Kareerand TSF Expansion Project Integrated Water Use License Application (IWULA) and Integrated Water and Waste Management Plan (IWWMP)

63 Wessel Road, Rivonia, 2128 PO Box 2597, Rivonia, 2128 South Africa Tel: +27 (0) 11 803 5726 Fax: +27 (0) 11 803 5745 Web: www.gcs-sa.biz

Kareerand TSF Expansion Project

Integrated Water Use License Application (IWULA) and Integrated Water and Waste Management Plan (IWWMP)

Report

Version – Draft for Public Review 04 March 2020

Chemwes (Pty) Ltd

GCS Project Number: 17-0026

GCS (Pty) Ltd. Reg No: 2004/000765/07 Est. 1987 Offices: Durban Gaborone Johannesburg Lusaka Maseru Ostrava Pretoria Windhoek Directors: AC Johnstone (Managing) PF Labuschagne AWC Marais S Napier W Sherriff (Financial) Non-Executive Director: B Wilson-Jones www.gcs-sa.biz Chemwes (Pty) Ltd Kareerand Expansion Project

Kareerand TSF Expansion Project Integrated Water Use License Application (IWULA) and Integrated Water and Waste Management Plan (IWWMP)

Report

Version – Draft for Public Review

04 March 2020

Chemwes (Pty) Ltd

17-0026

DOCUMENT ISSUE STATUS

Report Issue Draft for Public Review

GCS Reference Number 17-0026

Kareerand TSF Expansion Project Title Integrated Water Use License Application (IWULA) and Integrated Water and Waste Management Plan (IWWMP)

Name Signature Date

Author Shayna-Ann Cuthbertson 04 March 2020

Document Reviewer Kate Cain 04 March 2020

Client Review John van Wyk 04 March 2020

LEGAL NOTICE

This report or any proportion thereof and any associated documentation remain the property of GCS until the mandator effects payment of all fees and disbursements due to GCS in terms of the GCS Conditions of Contract and Project Acceptance Form. Notwithstanding the aforesaid, any reproduction, duplication, copying, adaptation, editing, change, disclosure, publication, distribution, incorporation, modification, lending, transfer, sending, delivering, serving or broadcasting must be authorised in writing by GCS.

17-0026 04 March 2020 Page ii Chemwes (Pty) Ltd Kareerand Expansion Project

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background Chemwes (Pty) Ltd (Chemwes), also known as Mine Waste Solutions (MWS), has been in business since 1964, and conducts its operations over a large area of land to the east of Klerksdorp, within the area of jurisdiction of the City of Matlosana and JB Marks Local Municipalities (LM), which fall within the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality (DM) in the North‐West Province. The MWS/Chemwes Operations are located primarily to the south of the N12, east of the town of Stilfontein. The closest town is Khuma, located about 3km northwest of the facility. Other nearby towns include Stilfontein (10km from facility) and Klerksdorp (19km from facility).

The operations at Chemwes/MWS entail the collection and reprocessing of mine tailings that were previously deposited on Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) in order to extract gold and uranium. High pressure water cannons are used to slurry the tailings on the Source TSFs. The slurry is then pumped by a number of pump stations and pipelines to the MWS/Chemwes Processing Plant. The residue from the processing plants is then pumped to the current Kareerand TSF. Once an old Source TSF has been completely recovered, it is cleaned‐up and rehabilitated.

The existing Kareerand TSF was designed with an operating life of 14 years, taking the facility to 2025, and total design capacity of 352 million tonnes. Subsequent to commissioning of the TSF, Chemwes/MWS was acquired by AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) and tailings production target has increased by an additional 485 million tonnes, which will require operations to continue until 2042. The additional tailings, therefore, requires expansion of the design life of the current TSF.

This project entails the expansion of the current Kareerand TSF to accommodate the increased tailings and final design capacity, along with additional pump stations and pipelines from old source TSFs. The TSF expansion is proposed on the western edge of the current facility, and the final height of the combined facility (both expansion and current) will be 122m. The expansion footprint will add 380 hectares (ha) to the TSF and approximately 93 additional hectares will be cleared for supporting infrastructure.

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Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) (NWA). The following water uses were licensed in terms of Section 21 of the NWA: • Section 21(a) – Taking water from a water resource; • Section 21(c) – Impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse; • Section 21(g) – Disposing of waste in a manner which may detrimentally impact on a water resource; and • Section 21(i) – Altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse.

Water Uses to be licenced As a result of the TSF Expansion, additional water uses have been identified that require authorisation in terms of Section 21 of the NWA. The following additional water uses are required to be licenced for this phase of the project: ● Section 21(a) – Taking water from a water resource: o Abstraction of contaminated groundwater seepage from interception boreholes. ● Section 21(c) – Impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse: o Infrastructure which occurs within 500m of a wetland. ● Section 21(g) – Disposing of waste in a manner which may detrimentally impact on a water resource: o Construction of Return Water Dams for collection of return and storm water; and o Disposal of mine residue (slurry) into TSF (TSF Expansion). ● Section 21(i) – Altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse: o Infrastructure which occurs within 500m of a wetland; and o Construction of storm water diversion channel to divert storm water into the Vaal River.

This report serves as the technical document to authorise all water uses triggered by the TSF expansion. This document has been compiled in the format of an Integrated Water and Waste Management Plan (IWWMP) in line with the requirements of the DWS operational Guideline dated 2010.

Potential Environmental Impacts

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The following potential impacts relating to groundwater, wetlands and surface water will have to be monitored and evaluated: • Impact of groundwater contamination during construction and operational phase; • Impact on groundwater depletion during construction and operational phase; • Impact on surface water quality during construction and operational phase; • Impact on surface water quantity; • Changes in water flow regime; • Changes in sediment entering and exiting the system; • Introduction and spread of alien plants; and • Loss and disturbance of watercourse habitat and fringe vegetation.

These impacts have been identified and mitigation measures provided and detailed in Section 5.5 of this report.

Integrated Water and Waste Management Plan As there are waste related uses associated with the proposed development, this application report has been structured in line with the approved Integrated Water and Waste Management Plan (IWWMP) Operational Guideline compiled by the DWS.

The main purpose of this IWWMP is to consolidate all the various site-specific activities such as storm water management, water reuse, water conservation, waste minimisation and recycling into a simple implementable management plan.

The IWWMP is therefore a living document that will be revised and updated throughout the life of the operations and as per the IWUL conditions to accommodate additional information and improved technologies. These will ensure that water and waste management is continually optimised and adapted to the changing needs of the mine and the Water Management Area (WMA).

Overall Recommendation This report serves as the motivation document for the authorisation of new water uses for the Kareerand TSF Expansion. It is hereby recommended that the water use be authorised under a water use licence issued by the DWS for a period of 25 years with a review period of 5 years.

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Relevant Included? section of Information (Yes/No) IWWMP Report Evaluate to determine if the following aspects are addressed in the FINAL / BRIEF APPLICATION (IWWMP) REPORT: Introduction

1.1 Activity Background Yes 1.1

1.2 Contact Detail Yes 1.2

1.3 Regional setting and location of activity Yes 1.3

1.4 Property description Yes 1.4

1.5 Purpose of IWWMP Yes 1.5

Conceptualisation of activity

2.1 Description of activity Yes 2.1

2.2 Extent of activity Yes 2.2

2.3 Key activity related processes and products Yes 2.3

2.4 Activity life description Yes 2.4

2.5 Activity infrastructure description Yes 2.5

2.6 Key water uses and waste streams Yes 2.6

2.7 Organisational structure of activity Yes 2.7

2.8 Business and corporate policies Yes 2.8

Regulatory water and waste management framework

3.1 Summary of all water uses Yes 3.1

3.2 Existing lawful water uses Yes 3.2

3.3 Relevant exemptions Yes 3.3

3.4 Generally authorized water uses Yes 3.4

3.5 New water uses to be licensed Yes 3.5

3.6 Waste management activities (NEMWA) Yes 3.6

3.7 Waste related authorizations Yes 3.7

3.8 Other authorizations (EIAs, EMPs, RODs, Regulations) Yes 3.8

Present Environmental Situation

4.1 Climate Yes 4.1

4.1.1 Regional Climate Yes 4.1.1

4.1.2 Rainfall Yes 4.1.2

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Relevant Included? section of Information (Yes/No) IWWMP Report 4.1.3 Evaporation No 4.1.3

4.2 Surface Water Yes 4.2

4.2.1 Water Management Area Yes 4.2.1

4.2.2 Surface Water Hydrology Yes 4.2.2

4.2.3 Surface Water Quality Yes 4.2.3

4.2.4 Mean Annual Runoff (MAR) Yes 4.2.4

4.2.5 Resource Class and River Health Yes 4.2.5

4.2.6 Receiving Water Quality Objectives and Reserve Yes 4.2.6

4.2.7 Surface Water User Survey Yes 4.2.7

4.2.8 Sensitive Areas Survey Yes 4.2.8

4.3 Groundwater Yes 4.3

4.3.1 Aquifer Characterisation Yes 4.3.1

4.3.2 Groundwater Quality Yes 4.3.3

4.3.3 Hydro-census Yes 4.3.4

4.3.4 Potential Pollution Source Identification Yes 4.3.5

4.3.5 Groundwater Model Yes 4.3.6

4.4 Socio-economic environment Yes 4.4

Analyses and characterisation of activity

5.1 Site delineation for characterisation Yes 5.1

5.2 Water and waste management Yes 5.2

5.2.1 Process water Yes 5.2.1

5.2.2 Storm water Yes 5.2.2

5.2.3 Groundwater Yes 5.2.3

5.2.4 Waste Yes 5.2.4

5.3 Operational Management Yes 5.3

5.3.1 Organisational structure Yes 5.3.1

5.3.2 Resources and competence Yes 5.3.2

5.3.3 Education and training Yes 5.3.3

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Relevant Included? section of Information (Yes/No) IWWMP Report 5.3.4 Internal and external communication Yes 5.3.4

5.3.5 Awareness raising Yes 5.3.5

5.4 Monitoring and control Yes 5.4

5.4.1 Surface water monitoring Yes 5.4.1

5.4.2 Groundwater monitoring Yes 5.4.2

5.4.3 Bio monitoring Yes 5.4.3

5.4.4 Waste monitoring Yes 5.4.4

5.5 Risk assessment / Best Practice Assessment Yes 5.5

5.6 Issues and responses from public consultation process Yes 5.6

5.7 Matters requiring attention / problem statement Yes 5.7

5.8 Assessment of level and confidence of information Yes 5.8

Water and waste management

6.1 Water and waste management philosophy (process water, Yes 6.1 storm water, groundwater, waste) 6.2 Strategies (process water, storm water, groundwater and Yes 6.2 waste) 6.3 Performance objectives / goals Yes 6.3

6.4 Measures to achieve and sustain performance objectives Yes 6.4 6.5 Option analyses and motivation for implementation of Yes 6.5 preferred options (Optional) 6.6 IWWMP action plan Yes 6.6

6.7 Control and monitoring Yes 6.7

6.7.1 Monitoring of change in baseline (environment) information ( Yes 6.7.1 surface water, groundwater and bio-monitoring)

6.7.2 Audit and report on performance measures Yes 6.7.2

6.7.3 Audit and report on relevance of IWWMP action plan Yes 6.7.3

Conclusion

7.1 Regulatory status of activity Yes 7.1

7.2 Statement on water uses requiring authorization, dispensing Yes 7.2 with licensing requirement and possible exemption from regulations

7.3 Section 27 motivation Yes 7.4

7.4 Proposed licence conditions Yes 7.5

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Relevant Included? section of Information (Yes/No) IWWMP Report References

Appendixes: Specialist studies

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CONTENTS PAGE

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 ACTIVITY BACKGROUND ...... 1 1.2 CONTACT DETAILS ...... 2 1.3 REGIONAL SETTING AND LOCATION OF ACTIVITY ...... 3 1.3.1 Regional Setting ...... 3 1.3.2 Magisterial District and Local Municipality ...... 3 1.4 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION ...... 5 1.5 PURPOSE OF THE IWWMP ...... 8 2 CONCEPTUALISATION OF THE ACTIVITY ...... 9 2.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY ...... 9 2.2 EXTENT OF THE ACTIVITY ...... 9 2.3 KEY ACTIVITY RELATED PROCESSES AND PRODUCTS ...... 11 2.3.1 Mine Tailings from Existing TSFs ...... 11 2.3.2 Processing of Slurry at the Chemwes Processing Plants ...... 11 2.3.3 Disposal of Processed Residue at the Kareerand TSF ...... 12 2.4 ACTIVITY LIFE DESCRIPTION ...... 12 2.5 ACTIVITY INFRASTRUCTURE DESCRIPTION ...... 12 2.6 KEY WATER USES AND WASTE STREAMS ...... 19 2.6.1 Water Uses ...... 19 2.6.2 Waste Streams ...... 19 2.7 ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF ACTIVITY ...... 19 2.8 BUSINESS AND CORPORATE POLICIES ...... 20 2.8.1 Environmental ...... 20 2.8.2 Safety ...... 21 2.8.3 Health ...... 22 3 REGULATORY WATER AND WASTE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK ...... 22 3.1 SUMMARY OF ALL WATER USES ...... 22 3.2 EXISTING LAWFUL WATER USE ...... 23 3.3 RELEVANT EXEMPTIONS ...... 23 3.4 GENERALLY AUTHORISED WATER USES ...... 29 3.5 NEW WATER USES TO BE LICENSED ...... 29 3.5.1 Section 21(a) ...... 34 3.5.2 Section 21(c) and (i) ...... 34 3.5.3 Section 21(g) ...... 34 3.6 WASTE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES (NEM: WA) ...... 34 3.7 WASTE RELATED AUTHORISATIONS ...... 36 3.8 OTHER AUTHORISATIONS (EIAS, EMPS, RODS, REGULATIONS) ...... 37 3.9 RELEVANT LEGISLATION ...... 41 3.9.1 Constitution of South Africa, 1996 (Act No.108 of 1996) ...... 41 3.9.2 National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) ...... 41 3.9.3 The National Water Act, 1998 (Act No.36 of 1998) ...... 42 4 PRESENT ENVIRONMENTAL SITUATION ...... 44 4.1 CLIMATE ...... 44 4.1.1 Regional Climate ...... 44 4.1.2 Rainfall ...... 44 4.1.3 Evaporation...... 45 4.2 SURFACE WATER ...... 46 4.2.1 Water Management Area (WMA) ...... 46 4.2.2 Surface Water Hydrology ...... 48 4.2.3 Surface Water Quality ...... 48

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4.2.4 Mean Annual Run-off ...... 49 4.2.5 Resource Class and River Health ...... 50 4.2.6 Receiving Water Quality Objectives and Reserve ...... 50 4.2.7 Surface Water User Survey ...... 56 4.2.8 Sensitive Areas Survey (Wetlands) ...... 56 4.3 GROUNDWATER ...... 68 4.3.1 Aquifer Characterisation ...... 68 4.3.2 Hydrocensus ...... 69 4.3.3 Groundwater Quality ...... 73 4.3.4 Potential Pollution Source Identification ...... 81 4.3.5 Groundwater Model ...... 81 4.4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT...... 89 4.4.1 Regional Context ...... 89 4.4.2 Local Context ...... 92 5 ANALYSIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE WATER USE ACTIVITY ...... 101 5.1 SITE DELINEATION FOR CHARACTERIZATION ...... 101 5.2 WATER AND WASTE MANAGEMENT ...... 101 5.2.1 Process Water ...... 101 5.2.2 Stormwater and Diversion Channel ...... 105 5.2.3 Groundwater ...... 108 5.2.4 Waste ...... 109 5.3 OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT ...... 116 5.3.1 Organisational Structure...... 116 5.3.2 Resources and Competence ...... 116 5.3.3 Education and Training ...... 116 5.3.4 Internal and External Communication ...... 116 5.3.5 Awareness Raising ...... 117 5.4 MONITORING AND CONTROL ...... 117 5.4.1 Surface Water Monitoring ...... 117 5.4.2 Groundwater Monitoring ...... 118 5.4.3 Bio Monitoring ...... 119 5.4.4 Wetland Monitoring ...... 135 5.4.5 Waste Monitoring ...... 136 5.5 RISK ASSESSMENT/ BEST PRACTICE ASSESSMENT ...... 137 5.5.1 Impact Assessment Methodology ...... 137 5.5.2 Impacts Identified ...... 139 5.6 ISSUES AND RESPONSES FROM PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS ...... 151 5.7 MATTERS REQUIRING ATTENTION/ PROBLEM STATEMENT ...... 152 5.8 ASSESSMENT OF LEVEL AND CONFIDENCE OF INFORMATION ...... 152 6 WATER AND WASTE MANAGEMENT ...... 152 6.1 WATER AND WASTE MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY ...... 152 6.1.1 Process Water ...... 152 6.1.2 Stormwater ...... 152 6.1.3 Groundwater ...... 152 6.1.4 Waste ...... 153 6.2 STRATEGIES ...... 153 6.2.1 Process Water ...... 153 6.2.2 Storm Water ...... 153 6.2.3 Groundwater ...... 153 6.2.4 Waste ...... 154 6.3 PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES/ GOALS ...... 154 6.4 MEASURES TO ACHIEVE AND SUSTAIN PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES ...... 155 6.5 OPTION MOTIVATION FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF PREFERRED OPTIONS ...... 155

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6.5.1 Site Options ...... 155 6.5.2 Site Alternative Risk Matrix ...... 157 6.6 IWWMP ACTION PLAN ...... 158 6.7 CONTROL AND MONITORING ...... 159 6.7.1 Monitoring of Change in Baseline (Environment) Information ...... 159 6.7.2 Audit and Report on Performance Measures...... 160 6.7.3 Audit and Report on Relevance of IWWMP Action Plan ...... 160 7 CONCLUSION ...... 160 7.1 REGULATORY STATUS OF ACTIVITY ...... 160 7.2 STATEMENT OF WATER USES REQUIRING AUTHORISATION ...... 160 7.3 SECTION 27 MOTIVATION ...... 161 7.3.1 Existing Lawful Water Use ...... 161 7.3.2 The need to Redress the Results of Past Racial and Gender Discrimination ...... 161 7.3.3 Efficient and Beneficial Use of Water in the Public Interest...... 162 7.3.4 The Socio-Economic Impact ...... 163 7.3.5 Any Catchment Management Strategy Applicable to the Relevant Water Resource ... 164 7.3.6 The Likely Effect of the Water Use to be Authorised on the Water Resource and on Other Water Users ...... 165 7.3.7 The Class and the Resource Quality Objectives (RQO) of the Water Resource ...... 165 7.3.8 Investments Already made and to be made by the Water User in Respect to the Water Use in Question ...... 166 7.3.9 The Strategic Importance of the Water Uses to be Authorised ...... 166 7.3.10 The Quality of Water in the Water Resource which may be required for the Reserve and for meeting International Agreements ...... 166 7.3.11 The Probable Duration of any undertaking or which a Water use is to be Authorised . 168 7.4 PROPOSED LICENCE CONDITIONS ...... 168 8 REFERENCES ...... 169

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1: Locality map showing municipal demarcation of proposed TSF expansion ...... 4 Figure 1.2: Farm Portions ...... 7 Figure 2.1: Proposed TSF expansion site layout ...... 10 Figure 2.2: Existing Infrastructure ...... 17 Figure 2.3: Site Layout across footprint and TSF Expansion footprint...... 18 Figure 2.4: Chemwes Organogram ...... 20 Figure 3.1: Location of new water uses being applied for ...... 33 Figure 4.1: Average monthly rainfall ...... 45 Figure 4.2: WMA and Quaternary Catchments ...... 47 Figure 4.3: Different Vaal River monitoring sites ...... 49 Figure 4.4: Sulphate time graph for the upstream (VRS63), Kareerand downstream sites (VRS23) and Orkney far down-stream Site (VRS03) ...... 49 Figure 4.5: Possible wetlands according to NFEPA and National Land Cover Dataset (De Castro & Brits, 2018) ...... 57 Figure 4.6: De Casto & Brits 2018 delineation (top) compared to the current February 2019 map (bottom) indicating the larger study area and one new wetland (Limosella, 2019) .... 59 Figure 4.7: Soil characteristics of the unchannelled valley bottom wetlands on the study site. Note the structured, heavy dark clay (Limosella, 2019) ...... 61 Figure 4.8: General characteristics of the wetlands and the Vaal River on the study site .. 62 Figure 4.9: Proposed layout relative to the wetlands ...... 63 Figure 4.10: Images of impacts recorded within and surrounding the wetland areas tyre tracks through wetlands, and reclamation infrastructure (Limosella, 2019) ...... 65

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Figure 4.11: Regional topography setting ...... 70 Figure 4.12: Regional borehole localities ...... 71 Figure 4.13: Regional geological map ...... 72 Figure 4.14: Kareerand Groundwater Sulphate Concentrations (South-west) ...... 77 Figure 4.15: Kareerand Groundwater Sulphate Concentrations (East) ...... 77 Figure 4.16: Kareerand Groundwater Sulphate Concentrations (South) ...... 78 Figure 4.17: Kareerand Groundwater Sulphate Concentrations (South-east) ...... 78 Figure 4.18: Groundwater sulphate distribution and contour map – Kriging interpolation applied for contours ...... 79 Figure 4.19: Piper diagram for the recent water quality analyses (samples obtained by GCS and AGA between Nov 2017 and Feb 2018) ...... 80 Figure 4.20: Expanded durov diagrams for the recent water quality analyses (samples obtained by GCS and AGA between Nov 2017 and Feb 2018) ...... 81 Figure 4.21: Numerical groundwater model steady state calibration output correlation ... 85 Figure 4.22: Calibrated heads and flow vectors for the Steady State pre-deposition time period ...... 86 Figure 4.23: Calibrated heads and flow vectors for the Transient State and current time period (2018/2019) ...... 87 Figure 4.24: Sulphate calibration achieved ...... 88 Figure 4.25: Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality (Batho Earth & SED, 2019) ...... 90 Figure 4.26: The economic structure of the City of Matlosana Local Municipality, 2017 (Batho Earth & SED, 2019) ...... 95 Figure 4.27: The economic structure of the JB Marks Municipality, 2017 (Batho Earth & SED, 2019) ...... 95 Figure 4.28:The skills distribution of the labour force, 2016 (Batho Earth & SED, 2019) .... 97 Figure 5.1: Process Flow Diagram ...... 104 Figure 5.2: Catchment Area for Stormwater Diversion Channel (Knight Piesold, 2019) .... 106 Figure 5.3: AGA Vaal Operations and MWS study area and biomonitoring (including toxicity testing) sites (Clean Stream, 2019)...... 123 Figure 5.4: Upper Vaal River reach and Koekemoerspruit study area (Clean Stream, 2019) ...... 124 Figure 5.5: Lower Vaal River reach and Schoonspruit study area (Clean Stream, 2019) .... 124 Figure 5.6: Temporal variation of chlorophyll-a levels measured at selected biomonitoring sites ...... 127 Figure 5.7: Habitat Cover Ratings for biomonitoring sites (Clean Stream, 2019) ...... 132 Figure 6.1: The seven alternatives investigated to identify the best site for the TSF expansion project...... 157 Figure 7.1: Different Vaal River monitoring sites ...... 167 Figure 7.2: Sulphate time graph for the upstream (VRS63), Kareerand downstream sites (VRS23) and Orkney far down-stream Site (VRS03) ...... 168

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1: Contact Details ...... 2 Table 1.2: Property Details ...... 5 Table 3.1: Regulation 704 compliance ...... 25 Table 3.2: Summary of Water Uses being applied for ...... 30 Table 3.3: NEMA Listed Activities Identified ...... 38 Table 4.1: Details for rainfall Bushy Bend Station (436747) ...... 44 Table 4.2: Storm rainfall depths (mm) for various recurrence intervals ...... 45 Table 4.3: RQO for Rivers in Priority Resource Units in the Integrated Unit of Analysis (VAAL RIVER) (Middle Vaal) (Gazette No. 39943) ...... 52 Table 4.4: Summary of the wetland soil conditions adjacent to the site (Limosella, 2019) 60

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Table 4.5: Summary of hydrology, geomorphology and vegetation health assessment for the unchannelled valley bottom wetland and seepage wetland (Macfarlane et al, 2009) (Limosella, 2019) ...... 66 Table 4.6: Combined EIS scores obtained for the Seepage wetland adjacent to the study site. (DWAF, 1999) (Limosella, 2019) ...... 66 Table 4.7: Results of the Ecosystem Services provided by the seepage wetland (Limosella, 2019) ...... 66 Table 4.8: Results of the VEGRAI scores obtained by the Vaal River associated with the proposed development site (Limosella, 2019) ...... 67 Table 4.9: QHI for the perennial watercourse associated with the proposed development site (Limosella, 2019) ...... 68 Table 4.10: Summary of results for each wetland unit discussed (Limosella, 2019) ...... 68 Table 4.11: Laboratory analyses for the sites sampled in Nov 2017 (1) ...... 74 Table 4.12: Laboratory analyses for the sites sampled in Nov 2017 (2) ...... 75 Table 4.13: Laboratory analyses for the sites sampled in Nov 2017 (3) ...... 76 Table 4.14: Typical range of Kareerand TSF seepage in and extension with Class C Liner (mm/annum) ...... 83 Table 4.15: Education levels within the study area (Batho Earth & SED, 2019) ...... 93 Table 4.16: Unemployment rates, 2011 (Batho Earth & SED, 2019) ...... 96 Table 4.17: The percentage of households in different annual income categories, 2011 (Batho Earth & SED, 2019) ...... 98 Table 5.1: Water Balance Summary ...... 102 Table 5.2: Assumed hydrological parameters (Knight Piesold, 2019)...... 105 Table 5.3: Summary of the peak flows (in m3/s) estimated for the study (Knight Piesold, 2019) ...... 107 Table 5.4: Summary of the peak flows (in m3/s) estimated for the study (Knight Piesold, 2019) ...... 108 Table 5.5: Feasibility Design Criteria for Stormwater Infrastructure (Knight Piesold, 2019) ...... 108 Table 5.6: Surface water monitoring points ...... 118 Table 5.7: Groundwater monitoring points ...... 118 Table 5.8: Biomonitoring surveys performed since the inception of the programme ...... 120 Table 5.9: Latitude/Longitude, description and protocols applied the different monitoring sites (Clean Stream, 2019) ...... 121 Table 5.10: In-situ water quality variables measured at the time of sampling at the selected biomonitoring sites (September 2019 survey) ...... 125 Table 5.11: IHAS scores and habitat description in terms of SASS5 application at the Vaal Operations sites (September 2019) ...... 128 Table 5.12: SASS5, ASPT and biotope availability and suitability index scores for different Vaal River Operations monitoring sites ...... 131 Table 5.13: Fish Habitat Cover Ratings (HCR’s) calculated for each site ...... 132 Table 5.14: Fish species expected and sampled at each site during October 2018 / September 2019 ...... 134 Table 5.15: Proposed basic wetland monitoring datasheet that can be amended as need be (De Castro & Brits, 2018) ...... 136 Table 5.16: Severity ...... 138 Table 5.17: Spatial Scale - How big is the area that the aspect is impacting on? ...... 138 Table 5.18: Duration ...... 138 Table 5.19: Frequency of the activity - How often do you do the specific activity? ...... 138 Table 5.20: Frequency of the incident/impact - How often does the activity impact on the environment? ...... 138 Table 5.21: Legal Issues - How is the activity governed by legislation? ...... 138 Table 5.22: Detection - How quickly/easily can the impacts/risks of the activity be detected on the environment, people and property? ...... 138 Table 5.23: Impact Ratings ...... 139 Table 5.24: Impact descriptions for Kareerand’s TSF Expansion ...... 140 Table 6.1: Kareerand TSF Expansion IWWMP Action Plan ...... 159

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LIST OF ANNEXURES

Annexure A Title Deeds Annexure B IWUL issued for current TSF Annexure C Hydrology and Feasibility Study Annexure D Hydrogeological Report Annexure E Wetland Assessments Annexure F AGA Waste Management Annexure G Socio-Economic Baseline and Scoping Report Annexure H Biomonitoring Report (September 2019)

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Activity Background Chemwes (Pty) Ltd (Chemwes), also known as Mine Waste Solutions (MWS), , has been in business since 1964, and conducts its operations over a large area of land to the east of Klerksdorp, within the area of jurisdiction of the City of Matlosana and JB Marks Local Municipalities (LM), which fall within the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality (DM) in the North‐West Province. The MWS/Chemwes Operations are located primarily to the south of the N12, east of the town of Stilfontein. The closest town is Khuma, located about 3km northwest of the facility. Other nearby towns include Stilfontein (10km from facility) and Klerksdorp (19km from facility).

