that at the end of the day the decision that is made has taken all aspects (sensitivity areas, economic factors, livelihood etc) into consideration.
Angelique McAdam: Sorry, if I may. Just understand. So, if I read you correctly, what she is saying is that at this stage we are only at the scoping and project management. So, all the things that you have there, you need to make sure that you go list this then they must come back and remember they must get more time to work through them.
Jaco Du Toit: But we are pointing to it so that everybody here knows about it. Chris Van Der Merwe: I have gone through some of the Angelique McAdam: Yes, but I mean all those are in questions after receiving them this morning, and some of the writing. Remember, there is also a new Geologist that technical questions I am still working through and will address has just been appointed and is also collating information. Because of the previous studies that have been done by the previous people, this new person has just arrived taken all those documents and is still going to work through them.
Jaco Du Toit: But ma’am, if that is the case. How can they then submit next week if this person has just arrived?
Angelique McAdam: Well unfortunately, at this stage Mrs. Mutshathama: No, some of them had been sent before and I think this is where we also must realistic. We and we responded to him that the technical questions will be must be realistic that we now been sitting here, there responded to by the Geologist.
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were many people who could have been informed and were informed reasonably. Because according to the constitution you only need to give seven days’ notice and the EAP gave more than seven days. These are the lists which you mailed this morning. Chris Van Der Merwe: The reality is I am busy working Angelique McAdam: There is a list of seemingly through all of this now. A lot of the glaring issues that you many questions (about 30, and possibly new ones that have pointed out were the first notes on them and the whole will arise today), and mine as well and if we must go thing needs to be redesigned. That’s the fact and the short through each item then perhaps you (Jaco Du Toit) answer I can give you at this stage, I do not know all the rest can circulate them with everyone. Make a copy, lets yet because I need to go and recalculate. distribute it so that anybody can add onto it. Otherwise we are going to walk out of here on worker’s day (1st of May) because there is a lot stuff that must consider.
Angelique McAdam: So, Jaco I think between your questions and my questions because they are all very The due date (as decided by the DMR) for the scoping report valid. None of it, mine has certainly not been is next week Wednesday. The law itself it gives us 44 days to addressed and as far extensive. Yours has been not submit from the date of lodging the application. been addressed which is quite extensive. So, with your scoping report going to be submitted, would it be viable to request just being fair. Allow the person to find his feet on the job, allow our questions to be answered before you submit the scoping report.
Angelique McAdam: Can’t we ask the DMR to give us Mrs. Mutshathama: The regulation does not provide for an an extension that gives us an opportunity to address all extension on the scoping report however we can try our issues properly Mrs. Londiwe Mapingire: This does not mean that the questions will never be attended to. We will still attend to all questions in the EIA phase.
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Gerhard Van Staden: If we prospect and find out from the prospecting results that we can feasibly mine for about 50-65 Unidentified person 2: I understand you’re trying to years, then we will be able to create employment do business and we all are, I would like to know what (approximately 6000 jobs), therefore the Magalies community value you would be able to add by carrying out this will benefit from it. We also know that 80 % of the farms in the project area are slate not suitable for a lot of farming. We don’t plan to just destroy the environment and leave it in a bad state.
Mrs. Mutshathama: I am still going to submit the Scoping Angelique McAdam: Ok we understand this, and we Report, but can I ask that all those who require the extension could potentially become another Cullinan, we just please send an email requesting an extension and we can want everything to be done properly. Can we ask for at submit that to DMR and they will inform us if they grant an least month to resolve this issue? extension, or if they want us to address your comments in the EIA phase
Mrs. Mutshathama: What we can do now is submit the Angelique McAdam: Call it a draft pending finalization scoping report and attach the email requesting extension that everyone has signed with the motivation. I am not sure if it has been done before, but we can try. Remember that these changes you want are going to inform the EIA, so when the EIA is finished we cannot come back and say that there is something that we did not address. The law does not allow for the extension on the Scoping phase and we are still going to continue and submit the scoping report. And if you send an email for extension we will attach it and send it to DMR and they will inform us if they grant an extension, or if they want us to address your comments in the EIA phase.
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Jaco Du Toit: Ok, besides all those questions. There Mrs. Mutshathama: In fact, when you sent me the letter, I have been previous studies done here and the already had it. department of integrated environment management of Magaliesburg has complied a full formal document detailing the sensitivity of the area (we provided you with a letter and file number, but there is a full document), policies, comments on the other projects etc and the refusal of mining in the area. This also includes details about how this impacted all the various studies such as the Open skies, Delta mining, the African Nickel Prospecting and other projects that have been conducted in the area and rejected based on this information. All the comments that are in those documents, the observations and even the comments about the red data species and rare fish species in the area, comments on the Mackson case. I even supplied you with that like how long ago? What is your comment on that and you should have had time to investigate that. Are you in consultation with the Department of Integrated Environmental Management? Mrs. Mutshathama: I have the letter you are talking about and Jaco Du Toit: But ma’am then why is this information that letter was attached with the first scoping report that was not captured in your scoping report? Why is the submitted information on the red data, and all the various concerns not addressed in your scoping in your scoping report and just an attachment?
Mrs. Mutshathama: The DMR is the only authority that can Jaco Du Toit: Then why are you guys going ahead accept or reject any application, which is why that letter is with all these applications and studies when you know attached for the DMR to see and make a conclusion. I cannot of the letter and you know that previous applications tell Mr. Du Toit to stop his application (which has by the way have been stopped because of this? What is your been accepted, approving that the applicant can continue
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current comment on this letter of standing and all the with the authorization process), the DMR makes that information here? Previously all this was cancelled, all decision. That information will be provided it is the DMR’s the previous mining applications were cancelled responsibility because of this. Now currently you guys don’t listen and just say we going to waste our time and our money to do all these studies, all this information while all of this has been done and documented very well. Mrs. Mutshathama: You can proceed with that, but the Jaco Du Toit: We currently busy applying for a department does not have that, and it has not yet been moratorium. passed. So, it is up to the department to make the decision. The applicant has made the application and they have accepted it then the process continues, if they win they get the right and if they don’t then it will be cut down. Hence, I am saying that everything, give me everything that you have that I might not have. I am not going to hide it, but I will attach it, because it is going to affect my professionalism.
Chris Van Der Merwe: The application as this state looks at Heny: 5 yrs. ago Suikerbos golf estate wanted to exploration. There are studies such as feasibility studies develop here but was shut down because of one carried out. at this state we can’t state were will get the water reason; no water! I have worked in open cast mine for the mining stage. If the mineral content is good enough for they need a lot of water to do open cast mining. Where mining, we will go as far getting water from the next town, will this all this water come from? then that will be done. But we are not at the stage where we can comment on activities in the mining stage
Chris Van Der Merwe: The initial work will not require the Heny: The farmers in the area know of the lack of intensive drilling/ blasting and heavy infrastructure. water here and I don’t want the prospecting or mining activities to affect the water I use for irrigation for my
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livelihood Mrs. Mutshathama: This is a prospecting phase; the Constance Belfi: The Infrastructure (roads, electricity) prospecting activists do not require a lot of infrastructure. For to be used is a huge concern- how these will be EG We have indicated that access roads will be maintained affected The applicant is not going to construct new infrastructures. If only if the applicant decides they move into the mining phase, all new infrastructures to be constructed will be detailed in an SLP. Electricity: Only generators will be used
Mrs. Mutshathama: As mentioned, the application at this Heny: The area under application has a road that is in phase is not a mining application and will therefore not bad condition and is a problem as it is. That road was require so many heavy mining trucks for example. So, the supposed to have been re-worked and upgraded about number of trucks transporting the ore would not be as many 10yrs ago. How will it handle all the heavy mining as the number of trucks here mining takes place. It should trucks transporting ore to the processing plants? also be noted that in the EIA, we will also address the traffic impact on the existing farm roads and on the main roads.
Angelique McAdam: I just want to make a proposal Mrs. Mutshathama: I explained the scoping procedure at the because I can see where all this is going as I have beginning of the meeting, but now she is talking about the been watching. Nobody understands the process and prospecting work program procedure. So, when he is done, the procedures that need to be followed, terms and you will see that in the PWP they indicate each phase and its technicalities. Perhaps, document the processes and timeframes. When he is revising, he will revisit that and procedures indicating each process and the possibly add more detail. timeframes. Perhaps if you do that, it will help the community understand the process and what you guys are doing at every stage. Jaco Du Toit: This was requested at the first meeting
Angelique McAdam: That’s not only what I’m saying. There is a process, if I for example work at the Mrs. Mutshathama: Yes, we will do that and send to
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department of social development and tell you you’ve everyone. What I have tried to do is to explain the process on got to put in a narrative report so I can speak into your the environmental side at the beginning of the presentation, penalization as part of the process and your stats, and not the PWP and spoke of an EMP not explaining what it these are terms that no one will understand, so if you is, so even in our EIA report we will put list of acronyms for are going to use all these terms then none of these everyone to understand. people will understand what you are saying. So, explain the processes, what it entails, how long will it take etc. So, if we can have that process with time frames then we can everyone understand this better.
Gerhard Van Staden: We were looking up all the previous Steven: We had a problem with Mr. Van Staden not Anglo application /studies that got lost and tests have been being able to attend the first meeting and everyone done and we wanted to verify those studies on the mineral wanted to hold him accountable. I have a question for content. him, why the biosphere, why the cradle, why We are going to need money to conserve. It doesn’t mean Magalies? that we’re going to impact the river, that’s not our intention. With your history of conservation, how do u tie that in We don’t intend on just destroying the environment and not with mining? conserve some of it or rehabilitate. We want to remove the gold as safely as possible. Therefore, we removed the cyanide processing plant for example from the list of activities on our application, to make it as feasible as possible. The areas that we won’t be using will be for conservation, looking after animals, even if we can put out wild animals, and problem causing animals that get shot like jackals etc that’s been shot out.
Gerhard Van Staden: If you look at Anglo for example, Steven: Would you say the operation (prospecting they’ve picked up all the main/ cream of the crop, like in leading to mining, in the bigger picture in the cradle) Scillonian, Orkney, there has been job losses about 20 000 in would /can do /undo the conservation work/effort and the last yr. money that has been put into the area for years by the Where is the economy coming from at the end of the day, so government, a national heritage site and biosphere if this is going to help about 6000 people and their families that will now be destroyed by the mining activities?
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And tell them that all that is now being destroyed and all the efforts are going to waste. Because this is the key problem that affects all of us, not dust, or gravel roads or not understanding the process because I for one know that there is no DMR process, I know that every engineer or consultant has built up a way of doing things over the year. But the bottom line is why here, which you have answered, and It sounds to me like this is just an idea you’ve picked up, it was lying on the table so let’s try it, isn’t there another place where you can pick up more gold? when last did you drive through what used to be mining towns in South Africa Gerhard Van Staden: Well I’m going to have to go forward with it to find out myself Steven: This is not about helping thousands of people and their families, it’s about putting machines in the ground, getting rich if you can and help the community around. The history of mining goes to back before the 90s when someone tried to put up a big gold rush in the area, history tells us that there were about 15people involved, so the history that the first gold was discovered here, and it was proven repeatedly. We’re going through the whole fight and process repeatedly
Jaco Du Toit: Part of our biggest concerning the mining legacy. Who has gone pas a gold mine area where there is not this bad legacy of how the environment looks? Gerhard Van Staden: But that’s for the department of Steven: It’s about the country, the government environment to decide spends, it’s not about political or which government it is, the next government will do the same, spend
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millions on selling the cradle and the biosphere as the destination of choice to the world. We are destroying the country.
Mrs. Mutshathama: When do the EIA we use a DMR template Nigel Naylor: I am Nigel Naylor, owner of portion 33 of to calculate the rehabilitation fee required which we include in Koesterfontein. Is there any relation between Tau the EMP report and submit to the DMR, which will then check Industries and Tau mining services????????Other it against the environmental reports and PWP and either question is, these are big trenches you are digging, accept or reject the fees. If accepted, the applicant submits and we are aware of the kind of damage that will cause the fee to the DMR, the DMR holds it and releases the money to the environment. We do know from Optimum coal when the closure is satisfactory to the landowner and the mine that there was money placed for rehabilitation, DMR but that was mining, and this is prospecting, what funds will be made available for rehabilitation and how Response EAP LM: Mr. Chetty is not part of this application can we be sure that such funds will be saved in a trust and we unfortunately cannot communicate with Mr. Chetty or speak for or against him in his absence.
Angelique McAdam: How is Mr. Chetty related to Tau? Mr. Chetty is disrupting the area with unlawful, unsafe, and unfair (wage) mining. He blasts late in the evening, he has brought in Zama Zama miners and his workers work without safety precautions. Are you not going to become another Mr. Chatty that we are trying to shut down, that has disturbed a peace town like Magalies where the EFF has had to march because he is not paying the workers what he has promised, he is bringing other people from outside the community to work here and not looking after the community? So, for starters, perhaps you could assist us get rid of Mr. Chetty, because now he has pushed people underground and they are popping out at Koesterfontein, these are poor people from the
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community that are going in there working in unsafe conditions and getting hurt, and then getting paid such Gerhard Van Staden: We do not do anything unprofessionally low wages. and unlawfully, especially with the SLP (Social Labor Plan) we do everything accordingly; we will promise what we can deliver. Jaco Du Toit: And to add to this, he has made empty promises to the community, saying “I will do this, I will do that.”
Daniel Mlilo: I’m not protecting this man, but he has only lodged an application, he hasn’t started mining, second, this is a public consultation meeting, in which we are supposed to state our concerns, requests and comments ( benefits and harms), fourth this meeting allows us as residents to gain information and participate which is legally correct, fifth, the application has been submitted lawfully to DMR and not us and the department has given him things to do, which he is doing because studies will be conducted, sixth, Lastly, the meeting was for a presentation EAP was meant to present to us and we are supposed to listen and after the presentation we ask questions, and I have been listening, the EAP has tried to respond to some of the questions and people are talking about their emails, we are behaving like kids here are grownups. In the next meeting can people who don’t want to listen must please excuse us, they have emails they can use. The document we have been provided has Mrs. Mutshathama: It affects the entire Magalies community information they can refer to. We don’t want to come as well as the landowners and we wanted both the
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here and listen to one individual.
Kabelo Tshabalala: I want to dismiss what is said about Mr. Chetty, but I’ll just say, it is incorrect to speak of Mr. Chetty in his absence, the community should submit that concern on another platform. And if the community members were affected by the mine, like you said majority are the black people. You say people from the townships are affected and we know only black people reside in the townships… the counsellor is here, let him go address it with them. We are not here to discuss Mr. Chetty but Tau Industries. May I check, does the mining process affect only one side of the Magalies community or all the Magalies Mrs. Mutshathama: Yes, they are not here because they may community? have not seen communication /notices, but we are glad the representatives are here
Victor Molefe: Then why is the township community not here? Mrs. Mutshathama: We will do so. In our next meeting we will find ways of notifying or involving the community even if it means sending invites to them and placing site notices.
Kabelo Tshabalala: But we might not be able to say everything they want to say, they need to be here to represent themselves and speak for themselves. We need to include them to have their input as well. Let’s also involve persons form the township community so they too can provide their input as well and their views and side can be recorded, they may or may not want Gerhard Van Staden: We will decide to meet with landowners the project. Tomorrow they may turn around and say who couldn’t make it here and require one on one meetings, I they did not mandate me to represent them. haven’t been able to do so in the past due to the personal commitments I highlighted, but we will be doing so. Jenny: You spoke of giving individual consultation to
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people who could not make it to this meeting given that it was badly planned and timed, I Know of several (at Mrs. Mutshathama: They can request the meeting in mail/ least 20 people) people who would want to be telephonically etc. and we will arrange that we see them one consulted individually, how do we go about that? on one
Jenny: So how will you know who of my group need to have those meetings Angelique McAdam: They did ask me if they can Mrs. Mutshathama: We will assess that in the EIA studies have a meeting with me and asked for further phase sir information of other owners around that they can contact.
JJ Coetzee: What’s going to happen when they drill, and the water is gone
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Jaco Du Toit:
I have many objections to this application / Scoping Study:
1. Noise and visual disturbance of the tranquil These impacts have been included in the scoping report and area; will be included in the EIA report for the authority’s attention
2. Influx of people in the area, increasing the These impacts have been included in the scoping report and potential for theft (Livestock and property) will be included in the EIA report for the authority’s attention
3. The R100, especially in front (Northern side) of The condition of the access road was noted during our site my property is not in a state to handle any more visit and will be detailed in the EIA report for the authority’s additional traffic. In rainy periods the road attention. Should the application be successful, the becomes muddy, which makes the area barely maintenances of the access road to be utilized by the accessible, even for the residents. Heavy duty applicant will be added as a condition. vehicles will destroy this access road. This road is barely maintained by the local officials of the area.
4. A significant amount of rain and storm water The natural drainage patterns of the site will be assessed, collected in your demarcated / proposed area and it will be included in the report that these patterns are not feeds to the Bloubank spruit via my property. changed/tempered with. This also feeds a small natural collection dam that is used as potable water for my small-scale farm animals (Cattle, sheep, dogs, and geese). You will disrupt this supply of water, as well as affect the quality of the collected water.
These should not only be addressed for normal / A hydrological assessment will be conducted to carry out an typical dry / winter conditions, but also during rainy in-depth study of the hydrology of the area and how it will be
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periods and other seasons. The risk of water subsequently affected. contamination due to processing of this natural drainage water and the impact on the quality and quantity of natural drainage (or / and natural underground syphoning water towards the Bloubank spruit) should be evaluated and included in all evaluations.
Any material / earth planned to be moved or removed The impact of acid mine drainage will be included and will be oxidized and exposed to atmosphere. Besides assessed in the EIA report. The excavated sites will be causing potential acid mine drainage (which is a graded too establish a safe slope. serious concern), there is also the concern that the potentially excavated or moved material (especially for the large pits) will not be backfilled onto a lined area and will affect the natural slope and water drainage and run-off in the area. The material that will be backfilled will be assessed/tested for Will any backfilled material be separated by an AMD. Should there be any trace of AMD, provision will be impermeable layer to prevent ingress and seepage made for the separation of this material by impermeable and drainage of leached or contaminated rain and layers as suggested. Water quality testing around the sites stormwater due to the excavated material being (and based on the drainage patterns) will also be exposed to oxidizing / atmospheric conditions? conducted before, during and after the proposed operations to monitor the contamination of surface and groundwater resources if any.
6. Nowhere do I see a nominated independent fund manager / specialist that will be appointed Financial provision is calculated as per DMR specifications, to manage 80% of the rehabilitation and project and proof of the availability of such funds is provided. The closure cost to be paid upfront before any DMR authorizes and manages these rehabilitation funds. project work commences. Furthermore, this money should be controlled, and managed by an independent authorized remediation /
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closure specialist group.
Should this ever continue, KAP would demand proof The proof of availability of such funds can be provided to of any such documentation and funds, and how it was KAP, however, the inclusion of KAP committee members in determined and how the fund will be managed and the funds committee should be communicated with the DMR controlled. I would suggest that the steering committee as this aspect of the application is solely handled by DMR as of the fund should include members of KAP the authority. The EAP (us) only calculates the required funds (Koesterfontein Affected Parties). that the client should provide for rehabilitation (using the DMR’s Quantum of Financials template - this will be included in the EIA report), and the client provides those funds to the DMR. From there on, the DMR manages those funds to ensure that the correct rehabilitation methods are implemented effectively and timeously.
7. If this is moving forward, there is no discussion on the use of security control and installation of Noted a double perimeter fencing around the demarcated area to ensure children and animals in the area can’t gain access to this project site.
8. This activity will affect my property value This will be included in the EIA report negatively, especially if this operation / project goes ahead, while it is running and when closure and rehabilitation is not properly done (or even if it’s properly done)
9. The notices were not visible at all. Not once did We will include this impact/concern in the EIA for the DMR’s I observe a notice board or pamphlet (while attention accessing my property from Koster rd. via the R100).
This was not visible to me (directly opposite the The notices were placed on the R100 adjacent to the
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proposed site). Another KAP member informed me of application farm and were visible. A few Interested and the notice they found somewhere else. affected parties registered as such referring to the site notice.
10. I personally think this potential project should We will arrange for a meeting with all neighbouring farmers have a detailed discussion and meeting with all and notify all I&APs the affected parties in the area
11. Note dust generation concerns for material to It will be included in the final Scoping and EIA reports that be moved dust suppression methods dust fallout monitoring is Besides monitoring, the dust generation will be conducted around the site dependent on the operation. Not only should monitoring but also mitigating and control measures should be recommended and be accepted as part of the license application.
12. Mass of earth to be moved more than 2,470,720 t of material. This application refers This has been forwarded to the Geologist for response. The to a sampling campaign for prospecting and response around this concern will be communicated. bulk sampling, to be done within a duration of 1 year (application is 5 years) during daytime operation only? This equates to a high production rate for a full-scale mining / metallurgical operation. How can this then only be for a prospecting application? Please comment on the expected quantity of material on the waste and stockpiles areas mentioned in the site plan and scoping report (I.e. how will the excavating upgrading, and backfilling operation take place. What will be the height of the expected, dumps, pads and stockpiles? Will these be fitted with the correct dump/pad
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requirements (impermeable layer, seepage monitoring, etc.).
13. Please comment if material will be processed It has been decided upon that no processing will be carried onsite, or if upgraded concentrate will be out on site. Material will be transported to registered trucked to a metallurgical processing site: processing plant. 1. Will this included any crushing/ milling and vibration screening? (Huge generators of noise and dust)? 2. What is the anticipated processing flowsheet? I.e. what is this major unit operations envisaged? 3. Will this facility incorporate any chemicals, solvents and oils? 4. Have you identified the toxicity of all the chemicals you plan on using? 5. Will any underground water be extracted for processing? If so, what quantities, and is a water balance for the process available? 6. Kindly confirm that there will be no use of gravity concentrators (Knelson and falcon equipment) or leach stations like the Gekko or Acacia units that uses cyanide as lixiviant?
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Jaco Du Toit 08 March 2018
1. What will be used as backfill material, if This will be addressed in the EIA processing is done off-site?
2. All I&AP includes financial institutions for We need to arrange a follow-up meeting to included financial bonds? institutions as affected parties. Follow up meting can be done
That is a standard template provided by the DMR- it is for 3. Gold vs Diamond processing (in title)? - application for the mining right, prospecting right with bulk
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sampling and for alluvial diamond trenching. We are not
allowed to change it to our project
4. Prospecting vs Mining Right (as per title of see above scoping reports)?
5. Wetlands for all applications should be included Noted (1&2)? will show you the plan on Monday
6. Please remember to comment on the Logistics and the Impact assessment if the processing This will be assessed during the EIA phase plant is off-site, and all the material needs to be
moved and transported? Was this impact and the quantity of material and number of vehicles and cycles evaluated, or noted as a concern for assessment?
1. Can you please provide us with the details of Bulk Sampling techniques (as referred to in These technical concerns have been forwarded to a some of the reports)? Furthermore, please distribute the Prospecting Works Program competent person to re-evaluate. Changes will be made to details mentioned in some reports. It is even the bulk sampling pits dimension. mentioned that such a document is appended, which I cannot locate. Will a heterogeneous sample be generated as a representative sample from this bulk sample for gold evaluations, or will all this material be processed for alluvial pieces of gold/diamonds? Where will this volume / mass reduce take- place? Will the material be collected with yellow
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equipment and loaded onto transporting trucks, or will there be any size reduction equipment involved (which translates into a process plant - whether fixed or skid mounted / modular)? 2. Also, this application refers to a sampling scoping campaign for prospecting and bulk sampling, to be done within a duration of 1 year, during daytime operation only. Let’s calculate that in terms of ore / material processed:
Pits: 70mx200mx10.5m x6 = 147,000 x6 = 882,000 m3 Boreholes: 4 *100m3 = 400m3
At a typical soil density of 2.8 t/m3 Mass of soil moved = 2,470,720 t of material
Timeframe = 354 days * 8 hours per day = 2,832 hours of operation (assuming 7 days per week, excluding public holidays) for one year’s operation
Rate of material processed = 249.8 t/h processing plant- I have indicated that there is no more processing plant
1. Please explain and give details of the Bulk sampling techniques as mentioned in the report? 2. We disagree that the application should be for a less invasive prospecting application relative to a mining application, due to the amount of earth planned on being moved? 3. I cannot locate any Prospecting Works
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Program attachment as referred to in the report? Please provide details? 4. The total volume of the pits is calculated as 882,000 m3 (6x200mx70mx10.5m): Assume half is waste rock --- I.e. 441,000m3 waste and 441,000m3 material to be processed. You state in the report that the Waste Rock and Tailings dump will be 1000m2 each. Therefore, these dumps will need to be 441m high each to handle the volume of material for waste rock and tailings? I’ve never seen a 441m high tailings dump? The volumes and tonnage applied for and described does not seem to be realistic? 5. Please comment on the volume or tonnage of topsoil to be stored on the 40m2 area? 6. Furthermore, not only should the issue of Acid Mine drainage be addressed (I doubt that we will find sulphide minerals, but rather relatively weathered material). Therefore, if this material is moved, and we create surface area, and expose the material to atmospheric conditions, is it possible that it will further be oxidized and result in potential heavy metals becoming available for water leaching (via rain etc.) and can potentially contaminate ground, run-off and natural drainage water. If this study / project should proceed, we would rather expect a full mineralogical analysis of the drill cores, prior to excavating any area or pit, so that we can evaluate the leachability of any mineral and heavy metals present in this ore body / area, so that we can incorporate enough measures to
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ensure we don’t mobilize heavy metals and other pollutants that can contaminate soil and water sources 7. Mass of earth to be moved more than 2,470,720 t of material. This application refers to a sampling campaign for prospecting and bulk sampling, to be done within a duration of 1 year (application is 5 years) during daytime operation only? This equates to a high production rate for a full-scale mining / metallurgical operation. How can this then only be for a prospecting application?