Chemwes was issued with an Integrated Water Use License (IWUL) by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) on the 30th November 2018 (License no. 08/C24BAACIG/8368) to authorise water uses triggered by the current TSF in terms of Section 21 of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) (NWA). The following water uses were licensed in terms of Section 21 of the NWA: • Section 21(a) – Taking water from a water resource; • Section 21(c) – Impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse; • Section 21(g) – Disposing of waste in a manner which may detrimentally impact on a water resource; and

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• Section 21(i) – Altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse.

GCS Water and Environment (Pty) Ltd (GCS) were appointed to undertake the Integrated Water Use License Application (IWULA) process in order to authorise the water uses triggered by the Kareerand TSF Expansion. This document has been compiled in the format of an Integrated Water and Waste Management Plan (IWWMP) in line with the requirements of the DWS operational Guideline dated 2010.

1.2 Contact Details Chemwes (Pty) Ltd is the applicant for this Integrated Water Use License Application (IWULA). Refer to Table 1.1 for the contact details of the applicant as well as the details of the consultant compiling this application.

Table 1.1: Contact Details

Applicant Company Name Chemwes (Pty) Ltd Telephone Number 011 637 6691/ 018 478 6519 Contact Person Nicky Strydom/ Charl Human Contact Person Mobile Number 083 557 7736/ 082 828 1518 [email protected] Email Address [email protected] Mine Waste Solutions 3 Stilfontein Road Postal Address Stilfontein 2551 Mine Waste Solutions 3 Stilfontein Road Physical Address Stilfontein 2551 Water Use Authorisation Consultant Company Name GCS Water and Environment (Pty) Ltd Telephone Number 011 803 5726 Contact Person Shayna-Ann Cuthbertson / Kate Cain [email protected] Email Address [email protected] PO Box 2597 Postal Address Rivonia 2128 63 Wessel Road Physical Address Rivonia 2128

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1.3 Regional Setting and Location of Activity 1.3.1 Regional Setting

The proposed Kareerand TSF Expansion is located in the western portion of the Witwatersrand Basin, some 160 kilometres (km) from Johannesburg, in the North-West Province, in the Republic of South Africa. The Chemwes/MWS Operations are located primarily to the south of the N12, east of the town of Stilfontein. The closest town is Khuma, located about 3km northwest of the facility, and other nearby towns include Stilfontein (10km from facility) and Klerksdorp (19 km from facility). Refer to Figure 1.1 for the regional setting of the TSF Expansion project.

1.3.2 Magisterial District and Local Municipality

The project is situated in the City of Matlosana and JB Marks Local Municipalities, in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality within the North-West Province (Figure 1.1).

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Figure 1.1: Locality map showing municipal demarcation of proposed TSF expansion

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1.4 Property Description Refer to Table 1.2 for a list of all of the properties associated with the proposed expansion. The properties related to the water uses being applied for have been highlighted in green and the title deeds for these properties attached in Annexure A. Figure 1.2 provides a map showing the properties related to the expansion project.

Table 1.2: Property Details Farm Parent Farm Owner Portion RE/10 Chemwes Pty Ltd RE/15 Chemwes Pty Ltd RE/21 Chemwes Pty Ltd RE/30 Chemwes Pty Ltd Stilfontein 408 IP RE/31 Chemwes Pty Ltd RE/33 Chemwes Pty Ltd RE/66 Chemwes Pty Ltd 140 Chemwes Pty Ltd 3 Temotuo Rehabilitation Co Zandpan 423 IP 4 National Government of The Republic of South Africa Nooitgedacht 434 IP 200 AngloGold Ashanti Ltd RE/1 AngloGold Ashanti Ltd Witkop 438 IP RE/2 AngloGold Ashanti Ltd RE/4 AngloGold Ashanti Ltd RE AngloGold Ashanti Ltd Vaalkop 439 IP RE/3 AngloGold Ashanti Ltd Modderfontein 440 RE/4 AngloGold Ashanti Ltd IP Chemwes Pty Ltd Kromdraai 420 IP RE/4 (T77134/2013) RE AngloGold Ashanti Ltd Mapaiskraal 441 IP RE/1 African Rainbow Minerals Ltd RE/2 Rocha Maria Ines Da Wildebeestpan (Portion 9 & 10) Communal Property Wildebeestpan 442 RE Association IP (T76828/2005) RE/2 Chemwes Pty Ltd RE/6 Chemwes Pty Ltd Buffelsfontein 443 7 Chemwes Pty Ltd IP 9 Chemwes Pty Ltd 15 Chemwes Pty Ltd Megadam 574 IP 0 Chemwes Pty Ltd

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Farm Parent Farm Owner Portion (T80960/2010) Chemwes Pty Ltd 1 (T89144/2017) Umfula 567 IP Chemwes Pty Ltd 20 (T89144/2017) Chemwes Pty Ltd Umfula 575 IP 0 (T89144/2017)

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Figure 1.2: Farm Portions

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1.5 Purpose of the IWWMP This document serves as the technical report to motivate the authorisation of the water uses triggered by the proposed Kareerand Expansion.

As there are waste related uses associated with the proposed development, this report has been structured in line with the approved Integrated Water and Waste Management Plan (IWWMP) Operational Guideline compiled by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).

The purpose of the IWWMP includes: • Compilation of a site specific, implementable, management plan addressing all the identified water use and waste management relates aspects of a specific activity, in order to meet set goals and objectives in accordance with Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) principles; • Provision of a management plan to guide the water user regarding the water and waste related measures which should be implemented on site in a progressive, structured manner in the short, medium and long term; • Documentation of all the relevant information, as specified in the IWWMP Guideline as compiled by the DWS, to enable DWS to make a decision regarding the authorisation of a water use; • Clarification of the content of the IWWMP for DWS officials and the water users, as the various regional offices of DWS might have different interpretations regarding the contents of the IWWMP; • Standardisation of the format of supporting documentation which DWS requires during the submission of an IWULA; • Provision of guidance on the content of information required in an IWWMP as part of the water use authorisation process and level of detail that DWS requires to enable them to evaluate the supporting documentation to make a decision on authorising a water use; and; • Ensuring that a consistent approach is adopted by DWS and the various Regional Offices and Catchment Management Agencies (CMA) with regards to IWWMPs.

The IWWMP also strives to show the DWS that the selected management measures included into the IWWMPs action plan adhere to the SMART concept which refers to: • S – Sustainable; • M – Measurable; • A – Achievable; • R – Resources Allocated; and • T – Timeframe Specific.

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2 CONCEPTUALISATION OF THE ACTIVITY

2.1 Description of the Activity The operations at Chemwes/MWS entail the collection and reprocessing of mine tailings that were previously deposited on Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) in order to extract gold and uranium. High pressure water cannons are used to slurry the tailings on the Source TSFs. The slurry is then pumped by a number of pump stations and pipelines to the MWS/Chemwes Processing Plant. The residue from the processing plants is then pumped to the current Kareerand TSF. Once an old Source TSF has been completely recovered, it is cleaned‐up and rehabilitated.

2.2 Extent of the Activity This project entails the expansion of the current Kareerand TSF to accommodate the increased tailings and final design capacity, along with additional pump stations and pipelines from the old source TSFs. The TSF expansion is proposed on the western edge of the current facility, and the final height of the combined facility (both expansion and current) will be 122m. The expansion footprint will add 380 hectares (ha) to the TSF and approximately 93 additional ha will be cleared for supporting infrastructure.

Refer to Figure 2.1 for a map indicating the site layout and the extent of the operations.

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Figure 2.1: Proposed TSF expansion site layout

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2.3 Key Activity Related Processes and Products 2.3.1 Mine Tailings from Existing TSFs

The water required for the hydraulic reclamation is sourced from Kareerand Return Water via the Midway Dam, Margaret Water via the AEL Dam Complex and potable water as top up at Midway Dam. The tailings on the TSFs are recovered by means of a process referred to as “monitoring”, in which high-pressure water cannons are aimed at the sides of the TSF, causing the tailings to become a slurry. The resulting slurry is gravitated to a collection area, where it is screened for debris and coarse material, and where the relative density (RD) of the slurry is adjusted to facilitate transportation and processing. The slurry can then be pumped to the Chemwes Processing Plants from the pump stations located at the different existing TSFs. Run-off from the active reclamation TSF’s is captured and stored within the operational footprint. Stormwater is controlled and released from the active reclamation TSF’s via a flopper gate system.

2.3.2 Processing of Slurry at the Chemwes Processing Plants

The processing plants that are operational include the old and new Gold Plant. Slurry arrives in 3 streams from the existing TSFs and are directed to a Carbon-in-Leach process where it is clarified and, following the addition of cyanide, gold is extracted. The residue from the Carbon-in-Leach process is piped to the existing Kareerand TSF for disposal.

Various hazardous chemicals are used and produced in the processes at the processing plants, including sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, cyanide, caustic soda, ammonia, lime, solvents, boiler fuel, diesel, and residues. It is noteworthy that slurry arriving at the Plants from the existing TSFs is untreated, and thus does not contain these chemicals. Residue is the by-product of the treatment processes and may contain low concentrations of these chemicals.

Incoming residues are received at the existing Kareerand Pumping Station, from where it is directed to the active disposal area on the Kareerand TSF. Should any operational problems be experienced, such as power failures, incoming residue cannot be placed on the TSF, it is stored in the Incoming Residue Emergency Dam. The existing Kareerand TSF has been constructed at the edge of the watershed, and any seepage or supernatant gravitates to a trench from where it is directed towards the Kareerand Return Water Dam (RWD) Complex. Each RWD is lined with High-Density Poly-Ethylene (HDPE), and is equipped with a silt trap dam, which prevents silting of the RWDs, and ensures sufficient capacity.

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2.3.3 Disposal of Processed Residue at the Kareerand TSF

Once the slurry from the Source TSFs have been processed at the Chemwes Processing Plants, the resulting residue is pumped to the existing Kareerand TSF for disposal. The construction of the existing Kareerand TSF, including the construction of measures for the diversion of uncontaminated run-off and for the capture of contaminated run-off and seepage, commenced in 2010.

2.4 Activity Life Description The Kareerand TSF was designed with an operating life of 14 years, taking the facility to 2025, and total design capacity of 352 million tonnes. Subsequent to commissioning of the TSF, MWS was acquired by AngloGold Ashanti and tailings production target has increased by an additional 485 million tonnes, which will require operations to continue until 2042. The additional tailings therefore requires expansion of the design life of the TSF.

2.5 Activity Infrastructure Description The proposed project will make use of the existing facilities as well as additional supporting infrastructure. Refer to Figure 2.2 for a map indicating the existing infrastructure.

The details of the infrastructure which forms part of the expansion of the TSF are as follows (Figure 2.1and Figure 2.3): • TSF expansion: o TSF will be expanded by380ha; and o The expanded footprint will be lined with a class C liner. • Fences: o 2.4m high game fence with appropriate signage will be installed around the perimeter of the new TSF (length of new fence = 7km); and o This will tie into the existing fence and is the same type of fence. • New main access road and perimeter access road: o 8m wide gravel access road around perimeter of TSF, to the RWDs (return water dams), pump stations (western perimeter of TSF expansion) and offices; o Total combined distance of new roads will be 11km; o Access ramps provide access onto tailings dam; and o Access ramps are placed near entry of delivery pipelines and valve stations. • Topsoil bund wall: o A bund wall will be constructed around the TSF, next to the access road; o The wall will be 6m at highest point and 2m at lowest point, crest width is 8m; and o The bund wall will also be used as access road on northern side of TSF.

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• Stormwater diversion channels: o An unlined trench on the northern side of the TSF, 6 km in length, to divert clean storm water running from the north, towards the east in the direction of the Vaal River: ▪ Trapezoidal in shape with side slopes varying from 1v:1h to 1v:2h and base width varying from 4m to 9m; ▪ Designed to accommodate the 1:50 year storm event; and ▪ Peak flow velocity will be 125m3/s during 1:150 year storm events. o A second unlined trench next to the RWD will divert clean storm water runoff away from the RWD and solution trench and prevent it from mixing with the dirty water; and o Diversion channels will assist to minimise the water quality impact from the TSF. • Delivery pipeline: o Three steel 500mm tailings delivery pipes located at the toe of the facility (western edge); 13.5km in total length; and o Will deliver slurry to the northern, western and southern side of the TSF expansion. • Solution trench: o Trench lined with 100mm thick mesh reinforced concrete; o Around northern, western and southern side of TSF; and o Will convey decant water and storm water from the side slopes, filter discharge (seepage water) from the outer drains and surface runoff from the side slopes to the RWD. • Seepage and dirty water collector sump: o Constructed on northern side of TSF; and o Will collect seepage water and dirty storm water running off the TSF walls from solution trench before it is pumped back to the north-western corner. • Catchment paddocks: o Constructed around perimeter of facility at final outer wall toe location; o Constructed using material from solution trench excavations and paddock basins; will be nominally compacted; and o Designed to contain run-off from a 1:50 year storm event. • Starter wall o The starter wall will contain tailings deposition during early development of TSF; and • Constructed using clay-based material from basin or other construction areas Drainage system:

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o Under drainage system located within TSF footprint, consisting of toe, intermediate and central drains and drain outlets; o Filter drain system consisting of a trench lined with Geofabric, which prevents the ingress of fine clay / sand particles into drain, thus preventing clogging; o Drain comprises: ▪ Slotted pipe, which runs for a length between the outlet pipes; ▪ Layer of 19mm stone, overlain by a layer of 6 mm stone, surrounds pipes; and ▪ Layer of graded filter sand and layer of coarse tailings placed over the stone drain. o Drain outlets constructed at approximately 50-100m intervals to collect seepage water from filter drains and convey it to solution trench; and o The existing drain outlets will connect to a collector drain system then discharge into the solution trench on the southern flank where the two facilities connect. • Decant system: o Gravity pipe decant system to ensure water does not accumulate on top of TSF; o Includes permanent double intake structure and intermediate intake structures; o Permanent intake structure consists of two penstock intakes at ground level: ▪ Reinforced concrete intakes (2) and stacked pre-cast concrete penstock rings (to raise structure) will cater for decanting of supernatant water up to but not exceeding 20m; ▪ Above 20m, this system will be replaced with a siphon system; and ▪ From the permanent intake structure, the supernatant water will gravitate via a concrete spigot and socket penstock outlet pipeline to the new RWDs. o Intermediate penstock intake structures positioned at different elevations along the penstock outlet pipeline: ▪ Ensure effective decanting of supernatant water during the development phase of TSF; and ▪ Minimise delay in water returned to the reclamation sites. o Intermediate intake structures will be constructed with a reinforced concrete base and a single intake tower raised with standard pre-cast penstock rings. These structures will be sealed as the TSF rises and pool moves to final intake structure position. • Catwalk: o Timber catwalk and floating walkway structure for access from pool wall to penstock intermediate and permanent intake structures respectively;

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o Catwalk height will be raised when necessary and the floating walkway will increase with the dam pool level; o Catwalk constructed from timber supports will be used for the walkway; and o Floating walkway constructed from Jet floats with 4.5 mm thick aluminium chequer decking plate. • Energy dissipater: o Concrete energy dissipater box where penstock outlet pipe daylights; and o Should reduce velocity of water from penstock before it flows into silt trap • Silt trap: o Concrete-lined silt trap with twin compartments between penstock outlet and RWD; o Sluice gates at inlets and outlets; outlet trench to RWD also to be constructed; and o Will reduce volume of suspended solids flowing into RWD. • Storm water dam: o Storm water dam will be located between TSF and RWDs to compliment the capacity of the RWDs and will contain dirty water running off the TSF; and o Capacity will be 155 000m3 and will cover 6.6ha. • RWD and related infrastructure: o New RWDs with a combined capacity of 837 000m³ (area of 30ha), south of the TSF and existing RWD complex; o RWD will have three compartments (one for operation, the other two for storm water containment); o Will be lined with double HDPE liner system and leakage-detection material (Hi- drain); double liner will consist of 2mm geomembrane and 1.5 HDPE geomembrane; and o Sump structure will be constructed downstream of RWD for decanting via pump station. • Contractors yard: o Contractor’s yard will be located on the south western side of the TSF extent on the right of the access road travelling south; and o Contractor’s yard will include the following infrastructure: site office, workshop, fuel storage facilities, wash bays. • RWD emergency spillway: o Trapezoidal with 1:1.5 side slopes; o Will cater for 1:100 year storm event; and o 1 000mm freeboard before wall crest is overtopped.

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The additional infrastructure required across the operational footprint will include new pump stations, new satellite pump stations, slurry launders and connecting slurry and process water pipelines. As indicated in Figure 2.3, in the centre of operations, existing infrastructure (pump stations and main slurry and process water pipelines) will be utilised to process adjacent resources. Buffels 5 TSF will be connected to the East Complex Pump Station via a new slurry trench and Buffels 1 TSF will be pumped via a satellite pump station to the Buffels 5 TSF slurry trench feed.

At the Harties 1 & 2 Pump Station, located centre to north of Figure 2.3, Harties 5 & 6 TSF will be directed via a slurry launder to the pump station and may require, at a later date, a satellite pump station to aid in reclamation of tailings that cannot be gravity fed. In the west, three new pump stations (West Pump Station 1, West Pump Station 2 and a satellite pump station) will be constructed, with main slurry and process water pipelines extended from the existing SPD and East Complex Pump Stations in the east to the west, allowing for the use of the SPD and East Complex Pump Stations as booster pump stations. In the north, the MWS 4 & 5 TSF’s will be reclaimed and directed to a new pump station via slurry launders. New process water and slurry piping will be installed between the MWS 4 & 5 Pump Station and the MWS plant. In total, three new main pump stations and three new satellite pump stations will be built.

The details of the supporting infrastructure for the TSF expansion are as follows: • Pump Stations: o Three main pump stations: one at the MWS complex, two at the outlying western TSFs; and o Three satellite pump stations: one at the Harties TSFs (probably at a later stage), one at the outlying western TSFs and one at the Buffels TSFs. • Process water pipelines: o Extended from the existing SPD and East Complex pump stations to the western outlying TSFs; and o Connecting MWS TSFs and MWS plant. • Slurry pipelines: o Extended from the existing SPD and East Complex pump stations to the western outlying TSFs; and o Connecting MWS TSFs and MWS plant. • Slurry launders: o Connecting the Buffels TSF to the East Complex pump station; o Connecting Harties TSFs with the Harties 1 & 2 pump station; and o Connecting MWS TSFs to the proposed MWS pump station.

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Figure 2.2: Existing Infrastructure

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Figure 2.3: Site Layout across footprint and TSF Expansion footprint *The new infrastructure is noted with the word “proposed”, and the new pipelines are indicated in bright blue (as opposed to existing pipelines indicated in green)

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2.6 Key Water Uses and Waste Streams 2.6.1 Water Uses

The following water uses are triggered in terms of Section 21 of the NWA at for the Kareerand expansion: • Section 21(a) – Taking water from a water resource; • Section 21(c) – Impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse; • Section 21(g) – Disposing of waste in a manner which may detrimentally impact on a water resource; and • Section 21(i) – Altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse.

Refer to Section 3.5 for a detailed summary of water uses triggered in terms of Section 21 of the NWA that are applicable at Kareerand.

2.6.2 Waste Streams

The waste streams associated with the current Kareerand TSF and the expansion are limited to tailings, polluted mine water, hydrocarbon wastes, and general waste. These include: • Mine Residue Deposit (MRD), which includes tailings; • Polluted mine water, which includes pollution control dams; • Hazardous waste such as paint, asbestos, laboratory lead waste, fluorescent tubes etc. • Hydrocarbon waste such as oil, diesel & grease; and • General waste which is limited to domestic and commercial waste.

Refer to Section 5.2.4 of this report for more details pertaining to the waste generated on site and the management thereof.

2.7 Organisational Structure of Activity Refer to Figure 2.4 for the organisational structure at Chemwes.

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Figure 2.4: Chemwes Organogram

2.8 Business and Corporate Policies 2.8.1 Environmental

Demonstrating responsible environmental stewardship is an important aspect of acquiring and maintaining social licence to operate (AngloGold Ashanti, 2019).

The environmental management systems enable the company to proactively identify and manage the potential environmental risks associated with the activities and to meet the compliance obligations and voluntary commitments. In seeking to prevent pollution and environmental incidents. The target of zero Reportable environmental incidents has been set, as defined in the incident classification standard.

Environmental stewardship includes: • Responsible and efficient water management; • Reducing air quality emissions; • Mitigating the impact on and contribute to biodiversity conservation; • Responsible stewardship of the materials used; • Efficient management of energy resources; • Mitigating climate related risk; and • Integrating environmental and social aspects into progressive mine closure.

In addition, an Environmental Policy has been developed, which specifically relates to Chemwes, and which outlines its commitment to: • Conduct all operations in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as well as the AGA Environmental Standards; • Identify environmental aspects, set environmental objectives and targets; • Implement an ISO 14001 based Environmental Management System (“EMS”), and be certified to ensure accountability and continual improvement;

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• Include environmental strategies and objectives related to significant aspects in business planning processes to ensure that management of environmental impacts remain an integral part of the operations; • Identify and implement programmes to prevent environmental pollution, minimise emissions, contribute to biodiversity management, optimise resource usage and manage waste in an environmentally responsible manner; • Engage with relevant stakeholders in seeking and developing solutions to achieve the environmental objectives; • Ensure that resources are made available for environmental and closure obligations; • Monitor, audit, maintain and improve the environmental performance and EMS; and • Ensure that employees, including contractors, are made aware of this policy and their responsibility towards the environment.

2.8.2 Safety

The objectives of the Safety Policy are to ensure that: • Workplaces are provided which are free from work-related injuries, incidents, and illnesses; • A caring and trusting environment is cultivated in which they consciously and mindfully discuss issues with each other as part of the way in which they operate; and • Continuously improve their Safety performance.

In living Safety as their first value, the health and safety of their employees and the communities in which AGA operate are their primary consideration. No activity will be attempted or undertaken unless it can be done safely. At AGA, they comply with all relevant Safety laws, and regulations and guidelines. They have developed a Safety Management Systems based on internationally recognised standards. In order to ensure compliance, AGA assess the efficacy of systems through periodic audits, the results of which are also communicated to the Company’s Board of Directors. AGA’s approach to managing risk is through enabling people to work Safely in a supportive work environment. This is based on a conversational culture where many voices participate and make a meaningful contribution to designing the ways they work and to protect themselves from both known and as yet unknown risks. AGA’s focus is on moving the organisation to a culture in which all are engaged in a process of learning that stimulates mindfulness about the nature of risk now and in the future. The objectives of this policy will be achieved through working according to their Safety value and guiding principles: • Safety is their first value; • Clear accountabilities for Safety are set;

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• Hazards and risks are understood and managed; • Engage the workforce in all aspects of their work; • AGA support the actions of their team members by providing the necessary resources to complete their work; • AGA has a relentless and broad commitment to Safety – within and beyond the workplace; and • A learning culture is developed where AGA remain open to new possibilities.

2.8.3 Health

AGA’s primary goal is to create workplaces free of occupational diseases. Occupational disease prevention and management is the primary focus of the company’s health-related activities. Key health issues facing the company include exposure to occupational hazards and the development of diseases such as Silicosis, Occupational Tuberculosis and Noise Induced Hearing Loss. AGA works to continually improve prevention efforts and to reduce exposures to hazards.

While the general health of populations is complex and influenced by factors beyond the company’s control, AGA aim for the health of our employees to be at least as good as that of the general population, both during employment and after leaving the company. Over the past decade AGA has progressively strengthened its ability to respond to health risks.

Contributing to improving community health High burdens of both communicable and non-communicable diseases are prevalent in areas where AGA operates. Furthermore, there are growing expectations for the company to contribute positively to enhancing community health. Their approach in responding is to contribute to strengthening local health systems for sustainability, as well as to work in partnership with governments and other stakeholders to address specific health challenges.

3 REGULATORY WATER AND WASTE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

3.1 Summary of all Water Uses Chemwes was issued with an Integrated Water Use License (IWUL) by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) on the 30th November 2018 (License no. 08/C24BAACIG/8368) to authorise water uses triggered by the current TSF in terms of Section 21 of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) (NWA). The following water uses were licensed in terms of Section 21 of the NWA: • Section 21(a) – Taking water from a water resource; • Section 21(c) – Impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse;

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• Section 21(g) – Disposing of waste in a manner which may detrimentally impact on a water resource; and • Section 21(i) – Altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse.

As a result of the TSF Expansion, additional water uses have been identified that require authorisation in terms of Section 21 of the NWA. The following additional water uses are required to be licenced for this phase of the project: • Section 21(a) – Taking water from a water resource; • Section 21(c) – Impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse; • Section 21(g) – Disposing of waste in a manner which may detrimentally impact on a water resource; and • Section 21(i) – Altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse.

Refer to Section 3.5 for a detailed summary of water uses triggered in terms of Section 21 of the NWA that are applicable at the Kareerand TSF Expansion.

3.2 Existing Lawful Water Use Existing Lawful Water Use (ELWU) is defined in Section 32 of the NWA as any water use which has taken place at any time during a period of two years immediately before the date of commencement of the NWA or which has been declared an existing lawful water use under Section 33 and which was authorised by or under any law which was in force immediately before the date of commencement of the NWA.

There are no existing lawful water use taking place on the property. All water uses triggered by the proposed expansion project are being applied for as part of the IWULA and will be authorised in terms of a Water Use License issued by the DWS.

3.3 Relevant Exemptions The Minister of the DWS is responsible for the protection, use, development, conservation, management and control of the water resources of South Africa on a sustainable basis. The requirements prescribed in terms of the regulations must be seen as minimum requirements to fulfil this goal.

In order for the expansion operations to meet the requirements of sustainable water use, the following exemptions are requested as part of the Integrated Water Use License Application (IWULA): • Exemption from Government Notice No. 704 (GN 704), Regulation 4 (Restriction on locality) which is required in terms of the location of infrastructure within 100 meter

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horizontal distance from a watercourse which requires an exemption in terms of regulation (a and b) (Table 3.1).

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Table 3.1: Regulation 704 compliance Kareerand TSF GN704 Condition Expansion 1 Definitions Will Comply 2 (1) Notify DWS of the intention to operate a new mine or conduct any new activity at least 14 days prior to start of operation or activity Will Comply 2 (2) a Submit to DWS a copy of all EMPR amendments Not Applicable 2 (2) b Notify DWS in writing 14 days prior to temporary or permanent cessation of operation, or resumption of operation Will Comply Notify DWS by fastest means possible of any emergency incident or potential emergency incident involving a water resource by providing the following information: date/time, description, source of pollution and impact on water resource and relevant users, 2 (2) c Will Comply and remedial action taken. Notification on new mine or new activity ; “Activity” includes -- any mining related process on the mine including the operation of washing plants, mineral processing facilities, mineral refineries 2(2)(c)(a) Will Comply and extraction plants, and the operation and the use of mineral loading and off-loading zones, transport facilities and mineral storage yards, whether situated 2(2)(c)(b) Will Comply at the mine or not; 2(2)(c)(b)(i) in which any substance is stockpiled, stored, accumulated or transported for use in such process; or Will Comply 2(2)(c)(b)(ii) out of which process any residue is derived, stored, stockpiled, accumulated, dumped, disposed of or transported, Will Comply Within 14 days of such incident report in writing to DWA measures taken to correct and prevent recurrence of such incident (notify 2 (2) d Will Comply of emergency incidents) 4 Minister may authorise exemption from requirements of Regulations 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 or 11 Will Comply Locate or place any residue deposit, dam, reservoir, together with any associated structure within 1:100 year flood-line or Exemption 4 a within a horizontal distance of 100m of a watercourse or borehole, excluding boreholes drilled specifically to monitor the Requested pollution of ground water, or on ground likely to become water-logged, undermined, unstable or cracked No opencast mining, prospecting or any other operation or activity under or within the 1:50 year flood-line or within a Exemption 4 b horizontal distance of 100m from any watercourse Requested

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Kareerand TSF GN704 Condition Expansion No placement or disposal of any residue or substance which causes or is likely to cause pollution of a water resource, in the Not applicable 4 c underground workings or opencast excavation. Locate any sanitary convenience, fuel depots, reservoir or depots for any substance which causes or is likely to cause pollution 4 d Not applicable within the 1:50 year flood line of any watercourse May not use any residue or substance which causes or is likely to cause pollution of water resource for the construction of any dam or 5 other impoundment or any embankment, road or railway or for any other purpose which is likely to cause pollution of a water Will comply resource 6 a Any unpolluted water must be confined to a clean water system, away from any dirty area Will Comply Clean water systems must be designed, constructed, maintained and operated so that it is not likely to spill into any dirty water 6 b Will Comply system more than once in 50 years Water arising within any dirty area must be collected, including water seeping from mining operations, outcrops or any other 6 c Will Comply activity, into a dirty water system Any dirty water systems must be designed, constructed, maintained and operated so that it is not likely to spill into any clean water 6 d Will Comply system more than once in 50 years Dams and tailings dams which form part of the dirty water system must be designed, constructed, maintained and operated with a 6 e Will Comply minimum freeboard of 0.8 m above full supply level, unless otherwise agreed with DWS with respect to the dam safety regulations Water systems shall be designed, constructed and maintained to guarantee the serviceability of such conveyances for flows up to and 6 f Will Comply including those arising as a result of the maximum flood with an average period of recurrence of once in 50 years. Prevent water containing waste or any substance which causes or is likely to cause pollution of water resource from entering any 7 a water resource, either by natural flow or by seepage and retain or collect such water for use, reuse, evaporation or for purification Will Comply and disposal Design, modify, locate, construct and maintain all water systems, including residue deposits, in any area so as to prevent the 7 b Will Comply pollution of any water resource through the operation or use thereof 7 c Cause effective measures to be taken to minimise the flow of any surface water or floodwater into mine workings Will Comply

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Kareerand TSF GN704 Condition Expansion Design, modify, construct, maintain and use any dam or any residue deposit or stockpile used for the disposal or storage of mineral 7 d Will Comply slimes, so that the water or waste therein will not result in the failure thereof or impair its stability

Prevent the erosion or leaching of materials from any residue deposit or stockpile and contain material or substances so eroded or 7 e leached in by providing suitable barrier dams, evaporation dams or any other effective measures to prevent this material or Will Comply substance from entering and polluting any water resources

Ensure that water used in any process at the mine is recycled as far as practicable, and any facility, sump, pumping installation, 7 f catchment dam or other impoundment used for recycling water is of adequate design and capacity to prevent the spillage, seepage Will Comply or release of water containing waste at any time 7 g Keep any water system free from any matter or obstruction which may affect the efficiency thereof Will Comply 7 h Cause all domestic waste which cannot be disposed of in a municipal system to be disposed of in terms of the Act. Will Comply Any impoundment or dam containing any poisonous, toxic or injurious substance must be effectively fenced-off to restrict access 8 a Will Comply thereto, and must have warning notice boards at prominent locations to warn persons of the hazardous contents thereof Access control in any area used for stockpiling or disposal of any residue or substance which causes, has caused or is likely to cause 8 b Will Comply pollution of water resource is required to protect any measures taken in terms of this regulation The mine shall not allow the area contemplated in 8 a) and b) above to be used for any other purpose, if such use causes or is likely 8 c Will Comply to cause pollution of a water resource

The mine must protect any existing pollution control measures or replace any measures deleteriously affected, damaged or 8 d destroyed by the removing or reclaiming of materials from any residue deposit or stockpile, and must establish additional measures Will Comply for the prevention of pollution of a water resource which might occur, is occurring or has occurred as a result of such operations

9 On decommissioning, to ensure remediation of the affected water resource due to the mining activity Will Comply 10 Winning sand and alluvial minerals from a watercourse Not Applicable 11 a To ensure all coal residue deposits are compacted to prevent spontaneous combustion and minimise infiltration of water Not Applicable 11 b To ensure rehabilitation of coal residue deposits concurrent with mining Not Applicable

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Kareerand TSF GN704 Condition Expansion DWS may, after consultation with the DMR and DEAT, require a technical investigation or inspection of pollution prevention measures 12 (1) Will Comply or any potential damage to the in stream or riparian habitat 12 (2) Such investigation must be conducted and reported on as prescribed by DWA within a specified time period Will Comply The mine must inform DWA of the expertise and qualifications of the persons who are to conduct the investigation or inspection prior 12 (3) Will Comply to commencement of the work DWS may require a programme of implementation to prevent or rectify any pollution of a water resource of damage to in 12 (4) Will Comply stream/riparian habitat as recommended in the above inspections/investigations 12 (5) DWS may require a compliance monitoring network to monitor the programme of implementation in Regulation 12 (4) Will Comply Subject to Chapter 4 of the Act, the mine must submit plans, specifications and design reports by the approved professional person to DWS not later than 60 days prior to commencement of activities in relation to: surface dams for impounding waste, water 12 (6) Will Comply containing waste or slurry; implementation of pollution control measures at residue deposits or stockpiles; and implementation of any water control measures at any residue deposit or stockpiles The mining company must support the mine manager with the means and afford him/her every facility required to enable the mine 13 Will Comply manager to comply with these provisions 14 Offences and penalties Not applicable 15 Repeal of regulations Not applicable 16 Commencement Not applicable

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3.4 Generally Authorised Water Uses Kareerand’s TSF Expansion does not fall within General Authorisation (GA) limits. All water uses triggered by the operation are therefore, being applied for as a WUL.

3.5 New Water Uses to be Licensed The water uses triggered for the Kareerand TSF Expansion require authorisation in terms of Section 21 (a), (c), (g) and (i) of the NWA. Refer to Table 3.2 for a summary of the water uses being applied for and Figure 3.1 for the location of the new water uses being applied for. The map number in the table corresponds to the water use on the figure.

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Table 3.2: Summary of Water Uses being applied for Kareerand TSF Extension Water Uses Section 21 (a) Map No. Site Name Description Co-ordinates Property Volume (m³/a) Longitude Latitude Megadam 574 IP remaining 1 BH30 Interception borehole 26° 54' 17.8781" E 26° 53' 04.7991" S 8 760 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 2 BH31 Interception borehole 26° 54' 15.2932" E 26° 53' 01.8536" S 26 280 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 3 BH32 Interception borehole 26° 53' 58.2497" E 26° 54' 01.6590" S 87 600 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 4 BH33 Interception borehole 26° 54' 02.6181" E 26° 53' 55.7310" S 52 560 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 5 BH34 Interception borehole 26° 54' 05.8847" E 26° 53' 46.9135" S 175 200 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 6 BH35 Interception borehole 26° 53' 34.8299" E 26° 54' 07.6933" S 52 560 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 7 BH36 Interception borehole 26° 53' 52.3737" E 26° 54' 06.0574" S 175 200 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 8 BH59 Interception borehole 26° 53' 29.3657" E 26° 54' 10.3929" S 63 072 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 9 BH60 Interception borehole 26° 53' 26.0051" E 26° 54' 09.9792" S 189 216 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 10 BH61 Interception borehole 26° 53' 18.8134" E 26° 54' 09.2100" S 157 680 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 11 BH62 Interception borehole 26° 53' 16.2591" E 26° 54' 09.1493" S 189 216 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 12 BH63 Interception borehole 26° 53' 11.1929" E 26° 54' 10.8503" S 189 216 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 13 BH64 Interception borehole 26° 53' 05.9370" E 26° 54' 11.1453" S 220 752 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 14 BH65 Interception borehole 26° 53' 12.3304" E 26° 54' 15.9398" S 157 680 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 15 BH66 Interception borehole 26° 53' 02.2783" E 26° 54' 13.7366" S 189 216 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 16 BH67 Interception borehole 26° 52' 52.7924" E 26° 54' 16.4227" S 157 680 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 17 BH68 Interception borehole 26° 52' 48.3543" E 26° 54' 19.1373" S 252 288 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 18 BH69 Interception borehole 26° 52' 44.2275" E 26° 53' 45.1918" S 157 680 extent

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Megadam 574 IP remaining 19 BH70 Interception borehole 26° 53' 04.9674" E 26° 54' 07.9065" S 157 680 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 20 BH71 Interception borehole 26° 54' 04.7159" E 26° 54' 01.5806" S 63 072 extent Umfula 575 IP remaining 21 BH74 Interception borehole 26° 54' 26.4271" E 26° 53' 00.2134" S 63 072 extent 22 BH75 Interception borehole 26° 54' 36.0487" E 26° 52' 48.9503" S Kromdraai 420 IP Portion 4 47 304 23 BH76 Interception borehole 26° 54' 37.6360" E 26° 52' 55.9108" S Kromdraai 420 IP Portion 4 47 304 Umfula 575 IP remaining 24 BH77 Interception borehole 26° 54' 39.4899" E 26° 53' 01.4799" S 47 304 extent Umfula 575 IP remaining 25 BH78 Interception borehole 26° 54' 21.9372" E 26° 53' 39.9783" S 47 304 extent Umfula 575 IP remaining 26 BH79 Interception borehole 26° 54' 22.4615" E 26° 53' 48.0983" S 47 304 extent Umfula 575 IP remaining 27 BH80 Interception borehole 26° 54' 22.9891" E 26° 53' 52.2745" S 47 304 extent Umfula 575 IP remaining 28 BH81 Interception borehole 26° 54' 19.5254" E 26° 54' 06.8871" S 47 304 extent Umfula 575 IP remaining 29 BH82 Interception borehole 26° 54' 13.6818" E 26° 54' 09.6672" S 47 304 extent Umfula 575 IP remaining 30 BH83 Interception borehole 26° 54' 05.2165" E 26° 54' 15.8914" S 47 304 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 31 BH84 Interception borehole 26° 53' 43.1361" E 26° 54' 22.6367" S 47 304 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 32 BH85 Interception borehole 26° 52' 43.3837" E 26° 54' 32.1004" S 94 608 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 33 BH86 Interception borehole 26° 52' 42.3569" E 26° 53' 59.1574" S 94 608 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 34 BH87 Interception borehole 26° 52' 43.6924" E 26° 53' 51.9668" S 94 608 extent Megadam 574 IP remaining 35 BH88 Interception borehole 26° 52' 30.6338" E 26° 54' 36.4970" S 94 608 extent Section 21 (c) and (i) Map No. Site Name Description Co-ordinates Property Volume (m³/a) Latitude Longitude Diversion of unnamed tributary Start: End: Wildebeestpan 442 IP 36 Diversion Trench of the Vaal River around the 26° 52'10.26" S 26° 53'46.61" S remaining extent, Umfula Not Applicable TSF 26° 52'39.22" E 26° 55'24.56" E 575IP & Umfula 567 IP Ptn1 . Start: End: Wildebeestpan 442 IP Location of stormwater trench 37 Diversion Trench 26° 52'10.26" S 26° 53'46.61" S remaining extent, Umfula Not Applicable within 500m of a wetland 26° 52'39.22" E 26° 55'24.56" E 575IP & Umfula 567 IP Ptn1 .

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Wildebeestpan 442 IP Location of TSF Expansion remaining extent 38 TSF Extension 26° 52'57.19" S 26° 52'43.27" E Not Applicable within 500m of a wetland Megadam 574 IP remaining extent Location of Return Water Dam Start: End: Return Water Dams Megadam 574 IP remaining 39 Complex (RWD 1-3) within 500m 26° 54'33.62" S 26° 53' 38.36" S Not Applicable (1-3) extent of a wetland 26° 52'29.98" E 26° 52' 44.12" E Section 21 (g) Map No. Site Name Description Co-ordinates Property Volume (m³/a) Wildebeestpan 442 IP Disposal of mine residue (slurry) remaining extent 485 000 000 40 TSF Extension 26°52'57.19" S 26°52'43.27" E into Tailings Storage Facility Megadam 574 IP remaining tons extent Collection of overflow water Megadam 574 IP remaining 41 East SWD 26°54'1.13"S 26°52'48.80"E 155 000m3 from Buffer Dam extent Collection of overflow water from East Stormwater Dam and Megadam 574 IP remaining 42 RWD 1 decant from TSF Extension. 26°54'9.75"S 26°52'42.06"E 431 000m3 extent Storage of runoff, seepage and overflow from RWD2 and RWD 3 Collection of overflow water Megadam 574 IP remaining 43 RWD 2 26°54'18.14"S 26°52'41.91"E 187 000m3 from RWD 1 extent Collection of overflow water Megadam 574 IP remaining 44 RWD 3 26°54'23.58"S 26°52'38.50"E 219 000m3 from RWD 2 extent Section 21(i) Map No. Site Name Description Co-ordinates Property Volume (m³/a) Clean water Diversion of unnamed tributary 45 discharge into the around the TSF into the Vaal 26°53'45.54"S 26°55'23.16"E Umfula 567 IP Portion 1 Not Applicable Vaal River River

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Figure 3.1: Location of new water uses being applied for

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3.5.1 Section 21(a)

Water is being applied for to be abstracted from 35 interception boreholes located around the TSF. These boreholes are being applied for to prevent contaminated seepage from the Kareerand TSF from reaching the Vaal River. A combined total volume of 3 637 152m3/annum is required to be abstracted from the 35 boreholes. It must be note that not all 35 inception boreholes have been drilled as some boreholes are planned for future interception.

These boreholes being applied for have been identified and detailed in the hydrogeological investigation undertaken for the proposed project (Annexure D).

3.5.2 Section 21(c) and (i)

Section 21(c) and (i) water uses are required to be applied for to authorise the location of the Kareerand TSF Expansion and its associated infrastructure within the 500m radius of a wetland or within 100m of a floodline. The following infrastructure falls within 500m of a wetland or the 100m floodline and is being applied for as part of this application: • Stormwater diversion trench; • TSF Expansion footprint; and • New Dam Complex which consists of the East Stormwater Dam (SWD), and Return Water Dams (RWDs) 1-3.

Water diverted through the diversion trench is disposed of into the Vaal River. Application for this in terms of Section 21(i) of the NWA is also being applied for as part of this application.

3.5.3 Section 21(g)

The following Section 21(g) water uses are being applied for as part of this application: • TSF Expansion - Disposal of mine residue (slurry) into TSF; • East SWD - Collection of return and stormwater ; • RWD 1 - Collection of overflow water from East Stormwater Dam and decant from TSF Expansion. Storage of runoff, seepage and overflow from RWD2 and RWD 3; • RWD 2 - Collection of overflow water from RWD 1; and • RWD 3 - Collection of overflow water from RWD 2.

3.6 Waste Management Activities (NEM: WA) The National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008) (NEM:WA) fundamentally reformed the law regulating waste management, and for the first time provides a coherent and integrated legislative framework addressing all the steps in the waste

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management hierarchy. The objectives of the NEM:WA are to protect health, well-being and the environment by providing reasonable measures for, inter alia, remediating land where contamination presents, or may present, a significant risk of harm to health or the environment. The objectives of the NEM: WA are structured around the steps in the waste management hierarchy, which is the overall approach that informs waste management in South Africa. The waste management hierarchy consists of options for waste management during the lifecycle of waste, arranged in descending order of priority; i.e. waste avoidance, reduction, re-use, recycling, recovery, treatment, and safe disposal as a last resort.

NEMA introduced a number of additional guiding principles into South African environmental legislation, including the life-cycle approach to waste management, producer responsibility, the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle (i.e. the sustainability principles as contained in Section 2 of NEMA). Section 5(2) of the NEM: WA stipulates that the Act should be interpreted and guided in accordance with these sustainability principles. The NEM: WA, furthermore, echoes the duty of care provision, in terms of Section 28 of NEMA, by obliging holders of waste to take reasonable measures to implement the waste management hierarchy. Section 16(1) of the NEM: WA provides that: “A holder of waste must, within the holder’s power, take all reasonable measures to – a) Avoid the generation of waste and where such generation cannot be avoided, to minimise the toxicity and amounts of waste that are generated; b) Reduce, re-use, recycle and recover waste; c) Where waste must be disposed of, ensure that the waste is treated and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner; d) Manage the waste in such a manner that it does not endanger health or the environment or cause a nuisance through noise, odour or visual impacts; e) Prevent any employee or any person under his or her supervision from contravening this Act; and f) Prevent the waste from being used for an unauthorised purpose.”

While the NEM:WA creates a comprehensive legal framework for waste management, its provisions will be meaningless without measures to monitor and, where necessary, enforce compliance. Compliance monitoring is supported by a range of reporting provisions contained in the NEM:WA. In addition to compliance reports for waste management licences and norms and standards, the NEM: WA has provisions for annual performance reports on the implementation of provincial and local Integrated Waste Management Plans. Industry Waste Management Plans are subject to review at intervals to be determined by the authority that mandated the plan, which in the case of mines would be the DMR. Furthermore, Environmental Management Inspectors and Waste Management Officers can request a Waste

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Impact Report where they suspect a contravention of the Act, licence conditions or exemption conditions.

The NEM:WA provides for a licensing regime specific to waste management activities. It replaces the historical system of permits issued in terms of the repealed Section 20 of the ECA. Transitional arrangements allow existing permits granted in terms of ECA to be regarded as licences in terms of the NEM: WA until the Minister requires a licence application as per the NEM: WA category of the waste management activity (i.e. category A or B). The NEM: WA waste management categories determine the environmental assessment procedure (which is the equivalent of the NEMA EIA regulations' requirements) required to obtain a licence.

Category A activities require a Basic Assessment (BA) process to be undertaken, whilst Category B activities require a Scoping and Environmental Impact Report (S&EIR) process to be undertaken.

The recently amended legislation concerning EIAs makes reference to the development of norms and standards which may guide EIA applications and Environmental Authorisations in the future. The production of appropriate norms and standards for specific forms of developments is ongoing and it is anticipated that this will eventually provide the opportunity to further streamline the EIA procedures in relation to particular forms of developments. Depending on the location of developments, it is important to note that applicable Norms and Standards are no different from regulations in law in that they are both equally binding.

There are several waste sources that have been identified as part of the activities at MWS’s operations. These waste sources include: • Solid Waste; • Industrial Waste (e.g. tailings); • General and Non-hazardous Waste; • Hazardous Waste.

3.7 Waste Related Authorisations No waste related authorisations have been issued to MWS. The Kareerand TSF Expansion project triggers listed waste management activities in terms of the NEM:WA “List of waste management activities that have, or are likely to have, a detrimental effect on the environment”, and thus a Waste Management License (WML) is being applied for.

The TSF Expansion triggers a Category B (Activities 3 and 7) and these activities are being applied for in the form of a waste management license application.

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3.8 Other Authorisations (EIAs, EMPs, RODs, Regulations) The following authorisations have been issued for the current TSF: • Environmental Authorisation in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA) (NWP/EIA/176/2008) dated 21st July 2009; o An amendment of (NWP/EIA/176/2008) was also issued to MWS on the 25th February 2010; • Atmospheric Emissions License for Chemwes (Pty) Ltd (License no. NWPG/CHEMWES/AEL 4.17/March 14): o Listed Activity: Category 4 Subcategory 4.17- “the production or processing of precious and associated base metals”. • Nuclear- Certificate of Registration; and • Dam Safety (Licence no. 12/2/C241/37): o Licence to construct a dam with a safety risk, issued in terms of Chapter 12 of the NWA, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998).

Refer to Table 3.3 for the listed activities identified according to NEMA for the proposed TSF Expansion.

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Table 3.3: NEMA Listed Activities Identified Listing Activity Activity description Project activity which triggers the Listed Activity: Notice No Listing Notice 1: Government Notice R983 in Government Gazette 38282 of 4 December 2014 and amended by: • GN 327 GG 40772 20170407 w.e.f. 7 April 2017 • GN 706 GG 41766 20180713 w.e.f. 13 July 2018 The development of- (i) dams or weirs, where the dam or weir, including infrastructure and New Return & Storm Water Dams = 61 Ha ; will occur over the site of water surface area, exceeds 100 square meters; or a small watercourse (ii) infrastructure or structures with a physical footprint of 100 square

meters or more; LN1 12 Development of the TSF within the watercourse. where such development occurs-

(a) within a watercourse; Development of new pump stations (b) in front of a development setback; or

(c) if no development setback exists, within 32 meters of a watercourse, measured from the edge of a watercourse. The infilling or depositing of any material of more than 10 cubic meters into, LN1 19 or the dredging, excavation, removal or moving of soil, sand, shells, shell TSF expansion will be conducted on the site of a small watercourse grit, pebbles or rock of more than 10 cubic meters from a watercourse. The development of a road- (i) for which an environmental authorisation was obtained for the route determination in terms of activity 5 in Government Notice 387 of 2006 or The development of 8 m wide access roads to the TSF. The combined LN1 24 activity 18 in Government Notice 545 of 2010; or distance of the new roads will be 11 km. (ii) with a reserve wider than 13.5 meters, or where no reserve exists where the road is wider than 8 meters. Commercial development which will occur on land that was used for Residential, mixed, retail, commercial, industrial or institutional LN1 28 agriculture; TSF and associated dams will be 473 ha in size, plus the developments where such land was used for agriculture, game farming, footprint of the six (6) pump stations (unknown at this stage).

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Listing Activity Activity description Project activity which triggers the Listed Activity: Notice No equestrian purposes or afforestation on or after 01 April 1998 and where such development: (i) will occur inside an urban area, where the total land to be developed is bigger than 5 hectares; or (ii) will occur outside an urban area, where the total land to be developed is bigger than 1 hectare The decommissioning of existing facilities, structures or infrastructure for- During the first ten years of the expansion operation, some of the LN1 31 (i) any development and related operation activity or activities listed in pump stations and associated infrastructure will be decommissioned. this Notice, Listing Notice 2 of 2014 or Listing Notice 3 of 2014. The expansion and related operation of infrastructure for the bulk transportation of sewage, effluent, process water, wastewater, return water, industrial discharge or slimes where the existing infrastructure- (i) has an internal diameter of 0,36 meters or more; or Process water and slurry pipelines will range from 0.5 m to 0.6 m in LN1 46 (ii) has a peak throughput of 120 liters per second or more; and diameter and pipeline network will be cumulatively expanded by (a) where the facility or infrastructure is expanded by more than 1 000 approximately 30 km. meters in length; or (b) where the throughput capacity of the facility or infrastructure will be increased by 10% or more. The expansion of- The TSF expansion footprint will be approximately 380 Ha; expansion LN1 48 (i) infrastructure or structures where the physical footprint is expanded will occur over a small watercourse. by 100 square metres or more. RWD Expansion. Listing Notice 2: Government Notice R984 in Government Gazette 38282 of 4 December 2014 and amended by: • GN 327 GG 40772 20170407 w.e.f. 7 April 2017 • GN 706 GG 41766 20180713 w.e.f. 13 July 2018

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Listing Activity Activity description Project activity which triggers the Listed Activity: Notice No The clearance of an area of 20 hectares or more of indigenous vegetation, excluding where such clearance of indigenous vegetation is required for- The total footprint that will be cleared for the proposed project is LN2 15 (i) the undertaking of a linear activity; or approximately 473 + footprints of six (6) pump stations (unknown at (ii) maintenance purposes undertaken in accordance with a maintenance this stage) management plan.

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3.9 Relevant Legislation 3.9.1 Constitution of South Africa, 1996 (Act No.108 of 1996)

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No.108 of 1996) compels all to ensure the fundamental rights of all citizens. Section 24 of the act states the following: Everyone has the right: a) To an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing, and b) To have an environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations through reasonable legislative and other measures that- I. Prevent pollution and ecological degradation; I. Promote conservation; and II. Secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.

The environmental legislation promulgated since the constitution has given legal effect to this section of the Constitution.

3.9.2 National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998)

The National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA) is South Africa’s overarching framework for environmental legislation. The NEMA sets out the principles of Integrated Environmental Management (IEM). The NEMA aims to promote sustainable development, with wide-ranging implications for national, provincial, and local government. Included amongst the key principles is that all development must be environmentally, economically and socially sustainable and that environmental management must place people and their needs at the forefront, and equitably serve their physical, developmental, psychological, cultural and social interest.

The NEMA is the environmental framework legislation promulgated to replace the Environmental Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989), and ensure that the environmental rights contemplated in Section 24 of the Constitution are realised. NEMA sets out: • The fundamental principles that need to be incorporated in the environmental decision making process; • The principles that are necessary to achieve sustainable development; • Provides for duty of care to prevent, control and rehabilitate the effect of significant pollution and environmental degradation; and • It allows for the prosecution of environmental crimes.