Follow Up comments/questions:
Kindly note that possible factors that can affect each party should be mentioned and discussed (as this is to create awareness of the potential impacts in and on our community). Factors or items for discussion should include: Why the inclusion initially of a process plant, and why the removal of the processing plant? This is not reflected in the PWPs, as there is reference to a pilot plant. Explain that prospecting is the precursor, and necessary predecessor to mining activities. Explain why this application includes drill cores as well as trenching. Explain volumes / tons and dimensions of the trenching applied for? o Note that PWP states various numbers
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of trenches? o PWP calculation of material quantities vs trench dimensions do not tie-up? o PWP shows density of material to have SG of 1 m3/t (Applicable to solutions not solids???) Where the material will be processed, and what process and chemicals will be required? If material will be moved, kindly comment on amount of material to be moved and duration and operation of moving such material? o Equipment to be used etc. Effects of backfilling, what material will be used if material is transported and processed elsewhere? How will access be required for prospecting to the various properties, especially private property? What will happen if the prospecting application is approved? What will happen if the prospecting proves to be successful? o Will mining application commence? o Can it result in a full-blown mining activity development in the area? Has the DIEM been consulted on this matter? Comment on DIEM letter of standing: o DIEM file Nr. 54078, file number 17/29/3/2/54 date: 05/12/2012? o Red data species as well as the threatened fish species identified downstream of the Bloubank? o Comment on the world heritage site,
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and area biosphere? o Comment on the impact on tourism in the area? Comment on the review of the Richter applications and previous applications in the area (some shown in the DIEM letter)? o Richter, Autumn Skies Trading / Belton Mining, Elma Mining 2012, African Nickel prospecting, etc. o What is different? o What is similar? Comment on the Impact items for the Environmental Management Framework: o Land Use – Conservancies and High agricultural sensitivity area o Groundwater – Sustainability evaluation o Ridge Policy – Strick implementation of GDARD ridges policy – high sensitivity (red data species and sensitive vegetation) o Surface Water – AMD threat o Wetlands – Land use change exposed surface water – new suite of threats Comment on the red data fauna and flora species, and grassland ridges (highly threatened and protected by law) o What was identified and what compares with previous studies and applications, and DIEM investigations? Comment that trenching is effectively strip mining? Comment on Maccsand Case (CCT 103/11 [2012] ZACC 7)?
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Comment on the rare Barbus motebensis in the water system?
7 May 2018 Jaco Du Toit
Dear Joan Projects,
We supply you with a copy of a recent study of the Noted impact of AMD upon the Cradle. The study was conducted under Dr Henk Coetzee (CGS) and Prof Maarten De Wit (NMU).
A novel approach was used to model the water chemistry and the special extent of the mine drainage from the West Rand Goldfield as part of the MSc thesis, focusing on the northward flow from the intercontinental divide in the WR (from the Tweelopie Spruit, through the CoHWHS and up until the exit flow from Harties). The distances were calculated that the various elemental signatures can be measured. The results show the AMD has reached through large surface areas of the
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UNESCO Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa (locally known as the Cradle of Humankind) and that this AMD originates from gold mine properties.
This is part of the legacy of Gold Mining on the Witwatersrand and the West Rand.
Please find the PDF for reading/download at the following link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/kfyzbgbuc78zogk/ Chazanne%20Long%20MSc%20Thesis%202 018%20-%20Final%20Submission.pdf?dl=0
11 May 2018 Jaco Du Toit Note that we want individual answers and individual consulting for the three different DMR reference Kindly note that we will continue with the combined numbers. If there was a single number and single consultation process as the Interested and affected parties application, we would accept a single answer or are the same people. It only makes sense to do it that way. consultation.
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Comment on following NEMA act items:
40(1)30 days for comment, however the scope of the The report has been submitted to I& APs (including you) for documents was frequently changed, the appendices comments and we have received the comments (including (PWP). Was wrong. I&AP request to receive a full yourself) the change of removing the pilot plant and reducing scoping and appendix package for 30 days comment. the pits sizes will be addressed in the EIA - as Alice We can’t hear in meetings that scope of this and that indicated to you over the phone, the changes are due to has been changed. We want to be allowed 30 days to your comments (as the I & affected party) and there is a comment on correct document with the correct SoW? section where we detail any deviation from the scope and - the reason on the EIA report.
10(2)d Note that this section provides for participation of all potential I&AP to be consulted- the process is ongoing 40(3) Please provide information so that we get an Your comments have been received opportunity to comment on the submitted documents-
41(2) Section 24J must give notice to all- Notice was given as required
41(2)c (i) or (ii) please provide copies of the The report forwarded to you by Alice has a newspaper advertisements - advert
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41(2)a Kindly show or provide evidence as both The report forwarded to you by Alice has a newspaper North-West and Gauteng will be affected (Provincial advert that is published on the national newspaper and National Advert)-
41(2)e(iii) You can’t expect I&AP that cannot attend A reasonable opportunity was given to I&APs because the meeting arranged at less than 14 days’ notice, without first meeting is not recorded as a meeting and there was no considering proper venues and timeslots. All I&AP meeting held on a holiday. The meeting held was on a day should be consulted, as the majority is not educated before a holiday and it was held at 13:00 to enable those in the practices of mining and prospecting, the NEMA who are travelling to attend and then travel. Meeting and relevant acts as well as all the DMR notification was done over seven days before the requirements. meeting. The meeting was held to inform them of NEMA and the DMR requirements. However as indicated in the 41(6)a Please provide all information and facts meetings, another meeting will be held during the EIA 41(6)b Please proof that a reasonable opportunity has phase. been provided (First far away venue, then on a public holiday, then afternoon before a public holiday)
41(7) We never agreed to do a combined process for the various applications and want separate consultation on all-It only makes sense to both parties to have a combined consultation process since the interested and affected parties are the same
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people. Also note that information for respective Hence the opportunity afforded to you to make comments. applications was indicated as such. 42 a-c Please provide us with a copy of the register 43(1) Please note that we are entitled to comment- Once final documents have been received, then we can 43(2) Please provide us with the correct and final begin the 30-day period for comments- See the report document for comment, and not a work-in-progress forwarded to you by Alice document, with frequent changes of scope of work.
44(1) Want proof all our comments included See report sent to you by Alice. You can also request the report from the DMR.
44(2)c We need a detailed participation and education The meeting held on the 26th of April was held for (among meeting and engagement for comments due to the others) this purpose. We will also arrange another one for majority not being educated in prospecting and Mining the EIA phase. practices and DMR and legal State Organ regulations.
Kindly provide us with detailed discussion on the need Scoping report has addressed the need and desirability. and desirability in context of the location, taking the COHWHS and Magaliesburg Biosphere in consideration-
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Kindly provide us with a summary of issues raised See the "DMR report &appendix" forwarded to you by Alice and indication of how it was incorporated, or reason for not including the comments
Remember, you are under the EAP oath: 2(1)j to 2(1)I We Know this fact and we don’t intend to break it. by Government Notice 326 in Government Gazette 40772 dated 7 April 2017. 16 May 2018 Jaco Du Toit Comments Noted and to be addressed in the next public Please note that we would like to handle the three meeting applications separately as they are separate DMR applications, and different farms and landowners are involved.
Kindly note that labour opportunities discussed should be limited to the prospecting works and that directly relevant to the current prospecting application. Statements like quoted above creates the impression of a significant amount of labour opportunities, that cannot be confirm with a high number of certainties. The applicant is only applying for prospecting but is already creating the potential impression that there could possibly be 50-65 years of mining (With
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comments about Anglo taking cream of the crop, and that the gold is highly disseminated, this is highly unlikely). The comment of creating employment of approximately 6000 jobs is also related to the mining and not the prospecting application. We ask the applicant as well as the EAP to refrain from quoting number for unknown mining possibilities that cannot be backed by facts, data and information for the current application.
We request that this statement and information should be followed-up and the I&AP and community should be told and informed of what the certain job opportunities with the current prospecting application would be. What the certainty / uncertainty will be by providing these job opportunities, and what is the likelihood of it realizing. Comment on the current information available, and current facts on the table of how sustainable these prospecting job opportunities would be, and for what durations (that of the prospecting application, and can the prospecting work end before the application period expired)?
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What will happen with the job opportunities if the prospecting proofs not to be successful? Will the prospecting job opportunities be available for the full 5-year application period?
What will happen if the prospecting is successful: Explain the risk that a mining right still needs to be applied for. Comment that there could be a phase between prospecting and mining application, where there will not be any significant job opportunities for the local community.
22 April Angelique McAdams Full environmental impact study required – this not 2018 only on the actual land but also the surrounding areas, The application process will follow the scoping and EIA route. noting that the Cradle is a Heritage Site and I am of the opinion looking at the History of Magaliesburg that this too is a Heritage Site including the Bloubank mine.
What is the involvement of Mr Chetty, as thus far he As far as I understand, given that i am the EAP and not part has claimed land ownership of the Bloubank mine, of the applicant company, Mr Chetty is not related to this commenced mining activities without the relevant application and I do not have any information about him or his studies, employed workers without the necessary mineral licenses.
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safety procedures followed – which has caused up rise in our peaceful town of Magaliesburg. From the last I have been notified – I do speak under correction, the that this land was repossessed by Nedbank? He has also further to this made presentations of turning this Agricultural Peace Town into another Commercial adventure zone like that of Sun City?
Full confirmation is required for budget and proof of Kindly note that the financial competence of the applicant has actual funds required for: been submitted to the DMR with the application and the DMR will decide on the sufficiency. - Full and complete Risk and Safety study and implementation of Mining practices,
- Full and complete environmental impact This is an application for a prospecting right and not a mining study underway right
- Full and complete upgrade of Roads infrastructure of The right holder will maintain the existing roads that he will the Town and surrounding areas- use during the prospecting activities.
- Full and complete Project scope, cost and time The PWP is available for perusal frames- - Full and complete economic impact study This is an application for a prospecting right and not a mining - Full and complete Social impact study right
- Full and complete Assurance and Impact on Skills This will be done for the mining right stage if the project Development This is an application for a prospecting graduate to that stage right and not a mining right This is an application for a prospecting right and not a mining - Assurance of local employment, and housing for mine right workers. - Assurance of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary This is an application for a prospecting right and not a mining education provision for Children of Mine workers. right
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- Full and complete Assurance of land Restoration. A rehabilitation plan will be provided for review during the EIA phase - Full and complete Assurance of Power (electrical) infrastructure impact and upgrade
- Full and complete Assurance of Water and Sewerage The right holder will use portable mobile toilets during the infrastructure impact and upgrade prospecting phase
- Full and complete Assurance of Safety and Security The security impact will be addressed in the EIA infrastructure impact and upgrade Lawful occupiers
Same as Landowners Landowners & See lawful occupiers See comments above comments of adjacent land above and interested Parties Municipality None to date None to date None
Community and None to Date None to date None to Date community leaders
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Relevant state 14/05/2018 GDARD None to date departments Parts of the area, particularly the Northern part, are defined as Critical Biodiversity Areas and Ecological Support Areas and have primary vegetation. Although the prospecting sites are not directly within either the Magaliesberg Biosphere or the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, prospecting activities close to these two sites could have potentially detrimental impacts for them. Public participation must be undertaken in accordance with the EIA regulations, 2014. Comments from all stakeholders must be adequately addressed and submitted with the final Scoping report. An EMP must be done for the proposed activities and it must be in line with the content requirements as stipulated in Appendix 4 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2014. A vegetation survey and heritage Impact Assessment is required for both the proposed sites and alternative site An A3 layout plan overlaid by a composite sensitivity map must be included in the EIR A map showing the location of the drill sites and borehole must be included in the EIAr Any activities undertaken must take cognizance of the potential negative effect and impact they could have on the ecological functioning of sensitive areas including the Magaliesberg Biosphere and the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site Mentioned in
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2.b above. Indiscriminate clearance of vegetation should be avoided, and the activity footprint kept to designated drill site
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6 THE ENVIRONMENTAL ATTRIBUTES ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT FOOTPRINT ALTERNATIVES
(iv) The environmental attributes associated with the development footprint alternatives
1) Baseline environment (a) Type of environment affected by the proposed activity. Climate
No climate data was available for the study area. Climate data for Magaliesburg (located approximately 6km North-East of the project site) was obtained.
The climate around the project area is mild, and generally warm and temperate. The summers receive more rainfall than the winters in Magaliesburg. The average annual temperature is 16.8 °C. Precipitation is the lowest in July, with an average of 6 mm. The greatest amount of precipitation occurs in January, with an average of 131 mm. About 675 mm of precipitation falls annually.
Figure 1: Magaliesburg Climate Graph
Source: http://www.worldweatheronline.com/ventersdorp-weather- averages/north-west/za.aspx
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At an average temperature of 21.9 °C, January is the hottest month of the year. The lowest average temperatures in the year occur in June, when it is around 9.7 °C
Figure 2: Magaliesburg Temperature Graph
Source: http://www.worldweatheronline.com/ventersdorp-weather- averages/north-west/za.aspx
Biodiversity Information from this section was obtained from the Biodiversity Specialist Report appended to this report Flora According to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) the study area is located within the Moot Palins Bushveld (SVcb 8), Carlotonville Dolomite Grassland (Gh 15) and the Gauteng Shale Mountain Bushveld (SVcb 10). Moot Palins Bushveld (SVcb 8) This vegetation unit is distributed in the North-West and Gauteng Provinces: Main belt occurs immediately in the west through Maanhaarrand, filling the valley bottom of the Magalies River, proceeding east of the Haartebeestpoort Dam between the Magaliesburg and Daspoort mountain ranges of Pretoria. It also occurs as a narrow belt immediately north of the Magaliesburg from Rustenburg in the west to just east of the Crocodile River in the east: also, south of the Swartruggens- Zeerust line.
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It is characterised by open to closed terrain, often thorny savanna dominated by various species of Acacia in the bottomlands and plains as well as woodlands of varying height and density on the lower hillsides. The herbaceous layer is dominated by grasses. The Conservation Status of this vegetation unit is regarded as vulnerable with a conservation target of 19%. Some 13% statutorily conserved mainly in Magaliesburg Nature Area. About 28% is transformed mainly by cultivation and urban and build-up areas. The vegetation is found in very scattered occurrences to sometimes dense patches in places of various alien plants including Cereus jamacaru, Eucalyptus species, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Lantana camara, Melia azedarach and Schinus species. Erosion is mainly very low to low moderate in some areas.
Gauteng Shale Mountain Bushveld (SVcb 10) This vegetation is distributed in Gauteng and North-West Provinces. It occurs mainly on the ridge of the Gatsrand south of Carletonville–Westonaria–Lenasia. The unit also occurs as a narrow band along the ridge that runs from a point between Tarlton and Magaliesburg in the west, through Sterkfontein, Pelindaba, Atteridgeville to Klapperkop and southeastern Pretoria in the east. It occurs on the low, broken ridges varying in steepness and with high surface rock cover. Vegetation is a short (3–6 m tall), semi-open thicket dominated by a variety of woody species. The understory is dominated by a variety of grasses. Some of the ridges form plateaus above the northern slopes that carry scrubby grassland with high surface rock cover The Conservation Status of this vegetation unit is regarded as Vulnerable with a conservation target of 24%. Less than 1%of the unit is statutorily conserved in, for example, the Skanskop and Hartbeesthoek Nature Reserves, Magaliesburg Nature Area and Groenkloof National Park. Additionally, over 1% is conserved in other reserves including the John Nash Nature Reserve, Cheetah Park and Hartbeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory. About 21% of the unit is transformed mainly by urban and built-up areas, mines and quarries, cultivation and plantations. The wattles are a common invasive plant in places. Erosion in the area is very low to low.
Carletonville Dolomite Grassland (Gh 15) The Carletonville Dolomite Grassland occurs mainly in the North West and Gauteng Provinces and marginally in the Free State Province. It occurs in the region of Potchefstroom, Ventersdorp and Carltonville, extending westwards to the vicinity of Ottoshoop, but also occurring as far east as Centurion and Bapsfontein in Gauteng Province (Mucina and Rutherford, 2006). Important taxa are graminoids (grasses) such as Aristida congesta, Brachiaria serrata, Digitaria tricholaenoids, Themeda trianda, Aristida canescens, Melinis repens, M. nerviglumis and Cymbopogon caesius. Also herbs and geophytic herbs such as Acalypha angusta, Barleria macrostegia, Chamaecrista mimosies, Diathus
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mooiensis, Boophane Disticha, Senecio coronatus, Vernonia oligocephala and habenaria mossii are some of the species that inhabit this vegetation (Mucina and Rutherford, 2006). The conservation status of Carletonville Dolomite Grassland is Vulnerable with 24% target for conservation. Small extent is conserved in statutory (Sterkfontein caves which is part of the Cradle of Humankind world heritage site, Oog Van Malmanie, Abe Bailey, Boskop dam, Schoonspruit, Krugersdorp, Olifantsvlei and Groenkloof) and at least six private conservation areas. Almost a quarter of this vegetation type is already transformed for cultivation, by urban sprawl or by mining activity as well as by the building of the Boskop and Klerkskraal Dams. According to information and data obtained from SANBI, the area under application consists of Critical Biodiversity Areas rated as important with some parts being categorised as Ecological Support Areas (See Appendix 4). Critical Biodiversity Areas can be defined as areas required meeting biodiversity targets for ecosystems, species and ecological processes, as identified in a systematic biodiversity plan. While Ecological Support Areas are not essential for meeting biodiversity targets, they play an important role in supporting the ecological functioning of Critical Biodiversity Areas and/or in delivering ecosystem services. The site contains a variety of vegetation communities including water vegetation, vegetation on ridge outcrops (highly diverse due to heterogeneity), natural and secondary grassland, and the Acacia- Eucalyptus Woodland. These vegetation communities are ranked of medium to high conservation importance as they provide habitat and foraging area for avi-fauna and mammals, and the potential for protected species. Two provincial protected plant species (Pellaea calomelanos and Cheilanthus cf hirta) was recorded during site survey. According to the Gauteng Conservation Plan (CPlan, v3.3), a section of the study area falls within a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) as well as an Ecological Support Area (ESA). Areas that do not make part of the CBA and ESA are either subjected to disturbance by cultivation or have been previously cultivated. The CBA and ESA areas provide habitat for red data plants as well as mammals and birds. According to the land-use managements objective surface mining and dredging are not permitted in a CBA and ESA area.
Fauna Vast and varied communities of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, arachnids & invertebrates inhabit the mountain slopes. Some of the larger more common mammals being: Chacma baboon; Vervet monkey; Lesser bush baby; Porcupine; Cape fox; Aardwolf; Leopard; Brown Hyena; Bush buck; Kudu; Mountain Reedbuck; Eland; Gemsbok; Springbok; Burchells Zebra. Some 300 species of birds ranging from Birds of Prey, to scavengers, to grassland birds and forest species. The Magaliesburg area is home to a number of breeding pairs of Cape Vultures (Gyps coprotheres) that form part of three separate colonies, namely Skeerpoort, Robert’s Farm and Nooitgedacht. These
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Cape Vultures are a southern African near-endemic species, listed as vulnerable. Monitoring of vultures at these colonies has been on-going for over 50 years. However, the monitoring has not been continuous and was not always according to a standard monitoring protocol (Rhino and Lion Wildlife Conservation Non-profit Organization). In and around the Blauuwbank River there have been recordings and sightings of Swamp Musk Shrew (Crocidura mariquensis), Forest Shrew (Myosorex varius), Giant Bullfrog (Pyxicephalu adspersus), Spotted Necked-Otter (Lutra maculicollis), Half-collared Kingfisher (Alcedo semitorquata), Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis), Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradisea) and Temminck’s Hairy Bat (Myotis tricolor).
Socio-Economic
Only land use information for Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) which includes Rietvallie, Kagiso, Muldersdrift, Munsieville, Magaliesburg, Hekpoort, Krugersdorp CBD and Tarlton could be sourced, thus most of the information in this section is from the 2001 State of the Environment Report for Mogale City Local Municipality, however a local land use description has been provided with the map attached as Appendix 5.
MCLM is mainly structured in three broad geographical and sectoral segments. The urban region in the east, the rural smallholdings dominated by agriculture in the central zone and the natural habitat areas to the west. Economic contributions are largely driven by land uses are natural habitat (58%), agriculture (32%), housing (6%), mining (3%) and industry (1%). The total extent of the urban area in the MCLM is 10 316,69 ha, of this 6% of the land cover is comprised of housing. The area beyond the urban edge primarily comprises rural town’s agricultural smallholdings, commercial farming, conservation and nature reserves, tourism attractions, conference and accommodation facilities, hikes and trails as well as arts and crafts. The rural areas constitute Muldersdrift and Magaliesburg (MCLM IDP).
Housing and residential
Housing pressure in MCLM is significant with land invasion occurring and informal settlements expanding. The fragmentation of these settlements also contributes to non-desirable environmental conditions such as the pollution of underground water resources.
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Figure 3: Housing Types Distribution In MCLM
Industrial and Commercial Activity MCLM has the most industries in the region with large, well-established industries situated in the area. Heavy industry accounts for 383 ha of land within MCLM, while 662 ha are under light industrial use. This accounts for 1% of MCLM allocated to industry.
Natural habitats and Heritage: Natural habitat accounts for the largest land use in MCLM (63 838 ha or 58%). 13 % of the natural habitat within MCLM falls within formal reserves or conservation areas. 14 508 ha (13.2% of the MCLM) overlaps with boundaries of the Cradle of Human Kind World Heritage Site, providing opportunities for growth in the tourism industry.
At the heart of the Magaliesburg Mountains are the paleontological riches dating back to two- million- year time lines, from early hominids through Stone and Iron Age cultures, pre-colonial Tswana tradition and the South African Wars. Amongst the fossil discoveries is the famous Australopithecus fossil such as Mrs Ples who was discovered in 1934 at Sterkfontein Caves, Homo Naledi who was discovered in 2013 at the Rising Star cave system a project that saw various specialists coming from all over the world to work together. According to paleoanthropologist Lee Berger of the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, the Rising Star expedition team discovered more than 1 550 numbered fossil elements, the single largest fossil hominin find yet made on the continent of Africa. Other fossils also include distant mammals which lived more than 200-million years ago, consequently the many efforts have been made to protect the Magaliesburg region because it is regarded as a priceless encapsulation of South African heritage and landscape and serves as a focal
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point for national unity and pride.
1120 ha of land beyond the urban edge is unsuitable for residential development as the land is adjacent to waste facilities (slimes dams and landfills etc.). This presents buffer and connectivity opportunities. Open spaces with natural land cover within the urban edge accounts for 4.4% (4843 ha) of the total urban environment.
Surface water The project area falls within the Crocodile and Marico West Water Management Area. There is one large perennial river (Bloubank River); a few small semi-perennial streams; numerous drainage lines and wetlands in the study site. The main watercourse is the Bloubank River, which is a relatively large perennial river that flows through the study site from west to east. The Bloubank River (or Bloubank) is a significant watercourse in the area and flows into the Magalia’s River, which flows in a general northerly direction and eventually into the Crocodile River. There are also a number of small semi- perennial streams, drainage lines and wetlands present within the study site and general area. These are mostly situated within the narrow corridors left between cultivated farmlands, small ravines (closes), down along the ridgeline and other steep gradients, and in the floodplain areas of some of the larger watercourses. Many of the wetlands in the study site and/or general area are small seeps or small freshwater pans situated mainly within flat, low-laying areas. Some of the demarcated ‘wetlands’ within the datasets of the Department of Water & Sanitation (DWS) and other relevant institutions are actually in-channel farm dams and not naturally occurring wetlands . That is, farm dams that are built within the main channel of watercourses. The farm dams in the study site are mostly old and well established and have become part of the natural water environment, with a mix of indigenous vegetation and some alien vegetation. These farm dams form an important part of the natural ecosystem and numerous waterbirds and other open surface water dependant animals breed on them and along them. Some of the seepage areas are within cultivated farmlands, which are impossible to accurately delineate or define due to the years of active cultivation and ploughing through them.
Portion 6 of Koesterfontein ( not included in the project area but neighbouring some of the portions that make up the project area) also contains a natural spring .