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The NEMA provides for the identification of activities which will impact the environment. These activities were promulgated in terms of Regulations 982, 983, 984 and 985, published 4 December 2014 and require environmental authorisation.

The impacts of the listed activities must be investigated, assessed and reported to the competent authority before authorisation to commence with such listed activities can be granted.

3.9.3 The National Water Act, 1998 (Act No.36 of 1998)

The purpose of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) (NWA) is to ensure that the nation’s water resources are protected, used, developed, conserved, managed and controlled. Sections 40 and 42 of NWA provides for the responsible authority to request public participation and an assessment of the likely effect of the proposed licence the protection, use, development, conservation, management and control of the water resource.

The NWA defines 11 consumptive and non-consumptive water uses in terms of Section 21 of the NWA: • Section 21(a): Taking water from a water resource; • Section 21(b): Storing water; • Section 21(c): Impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse; • Section 21(d): Engaging in a stream flow reduction activity; • Section 21(e): Engaging in a controlled activity: irrigation of any land with waste or water containing waste; • Section 21(f): Discharging waste or water containing waste into a water resource through a pipe, canal, sewer or other conduit • Section 21(g): Disposing of waste in a manner which may detrimentally impact on a water resource; • Section 21(h): Disposing in any manner of water which contains waste from, or which has been heated in any industrial or power generation process; • Section 21(i): Altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse; • Section 21(j): Removing, discharging or disposing of water found underground if it is necessary for the efficient continuation of an activity or for the safety of people; • Section 21(k): Using water for recreational purposes.

Water uses that are not permissible in terms of Schedule 1 of the NWA need to be authorised under a tiered authorisation system as a General Authorisation in terms of the General Authorisations as published under section 39 of the NWA or as a water use licence, as provided for in terms of section 21 of the NWA.

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The authorisation system allows for the “Reserve” and provides for public consultation processes in the establishment of strategies and decision making and guarantees the right to appeal against such decision.

Section 27 of the NWA specifies that the following factors regarding water use authorisation be taken into consideration: • The efficient and beneficial use of water in the public interest; • The socio-economic impact of the decision whether or not to issue a licence; • Alignment with the catchment management strategy; • The impact of the water use and possible resource directed measures; and • Investments made by the applicant in respect of the water use in question.

Section 26(1) of the NWA states: • Subject to subsection (4), the Minister may make regulations: o (a) limiting or restricting the purpose, manner or extent of water use; o (b)requiring that the use of water from a water resource be monitored, measured and recorded; o (c) requiring that any water use be registered with the responsible authority; o (d) prescribing the outcome or effect which must be achieved by the installation and operation of any water work; o (e) regulating the design, construction, installation, operation and maintenance of any water work, where it is necessary or desirable to monitor any water use or to protect a water resource; o (f) requiring qualification for and registration of persons authorised to design, construct, install, operate and maintain any water work, in order to protect the public and to safeguard human life and property; o (g) regulating or prohibiting any activity in order to protect a water resource or instream or riparian habitat; o (h) prescribing waste standards which specify the quantity, quality and temperature of waste which may be discharged or deposited into or allowed to enter a water resource; o (i) prescribing the outcome or effect which must be achieved through management practices for the treatment of waste, or any elements of waste, before it is discharged or deposited into or allowed to enter a water resource; o (j) requiring the waste discharged or deposited into or allowed to enter a water resource be monitored and analysed, and prescribing methods for such monitoring and analysis;

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o (k) prescribing procedural requirements for license applications; o (l) relating to transactions in respect of authorisations to use water, including but not limited to: ▪ (i) the circumstances under which a transaction may be permitted; ▪ (ii)the conditions subject to which a transaction may take place; and ▪ (iii) the procedure to deal with a transaction; o (m) prescribing methods for making a volumetric determination of water to be ascribed to a stream flow reduction activity for the purpose of water use allocation and the imposition of charges; o (n) prescribing procedures for the allocation of water by means of public tender or auction; and o (o) prescribing: ▪ (i) procedures for obtaining; and ▪ (ii) the required contents of, assessments of the likely effect which any proposed licence may have on the quality of the water resource in question.

4 PRESENT ENVIRONMENTAL SITUATION

4.1 Climate 4.1.1 Regional Climate

The climate is typical of the Western Highveld: warm during summer, cool to cold during winter. Mean daily maximum/minimum temperatures fall around 29°C/12°C in January and 16°C/0°C in July, with extreme minimums, which may be as low as -13°C. Frost occurs mostly from May to August, and on average, 31.2 frost days per year is expected.

4.1.2 Rainfall

A long record of rainfall is required to reliably assess statistical characteristics of the site’s local rainfall. The rainfall depths were extracted from the closest weather station to the study site, obtained from the WR2012 database (details given in Table 4.1) (WRC, 2012). The selection of the Bushy Bend Station (436747) is since this is the closest station to the study area with a reliable record.

Table 4.1: Details for rainfall Bushy Bend Station (436747) Name of Rainfall Distance Record rainfall station Latitude Longitude MAP (mm) (km) (years) station number Busy Bend 436747 7.0 26° 57’ 26° 55’ 55 592

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The Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) in the vicinity of the site was calculated to be 592mm, based on the Bushy Bend Station dataset; the average monthly rainfall depths are shown in Figure 4.1. About 83% of the annual rainfall falls in summer (October to March), with the maximum amount of precipitation falling in January.

Figure 4.1: Average monthly rainfall

TR102 report on South African Storm Rainfall (Department of Environment Affairs, 1983) was also reviewed to obtain the storm rainfall depths for the recurrence intervals. The data is shown in Table 4.2 for the Bushy Bend Station (436747); the data was obtained statistically using the 55 years of data. The maximum observed rainfall was found to be approximately 216mm for a 7-day duration event.

Table 4.2: Storm rainfall depths (mm) for various recurrence intervals Recurrence Interval (Years) Minimum Annual Maximum Annual Duration Maximum Maximum 2 5 10 20 50 100 200 Recorded (mm) Recorded (mm) 1 Day 22 120 55 78 96 117 147 173 202 2 Day 26 172 69 100 124 150 189 223 260 3 Day 28 175 77 110 137 165 208 244 284 7 Day 49 216 95 133 162 192 236 272 311

4.1.3 Evaporation

The project falls within evaporation zone 10A and has a mean annual evaporation of 1 780mm, which is more than three times the MAP, and varies from a minimum of 95mm in June to 252mm/month in December.

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4.2 Surface Water A hydrological investigation was undertaken by Knight Piesold in 2019. Refer to Annexure C for the full hydrological report.

4.2.1 Water Management Area (WMA)

The study area falls within quaternary catchments C24A, C24B, C24H and C23L (Figure 4.2) and within the Vaal Water Management Area (WMA). The TSF expansion and its associated infrastructure will fall mainly with in C24B.

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Figure 4.2: WMA and Quaternary Catchments

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4.2.2 Surface Water Hydrology

The Koekemoerspruit originates on the farms Rooipoort and Lustfontein about 28km north of the point where it crosses the N12, then flows in a southernly direction to the west of the proposed TSF expansion site. The receiving water body for the Koekemoerspruit is the Vaal River and the convergence point is about 16.5km south of the N12.

The Droespruit flows in a southernly direction to the North-East of the site. The Vaal River is situated approximately 1km to the south of the location of the TSF expansion area. According to the natural contour elevations, surface runoff from this site will naturally flow towards the Vaal River. There is a small non-perennial river that runs along the western side of the current TSF.

4.2.3 Surface Water Quality

The following section can be found the hydrogeological Assessment in Annexure D.

Water quality data for the Vaal River is presented by means of a sulphate time graph for the different monitoring sites. Figure 4.3 supplies an overview of the geographical localities of the different Vaal River water quality monitoring sites. It can be seen that samples sites VRS63 and VRS23 represents the upstream and downstream site respectively. VRS03 represents the down-stream site for the total area and situated at the Orkney Bridge.

Figure 4.4 shows the past 2 years of sulphate trend data for the sites up and downstream of Kareerand. The up and downstream sulphate concentrations fluctuates with seasonal rainfall, but the results are generally similar. Slightly elevated sulphate concentrations were measured in Oct/Nov of both 2016, 2017 and 2018.

It is inferred from the hydrochemistry data that there is currently no/negligible poor quality diffuse groundwater seepage into the Vaal River via the surrounding aquifer occurring.

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Figure 4.3: Different Vaal River monitoring sites

Figure 4.4: Sulphate time graph for the upstream (VRS63), Kareerand downstream sites (VRS23) and Orkney far down-stream Site (VRS03)

4.2.4 Mean Annual Run-off

The C24B quaternary catchment is an incremental sub-catchment of the Vaal River, covers a total area of 864km2, and has a natural Mean Annual Run-off (MAR) of 4.75 million m3/a.

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The C24A quaternary catchment covers a total area of 839km2, and has a natural MAR of 26.19 million m3/a.

4.2.5 Resource Class and River Health

According the data from the DWS, the C24B and C24H quaternary catchments form an integrated unit of analysis with the C24A quaternary catchment. In terms of quaternary catchment C24B, the Ecological Category of the catchment is “D”, and the Present Ecological Status (“PES”) is “C", with a Recommended Ecological Class (“REC”) of “C”. In the area where the current Kareerand TSF is located, this sub-catchment is drained by an ephemeral drainage line, which becomes a small unnamed tributary of the Vaal River.

In addition, the C24A quaternary catchment covers a total area of 839km2. It is drained by the Koekemoer Spruit and its tributary, the Kromdraai Spruit. The Koekemoer Spruit originates on the farms Rooipoort and Lustfontein and flows about 28km southeast to its confluence with the Kromdraai Spruit, about 3.5km north of the N12 highway. From here, the Koekemoer Spruit flows about 16.5 km further southward to its confluence with the Vaal River. Prior to 1954, when the dewatering of the dolomitic compartment was initiated at Margaret Shaft, the Koekemoer Spruit was a non-perennial stream. The upper reaches of the Spruit (north of the N12) are still non-perennial.

Since 1954, excess water abstracted from Margaret Shaft (an average of 30 -50 ML/day) had been discharged into the Koekemoer Spruit, which changed the lower reaches of the Koekemeor Spruit to a perennial stream (The yield of Margaret Shaft have reduced significantly to approximately 17 – 20 ML/day). Discharge into the Koekemoer Spruit that is currently taking place, is approximately 7 – 10 ML/day from the Stilfontein Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and access water from Margaret Shaft not being used by mining and 3rd parties in the catchment.

The Ecological Category of the catchment is “D”, and the PES of the Koekemoer Spruit is “D/E", with a REC of “D”

4.2.6 Receiving Water Quality Objectives and Reserve

Section 12 of the NWA specifies that water resources are to be managed by means of Resource Directed Measures (RDMs) which inter alia entails the classification of the water resource, the setting of a Reserve, followed by the establishment of Resource Quality Objectives (RQOs). The RQOs must indicate the level of use of the resource that is deemed acceptable, and

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unlikely to damage a water resource beyond repair. Recently, the DWS has published Classes and RQOs for catchments of the Middle Vaal dated the 22 April 2016 (Gazette No. 39943).

Table 4.3 indicates the RQO for rivers and dams in priority Resource Units in the Integrated Unit of Analysis (IUA) (Vaal River).

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Table 4.3: RQO for Rivers in Priority Resource Units in the Integrated Unit of Analysis (VAAL RIVER) (Middle Vaal) (Gazette No. 39943)

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4.2.7 Surface Water User Survey

Water use in the catchment includes abstraction by farmers, livestock watering, and the discharge of contaminated run-off from farming activities, as well as from urban and mining areas.

4.2.8 Sensitive Areas Survey (Wetlands)

Two wetland studies have been conducted for this project. The first study ‘Wetland Impact Assessment Report for the Proposed Mine Waste Solutions (MWS) Kareerand Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) Extension Project (Stilfontein, North West Province)’ was conducted in 2018 by De Castro & Brits Ecological Consultants. An additional study was undertaken by Limosella Consultants in 2019 titled ‘Wetland/Riparian Delineation and Functional Assessment March 2019’. This additional study was undertaken due to the TSF layout changing. Both reports are discussed in this section.

4.2.8.1 De Castro & Brits Ecological Consultants Report (2018) Imperata Consulting CC was subcontracted by De Castro and Brits Ecological Consultants CC to conduct a baseline wetland delineation and assessment study for the proposed Kareerand TSF. Refer to Annexure E for the full Wetland Impact Assessment.

Watercourse Delineation and Classification No natural or artificial wetlands overlap with the study area as indicated in the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (NFEPA) spatial dataset of Nel et al. (2011) (Figure 4.5). Only a potential floodplain wetland associated with the Vaal River overlaps partially with in the eastern-most portion of the 500m study area buffer (Figure 4.5). Riparian and/or wetland habitat is expected to have developed on the right hand bank of the Vaal River, but the river ecosystem with its associated bed and banks does not form part of this study.

The 2013-13 South African National Land Cover dataset (GTI, 2015) indicates the presence of wetland areas within the study area and 500m study area buffer. First and second order river lines from the 1:50000 topographical map 2626DD tend to overlap with these wetland land cover areas in the study area and its 500m buffer (Figure 4.5). This indicates that headwater tributaries of the Vaal River present in the study area and its surroundings are likely to contain wetland habitat along their reaches, or at least portions of their reaches. The national land cover dataset also indicates the presence of wetlands and permanent water within the existing Kareerand TSF, which is to be expected as the facility stores water and seepage is expected from its foot slopes (Figure 4.5).

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Figure 4.5: Possible wetlands according to NFEPA and National Land Cover Dataset (De Castro & Brits, 2018) * TSF design has changed since the undertaking of this investigation. Refer to Section 4.2.8.2 for updated wetland study.

The November site survey confirmed the presence of wetland habitat within the study area and along headwater drainage lines indicated on topographical map 2626DD. Recorded wetland indicators included hydromorphic features, such as gleying, low chroma matrix colours, spots of iron depletion and mottling, while hydrophyte (DWAF, 2005 & 2008) and hygrophyte (Retief & Herman, 1997) species were also identified. Natural wetlands were classified into four different types of hydro-geomorphic (HGM) units, while identified man- made wetlands were classified as artificial systems (Refer to Annexure E for the full report and wetland findings): • 3 x Unchannelled valley bottom wetlands; • 2 x Channelled valley bottom wetlands; • 2 x Seep wetlands; • 1 x Pan (depression) wetland; and • 2 x Artificial wetlands.

4.2.8.2 Limosella Consulting Report (2019) Limosella Consulting was appointed by Iggdrasil Scientific Services to undertake a wetland and/or riparian delineation and functional assessment for the proposed Kareerand TSF

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Expansion. Refer to Annexure E for the full Wetland/Riparian Delineation and Functional Assessment. It should be noted that this study was undertaken after the change in design of the TSF layout.

Land use, cover and ecological state The study area comprises approximately 4 201 hectares with infrastructure of approximately 610 hectares located on the study site. The construction of this infrastructure only occurred in 2011. Prior to construction the study site was mostly open with some farming occurring with associated infrastructure such as roads and cultivated fields. The majority of the region is undeveloped with isolated game farms. The northern section of the study area borders on the Khuma Township and is not fenced off. This area is used as communal grazing lands and is heavily grazed. Since the 2018 wetland assessment, the size of the study area has increased to include sections of private land which were not accessible during the December 2018 site assessment. During the February 2019 site visit these previously inaccessible areas were visited.

Watercourses In the current study, one new wetland and a river were recorded in addition to the 2018 delineation by De Castro & Brits (Annexure E). The perennial Vaal River enters a small section of the study site as it was defined for this study. Other wetlands as delineated in previous reports (De Castro & Brits, 2018) now extend further into the study site compared to the previous smaller study area. These wetlands are labelled as wetland 1 and wetland 9 in the De Castro & Brits (2018) report (Figure 4.6) and both are unchannelled valley bottom wetlands. The only new wetland is located in the eastern section of the study site. This wetland is a seepage wetland that drains directly into the Vaal River. In the eastern section several smaller dams and dam like structures were recorded during the follow up site visit. These areas are likely artificial although they do provide some biodiversity support such as habitat for several species as well as drinking water for larger animals.

Northeast of the Tailings Storage Facility a non-perennial pan is shown on regional hydrology layers. This area is known as Wildebeestpan. Detailed soil and vegetation assessments in this area on the 10th of December 2018 and the 27th of February 2019 did not reflect conclusive wetland indicators although it is likely that moist soil may be elevated during very wet seasons. In some areas soils with high clay content will swell and may occasionally support facultative wetland species. This moisture is however not sufficient for the area to be classified as a wetland following the definition in the DWS guidelines.

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The TSF design changed since the undertaking of this investigation. Refer to Figure 4.9 for the latest infrastructure layout in relation to the wetlands identified.

Figure 4.6: De Casto & Brits 2018 delineation (top) compared to the current February 2019 map (bottom) indicating the larger study area and one new wetland (Limosella, 2019)

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Soil Indicators Soil samples were taken throughout the wetlands of the study site to determine the presence of wetland characteristics (Redoximorphic features) such as mottling, a gleyed matrix and manganese and/or Iron concretions. The wetlands of the study site were characterised by seasonal and permanent wet zones. A pebble layer was prominent in southern unchannelled valley bottom wetland. The dominant soil form in the wetlands sampled was dark clay soil, moderately to highly structured. Another characteristic feature of the small pan wetland includes the presence of an impermeable ferricrete layer within the soil profile. Red soils were not widespread on the study site. The dominant soil features of the wetlands on the study site are visually represented in the figures below (Figure 4.7). The Vaal River had large areas of bedrock as well as pebbles and boulders. Sandy alluvial deposits were found on the banks of the river.

The soil characteristics are summarised in Table 4.4 and visually illustrated Figure 4.7.

Table 4.4: Summary of the wetland soil conditions adjacent to the site (Limosella, 2019)

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Figure 4.7: Soil characteristics of the unchannelled valley bottom wetlands on the study site. Note the structured, heavy dark clay (Limosella, 2019)

Vegetation Indicators Some important species recorded in the other wetlands that could likely occur in the seepage wetland include Crinum bulbispermum, Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Eucomis autumnalis. The Vaal River had a clear riparian layer for the majority of the study area although a large number of the woody species recorded were exotic. A visual summary of the wetlands in the initial study and the follow up site visit is provided in the Figure 4.8. A complete list of species recorded in the wetlands and surroundings is available in previous reports (De Castro & Brits, 2018).

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Figure 4.8: General characteristics of the wetlands and the Vaal River on the study site

The proposed layout relative to the wetlands can be found in Figure 4.9.

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Figure 4.9: Proposed layout relative to the wetlands

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Wetland functional Assessment The DWS authorisations related to wetlands are regulated by Government Notice R267 published in the Government Gazette 40713 of 24 March 2017. Page 196 of this notice provides a detailed terms of reference for wetland assessment reports and includes the requirement that the ecological integrity and function of wetlands be addressed.

Although it is our opinion that this section should draw from site specific fauna and flora data, this requirement is addressed through the WetEcoServices toolkit (Kotze et al. 2006). This wetland assessment method is an Excel based tool which is based on the integral function of wetlands in terms of their hydrogeomorphic setting. Each of seven benefits are assessed based on a list of characteristics (e.g. slope of the wetland) that are relevant to the particular benefit. Scores are subjectively awarded to characteristics of the wetland and its catchment relative to the proposed activity.

The WetEcoServices assessment of each HGM unit is presented in Appendix B of the wetland report. The wetlands scored low with regards to cultural significance. The area has a low population density, the surroundings are actively mined and it is not accessible to the general public. The new portion of the study site is used as a game farm and thus has the potential for tourism. Due to the close proximity of mines in the area the seepage wetland is likely to contribute to water quality enhancement. This follows from the mechanism of the Wetecoservices tool which shows that the wetland unit can provide this service because the threat of the mine creates an opportunity for this service. The impacts associated with the wetlands are predominantly mining related and include sedimentation, erosion, pollution, loss of biodiversity and wetland loss (Figure 4.10). Agriculture adjacent to the wetlands also impacts on them though input of nutrients and pesticides and altered soil characteristics (for example compaction and recharge properties).

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Figure 4.10: Images of impacts recorded within and surrounding the wetland areas tyre tracks through wetlands, and reclamation infrastructure (Limosella, 2019)

Scores The seepage wetland scored a PES of C - Moderately modified. A moderate change in ecosystem processes and loss of natural habitats has taken place but the natural habitat remains predominantly intact. The wetland is likely to deteriorate slightly over the next 5 years. The components of the PES score are reflected in Table 4.5 and include the hydrology, geomorphology and vegetation components of wetland integrity. The results for the functional and integrity scores for the other wetland on the larger study site are presented in the De Castro & Brits (2018) wetland assessment report.

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Table 4.5: Summary of hydrology, geomorphology and vegetation health assessment for the unchannelled valley bottom wetland and seepage wetland (Macfarlane et al, 2009) (Limosella, 2019) Overall Score Hydrology Geomorphology Vegetation Wetland Unit Impact Change Impact Change Impact Change Impact Change Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score

Seepage Wetland 3.1 -1 3.1 0 2.2 -1 2.8 -1

PES Category and Projected C → C → C → C →

Trajectory

Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) The EIS score of 3.0 falls into a category characterised by High/Very High ecological importance and sensitivity. Wetlands in this category are considered to be ecologically important and sensitive. The biodiversity of these wetlands may be sensitive to flow and habitat modifications. They play a role in moderating the quantity and quality of water of major rivers (DWAF, 1999) (Table 4.6).

Table 4.6: Combined EIS scores obtained for the Seepage wetland adjacent to the study site. (DWAF, 1999) (Limosella, 2019)

WETLAND IMPORTANCE AND SENSITIVITY Importance Confidence

Ecological importance & sensitivity 3.0 3.0

Hydro-functional importance 2.1 2.5

Direct human benefits 1.5 3.0

Highest EIS Score 3.0 (High)

The ecosystem services provided by the wetland adjacent to the study site are summarised in Table 4.7. The scores are listed from lowest to highest. The threats to the wetlands are very high as a result of the adjacent reclamation and agriculture.

Table 4.7: Results of the Ecosystem Services provided by the seepage wetland (Limosella, 2019) Function Score Significance Cultural significance 0.0 Low Education and research 0.0 Low Carbon storage 0.3 Low Natural resources 0.4 Low Cultivated foods 0.4 Low Water supply for human use 0.8 Low

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Function Score Significance Erosion control 1.0 Moderately Low Tourism and recreation 1.1 Moderately Low Flood attenuation 1.5 Moderately Low Streamflow regulation 1.5 Moderately Low Threats 2.0 Moderate Opportunities 2.0 Moderate Nitrate removal 2.2 Moderately High Toxicant removal 2.2 Moderately High Phosphate trapping 2.3 Moderately High Maintenance of biodiversity 2.3 Moderately High Sediment trapping 2.6 Moderately High

Riparian Vegetation Response Assessment Index (VEGRAI) & Quick Habitat Integrity (QHI) VEGRAI and the Quick Habitat Integrity (QHI) assessment was done do determine the Ecological Category (EC) of the Vaal River (Table 4.8 and Table 4.9): An VEGRAI score of C was calculated for the Vaal River: C – Moderately Modified – A moderate loss of natural habitat, biota and basic ecosystem functions has occurred.

Table 4.8: Results of the VEGRAI scores obtained by the Vaal River associated with the proposed development site (Limosella, 2019) LEVEL 3 ASSESSMENT METRIC GROUP CALCULATED RATING WEIGHTED RATING CONFIDENCE RANK % WEIGHT MARGINAL 60.0 17.1 2.5 2.0 40.0 NON MARGINAL 74.3 53.1 2.5 1.0 100.0 140.0 LEVEL 3 VEGRAI (%) 70.2 VEGRAI EC C AVERAGE CONFIDENCE 2.5

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Table 4.9: QHI for the perennial watercourse associated with the proposed development

site (Limosella, 2019)

RIVER

HABITAT INTEGRITY HABITAT

INSTREAM EC

ECOSTATUS ECOSTATUS %

INSTREAM EC%

ECOSTATUS ECOSTATUS EC

Inundation (0Inundation

CONFIDENCE (1

Bed modification ( Bed modification

Vegetation Vegetation Rating (0

Flow modification (0 modification Flow

QUATERNARY CATCHMENT

DESKTOP

Riparian/Bank condition (0 Riparian/Bank

Water quality modification (0 Water modification quality

C24B & 1 4 3 1 2 64.0 64.0 C 2 66.0 C 3

C23L Vaal River Vaal

Table 4.10 provides a summary of the results recorded for the wetland potentially affected by proposed development.

Table 4.10: Summary of results for each wetland unit discussed (Limosella, 2019) PES (MacFarlane e EIS (DWAF, Classification et al, 2007) & 1999) & QHI WetEcoServices (3 most Buffer REC (SANBI, 2013) VEGRAI (Seaman et al, prominent scores) (Kleynhans et 2010) al, 2008). Phosphate trapping - 2.3 Maintenance of biodiversity Seepage Wetland 2.8 C 3.0 (High) C - 2.3 Sediment trapping - 100 m 2.6

Vaal River 70.2 C 66.0 C N/A C

4.3 Groundwater A hydrogeological investigation was undertaken by GCS in 2019. Refer to Annexure D for the full Hydrogeological Assessment report.

4.3.1 Aquifer Characterisation

The weathered/fractured aquifer that underlies the expansion site may be classified as a minor aquifer (Parsons, 1995) due to the general yields of less than 2.0 l/s. The Minor Aquifer System is defined as “fractured or potentially fractured rocks which do not have a high primary

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permeability, or other formations of variable permeability. Aquifer extent may be limited and water quality variable. Although these aquifers seldom produce large quantities of water, they are important both for local supplies and in supplying base flow to rivers”.

The aquifer system north east of the site at the farm Kromdraai can be classified as a Major Aquifer System due to its high yields > 2l/sec and high hydraulic conductivity values.

4.3.2 Hydrocensus

The data obtained during the November 2017 hydrocensus is provided in Appendix B of the Hydrogeological Assessment (Annexure D) and shown on the maps below (Figure 4.11 to Figure 4.13). A total of 31 old and existing farm boreholes have been located. Most of these sites are abandoned, only the farms further to the north east, south east and the game farm to the south west have active boreholes. These farm boreholes can be grouped as follows: • The farm Kromdraai 420 IP of Sally Barraclough: Seven in total, 4 production boreholes of which one is for domestic and 3 for agricultural purposes. Three of these boreholes are not in use. Generally high sulfate concentrations have been recorded in both the initial 2008 and 2017 follow up hydrocensus. These boreholes are situated south east of the TSF and site id’s are labelled HC01 to HC07; • The farm Kromdraai 420 IP of Nicolaas Maree: One domestic use borehole was identified and sampled (HC27), an additional borehole (HC20) is used for cattle watering; and • Game farm south and south west: This is now the property of Chemwes. Two production boreholes which are used for animal watering (HC13, HC14).