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Figure 4: Water Courses In the Study Area (Source: Wetland Impact Assessment, Johannes Maree
Air Quality
Currently there is no measured air quality data for the vicinity of the proposed prospecting operations. Most of the monitoring facilities are located in the urban areas (i.e. Rustenburg) and/or on the larger platinum mines such as Impala, Lonmin and Anglo Platinum (See Figure 3). Protea mines is also within the vicinity of the proposed project (including portions of Zuikerboschfontein). Air quality information form this nearby mine was obtained from a report by Golder Associates (2012). Data recorded at the platinum mines show infrequent exceedances of the national standard of 48 ppb for the daily SO2 concentration, several exceedances of the current national daily standard of 120 µg/m3 for PM10 and numerous exceedances of the 2015 national daily standard of 75 µg/m3. These mines are located approximately 30km to 60km North of the proposed prospecting operations and, although airborne pollutants can travel long distances, their concentrations diminish with distance from the emission source.
Potential air quality pollution sources of local significance include:
Fugitive emissions from mining operations such as clearing operations (scraping, dozing and excavating), materials handling operations (tipping, off-loading, loading), vehicle entrainment of dust from haul roads, wind erosion from open areas, drilling and blasting
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These results mainly in fugitive dust releases Vehicle tailpipe emissions. These include CO2, CO, SO2, NOx and hydrocarbon gases as well as particulate material and lead. Household fuel combustion (particularly coal and wood used by smaller communities/settlements).
Biomass burning (veld fires in agricultural areas within the region). Various miscellaneous fugitive dust sources (agricultural activities, wind erosion of open areas, vehicle entrainment of dust along paved and unpaved roads).
Figure 5: Mining Operations near The Site
.
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Geology The geology in these areas is widely varied, showing the upper Pretoria Group, Rustenburg Layered Suite and Pilanesberg Complex and ages from the Vaalian to the Namaquan systems. Hornfels, slate and shale are the primary rock types that characterise the Silverton Formation. Lenses of quartz-biotite phyllite and magnetite-rich biotite quartz hornfels are distinctive of the Silverton Formation in the Mabeskraal and Mabaalstad areas. Epidote-zoisite, cordierite, pyroxene, sillimanite, andalusite, biotite- quartz hornfelses, as well as garnet-biotite hornfels within the Silverton Formation, are an indication of varying metamorphic conditions.
The mineral assemblages of these hornfelses suggest low to higher temperatures. In contrast to the generalisation of low-grade metamorphism of the Pretoria Group, the hornfelses in the area indicate albite-epidote, hornblende and pyroxene hornfels and, rarely, amphibolite facies. Hornblende hornfels and cordierite hornfels are exclusive to the Mabeskraal and Mabaalstad areas respectively. Epidote- zoisite hornfels and biotite- quartz hornfels are common in both areas. The spatial distribution of these hornfelses is an indication of the heat variations during the intrusion of the Rustenburg Layered Suite. The top five formations of the Pretoria Group are absent in the area. The immediate floor rocks to the Rustenburg Layered Suite are the Magaliesburg Formation quartzite, confirming that the basic pluton intruded along a major unconformity. Coarse-grained trough-cross lamination, crack-like microbial mat-related features, halite casts, current and wave ripple marks, as well Fe-oxide mottles, are surface features observed in this area that characterise the Magaliesburg Formation quartzite.
Topography The average height above sea level across the study area varies from about 1 580m to 1 650m above sea level. With higher points such as Koesterfontein peak in the south at 1 698,5m and lower points such as the Bloubank River at about 1 460m. The study site is situated on the lowlands below the Magaliesburg range, mostly on open plains with moderately undulating hills. A few steeper gradients are present such as the steep rocky ridge just north of the Bloubank River and some rocky outcrops and small ravines (kloofs) in the south. The natural gradient (slope) of the site varies and does not have one specific upward or downward direction due to the large area the study site covers.
(a) Description of the current land uses
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The project area falls within an area used mainly for cultivation and eco-tourism. The landcover and landuse of the study site is predominantly that of cultivated farmlands and grazing farmlands for cattle, with narrow corridors of open land containing drainage lines, small streams and wet areas. The areas of grassland and open bushveld area mostly grazed or left fallow and are in good to moderate condition. The area is predominantly and historically that of a farming community and tourism area and levels of urbanisation and infrastructure such as roads and power lines are low, except for the small towns and settlements such as Magaliesburg. The Bloubank River can also be viewed as a significant landcover or landuse of the study site.
Table 7: Current Landuses On Site
Farm Name Landcover/Lanuse
Koesterfontein Large portions of the application area in the farm Koesterfontein (Portions 2,9, 37, 39) are primarily used for growing cattle feed and for livestock farming.
Portion 6 of Koesterfontein ( not included in the project area but neighbouring some of the portions that make up the project area) also contains a natural spring .
Portion 27 of Koesterfontein also contains a workshop area for a SMME that is run on the farm
On portion 28 of the farm is a furniture factory where furniture is made and painted. Furthermore the portion is also used as a residential home ( and to be used as a guesthouse in the near future), while the rest of it remains natural.
Portion 29 also contains a residential building that is also used to run an electrical business, and an
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irrigation system.
Portion 40 of the farm is used for grazing (lamb and cattle) aswell as the stock farming of small scale lamb, cattle, chicken and geese. Small scale farming (of vegetables and fruits) is also practiced on the farm. The farm also has a water collection pond wherein water following the drainage pattern of the surroundings collect and is used for drinking by the livestock therein.
Remaining portions also contain dense pockets of natural vegetation/cover on the hills and support natural ecosystems and reptile, bird and small Mammalia). A small portion of the farm (portions 36 and 40 are utilized for crop & stock farming as well as residential) and Other remaining portions of the farm are utilized mainly for livestock farming and the growth of feed (livestock grass).
On some of the portions, homes have been established and several buildings/households are evident. (portions 33,34,36,40,41,42,43,44)
Zuikerboschfontein Portions 10 and 6 of the farm are all covered in natural vegetation and support the natural ecosystem in the area
Migalsoord The farm contains portions of dense natural vegetation/ undisturbed natural ecosystem and the southern part of the farms are used for farming crops, and a residential household is evident on portion3
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(b) Description of specific environmental features and infrastructure on the site. The site mainly contains a large open cultivated area and patches of natural land. The perennial Bloubank River is the main environmental feature that traverses the study area. Several other streams are also found in the study site, as well as wetlands and farm dams. (c) Environmental land use map
The environmental land use map drawn to scale showing all environmental and current land use features is attached as Appendix 5.
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7 IMPACTS AND RISKS IDENTIFIED INCLUDING THE NATURE, SIGNIFICANCE, CONSEQUENCE, EXTENT, DURATION AND PROBABILITY OF THE IMPACTS
(v) Impacts and risks identified including the nature, significance, consequence, extent, duration and probability of the impacts including the degree to which these impacts can be reversed, cause irreplaceable loss of resources, and can be avoided, managed or mitigated.
Below is the list of potential impacts of the proposed prospecting and bulk sampling activities followed by the table that details the nature, significance, consequence, extent, duration and probability of the impacts.
List of Potential Direct impacts
Dust generation from excavating, and movement of trucks Noise pollution from excavating and movement of trucks Introduction and establishment of weeds and invasive plant species Visual aesthetic pollution due to waste production and removal of natural vegetation; Destruction of Critical biodiversity areas and Ecological Support areas; Wildlife disturbance and injury from all prospecting activities and or personnel; Removal and disturbance of vegetation communities; Establishment and spread of Alien Invasive Species due to disturbance of vegetation communities and distribution due to movement of trucks and personnel; Destruction of wetland / riparian ecosystem destruction; Land use altering Land Capability (for agricultural purposes) reduction; Soil contamination (from oil spillages); Soil erosion and siltation in water bodies; Destruction and/pollution of the Surface water sources Impediment or Impoundment of surface water Potential Groundwater pollution by acid mine drainage; Change in surface drainage patterns Destruction of access roads Potential of acid mine drainage development Loss of, or destruction of archaeological/heritage and cultural sites;
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Socio-economic- disturbance of livelihoods of neighbouring I≈ Impact on tourism in the area Increased crime levels ( theft) Socio-economic- Upliftment of livelihoods of local communities with provision job opportunities.
Types of Impact
Direct – impacts that result from the direct interaction between a project activity and the receiving environment (e.g. dust generation which affects air quality). Indirect – impacts that result from other (non-project) activities but which are facilitated as a result of the project or impacts that occur as a result of subsequent interaction of direct project impacts within the environment (e.g. reduced water supply that affects crop production and subsequently impacts on subsistence-based livelihoods). Cumulative – impacts that act together with current or future potential impacts of other activities or proposed activities in the area / region that affect the same resources and / or receptors (e.g. combined effects of waste water discharges from more than one project into the same water resource, which may be acceptable individually, but cumulatively result in a reduction in water quality quality).
List of Potential Cumulative impacts
No indirect and cumulative impacts have been identified
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Table 8: Impacts Including their Nature, Significance, Extent, Duration, Probability and Intensity
Activity Potential Impacts Significant rating of impacts Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Impact Score Significance Rating
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Clearing of vegetation (-ve) Before Mitigation 2 3 2 7 High- Definite High Some vegetation (both natural and cultivated) will be removed from positions demarcated for drill sites and excavation
Soil erosion from exposed surfaces (-ve) Before Mitigation 1 2 2 5-Low Probable Medium Exposure of soils stripped of vegetation during the operational phase will lead to erosion of such soils. This will result in loss of soil nutrients. Furthermore, this may lead to increased silt loads in surface water runoff which will result in contamination of clean water, increased turbidity thus affecting aquatic life in the rivers, it may also over time lead to siltation of close by rivers and water channels thus reduce the flow and capacity
Introduction and establishment of declared weeds /alien invasive species(-ve) Before Mitigation 2 3 2 7-High Probable High The proposed activities may introduce or encourage (through disturbance) the establishment of alien vegetation in the area
Land capability and land use (-ve) Before Mitigation Some parts of the application area are classified as cultivation land. The current land 1 3 2 6- Medium Definite Medium
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Activity Potential Impacts Significant rating of impacts Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Impact Score Significance Rating use (grazing and cultivation) over the area to be used for the prospecting activities cease temporarily in some parts of the project areas. This may have an impact on the land owner’s livelihoods for the duration of the proposed activities. Should topsoil /fertile soil be lost, these activities may further reduce the fertility and land capability of the area designated for trenching purposes.
Habitat disruption and destruction- ( including Critical biodiversity areas Before Mitigation Ecological Support Areas) (-ve) 2 3 2 7-High Definite High (-ve)
Loss of faunal diversity may occur because of faunal collisions with operational vehicles and blasting and excavation activities
Habitat loss due to inappropriate vegetation clearing practices and inefficient rehabilitation of disturbed areas Destruction or pollution of surface water (-ve) Before Mitigation 2 2 2 6- Medium Probable Medium The Bloubank River traverses the northern parts of the study area and flows from west to east into the Magalies River, which then in turn flows in a northerly direction and eventually into the Hartbeespoort Dam. Prospecting activities near the river may result in increased siltation in the river, as well as pollution by spillages. Furthermore, natural drainage patterns that direct surface flow into the river may be interfered with, therefore reducing the river’s flow.
Impediment and Impoundment of water sources (negative) Before Mitigation
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Activity Potential Impacts Significant rating of impacts Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Impact Score Significance Rating Excavation pits in particular will impound and impede natural surface and sub- 2 3 1 6-Medium Probable Medium surface water flow.
Destruction of Wetlands and or riparian ecosystems (-ve) Before Mitigation 2 2 2 6- Medium Possible Low Wetlands communities and riparian ecosystems have been formed around the Bloubank river, as well as its non-perennial stream/tributary. These sensitive aquatic ecosystems may potentially be destructed by movement and activity near or around them. Furthermore, they may also be impacted upon by pollution and siltation.
Groundwater contamination by acid mine drainage (-ve) Before Mitigation 2 2 2 6-Medium Improbable Low Acid mine drainage forms because of pyrite containing rock/soil material meeting water or air, which causes an oxidation reaction between the oxygen molecules contained in water and air, and the metal sulphides contained in pyrite. The result is the sulphuric leachate – acid mine drainage, that forms over time and may be potentially seep into underground water resources that are utilised for drinking and agricultural purposes.
Soil contamination by oil spills (-ve) Before Mitigation 2 2 2 6-Medium Probable Medium Possible impacts associated with the operation phase include contamination of soil water with hazardous substances such as hydrocarbons from poorly maintained heavy machinery & oil spills.
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Activity Potential Impacts Significant rating of impacts Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Impact Score Significance Rating
Noise generation (-ve) Before Mitigation 2 2 1 5-Low Definite Low During the operational phase, prospecting activities may result in noise generation. Noise impacts may be associated with several key activities including excavation and drilling. This impact is local (site boundary & immediate surrounds) in extent, of low intensity and extending over the short term as the impact will occur only during operations. Animal life as well as well as neighbouring farmer/landowners will be affected by the noise generation. General rise in ambient noise over 100 Db generated from construction vehicles and activities
Impact on access roads (-ve) Before Mitigation 1 3 2 6-Medium Definite Medium The roads to be utilised to access the sites are usually in poor conditions during rainy seasons and get muddy and difficult to utilise. The increased pressure of heavy vehicles operating and using these roads may potentially lead to a further degradation in the state of these roads, making it even more difficult for local/ neighbouring farmers to access their farms particularly after rainfall events.
Nuisance and visual pollution (-ve) Before Mitigation 1 2 2 5-Low Probable Low Solid waste such as litter can be potentially generated and deposited in and around the site. This could potentially attract nuisance and affect the natural scenery / aesthetic quality of the site.
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Activity Potential Impacts Significant rating of impacts Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Impact Score Significance Rating Impact on tourism interest in the area (-ve) Before Mitigation 2 3 2 7- High Possible Medium The perceived potential for mining growth in the Magalies area, as well as increased activity therein may begin to create a disinterest in the area’s thriving tourism sector which supports several livelihoods.
Increased crime (-ve) Before Mitigation 1 2 2 5-Low Probable Low A perceived increased in job opportunities will result in an increased influx of job seekers in the area, and may also encourage an increase in crime, particularly theft.
Job creation (+ve) Before Mitigation 2 2 2 6-Medium Definite Medium Once the prospecting activities commence, a few job opportunities might be created and there might be temporary in-migration of workers and job seekers. Furthermore, local businesses such as food outlets
Heritage sites/sites of cultural importance (-ve) Before Mitigation Several heritage resources have been identified within and around the project area. 1 3 2 6-Medium Possible Medium These may be disturbed or destructed by the proposed invasive activities. Furthermore, any undiscovered heritage resources may be disturbed/destructed (particularly buried resources) during the operations.
Before Mitigation Dust generation (-ve) 2 2 2 Medium Definite Medium
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Activity Potential Impacts Significant rating of impacts Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Impact Score Significance Rating
During operation, activities may result in dust generation and the release of particulates into the area. Potential dust generation activities may include drilling, excavating, movement of vehicles, and topsoil stockpiles.
It is anticipated that the nature of dust emissions would vary substantially due the prevailing meteorological conditions
Dust emissions could impact on ambient air quality, the aesthetic quality of the area, local resident and neighbouring community’s health and livelihoods, as well as local ecology with dust settling on grazing fields and cultivated crops.
DECOMMISIONING AND CLOSURE PHASE
Rehabilitating of the disturbed and contaminated areas (+ve) Before Mitigation 2 2 2 6-Medium Definite Medium Revegetation of areas where vegetation was disturbed to restore ecosystem function and integrity.
Removal of all infrastructures onsite.
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8 METHODOLOGY USED IN DETERMINING AND RANKING THE NATURE, SIGNIFICANCE, CONSEQUENCE, EXTENT, DURATION AND PROBABILITY OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND RISKS
Methodology used in determining and ranking the nature, significance, consequence, extent, duration and probability of potential environmental impacts and risks;
Table 9: Methodology Used to Rank Impact Significance
This section provides the detailed methodology used for the assessment of the significance of potential environmental impacts in the EIA. This methodology allows for the identified potential impacts to be analysed in a systematic manner, with significance rating (from insignificant to very high) assigned to each potential impact. The significance of an impact is defined as a combination of the consequence of the impact occurring and the probability that the impact will occur. The criteria used to determine impact consequence include extent, intensity and duration of the impact and are presented in Table 8-10 below. Table 8-10: Criteria used to determine the consequence of the impact
Rating Definition of Rating Scor e A. Extent– the area in which the impact will be experienced Local Confined to project or study area or part 1 thereof (e.g. site) Region The region, which may be defined in various 2 al ways, e.g. cadastral, catchment, topographic (Inter) Nationally or beyond 3 national B. Intensity– the magnitude or size of the impact Low Site-specific and wider natural and / or social 1 functions and processes are negligibly altered Mediu Site-specific and wider natural and / or social 2 m functions and processes continue albeit in a modified way High Site-specific and wider natural and / or social 3 functions or processes are severely altered C. Duration– the time frame for which the impact will be experienced Short- For the duration of project activities / up to 2 1 term years Mediu 2 to 15 years 2 m-term Long- More than 15 years 3 term
The combined score of these three criteria corresponds to a consequence rating, as set out in
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Table 8-11 below. (Note that the lowest possible consequence score is 3.)
Table 8-11: Method used to determine the consequence score
Combined Score 3 –4 5 6 7 8 – 9 (A+B+C) Consequence Very low Low Medium High Very high Rating
Once the consequence is derived, the probability of the impact occurring is considered, using the probability classifications presented in Table Table 8-12 below.
Table 8-12: Probability classification
Probability of impact – the likelihood of the impact occurring
Improbable < 40% chance of occurring
Possible 40% - 70% chance of occurring
Probable > 70% - 90% chance of occurring
Definite > 90% chance of occurring
The overall significance of impacts is determined by considering consequence and probability using the rating system prescribed in Table 10-4 below.
Table 8-13: Impact significance ratings
Probability
Improbable Possible Probable Definite
Very INSIGNIFICANT INSIGNIFIC VERY VERY Low ANT LOW LOW Low VERY LOW VERY LOW LOW LOW Medium LOW LOW MEDIUM MEDIU
M Consequence High MEDIUM MEDIUM HIGH HIGH Very HIGH HIGH VERY VERY High HIGH HIGH
Finally, the impacts are considered in terms of their status (positive or negative) and the confidence in the ascribed impact significance rating is noted. The classification for considering the status of impacts and the confidence in assessment is laid out in Table 0 5 below.
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Table 8-14: Impact status and confidence classification
Status of impact
Indication whether the impact is adverse (negative) or + ve (positive – a ‘benefit’) beneficial (positive). – ve (negative – a ‘cost’) Neutral Confidence of assessment The degree of confidence in predictions based on Low available information, the environmental consultant’s Medium judgment and / or specialist knowledge. High
Box 10-1: Types of Impact
Direct – impacts that result from the direct interaction between a project activity and the receiving environment (e.g. dust generation which affects air quality). Indirect – impacts that result from other (non-project) activities but which are facilitated as a result of the project or impacts that occur as a result of subsequent interaction of direct project impacts within the environment (e.g. reduced water supply that affects crop production and subsequently impacts on subsistence-based livelihoods). Cumulative – impacts that act together with current or future potential impacts of other activities or proposed activities in the area / region that affect the same resources and / or receptors (e.g. combined effects of waste water discharges from more than one project into the same water resource, which may be acceptable individually, but cumulatively result in a reduction in water quality quality).
There is no statutory definition of ‘significance’ and its determination is therefore necessarily partially subjective. Criteria for assessing the significance of impacts arise from the following key elements: Status of compliance with relevant local legislation, policies and plans, any relevant or industry policies, environmental standards or guidelines and internationally accepted best practice;
The consequence of the change to the biophysical or socio-economic environment (e.g. loss of habitats, decrease in water quality) expressed, wherever practicable, in quantitative terms. For socio-economic impacts, the consequence must be viewed from the perspective of those affected, by considering the likely perceived importance of the impact and the ability of people to manage and adapt to the change;
The nature of the impact receptor (physical, biological, or human). Where the receptor is physical (e.g. a water resource) its quality, sensitivity to change and importance must be considered. Where the receptor is biological, its importance (e.g. its local, regional, national or international importance) and its sensitivity to the impact must be considered. For a human receptor, the sensitivity of the household, community or wider societal group must be considered along with their ability to adapt to and manage the effects of the impact; and
The probability that the identified impact will occur. This is estimated based upon experience and / or evidence that such an outcome has previously occurred.
The impact significance rating also reflects the need for mitigation. While low significance
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impacts may not require specific mitigation measures, high significance negative impacts demand that adequate measures be put in place, to reduce the residual significance (impact significance rating, after mitigation), as described below in Box 8-2.
Box 8-2: Definitions of Impact Significance
Insignificant: the potential impact is negligible and no mitigation measures or environmental management is required.
Very Low & Low: no specific mitigation measures required, beyond normal environmental good practices.
Medium - High: specific mitigation measures should be devised, to reduce the impact significance to an acceptable level. If mitigation is not possible, compensation measures should be considered.
Very High: specific mitigation measures should be identified and implemented, to reduce the impact significance to an acceptable level. If such mitigation is not possible, very high significance negative impacts should be considered in the project’s authorisation process.
Note that impact significance will be rated in the prescribed way both without and with the effective implementation of the recommended mitigation measures.
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9 THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE IMPACTS THAT THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY (IN TERMS OF THE REVISED SITE LAYOUT) AND ALTERNATIVES WILL HAVE ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE COMMUNITY
THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE IMPACTS THAT THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY (IN TERMS OF THE REVISED SITE LAYOUT) AND ALTERNATIVES WILL HAVE ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE COMMUNITY
Preferred Alternative Impacts
Positive impacts The following are the potential positive impacts the preferred alternative will have on the surrounding community and environment
Job creation: The prospecting project will create a few general jobs for members of the community. The project will also provide work and generate income for a few construction workers that will be carrying out the technical surface work.
Good environmental management. The Environmental Authorisation together with the approved EIA/EMP report will guide the applicant in terms of managing the physical and socio-economic environment that is impacted upon by the prospecting activities. This will be possible through the implementation of the requirements and conditions of the Environmental Authorisation and the approved EIA/EMP report.
Negative impacts
The following are the potential positive impacts the preferred alternative will have on the surrounding community and environment
Soil pollution Potential leakage of oil and other industrial liquids from the trucks and prospecting machineries. This is a potential risk of soil contamination, which will change the soil chemistry and soil nutrients of the affected soil. The drainage characteristics of the soils as indicated by available data indicates a moderate to high risk that contamination affecting soil can be rapidly distributed into lower-lying landscapes during a rainfall event. Contamination of soils through
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direct spills or deposition of wind-borne pollution will gradually change habitat characteristics and quality, leading to a gradual decline in species presence and persistence. This could also potentially affect the vegetation growth in the contaminated areas. The leaks could also infiltrate into and contaminate groundwater which is also utilised by landowners in the area for drinking and farming purposes.
Dust The use of the access dusty roads and the prospecting activities (excavation) will result in the emission of dust into the surrounding atmosphere. This will impact on the vegetation surrounding the area as it (the dust) is deposited on the leaves. This interferes with the photosynthesis process of the plants. Furthermore, animals (especially livestock) that feed on the vegetation will be impacted upon as this will affect their forage.
Dust particles, from the size of PM10 (2.5 to 10 micrometres in diameter) and smaller are inhalable and therefore pose a health risk to the people working and living within proximity or the surroundings of the operations.
Noise The machinery operation including the movement of trucks and vehicles, and primarily the drilling and excavating all causes noise. The drilling activities’ noise levels will go over the immediate site. The noise levels of the trucks and excavators depend on their size and this may cause the noise to be localised in the specific site.
This may disturb the peace of the surroundings and neighbouring farmers. Furthermore, several animal species can hear frequencies well beyond the human hearing range, making them more sensitive to noise levels. The noise will therefore scare off and frustrate nearby wildlife, livestock and domestic animals.
Soil erosion and siltation in water bodies Soil erosion on denuded areas and topsoil stockpile is a potential negative impact. This could result in the potential loss of topsoil and reduce the fertility of the soil on the drilled and/or excavated areas. Furthermore, the eroded topsoil may be washed off into water bodies and result in increased siltation.
Alien Invasive Species Establishment
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Alien invasive species commonly establish their communities in natural habitats that have been disturbed or subjected to human activity/interference. Major factors contributing to the invasion by alien invader plants include high disturbance such as clearing for construction activities or past cultivation. Exotic species are often more prominent near infrastructural disturbances than within less disturbed natural vegetation. Consequences of these invasions may include: - Loss of indigenous vegetation; - Change in vegetation structure leading to change in various habitat characteristics; - Change in plant species composition; - Change in soil chemical properties; - Loss of sensitive habitats; - Loss or disturbance to individuals of rare, endangered, endemic and/or protected species; - Fragmentation of sensitive habitats; - Change in flammability of vegetation, depending on alien species; - Hydrological impacts due to increased transpiration and runoff.
Wetland disruption and destruction
Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to rain forests and coral reefs. They can be thought of as “biological supermarkets” as they produce great quantities of food that attract many animal species. Physical and chemical features such as climate, topography (landscape shape), geology, nutrients, and hydrology (the quantity and movement of water) help to determine the plants and animals that inhabit various wetlands. The combination of shallow water, high levels of inorganic nutrients, and high rates of primary productivity in many wetlands is ideal for the development of organisms that form the base of the food web. Consequently, wetlands are a source of substantial biodiversity in supporting numerous species from all the major groups of organisms – from microbes to mammals.
Wetlands store and slowly release surface water, rain, groundwater and flood waters. Trees and other wetland vegetation also impede the movement of flood waters and distribute them more slowly over floodplains. This combined water storage and slowing action lowers flood heights and reduces erosion downstream and on adjacent lands. It also helps reduce floods and prevents waterlogging of agricultural lands. Prospecting activities are invasive, drilling and bulk sampling will lead to the alteration of soil properties (physical & chemical), micro-
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climates, as well as the hydrology. Consequently, the wetland ecosystem function and integrity will be disrupted resulting in loss of biodiversity and increased flooding.
Destruction and pollution of surface water The project area is traversed by the Bloubank River and contains several drainage lines and streams that feed into the river and wetlands/ponds also found in the project site. These water bodies may be polluted by any oil spillages from vehicles and machinery on site. This may impact on the quality of the surface water in the water bodies. Subsequently, this will impact on the aquatic life inhabiting these water bodies
Impediment and Impoundment of water sources (negative) Excavation pits in particular will impound and impede natural surface and sub-surface water flow. This will interfere with the natural drainage lines and feed of water into the rivers and wetlands on site.
Land use altering Land Capability reduction All the prospecting activities and operations will change the composition (and possibly fertility) of the soil on the area, whilst some of the soil may be either eroded or compacted throughout the life of the operation. This will temporarily change the land capability of the area as a natural habitat that supports ecosystems. Overall, this will result in the potential reduction in agricultural crop production which supports food production for local communities.
Acid Mine drainage and groundwater pollution. Acid mine drainage results when water/runoff percolates through sulphur-bearing materials forming solutions of net acidity. This will be the case when runoff percolates through gold waste rock or tailings dams containing traces of pyrite (a form of sulphur, which when meeting water and/or air, generates acidity).
Animal life disruption Terrestrial fauna species are affected primarily due to loss or alteration of habitat. Animals are generally mobile and, in most cases, can move away from a potential threat. Consequences of the development on fauna may include:
- Reduction in area of occupancy of affected species; and - Loss of genetic variation within affected species.
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These may all lead to a negative change in conservation status of the affected species, which implies a reduction in the chances of the species overall survival chances.
Up to date no threatened terrestrial fauna species have been recorded from the project area. However, it can be expected that protected reptiles and amphibians may be present. Due to the previous transformation of most of the proposed development area, the presence of critical habitats for any species is unlikely.
Other impacts to the animals include: noise, dust, movement and operation of trucks and other vehicles, the potential loitering of the employees and the prospecting operation itself will disrupt the life of the animals around. This disruption can further lead to injury or death in cases where animals fall into the trenches or pits.
Removal of vegetation While all means will be applied to minimise disturbance, removal of vegetation cannot be avoided altogether. Vegetation will be removed in areas where excavating will be done. This removal of vegetation will leave the ground bare and prone to erosion. Potentially four protected plant species occur on and adjacent to the site. Flora has been affected by direct loss or change of habitat due to infrastructure development, or indirect effects of the development which may have led to a change of habitat quality. In the case of threatened plant species, a loss of a population or individuals could lead to a direct change in the conservation status of the species, possibly extinction. Consequences of this may include:
- Fragmentation of populations of affected species - Reduction in area of occupancy of affected species - Loss of genetic variation within affected species. Prospecting may lead to direct loss of natural and semi-natural vegetation, causing a reduction in the overall extent of specific species and vegetation cover. Consequences of the potential impact of loss of indigenous semi-natural vegetation occurring may include: - Increased vulnerability of remaining vegetation portions to future disturbance, including erosion; - General loss of habitat for sensitive species; - General reduction in biodiversity; - Disturbance to processes maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem goods and services; or - Direct loss of ecosystem goods and services.
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Destruction of natural habitats (incl. Critical biodiversity areas and Ecological Support areas) The network of areas on the CBA Map is designed to be spatially efficient (i.e. to meet biodiversity thresholds on the least amount of land possible. Biodiversity Threshold can be defined as the target area which must be safeguarded for the component plants and animals to exist and for ecosystems to continue functioning (e.g. pollination, migration of animals). The thresholds for various types of habitats have been set nationally within the National Spatial Associated with the Critical Biodiversity Areas are areas known as Ecological Support Areas (ESA). Prospecting might therefore cause destruction to both the Critical biodiversity areas and Ecological Support areas as they cover a large portion of the Project area. Destruction of Heritage Resources Several heritage resources have been identified within and around the project area. These may be disturbed or destructed by the proposed invasive activities. Furthermore, any undiscovered heritage resources may be disturbed/destructed (particularly buried resources) during the operations.
Waste generation Solid waste such as waste rock and litter will be generated and deposited in and around the site. This could potentially attract nuisance and affect the natural scenery of the site.
Socio-economic- disturbance of lifestyle of neighbouring Interested and Affected Parties. The prospecting activities such as increased movement of vehicles around the farm, the increased noise levels from running machinery, trucks and blasting activities and increased dust emissions from truck movements on the access roads and the excavating operations will disturb the lifestyles and livelihoods of neighbouring farmers. Furthermore, the temporary altering of land use may affect the cultivation on some of the farm portions, therefore impacting on the landowners’ production and means of income. The farms under application are also home (and have been for several years and/ or generations) to several landowners. Should the proposed activities yield success and mining be carried out as a result, this will invade the sense of belonging or sense of ‘home’ that the landowners.
Acid Mine drainage and groundwater pollution.
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Acid mine drainage (AMD) is the acidic leachate that is formed when sulphide containing material is exposed to air and water and, through a natural chemical reaction of oxidation, produce sulphuric acid. There is a potential for AMD should rainwater come into contact with exposed ore/material that contains pyrite.
Impact on access roads The access roads near the site are in poor condition. During rainy periods the road becomes heavily muddy, making it hard for vehicles to utilise them. Heavy duty vehicles may further degrade the roads and render some parts of the area inaccessible during rainy periods.
Increased Crime Because of perceptions around job creation, there is a potential of an Influx of job seekers in the area, which may also increase the potential for theft (Livestock and property)
Impact on Tourism in the area The perceived potential for mining growth in the Magaliesburg area, as well as increased activity therein may begin to create a disinterest in the area’s thriving tourism sector which supports several livelihoods. The area may also seem less attractive to tourist as its natural state and aesthetic value is altered.
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11 THE POSSIBLE MITIGATION MEASURES THAT COULD BE APPLIED AND THE LEVEL OF RISK.
The Possible Mitigation Measures That Could Be Applied and The Level Of Risk. (With Regard To The Issues And Concerns Raised By The Affected Parties Provide A List Of The Issues Raised And An Assessment/Discussion Of The Mitigation Or Site Layout Alternatives Available To Accommodate Or Address The Concerns, Together With An Assessment Of The Impacts Or Risks Associated With The Mitigation Or Alternatives Considered)
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Table 15: Impact Mitigation Measures
Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures
Job Creation (+ve): Implement a transparent process of recruiting staff, following pre-established and accepted criteria. Advertise employment opportunities adequately, and make employment procedure known to job seekers
Where possible, the contractor must make use of local labour (in support of the local economy) at each phase of the project, especially during the operational phase of prospecting activities
Dust generation (-ve) Suppress dust by spraying water on dust roads and onsite where required
Regulate speed to be 40 km/h on site to reduce dust emission.
Minimize the extent of cleared vegetation and exposed soil. Where possible, place protective nets over exposed soil
The applicant will hire a private security company to patrol the area for the duration of the project. Increased crime
Clearing of vegetation Areas to be cleared must be clearly marked and clearing of vegetation must only take place within these (natural and agricultural) (- demarcated areas. (operation footprint) ve) Where possible, retain indigenous bushes and shrubs for replanting in the post-operation phase.
Any sensitive or endangered tree species that is cleared should be kept for re-planting after construction
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Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures
Prohibit the collection of plant material for medicinal purposes and fire wood
Where vegetation removal cannot be avoided, rehabilitate as soon as possible by revegetating
Where possible, place infrastructures in places that are already disturbed or degraded to avoid removal of vegetation and increasing the footprint of the activity.
Introduction and All alien invasive tree species will be removed from the cleared area, and continuous monitoring should be establishment of declared conducted for three consecutive years after closure of each site. weeds /alien invasive species(-ve) Should any alien invasive species establish themselves upon stockpiles; these should be removed before use in rehabilitation of the site post prospecting
Habitat disruption and Areas to be cleared must be clearly marked in the field to eliminate unnecessary clearing. destruction -Critical biodiversity and Ecological Support areas (-ve) A field survey must be undertaken before drilling commences at each drilling site to confirm that no ecologically sensitive areas or conservation areas are present in sections to be cleared.
The CBA and ESA areas provide habitat for red data plants as well as mammals and birds. According to the land- use management’s objective, no surface mining or prospecting and dredging should be permitted in a CBA and ESA area. Furthermore, no activities should be carried out on ridges and no protected species should be removed from the site and its surrounding. The use of existing degraded habitat (cultivated area) is preferable and habitat units known to be highly productive in supporting breeding, foraging and roosting sites, such as ridges and watercourses should be avoided. Limit unnecessary impacts on surrounding natural vegetation, e.g. driving around in the veld, use access roads only.
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Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures
Work during daytime to minimise the disruption animal life. Do not disturb nests, breeding sites or young animals.
Do not attempt to kill or capture snakes unless directly threatening the safety of employees.
Employees and contractors should be made aware of the presence of, and rules regarding, flora and fauna through suitable induction training and on-site signage
Keep to the speed limit of 40 km/h on all roads running through and accessing the site to avoid driving over any fauna
Ensure active re-vegetation of cleared areas as being important in-order to limit erosion potential.
Noise generation (-ve) Work during the day time only to minimise disruption of neighbours, animal life and noise in the night. Sound is louder during the night than during the day.
Service equipment, machineries, regularly to minimise noise.
Provide ear plugs to the employees and ensure they wear them for the protection of their ears.
Use equipment or machinery that complies with the manufacture’s specifications acceptable noise levels
Keep to the speed limit of 40 km/h on all roads running through and accessing the site
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Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures
Introduce a formal recording system/grievance mechanism to capture public perceptions and complaints with regards to noise impacts, track investigation actions and introduce corrective measures for continuous improvement Land capability and land use Where possible place infrastructures in places that are already disturbed or degraded to avoid increasing the (-ve) footprint of the activity Landowners should be consulted on where the different infrastructures can be placed.
Avoid as far as possible areas of important farm land activities, by selecting areas with a low veld condition and diversity.
Topsoil and sub soil should be kept separately throughout prospecting activities and rehabilitation
All excavations on site will be graded and backfilled/ sloped for safety and drainage. Material to be replaced in excavation in the correct order, no subsoil to be placed on surface
Carry out concurrent rehabilitation throughout the life of the project to encourage quick recovery of the project area
Where soil nutrients and/or fertility has been lost, the soil should be fertilised to recover cultivation capacity
Soil erosion from exposed Sensitive landscapes should be marked as NO-GO areas surfaces, and increased
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Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures sedimentation in water All development should be positioned 200m from riverbanks, other water sources and sensitive landscapes bodies (-ve)
Implement concurrent rehabilitation- immediately rehabilitate areas where drilling/bulk sampling is complete whilst prospecting other portions of the project area.
Restrict impacts to prospecting activities footprint
Have temporal erosion control measures to protect the disturbed soils and stockpiles until adequate vegetation has established
Vehicles should be restricted to travel on the designated roadways at the recommended 40 km/h speed limit to minimize the ecological footprint of the proposed development
Topsoil should be retained and replaced where possible as topsoil contains a lot of the nutrients from decomposed organic matter and is therefore important for ecosystem functioning. Topsoil stockpiles should be covered/protected to prevent erosion by wind and/or water
Rip the soils lightly to alleviate compaction and prepare a seed bed prior for planting as per rehabilitation program
Soil and groundwater Any equipment that is leaking should be temporarily decommissioned and removed from the site, to a surface with contamination by oil spills (- an impermeable surface and waste water collection system. ve)
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Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures
Spill kits will be provided for onsite spill cleaning. Clean any oil spillages on site within 24hrs
Construct a concrete slab were any oil storage will be placed to avoid soil contamination by hydrocarbon leakage
Make all staff aware of the need to prevent spills, leaks and disposal of contaminated water onto the ground and ensure that they are adequately trained to take corrective action should an accidental spill occur
Provide drip trays for all parked vehicles
Heritage sites/sites of cultural The developer should induct field worker about archaeology, and steps that should be taken in the case of importance (-ve) exposing archaeological materials. Indicators of archaeological site that may be found during operations: -Flaked stone tools, bone tools and loose pieces of flaked stone; Ash and charcoal; -Bones and shell fragments; -Artefacts (e.g., beads or hearths); -Graves/burial sites -Packed stones which might be uncounted underground, and might indicate a grave or collapse stone walling. -Several patches of blue gums and other exotic trees are scattered throughout the project area. These mark the footprint of early European settlements in the project area, they are associated with farmsteads and historical graves and must be avoided where possible. Should it become necessary to remove them, a walk down survey must be done to ensure that any heritage resources associated with sites are identified and protected.
If archaeological materials are uncovered, work should cease immediately and the NWPHRA and SAHRA be notified
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Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures
No prospecting activity should be allowed on the recorded historical mine shaft without a permit from SAHRA.
Establish ‘No-Go’ areas around heritage resources and areas demarcated as of heritage importance. Find alternative locations for trenches should the current locations interfere with any heritage resources
All operations and the development footprint should be 50m away from burial sites.
No prospecting activity should be allowed on the recorded historical mine shaft without a permit from SAHRA.
The applicant must always maintain a 25m buffer zone from the recorded burial site, disused mine shaft and any other heritage resources. The site must be clearly marked by a danger warning tape to avoid any accidental damage of graves at the site.
No dumping of construction material is allowed within this buffer zone and no alteration or damage on the site may occur.
The recorded burial site must be demarcated by a danger warning sign and must be clearly marked to avoid any accidental damage by especially heavy prospecting machinery
No activities will be allowed within the wetland areas unless relevant permits (Water Use License) are obtained Destruction of Wetlands and from the Department of Water and Sanitation. or riparian ecosystems (-ve)
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Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures
All development should be positioned 200m from wetlands
Sediment and erosion controls must be designed and implemented if found necessary to prevent runoff from the prospecting site into rivers, streams and wetlands
Groundwater contamination Ensure that all trenches are backfilled immediately after bulk samples are retrieved. by acid mine drainage (-ve)
If it rains, water entering the trenches should be pumped out immediately (and store in tanks) and can be utilised to supress dust
Place overburden stockpiles around trenches to form a berm that prevent surface runoff or any water from entering the pits
Conduct groundwater sampling before , during and after the operations within the vicinity of the trenches and boreholes, and downstream of the flow direction from the trenches and boreholes
Impediment and All disturbed areas (including stockpile area and excavated pits) to be fully rehabilitated. Impoundment of water sources (-ve) Ensure that water extracted from the trenches is not pumped out into nearest drainage line, as it will result in siltation further downstream.
An extraction water plan to be compiled and implemented (if required).
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Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures
Destruction or pollution of All development should be positioned 200m from riverbanks, other water sources and sensitive landscapes surface water (-ve)
No excavation pit may be within any demarcated seepage area.
No driving should be permitted through wetland/stream channel and saturated soils unless existing crossings are utilized
Access routes to the project area will be the existing roads and farm tracks as far as possible
Insure dip trays are placed under any parked machinery/large vehicles
Any oil spill should be cleaned out immediately with a spill kit and be disposed of in a correct manner
Provide enough ablution facilities and ensure they are well and frequently maintained to avoid spillages
Ablution facilities should be properly secured to the grounds to avoid toppling in the case of a wind/storm event
Ensure that there are no toilet spillages when toilets get cleaned and emptied
Conduct water monitoring before, during and after prospecting operations within the vicinity of the prospecting area Conduct water sampling before, during and after the prospecting operations (within proximity of the activities) have been carried out to determine and pollution as a result of the operations. Should pollution be detected, the application should employ measures to remedy the pollution.
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Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures
Impact on access roads (-ve) Ensure that all (gravel) access roads utilised to access the site are regularly maintained and graded when needed.
Limit as far as possible the number of vehicles accessing the site Nuisance and visual pollution Littering should be prohibited on site, and all waste generated from the site should be cleared. A ‘no waste (-ve) dumping’ sign should also be placed on site.
Minimise waste generation, e.g. by providing re-usable items and refillable containers (e.g. for drinking water).
Waste bins are to be located at the prospecting sites. Bins to have secured lids to prevent waste from being blown into the surrounding area.
Waste generated by workers must be collected and disposed of weekly at the nearest registered landfill.
Store waste in labelled containers, indicating clearly whether the waste is hazardous or non-hazardous (general waste).
The storage area for hazardous material must have concrete floor, bunded, covered, labelled and well-ventilated.
Records of all waste being taken off site must be recorded and kept as evidence. Evidence of correct disposal must be kept.
Burning of waste material will not be permitted.
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Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures
The activities may possibly cause oil spills on site. This waste (hazardous waste) should be cleaned up using absorbent material provided in spill kits on site and must be disposed of accordingly at a hazardous waste landfill.
Absorbent materials used to clean up spillages should be disposed of in a separate hazardous waste bin.
Impact on tourism interest in Carry out concurrent rehabilitation throughout the prospecting life to ensure that the area is returned to its natural the area (-ve) state as fast as possible.
Restrict all activities to site footprint.
Ensure clear communication and transparency on the activities, proceedings and duration of the development with
Soil erosion/ loss of soil Have temporal erosion control measures to protect the disturbed soils and stockpiles until adequate vegetation has established
Topsoil should be retained and replaced where possible as topsoil contains a lot of the nutrients from decomposed organic matter and is therefore important for ecosystem functioning. Topsoil stockpiles should be covered/protected to prevent erosion by wind and/or water
Rehabilitation of environment All areas that have been damaged by prospecting activities and vehicles should be stabilized immediately after prospecting ceases to prevent and control erosion.
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Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures
Remove all vehicles, equipment, waste and surplus materials from the site
Clean up and remove any spills and contaminated soil on site.
Ensure that all actions identified in the site closure checklist have been completed and that the ECO is satisfied with the state of the site
Ensure that aftercare is provided, and the natural environment recovers and stabilizes after closure.
All measures detailed in the Rehabilitation Plan should be implemented
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10 MOTIVATION FOR ALTERNATIVES
i) Motivation where no alternative sites were considered. The only site alternative assessed is to use the current landowner facilities as the campsite to reduce the footprint of the projects. The preferred site/ location alternative for drilling and bulk sampling was chosen based on the underlying geology and its potential to hold the reserved under application.
ii) Statement motivating the alternative development location within the overall site. The position of the proposed prospecting activity was influenced by the underlying geology of the regional area however the exact location of the activities as depicted in the site plan is conceptual and will be finalised following some in depth geological studies that will be carried out once prospecting and environmental authorisation has been granted and as the first phase of the prospecting programme.
Full description of the process undertaken to identify, assess and rank the impacts and risks the activity will impose on the preferred site (in respect of the final site layout plan) through the life of the activity.
The following steps were undertaken to identify and assess the potential impacts the proposed activity will impose on the preferred alternative site:
A desktop study using existing literature and ArcGIS was carried out to understand the receiving environment. A site visit was also conducted to identify and ground proof all environmental features and the land cover on the receiving environment, and therefore identify potential impacts that the proposed activities may have on the environmental features and land uses. Surveys were conducted with landowners to gather indigenous knowledge and information on how their farms would be impacted by the proposed activities. Specialist studies were carried out to further assess potential impacts on the receiving environment.
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The generic criteria and systematic approach used to identify, describe and assess impacts as outlined in this report is stated under section (9)vi of this report. In order to determine the significance of an activity each activity was rated based on the intensity, duration and extent within which its resultant impact will be felt either by the receiving environment or the surrounding communities/ Interested and Affected Parties.
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11 ASSESSMENT OF EACH IDENTIFIED POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND RISK
I) Assessment of each identified potentially significant impact and risk
Table 16: Significant Impact Assessment
Activity Potential Impacts Significant rating of impacts Proposed Mitigation Extent Intensit Duration Consequ Probabilit Rating y ence y Score
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Introduction and Before Mitigation The best mitigation measure for alien and invasive species is the early establishment of declared 2 3 2 7- High Probabl High detection and eradication of these species which will be ensured with the weeds /alien invasive e use of a monitoring programme. species(-ve) After Mitigation An alien invasive management programme should be developed and 2 1 2 5-Low Possible Very implemented in order to control alien invasive species .All alien invasive The proposed activities may Low tree species will be removed from the cleared area, and continuous introduce or encourage (through monitoring should be conducted for three consecutive years after closure of disturbance) the establishment each site. of alien vegetation in the area Should any alien invasive species establish themselves upon stockpiles; these should be removed before use in rehabilitation of the site post prospecting Clearing of vegetation (-ve) Before Mitigation Areas to be cleared must be clearly marked and clearing of vegetation 2 3 2 7-High Definite High must only take place within these demarcated areas. (operation footprint) Some vegetation will be After Mitigation Where possible, retain indigenous bushes and shrubs for replanting in the removed from positions 2 1 1 Very Low Probable Very post-operation phase demarcated for drill sites low Vegetation area to be retained should be clearly marked/ demarcated with a danger tape.
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Activity Potential Impacts Significant rating of impacts Proposed Mitigation Extent Intensit Duration Consequ Probabilit Rating y ence y Score
Any sensitive or endangered tree species that is cleared should be kept for re-planting after operational phase Prohibit the collection of plant material for medicinal purposes and fire wood Where vegetation removal cannot be avoided, rehabilitate as soon as possible by revegetating. Concurrent rehabilitation should be carried out throughout the prospecting life Structures should take into consideration erosion protection mechanisms and existing drainage channels, as well as the flood-prone areas Where possible, place infrastructures in places that are already disturbed or degraded to avoid further removal of vegetation and increasing the footprint of the activity.
Soil erosion from exposed Before Mitigation • Sensitive landscapes should be marked as NO-GO areas surfaces (-ve) 1 2 2 5- Probable Medium • All development should be positioned 100m from riverbanks, other water Medium sources and sensitive landscapes Exposure of soils during the After Mitigation • Implement concurrent rehabilitation- immediately rehabilitate areas where operational phase where 1 2 1 Very low Possible Insignifi drilling/bulk sampling is complete whilst prospecting other portions of the vegetation has been removed cant project area. will lead to increased silt loads • Restrict impacts to prospecting activities footprint in surface water runoff which • Have temporal erosion control measures to protect the disturbed soils and will result in contamination of topsoil until adequate vegetation has established clean water, increased turbidity • Vehicles should be restricted to travel on the designated roadways at the thus affecting aquatic life in the recommended 40 km/h speed limit to minimize the ecological footprint of rivers, it may also over time the proposed development lead to siltation of close by • Topsoil should be retained and replaced where possible as topsoil rivers and water channels thus contains a lot of the nutrients from decomposed organic matter and is reduce the flow and capacity therefore important for ecosystem functioning. Topsoil stockpiles should be
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Activity Potential Impacts Significant rating of impacts Proposed Mitigation Extent Intensit Duration Consequ Probabilit Rating y ence y Score
covered/protected to prevent erosion by wind and/or water • Rip the soils lightly to alleviate compaction and prepare a seed bed prior for planting as per rehabilitation program
Land capability and land use Before Mitigation • Place infrastructures in places that are already disturbed or degraded to (-ve) 1 3 2 6- Definite Low avoid increasing the footprint of the activity The current land use (grazing) Medium • Landowners should be consulted on where the different infrastructures can over the area to be used for the After Mitigation be placed. site establishment will cease 1 1 1 Very low Probable Very • Avoid as far as possible areas of important farm land activities, by completely. This may have an low selecting areas with a low veld condition and diversity. impact on the land owner’s • Topsoil and sub soil should be kept separately throughout prospecting livelihood should they not be activities and rehabilitation able to use the land • All excavations on site will be fully backfilled. Material to be replaced in excavation in the correct order, no subsoil to be placed on surface • Carry out concurrent rehabilitation throughout the life of the project to encourage quick recovery of the project area • Where land is used for crop cultivation a soil assessment should be carried out before and after bulk sampling activities to determine soil nutrient content and suitability for cultivation. • Where soil nutrients and/or fertility has been lost, the soil should be fertilised to recover cultivation capacity
Habitat disruption and Before Mitigation • Areas to be cleared must be clearly marked in the field to eliminate destruction - Critical 2 3 2 7-High Definite High unnecessary clearing. biodiversity areas Ecological After Mitigation • A field survey must be undertaken before drilling commences at each Support areas (-ve) 2 1 2 Low Improbab Insignifi drilling site to confirm that no ecologically sensitive areas or conservation areas are present in sections to be cleared.