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Figure 4.11: Regional topography setting

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Figure 4.12: Regional borehole localities

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Figure 4.13: Regional geological map

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4.3.3 Groundwater Quality

The data from the November 2017 hydrocensus are captured in Table 4.11 to Table 4.13. Generally, TDS and sulphate concentrations elevated above the 1996 DWAF TWQG were observed within the direct vicinity of the current Kareerand TSF.

However, routine groundwater monitoring data was obtained from the southern farm boreholes, situated 5.7km and 7km respectively from the Kareerand TSF. These two boreholes HC01 and HC02 were sampled in 2008 and indicated higher sulphate concentrations when comparing to ambient data collected at the same time, prior to any tailings deposition at current Kareerand TSF. The sulphate trend graphs can be seen from Figure 4.14 - Figure 4.17.

It can be seen from the tables that generally Ca and Mg are dominant in most of the samples. Some parameters exceeding the target water quality guidelines in some of the boreholes

includes Cl, NO3, Na, Fe, Al and Mn. Manganese occurs above target levels at most of the sites.

Neutral pH levels were observed in all the sites. The lowest pH, of 5.6, occurs in borehole BH58 which is situated directly west of the transfer silos and the TSF.

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Table 4.11: Laboratory analyses for the sites sampled in Nov 2017 (1)

Date 2017-11-08 2017-11-08 2017-11-08 2017-11-08 2017-11-08 2017-11-08 2017-11-08 2017-11-08 2017-11-08 2017-11-09 2017-11-09 DWAF 1996 DWAF 1996 Stock Domestic Use – TWQR Watering Use – TWQR Constituent BH37 HC13 HC19 BH5 BH39-12m BH4 HC11 BH39-22m BH11 HC24 HC25 Electrical Conductivity mS/m 38.7 49.7 45.8 57.1 84.3 48 48.8 104 46.7 56.4 72.9 0 - 70 0 - 155

0 - 50 Soft Hardness Total** mg/L CaCO3 150 217 252 310 395 209 579 257 294 394 50 - 100 Moderate NS 100 - 150 Slightly Hard

pH pH units 8.7 7.3 7.3 7.1 7.9 8.3 7.4 7.8 7.7 7.5 7.5 4 - 9 NS Total Dissolved Solids at mg/L 250 302 266 328 457 306 235 775 272 401 769 0 - 450 0 - 1000 180°C Chemical - Macro Determinands Alkalinity Total mg/L CaCO3 263 231 246 407 414 269 271 362 270 280 289 NS NS Ammonia mg/L N <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 9.7 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 0 - 1 NS Calcium Dissolved mg/L Ca 23 43 50 63 77 15 40 121 42 56 87 0 - 32 0 - 1000 Chloride mg/L Cl- 27 12 6 12 24 8 10 76 10 19 26 0 - 100 0 - 1500 Fluoride mg/L F- <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 0 - 1 0 - 2 Magnesium Dissolved mg/L Mg 22 27 31 37 49 <10 26 66 36 37 43 0 - 30 0 - 500 Nitrate & Nitrite mg/L N 6.2 8.9 <0.5 2.7 7.7 <0.5 <0.5 5.8 <0.5 <0.5 17 0 - 6 0 - 100 Orthophosphate** mg/L P <0.05 <0.05 NS NS Potassium Dissolved mg/L K <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 0 - 50 NS Sodium Dissolved mg/L Na 18 19 23 32 67 106 25 52 25 22 20 0 - 100 0 - 2000 Sulphate mg/L SO4 <5.0 <5.0 7.1 56 <5.0 <5.0 107 <5.0 27 26 0 - 200 0 - 1000 Zinc Dissolved mg/L Zn <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 0.13 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 0 - 3 0 - 20 Chemical - Micro Determinands Aluminium Dissolved mg/L Al <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 0.35 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 0 - 0.15 0 - 5 Boron Dissolved mg/L B <0.30 <0.30 <0.30 <0.30 <0.30 <0.30 <0.30 <0.30 <0.30 <0.30 <0.30 NS 0 - 5 Chromium Dissolved mg/L Cr <0.02 0 - 0.05 0 - 1 Copper Dissolved mg/L Cu <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 0 - 1 0 - 0.5 Cyanide WAD - CFA** mg/L CN <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 < 0.2 (SANS 241-1: Acute limit) NS Iron Dissolved mg/L Fe <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 0.3 0.32 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 0.1 - 0.3 0 - 10 Lead Dissolved mg/L Pb <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 < 0.01 0 - 0.1 Manganese Dissolved mg/L Mn <0.10 <0.10 0.12 0.15 <0.10 <0.10 0.48 0.21 0.11 <0.10 0.13 0 - 0.05 0 - 10

* < Below Detection Limit; NA - No Data/Not Analysed/No Standard; n/s - No Standard; Green -Above 1996 DWAF Ideal Values; Orange - Above 1996 DWAF Livestock Watering Ideal Values; White - Does not surpass compared guideline limit; IS: insufficient sample to complete analysis

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Table 4.12: Laboratory analyses for the sites sampled in Nov 2017 (2) DWAF 1996 DWAF 1996 Date 2017-11-09 2017-11-09 2017-11-09 2017-11-09 2017-11-09 2017-11-15 2017-11-15 2017-11-15 2017-11-15 2017-11-15 2017-11-15 Domestic Use – Stock Watering Constituent BH40 BH41 HC23 HC21 KD01 BH42 BH43 HC27 BH47 BH10 S101 TWQR Use – TWQR Electrical Conductivity mS/m 94.4 134 282 80.5 81.8 55 73.8 167 86.3 78.5 472 0 - 70 0 - 155 0 - 50 Soft 50 - 100 Hardness Total** mg/L CaCO3 489 826 2061 456 544 237 277 723 398 336 2326 Moderate NS 100 - 150 Slightly Hard pH pH units 8.1 8.1 7.3 7.4 7.4 7.6 7.7 7.2 7.8 7.2 7.6 4 - 9 NS Total Dissolved Solids at mg/L 1181 3012 3075 612 644 382 422 1051 595 461 3340 0 - 450 0 - 1000 180°C Chemical - Macro Determinands Alkalinity Total mg/L CaCO3 279 231 312 401 320 270 295 359 265 205 153 NS NS Ammonia mg/L N <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 0.93 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 1.2 1.6 0 - 1 NS Calcium Dissolved mg/L Ca 95 179 440 101 135 47 55 150 93 54 466 0 - 32 0 - 1000 Chloride mg/L Cl- 65 126 178 27 36 8 25 170 51 61 337 0 - 100 0 - 1500 Fluoride mg/L F- <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 0 - 1 0 - 2 Magnesium Dissolved mg/L Mg 60 91 231 49 50 29 34 83 40 49 279 0 - 30 0 - 500 Nitrate & Nitrite mg/L N 5.2 4.3 3.1 0.7 15 8.5 5.9 49 15 0.6 0.6 0 - 6 0 - 100 Orthophosphate** mg/L P <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 0.07 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 NS NS Potassium Dissolved mg/L K <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 0 - 50 NS Sodium Dissolved mg/L Na 28 45 36 19 22 27 63 68 31 22 312 0 - 100 0 - 2000 Sulphate mg/L SO4 112 358 1167 49 49 <5.0 70 105 74 122 2342 0 - 200 0 - 1000 Zinc Dissolved mg/L Zn <0.10 <0.10 0.5 2.7 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 0.12 0 - 3 0 - 20 Chemical - Micro Determinands Aluminium Dissolved mg/L Al <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 0 - 0.15 0 - 5 Boron Dissolved mg/L B <0.30 <0.30 <0.30 <0.30 <0.30 NS 0 - 5 Chromium Dissolved mg/L Cr 0 - 0.05 0 - 1 Copper Dissolved mg/L Cu <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 0 - 1 0 - 0.5 Cyanide WAD - CFA** mg/L CN <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 0.14 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02< 0.2 (SANS 241-1: Acute limit) NS Iron Dissolved mg/L Fe <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 0.1 - 0.3 0 - 10 Lead Dissolved mg/L Pb <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.050 <0.050 < 0.01 0 - 0.1 Manganese Dissolved mg/L Mn <0.10 <0.10 0.1 0.23 <0.10 0.21 0.38 <0.10 0.56 0.14 24 0 - 0.05 0 - 10

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Table 4.13: Laboratory analyses for the sites sampled in Nov 2017 (3) DWAF 1996 DWAF 1996 Date 2017-11-15 2017-11-15 2017-11-15 2017-11-15 2017-11-15 19 Feb 2018 19 Feb 2018 19 Feb 2018 19 Feb 2018 19 Feb 2018 Domestic Use – Stock Watering Constituent HC02 HC01 HC07 BH44 BH46 BH51 BH52 BH55 BH58 HC23 TWQR Use – TWQR Electrical Conductivity mS/m 208 131 19.4 35 235 89.3 301 119.6 242.7 168.6 0 - 70 0 - 155 0 - 50 Soft 50 - 100 Hardness Total** mg/L CaCO3 989 576 119 1339 Moderate NS 100 - 150 Slightly Hard pH pH units 7.2 7.4 6.8 7.7 8 7.49 7.21 7.87 5.62 6.65 4 - 9 NS

Total Dissolved Solids at 180°C mg/L 1588 919 138 234 1875 570 2355 715 1591 1310 0 - 450 0 - 1000

Chemical - Macro Determinands Alkalinity Total mg/L CaCO3 414 409 73 158 207 388.3796 267.14 148.314 < 30.0 107.768 NS NS Ammonia mg/L N <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 0 - 1 NS Calcium Dissolved mg/L Ca 233 122 <10 25 310 70.1113 407.7532 20.7401 243.4562 163.8732 0 - 32 0 - 1000 Chloride mg/L Cl- 140 81 14 8 233 35.3 193.58 199.47 217.9 106.39 0 - 100 0 - 1500 Fluoride mg/L F- <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 0 - 1 0 - 2 Magnesium Dissolved mg/L Mg 98 65 <10 14 136 46.6161 212.5086 < 10.0 155.2141 115.1977 0 - 30 0 - 500 Nitrate & Nitrite mg/L N 4.4 1.7 3.6 2.5 2.5 4.776 2.636 2.723 < 0.5 < 0.5 0 - 6 0 - 100 Orthophosphate** mg/L P <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 NS NS Potassium Dissolved mg/L K <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 0 - 50 NS Sodium Dissolved mg/L Na 103 66 10 22 30 45.671 31.1976 199.7492 67.0489 21.1154 0 - 100 0 - 2000 Sulphate mg/L SO4 463 230 <5.0 16 844 56.68 1392.16 118.25 1091.23 686.13 0 - 200 0 - 1000 Zinc Dissolved mg/L Zn <0.10 <0.10 0.25 <0.10 <0.10 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.1 0 - 3 0 - 20 Chemical - Micro Determinands Aluminium Dissolved mg/L Al <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 0.34 < 0.1 < 0.1 0.2277 < 0.1 < 0.1 0 - 0.15 0 - 5 Boron Dissolved mg/L B < 0.3 < 0.3 < 0.3 < 0.3 < 0.3 NS 0 - 5 Chromium Dissolved mg/L Cr 0 - 0.05 0 - 1 Copper Dissolved mg/L Cu <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 < 0.2 < 0.2 < 0.2 < 0.2 < 0.2 0 - 1 0 - 0.5 Cyanide WAD - CFA** mg/L CN <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 0.02 <0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02< 0.2 (SANS 241-1: Acute limit) NS Iron Dissolved mg/L Fe <0.20 <0.20 <0.20 0.29 0.78 0.1 - 0.3 0 - 10 Lead Dissolved mg/L Pb <0.050 <0.050 <0.050 <0.050 <0.050 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.01 0 - 0.1 Manganese Dissolved mg/L Mn <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 0.2 0.76 < 0.1 < 0.1 0.1199 1.3431 0.8985 0 - 0.05 0 - 10

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Figure 4.14: Kareerand Groundwater Sulphate Concentrations (South-west)

Figure 4.15: Kareerand Groundwater Sulphate Concentrations (East)

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Figure 4.16: Kareerand Groundwater Sulphate Concentrations (South)

Figure 4.17: Kareerand Groundwater Sulphate Concentrations (South-east)

4.3.3.1 Time Domain Sulphate Sulphate concentrations have increased rapidly since May 2014 at the two eastern monitoring boreholes, BH13 and BH15, which decreased from May 2015 for BH13 and May 2016 for BH15. The fluctuations in borehole BH15 will receive attention by reviewing field applications of sampling, etc.

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It is fair to assume that the initial flux from the TSF caused the increased trend initially where tailings effluent was disposed on open soil surfaces and ingress was significantly higher initially until a tailings floor barrier developed.

The data for the southern boreholes (BH16, BH17 and BH21) indicate a steady sulphate increase.

4.3.3.2 Sulphate Distribution Map The sulphate distribution and kriging interpolated contours can be viewed from Figure 4.18.

Figure 4.18: Groundwater sulphate distribution and contour map – Kriging interpolation applied for contours

4.3.3.3 Hydrochemical Imagery The piper plot can be analysed to provide an indication of the chemical water type of the groundwater. Samples that plot in the top quadrant are defined as calcium sulphate waters, samples in the left quadrant are defined as calcium bicarbonate waters, samples in the right quadrant are defined as sodium chloride waters, and samples in the bottom quadrant are defined as sodium bicarbonate waters. It can be seen from Figure 4.19 that the different water sample sites plot in either the top calcium-sulphate type area (minority) or within the

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left calcium-bicarbonate type (majority). The basic differentiator between these two water types are the concentrations of sulphate in some of the samples as a result of either natural geological influences or sites close to the Kareerand TSF impacted by tailings seepage.

The expanded Durov diagram in Figure 4.20 shows the same basic differentiation between the samples un-influenced by the Kareerand TSF and those with some degree of sulphate seepage (i.e. plotted towards the middle section of the central blocks as indicated below).

Figure 4.19: Piper diagram for the recent water quality analyses (samples obtained by GCS and AGA between Nov 2017 and Feb 2018)

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Figure 4.20: Expanded durov diagrams for the recent water quality analyses (samples obtained by GCS and AGA between Nov 2017 and Feb 2018)

4.3.4 Potential Pollution Source Identification

There are a number of potential pollution sources at the Kareerand TSF, which must be properly managed and monitored. The following have been identified as potential pollution sources: • Groundwater pollution from the TSF; and • Return water dams.

4.3.5 Groundwater Model

A detailed numerical groundwater model was undertaken by GCS and is attached as Annexure D to this report.

The purpose of this section is to combine all the available hydrogeological data into a mathematical platform where the knowledge of the system is integrated to numerically simulate typical tailings storage conditions and identify knowledge gaps and areas of uncertainty. The model provides important insight on how the Kareerand aquifer currently reacts and how it might react when future TSF expansion is implemented.

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The effect of tailings seepage and groundwater flow will be simulated. The model provides an estimate of the mass transport and associated impact on the aquifer and Vaal River. Furthermore, the model assists with the feasibility assessment of possible interception and intervention methodologies, i.e. boreholes to intercept sulphate plumes.

In Appendix I of the Hydrogeological Assessment (Annexure D), a detailed overview of the numerical groundwater model setup is provided. The transient state model is used for future predictions under different flow and intervention scenarios.

It is important to note that the numerical groundwater model would require future updates as more data becomes available. Specifically, monitoring data regarding the system behavior due to head fluctuations/increase and influences on the boundaries to improve the prediction capability of the model.

4.3.5.1 Model Assumptions The following assumptions were applied: • The baseline model was calibrated to average groundwater elevations from 12 on- site groundwater monitoring boreholes drilled during the initial assessments in 2008 and represent baseline pre-deposition levels; • The baseline model was successfully calibrated by iteratively adjusting hydraulic conductivity and groundwater recharge values until a suitable match between observed and simulated conditions was achieved; • The simulated baseline water table generally mimics the surface topography with groundwater elevations ranging from 1 350 meters above sea level (masl) in the higher elevation region to the north to 1280 masl along the Vaal River basin; • Although numerous aquifer tests have been completed, aquifer properties for the different geological units were averaged for the preliminary numerical applications as per the discussion above; • It is assumed that the aquifer is a continuous unit between interception boreholes and sources/sinks and that no compartmentalization exits within the identified aquifer zones apart from lower and higher hydraulic conductivity zones; • For the river risk assessment, the model was applied to obtain typical shallow groundwater flow parameters along the river boundary cells. These values were obtained from the model’s zone budget function and presented in flow (m3/day). It is important to note that these values were not calibrated with real river flow on a micro scale and no riverbank baseflow were measured in the field; and

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• It is believed that the numerical groundwater model represents conservative predictions.

4.3.5.2 Calibration Steady State Calibration is the process of finding a set of boundary conditions, stresses and hydrogeological parameters that produce result that most closely matches field measurements of hydraulic heads and flows.

The initial steady state model calibration was done to represent a pre-deposition condition where the hydraulic properties and recharge were calibrated. The following figures were prepared to illustrate the calibration achieved: • The correlation between the field monitoring observations which were obtained in 2008 and the model output can be seen from Figure 4.21; and • The calibrated groundwater flow and heads can be seen form Figure 4.22.

When calibrated, the model can be used to predict the influence of deposition (artificial recharge) and various management scenarios under ongoing transient state conditions.

Transient State Application Recharge boundary conditions were applied for the existing Kareerand TSF as well as for the proposed expansion TSF. Typically recharge values are increased to present the seepage from the TSF and load on regional aquifer system. Values in line with current water balance and seepage calculations were applied (refer to Table 4.14). The data in Appendix G were applied and allocated. For the expansion much lower seepage rates were used to represent the proposed Class C Barrier liner system.

Table 4.14: Typical range of Kareerand TSF seepage in and extension with Class C Liner (mm/annum) Water Water Water % of Balance Balance Water Balance Balance MAP Area Area Seepage Seepage Seepage Seepage (ha) (m2) (m3/day) (m3/annum) (m3/annum/m2) (mm/annum) Expected 555.5 5555000 7184 2622204 0.5 472 78 Low 555.5 5555000 4000 1460000 0.3 263 43 High 555.5 5555000 10000 3650000 0.7 657 110 Geosynthetic liner leakage Leakage through 355 ha geosynthetic liner scenario (1st order estimate)

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Leakage Scenario rate m3/d mm/yr % MAP (MAP of 602 mm/yr) (l/ha/d) Perfect liner 15 5.3 0.55 0.09 10 x perfect liner 150 53 5.5 0.9 100 x perfect liner – Poor construction 1500 530 55 9.0 assurance

Figure 4.23 shows the groundwater head contours and flow directions for the current (2018) situation. The mound of groundwater head associated with the seepage can be seen.

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Figure 4.21: Numerical groundwater model steady state calibration output correlation

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Figure 4.22: Calibrated heads and flow vectors for the Steady State pre-deposition time period

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Figure 4.23: Calibrated heads and flow vectors for the Transient State and current time period (2018/2019)

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4.3.5.3 Sulphate Mass Transport Simulation After calibration of the groundwater flow model the sulphate mass transport was applied and simulated.

The transient mass transport was populated, and the model simulated and calibrated. As indicated in Appendix I of the Hydrogeological Assessment (Annexure D), recharge and recharge concentration cells were assigned to tailings and other sources of sulphate contamination and seepage.

Figure 4.24 shows the correlation achieved between the observation sulphate concentrations and the model simulated concentrations. It can be seen from this graph that the normalised RMS achieved is high and above the ideal 10% level which is the industry norm. The reason for the higher RMS was to allow for fluctuations observed during the 2017/2018 period in sulphate concentrations and to allow for sulphate plume uncertainties.

Figure 4.24: Sulphate calibration achieved

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4.4 Socio-economic Environment A Socio-Economic Baseline and Scoping Report was undertaken by Batho Earth Social and Environmental Consultants and Southern Economic Development. Refer to Annexure G for the full report.

4.4.1 Regional Context

4.4.1.1 Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality The project is located in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality (Figure 4.25) of North West that borders the north western parts of Free State south of the Vaal River. The tailings facility is located mid-way between Potchefstroom (JB Marks Local Municipality) and Klerksdorp/Orkney (City of Matlosana Local Municipality) and is some 27km south west from Potchefstroom. Greater Stilfontein forms part of the KOSH area (Klerksdorp, Orkney, Stilfontein, Hartebeesfontein). The area is marked by the development of a number of gold mines including the Hartebeestfontein, Buffelsfontein and Stilfontein mines.

The Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality is one of four district municipalities in the North West Province. It is located 65km south-west of Johannesburg and borders the Gauteng Province. It is the smallest district in the province, making up 14% of its geographical area. The district municipality consists of three local municipalities: JB Marks, City of Matlosana and Maquassi Hills, with its seat in Klerksdorp. The majority of people in the district are Setswana speaking.

It is a region with a rich and diverse natural and cultural heritage, with the potential for sustained economic growth. The region is home to some of the most prominent gold mines in the world and one of the oldest meteor impact sites in the world.

The district is serviced by a number of primary roads, with the N12 Corridor forming the main development axis and serving as a potential concentration point for future industrial, commercial and tourism development.

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Figure 4.25: Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality (Batho Earth & SED, 2019)

As the proposed expansion is located within the JB Marks Local Municipality and the City of Matlosana Local Municipality (CMLM), the focus of the study will thus be on these municipalities.

4.4.1.2 JB Marks Local Municipality The JB Marks Local Municipality was established by the amalgamation of the former Ventersdorp and Tlokwe City Council Local Municipalities in August 2016. It combines the following areas from the Tlokwe Region: Ikageng and its extensions, Potchefstroom town, Mohadin, Promosa, Matlwang, Leliespan/Baitshoki, Haasskraal, Turfvlei, Vyfhoek, Mooibank, Machavie, Buffeldoorn, Miederpark, Kopjeskraal, Wilgeboom, Lindequesdrift Agricultural Holdings, Rooipoortjie, Venterskroon, Buffelshoek area, Vredefort Dome, the Vaal River, and the rural environment.

4.4.1.3 City of Matlosana Local Municipality The City of Matlosana Local Municipality (previously City Council of Klerksdorp) is a Category B municipality situated within the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District. It is situated approximately

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164km to the south west of Johannesburg, on the N12 highway and covers about 3 625km². It is bordered by the Ngaka Modiri Molema District in the north, the Free State Province in the south, JB Marks Local Municipality (Potchefstroom, Ventersdorp area) in the east, and Maquassi Hills Local Municipality (Leeudoringstad and Wolmaransstad areas) in the west.

The City of Matlosana Local Municipality (CMLM) includes Klerksdorp, Jouberton, Alabama, Orkney, Kanana, Stilfontein, Khuma, Tigane and Hartbeesfontein.

The main economic sectors in the municipality include mining, agriculture, manufacturing, services, construction, and transport.

Wards and Settlements in the study area For purposes of the impact assessment the economic baseline description of the local wards adjacent to the project as well as both the JB Marks Local Municipality and the City of Matlosana Local Municipality are relevant. For certain macro impacts such as tax income to central government, the national economy is also relevant.

Khuma is situated approximately 2km to the north of both the R502 and the proposed site for the expansion of the Kareerand Tailings Storage Facility (TSF and Stilfontein is situated to the north west of the site (approximately 10km).

Based on information within the CMLM Integrated Development Plan (IDP), the following most pressing needs were listed which provide vital information with regards to the socio-economic characteristics within the wards within the larger study area: • Ward 2 (JB Marks Local Municipality is characterised by agricultural land-uses and various smallholdings. Limited job opportunities apart from work on the smallholdings are available. Transport is thus also problematic and the roads (mostly gravel) are in poor condition and require maintenance. Illegal land-uses are challenging and are sometimes in conflict with residential and agricultural land-uses in the area. General service delivery to the area needs to be upgraded. Mining and agri-businesses need to comply with NEMA; • Ward 33 (CMLM) is characterised by an influx of people and a high unemployment rate. Housing infrastructure is required, roads need to be upgraded, the water and sanitation system requires some infrastructural upgrades, illegal dumping is problematic, high mast lighting infrastructure is required in certain areas to improve the security, the Botshabelo clinic requires an extension and has a shortage of staff, there is a need for additional recreational and educational facilities, and skills development especially among the youth is critical;

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• Ward 34 (CMLM) has a backlog in terms of the provision of housing, especially at the Down, and Popo Molefe Sections. Roads need to be paved, high mast lighting infrastructure must be maintained, sewage, water and sanitation infrastructure are required, illegal dumping is problematic, and there is a need for skills development among the youth; • Ward 35 (CMLM) requires urgent attention to town planning issues, as houses are needed, some stands need electrification and engineering services, incomplete houses need to be completed, water infrastructure is required in certain areas, unemployment need to be addressed, and farming projects should be revitalised; and • Ward 38 (CMLM) requires high mast lighting to improve safety and security. Streets need to be paved, incomplete houses need to be completed and damaged houses require structural repairs, water infrastructure has to be repaired and to be installed in Ext. 4 and 7, illegal dumping should be controlled, and skills development required especially among youth due to the high unemployment levels.

Due to the closure of mines and the migration of families from drought affected farming settlements, coupled with the disaggregation of the existing families in various settlements, more pressure is placed on the need for the upgrading of the core bulk infrastructure in CMLM.

4.4.2 Local Context

4.4.2.1 Demographics Population figures The JB Marks Local Municipality’s population was at 243 527 individuals in 2016 with an average of 38 people per km2. The main centres with the most concentrated population figures are Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp.

According to the 2016 Community Survey, the CMLM had a total population of 417 282. The City of Matlosana has a population density of 123 persons per km². The IDP indicated that 92% of the population live in urbanized areas, which includes towns and mining villages. Only 8% live in the rural areas. The largest population concentrations are in Jouberton, Kanana, Khuma and Tigane, which represent 67% of the total urban population.

Population and household growth in the CMLM have slightly increased over time. The average annual population growth between 2011 and 2016 was 1.04% and the average annual household growth between 1996 and 2016 was 3.46%. The household growth has increased

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over time and in 2015/16 the growth rate was at 1.04%. Population growth showed a slower increase and was at 0.35% in 2016.

In 2011 the Khuma township’s population totalled 45 895 individuals and 14 154 households which totals approximately 10% of the total municipal population.

Age Structure and Gender The population figures indicate that the youth, on average, comprises approximately one third of the population sector within all the wards. There is a relatively balanced gender profile, with only a slightly higher percentage of women within the wards and CMLM, except for Ward 33. In Ward 2 of the JB Marks LM there are significantly more males (58%) than females.

Education Levels The education levels of the residents of the CMLM Wards in the area are of concern as these figures indicate levels lower than the average within the district and North West Province. The figures for the Wards within the JB Marks LM, however, are again higher than those of the North West Province. For more details refer to the Table 4.15.