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Activity Potential Impacts Significant rating of impacts Proposed Mitigation Extent Intensit Duration Consequ Probabilit Rating y ence y Score
le cant • Limit unnecessary impacts on surrounding natural vegetation, e.g. driving Habitat loss due to around in the veld, use access roads only. inappropriate vegetation • No activity should be undertaken on CBA or ESA areas and ridges, and no clearing practices and inefficient protected species should be removed at any location of the site. rehabilitation of disturbed areas. • Work during daytime to minimise the disruption animal life. Protected vegetation and • Do not disturb nests, breeding sites or young animals. habitat areas (CBA and ESA) • Do not attempt to kill or capture snakes unless directly threatening the may also be impacted upon. safety of employees. Loss of faunal diversity may • Employees and contractors should be made aware of the presence of, and occur because of faunal rules regarding, flora and fauna through suitable induction training and on- collisions with operational site signage vehicles and blasting and • Delivery vehicles should be restricted to travel on the designated roadways excavation activities to minimize the ecological footprint of the proposed development • Keep to the speed limit of 40 km/h on all roads running through and accessing the site to avoid driving over any fauna • Vegetation clearing should be restricted within the demarcated areas (operation footprint) Before Mitigation • Ensure that all trenches are backfilled immediately after bulk samples are Groundwater contamination 2 2 2 6- Improbab Low retrieved. by acid mine drainage (-ve) Medium le • If it rains, water entering the trenches should be pumped out immediately • Place overburden stockpiles around trenches to form a berm that prevent Acid mine drainage forms 2 1 1 4-Very Improbab Insignifi surface runoff or any water from entering the pits because of pyrite containing Low le cant • Conduct groundwater sampling before , during and after the operations rock/soil material meeting water within the vicinity of the trenches and boreholes, and downstream of the or air, which causes an flow direction from the trenches and boreholes oxidation reaction between the oxygen molecules contained in water and air, and the metal sulphides contained in pyrite.
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Activity Potential Impacts Significant rating of impacts Proposed Mitigation Extent Intensit Duration Consequ Probabilit Rating y ence y Score
The result is the sulphuric leachate – acid mine drainage, that forms over time and may be potentially seep into underground water resources that are utilised for drinking and agricultural purposes.
Destruction of Wetlands and Before Mitigation • Avoid movement on and disturbance of wetland areas as far as possible. or riparian ecosystems (-ve) 2 2 2 6- Possible Low • No activities will be allowed within the wetland areas unless relevant Medium permits (Water Use License) are obtained from the Department of Water Wetlands communities and After Mitigation and Sanitation. riparian ecosystems have been 1 1 1 3- Very Improbab Insignifi • All development should be positioned 100m from wetlands formed around the Bloubank Low le cant • Sediment and erosion controls must be designed and implemented if found river, as well as its non- necessary to prevent runoff from the prospecting site into rivers, streams perennial stream/tributary. and wetlands These sensitive aquatic ecosystems may potentially be destructed by movement and activity near or around them. Furthermore, they may also be impacted upon by pollution and siltation.
Destruction or pollution of Before Mitigation surface water (-ve) 2 3 2 7- High Probable High • Sensitive landscapes should be marked as NO-GO areas The Bloubank River traverses After Mitigation • All development should be positioned 200m from riverbanks, other water the northern parts of the study 1 1 1 3- Very Improbab Insignifi sources and sensitive landscapes
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Activity Potential Impacts Significant rating of impacts Proposed Mitigation Extent Intensit Duration Consequ Probabilit Rating y ence y Score area and flows from west to Low le cant • No driving should be permitted through wetland/stream channel and east into the Magalies River, saturated soils unless existing crossings are utilized which then in turn flows in a • Access routes to the project area will be the existing roads and farm tracks northerly direction and as far as possible eventually into the • Ensure dip trays are placed under any parked machinery/large vehicles Hartbeespoort Dam. • Any oil spill should be cleaned out immediately with a spill kit and be Prospecting activities near the disposed of in a correct manner river may result in increased • Provide enough ablution facilities and ensure they are well and frequently siltation in the river, as well as maintained to avoid spillages pollution by spillages. • Portable toilets should be properly secured to the grounds to avoid toppling Furthermore, natural drainage in the case of a wind/storm event patterns that direct surface flow • Ensure that there are no toilet spillages when toilets get cleaned and into the river may be interfered emptied with, therefore reducing the • Conduct water sampling before, during and after the prospecting river’s flow. operations (within proximity of the activities) have been carried out to determine and pollution as a result of the operations. Should pollution be detected, the application should employ measures to remedy the pollution.
Impediment and Before Mitigation • All disturbed areas (including stockpile area and excavated pits) to be fully Impoundment of water 2 3 1 6- Probable Medium rehabilitated. sources ( -ve) Medium • Ensure that water extracted from the trenches is not pumped out into Surface water from existing After Mitigation nearest drainage line, as it will result in siltation further downstream. drainage patterns may be 2 1 2 5-Low Possible Low • An extraction water plan to be compiled and implemented (if required). impeded or impounded as a result of the activities
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Activity Potential Impacts Significant rating of impacts Proposed Mitigation Extent Intensit Duration Consequ Probabilit Rating y ence y Score
Soil contamination by oil Before Mitigation • Store oil onsite only when necessary spills (-ve) 2 2 2 Medium Probable Medium • Place the oil container on a bunded/cemented area which can contain all After Mitigation the oil in the container in case there is a leakage breaking of the oil Possible impacts associated 1 1 1 Very low Possible Insignifi container. with the operation phase cant • All prospecting vehicles and equipment should be properly maintained to include contamination of storm prevent hydrocarbon leaks. water with hazardous • Drip trays are to be utilized during daily greasing and when the machinery substances such as is parked to collect incidental spills and pollutants. hydrocarbons from poorly • Drip trays are to be inspected on a weekly basis for leaks and effectiveness maintained heavy machinery & and emptied when necessary. This is to be closely monitored during rain oil spills. events to prevent overflow • Keep a spill kit on site for emergency cases. Make use of a drip try / sand tray under the fuel nozzle when refuelling vehicles or equipment on site; • Place drip trays/sand trays under engines of vehicles or mechanical equipment when parked or stored overnight or longer; and • Make all relevant staff aware of the need to prevent spills, leaks and disposal of contaminated water onto the ground and ensure that they are adequately trained to take corrective action should an accidental spill occur
Noise generation (-ve) Before Mitigation Provide workers with earplugs 2 1 2 5-Low Definite Low Mechanical equipment with lower sound power levels will be selected During the operational phase, After Mitigation (when buying new) to ensure that the permissible occupation noise-rating prospecting activities may result 1 1 2 4-Very Probable Very limit of 85 dBA is not exceeded. in noise generation. Noise low low Equipment will be fitted with silencers as far as possible to reduce noise. impacts may be associated with All equipment to be adequately maintained and kept in good working order several key activities including to reduce noise. excavation and blasting. Workers and personnel will wear hearing protection (ear plugs) when This impact is local (site required.
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Activity Potential Impacts Significant rating of impacts Proposed Mitigation Extent Intensit Duration Consequ Probabilit Rating y ence y Score boundary & immediate Use equipment or machinery that complies with the manufacture’s surrounds) in extent, of low specifications acceptable noise levels intensity and extending over the Keep to the speed limit of 40 km/h on all roads running through and short term as the impact will accessing the site occur only during construction. All vehicles and activities will only operate during daytime hours Introduce a formal recording system/grievance mechanism to capture General rise in ambient noise public perceptions and complaints with regards to noise impacts, track over 100 Db generated from investigation actions and introduce corrective measures for continuous construction vehicles and improvement activities
Impact on access roads (-ve) Before Mitigation Ensure that all (gravel) access roads utilized to access the site are regularly maintained and graded when needed. The roads to be utilised to 1 3 2 6- Definite Medium Limit as far as possible the number of vehicles accessing the site access the sites are usually in Medium poor conditions during rainy After Mitigation seasons and get muddy and 1 1 2 4- Very Definite Very difficult to utilise. The increased Low Low pressure of heavy vehicles operating and using these roads may potentially lead to a further degradation in the state of these roads, making it even more difficult for local/ neighbouring farmers to access their farms particularly after rainfall events.
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Activity Potential Impacts Significant rating of impacts Proposed Mitigation Extent Intensit Duration Consequ Probabilit Rating y ence y Score
Nuisance and visual pollution Before Mitigation Littering should be prohibited, and all waste generated from the site should (-ve) 1 2 2 5-Low Probable Low be cleared. A ‘no waste dumping’ sign should also be placed on site. After Mitigation Minimise waste generation, e.g. by providing re-usable items and refillable Solid waste such as litter can be 1 1 1 Very low Possible Insignifi containers (e.g. for drinking water). potentially generated and cant Waste bins are to be located at the camp and prospecting sites. Bins to deposited in and around the have secured lids to prevent waste from being blown into the surrounding site. This could potentially area. attract nuisance and affect the Waste generated by workers must be collected and disposed of weekly at natural Scenery / aesthetic the nearest registered landfill. quality of the site. Store waste in labelled containers, indicating clearly whether the waste is hazardous or non-hazardous (general waste). The storage area for hazardous material must have concrete floor, bunded, covered, labelled and well-ventilated. Records of all waste being taken off site must be recorded and kept as evidence. Evidence of correct disposal must be kept. Burning of waste material will not be permitted. Hazardous materials will be generated if there are spillages during operation and maintenance periods. This waste should be cleaned up using absorbent material provided in spill kits on site and must be disposed of accordingly at a hazardous waste landfill. Absorbent materials used to clean up spillages should be disposed of in a separate hazardous waste bin.
Job creation (+ve) Before Mitigation Implement a transparent process of recruiting staff, following pre- 2 2 2 Medium Definite established and accepted criteria. Once the prospecting activities Medium Where possible, the contractor must make use of local labour in support of After Mitigation
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Activity Potential Impacts Significant rating of impacts Proposed Mitigation Extent Intensit Duration Consequ Probabilit Rating y ence y Score commence, few job NA the local economy. opportunities might be created and there might be temporary in-migration of workers and job seekers. Furthermore, local businesses such as food outlets
Increased Crime (-ve) Before Mitigation The right holder must employ a private security company to monitor the 1 3 2 6- Probabl Medium area. The development may attract Medium e increased levels of crime in the After Mitigation area and compromise the safety 1 1 2 4-Very Possible Insignific of neighbouring farmers. Low ant Impact on tourism interest in Before Mitigation Carry out concurrent rehabilitation throughout the prospecting life to ensure the area (-ve) 2 3 2 7- High Possible Medium that the area is returned to its natural state as fast as possible. Restrict all activities to site footprint. The perceived potential for After Mitigation Ensure clear communication and transparency on the activities, mining growth in the Magalies proceedings and duration of the development with area, as well as increased activity therein may begin to 1 2 2 5-Low Possible Low create a disinterest in the area’s thriving tourism sector which supports several livelihoods.
Heritage sites/sites of cultural Before Mitigation • Make all workers aware of the heritage resources on site. The developer importance (-ve) 1 3 3 7-High Probable High should induct field worker about archaeology, and steps that should be After Mitigation taken in the case of exposing archaeological materials.
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Activity Potential Impacts Significant rating of impacts Proposed Mitigation Extent Intensit Duration Consequ Probabilit Rating y ence y Score
Heritage resources that have 1 1 1 Very low Improbab Insignifi • Indicators of archaeological site that may be found during construction: been found within the project le cant Flaked stone tools, bone tools and loose pieces of flaked stone; site as well as any Ash and charcoal; undiscovered heritage Bones and shell fragments; resources may be Artefacts (e.g., beads or hearths); disturbed/destructed (especially Packed stones which might be uncounted underground and might buried resources) during the indicate a grave or collapse stone walling. operations. • If archaeological materials are uncovered, work should cease immediately and the NWPHRA and SAHRA be notified • Ensure that all trenches are excavated a legal distance from any heritage resources found on site • Establish ‘No-Go’ areas around heritage resources and areas demarcated as of heritage importance. Find alternative locations for trenches should the current locations interfere with any heritage resources • All operations and the development footprint should be 50m away from cemeteries. Furthermore, boreholes will be established 1km way from heritage sites;
Dust generation (-ve) Before Mitigation Dust suppression measures such as spraying of water on site access route During operation, activities may and around site must be implemented. result in dust generation and the 2 2 2 Medium Definite Medium Limiting the number of vehicles driving on and offsite. release of particulates into the After Mitigation
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Activity Potential Impacts Significant rating of impacts Proposed Mitigation Extent Intensit Duration Consequ Probabilit Rating y ence y Score area. Potential dust generation 1 1 1 Very low Definite Very Topsoil stockpiles or soil heaps should be watered to reduce dust emission activities may include rock low Keep to the speed limit of 40 km/h on all roads running through and drilling, movement of vehicles, accessing the site and topsoil stockpiles. Minimize the extent of cleared vegetation and exposed soil. Where possible, place protective nets over exposed soil. It is anticipated that the nature of dust emissions would vary substantially due the prevailing meteorological conditions
Dust emissions could impact on ambient air quality, the aesthetic quality of the area, local resident and neighbouring communities and activities, as well as local ecology with dust settling on grazing fields and cultivated crops. DICOMMISIONING AND CLOSURE PHASE Rehabilitating of the Before Mitigation • All areas that have been damaged by prospecting activities and vehicles disturbed and contaminated 2 2 3 7-High Definite High should be stabilized immediately after prospecting ceases to prevent and areas (+ve) After Mitigation
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Activity Potential Impacts Significant rating of impacts Proposed Mitigation Extent Intensit Duration Consequ Probabilit Rating y ence y Score
NA control erosion. Revegetation of areas where • Remove all vehicles, equipment, waste and surplus materials from the site vegetation was disturbed to • Clean up and remove any spills and contaminated soil on site. restore ecosystem function and integrity • Ensure that all actions identified in the site closure checklist have been completed and that the ECO is satisfied with the state of the site Removal of all infrastructures • Ensure that aftercare is provided, and the natural environment recovers and onsite. stabilizes after closure. • All measures detailed in the Rehabilitation Plan should be implemented
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12 SUMMARY OF SPECIALIST REPORTS.
Summary of specialist reports.
(This summary must be completed if any specialist reports informed the impact assessment and final site layout process and must be in the following tabular form)
List Of Studies Recommendations Of Specialist Reports Specialist Reference to Undertaken Recommendations That Applicable Section of Have Been Included in The Report Where EIA Report (Mark with an X Specialist Where Applicable) Recommendations Have Been Included Biodiversity The CBA and ESA areas provide habitat for red data plants as well X Items (viii and i) Assessment as mammals and birds. According to the land-use managements objective surface mining and dredging are not permitted in a CBA X and ESA area. The use of existing degraded habitat (cultivated area) is preferable and habitat units known to be highly productive in supporting breeding, foraging and roosting sites, such as ridges and watercourses should be avoided. An alien and invasive management plan must be adhered to at all
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times; and Ensure active re-vegetation of cleared areas as being important in- order to limit erosion potential.
Heritage Impact The proposed development may be approved to proceed as X Items (viii and i) Assessment planned under observation that prospecting work does not extend beyond the surveyed site. No prospecting activity will be allowed on the recorded historical mine shaft without a permit from SAHRA. The applicant must always maintain a 25m buffer zone from the recorded burial site, disused mine shaft and any other heritage resources. No dumping of construction material is allowed within this buffer zone and no alteration or damage on the site may occur. The recorded burial site must be demarcated by a danger warning sign and must be clearly marked to avoid any accidental damage by especially heavy prospecting machinery. The applicant must ensure that the descendants of the recorded graves are sought, and notified about this proposed prospecting which might have an impact (directly or indirectly) on their burial site. No stone robbing or removal of any material is allowed. Any
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disturbance or alteration on this burial site would be illegal and punishable by law, under section 36 (3) of the National Heritage Resources Act NHRA of 1999 (Act 25 of 1999). Should any unmarked burials be exposed during prospecting, potential custodians must be trekked, consulted and relevant rescue/ relocation permits must be obtained from SAHRA and or Department of Health before any grave relocation can take place. Furthermore, a professional archaeologist must be retained to oversee the relocation process in accordance with the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999. Should chance archaeological materials or human burial remains be exposed during subsurface construction work on any section of the proposed development laydown sites, work within 25m of such materials or remains should cease on the affected area and the discovery must be reported to the heritage authorities immediately so that an investigation and evaluation of the finds can be made. The overriding objective, where remedial action is warranted, is to minimize disruption in construction scheduling while recovering archaeological and any affected cultural heritage data as stipulated by the NHRA regulations. Wetland It is recommended that the proposed site for Pit 2 be moved a Assessment 150m west and Pit 4 be move 200m southeast, so that they are not
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within demarcated seepage areas or drainage lines. There are no ‘fatal flaws’ and the project may go ahead, but only with the implementation of mitigating measures and recommendations as put forward in this study. Mitigating measures and recommendations include the following: No excavation pits, site camps or stockpile areas may be within 200m of the Bloubank River or streams. No excavation pit may be within any demarcated seepage area. A stormwater management plan to be compiled and implemented. An extraction water plan to be compiled and implemented (if required). A ground water level investigation to be conducted prior to proposed excavation of pits to fully assess the impact on the sub- surface water.
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13 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(i) Summary of the key findings of the environmental impact assessment. The project’s proposed activities will primarily impact on the receiving environment and soci- economic aspect of the study site and its surroundings. The primary impacts (habitat {riparian and dry land} destruction, surface and groundwater water pollution, landuse capacity altering, impact on tourism and increased crime) have been rated to be of medium significance without any mitigation measures and of low significance with all suggested mitigation measures implemented. Whilst the nature ( and resultant consequences) of these impacts renders them significant hindrances in the ecological functioning of the pristine natural environment and the livelihoods of the neighbouring affected parties, their extent, intensity and duration, renders them of lower (medium to low) significance. Below is a summary of the impacts on the primary aspects assessed:
Land use The study area as well as the surrounding landscape is predominantly used for agricultural purposes, whilst other parts remain natural. Large areas have been transformed to cultivated and grazing lands. The landcover will be impacted upon and altered through vegetation (and topsoil) removal, possible erosion and soil contamination, the introduction of alien invasive species and animal life disturbance. Farmers cultivating on those farm portions will lose a portion of their crops, through which they make a living. Furthermore, the land capability/ arability of the soil may be temporarily lost and take a while to restore/rehabilitate. The trenches that will be excavated may also pose a risk to any grazing cattle and small mammals that inhabit the area as they may fall and get trapped in the trenches.
These impacts have been rated to be of medium significance and should be managed by ensuring that disturbance to the receiving environment is restricted to the development footprint, and mitigated through concurrent rehabilitation to speed up the restoration of the disturbed environment and/or cultivated land.
Biodiversity
The primary impacts on biodiversity associated with the development are likely to occur during the operational phase, during which top soil and vegetation cover will be removed, therefore disturbing parts of the contained natural habitats/ ecosystem through habitat
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fragmentation and loss of habitat. The activities may also impact upon the faunal life inhabiting these habitats.
Impacts on the biodiversity can however be managed or prevented by implementing all measures recommended in this report and the Biodiversity Assessment Report. Vegetation removal may be managed by implementing concurrent rehabilitation to allow for re- establishment of the natural vegetation immediately after samples are retrieved. Furthermore, the footprint of the activities can be managed to restrict vegetation removal and measures for good housekeeping (oil spill prevention and clean up, waste management etc) can also prevent any further degradation or destruction of the natural environment. Activity on the CBA and ESA areas should be prohibited and protected species present on the study can be relocated if any will be affected by the proposed development.
Air Quality The excavating of trenches, hauling of material and movement of transportation trucks on dust roads will result in the emission of dust into the surrounding atmosphere. This will contribute to the suspension of dust particles in the atmosphere and therefore impact on the air quality. The dust fallout may also impact on the health of the neighbouring landowners. The impact dust fallout has is also rated as a medium impact and should be managed through spraying for dust suppression.
Socio-Economic Primary impacts on the social/local community include dust emissions and noise generation which could potentially affect the health of nearby landowners and workers, and cause a nuisance, thereby disturbing their peaceful farming livelihoods. The project may also further impact on / cause damage to the poor access roads that are utilised by the farmers residing in the area due to the frequent use of heavy vehicles on the roads. Any pollution to groundwater resources will affect water supply to farmers in the neighbourhood who utilise groundwater resources from their boreholes for domestic and agricultural use.
Magaliesburg is a tourist attraction town that is valued for its peace and tranquillity. The prospects of mining in the area threaten the tourism sector as it might create a disinterest in the town.
The positive socio-economic impact the project will have is the employment of a few local unemployed persons, assisting them in temporarily earning an income.
Surface water and wetland pollution and destruction
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There are a number of small drainage lines, streams and wetlands in the study site. The main watercourse is the Bloubank River, which is a relatively large perennial river that flows through the northern part of the study site. There are also a number of small semi-perennial streams, drainage lines and wetlands present within the study site. Many of the wetlands in the study site are small seeps or small freshwater pans situated mainly within flat, low-laying areas. Some of the demarcated ‘wetlands’ are actually in-channel farm dams which form an important part of the natural ecosystem and numerous water birds and other wild animals that are dependent on open surface water for foraging and breeding utilise and frequent them.
These water ecosystems may be impacted upon by:
Pollution ( from oil spills or improper ablution practices) of water sources , including sub-surface and surface water; Increase in siltation (from erosion) of surface water sources; Impediment and impoundment of surface and sub-surface water flow; and General negative impacts arising from an increase in vehicles and people in the area.
The impact on water resources have been rated to be of medium significance. Mitigation measures including good housekeeping practises (oil spill prevention and clean-up, waste management etc) , protection of topsoil and overburden from erosion and provision for berms around trenches to prevent impoundment of surface runoff, will reduce the significance of these impacts and cause very little change to the state of the water ecosystems and lowering the impact significance.
Groundwater pollution Exposing pyrite containing rocks to water through excavations may potentially result in the formation of acid mine drainage. This is particularly a significant impact on groundwater resources (pollution), which most of the farmers in the area rely on to sustain their livelihoods.
Although the impact on ground water resources poses a huge risk to neighbouring farmers’ water provision, the probability of this impact occurring as a result of this particular development is low due to the minor extent of the proposed activities. This impact has been rated to be of medium significance and may be prevented altogether by ensuring that water is diverted away from trenches by means of berms, and that in the event of rainfall, water is
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immediately pumped out of open trenches (and utilised for dust suppression), and that concurrent rehabilitation is implemented, leaving no trenches open for prolonged periods.
Heritage A burial site, old buildings and ruins, historical mining excavations and one archaeological site have been identified within the project area. The proposed project area may potentially impact on these identified heritage resources if no precautionary measures are taken to conserve them, as well as any additional hidden or buried resources. It should be noted that burial grounds and gravesites are accorded the highest social significance threshold, whilst the building ruins are of medium significance. Impacts on these heritage resources can be avoided altogether by ensuring that no activities are carried out within 25m of their locations, and any further resources that may be retrieved during the operations can be left unhindered and handled by heritage officials.
(ii) Summary of the positive and negative implications and risks of the proposed activity and identified alternatives;
The potential impacts associated with the preferred alternative include small scale job creation, introduction of alien invasive species, dust emission, noise generation, natural habitat destruction, removal of vegetation and soil erosion, possible soil contamination, altering of the land use and land capability, destruction of heritage resources, impact on tourism attraction, increased crime ,impediment and impoundment of surface and sub surface water and pollution of surface and groundwater resources. All these impacts were assessed and rated for their significance.
The most significant socio-economic impacts as rated through the assessment include those of dust generation, job creation and impact on tourism in the area. Other social impacts include theft and destruction of access roads. These impacts will impact on the neighbouring farmers’ peaceful way of living in the farms, and possibly affect some farmers’ means of income generation and livelihoods. Furthermore impacts on groundwater provision will deem the water sources not suitable for drinking, adding on to the water scarcity problem in the area. Soil and water contamination, soil erosion and destruction/pollution of the aquatic ecosystem, are the most significant (medium significance) impacts on the receiving environment. These impacts will most likely modify the environment moderately and slightly alter a few environmental functions. Mitigation measures to reverse or minimise these impacts that may affect both the receiving environment and the affected parties in the
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area have however been provided for all the listed impacts. The summary of positive and negative impacts is provided in the tables below.
Table 17: Summary of Impacts
Associated Potential Impacts
Impact Significance Impact mitigation) (before significance impact mitigation) (After
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Introduction and establishment of declared High Very Low weeds /alien invasive species(-ve) Clearing of vegetation (-ve) High Very Low Soil erosion from exposed surfaces and Medium Insignificant sedimentation in rivers (-ve) Land capability and land use (-ve) Medium Very Low Habitat disruption and destruction - Critical High Insignificant biodiversity areas Ecological Support areas (-ve) Groundwater contamination by acid mine Low Insignificant drainage (-ve) Destruction of Wetlands and or riparian High Insignificant ecosystems (-ve). Destruction or pollution of surface water (-ve) Medium Low Impediment and Impoundment of water sources ( Medium Low -ve) Soil contamination by oil spills (-ve) Medium Insignificant Noise generation (-ve) Low Very Low Impact on access roads (-ve) Medium Definite Nuisance and visual pollution (-ve) Low Insignificant Job creation (+ve) Medium NA Increased Crime (-ve) Medium Insignificant Impact on tourism interest in the area (-ve) Medium Low Heritage sites/sites of cultural importance (-ve) High Insignificant Dust generation (-ve) Medium Very Low CLOSURE AND DECOMMISIONING PHASE
Rehabilitating of the disturbed and contaminated High NA areas (+ve)
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a) Proposed impact management objectives and the impact outcomes for inclusion in the EMPr.