Table 4.15: Education levels within the study area (Batho Earth & SED, 2019) EDUCATION LEVELS WITHIN THE STUDY AREA

Completed Higher Education Some Completed Area None Primary (Undergrad and Secondary Gr 12 School Postgrad)

Ward 2 (JBLM) 10% 5% 31% 26% 8%

Ward 33 (CMLM) 10% 9% 42% 19% 1%

Ward 34 (CMLM) 12% 4% 33% 33% 3%

Ward 35 (CMLM) 8% 7% 39% 28% 2%

Ward 38 (CMLM) 6% 5% 37% 31% 3%

Khuma township 8% - - 24.7% 3%

Stilfontein 2% - - 39% 12%

CMLM 8% 4% 35% 34% 6%

JB MARKS LM 9% 4% 30% 32% 10%

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4.4.2.2 Socio-Economic Profile Structure of Local Economy Within the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, the City of Matlosana makes the largest contribution towards the district’s economy with a large concentration of historic gold mines active in the area. Since 2010, the local economy of the City of Matlosana experienced a decline of close to 2% per annum in real terms compared to an already low positive average growth of the national and provincial economies of 1.9% and 0.6% respectively. The decline in economic output also resulted in a decline in formal employment in the economy. It is estimated that the dominant gold mining industry in the area shed around 20 000 jobs due to mine closures since 2010.

Figure 4.26 shows the contribution of the different standard economic sectors towards output and employment in the City of Matlosana Local Municipality. The figure shows that despite the slow–down in mining activities, the mining sector still makes a significant contribution of 21% towards economic output, the second largest contribution after the services sector (mainly public sector services) of 25%. The trade sector also plays an increasing role in the local economy. For example, the construction of the new Matlosana Regional Mall situated on the N12 Treasure Route opened in 2014. The employment contribution of the mining sector however declined dramatically from more than 30% in the local municipal area in 2010 to a mere 8% in 2017.

Most of the local mining sector fell just outside the borders of JB Marks Local Municipality with agriculture playing a larger role in North West (former Vensterdorp Municipality) and services and manufacturing playing a larger role in the southern parts (former Pothefstroom/Tlokwe Local Municipality). While the manufacturing sector of JB Marks Local Municipality is absolutely smaller than the sector in the City of Matlosana, the sector plays a relatively larger role in the local economy compared to its role in the City of Matlosana economy. The services industry also plays a major role in the JB Marks economy due to the presence of the North West University in Potchefstroom. Figure 4.26 and Figure 4.27 shows the large contribution made by the services sector (including higher education and other government services plus private services) to the local economy of JB Marks Local Municipality.

Tourism being a non-standard sector that falls within a number of standard economic sectors including trade, transport and services, makes a relatively small contribution towards the local economies of the City of Matlosana (2%) and JB Marks (3%) compared to its contribution of close to 6% to the national economy. Visits to friends and family is by far the main reason why tourists visit these areas while business and leisure trips contributes only 7% respectively

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towards tourist trips to the City of Matlosana. Tourist attractions in CMLM are mainly limited to the Stilfontein annual Rose Festival and mine tours, for example to Hartebeestfontein Gold Mine where one can witness a gold pouring session. As previously mentioned, Renovaal (Free State) is a holiday and residential resort across the Vaal River, about 9km south east (upstream) from the site.

25% services 29%

18% finance 15%

9% transport 3%

16% trade 21%

3% sector contribution construction 7% towards gross value added 3% elec&water 1% sector contribution towards employment 4% manufacturing 9%

21% mining 8%

1% agriculture 7%

Figure 4.26: The economic structure of the City of Matlosana Local Municipality, 2017 (Batho Earth & SED, 2019)

services 35%

finance 21%

transport 7%

trade 10%

construction 3% sector contribution towards gross value added elec&water 3%

manufacturing 10%

mining 2%

agriculture 10%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

Figure 4.27: The economic structure of the JB Marks Municipality, 2017 (Batho Earth & SED, 2019)

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Composition of Labour Force Table 4.16 shows the size of the labour force (i.e. the portion of the population aged 15-64 years that offer their services on the labour market) in the relevant areas close to the project. The table shows the larger labour force located in the City of Matlosana compared to JB Marks Local Municipality. It also shows higher unemployment rates in the City of Matlosana compared to JB Marks Local Municipality (formerly Ventersdorp/Tlokwe local municipalities). Ward 2 of JB Marks Local Municipality, where the project is located, furthermore shows lower unemployment rates than unemployment rates in the greater JB Marks Local Municipality and much lower rates than in the City of Matlosana in general or in the wards of the municipality directly adjacent to the project. The table particularly highlights the high unemployment rates in Khuma as well as wards 32 and 33 of Stilfontein.

The youth unemployment rate is on average much higher than the general unemployment rate. In 2011 the national youth unemployment rate was close to 49% whereas the North West provincial rate was 41%. Youth unemployment is especially high in the City of Matlosana (43%) while JB Marks Local Municipality is below the provincial rate at 32%.

Table 4.16: Unemployment rates, 2011 (Batho Earth & SED, 2019) Narrow unemployment Expanded unemployment Total labour AREA rate (excluding rate (including force discouraged job-seekers) discouraged job seekers)

JB Marks Ward 2 7,253 9.3% 12.8%

JB Marks Local Municipality 87,371 22.7% 27.5%

City of Matlosana Ward 31 5,182 32.5% 36.0% (Stilfontein) City of Matlosana Ward 32 3,523 49.2% 52.2% (Stilfontein) City of Matlosana Ward 33 4,076 46.1% 51.6% (Stilfontein)

City of Matlosana Ward 34 2,334 49.6% 54.2% (Khuma)

City of Matlosana Ward 35 4,374 47.5% 55.0% (Khuma) City of Matlosana Ward 38 3,436 51.1% 55.6% (Khuma) City of Matlosana Local 170,207 32.7% 37.2% Municipality

North West 1,358,207 31.5% 37.9%

South Africa 20,609,224 29.8% 36.0%

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Despite relatively low economic growth rates, the narrow unemployment rate in North West Province declined somewhat from 31.5% in 2011 to 24% in 2017. However, this is due to the increase in discouraged job-seekers since the expanded unemployment rate stayed more or less

Skills Levels Figure 4.28 shows that the skill levels of the adult population (individuals older than 20 years) are higher in JB Marks Local Municipality compared to provincial and national averages. Skill levels in Ward 2 of JB Marks local municipality are slightly lower (8%) than the municipal average (13%) but still higher than the provincial (5%) and national average (7%). Still close to 62% of the adult population in the ward could be classified as unskilled (less than a matric); 30% semi-skilled (completed matric) and only 8% as skilled (post matric qualifications).

The City of Matlosana in general fared worse than the national average although slightly better than the average for North West. Wards that particularly experience low skill levels are located in Stilfontein (wards 32 and 33) where close to 80% of the adult population has less than matric and (in terms of educational levels) could be classified as unskilled. Ward 35 in Khuma also had relatively low skill levels with only 2% of the adult population having higher than a matric qualification.

Figure 4.28:The skills distribution of the labour force, 2016 (Batho Earth & SED, 2019)

Household Income Levels and Poverty Table 4.17 shows the percentage of households that earned R20 000 and less in 2011. This poverty rate roughly equates to the upper bound poverty income line of Stats SA. While poverty rates in South Africa are already high by international standards, the table shows even higher poverty rates in North West Province.

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Table 4.17: The percentage of households in different annual income categories, 2011 (Batho Earth & SED, 2019) AREA less R20 R75 R 150 R 300 more than R 000 - 000- 000- R 000- R than R 20 000 R75 R150 300 000 600 000 600 000 000 000 JB Marks Ward 2 50% 30% 9% 7% 3% 1% JB Marks Local Municipality 44% 34% 10% 7% 4% 2% City of Matlosana Ward 31 (Stilfontein) 39% 35% 13% 9% 3% 1% City of Matlosana Ward 32 (Stilfontein) 54% 40% 5% 1% 0% 0% City of Matlosana Ward 33 (Stilfontein) 43% 50% 5% 1% 1% 0% City of Matlosana Ward 34 (Khuma) 53% 33% 8% 4% 1% 0% City of Matlosana Ward 35 (Khuma) 54% 38% 6% 2% 1% 0% City of Matlosana Ward 38 (Khuma) 56% 31% 8% 4% 1% 0% City of Matlosana Local Municipality 44% 34% 10% 7% 3% 1% North West 47% 35% 9% 5% 3% 1% South Africa 44% 32% 9% 7% 5% 3%

Poverty rates are similar in the City of Matlosana and JB Marks local municipalities and compared to the national average poverty rate in 2011. With the dismal performance of the local economies since 2011, the poverty rates of both municipalities are currently more likely closer to the higher provincial poverty rate. The wards that have the highest poverty rates (higher than 50%) are located in the City of Matlosana (all the wards in Khuma and Ward 32 of Stilfontein).

Higher-end income groups are more prevalent in JB Marks municipality than in the City of Matlosana.

Levels of Economic Inequality in the Local Economy As is the case nationally and provincially, the income distribution in North West and the City of Matlosana is very skew with a small portion of households earning the larger share of total income generated in the area. The Gini coefficient measures the level of inequality within economies, with an index of 0 indicating perfect equality and an index of 1 perfect inequality. The Gini coefficient for the City of Matlosana was 0.61 in 2006 improving slightly to 0.59 in 2017. Unfortunately, no data is available for JB marks Local Municipality. Based on the provincial situation however it is highly possible that JB Marks faces a similar situation.

Economic Diversity The low growth in the traditionally dominant mining sector resulted in the local economy of the City of Matlosana becoming more diverse since 2010, shifting from mining to the services and finance (tertiary) sectors. It should however be kept in mind that increased diversity largely came at the price of a smaller economy in terms of output and employment. In terms

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of output it should also be kept in mind that the 21% output contribution of the volatile mining sector still indicates the dominant role of this sector in the local economy.

The JB Marks economy could be slightly more diverse than the City of Matlosana with a larger number of sectors (government and financial services, agriculture and the diverse manufacturing sector) playing relatively large roles in the local economy.

Development Priorities The development objectives that are contained in the following provincial, district and municipal development plans emphasise the need for the local economies of the City of Matlosana and JB Marks municipality to diversify away from the mining sector and to develop the manufacturing sector. Specific objectives include the following:

The North West Provincial Growth and Development Plan for 2030 (2013) focuses on economic transformation in the North West Province, which includes the following: • Diversification of economic base away from the dominant mining sector and the development of industries with comparative advantage and/or development potential; • Skills development; • Creating an enabling environment for small businesses; • An integrated and inclusive rural economy; • Human settlement and spatial transformation; • Improving education, training and innovation; • Building a capable and developmental state; • Fighting corruption; and • Transforming society and uniting the province.

The North West Spatial Development Framework (2016) focuses on nodal and corridor development, including a number of competitiveness corridors. These corridors, including Treasure Corridor, are aimed at strengthening linkages between Johannesburg, Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp and areas further south along the N12 national road. Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp are furthermore considered primary investment nodes in the province.

The objectives of the Spatial Development Framework of Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality are: • Diversification of the economic base;

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• Accelerating growth in agriculture, tourism, industries and export sectors (metals, clothing, textiles, agro-processing, mineral beneficiation and manufacturing); • Innovation and competitiveness in the manufacturing sector is a critical component in the strategy to significantly increase the potential of the manufacturing sector to contribute towards the overall development of the district; • Ensure sustainability by identifying possible conflict zones between proposed development and environmental sensitive areas; • Bringing marginalized communities into economic mainstream; • SMME development and skills development; • Strengthening and concentration of developments along N12; and • Identification of available land and infrastructure to accommodate development along the corridor.

The focus areas of the JB Marks Local Municipality Spatial Development Framework are: • Provision, maintenance and upgrading of infrastructure ( water and electricity, waste and sanitation, roads); • Focus investments in priority projects along N12 and 14 corridor; • Eco-tourism activities (focused in Municipal wide open space system); • Revitalization of the CBD in both Regions (Tlokwe and Ventersdorp); and • Promote accessibility of communities to employment, recreation and social opportunities.

The City of Matlosana Integrated Development Strategy focuses on the following issues: • The regeneration of the manufacturing sector; • The growth of tourism and the linkages to the sector; • The growth of agriculture; • The development and growth of the information technology sector; • The re-skilling of the labour force; • The regeneration of industrial areas and CBD’s and upgrade of residential areas; • Facilitate the utilisation of co-operatives in the municipality’s procurement system; and • Facilitate the growth and contribution of SMME’s.

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5 ANALYSIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE WATER USE ACTIVITY

5.1 Site Delineation for Characterization Refer to Section 1.3 for the extent of the project area.

5.2 Water and Waste Management 5.2.1 Process Water

The water balance was conducted by Knight Piesold (Pty) Ltd. The Water Balance is based on the production schedule, stage capacity curves and layout of the TSF Expansion for the feasibility study stage. Refer to Table 5.1 for the water balance summary and Figure 5.1 for the process flow diagram for the expansion project. Refer to Annexure C for the full details of the water balance.

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Table 5.1: Water Balance Summary Flow Flow Facility Circuit/Stream in Circuit/Stream out (m³/annum) (m³/annum) Existing TSF Slurry Water Volume 10 577 369 Entrainment 3 278 984 Existing TSF Total Volume Rain Runoff 1 006 715 Seepage to Filters 1 155 833 Existing TSF Seepage to underground 1 779 309 Existing TSF Evaporation from TSF 2 412 698 Existing TSF Water Decanted from TSF 2 957 259 Existing TSF Total 11 584 083 11 584 083

TSF Expansion Slurry Water Volume 31 801 770 Entrainment 9 858 549 TSF Expansion Total Volume Rain Runoff 989 270 Seepage to Filters 1 637 167 TSF Expansion Inflow from Zone D 127 695 Seepage to underground 115 030 TSF Expansion Evaporation from TSF 2 370 891 TSF Expansion Water Decanted from TSF 18 937 099 TSF Expansion Total 32 918 736 32 918 736

Buffer dam Decant from existing 2 957 259 Evaporation 87 279 Buffer dam Rain 28 754 Dust Suppression 912 500 Buffer dam Side Runoff - Zone A 161 086 Pump to Midway 0 Buffer dam Side Runoff - Zone E 58 439 Overflow to East SWD 6 241 591 Buffer dam Seepage Collection 1 155 833 Buffer dam Scavenger boreholes 2 880 000 Buffer dam Total 7 241 371 7 241 371

East SWD Rain 31 297 Evaporation 94 999 East SWD Overflow from BD 6 241 591 Overflow to RWD1 6 177 889 Total 6 272 888 6 272 888

RWD1 Rain 66 190 Evaporation 200 911 RWD1 Overflow from ESW 6 177 889 Dust Suppression 912 500 RWD1 Decant from Expansion 18 937 099 Pump to Midway 25 858 508 RWD1 Side Runoff - Zone B 90 698 Overflow to RWD2 0 RWD1 Side Runoff - Zone C 62 877 RWD1 Side Runoff - Zone D 0 RWD1 Side Runoff - Zone H 0 RWD1 Side Runoff - Zone I 0 RWD1 Side Runoff - Zone J 0 RWD1 Seepage collection 1 637 167

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Flow Flow Facility Circuit/Stream in Circuit/Stream out (m³/annum) (m³/annum) RWD1 Pump from RWD2 0 RWD1 Pump from RWD3 0 RWD1 Total 26 971 919 Total 26 971 919 RWD2 Rain 31 856 Evaporation 31 856 RWD2 Overflow from RWD1 0 Pump to RWD1 0 RWD2 Overflow to RWD3 0 RWD2 Total 31 856 Total 31 856 RWD3 Rain 45 713 Evaporation 45 713 RWD3 Overflow from RWD2 0 Pump to RWD1 0 RWD3 RWD3 Total 45 713 Total 45 713 TOTAL 85 066 566 85 066 566

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EXCLUDED

Vaal / Plant Margaret BPS

Precipitation Precipitation Re-mining

Evaporation Evaporation TSF TSF Extension Existing

Midway Filter Drainage Entrainment Filter Drainage

Seepage Entrainment Seepage

Inflow

Precipitation Precipitation Precipitation Outflow Side Slope Runoff Side Slope runoff Scavenger TSF System New RWD New Buffer Phase 1-3 SWD Dam The underdrains RWD System and filter drains seepage must also be a inflow Dust Suppression to the RWD Evaporation Evaporation Evaporation

Figure 5.1: Process Flow Diagram

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5.2.2 Stormwater and Diversion Channel

5.2.2.1 Catchment Area The catchment was delineated based on 5m contours. The delineated catchment is shown in Figure 5.2. All assumed hydrological parameters are summarised in Table 5.2.

Table 5.2: Assumed hydrological parameters (Knight Piesold, 2019) Parameter Value at Downstream End Size of catchment (km2) 19.16 (85% Rural, 15% Urban) Longest water course length (km) 7.715

Length to catchment centroid along longest river 4 course (km)

Mean Annual Rainfall (mm) 592 Average river course slope: 0.7 (10-85 Method) (%) SDF Basin No 7 Veld Type Distribution (HRU 1/72) 5

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Figure 5.2: Catchment Area for Stormwater Diversion Channel (Knight Piesold, 2019)

5.2.2.2 Methodology To develop a model for a peak runoff input, five (5) methods were used to determine the design flood peaks for the delineated catchment based on their applicability to the catchment

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area. These methods are the Alternative Rational Method, SCS-SA Method, Standard Design Flood (SDF) Method, Empirical Method and the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) Method.

The rainfall depths with durations corresponding to the Time of Concentration (Tc) for any sub catchment were used to calculate peak flows for the catchment. The underlying assumption is that the largest possible peak flow is obtained when the storm rainfall event has duration equal to the time required for the whole catchment to contribute runoff at the outlet.

5.2.2.3 Flood Peak Results Peak flood flows for the 1 in 2 year, 1 in 5 year, 1 in 10 year, 1 in 20 year, 1 in 50 year, and the 1 in 100-year recurrence interval storm events and the probable maximum flood were estimated for the delineated catchment using the abovementioned methods. Calculations were based on current conditions on site.

The estimated peak flows are presented in Table 5.3 for the 1 in 2 year, 1 in 5 year, 1 in 10 year, 1 in 20 year, 1 in 50 year, 1 in 100-year recurrence intervals and the probable maximum flood. The SDF method was selected for use in the channel sizing analysis. The PMF was used to determine the hydraulic efficiency of the channel.

Table 5.3: Summary of the peak flows (in m3/s) estimated for the study (Knight Piesold, 2019) Peak flows (m3/s) Flood Calculation Method Return Period (years) 2 5 10 20 50 100 Alternative Rational 20 35 48 61 79 95 SCS-SA 37 - 58 80 120 150

Empirical N/A N/A 41 48 65 84 Standard Design Flood 10 35 59 85 125 158 PMF 501

Selected Peak Flow(s) 125

The Utility Programs for Drainage (UPD) software was used to perform the hydraulic design and Table 5.4 shows the summary of the hydraulic design of the channel.

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Table 5.4: Summary of the peak flows (in m3/s) estimated for the study (Knight Piesold, 2019) Parameter Value Flood Calculation Method SDF1:100 Flow rate (m3/s), Q 125 Flow area (m2), A 57.83 Wetted perimeter (m), P 27.87 Hydraulic radius (m), R 2.08 Top width (m), B 26.64

Critical depth (m), Sc 2.94 Critical slope (m/m), Sc 0.0106 Average velocity (m/s), v 2.70 Velocity head (m), Hv 0.37 Specific head (m), Es 4.15 Froude number (Fr) 0.58 Flow type/Flow regime Subcritical Normal depth (m), Yn 3.77

5.2.2.4 Design Criteria for Stormwater Infrastructure The design criteria for the proposed stormwater infrastructure was agreed upon by AGA/MWS and Knight Piesold in 2018. Table 5.5 shows the agreed design criteria.

Table 5.5: Feasibility Design Criteria for Stormwater Infrastructure (Knight Piesold, 2019) Item Design Criteria Source/ Comments Separate clean and dirty As per legislation (GN 704) and best Stormwater management water practice 1:20 year – 24 hr 117 mm

1:50 year – 24 hrs 147 mm

1:100-year – 24 hrs 173 mm 1:200-year – 24 hrs 202 mm 7 days event 216 mm

5.2.3 Groundwater

The expansion portion of the TSF will be constructed with a Class C Barrier lining system and the lined return water dams will be expanded to allow for maximum water decant from the pool on top of the TSF. The following basic groundwater management requirements will be applicable during the operational phase: • Construct a series of interception boreholes south of the existing Kareerand TSF within the high flow weathered diabase aquifer. Objective is to abstract in the order

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8 000 to 6 000 m3/day during operational phase and to monitor the situation to determine the rate of reduction over time; • Construct a series of interception boreholes east of the TSF that targets the higher groundwater flow zones. Bedrock is generally shallow to the east but areas of deeper weathering and fracturing within the bedrock exist with associated higher aquifer flow properties. Objective is to abstract in the order of 2 000 m3/day at life of mine; and • Other groundwater mitigation actions that needs to be assessed for feasibility included: a. Improve under-drain interception at the existing Kareerand TSF; b. Temporary Horizontal drains at high seepage zones; c. Plantation of tree blocks in high seepage zones; and d. Enhancement of rainfall recharge to dilute salt accumulation areas and wetland construction.

In terms of site water management: • A proper storm water management plan should be implemented and maintained. Berms should also be implemented to ensure separation of clean water and dirty water areas; • The proposed storm water and return water system must be implemented and maintained and adjusted where found necessary; and • Poor quality runoff from dirty areas should be contained and diverted to the pollution control dams for re-use.

5.2.4 Waste

The Waste Management Standard document provides a framework for the management of non-mineral waste in AGA managed sites. The objective of this document is to ensure that waste management is guided by the ‘waste management hierarchy’, with the primary objective being waste prevention and minimisation. The standard also aims to ensure that actual and potential impacts arising from waste generation, handling, transportation, reuse, recycling, treatment and disposal are managed in accordance with host country requirements and the Values and Business Principles of AGA.

AGA manages all wastes and on-site waste disposal facilities in compliance with applicable international treaties, national laws and regulations, environmental licence conditions and any other binding obligations.

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5.2.4.1 Requirements of Waste Management Standard Classification of waste streams • A register of the different waste streams generated under normal and abnormal conditions by the site must be developed and maintained; and • The identified waste streams must be characterised, for example as domestic waste, hydrocarbon waste, etc and include a classification of either hazardous or non- hazardous. Those subject to regulatory controls must be clearly distinguished.

Development of waste management programmes • Sites must develop waste management programmes in the context of the legal and other obligations applicable to the different types of waste identified. Documented waste management programmes must be maintained; and • The waste management programmes must be guided by the following hierarchy of waste management strategies: i. Waste avoidance – practices which prevent the generation of waste through e.g. purchasing practices aimed at reducing volumes of packaging; ensuring waste materials are recyclable, etc; ii. Waste reduction – practices which reduce waste production at source through e.g. more efficient use of physical resources or maintaining optimum levels of substances which are prone to expiring; iii. Waste reuse – where objects or materials can be reused directly or after refurbishment, such as electric motors, pump components or printer cartridges; iv. Waste recycling – using waste materials, such as waste heat, metal, plastic, wood and paper, as raw material inputs into other processes or industries; v. Waste treatment – transforming a nuisance or hazardous waste into a form that is easier to manage, e.g. through chemical stabilisation, or the chemical extraction of toxic constituents through, for example, precipitation; and vi. Waste disposal – the disposal of hazardous & sub-economic waste to appropriately licensed, constructed and managed waste disposal facilities.

Components of waste management programmes • Segregation measures for waste streams according to their chemical and physical characteristics must be specified in the waste management programme, while considering the available waste management strategies; • The location and design specifications of waste transfer and disposal facilities must be suited to the waste stream being managed and ensure protection of the environment and the health and safety of people;

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• The regulatory requirements relating to the transportation of hazardous & non- hazardous waste materials in host countries must be specified in the waste management programmes; • Waste disposal on AGA property, including in landfill sites, pits and via co-disposal in rock dumps, may take place only if approved by the host country government; • Proof of safe offsite recycling, treatment or disposal of hazardous waste materials must be maintained; and • Where off-site recycling, treatment or disposal is done by contractors, the contractor must provide proof of registration to conduct such business and the proof of safe recycling, treatment or disposal.

Monitoring Where waste transfer, sorting, recycling, treatment or disposal activities present a risk of land and water becoming contaminated, suitable monitoring programmes to enable corrective and preventative actions must developed and implemented.

5.2.4.2 Waste Management Procedure This operational procedure has been developed as a requirement to comply with the AGA Corporate Waste Management Standard (STD 5 Revision 2 Dated June 2009). The procedure also addresses compliance to legislation, which governs waste management. Refer to Annexure F for the full Waste Management Procedure.

The procedure is applicable to the following aspects of waste: • Handling; • Storage; • Transport and; • Disposal.

Hydrocarbon Management Types of hydrocarbons • Oils; • Greases; • Lubricants; and • Petrol and Diesel.

Handling and storage • Hydrocarbons should be delivered directly to the oil store; • Hydrocarbons containers must be closed and clearly labelled;

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• The requirements of an oil store / Fuel storage tank: o Must be concreted, bunded and well ventilated; o The bund wall must be able to contain 110% of the total volume of the biggest container stored; o Must have a sign indicating the storage of hydrocarbons, the capacity of the storage area and PPE requirements; o MSDS for each material must be available in or close to the oil store. If MSDS are not stored at the storage areas, indicate where MSDS are located; o Drums in the storage facility must be stored on metal storage racks to prevent drums from standing in water and corroding (only applicable to an oil store); o The oil store / fuel tank bund must have either a sump or an outlet valve to remove any spillages or rainwater. The outlet valve must always be locked in a closed position. Only valves and not blank flanges to be used; and o The integrity of the bund must be impervious e.g. there should be no cracks or holes on the floor and walls of the bund wall. • Fuel must be pumped directly into the fuel tanks, preferably stored on surface; and • Any hydrocarbon underground storage tanks / facilities must be pressure tested by a competent contractor or supplier, on an annual basis, to ensure the integrity of the tanks. Records of the pressure tests must be kept, and copies of the test must be sent to the Environmental Coordinator.

Usage • Hydrocarbon containers in use must be labelled and contained in a drip tray, within a building or a work area; • A drip tray must be used where contamination of the environment can occur; • After use of the hydrocarbon container it must be returned to the Oil Store for safe storage; • When transferring hydrocarbon out of drums and containers, it must be fitted with removable funnels to assist with the transfer of the material. This must be done within a contained and bunded area; • A wash bay must be used for the degreasing and cleaning of equipment and tools; • When degreasers are used, the oil and solvent solution must be contained and regarded as contaminated hydrocarbon waste; • The area used for cleaning must be constructed to contain any run-off from the area (impervious concrete floor, bund wall, humps etc.); • Oil Spill Clean-up Kits should be strategically placed where hydrocarbon spills can occur;

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• All spills must be cleaned up as soon as possible using the oil spill kit. Thereafter, the contents of the spill kit are to be replaced; • If oil spills occur on unlined areas, the oily soil should be dug up until there is no sign if contamination, and disposed of as hydrocarbon contaminated waste; • Any excess or unused hydrocarbon material at the point of use must be transported to the oil store use; and • Sump that contains hydrocarbons or chemical must annually be leak assessments for leakage. This includes oil separator sumps.