The purpose of the EMPr is to provide relevant management measures that will help avoid or limit any adverse impacts that may result from the prospecting operations and ensure that all resultant impacts meet acceptable standards, both as a legal and social responsibility to the receiving environment and its surroundings.
The objective of the EMP is to also address comments provided by stakeholders or I&AP regarding the development, establish a method of monitoring and auditing environmental management practices during all phases of the activity and ensure that safety recommendations are complied with.
b) Final proposed alternatives No alternatives have been considered as the activities are (particularly site layout) are dependent on the geology of the area, although conceptual.
c) Aspects for inclusion as conditions of Authorisation Below are aspects to be included as conditions of authorisation.
All comments and concerns raised by the registered I&AP be considered and incorporated into the final EMPr & EIA; The right holder should be held liable for reimbursing any losses incurred by landowners as a result of the proposed prospecting activities and as such, a legal agreement between applicant and affected landowners should be drafted prior to the commencement of any prospecting activities. A water table assessment should be carried out to assess the water levels in areas were trenches will be dug ( at the proposed 10m trench depth), to determine whether the water table will be interfered with , and water provision to boreholes affected. The rehabilitation plan should be considered as the first draft and a living document. All measures on the report should be implemented through the life of the operation No drilling/excavating activities should be carried out within 100m of the river that traverses the project area, or any other water sources. Conditions stipulated in the final EMPr & EIA be adhered with;
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All recommendations made in the report should be implemented and considered in the finalisation of the site layout plan and operational design of the proposed prospecting development. Concurrent/ongoing rehabilitation should be carried out throughout the prospecting operations to ensure a speedy recovery of the receiving environment and alleviate other
d) Description of any assumptions, uncertainties and gaps in knowledge. All conclusions, findings, and recommendation were made on the assumption that information provided by the applicant to the appointed EAP.
It is also assumed that all information provided by interested and affected parties during the public consultation period is correct. The following are limitations and assumptions provided by the individual specialist assessments that were carried out:
The assumptions and limitations for the wetland assessment are as follows:
All information regarding the proposed project and related activities as provided by the Client are taken to be accurate and complete. Field investigations were undertaken on the 9th & 10th August 2018, which forms part of the winter period. No summer investigations were conducted. Winter investigations only are not deemed sufficient for the scope and impact of the proposed project, as the study site is situated within a summer rainfall region of South Africa. Standard and acceptable methodologies as required and used in South Africa were used. Methodologies are discussed in more detail in the chapter on methodology in the wetland specialist report. The latest data sets were used in terms of obtaining and establishing background information and desktop reviews for the project. The data sets were taken to be accurate but were verified and refined during field investigations (ground-trothing). No highly specialised scientific or electronic equipment was used except standard soil augers, hand-held Garmin GPS instruments, digital camera, etc. No alternative sites were investigated. Access to all portions of the study site was not possible during site visits due to absence of landowners at time of site visits, unable to be able to coordinate convenient times for access with landowners and/or prevention to land access.
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The assumptions and limitations for the heritage assessment are as follows:
Limitations
The investigation has been influenced by the unpredictability of buried archaeological remains (absence of evidence does not mean evidence of absence) and the difficulty in establishing intangible heritage values. It should be noted that archaeological deposits (including graves and traces of archaeological heritage) usually occur below the ground level. Should artefacts or skeletal material be revealed at the site during construction, such activities should be halted immediately, and a competent heritage practitioner, SAHRA or PHRA-G must be notified in order for an investigation and evaluation of the find(s) to take place (see NHRA (Act No. 25 of 1999), Section 36 (6). Recommendations contained in this document do not exempt the developer from complying with any national, provincial and municipal legislation or other regulatory requirements, including any protection or management or general provision in terms of the NHRA. The author assumes no responsibility for compliance with conditions that may be required by SAHRA in terms of this report The field survey did not include any form of subsurface inspection beyond the inspection of burrows, road cut sections, and the sections exposed by erosion or field ploughing. This study did not include any ethnographic and oral historical studies nor did it investigate the settlement history of the area.
Assumptions
The proposed prospecting activities will be limited to specific right of site as detailed in the development layout. The construction team to provide link and access to the proposed sites by using the existing access roads and there will be no construction beyond the demarcated site. No excavations or sampling were undertaken, since a permit from heritage authorities is required to disturb a heritage resource. As such the results herein discussed are based on surficial observed indicators. However, these surface observations concentrated on exposed sections such as road cuts and clear farmland.
The assumptions and limitations for the biodiversity assessment are as follows:
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Ecological studies should be conducted during the growing season of all plant species that may potentially occur. This may require more than one season’s survey with two visits undertaken preferably from November to February. However, due to the EIA timeframes, this assessment was conducted in August 2018 before the rainfall and as such many plant species including grasses were still not yet in their growing/flowering period. The entire site was walked on foot and sampled by the specialist. All species included in the plant species list (Appendix A of the biodiversity specialist report) were observed and recorded in the study area and any comments or observations made in this regard are based on observations, literature review, the expert knowledge and relevant professional experience of the specialist. Naledzani Environmental Services reserves the right to amend this report, recommendations and/or conclusions at any stage should any additional or otherwise significant information come to light
e) Reasoned opinion as to whether the proposed activity should or should not be authorised.
i) Reasons why the activity should be authorised or not The following recommendations have been made by the appointed specialists regarding the authorisation of the proposed development, based on the evidence gathered during the field assessments carried out:
Biodiversity Assessment Recommendations The site primarily comprises of cultivation areas, ridge escarpment vegetation, natural and secondary grassland and the Acacia-Eucalyptus woodland. These ridges or rocky outcrops comprise a grassy footslope, mid-slope and with patches of woody vegetation and have a high ecological functioning. The ridge provides suitable habitat for a number of plant species of conservation concern that is highly likely to occur, although not recorded within sample plots and walked transects. Furthermore, the vegetation community has a high suitability for Red Data/protected species. Two provincial protected plant species (Pellaea calomelanos and Cheilanthus cf hirta) were recorded during site survey. The site also contains wetland vegetation communities which are important habitats for avifauna The Acacia-Eucalyptus woodland has a medium to high ecological functioning, has a medium suitability for Red Data/Protected species and provides habitat to mammals and avi-
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fauna. The grasslands have a medium conservation importance and serves as a habitat and foraging area for avi-fauna. Parts of the site are also classified as CBA (Critical Biodiversity Areas) and ESA (Ecological support areas).The CBA and ESA areas provide habitat for red data plants as well as mammals and birds. According to the land-use managements objective surface mining and dredging are not permitted in a CBA and ESA area. The use of existing degraded habitat (cultivated area) is preferable and habitat units known to be highly productive in supporting breeding, foraging and roosting sites, such as ridges and watercourses should be avoided. Other specific conclusions and recommendations are listed below. All licences must be obtained prior to prospecting; An alien and invasive management plan must be adhered to at all times; and Ensure active re-vegetation of cleared areas as being important in-order to limit erosion potential.
Wetland Assessment Recommendations The study area is large and is a mix of cultivated lands, grazing lands, open grassland areas, ridges and rocky outcrops, with watercourses scattered throughout the area. There are numerous watercourses in the study area, including the perennial Bloubank River, a few small semi-perennial streams, numerous drainage lines and seepage areas (wetlands). Many of the wetland (seepage) areas and some of the drainage lines have been transformed through farmlands (cultivated lands). As a result these watercourses cannot be accurately delineated or assessed.
There are no ‘fatal flaws’ and the project may go ahead, but only with the implementation of mitigating measures and recommendations as put forward in the wetland study. Mitigating measures and recommendations include the following: It is recommended that the proposed site for Pit 2 be moved a 100m east and Pit 3 be move 100m north, so that they are not within demarcated seepage areas No excavation pits, site camps or stockpile areas may be within 200m of the Bloubank River or streams. No excavation pit may be within any demarcated seepage area. A stormwater management plan to be compiled and implemented. An extraction water plan to be compiled and implemented (if required). A ground water level investigation to be conducted prior to proposed excavation of
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pits to fully assess the impact on the sub-surface water. Should the project go-ahead, it is possible that a water use licence (WUL) might be required if there is sub-surface (underground) water seepage into the excavation pit and this water needs to be extracted and discharged. Seepage of shallow sub- surface water is possible in wetland areas as denoted in the maps and figures contained in this report.
Heritage Assessment Recommendation
The study did not find any permanent barriers to the proposed prospecting with bulk sampling various Portions Zuikerbosfontein 151 IQ, Vaalbank 512 IQ, Migalsood 152 IQ, Golden Valley 621 IQ and Koesterfontein 45 IQ. It is the considered opinion of the author that the proposed prospecting with bulk sampling may proceed from a heritage resources management perspective, provided that mitigation measures are implemented if and when required. The following recommendations are based on the results of the AIA/HIA research, cultural heritage background review, site inspection and assessment of significance. From a heritage point of view, the proposed project site has been extensively altered by agricultural activities and other associated infrastructure developments. The proposed development may be approved to proceed as planned under observation that prospecting work does not extend beyond the surveyed site. Site SWHMC 1 must be preserved in situ, no prospecting must be done with 80m from the stone walled structures. Should it become necessary to prospect within close range of the site, a Phase 2 Heritage study must be conducted before any prospecting activities commence on the site. The applicant must maintain a 25m buffer zone from the recorded burial site ZBS1. The proposed activity will possibly provide a few jobs to locals. The prospecting activities will help determine the feasibility of mining Gold in the area. If the project graduates to a mining phase, a good number of jobs will be created for the nearest community which already struggles with a high unemployment rate. If all management and mitigation measures are fully implemented, the development activities will leave very minimal damages / impacts on the receiving environment and community, and the site will be restored to its natural state. The foot print impact of the proposed prospecting with bulk sampling should be kept to minimal to limit the possibility of encountering chance finds within prospecting sites.
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Should chance archaeological materials or human burial remains be exposed during subsurface construction work on any section of the proposed development laydown sites, work should cease on the affected area and the discovery must be reported to the heritage authorities immediately so that an investigation and evaluation of the finds can be made. The overriding objective, where remedial action is warranted, is to minimize disruption in construction scheduling while recovering archaeological and any affected cultural heritage data as stipulated by the NHRA regulations. Overall, impacts to heritage resources are not considered to be significant for the project receiving environment. It is thus concluded that the project may be cleared to proceed as planned subject to the Heritage Authority ensuring that detailed heritage monitoring procedures are included in the project EMP for the prospecting phase, include chance archaeological finds mitigation procedure in the project EMP
ii) conditions that must be included in the authorisation 1) Specific conditions to be included into the compilation and approval of EMPr
All requirements stipulated by the final EIR, as well as the Tau Industries Rehabilitation Plan and comments received from the I&AP through mail or during the public meeting are to be incorporated and attached to the final EMPr .
Information provided by specialists in the specialist assessments is to be incorporated in the final EMPr
2) Rehabilitation requirements. See the rehabilitation plan report (Appendix 7) for the rehabilitation requirements.
f) Period for which the environmental authorisation is required.
The authorisation is required for 5 years.
g) Undertaking
The undertaking required to meet the requirements of this section is provided at the end of the EMPr and is applicable to both the Environmental Impact Assessment report and the Environmental Management Programme report.
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h) Financial provision The total rehabilitation of amount of ZAR 237 281,82 will be provided for the development. i) Explain how the aforesaid amount was derived.
The amount was derived from using the 2018 quantum of financial provision calculation table.
ii) Confirm that this amount can be provided for from operating expenditure. The amount will be provided from the operating expenditure.
i) Deviations from the approved scoping report and plan of study. i) Deviations from the methodology used in determining the significance of the potential environmental impacts and risks.
No deviations were made in this regard.
ii) Motivation for the deviation. N/A j) Other information required by the competent authority. 1) Impact on the socio-economic conditions of any directly affected person. The proposed project may impact on the commercial crops being cultivated on some parts of the farms under application, as well as grassland used for livestock grazing and therefore reduce the income made from such agricultural practices. The activities may affect the farms (through reduced soil fertility and land capability) for an extended period of time as it may take years for the land to fully recover its initial productivity/ capability. Should groundwater resources be impacted/ polluted, this may also affect neighbouring farmers as they access groundwater through their boreholes for domestic and agricultural use. Furthermore, the proposed project may affect the peace and tranquillity of the area/neighbouring farms with the increased noise levels and movement of operating vehicles. The Magaliesburg area is also well known for attracting tourists who visit the area for its peace and tranquillity. The growing prospects of mining in the area together with the
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increased activity of the operation may make the area less desirable for tourists and therefore affect its tourism sector and those depending on it to sustain their livelihoods. The use of the dust access roads by heavy vehicles may further deteriorate the state of the roads particularly during the rainy season, making it difficult for residents to utilise the roads to access their homes.
2) Impact on any national estate referred to in section 3(2) of the National Heritage Resources Act.
Buildings, structures, places and equipment of cultural significance: The assessment identified several ln farm houses in the project area, that are older than 60 although a few may be younger. Many of these buildings and structures have been maintained and probably altered over the years. Some of the houses are still in use as residential homes for farmers in the area as well as lodges in some, and therefore do not create a heritage management problem to the proposed prospecting. Several others however, have been abandoned and others even vandalised and are in a poor state of conservation. Worthy of noting however, is that buildings and structures older than 60 years regardless of their condition are protected by Section 34 of the NHRA. Images of such buildings are appended in the Heritage Impact Assessment Report.
Graves and burial grounds: The field survey recorded one burial site (ZBS1) located on the southern edge of the site (GPS Coordinates S26° 1ꞌ 48.3"; E 27° 29 46 ꞌ.2". The graves are arranged in two rows and six graves were recorded at this site. All six graves are facing west and marked by oval shaped stone piles. It is assumed that the graves belong to 3 adults and 3 children/infants. One grave has an inscribed head stone indicating that deceased was buried in 1937. This automatically places the site under the jurisdiction of SAHRA. The graves are likely associated with an abandoned homestead located approximately 80m from the site. The site must be preserved in situ and to avoid any accidental damage during prospecting, the site must be barricaded by a danger warning tape. It should be noted that burial grounds and gravesites are accorded the highest social significance threshold. They have both historical and social significance and are considered sacred. They may not be tempered with or interfered with during any proposed prospecting development. It is important to also note that the possibility of encountering human remains
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during subsurface earth moving works anywhere on the landscape is ever present. Although the possibility of encountering previously unidentified burial sites is low should such sites be identified during subsurface prospecting work, they are still protected by applicable legislations and they should be protected.
Archaeological Site The proposed prospecting sites on the Farms Zuikerbosfontein 151 IQ, Vaalbank 512 IQ, Migalsood 152 IQ, Golden Valley 621 IQ and Koesterfontein 45 IQ yielded one historical archaeological site. The site covers approximately one hectare on the western bank of the Blaauwbank River and a third of a hectare on the eastern side of the Blaauwbank River on the Farm Koesterfontein 45 IQ (see Plate 13,14,15 &16). The site is located on a mountain slope approximately 40m from the Blaauwbank River. The study recorded twenty (20) free standing stone structures of varying sizes. The height of the stone walled structures range from between 1m to 1.6m high. Although some appear like dry stone walling, there are traces of plastering on some of the structures. The structures are rectangular in shape probably an indication of European influence on the architecture. The structures are still intact although some are being destroyed by livestock and burning of trees which fall on top of standing walls. Although structures are located on a rocky area, some of them are disturbed by vegetation overgrowth. The site is attributed to most probably black mine labourers associated with the earliest gold rush in the Blouwbank area (Fourie and Ramsden 2002). Its location on the banks of the river may suggest the site was probably used for sieving gold. No other archaeological remains were recorded at the site, it is likely that the remains might have been washed away since the site is on a sloppy and rocky area.
Archaeo-Metallurgy, Prehistoric Mining and Mining Heritage The study identified 2 disused mine shafts on Portion of 40 of the Farm Koesterfontein 45 IQ. Historical mine shafts are protected by the NHRA and must not be interfered with without a permit from SAHRA..
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View of a disused historical diggings for slate in portion40 of the farm koesterfontein Source: Mlilo Integrated Specialists Pty Ltd
Natural Heritage Several patches of blue gums and other exotic trees are scattered throughout the project area on the Farms Zuikerbosfontein 151 IQ, Vaalbank 512 IQ, Migalsood 152 IQ, Golden Valley 621 IQ and Koesterfontein 45 IQ. It should be noted that patches of blue gums and exotic trees mark the footprint of early European settlements in the project area, they are associated with farmsteads and historical graves. As such where ever they occur they provide insights about colonial history of the area and must be avoided where possible.
3) Other matters required in terms of sections 24(4)(a) and (b) of the Act All relevant information is indicated in the relevant section of the report
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PART B ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME REPORT
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14 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAME
1) Draft environmental management programme
a) Details of the EAP It is hereby confirmed that the requirements for the provision of the details and expertise of the EAP are already included in PART A, section 1(a) herein as required
b) Description of the aspects of the activity It is hereby confirmed that the requirement to describe the aspects of the activity that are covered in the draft environmental management programme is already included in PART A, section 1(h) herein as required.
c) Composite map Refer to Appendix 5 for the map with all sensitivities and buffers identified.
d) Description of Impact management objectives including management statements i) Determination of closure objectives The broad rehabilitation objectives include the following three aspects:
Restoration of previous land use capability
Restore as far as possible, the pre-project natural state of the area
The affected parties play a role in determining the end land use
Rehabilitation/closure objectives need to be tailored for the project at hand and be aligned with the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). Therefore, the overall rehabilitation objectives for the proposed project are as follows: Fill (and grade) all trenches with the stockpiled overburden & topsoil and revegetate the surface where vegetation has been removed.
Rehabilitate the disturbed area back to its pre-project state or as close as possible, and restore the land capability (to aid initial land uses) of the area
Ensure the landscape is self-sustaining after closure of operations
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Remove all infrastructure and all other items used during prospecting operation
Remove and dispose of all waste types
Final rehabilitation will be completed within specified period as guided by the Regional Manager
Comply with the relevant local and national regulatory requirements.
ii) The process for managing any environmental damage, pollution, pumping and treatment of extraneous water or ecological degradation as a result of undertaking a listed activity.
In the case of a rainfall event, water collecting in the trenches will be immediately pumped out to prevent the possible formation of acid mine drainage.
The table overleaf indicates the manner in which any ecological degradation will be mitigated or managed.
Table 18: Management Of Ecological Degradation
Potential environmental damage, Proposed Mitigation pollution or ecological degradation Dust generation/ emissions (-ve) • Suppress dust by spraying water on dust roads and Dust generation by movement if onsite where required large vehicles delivering mobile • Regulate speed to be 40 km/h on site to reduce dust facilities emission. • Provide dust mask to employees working on site Dust emissions could impact on • Minimize the extent of cleared vegetation and exposed ambient air quality, the aesthetic soil. Where possible, place protective nets over exposed quality of the area, local resident soil and neighbouring communities and activities, as well as local ecology with dust settling on grazing fields and cultivated crops
Clearing of vegetation (-ve) • Areas to be cleared must be clearly marked and clearing Vegetation will be cleared for the of vegetation must only take place within these areas demarcated for the campsite. demarcated areas. (operation footprint)
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Potential environmental damage, Proposed Mitigation pollution or ecological degradation This vegetation removal will reduce • A field survey must be undertaken before drilling vegetation diversity and result in commences at each drilling site to confirm that no loss of micro and macro habitats ecologically sensitive areas or conservation areas are for fauna present in sections to be cleared. • Limit unnecessary impacts on surrounding natural vegetation, e.g. driving around in the veld, use access roads only • Where possible, retain indigenous bushes and shrubs for replanting in the post-operation phase • Any sensitive or endangered tree species that is cleared should be kept for re-planting after operational phase • Prohibit the collection of plant material for medicinal purposes and fire wood • Where vegetation removal cannot be avoided, rehabilitate as soon as possible by revegetating. Concurrent rehabilitation should be carried out throughout the prospecting life • Structures should take into consideration erosion protection mechanisms and existing drainage channels, as well as the flood-prone areas • Where possible, place infrastructures in places that are already disturbed or degraded to avoid further removal of vegetation and increasing the footprint of the activity.
Introduction and establishment of declared weeds (-ve) • All alien invasive species that may establish themselves in the area should be documented and workers should Vegetation clearing, and soil be made aware of them during the environmental disturbance will result in vacant awareness and training programme habitats for weeds and alien • All alien invasive tree species should be removed from invasive species to pioneer the cleared area, and continuous monitoring should be conducted • Should any alien invasive species establish themselves upon stockpiles; these should be removed before use in rehabilitation of the site post-construction. Habitat disruption and destruction- Critical biodiversity • Areas to be cleared must be clearly marked in the field to areas and Ecological Support eliminate unnecessary clearing. areas (-ve) • A field survey must be undertaken before drilling commences at each drilling site to confirm that no Loss of faunal diversity may occur ecologically sensitive areas or conservation areas are as a result of faunal collisions with present in sections to be cleared. operational vehicles delivering • Limit unnecessary impacts on surrounding natural
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Potential environmental damage, Proposed Mitigation pollution or ecological degradation mobile offices and equipment as vegetation, e.g. driving around in the veld, use access well as from poaching. roads only. Furthermore, construction activities • Work during daytime to minimise the disruption animal may result in the destruction of life. animal habitats both below and • Do not disturb nests, breeding sites or young animals. above ground such as those for • Do not attempt to kill or capture snakes unless directly insects, reptile and mammals threatening the safety of employees. adapted to the bushveld/grassland • Employees and contractors should be made aware of biomes. the presence of, and rules regarding, flora and fauna through suitable induction training and on-site signage • Delivery vehicles should be restricted to travel on the designated roadways to minimize the ecological footprint of the proposed development • Keep to the speed limit of 40 km/h on all roads running through and accessing the site to avoid driving over any fauna • Vegetation clearing should be restricted within the demarcated areas(operation footprint)
Destruction of wetlands and • Avoid movement on and disturbance of wetland areas as riparian ecosystems far as possible. • No activities will be allowed within the wetland areas unless relevant permits (Water Use License) are obtained from the Department of Water and Sanitation. • All development should be positioned 100m from wetlands • Sediment and erosion controls must be designed and implemented if found necessary to prevent runoff from the prospecting site into rivers, streams and wetlands
Ground Water pollution by Acid • Ensure that all trenches are backfilled immediately after Mine Drainage bulk samples are retrieved. • In the event that it rains, water entering the trenches should be pumped out immediately • Place overburden stockpiles around trenches to form a berm that prevent surface runoff or any water from entering the pits • Conduct groundwater sampling before , during and after the operations within the vicinity of the trenches and boreholes, and downstream of the flow direction from the trenches and boreholes
Noise generation (-ve)
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Potential environmental damage, Proposed Mitigation pollution or ecological degradation • Work during the day time only to minimise disruption of Noise will be generated from neighbours, animal life and noise in the night. Sound is working the machinery or delivering louder during the night than during the day. of machinery and this could be • Mechanical equipment with lower sound power levels will about the SANS 10103 levels for be selected (when buying new) to ensure that the residential areas thus disturbing permissible occupation noise-rating limit of 85 dBA is not employees, neighbouring exceeded. communities as well as animals. • Where possible, equipment will be fitted with silencers as far as possible to reduce noise. • Workers and personnel will wear hearing protection (ear plugs) when required. • Use equipment or machinery that complies with the manufactures specifications acceptable noise level • Service equipment, machineries, regularly to minimise noise resulting from faulty machinery • Provide ear plugs to the employees and ensure they wear them for the protection of their ears. • Use equipment or machinery that complies with the manufactures specifications acceptable noise levels • Keep to the speed limit of 40 km/h on all roads running through and accessing the site • Introduce a formal recording system/grievance mechanism to capture public perceptions and complaints with regards to noise impacts, track investigation actions and introduce corrective measures for continuous improvement Land capability and land use (- ve) • Place infrastructures in places that are already disturbed or degraded to avoid increasing the footprint of the The current land use (grazing) over activity the area to be used for the site • Landowners should be consulted on where the different establishment will cease infrastructures can be placed. completely. This may have an • Avoid as far as possible areas of important farm land impact on the land owner’s activities, by selecting areas with a low veld condition livelihood should they not be able and diversity. to use the land • Topsoil and sub soil should be kept separately throughout prospecting activities and rehabilitation • All excavations on site will be fully backfilled. Material to be replaced in excavation in the correct order, no subsoil to be placed on surface • Carry out concurrent rehabilitation throughout the life of the project to encourage quick recovery of the project area
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Potential environmental damage, Proposed Mitigation pollution or ecological degradation • Where land is used for crop cultivation a soil assessment should be carried out before and after bulk sampling activities to determine soil nutrient content and suitability for cultivation. • Where soil nutrients and/or fertility has been lost, the soil should be fertilised to recover cultivation capacity Pollution and disturbance of surface water bodies • Sensitive landscapes should be marked as NO-GO Exposure of soils during areas construction where vegetation has • All development should be positioned 100m from been removed will lead to riverbanks, other water sources and sensitive increased silt loads in surface landscapes water runoff, and lead to siltation of • No driving through wetland/stream channel and close by rivers and water channels saturated soils unless existing crossings are utilized thus reducing the flow and • Access routes to the project area will be the existing capacity. This will all lead to roads and farm tracks as far as possible increased turbidity thus affecting • Insure dip trays are placed under any parked aquatic life in the rivers. machinery/large vehicles The river may also be polluted by • Any oil spill should be cleaned out immediately with a washed oil spills from the site. spill kit and be disposed of in a correct manner Furthermore improper sanitation • Enough toilet facilities should be provided practices may also pollute nearby • The toilets should be properly covered and ventilated water sources. and should contain hand washing facilities. Furthermore, the invasive • Portable toilets should be properly secured to the prospective activities (drilling and grounds to avoid toppling in the case of a wind/storm excavation) as well as movement event of vehicles onsite may destroy the • Ensure that all toilets function properly and are in a aquatic habitat alongside the hygienic state. Bloubank river and other water • The toilets should be cleaned and emptied regularly. bodies (wetlands/pans) on site. • Ensure that there are no toilet spillages when toilets get cleaned and emptied • Conduct water sampling before, during and after the prospecting operations (within proximity of the activities) have been carried out to determine and pollution as a result of the operations. Should pollution be detected, the application should employ measures to remedy the pollution.