Disposal of hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon contaminated waste Hydrocarbon waste must be separated and clearly labelled into the different types to facilitate recycling: • Hydrocarbon waste suitable for recycling – lubricating oils, transformer oils, grease, degreasing fluid; • Contaminated Hydrocarbon waste – rags, hydrocarbon contaminated soil, contaminated spill clean- up material etc; • Good quality, non-corroded waste containers must be used and must be kept close; • Used hydrocarbons should be stored in the used oil store or bunded area before it is transported to central salvage; • Oil stores that are not protected from storm water ingress should have metal racks on which the oil drums are stored; • If hydrocarbon waste is disposed of directly from the Plant via a contractor, the plant must keep the safe disposal certificate and waste manifest records; • If the waste is disposed via the Central Salvage Yard, it is the Central Salvage Yard’s responsibility to keep the safe disposal certificate and waste manifest records for the waste; and • The plant must keep the waybills for all waste send to the Central Salvage Yard.

Transport of hydrocarbon waste Responsible person at the operational area to arrange transport for full and empty hydrocarbon drums to the Central Salvage Yard. • Hydrocarbon waste drums to be sent to the Salvage Yard must be closed and marked with the labels in Appendix 1 of Waste Management Procedure; • Any spillage during transport of hydrocarbon waste within the Plant must be cleaned up by the responsible person; • If spillage occurs outside the plant the transporter must clean the spill; and • The transporter must, however, still notify the relevant Plant of the incident.

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Management of general waste Types of general waste • Domestic waste (including paper and cardboard); • Fiberglass, Rubber and plastic waste; • Metal waste; • Wood; and • Glass waste

Handling and storage • Mantles shall be in a good condition and properly maintained; • A separate mantle for the disposal of each type, as indicated above, is required; • All waste mantels must be placed on a lined area and any storm water runoff to the environment must be contained; • Signboards are to be erected at all the waste storage areas depicting the types of waste that can be disposed of into the containers and specifying the PPE requirements for handling the specific waste type; • The area around the waste mantles must be clean and well maintained at all times; • Waste contaminated with hydrocarbons, radioactivity or chemicals must be washed at designated wash bays before it is placed in the waste mantles (Refer and comply with the Radiation Protection Procedures Manual (VRRPP / WWRPP/ P/SHE/r/002) for requirements regarding radiation control); • Metal waste that is rubber lined must be disposed of in the metal waste mantle; • Domestic waste mantles shall be constructed in such a way to ensure that no waste can be blown, fall or be spilled from the container; • The operational areas may consider implementing separate paper and cardboard bins to facilitate recycling of these waste types; and • Glass waste may be disposed of as general waste. The operational areas may decide to place all broken glass and other glass waste in a separate 210l drum as a safety precaution.

Transportation of general waste • The Salvage Yard must be notified by the operational areas if the waste mantles are full and needs to be collected; • Before transporting the full waste mantles, it must be ensured that the no waste can be blown, fall or spilled from the vehicle; and • Any waste that is blown or spilled or fall from the vehicle outside the plant must be cleaned by the transport contactor (Salvage Yard or other Contactor).

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Management of chemical waste Handling and storage • Old, used or contaminated chemicals in containers and empty chemical containers must be stored in a designated area; • All chemical waste containers must be clearly labelled indicating the type of chemical it contains (See Appendix 6 for labels); • The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of the stored chemicals must be reviewed in order to determine handling and storage hazards to ensure that incompatible wastes are kept separate; • Old, used or contaminated chemicals, the waste storage area must be concreted, bunded and preferable covered; • For empty chemical containers, a labelled mantle may be used to dispose of the holed empty chemical containers; • The waste storage facility (bund wall) must be able to contain 110% of the total volume of the biggest container stored; • The waste storage area must have a sign indicating the type of waste and the storage capacity of the waste being stored as well as the PPE that must be used when handling the waste; • A wooden palette or metal grid should be placed in the storage area on which the chemical drums are to be placed. This will prevent possible corrosion of the chemical waste drums by standing in water, as well as assist with the safe transfer of chemical waste; • The storage facility either needs to have a sump to pump out any spillage, or an outlet valve must be in place to empty the facility in case of a spill or rainwater accumulating in the bund wall; • If an outlet valve is in place, it must be locked at all times; • Containers are to be in good condition with no evidence of damage, corrosion or leaks and all the containers should remain sealed, where possible; • A chemical spill kit should be put in close proximity to potential spillage areas. The spill kit should contain appropriate material to mitigate the spill as well as PPE to protect staff that cleans the spill; and • Spills must be cleaned up immediately.

Transport of chemical waste • The responsible person must arrange transport to the Central Salvage Yard as soon as there is enough chemical waste containers at the storage area to be sent to Central Salvage Yard;

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• All chemical waste containers must be washed, closed and holed before transportation; • Any spillage during transport of chemical waste within the Plant must be cleaned up by the Plant. However, any spillage outside the Plant is the responsibility of the transporter; • The transporter must, however, still notify the relevant Plant of the incident; and • If the waste is disposed via the Central Salvage Yard, it is the Central Salvage Yard’s responsibility to keep the safe disposal certificate and waste manifest records for the waste. The plant must keep the waybills of all waste send to the Central Salvage Yard.

5.3 Operational Management 5.3.1 Organisational Structure

Please refer to Section 2.7 for a diagram illustrating the organisational structure of the proposed Kareerand Expansion project.

5.3.2 Resources and Competence

Refer to Figure 2.4 for the resources and competence applicable to the proposed Kareerand Expansion project.

5.3.3 Education and Training

All employees, contractors and directors are made aware of company policies and standards as well as environmental obligations directly related to their job. It is every employee and contractor’s responsibility to comply with the policies and standards relating to their work. Regular formal training and informal mentoring of employees addresses environmental management aspects and responsibilities towards water management, including WC&DM aspects.

All new employees undergo an induction course when they are employed by AGA or one of AGA’s contractors. Environmental awareness forms part of this induction course.

5.3.4 Internal and External Communication

A detailed communication strategy must be developed and implemented together with the development of a complaints register to be kept on site.

A system of information sharing with regulatory authorities and Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) has been developed with the following objectives-

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• Keep them updated on environmental management progress; • Inform them about new developments at the operation and provide them with an opportunity to express their concerns about these; • Provide them with a means to discuss environmental matters with AGA whenever necessary; • Simplify involvement in the processes of updating existing and obtaining new permissions; and • Provide a forum for detailed discussion of issues when necessary.

Basic public involvement principles that need to be applied are as follows- • Involvement of all I&APs; • Respect for the opinions of all I&APs; • True two-way exchange of information, with listening on both sides; • Follow up on commitments made; • Feedback on how concerns expressed by I&APs have been or are being addressed; • Clear channels of communication; • Accurate records of every interaction with I&APs, including names and contact details of people involved; • Accurate records of information exchanged with I&APs – including letters, reports and other documents that were exchanged; and • Records of meetings circulated to I&APs so that they can check that the record of information shared is correct.

5.3.5 Awareness Raising

AGA also has awareness programmes aimed at educating its stakeholders regarding its activities, potential impacts of these activities on the environment, and management measures implemented to mitigate these impacts. Quarterly environmental forums are undertaken and have been since 2010.

5.4 Monitoring and Control 5.4.1 Surface Water Monitoring

Surface water monitoring is conducted on a monthly basis. The current monitoring points include (Table 5.6). The monitoring programme is updated annually and submitted to the DWS for approval with the annual report.

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Table 5.6: Surface water monitoring points Surface water monitoring points Sample No. Description Frequency KM01 Koekemoer Spruit upstream on cement bridge Monthly KM04 Margaret Shaft Water at weir Monthly KM05 Koekemoer Spruit on N12 bridge at golf course Monthly KM06 Koekemoer Spruit in Khuma Monthly KM07 Koekemoer Spruit at DWA monitoring station Monthly KM14 Koekemoer Spruit upstream at four way stop on Potch Road Monthly KM08 Kareerand solution trench Monthly KM09 Clean water dam in valley bottom wetland below TSF Monthly KM10 Under drain at pipe ramp on western side of Kareerand Monthly KM12 Wetland south of BH16 Monthly KM13 Clean water dam downstream of surface stream confluence Monthly KM15 Stream at Game Park fence before Vaal River Monthly VRS02 Vaal River at No. 8 Shaft Bridge Monthly VRS23 Vaal River - Vermaas Drift Monthly VRS63 Vaal River upstream at Kromdraai Bridge Monthly

5.4.2 Groundwater Monitoring

Groundwater monitoring is currently taking place at the following monitoring points (Table 5.7). The monitoring programme is updated annually and submitted to the DWS for approval with the annual report.

Table 5.7: Groundwater monitoring points Groundwater Monitoring Reports Borehole Number Description Frequency BH05 In Game Farm near 11# 6 monthly BH06 Southwest of security gate at Kareerand 6 monthly BH07 South of wetland area 6 monthly BH10 South of Kareerand inside fence of Sally's farm 6 monthly BH13 North-east of Kareerand Quarterly BH15 South-east of Kareerand Quarterly BH16 South of Kareerand Quarterly BH19 Pumping borehole south of Kareerand inside wall Quarterly BH21 South-west of Kareerand 6 monthly BH29 Tap at farmhouse next to church, west of 5 TSF dam 6 monthly BH29A Tap at farmhouse with JoJo tank 6 monthly BUF01 South of Buffels 6 monthly BUF03 South of Buffels 6 monthly BUF04 Existing borehole - south-east of Buffels Quarterly CW5DS South of 5 TSF complex 6 monthly CW5DW West of 5 TSF complex 6 monthly

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Groundwater Monitoring Reports Borehole Number Description Frequency HAR1 South of Harties 6 monthly HAR2 South-west of Harties 7 6 monthly HAR3 East of Harties 1/2 in the paddy fields 6 monthly HC01 Tap at Sally farmhouse Quarterly HC13 Windmill south-west of Kareerand in Game Park 6 monthly HC14 Windmill south-west of Kareerand in Game Park 6 monthly KD04 Viljoen Farm Borehole at farmhouse Quarterly LW4 Tap inside ammunition factory 6 monthly PLT1 South of plant below fence Monthly PLT2 South-east of plant near WRD Monthly

The following monitoring recommendations have been suggested by the hydrogeological specialist: • Static groundwater levels should continue to be monitored to ensure that any deviation of the groundwater flow from the idealised predictions is detected in time; • The monitoring results must continue to be interpreted annually by a qualified hydrogeologist and the monitoring network audited annually as well to ensure compliance with regulations; • The numerical model should be updated once every two years by using the water monitoring data to re-calibrate and refine the impact predictive scenario; • It is recommended that the geochemical assessment is updated during the life of the mine in order to calibrate and validate its results and to construct an effective closure plan; • All monitoring boreholes which are to be covered with tailings, or are not operational, should be grouted and sealed to prevent cross contamination of aquifers; • If it can be proven that the mining operation is indeed affecting the quantity of groundwater available to certain users or the quality of the groundwater, compensation of affected parties should be considered. This may be done through the installation of additional boreholes for water supply purposes, or providing an alternative water supply; and • Should it be proven that the mining activities impact on any boreholes or springs an alternative water supply will need to be provided.

5.4.3 Bio Monitoring

The bio-monitoring report titled ‘AngloGold Ashanti Biomonitoring (Including Environmental Toxicity Testing) of Receiving Rivers and Streams Near the Vaal River and Mine Waste Solution Operations’ conducted by Clean Stream Biological Services in September 2019 (Annexure H).

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AngloGold Ashanti has diligently maintained their biomonitoring programme on a twice-per- annum schedule since the inception thereof during June of 2006. Quarterly toxicity testing has also been adopted since 2014. Table 5.8 provides a list of surveys that were performed, with their corresponding report numbers. This uninterrupted sequence of data facilitates the investigation of increasingly accurate trends and the statistical analyses of these datasets.

Table 5.8: Biomonitoring surveys performed since the inception of the programme Year Month Report numbers 2006 June AG-B-06 2007 January & August AG-A-07 & AG-F-07 2008 February & September AGA-A-08 & AGA-A-09 2009 March & August AGA-B-09 & AGA-C-09 2010 March & August AGA-A-10 & AGA-B-10 2011 March & August AGA-B-11 & AGA-B-11 2012 March & September AGA-A-12 & AGA-B-12 2013 February & September AGA-A-13 & AGA-C-13 2014 April, June & September AGA-A-14, AGA-B-14, AGA-C-14 2015 March, June, September & December AGA-A-15, AGA-B-15, AGA-C-15 & AGA-D-15 2016 March, June, September & December AGA-A-16, AGA-B-16_TOX, AGA-C-16 & AGA-D-16_TOX 2017 March, June & September AGA-VR-A-17, AGA-VO-17-B_TOX & AGA-VR-B-17 2018 May, August and October AGA-VR-A-18, AGA-VO-18_TOX, AGA-VR-C-18 AGA-VR-A-19, AGA-VO-B-19_TOX, AGA-VR-C-19 (current 2019 April, June, September report)

Four biomonitoring sites were selected within the Vaal River (receiving water body) in the Orkney area (Table 5.9): • Site VR1 (previously SR Drift VR-US) (Figure 5.3) was selected to be upstream of all AGA (VR and MWS, including Kareerand) mining activities; • Site VR2 (previously VR-US) (Figure 5.4) was selected to be upstream of potential AngloGold Vaal River operations impacts, but downstream from MWS/Kareerand operations; • Site VR3 (previously VR-DSA) was selected downstream of potential AngloGold Vaal River operations impacts (including Koekemoerspruit-MWS impacts); and • Site VR4 (VR-DS) (Figure 5.5) was selected to be downstream from all potential impacts from AngloGold mining activities (including potential impacts reaching the Schoonspruit tributary).

Site (SS-US) was selected in the Schoonspruit to be just upstream from any run-off that may emanate from AngloGold Ashanti’s Vaal River operation and its associated processes. Another

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site (SS-DS) was selected further downstream in the Schoonspruit to monitor downstream improvement/deterioration of the river system related to AngloGold Ashanti and other activities which may impact on this section of the Schoonspruit before its confluence with the Vaal River. Toxicity analyses was also performed on a borehole (VRM75) to determine the potential impact of groundwater drainage from AGA activities between sites SS-US and SS- DS.

Two sites were also selected in the Koekemoerspruit, which is a tributary of the Vaal River draining through the VR and MWS operational area (Figure 5.4). Site KS-US was selected to be upstream of all potential AGA activities while site KS-DS (MW-ISO4) was downstream from these activities before the confluence with the Vaal River.

Toxicity testing was also performed on samples from or effluents of the Eye Dam, Bokkamp Dam and the Boat club to determine the potential toxicity on the receiving water body (Vaal River) should any releases be made from these areas (Table 5.9 and Figure 5.3). Since April 2014, four toxicity testing samples from the MWS Kareerand Operations were also included in the programme. These are Borehole16 (Karee-BH16), the return water dam (Karee-RWD), the upstream dam within the receiving stream (Karee-US-Dam) and the downstream dam within the same receiving stream (Karee-DS-Dam).

Table 5.9: Latitude/Longitude, description and protocols applied the different monitoring sites (Clean Stream, 2019) Biomonitoring protocols GPS coordinates Monitoring Description Latitude Longitude site Protocol Frequency (South) (East) SASS5, Fish, twice per VR1 (SR Vaal River, upstream of all habitat, in-situ annum (fish Drift VR- potential AngloGold VR and MWS 26.8885° 26.9265° water quality, once per US) operations impacts. chlorophyll-a annum) Vaal River, upstream of potential twice per SASS5, Fish, AngloGold Vaal River operations annum (fish VR2 (VR-US) habitat, in-situ 26.9365° 26.8508° impacts, but downstream from once per water quality Kareerand operations (MWS) annum) Vaal River, downstream of potential twice per SASS5, Fish, VR3 (VR- AngloGold Vaal River operations annum (fish habitat, in-situ 27.0106° 26.6987° DSA) impacts (including once per water quality Koekemoerspruit-MWS impacts). annum) Vaal River, downstream of all SASS5, Fish, twice per VR4 (VR-DS) 27.1042° 26.5214° potential AngloGold Vaal River habitat, in-situ annum (fish

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Biomonitoring protocols GPS coordinates Monitoring Description Latitude Longitude site Protocol Frequency (South) (East) operations impacts (including water quality, once per Schoonspruit). chlorophyll-a annum) In-situ water twice per Schoonspruit, upstream from quality, diatom annum (fish SS-US potential AngloGold Ashanti Vaal analyses, 26.9348° 26.6641° once per River operations activities. Screening toxicity annum) test (DEEEP) Borehole sample to assess potential Screening toxicity VRM75 AGA impacts draining towards quarterly (DEEEP) Schoonspruit. In-situ water twice per Schoonspruit, downstream from quality, diatom annum (fish SS-DS potential Anglo Gold Ashanti Vaal analyses, 26.9858° 26.6321° once per River Operations activities. Screening toxicity annum) test (DEEEP) In-situ water Koekemoerspruit, upstream from quality, diatom twice per KS-US potential AngloGold Ashanti Vaal analyses, 26.8041° 26.8258° annum River/MWS operations activities. Screening toxicity test (DEEEP) In-situ water quality, diatom KS-DS (MW- Koekemoerspruit downstream of all twice per analyses, 26.9258° 26.8157° ISO4) AGA- VR and MWS activities. annum Screening toxicity test (DEEEP) Pollution Control Dam (PCD) in the Bokkamp Vaal Operations area. No release Definitive toxicity quarterly 26.9636° 26.7043° Dam policy but potential impact (DEEEP) between VR-US and VR- DSA Discharge point of potential Screening toxicity Boat club effluents on the Vaal River, quarterly 26.9659° 26.7347° (DEEEP) between VR-US and VR-DSA The most upstream Pollution Control Dam at the Vaal Operations Screening toxicity Eye Dam area, potential quarterly 26.9473° 26.7604° (DEEEP) overflow/spill/discharge between VR-US and VR-DSA Kareerand Operations, borehole on Screening toxicity Karee-BH16 quarterly 26.9017° 26.8889° southern side of slimes return dam (DEEEP)

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Biomonitoring protocols GPS coordinates Monitoring Description Latitude Longitude site Protocol Frequency (South) (East) Kareerand Operations, Return Screening toxicity Karee-RWD quarterly 26.8996° 26.8809° Water Dam (DEEEP) Kareerand Operations, upstream Karee-US- dam in receiving stream, Screening toxicity quarterly 26.9022° 26.8775° Dam downstream from Return Water (DEEEP) Dam Kareerand Operations, downstream Karee-DS- dam in receiving stream, Screening toxicity quarterly 26.9055° 26.8769° Dam downstream from Return Water (DEEEP) Dam and upstream dam

Figure 5.3: AGA Vaal Operations and MWS study area and biomonitoring (including toxicity testing) sites (Clean Stream, 2019)

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Figure 5.4: Upper Vaal River reach and Koekemoerspruit study area (Clean Stream, 2019)

Figure 5.5: Lower Vaal River reach and Schoonspruit study area (Clean Stream, 2019)

5.4.3.1 In-situ Water Quality Selected water quality variables were measured on-site at the time of biological sampling. The purpose of this data is only to assist in the interpretation of biological results. This information is not intended to suffice as a detailed water quality monitoring programme but supports the biomonitoring data.

Overall, EC increased slightly in the Vaal River on a spatial scale from the most upstream to the most downstream site during the September 2019 survey (Table 5.10). The findings of

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the present survey indicated a temporal reduction (improvement) in EC compared to the previous dry season survey of October 2018 (report AGA-VR-C-18). A very slight increase in salinity (measured as EC) occurred from site VR1 to VR2, followed by a slight decrease (improvement) towards site VR3 (Table 5.10). A slight increase in salinity was again observed towards site VR4, after the confluence of the Schoonspruit with the Vaal River. The EC levels in the Schoonspruit were higher than the receiving Vaal River, indicating potential areas of concern that may impact on the salinity of the Vaal River during low flow periods, as indeed observed in the present survey (Table 5.10). Salinity decreased very slightly between the upstream (SS-US) and downstream (SS-DS) sites in the Schoonspruit, indicating that activities along this reach did not lead to increased salts in the Schoonspruit, at the time of sampling. Salinity was also lower at both Schoonspruit sites compared to the October 2018 survey (report AGA-VR-C-18). The Koekemoerspruit biomonitoring sites (KS-US and KS-DS) were dry at the time of the September 2019 survey, precluding sampling.

Table 5.10: In-situ water quality variables measured at the time of sampling at the selected biomonitoring sites (September 2019 survey) Monitoring EC Oxygen Dissolved oxygen Water temp Turbidity Flow pH site (mS/m) saturation (%) (mg/l) (ºC) (visual) (visual) VR1 52.5 9.1 123.2 9.6 18.3 Slightly turbid Moderate VR2 55.3 9.1 92.9 7.4 16.2 Slightly turbid Moderate VR3 53.6 9.0 102.4 8.0 19.1 Slightly turbid Moderate VR4 57.0 9.2 145.0 10.5 22.2 Turbid Trickle SS-US 93.2 7.4 65.2 4.7 19.7 Turbid Low SS-DS 90.7 7.3 55.0 4.3 19.4 Turbid Low Red shading = Value outside guideline Key: levels

The pH at all Vaal River sites were alkaline and fell outside the guideline values for fish health (between 6.5 and 9.0: DWAF, 1996). The pH was already high at the most upstream site (VR1), indicating that activities upstream of Vaal River Operations are responsible for the alkalinity observed in the Vaal River during the current survey. This is a notable deterioration in the water quality of the Vaal River compared to the previous dry season survey (October 2018) when the pH was still within guideline levels (although high) at all Vaal River sites (report AGA-VR-C-18). The pH at both Schoonspruit sites fell within the guideline limits during September 2019 and should not be limiting to aquatic biota.

Dissolved oxygen levels were above the guideline minimum level (>5mg/l as set by Kempster et al. 1982) at all Vaal River sites during the September 2019 survey, and as such should not be limiting to aquatic biota.

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Since the beginning of 2016, the dissolved oxygen levels of both Schoonspruit sites (SS-US & SS-DS) and one of the Koekemoerspruit sites (KS-2, now excluded) measured very low, being below the guideline (>5mg/l) as set by Kempster et al. (1982). In September 2019, the sites sampled in the Schoonspruit again fell below the guideline minimum. This is probably due to organic enrichment and/or the proliferation of algae (potentially indicative of sewage pollution). Low oxygen levels have regularly been observed in the Schoonspruit and the fact that the levels are already low at the upstream site is indicative of potential impacts upstream from the mine.

5.4.3.2 Chlorophyll-a The Vaal River is a major resource in terms of drinking water supply and also supports farming. It is, therefore, important to quantify the effect of mining activities, in terms of nutrient enrichment, on this important resource. Chlorophyll-a testing was adopted since the March 2015 survey to measure the current status and the spatial extent of nutrient enrichment by comparing the upstream Vaal River and the downstream Vaal River sites. Nutrient enrichment is clearly already a problem upstream from AGA activities in this reach and sustained monitoring would be essential to verify whether this problem is further aggravated by mining activities.

Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants that captures and converts sunlight energy into chemical energy during photosynthesis. Chlorophyll a, b and c are forms of chlorophyll found in different proportions in different plants (DWAF, 1996). Chlorophyll-a is used as a measure of the quantity of algae in water. It thereby provides a measure to describe the state of nutrient-enrichment according to the following scale, from lowest to highest level of nutrient enrichment (Rast and Thormton, 1996; Walmsley 2000): • Oligotrophic - Indicates the presence of low levels of nutrients and no water quality problems; • Mesotrophic - Indicates intermediate levels of nutrients with emerging signs of water quality problems; • Eutrophic - Indicates high levels of nutrients and increasing frequency of water quality problems; and • Hypertrophic - Indicates excessive levels of nutrients where plant production is governed by physical factors. Water quality problems are almost uninterrupted.

Chlorophyll-a was tested for the first time as part of this biomonitoring programme during the March 2015 survey and thereafter on a bi-annual schedule. It is evident that the trophic status of the Vaal River upstream from AGA is already eutrophic (on 3 occasions) to hypertrophic (on 4 occasions) as measured at site VR1 (Figure 5.6). Eutrophic (2 occasions)

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to hypertrophic levels (4 occasions) are also regularly evident at the downstream site VR4. A downstream increase in chlorophyll-a was only observed during four of the nine surveys conducted (2015-03, 2016-03, 2017-09, 2019-04) (Figure 5.6). This is firstly an indication that activities upstream from the mine has already led to significant nutrient enrichment but that mining and other activities within this reach cannot be ruled out as a contributing factor to further increased levels at times. It must be noted that AGA is not the only water user between these sites. It is encouraging to note an overall decreasing temporal trend in chlorophyll-a at both Vaal River sites. A downstream decrease in chlorophyll-a was noted during the September 2019 survey moving from mesotrophic conditions at the upstream site to oligotrophic conditions at the downstream site. The nuisance factor of algal bloom activity has now been determined to be significant, both upstream and downstream, being hypertrophic more than 40% of the time (40.0% at both sites). This shows that long-term effects of eutrophication are persistent in the Vaal River both upstream and downstream of the mine.

Figure 5.6: Temporal variation of chlorophyll-a levels measured at selected biomonitoring sites

5.4.3.3 Aquatic Invertebrate Assessment: SASS5 The South African Scoring System (SASS) (Version 5) is a site-specific index, which, together with its associated habitat index (biotope suitability index) gives a general perspective of the biotic integrity (based on macroinvertebrates) and the impact of water quality on the biotic integrity of the specific sites (Thirion et.al., 1995; Dickens and Graham, 2001). The biotope suitability index takes into account the suitability of the different sampled biotopes in terms

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of quality and availability. It thereby firstly assesses whether the total SASS5 scores of two sites are directly comparable by comparing the total biotope suitability scores. In the event that the total biotope suitability scores are largely different this would imply that the total SASS5 scores should not be compared, but instead the most comparable SASS biotope scores. The most comparable SASS biotope scores are identified by comparing the various individual biotope suitability scores. The integrated habitat assessment system, version 2 (IHAS) was also applied and although the scores are presented in this report, this index was merely applied for habitat description purposes (Table 5.11).

Average score per taxon (ASPT) values are also very useful in the assessment and comparison of biotic conditions at different sites. According to field trials assessed by Dickens and Graham (2001) the ASPT score was less variable than total SASS5 scores when conducted within a given river reach by different operators, considering all biotopes. ASPT scores are therefore included in the discussion below.