Soil erosion from exposed surfaces (-ve) • Sensitive landscapes should be marked as NO-GO areas
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Potential environmental damage, Proposed Mitigation pollution or ecological degradation Exposure of soils during the • All development should be positioned 500m from operational phase where riverbanks, other water sources and sensitive vegetation has been removed will landscapes lead to increased silt loads in • Implement concurrent rehabilitation- immediately surface water runoff which will rehabilitate areas where drilling/bulk sampling is result in contamination of clean complete whilst prospecting other portions of the project water, increased turbidity thus area. affecting aquatic life in the rivers, it • Restrict impacts to prospecting activities footprint may also over time lead to siltation • Have temporal erosion control measures to protect the of close by rivers and water disturbed soils until adequate vegetation has established channels thus reduce the flow and • Vehicles should be restricted to travel on the designated capacity roadways at the recommended 40 km/h speed limit to minimize the ecological footprint of the proposed development • Topsoil should be retained and replaced where possible as topsoil contains a lot of the nutrients from decomposed organic matter and is therefore important for ecosystem functioning. Topsoil stockpiles should be covered/protected to prevent erosion by wind and/or water • Rip the soils lightly to alleviate compaction and prepare a seed bed prior for planting as per rehabilitation program • Implement concurrent rehabilitation Soil contamination by oil spills (- ve) • Store oil onsite only when necessary • Place the oil container on a bunded area which can Possible impacts associated with contain all the oil in the container in case there is a the operation phase include leakage breaking of the oil container. contamination of storm water with • All prospecting vehicles and equipment should be hazardous substances such as properly maintained to prevent hydrocarbon leaks. hydrocarbons from poorly • Drip trays are to be utilized during daily greasing and maintained heavy machinery & oil when the machinery is parked to collect incidental spills spills. and pollutants. • Drip trays are to be inspected on a weekly basis for leaks and effectiveness and emptied when necessary. This is to be closely monitored during rain events to prevent overflow • Keep a spill kit on site for emergency cases. Make use of a drip try / sand tray under the fuel nozzle when refuelling vehicles or equipment on site; • Place drip trays/sand trays under engines of vehicles or mechanical equipment when parked or stored overnight or longer; and
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Potential environmental damage, Proposed Mitigation pollution or ecological degradation • Make all relevant staff aware of the need to prevent spills, leaks and disposal of contaminated water onto the ground and ensure that they are adequately trained to take corrective action should an accidental spill occur
Noise generation (-ve) • Provide workers with earplugs During the operational phase, • Blasting and excavation activities will be restricted to prospecting activities may result in regular working hours i.e. Monday to Friday (7am- 4pm). noise generation. Noise impacts • Mechanical equipment with lower sound power levels will may be associated with a number be selected (when buying new) to ensure that the of key activities including permissible occupation noise-rating limit of 85 dBA is not excavation and blasting. exceeded. This impact is considered to be • Where possible, equipment will be fitted with silencers as local (site boundary & immediate far as possible to reduce noise. surrounds) in extent, of low • All equipment to be adequately maintained and kept in intensity and extending over the good working order to reduce noise. short term as the impact will occur • Workers and personnel will wear hearing protection (ear only during construction. plugs) when required. • Use equipment or machinery that complies with the General rise in ambient noise over manufactures specifications acceptable noise levels 100 Db generated from • Keep to the speed limit of 40 km/h on all roads running construction vehicles and activities through and accessing the site • All vehicles and activities will only operate during daytime hours • Introduce a formal recording system/grievance mechanism to capture public perceptions and complaints with regards to noise impacts, track investigation actions and introduce corrective measures for continuous improvement
Nuisance and visual pollution ( waste )(-ve) - Littering should be prohibited, and all waste generated from the site should be cleared. A ‘no waste dumping’ Solid waste such as litter can be sign should also be placed on site. potentially generated and • Minimise waste generation, e.g. by providing re-usable deposited in and around the site. items and refillable containers (e.g. for drinking water). This could potentially attract • Waste bins are to be located at the camp and nuisance and affect the natural prospecting sites. Bins to have secured lids to prevent Scenery / aesthetic quality of the waste from being blown into the surrounding area. site. • Waste generated by workers must be collected and disposed of weekly at the nearest registered landfill. • Store waste in labelled containers, indicating clearly
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Potential environmental damage, Proposed Mitigation pollution or ecological degradation whether the waste is hazardous or non-hazardous (general waste). • The storage area for hazardous material must have concrete floor, bunded, covered, labelled and well- ventilated. • Records of all waste being taken off site must be recorded and kept as evidence. Evidence of correct disposal must be kept. • Burning of waste material will not be permitted. • Hazardous materials will be generated if there are spillages during the operation phase. This waste should be cleaned up using absorbent material provided in spill kits on site and must be disposed of accordingly at a hazardous waste landfill. • Absorbent materials used to clean up spillages should be disposed of in a separate hazardous waste bin. • All incidents must be reported to the responsible site officer as soon as it occurs.
• Make all workers aware of the heritage resources on site. The developer should induct field worker about archaeology, and steps that should be taken in the case of exposing archaeological materials. • Indicators of archaeological site that may be found during construction: Flaked stone tools, bone tools and loose pieces of Heritage sites/sites of cultural flaked stone; importance (-ve) Ash and charcoal; Bones and shell fragments; Artefacts (e.g., beads or hearths); All identified and any undiscovered Graves heritage resources may be Old building ruins disturbed/destructed (especially Packed stones which might be uncounted buried resources) during the underground, and might indicate a grave or collapse operations. stone walling.
• If archaeological materials are uncovered, work should cease immediately and the NWPHRA and SAHRA be notified • Ensure that all trenches are excavated a legal distance from any heritage resources found on site • Establish ‘No-Go’ areas around heritage resources and
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Potential environmental damage, Proposed Mitigation pollution or ecological degradation areas demarcated as of heritage importance. Find alternative locations for trenches should the current locations interfere with any heritage resources
Rehabilitating of the disturbed and contaminated areas (+ve) • All areas that have been damaged by prospecting activities and vehicles should be stabilized immediately Revegetation of areas where after prospecting ceases to prevent and control erosion. vegetation was disturbed to restore • Remove all vehicles, equipment, waste and surplus ecosystem function and integrity materials from the site • Clean up and remove any spills and contaminated soil Removal of all infrastructures on site. onsite. • Ensure that all actions identified in the site closure checklist have been completed and that the ECO is satisfied with the state of the site
iii) Potential risk of Acid Mine drainage The development poses a minor but possible risk of acid mine drainage, particularly because water may collect into trenches and come into contact with pyrite containing material. During rainy seasons when water comes into contact with the traces of pyrite in exposed rocks and soil , the water will react with the sulphur present in the pyrite and form a highly acidic leachate that may be infiltrate into groundwater.
iv) Steps taken to investigate, assess, and evaluate that impacts of acid mine drainage. No steps were taken to investigate the impacts of acid mine drainage as the nature of the development constitutes the digging of shallow pits over a short term period, rendering the risk of acid mine drainage formation very minor. Management measures to manage the risk have none less been detailed in this report.
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v) Engineering or mine design solutions to be implemented to avoid or remedy acid mine drainage. The following measures have been suggested to prevent the formation of acid mine drainage:
Ensure that all trenches are backfilled immediately after bulk samples are retrieved. In the event that it rains, water entering the trenches should be pumped out immediately to prevent the formation of AMD Place overburden stockpiles around trenches to form a berm that prevents surface runoff or any water from entering the pits
vi) Measures that will be put in place to remedy any residual or cumulative impact that may result from acid mine drainage. As detailed in section v above, the risk/potential of acid mine drainage forming from the proposed activities is minor, and measures have been suggested to manage the risk and prevent the formation. Therefore it not anticipated that any cumulative impacts will result from acid mine drainage.
vii) Volumes and rate of water use required for the mining, trenching or bulk sampling. The quantity of water required for this prospecting project will be bought from the municipality and will be as low as approximately 600litres per day. The water is mostly required for domestic use, spraying dust on some days, and used (and recycled) on the drill rig. .
viii) Has the water use license been applied for? No – the amount of water to be utilised does not require water use authorisation.
i) Impacts to be mitigated in their respective phases Measures to rehabilitate the environment affected by the undertaking of any listed activity.
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ACTIVITIES PHASE SIZE AND MITIGATION COMPLIANCE WITH TIME PERIOD FOR SCALE OF MEASURES STANDARDS IMPLEMENTATION (as listed in of operation in which activity will DISTURBANCE 2.11.1) (describe how each of the (A description of how each of the Describe the time period when the take place. recommendations in herein will recommendations herein will comply with any measures in the environmental management State; (volumes, tonnages and hectares or m²) remedy the cause of pollution or prescribed environmental management programme must be implemented Measures Planning and degradation and migration of standards or practices that have been must be implemented when required. design, pollutants) identified by Competent Authorities) With regard to Rehabilitation specifically this Pre-Construction’ must take place at the earliest opportunity. Construction, .With regards to Rehabilitation, therefore Operational, state either:-. Rehabilitation, Upon cessation of the individual activity; or. Closure, Post Upon the cessation of mining, bulk sampling closure. or alluvial diamond prospecting as the case may be.
All of the above requirements are addressed in Table 18
a) Impact Management Outcomes (A description of impact management actions, identifying the manner in which the impact management objectives and outcomes contemplated in paragraphs (c) and (d) will be achieved).
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Table 19: Mitigation Measures For The Development Impacts
Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Operational Entire N/A Job Creation Socio- Implement a transparent Pre- Fair Employment Prospecting (+ve): Economic process of recruiting staff, Construction employment Equity Operation following pre-established and /Planning practises accepted criteria. Phase with locals Advertise employment prioritised opportunities adequately, and make employment procedure known to job seekers
Where possible, the Pre- contractor must make use of Construction local labour (in support of the /Planning local economy) at each phase Phase of the project, especially during the operational phase of prospecting activities
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Employ a private security Duration of guard to patrol the area for the project the duration of the project Ensure that Increased Crime ( Socio- the
Theft) Economic neighbourho od is safe
Operational Drilling and 0,185 Ha Dust generation Environmental Suppress dust by spraying When Minimal or GNR 893 Excavation (-ve) ( Air Quality) water on dust roads and required ( no dust Minimum and Social onsite where required when emissions to Emission roads/site neighbouring Standards. dries out farms and and creates atmosphere dust)
Regulate speed to be 40 continuous- km/h on site to reduce dust throughout emission. the operations
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Minimize the extent of continuous- cleared vegetation and throughout exposed soil. Where possible, the place protective nets over operations exposed soil Clearing of Environmental Areas to be cleared must be continuous- Minimal loss Biodiversity vegetation ( and Social clearly marked and clearing throughout of vegetation Acts natural and of vegetation must only take the cover requirement agricultural) (-ve) place within these operations s demarcated areas. (operation footprint) Where possible, retain continuous- indigenous bushes and throughout shrubs for replanting in the the post-operation phase. operations Any sensitive or endangered continuous- tree species that is cleared throughout should be kept for re-planting the after construction operations Prohibit the collection of continuous- plant material for medicinal throughout purposes and fire wood the operations
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Where vegetation removal continuous- cannot be avoided, throughout rehabilitate as soon as the possible by revegetating operations Where possible, place continuous- infrastructures in places that throughout are already disturbed or the degraded to avoid removal of operations vegetation and increasing the footprint of the activity.
Establishment of Environmental All alien invasive tree species continuous- Site clear of Biodiversity declared weeds (Biodiversity ) will be removed from the throughout weeds or Acts (-ve) cleared area, and continuous the Alien requirement monitoring should be operations Invasive s conducted Should any alien invasive continuous- species establish themselves throughout upon stockpiles; these should the be removed before use in operations rehabilitation of the site post-construction.
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Habitat Environmental Areas to be cleared must be Prior to the No loss of Biodiversity disruption and (Biodiversity) clearly marked in the field to undertaking fauna and Acts destruction - eliminate unnecessary of drilling ( minimal requirement Critical clearing. and destruction s biodiversity and excavating) of natural Ecological operations habitats Support areas (- ve) A field survey must be Prior to the undertaken before drilling undertaking commences at each drilling of drilling ( site to confirm that no and ecologically sensitive areas or excavating) conservation areas are operations present in sections to be cleared. The CBA and ESA areas continuous- provide habitat for red data throughout plants as well as mammals the and birds. According to the operations land-use management’s objective, no surface mining and dredging should be permitted in a CBA and ESA area.
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion The use of existing degraded continuous- habitat (cultivated area) is throughout preferable and habitat units the known to be highly operations productive in supporting breeding, foraging and roosting sites, such as ridges and watercourses should be avoided. Limit unnecessary impacts on surrounding natural vegetation, e.g. driving around in the veld, use access roads only.
Work during daytime to continuous- minimise the disruption throughout animal life. the operations Do not disturb nests, continuous- breeding sites or young throughout animals. the operations
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Do not attempt to kill or continuous- capture snakes unless throughout directly threatening the the safety of employees. operations Employees and contractors Prior to the should be made aware of the undertaking presence of, and rules of the regarding, flora and fauna operations through suitable induction and training and on-site signage continuous- throughout the operations Keep to the speed limit of 40 continuous- km/h on all roads running throughout through and accessing the the site to avoid driving over any operations fauna Ensure active re-vegetation continuous- of cleared areas as being throughout important in-order to limit the erosion potential. operations ( Conduct concurrent rehabilitatio
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion n)
Noise generation Social Work during the day time continuous- To minimise SANS 10103 (-ve) only to minimise disruption throughout noise Acceptable of neighbours, animal life and the impacts on Ambient noise in the night. Sound is operations sensitive Levels and louder during the night than receptors by: SANS 10210 during the day. of 2004, Noise Service equipment, continuous- Control machineries, regularly to throughout Regulations minimise noise. the – General operations Notice R154 Provide ear plugs to the Daily of 10 January employees and ensure they 1992 wear them for the protection of their ears. Use equipment or machinery continuous- that complies with the throughout manufactures specifications the acceptable noise levels operations
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Keep to the speed limit of 40 continuous- km/h on all roads running throughout through and accessing the the site operations Introduce a formal recording Prior to system/grievance mechanism commence to capture public perceptions ment of and complaints with regards operations/ to noise impacts, track Planning investigation actions and Phase introduce corrective measures for continuous improvement Land capability Environmental Place infrastructures in Prior to Recover land and land use (- (Soils) & places that are already commence capability so ve) Social disturbed or degraded to ment of as to enable avoid increasing the footprint operations the of the activity continuation of land uses prior to the Landowners should be Prior to development consulted on where the commence different infrastructures can ment of be placed. operations/ Planning Phase
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Avoid as far as possible areas Prior to of important farm land commence activities, by selecting areas ment of with a low veld condition and operations/ diversity. Planning Phase Topsoil and sub soil should During be kept separately operations throughout prospecting activities and rehabilitation
All excavations on site will be Throughout fully backfilled. Material to the be replaced in excavation in operations ( the correct order, no subsoil in carrying to be placed on surface out concurrent rehabilitatio n) and during closure/reha bilitation phase
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Carry out concurrent Throughout rehabilitation throughout the the life of the project to operations encourage quick recovery of the project area
Where soil nutrients and/or Rehabilitatio fertility has been lost, the soil n phase should be fertilised to recover cultivation capacity
Soil erosion from Environmental Sensitive landscapes should Prior to Recover land Manage soils exposed ( Soils) be marked as NO-GO areas commence capability in line with surfaces, and ment of and retain the increased operations/ soil ( and requirement sedimentation in Planning fertility) so s of the water bodies (- Phase as to enable National ve) All development should be continuous- the Norms and positioned 200m from throughout continuation Standards riverbanks, other water the of land uses for the sources and sensitive operations prior to the Remediation landscapes development of
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Implement concurrent Throughout Contaminate rehabilitation- immediately the d Land and rehabilitate areas where operations ( Soil Quality drilling/bulk sampling is in carrying (GN 37603 complete whilst prospecting out No 331). other portions of the project concurrent area. rehabilitatio n) and during closure/reha bilitation phase Restrict impacts to continuous- prospecting activities throughout footprint the operations Have temporal erosion continuous- control measures to protect throughout the disturbed soils and the stockpiles until adequate operations vegetation has established
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Vehicles should be restricted continuous- to travel on the designated throughout roadways at the the recommended 40 km/h operations speed limit to minimize the ecological footprint of the proposed development
Topsoil should be retained continuous- and replaced where possible throughout as topsoil contains a lot of the the nutrients from operations decomposed organic matter and is therefore important for ecosystem functioning. Topsoil stockpiles should be covered/protected to prevent erosion by wind and/or water Rip the soils lightly to Rehabilitatio alleviate compaction and n phase prepare a seed bed prior for planting as per rehabilitation program
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Soil and Environmental Any equipment that is leaking Immediately No oil spill Soils: groundwater ( Ground and should be temporarily in the event incidents Manage soils contamination by Soil) decommissioned and of a spillage in line with oil spills (-ve) removed from the site, to a the surface with an impermeable requirement surface and waste water s of the collection system. National Norms and Standards Spill kits will be provided for Continuous- for the onsite spill cleaning .Clean throughout Remediation any oil spillages on site within the of 24hrs operations. Contaminate Clean any oil d Land and spillages on Soil Quality site within (GN 37603 24hrs No 331). Construct a concrete slab Prior to were any oil storage will be commence Groundwate placed to avoid soil ment of r :South contamination by operations/ African hydrocarbon leakage planning National Phase Standard
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Make all staff aware of the (SANS) need to prevent spills, leaks 241:2011 and disposal of contaminated Drinking water onto the ground and Water ensure that they are Standards adequately trained to take corrective action should an accidental spill occur Provide drip trays for all Continuous- parked vehicles throughout the operations. Conduct groundwater sampling before , during and after the operations within the vicinity of the trenches
and boreholes, and downstream of the flow direction from the trenches and boreholes
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Heritage Heritage The developer should induct Prior to Protection of Section 4 of sites/sites of field worker about commence all heritage the cultural archaeology, and steps that ment of resources on Regulations importance (-ve) should be taken in the case operations/ site In of exposing archaeological planning Accordance materials. Phase With The Indicators of archaeological Provisions of site that may be found during Section 9 Of operations: The -Flaked stone tools, bone National tools and loose pieces of Heritage flaked stone; Ash and Resources charcoal; Act No 25 OF -Bones and shell fragments; 1999 -Artefacts (e.g., beads or hearths); -Graves/burial sites -Packed stones which might be uncounted underground, and might indicate a grave or collapse stone walling. -Several patches of blue gums and other exotic trees are scattered throughout the project area. These mark the footprint of early European settlements in the project 9 LOERIE ROAD, RANDPARK, JOHANNESBURG,area; S OUTHthey AFRICA are associated CELL: 073 912 0800 | EMAIL: [email protected] | TELL: 18 011 791 5032 with farmsteads and 8 historical graves and must be avoided where possible. Should it become necessary to remove them, a walk down survey must be done to ensure that any heritage
Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion If archaeological materials Continuous- are uncovered, work should throughout cease immediately and the the NWPHRA and SAHRA be operations. notified
No prospecting activity should be allowed on the recorded historical mine shaft without a permit from SAHRA. Establish ‘No-Go’ areas Prior to around heritage resources commence and areas demarcated as of ment of heritage importance. Find operations/ alternative locations for planning trenches should the current Phase locations interfere with any heritage resources
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion All operations and the Continuous- development footprint throughout should be 50m away from the burial sites. operations.
No prospecting activity continuous- should be allowed on the throughout recorded historical mine the shaft without a permit from operations SAHRA.
The applicant must always continuous- maintain a 25m buffer zone throughout from the recorded burial site, the disused mine shaft and any operations other heritage resources. The site must be clearly marked by a danger warning tape to avoid any accidental damage of graves at the site.
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion No dumping of construction continuous- material is allowed within throughout this buffer zone and no the alteration or damage on the operations site may occur.
Destruction of Environmental The recorded burial site must Continuous- No Wetlands and or -Wetland be demarcated by a danger throughout destruction riparian warning sign and must be the of wetland ecosystems ( -ve) clearly marked to avoid any operations. and aquatic accidental damage by ecosystem especially heavy prospecting machinery.
No activities will be allowed Continuous- within the wetland areas throughout unless relevant permits the (Water Use License) are operations. obtained from the Department of Water and Sanitation.
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion All development should be Continuous- positioned 200m from throughout wetlands the operations. Sediment and erosion Prior to controls must be designed commence and implemented if found ment of necessary to prevent runoff operations/ from the prospecting site into planning rivers, streams and wetlands Phase
Groundwater Environmental Ensure that all trenches are Continuous- To ensure no South contamination by ( backfilled immediately after concurrent acid mine African acid mine Groundwater) bulk samples are retrieved. rehabilitatio drainage is National drainage (-ve) n should be formed Standard implemente (SANS) d 241:2011 In the event that it rains, After a Drinking water entering the trenches rainfall Water should be pumped out event Standards immediately and can be utilised to supress dust
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Place overburden stockpiles Continuous- around trenches to form a during berm that prevent surface trenching runoff or any water from /bulk entering the pits sample excavation operations Conduct groundwater Before , sampling before , during and during and after the operations within after the the vicinity of the trenches operations and boreholes, and downstream of the flow direction from the trenches and boreholes Impediment and Environmental All disturbed areas (including Continuous- Ensure National Impoundment of - Surface stockpile area and excavated concurrent activities do Water Act water sources Water pits) to be fully rehabilitated. rehabilitatio not disturb Standards n should be surface fulfilment implemente water flow d
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Ensure that water extracted Continuous- from the trenches is not throughout pumped out into nearest the drainage line, as it will result operations. in siltation further downstream. An extraction water plan to Planning be compiled and Phase- prior implemented (if required). to commence ment of activities, implement plan throughout the operations Destruction or Environmental All development should be Continuous- No South pollution of - Surface positioned 200m from throughout contaminatio African surface water ( - Water riverbanks, other water the n of surface National ve) sources and sensitive operations. water Standard landscapes (SANS)
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion No excavation pit may be Continuous- 241:2011 within any demarcated throughout Drinking seepage area. the Water operations. Standards No driving should be Continuous- permitted through throughout wetland/stream channel and the saturated soils unless existing operations. crossings are utilized Access routes to the project Continuous- area will be the existing roads throughout and farm tracks as far as the possible operations.
Insure dip trays are placed Continuous- under any parked throughout machinery/large vehicles the operations. Any oil spill should be In the event cleaned out immediately with of a spillage a spill kit and be disposed of in a correct manner
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Provide enough ablution Continuous- facilities and ensure they are throughout well and frequently the maintained to avoid spillages operations.
Ablution f facilities should be Continuous- properly secured to the throughout grounds to avoid toppling in the the case of a wind/storm operations. event
Ensure that there are no Continuous- toilet spillages when toilets throughout get cleaned and emptied the operations. Impact on access Social Ensure that all (gravel) access As Good driving roads (-ve) roads utilised to access the frequently conditions site are regularly maintained as required ( on the and graded when needed. when the access roads gravel roads get unstable)
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Limit as far as possible the Continuous- Good driving number of vehicles accessing throughout conditions the site the on the operations. access roads Nuisance and Environmental Littering should be prohibited Continuous- Good Standards as visual pollution (- ( aesthetics) on site, and all waste throughout housekeepin per the ve) generated from the site the g and a clean National should be cleared. A ‘no operations. working site Waste waste dumping’ sign should Place litter Management also be placed on site. signs prior Strategy to the beginning of the operations Minimise waste generation, Continuous- e.g. by providing re-usable throughout items and refillable the containers (e.g. for drinking operations. water).
9 LOERIE ROAD, RANDPARK, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA CELL: 073 912 0800 | EMAIL: [email protected] | TELL: 19 011 791 5032 7
Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Waste bins are to be located Continuous- at the prospecting sites. Bins throughout to have secured lids to the prevent waste from being operations. blown into the surrounding area.
Waste generated by workers Weekly must be collected and waste disposed of weekly at the collection nearest registered landfill. throughout the operations Store waste in labelled Continuous- containers, indicating clearly throughout whether the waste is the hazardous or non-hazardous operations. (general waste). The storage area for Prior to hazardous material must commence have concrete floor, bunded, ment of covered, labelled and well- activities ventilated.
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Records of all waste being Continuous- taken off site must be throughout recorded and kept as the evidence. Evidence of correct operations. disposal must be kept. Burning of waste material will Continuous- not be permitted. throughout the operations. Hazardous materials will be In the event generated if there are of a spillage spillages during operation and maintenance periods. This waste should be cleaned up using absorbent material provided in spill kits on site and must be disposed of accordingly at a hazardous waste landfill.
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Absorbent materials used to In the event clean up spillages should be of a spillage disposed of in a separate hazardous waste bin. Impact on Socio- Carry out concurrent Continuous- Restrict N/A tourism interest Economic rehabilitation throughout the throughout development in the area (-ve) prospecting life to ensure the impacts to that the area is returned to operations. development its natural state as fast as area and not possible. affect other part of the Restrict all activities to site Continuous- Magaliesbug footprint. throughout town, and the provide operations. information Ensure clear communication Prior to and and transparency on the commence transparency activities, proceedings and ment of around the duration of the development operations/ project to with planning create an Phase and understandin throughout g on the full the project impacts and life extent of the development
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Operational Topsoil 0,01 Soil erosion/ loss Environmental Have temporal erosion continuous- Recover land Manage soils storage/stockpile of soil -soil control measures to protect throughout capability in line with the disturbed soils and the and retain the stockpiles until adequate operations soil ( and requirement vegetation has established fertility) so s of the as to enable National the Norms and continuation Standards of land uses for the prior to the Remediation development of Contaminate d Land and Soil Quality Topsoil should be retained continuous- (GN 37603 and replaced where possible throughout No 331). as topsoil contains a lot of the the nutrients from operations decomposed organic matter and is therefore important for ecosystem functioning. Topsoil stockpiles should be covered/protected to prevent erosion by wind and/or water
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Decommiss Rehabilitating of 0,205Ha Rehabilitation of Environmental All areas that have been Continuous, To restore N/A ion and the disturbed environment Biodiversity damaged by prospecting throughout the site as Closure and activities and vehicles should the far as Phase contaminated be stabilized immediately operations - possible to areas (+ve) after prospecting ceases to Concurrent its original prevent and control erosion. rehabilitatio natural n should be state/Landov carried out er and land use Remove all vehicles, Upon equipment, waste and cessation of surplus materials from the the site operation Clean up and remove any Continuous, spills and contaminated soil throughout on site. the operations Ensure that all actions Upon identified in the site closure cessation of checklist have been the completed and that the ECO operation is satisfied with the state of the site
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Phase Activity Size and Associated Aspect Mitigation Measures Time Period Standard to Compliance Scale Potential Affected for Be Achieved With Impacts Implementa Standards tion Ensure that aftercare is After provided and the natural cessation of environment recovers and the stabilizes after closure. operation All measures detailed in the After Rehabilitation Plan should be cessation of implemented the operation
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a) Impact Management Actions
Phase Activity Associated Mitigation Measures Time Period for Standard to Be Achieved Potential Implementation Whether listed or not Impacts (modify, remedy, control, or stop) through (e.g. noise (A description of how each of the control measures, storm- water control, dust control, listed. (E.g. Describe the time recommendations in 2.11.6 read with 2.12 Excavations, rehabilitation, design measures, blasting controls, and 2.15.2 herein will comply with any period when the blasting, stockpiles, avoidance, relocation, alternative activity etc. etc.) prescribed environmental management (E.g. dust, noise, measures in the discard dumps or . standards or practices that have been drainage surface environmental dams, Loading, identified by Competent Authorities) disturbance, flies management hauling and management and monitoring Remedy through rock, surface water programme must be transport, Water rehabilitation. contamination, implemented supply dams and groundwater Measures must be boreholes, contamination, air implemented when accommodation, pollution etc.) required. With offices, ablution, regard to stores, workshops, Rehabilitation processing plant, specifically this storm water control, must take place at berms, roads, the earliest pipelines, power opportunity. With lines, conveyors, regard to etc.…etc.…etc.). Rehabilitation, therefore state either: Upon cessation of the individual activity or. Upon the cessation of mining, bulk sampling or alluvial diamond prospecting as the case may be.
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All of the above requirements are addressed in Table 18
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15 FINANCIAL PROVISION
i) Financial Provision 1) Determination of the amount of Financial Provision (a) Describe the closure objectives and the extent to which they have been aligned to the baseline environment described under Regulation 22(2) (d) as described in 2.4 herein.
The closure objectives primarily entail the following: The broad rehabilitation objectives include the following three aspects:
Restoration of previous land use capability
Restore as far as possible, the natural state of the area
The affected parties play a role in determining the end land use
Rehabilitation/closure objectives need to be tailored for the project at hand and be aligned with the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). Therefore, the overall rehabilitation objectives for the proposed project are as follows: Fill (and grade) all trenches with the removed waste rock and topsoil and revegetate the surface where vegetation has been removed.
Rehabilitate the disturbed area back to its natural state or as close as possible, and restore the land capability (to aid initial land uses) of the area
Remove all infrastructure and all other items used during prospecting operation
Remove and dispose of all waste types
Final rehabilitation will be completed within specified period as guided by the Regional Manager
Comply with the relevant local and national regulatory requirements.
The cost of these listed activities has been considered and accounted for in the final financial provision calculations
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(b) Confirm specifically that the environmental objectives in relation to closure have been consulted with the landowner and interested and affected parties.
The environmental objectives in relation to closure have been discussed with the land owners and interested and affected parties during the stakeholder engagement process of the public consultation, and the parties were afforded an opportunity to question or comment on the objectives.
(c) Provide a rehabilitation plan that describes and shows the scale and aerial extent of the main mining activities, including the anticipated mining area at the time of closure.
The rehabilitation plan is attached as Appendix 7.
(d) Explain why it can be confirmed that the rehabilitation plan is compatible with the closure objectives The rehabilitation plan is aligned with the closure objectives as it accounts for the rehabilitation of the receiving environment and restoration of the natural state/ initial land uses upon closure of all proposed operations.
(e) Calculate the state the quantum of financial provision required to manage and rehabilitate the environment in accordance with the applicable guideline.
The amount that is required to both manage and rehabilitate the environment in respect of rehabilitation is calculated using the Quantum of financials 2018 table. The rehabilitation fee of ZAR 237 281,82
(f) Confirm that the financial provision will be provided as determined. Tau Industries is required to make financial provision for the interim and final rehabilitation activities on the site in terms of Section 41, Regulations 53 and 54 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (Act 28 of 2002). This provision will be reviewed annually for adequacy and amended where required, to compensate for new activities and/or inflation. The financial provision will be provided as determined
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Table 20: Quantum Of Financials
A B C D E=A*B*C*D No. Description Unit Quantity Master Multiplication Weighting Amount Rate factor factor 1 (Rands)
1 m3 0 14,51 1 1 0 Dismantling of processing plant and related structures 2 (A) Demolition of steel buildings and structures m2 0 201,718 1 1 0 2(B) Demolition of reinforced concrete buildings and structures m2 0 297,2876 1 1 0 3 Rehabilitation of access roads m2 0 36,093 1 1 0 4 (A) Demolition and rehabilitation of electrified railway lines m 0 350,33 1 1 0 4 (A) Demolition and rehabilitation of non-electrified railway lines m 0 191,118 1 1 0 5 Demolition of housing and/or administration facilities m2 0 403,436 1 1 0 6 Opencast rehabilitation including final voids and ramps ha 0,625 205339,278 1 1 128337,0488 7 Sealing of shafts adits and inclines m3 0 108,3002 1 1 0 8 (A) Rehabilitation of overburden and spoils ha 0,02 140998,2214 1 1 2819,964428 Rehabilitation of processing waste deposits and evaporation 8 (B) ha 0 175610,73 1 1 0 ponds (non-polluting potential) Rehabilitation of processing waste deposits and evaporation 8 ( C ) ha 0 510056,842 1 1 0 ponds (polluting potential) 9 Rehabilitation of subsided areas ha 0 118064,814 1 1 0 10 General surface rehabilitation ha 0,3 111694,373 1 1 33508,3119 11 River diversions ha 0 111694,373 1 1 0 12 Fencing m 0 127,412 1 1 0 13 Water management ha 0 42469,324 1 1 0 14 2 to 3 years of maintenance and aftercare ha 0,3 14864,274 1 1 4459,2822 15 (A) Specialist study Sum 1 0 15 (B) Specialist study Sum 1 0 Sub Total 1 169124,6073
weighting factor 2 1 Preliminary and General 20294,95287 20294,95287 1 2 Contingencies 16912,46073 16912,46073 Subtotal 2 206332,02
VAT (15%) 30949,80
Grand Total ZAR 237 281,82
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16 MECHANISMS FOR MONITORING COMPLIANCE
Mechanisms for monitoring compliance with and performance assessment against the environmental management programme and reporting thereon, including: (g) Monitoring of Impact Management Actions
Monitoring of the impact management actions will be done by an Environmental Control Officer that will frequent the site, as well as the project manager.
(h) Monitoring and reporting frequency Monitoring will be done as required depending on the aspect to be monitored. An ECO will be appointed to monitor compliance with this EMP. The reporting to the competent authority will be done annually or when required by the competent authority.
(i) Responsible persons For this EMP to be implemented effectively, all role players involved in this project need to comply with the directives set out. A concise description of impacts and their mitigation/management measures will be provided and understood by all role players responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the mitigation measures
This project will comprise of the following responsible role players:
Lead Authority (DMR) The Environmental Control Officer; The Contractor; The project manager and The Developer (right holder).
These parties will ensure that all conditions stated on the right are adhered to and that all environmental management requirements are met. Each person’s responsibility is detailed in the Table below.
Function Responsibility
Right holder Ensuring compliance to the EMP and conditions contained in the Environmental Authorisation (EA). Contracting the Environmental Control Officer as an independent appointment to objectively monitor and implement the applicable environmental legislation.
Project Manager Complete responsibility of the whole project and any contracted parties and ensuring that all environmental management facets are adhered to.
The Construction Manager will be supported by the ECO. The roles and
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responsibilities of the Construction Manager during the Construction Phase will include: Review the annual reports compiled by the Environmental Control Officer (ECO); Identify the need for remedial measures with regard to proposed works; Communicate directly with the Contractors; and Issue non-conformance notifications to Contractors that do not comply with the requirements as set out in the EMP.
Environmental Control Objectively monitor, implement applicable environmental legislation, Officer conditions of Environmental Authorisations (EA’s) and the EMP.
Conduct audits on compliance to applicable environmental legislation, conditions of EA’s and the EMP. Including size and sensitivity of the development (on grounds of the EIA).
Liaison between the relevant authorities and project team. Any changes in environmental conditions, registration and updating of all EMP documentation should be communicated and carried out by the ECO
Develop environmental awareness training for all new site personnel (e.g. posters, tool box talks, signage);
Undertake visual inspections of the activities of employees with regard to implementation of the requirements outlined in the EMP; Immediately notify the Construction Manager of any non-compliance with the EMP, or any other complaints or issues of environmental concern; Review and approve Method Statements; and Ensure that all environmental monitoring programmes (sampling, measuring, recording etc.) are carried out according to protocols and schedules
Lead Authority (DMR) The department responsible for approving the Environmental Authorisation application. Ensuring that the monitoring and adherence to EMPs is carried out, by going through/reviewing audit reports submitted by the ECO and conducting regular site visits.
Contractor A Contractor will be employed by the developer for different components of the project. The Contractor’s primary responsibilities are to construct the works and ensure compliance with the EMP whilst carrying out the work.
(j) Time period for implementing impact management action
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Impact management actions will be undertaken throughout each phase of the project, which includes operation and closure and post closure. The time period for implementation has been included in Table 19.
(k) Mechanisms for monitoring compliance
Table 21: Mechanisms For Monitoring Compliance
Activity Associated Functional Requirements Roles and Monitoring Potential for Monitoring Responsibilities and Reporting Impacts Frequency and Time Periods for Implementing Impact Management Actions Drilling and Dust generation Keep a complaint register ECO and Monitor Weekly Excavation (-ve) for community members to Project/Site make remarks on dust Manager generation if not well managed, and manage and attend to the register Visual inspection that ECO Monitor Weekly access roads and the site is sprayed regularly to supress dust Clearing of Visual inspection of any ECO Monitor vegetation ( vegetation removal in areas Monthly natural and outside the activities agricultural) (- footprint, or at any areas ve) where development/activity is forbidden Visual inspection of ECO Monitor appearance of sensitive Monthly vegetation most likely to be found in the area as stipulated by the biodiversity report
Establishment Implement alien invasive ECO and Monitor of declared and weeds management Project/Site weed/alien weeds (-ve) plan: Monitor the Manager invasive establishment of any establishment foreign/alien invasive monthly species on site and have them remove
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Activity Associated Functional Requirements Roles and Monitoring Potential for Monitoring Responsibilities and Reporting Impacts Frequency and Time Periods for Implementing Impact Management Actions Habitat Visual inspection of any ECO Monitor Weekly disruption and vegetation removal in areas destruction - of where activity is Critical forbidden biodiversity and Ecological Support areas (-ve) Visual inspection of ECO Monitor appearance of sensitive Monthly vegetation most likely to be found in the area as stipulated by the biodiversity report
Noise Keep a complaints register Project/Site Monitor Weekly generation (-ve) for community members to Manager make remarks on noise levels if not well managed
Land capability Inspection that areas ECO Monitor Weekly and land use (- outside of the development ve) footprint aren’t disturbed
Soil erosion Visual Inspection of topsoil ECO Monitor from exposed stockpile and site erosion Monthly surfaces (-ve)
Soil and Inspection of the presence ECO Monitor Weekly groundwater and usage of the correct contamination spill kits by oil spills (-ve) Destruction of Ensure all known sites of ECO Monitor Heritage cultural, archaeological, Monthly sites/sites of and historical significance cultural are demarcated on the site importance (-ve) layout plan, and marked as no-go areas. Inspection of identified sites Project/Site Monitor containing heritage Manager monthly resources
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Activity Associated Functional Requirements Roles and Monitoring Potential for Monitoring Responsibilities and Reporting Impacts Frequency and Time Periods for Implementing Impact Management Actions Should any archaeological Project/Site Monitor or physical cultural property Manager monthly heritage resources be exposed during excavation for the purpose of construction, construction in the vicinity of the finding must be stopped until a registered heritage specialist or PHRA official as conducted a site inspection and a heritage authority has cleared the development to continue Destruction of Visual Inspection that the ECO Monitor Wetlands and or wetlands and wetland Monthly riparian buffers are not impacted/ ecosystems ( - not disturbed by the ve) development activities
Groundwater Monitor the dewatering of ECO and Monitor after contamination trenches during rain events Project/Site the occurrence by acid mine Manager of every rainfall drainage (-ve) event Monitor Groundwater ECO ( with Sample before, quality appointed during and after groundwater operations specialist) have started Destruction or Visual Inspection that ECO Monitor pollution of surface water bodies and Monthly surface water ( - their buffers are not ve) impacted/ not disturbed by the development activities
Impact on Visual inspections of ECO and Monitor Weekly access roads (- access roads conditions Project/Site ve) Manager
Nuisance and Inspection of littering in and ECO Monitor Weekly visual pollution around site (-ve)
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Activity Associated Functional Requirements Roles and Monitoring Potential for Monitoring Responsibilities and Reporting Impacts Frequency and Time Periods for Implementing Impact Management Actions Inspection of proper ECO Monitor Weekly containment and disposal of waste generated on site Topsoil and Soil erosion Visual Inspections of oil ECO Monitor Weekly overburden spills and their clean-up stockpiling
Decommission Rehabilitation of Monitor that concurrent ECO and Monitor and environment rehabilitation is Project/Site quarterly Rehabilitation implemented Manager
2-3yrs ECO Monitor aftercare/maintenance Annually monitoring of re- establishment of the environment
(l) Indicate the frequency of the submission of the performance assessment report
The performance assessment report will be submitted to the competent authority annually
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17 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS PLAN
(m) Environmental awareness plan
1) Manner in which the applicant intends to inform his or her employees of any environmental risk which may result from their work
This will be detailed in environmental awareness training that all employees will undergo. An environmental control officer will conduct environmental awareness training and environmental awareness programs throughout the operation. The environmental awareness plan will be aimed at making contractors and/or workers aware of the potential environmental risks associated with the project and the necessity to prevent accidental spillages by the implementation of good housekeeping practices. The following principles will apply to the Environmental Awareness Plan (safety, health and environmental (SHE) training): All personnel will as a minimum requirement, undergo a general SHE induction and awareness training. The induction and training will sensitize all employees to safety and environmental issues including but not limited to: waste management, veld fires, poaching/ faunal protection, safety precautions, and water protection. Awareness training will be conducted to educate personnel on the potential consequences of non-compliances with specified operating procedures and management measures as well as significant environmental impacts, actual or potential, of their work activities. Training is appropriate to the activity of individual employees At the end of the training, personnel will be required to complete an awareness test and the level of awareness will be assessed. Re-testing or induction may be required based on the result of the test/assessment. An environmental calendar will be drawn. The calendar will detail monthly environmental awareness topics for all personnel to engage in and get continuous environmental awareness. Signage and posters of environmental awareness topics will be placed around operational areas.
2) Manner in which risks will be dealt with in order to avoid pollution or the degradation of the environment Prior to the commencement of prospecting activities, the applicant will compile an Emergency Preparedness Response Plan (EPRP) for the proposed project. The EPRP provides guidance on emergency response procedures for all risks and in the case of an incident onsite. The EPRP needs to provide comprehensive and site-specific measures and information for successful response to, and management of, emergencies arising from either internal or external factors.
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The EPRP applies to emergencies within the designated project area, and as such encompasses incidents affecting the facilities, infrastructure and operations. It further pertains to transportation of goods/ raw material to and from the prospecting area. The scope of the EPRP also extends to natural disasters, as well as to manmade and third- party events with the potential to impact on health and safety, and environmental pollution within the prospecting area. The EPRP will also include a description of the ongoing monitoring and management measures to be implemented, to provide the early warning systems necessary to avoid environmental emergencies. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) should be developed for the following potential risk sources: Accidents involving operational vehicles and /or machinery resulting in human injuries, Accidental leaks and chemical and/or hydrocarbon spills on site Fires and/or explosions due to the lack of hydrocarbon management;
Training will be important in supporting the implementation of the EPRP in the form of induction training on general environmental management and job specific training such as control and clean-up of hydrocarbon spills. The objective of an environmental training program should be to develop a culture of environmental awareness, accountability, responsibility and prevention. Personnel at all levels should have sufficient knowledge and authority to proactively identify and prevent a situation that could potentially result in an environmental or safety emergency. Furthermore, a generic description of the dangers associated with being exposed to hazardous chemicals or materials will be developed as well as a description on the procedures to be implemented to help control hazardous substance releases.
(n) Specific information required by the Competent Authority (Among others, confirm that the financial provision will be reviewed annually). In terms of Section 41, Regulations 53 and 54 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (Act 28 of 2002), Tau Industries is required to make financial provision for the interim and final rehabilitation activities on the site. This provision will be reviewed annually for adequacy. During the annual review, confirmation will be provided that the calculated amount can be provided for from operating expenditure.
3) UNDERTAKING The EAP HEREWITH CONFIRMS a) The correctness of the information provided in the reports b) The inclusion and inputs from stakeholders and I& A parties c) The inclusion and inputs from specialist report where relevant. d) The acceptability of the project in relation to the finding of the assessment and level of mitigation proposed Signature:
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Appendix 1: EAP Degree
9 LOERIE ROAD, RANDPARK, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA CELL: 073 912 0800 | EMAIL: [email protected] | TELL: 21 011 791 5032 7
9 LOERIE ROAD, RANDPARK, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA CELL: 073 912 0800 | EMAIL: [email protected] | TELL: 21 011 791 5032 8
Appendix 2: EAP Experience
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CURRICULUM VITAE OF LUFUNO PRECILLA MUTSHATHAMA
Surname : Mutshathama First Name : Lufuno Precilla Identity Numbers : 8510020398080 Date of Birth : 1985 October 02 Gender : Female Marital Status : Married Home Language : Tshivenda Nationality : South African Physical Address :45 Mayers Estate, Bassoon Avenue, Struben Valley, 1724 Contact numbers : 073 912 0800/073 805 5481, Fax No : 086 2355 142 Email address : [email protected]
TERTIARY COMPETENCES Name of Institution: University of Venda Qualification : BEnvSc (Bachelor of Environmental Sciences) Duration of study : 2005 – 2007 Major courses :
Ecology and Resources Management
Environmental Impact Assessment & Modelling Hydrology & water resources Conservation biology Environmental Pollution and management Resources Evaluation and Information Systems
Geography
Geographic Information System (GIS) Remote sensing Population and demography Climatology Biogeography Tourism geography
CURRENT OCCUPATION
9 LOERIE ROAD, RANDPARK, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA CELL: 073 912 0800 | EMAIL: [email protected] | TELL: 22 011 791 5032 0
Name of Employer : Joan Construction and Projects Job Title : Director-Mineral licensing and Environmental Consultant Company : Joan Construction and Projects (Pty) Ltd Duration : June 2013 to date Duties :
Conduct Environmental Impact Assessment Compile scoping reports Compile Environmental Management Plans Compile Basic Assessment report Conduct public participation (stakeholder engagements) Compile Environmental Performance Assessment Reports Amend Environmental Management Plans and programmes Compile mine closure plans Compile Integrated Water use Licence application Compile financial provision report and calculate financial provision quantum Select and appoint appropriate specialists to undertake specialist studies and draw up sound Terms of Reference for the specialists that address the particular needs of that project or piece of work.
PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE
Name of Employer : Village Main Reef Limited Job Title : Group Environmental Officer Duration : January 2012 to July 2013 Duties:
Environmental Management: Enforce Compliance of MPRDA 2002(Act no 28 of 2002), NWA1998 (Act no 36 of 1998) and NEMA 1998 (Act no 107 of 1998) through conducting environmental monitoring & auditing in four (4) mines and one exploration site. Compilation of EMPs Assessment of EM Programmes before they are submitted to the DMR Compilation of rehabilitation plans Liaison with the regulators (DMR, DWA, DEA) Compilation of performance assessments for all operations Calculation and updating rehabilitation financial liability Compilation of closure applications for Prospecting Rights Conduct public participation
Mineral and Prospecting Right Legal Tenure Apply and follow up on section 11s (cessions) Apply and follow up on section 102s(amendments/variations)
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Follow ups on conversion applications Apply and follow up on Mining Permits
Name of the employer : Department of Minerals Resources Directorate : Mineral Regulation Job title : Environmental Officer Duration : September 2008 to December 2011 Duties :
Environmental Management:
Evaluation & assessment of EMPs, EIAs Scoping Reports, Performance Assessment Report, Closure Plans, rehabilitation plans Environmental Liability and other Environmental Technical Reports. Management of mining related impacts on the components of the natural environment. Compliance and enforcement of MPRDA 2002(Act no 28 of 2002), NWA1998 (Act no 36 of 1998) and NEMA 1998 (Act no 107 of 1998) through conducting Inspections, environmental monitoring & auditing Consult with relevant state departments that administer matters relating to the environment. Identifying area that are sensitive and protected before mining can resume.
Mineral and Prospecting Right Legal Tenure
Assist clients with lodging applications on SAMRAD system. Capture mining spatial areas (polygons/ farms) applied for on the work -based GIS(ArcIMS) software for mining right, prospecting right and mining permit Digitising/geo-coding mining polygons Advice the regional manager on settlement and environmentally sensitive areas under the mining Application Give monthly statistic of all mining application in Limpopo
Name of the employer : Department of Minerals Resources Directorate Mineral Regulation Job title : Intern (Environmental & GIS officer) Duration : April 2008 to September 2008 Duties :
Capture mining spatial areas (polygons/ farms) applied for on the work -based GIS(ArcIMS) software for mining right, prospecting
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right and mining permit Digitising/geo-coding mining polygons Advice the regional manager on settlement and environmentally sensitive areas under the mining Application Give monthly statistic of all mining application in Limpopo
REFERENCES
Name and Surname :Mr. Dalubuhle Ncube Company name : Village Main Reef limited Title : Managing Director Contact details :072 3341965|011 2744600| [email protected]
Name and Surname : Mr. Aaron Kharivhe Name of institution : Department of Mineral Resources Title :RegionalManager-Limpopo Region Contact details :0152874700/0824670912/ [email protected]
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Appendix 3: Locality Map
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Appendix4: Sensitivity Map
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Appendix 5: Landuse Map
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Appendix 6: Site Plan
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Appendix 7: Rehabilitation Plan
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Appendix 8: Specialist Reports
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8.1) Biodiversity Assessment Report
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8.2) Heritage Impact Assessment Report
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8.3) Wetland Assessment Report
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