Table 5.11: IHAS scores and habitat description in terms of SASS5 application at the Vaal Operations sites (September 2019) Sampling Habitat VR1 VR2 VR3 VR4 Desc Score Desc Score Desc Score Desc Score Stones in Current (SIC) Total length of white water rapids (ie: bubbling water) (in >3-5 4 >1-2 2 >3-5 4 none 0 meters) Total length of submerged stones in current (run) (in >5-10 3 >5-10 3 >5-10 3 0-2 1 meters) Number of separate SIC area's 6+ 4 6+ 4 4-5 3 1 1 kicked Average stone sizes kicked (in 2-20 4 2-20 4 2-20 4 11-20 3 cm's) Amount of stone surface clear 26-50 2 0-25 1 n/a 0 n/a 0 (in %) Protocol: time spent actually >2-3 4 >2-3 4 >2-3 4 <1 1 kicking SIC's (in mins) SIC score (max 20) 20 18 18 6 Vegetation (VEG) Length of fringing vegetation sampled 2 4 >2 5 2 4 2 4 (banks) (in meters) Amount of aquatic >1 3 >1 3 >0.5-1 2 0-0.5 1 vegetation/algae sampled

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Sampling Habitat VR1 VR2 VR3 VR4 Desc Score Desc Score Desc Score Desc Score (in square meters) Fringing vegetation sampled in mix 5 mix 5 mix 5 pool 3 Type of veg. (percent leafy as opposed to 26-50 3 26-50 3 1-25 2 26-50 3 stems/shoots) Veg score (max 15) 15 15 13 11 Other Habitat / General (O.H.) Stones Out of Current (SOOC) 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 sampled (in square meters) Sand sampled (in minutes) >0.5-1 3 0-0.5 2 1 4 >0.5-1 3 Mud sampled (in minutes) 0-0.5 2 under 1 under 1 none 0 Gravel sampled (in minutes) 0.5 2 0.5 2 0-0.5 1 0-0.5 1 Bedrock sampled (all = no SIC, some 1 some 1 some 1 some 1 sand, gravel) Algal presence (m2) >1-2sqm 2 >1-2sqm 2 >2sqm 0 >2sqm 0 Tray identification correct 3 correct 3 correct 3 correct 3 O.H. score (max 20) 16 14 13 11 Sampling habitat totals (max 51 47 44 28 55) Stream Condition Physical River make up 3 mix 5 3 mix 5 3 mix 5 2 mix 4 Average width of stream (in >10 1 >10 1 >10 1 >10 1 meters) Average depth of stream (in >0.5-1 3 >0.5-1 3 1 2 1 2 meters) Approximate velocity of stream mix 5 mix 5 mix 5 mix 5 Water colour discoloured 3 discoloured 3 discoloured 3 discoloured 3 Recent disturbances other 3 other 3 other 3 construction 2 Bank/Riparian vegetation mix 4 mix 4 mix 4 mix 4 Surrounding impacts other 3 other 3 erosion 0 other 3 Left bank cover (rocks and 51-80 1 51-80 1 51-80 1 51-80 1 vegetation) (in %) Right bank cover (rocks and 51-80 1 51-80 1 0-50 0 0-50 0 vegetation) (in % Stream condition total (max 29 29 24 25 45) Total IHAS score (%) 80 76 68 53

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Spatial variation (September 2019) As during the previous dry season survey (October 2018), the total SASS5 score increased between sites VR1 (60) and VR2 (77), and during September 2019 the ASPT value decreased only slightly (4.62 to 4.53) between these sites (Table 11, Figure 9). Biotope availability and suitability was similar between sites VR1 and VR2 during the September 2019 survey (Table 11), as were water quality measures taken in-situ (section 3.2 of Annexure H). Most biotopes were also similar and confirmed that there was no evident downstream deterioration in biotic conditions between these two sites (Table 11). Macroinvertebrate-based biotic integrity had also improved at both sites since the previous dry season survey (October 2018) (report AGA- VR-C-18), despite the pH being above the guideline maximum for the protection of aquatic fauna (section 3.2 of Annexure H). However, the sample from Karee-BH16 posed an “acute/short-chronic hazard” (Class III) (section 3.4 of Annexure H) indicating that sources of pollution are impacting on the groundwater of the study area and continued monitoring is imperative to detect any potential impacts on the Vaal River system and ensure timely mitigation.

A decrease in total SASS5 score and ASPT value was observed between sites VR2 (77 and 4.53) and VR3 (53 and 3.79) (Table 5.12). A decrease in ASPT was also observed during October 2018, although less pronounced (report AGA-VR-C-18). The September 2019 decrease was largely attributable to habitat differences (lower at VR3), and the individual SASS5 score for the most comparable biotope (GSM) indicated improved water quality towards site VR3. However, in-situ water quality measurements taken did not differ notably between the sites.

In contrast to the previous dry season survey, the total SASS5 score increased slightly between sites VR3 (53) and VR4 (65), while the ASPT value showed a slight decrease (3.79 to 3.61) (Table 5.12). The SASS5 score of the most comparable biotope (Stones) increased towards site VR4, pointing towards downstream improvement in water quality.

Conditions have also deteriorated to such an extent over the past years at the Koekemoerspruit sites that it was decided that SASS5 as biomonitoring protocol should be placed on hold to avoid the risk to samplers that must enter the water during SASS5 sampling. Since the April 2019 survey, diatom analyses were implemented as an alternative biomonitoring protocol in the Koekemoerspruit. However, both the upstream (KS-US) and downstream (KS-DS) sites were dry at the time of the time of the September 2019 survey, precluding testing.

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Table 5.12: SASS5, ASPT and biotope availability and suitability index scores for different Vaal River Operations monitoring sites Biotope availability and suitability Monitoring SASS5 SASS5-score per biotope ASPT (Scores) site score SASSStones SASSVegetation SASSGSM Stones Vegetation GSM Combined VR1 60 4.62 38 37 19 5 5 5 15 VR2 77 4.53 42 53 13 6 6 4 16 VR3 53 3.79 22 28 32 3 3 4 10 VR4 65 3.61 41 32 29 3 2 3 8

5.4.3.4 Fish Assessment Fish assessments were previously performed at Vaal River, Schoonspruit and Koekemoerspruit sites. However, the Koekemoerspruit and Schoonspruit have deteriorated at an alarming rate and it was decided after the October 2018 survey that fish sampling should be placed on hold to avoid the risk to samplers that must enter the water during sampling. Since 2019, fish sampling is therefore restricted to the Vaal River sites. Electrofishing was the only fish sampling method applied, focusing especially on wade-able habitats. In order to assess the biotic integrity of the aquatic systems in terms of fish communities it is essential to assess the available habitat for fish, the habitat quality and the impacts of humans thereon. Habitat assessment indices were therefore performed and assessed to assist in the interpretation of the FAII results. The final output of this exercise was to produce comparable “integrity” scores for the different sites to measure the difference in biotic integrity. Habitat information was furthermore used to interpret the potential role of habitat in differing biotic integrity.

The composition of the fish community and the relative FAII (Fish Assemblage Integrity Index) are based on the most recent surveys (last two years). This is done to increase the accuracy of the results and to avoid the co-incidental miss-sampling of a particular species at a particular site. It is furthermore acceptable to use this approach as fish generally take longer to react (as compared to macroinvertebrates) to stressors and is therefore more applicable as an indicator over a period of time (as compared to a snapshot at any given time). The FAII was used for the purpose of this study to assess spatial trends (differences between sites) while The Fish Response Assessment Index (FRAI) was applied to give an overall perspective of the present ecological status (PES) in terms of fish of the complete river reach (Vaal River) under investigation.

Fish Habitat Assessment The Habitat Cover Ratings (HCR’s) approach was used to evaluate the amount and diversity of cover (habitat) available for fish at each of the biomonitoring sites in the study area (Figure

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5.7, Table 5.13). The HCR’s indicated that the diversity of habitats for fish was generally good in the Vaal River with three to four of the velocity-depth classes being present. The primary cover feature available for fish at most sites was generally rocky substrate and macrophytes with some overhanging vegetation and limited undercut banks/rootwads also available to fish (Table 5.13). The habitat composition at a site plays an important role in determining the expected fish species assemblage of the site, which is furthermore influenced by the prevailing water quality.

Figure 5.7: Habitat Cover Ratings for biomonitoring sites (Clean Stream, 2019)

Table 5.13: Fish Habitat Cover Ratings (HCR’s) calculated for each site Sites VR1 VR2 VR3 VR4 SLOW-DEEP (>0.5m; <0.3m/s) Abundance 1 3 2 3 Overhanging vegetation 0 1 1 1 Undercut banks and Root-wads 0 0 1 1 Substrate 2 3 3 3 Macrophytes 2 1 1 0 SLOW-SHALLOW (<0.5m; <0.3m/s) Abundance 2 3 2 2 Overhanging vegetation 3 3 2 2 Undercut banks and Root-wads 1 2 1 1 Substrate 2 3 3 3 Macrophytes 3 3 2 2 FAST-DEEP (>0.3m; >0.3m/s) Abundance 4 1 3 0

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Sites VR1 VR2 VR3 VR4 Overhanging vegetation 1 0 0 0 Undercut banks and Root-wads 0 0 0 0 Substrate 3 3 3 0 Macrophytes 3 1 1 0 FAST-SHALLOW (<0.3m; >0.3m/s) Abundance 4 3 3 0 Overhanging vegetation 2 2 1 0 Undercut banks and Root-wads 1 1 1 0 Substrate 3 3 3 0 Macrophytes 3 3 2 0

Species Composition Based on the latest available information and distribution maps the following eleven indigenous fish species have a high probability to occur in Vaal River reach of the study area (VR1 to VR4): • Vaal-Orange Smallmouth yellowfish (Labeobarbus aeneus); • Vaal-Orange Largemouth yellowfish (Labeobarbus kimberleyensis); • Orange River mudfish (Labeo capensis); • Moggel (Labeo umbratus); • Threespot barb (Enteromius trimaculatus); • Chubbyhead barb (Enteromius anoplus); • Straightfin barb (Enteromius paludinosus); • Rock catfish (Austroglanis sclateri); • Sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus); • Banded tilapia (Tilapia sparrmanii); and • Southern mouthbrooder (Pseudocrenilabrus philander).

During all surveys conducted for AGA biomonitoring programme (2012 to 2019) of selected sites within the Vaal River reach, the presence of all eleven of the above mentioned expected indigenous species was confirmed. Austroglanis sclateri (Rock-catfish) was absent during all sampling efforts between 2012 and 2018 and was recorded for the first time during the present survey (September 2019). Although this species has an overall rating of being moderately tolerant to environmental changes, it is a known fact that it is sensitive to habitat degradation (Niehaus et.al., 1997). Siltation of rocky substrates as a result of erosion as well as algal growth on these substrates may have been responsible for the absence of this species. Three alien fish species, namely Cyprinus carpio, Gambussia affinis and Micropterus salmoides have also been sampled in this reach.

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During the most recent surveys (past two years) seven of the expected eleven indigenous fish species were sampled in the Vaal River reach (Table 5.14). During the October 2018 survey another indigenous species, namely Enteromius unitaeniatus (Longbeard barb) was sampled for the first time in the Vaal River reach at site VR4. Based on available information this species has not been sampled in the Vaal River before. Although there is a slight possibility that it may occur naturally within this system, there is also a high probability that it may have been introduced (with alien fish species or as bait for alien predatory fish species). The September 2019 survey saw the indigenous fish species Austroglanis sclateri being sampled for the first time in the Vaal River reach of the study area.

Table 5.14: Fish species expected and sampled at each site during October 2018 / September 2019 Sites Species Native/Exotic VR1 VR2 VR3 VR4 Exp Obs Exp Obs Exp Obs Exp Obs Austroglanis sclateri Native 2019 Clarias gariepinus Native 2018 Cyprinus carpio* Exotic 2018 2018 2018, 2019 Enteromius anoplus Native 2018, 2018, Enteromius paludinosus Native 2018 2018 2019 2019 Enteromius trimaculatus Native Enteromius unitaeniatus Native / Introduced? 2018 Gambusia affinis* Exotic 2018 2018, 2018, 2018, 2018, Labeo capensis Native 2019 2019 2019 2019 Labeo umbratus Native 2018, Labeobarbus aeneus Native 2019 2019 Labeobarbus kimberleyensis Native Micropterus salmoides* Exotic 2018, 2018, 2018, Pseudocrenilabrus philander Native 2019 2019 2019 2019 2018, 2018, Tilapia sparrmanii Native 2019 2019 2019 2019 No. of naturally occurring species expected/present 11 4 11 5 11 6 11 5 % expected / observed 36 45 55 45

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5.4.4 Wetland Monitoring

A proposed wetland monitoring approach and basic data sheet has been provided by De Castro & Brits, 2018 (Annexure E).

Prior to the start of the construction phase wetland data can be collected in the format present below, preferably during the growing season (Table 5.15). Data fields can be used, refined and adjusted to suit the needs of a particular wetland depending on its location and impact. The table can be updated at quarterly or biannual intervals during the construction phase. It is, however, important to obtain reliable baseline information for all affected wetlands in the study area prior to the onset of construction activities.

An approach where a list of specific wetland features and impacts are systematically recorded and described to generate data during the construction process, is regarded to be of more value, compared to specifying that a PES technique, such as WET-Health Level 1 or another PES associated method, is used to monitor wetlands. In the experience of the author the use of a PES technique for wetland monitoring is too subjective and robust to provide useful baseline data that has consistently been captured for each wetland.

Interpretations from systematically recorded data fields that have specifically been selected based on the expected impacts of the proposed project are therefore more useful, as they provide site specific information that indicate how a particular wetland has been impacted during the construction phase and which impacts (i.e. remnant impacts) should be addressed during the rehabilitation phase. Changes to the data sheet format can be made as required, while captured data can also be used to determine the PES of a particular wetland through the use of an applicable PES method.

The proposed data capturing sheet does not incorporate water quality and groundwater aspects related to delineated wetlands. Water quality and groundwater features are assumed to form part of separate monitoring processes, should it be deemed necessary. Diatom assessments may not be practically feasible at all times in all wetlands due to the inconsistent and/or insufficient presence of surface water. Bi-annual diatom sampling is, however, recommended in channelled valley bottom HGM unit 2 where water is expected to be present throughout the year due to seepage from the existing TSF. The proposed basic monitoring datasheet can be used for monitoring and as part of an action plan to direct intervention once impacts are recorded (Table 5.15).

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Table 5.15: Proposed basic wetland monitoring datasheet that can be amended as need be (De Castro & Brits, 2018) Assessment date (include Monitoring interval (e.g. first, second, third, Wetland name: year): etc.) Name of Wetland fixed point photo Photo numbers: assessor(s): coordinates: HGM wetland unit Baseline PES category Baseline EIS category type and number: Channel width Channel depth (bankfull) Dominant bed material (e.g. bedrock, boulder, (bankfull) where where present: gravel, sand, silt/clay): present: Presence of scour Dominant upstream catchment land uses: or headcut erosion features in the wetland Presence, position (GPS coordinates) and thickness of recorded sediment and wetland depositions, specifically tailings material, in the wetland (record a minimum of buffer (record three points along the length of the wetland in systems where tailings material coordinates with or other sediment depositions are present): GPS and take photos): Width and depth Creation of new channels, or channel incision and widening in existing channels of recorded in the wetland and wetland buffer (record coordinates with GPS and take headcut and photos): scour features : Wetland and wetland buffer vegetation description (e.g. number of vegetation strata, strata height and canopy cover of each vegetation strata, as well as the names of dominant and common trees, shrubs, forbs and grasses): Identification and cover abundance rating (e.g. rare, uncommon, common, sub-dominant and dominant) of alien plant species recorded in the wetland Alien tree and Alien grass species Alien forb and sedge species shrub species Presence of Record the presence of any Record signs of recent erosion and stockpiles within waste material that may be sedimentation from stockpiles or other the wetland or its present in the wetland or sediment sources (investigate silt fences and buffer buffer. other stabilisation measures): Has the wetland Are unauthorised vehicle recently tracks present in the wetland Are removed topsoil stockpiles stable and experienced a or buffer (take photos of new separated from subsoil stockpiles? burn (fire) event tracks) General notes on other impacts, as well as the presence and effectiveness of mitigation measures:

5.4.5 Waste Monitoring

The following management measures are implemented with regards to waste on site in order to ensure that the amount of waste produced is monitored and disposed of in an appropriate manner: • No on-site burying / dumping of waste materials, vegetation, litter or refuse shall occur. All solid waste shall be disposed of at suitable licensed disposal sites; • Bins are provided in sufficient number and capacity to store all solid waste produced on a daily basis. These bins are kept closed and emptied regularly (minimum twice a week) such that they are not overfilled; • A general side-wide litter clean-up occurs once a week site wide and more often in the various areas;

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• Waste is collected from site by a licensed contractor and removed to an appropriate licensed waste disposal facility; • Waste disposal certificates / manifests are kept on site and provided to the Environmental Compliance Officer (ECO); and • Wherever possible, materials shall be recycled via a “Greens waste site”. To this end, containers for glass, paper, metals, plastics, organic waste and hazardous wastes (e.g. oil rags, paint containers, thinners) shall be provided in sufficient quantity on the site.

It is suggested that the tailings be monitored through surveying the dimensions of the various facilities at least quarterly. This data must be included in the annual report to the DWS.

5.5 Risk Assessment/ Best Practice Assessment 5.5.1 Impact Assessment Methodology

The following methodology was used to rank these impacts. Clearly defined rating and rankings scales (Table 5.16 to Table 5.22) were used to assess the impacts associated with the proposed activities. The impacts identified by each specialist study and through public participation were combined into a single impact rating table for ease of assessment.

Each impact identified was rated according the expected magnitude, duration, scale and probability of the impact (Table 5.23). To ensure uniformity, the assessment of potential impacts will be addressed in a standard manner so that a wide range of impacts is comparable. For this reason, a clearly defined rating scale will be provided to the specialist to assess the impacts associated with their investigation.

Each impact identified will be assessed in terms of scale (spatial scale), magnitude (severity) and duration (temporal scale). Consequence is then determined as follows: Consequence = Severity + Spatial Scale + Duration

The Risk of the activity is then calculated based on frequency of the activity and impact, how easily it can be detected and whether the activity is governed by legislation. Thus: Likelihood = Frequency of activity + frequency of impact + legal issues + detection

The risk is then based on the consequence and likelihood. Risk = Consequence x likelihood

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In order to assess each of these factors for each impact, the ranking scales in Table 5.16– Table 5.22 were used.

Table 5.16: Severity Insignificant / non-harmful 1 Small / potentially harmful 2 Significant / slightly harmful 3 Great / harmful 4 Disastrous / extremely harmful / within a regulated sensitive area 5

Table 5.17: Spatial Scale - How big is the area that the aspect is impacting on? Area specific (at impact site) 1 Whole site (entire surface right) 2 Local (within 5km) 3 Regional / neighboring areas (5km to 50km) 4 National 5

Table 5.18: Duration One day to one month (immediate) 1 One month to one year (Short term) 2 One year to 10 years (medium term) 3 Life of the activity (long term) 4 Beyond life of the activity (permanent) 5

Table 5.19: Frequency of the activity - How often do you do the specific activity? Annually or less 1 6 monthly 2 Monthly 3 Weekly 4 Daily 5

Table 5.20: Frequency of the incident/impact - How often does the activity impact on the environment? Almost never / almost impossible / >20% 1 Very seldom / highly unlikely / >40% 2 Infrequent / unlikely / seldom / >60% 3 Often / regularly / likely / possible / >80% 4 Daily / highly likely / definitely / >100% 5

Table 5.21: Legal Issues - How is the activity governed by legislation? No legislation 1 Fully covered by legislation 5

Table 5.22: Detection - How quickly/easily can the impacts/risks of the activity be detected on the environment, people and property? Immediately 1 Without much effort 2 Need some effort 3 Remote and difficult to observe 4

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Covered 5

Environmental effects will be rated as either of high, moderate or low significance on the basis provided in Table 5.23.

Table 5.23: Impact Ratings

RATING CLASS 1 – 55 (L) Low Risk 56 – 169 M) Moderate Risk 170 – 600 (H) High Risk

5.5.2 Impacts Identified

The impacts identified for the Kareerand TSF Expansion are shown in Table 5.24.

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Table 5.24: Impact descriptions for Kareerand’s TSF Expansion Impact Impact Impact description before after Responsible mitigation mitigation Mitigation measures Action plan person No Risk Risk Phases Activity Impact . Rating Rating Groundwater Vegetation Groundwater clearance and Limit the vegetation clearance and quality and Prepare detailed clearance Environmental 1 Construction topsoil L L topsoil stripping to the smallest quantity and construction schedules Officer/Contractor stripping and area possible negative impact stockpiling •Provide appropriate waste •Construction waste needs to be skips for different types of discarded (machinery and oils); waste in a designated • Spills cleaned up immediately bundled area; according to standard operating • Ensure regular removal of Construction Groundwater procedures (machinery and oils); waste by an external Environmental 2 Construction material and quality L L and accredited installer; Officer/Contractor waste handling deterioration • If applicable, the appropriate • Provide spill kits; authorities should be notified in •Monitoring of remediated the event of a spill (tailings from areas; and current operations, oils, etc). • Inform the relevant authorities. • Implement water quantity and quality monitoring programme; • Compile monthly water • Objective to lower groundwater quality and quantity reports Interception of levels with 1 to 2m south of the to assess potential impacts. tailings TSF and to develop a groundwater Implement mitigation seepage from Dewatering of flow boundary zone; measures if required; upper Environmental 3 Operation the surrounding L L • No impact expected on regional • Install flow meters to weathered Officer/Contractor aquifers aquifer system monitor the amount of aquifer south • Electronic monitoring of system water extracted; and east as and monthly reporting and • Update numerical model; indicated upgrading. and • Maintain/update centralised monitoring database (for surface water and groundwater). Impact on Refer to discussion in Section • Foundation seepage groundwater 12.4.3 of the Hydrogeological capturing optimised in years TSF Environmental 4 Operation quality H M Assessment for the proposed 1 and 2 and foundation management Officer/Contractor (contamination) foundation seepage capturing, drains as explained in from current groundwater intersection, etc report;

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Impact Impact Impact description before after Responsible mitigation mitigation Mitigation measures Action plan person No Risk Risk Phases Activity Impact . Rating Rating TSF and • Footprint preparation: expansion compacting of foundation during construction; • Groundwater interception as described to maintain sulfate plume and re- use of water; • Appoint a qualified groundwater specialist to undertake quarterly monitoring and annual numerical groundwater calibration; and • Maintain/update centralised monitoring database (for surface water and groundwater) and continuous improvement of interception system. Continuously consider alternative and additional intervention. • Expand and continue with groundwater interception post the operational phase at prescribed • Capping of refuse sites positions. Adjust pump rates and fly ash dump, according to seepage volumes establishment of topsoil and Operation and Impact on continuously (reduction assumed revegetation when their Decommissioning ultimate groundwater annually) operation has ceased; and Environmental 5 H M and Closure rehabilitation quality from • Minimise infiltration on TSF by • Continue with water Officer/Contractor of TSF TSF active phyto remediation and pond monitoring programme for control at least 5 years or as per • Groundwater interception water legislation/guideline evaporated on top of TSF requirements at the time. • Quarterly groundwater monitoring should be conducted. Wetland Changes in • Effective stormwater and Site water flow sediment management should be Refer to Environmental Environmental 6 Construction clearing/prepa regime, M M implemented during construction Management Plan Officer/Contractor ration increased high phases to ensure that no polluted, energy surface sediment laden or high energy

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Impact Impact Impact description before after Responsible mitigation mitigation Mitigation measures Action plan person No Risk Risk Phases Activity Impact . Rating Rating water runoff, water is directed into the decreased watercourses or waterbodies; vegetation • Changed overland water flows germination should be accommodated to ensure potential, that water input from adjacent sediment slopes occurs in a diffuse manner pollution and does not cause scouring or downstream erosion; • Control of alien invasive plants should form part of the maintenance plan; and • Corrective action should take into account hydrological analysis of flow energy and water quality where required. • Effective stormwater and sediment management should be implemented during construction phases to ensure that no polluted, sediment laden or high energy water is directed into the watercourses or waterbodies; Changes in • Changed overland water flows sediment should be accommodated to ensure Site deposition and that water input from adjacent Refer to Environmental Environmental 7 Construction clearing/prepa M L high energy slopes occurs in a diffuse manner Management Plan Officer/Contractor ration flows causing and does not cause scouring or erosion downstream erosion; • Control of alien invasive plants should form part of the maintenance plan ; and • Corrective action should take into account hydrological analysis of flow energy and water quality where required. Removal of Introduction vegetation and Ensure the implementation of an Refer to Environmental Environmental 8 Construction and spread of H M land effective Alien Plant Control Plan Management Plan Officer/Contractor alien plants preparation Site Loss and • Effective stormwater and Refer to Environmental Environmental 9 Construction clearing/prepa disturbance of M M sediment management should be Management Plan Officer/Contractor ration watercourse implemented during construction

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Impact Impact Impact description before after Responsible mitigation mitigation Mitigation measures Action plan person No Risk Risk Phases Activity Impact . Rating Rating habitat and phases to ensure that no polluted, fringe sediment laden or high energy vegetation water is directed into the watercourses or waterbodies; • Changed overland water flows should be accommodated to ensure that water input from adjacent slopes occurs in a diffuse manner and does not cause scouring or downstream erosion; • Control of alien invasive plants should form part of the maintenance plan ; and • Corrective action should take into account hydrological analysis of flow energy and water quality where required. • Corrective action should take into account hydrological analysis of Changes in flow energy and water quality Heavy water quality where required; and machinery and due to foreign Refer to Environmental Environmental 10 Construction M L • Independent water quality vehicle materials and Management Plan Officer/Contractor testing should inform the movement increased management plan of corrective nutrients action required where pollution or sedimentation is recorded. •Effective stormwater management plan should ensure that no sediment pollution or erosion result from inappropriate high energy Permanent water flows; changes to the • Control of alien invasive plants catchment of should form part of the waterbodies in maintenance plan; Refer to Environmental Environmental 11 Operation TSF operation H M terms of water • A wetland rehabilitation plan Management Plan Officer/Contractor infiltration and with plant species plan should be surface water implemented to ensure that flow rates ecological function equal to the current habitat is returned; • Corrective action should take into account hydrological analysis of flow energy and water quality

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Impact Impact Impact description before after Responsible mitigation mitigation Mitigation measures Action plan person No Risk Risk Phases Activity Impact . Rating Rating where required; and • Independent water quality testing should inform the management plan of corrective action required where pollution or sedimentation is recorded • Changed overland water flows should be accommodated to ensure that water input from adjacent slopes occurs in a diffuse manner Changes in and does not cause scouring or sediment and downstream erosion; Refer to Environmental Environmental 12 Operation TSF operation stormwater M L • Control of alien invasive plants Management Plan Officer/Contractor entering the should form part of the system maintenance plan; and • Corrective action should take into account hydrological analysis of flow energy and water quality where required. Introduction Ensure the implementation of an Refer to Environmental Environmental 13 Operation TSF operation and spread of M M effective Alien Plant Control Plan Management Plan Officer/Contractor alien plants • Effective stormwater and sediment management should be implemented during construction phases to ensure that no polluted, sediment laden or high energy water is directed into the watercourses or waterbodies; Loss and • Changed overland water flows disturbance of should be accommodated to ensure watercourse that water input from adjacent Refer to Environmental Environmental 14 Operation TSF operation M M habitat and slopes occurs in a diffuse manner Management Plan Officer/Contractor fringe and does not cause scouring or vegetation downstream erosion; • Control of alien invasive plants should form part of the maintenance plan ; and • Corrective action should take into account hydrological analysis of flow energy and water quality where required.

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Impact Impact Impact description before after Responsible mitigation mitigation Mitigation measures Action plan person No Risk Risk Phases Activity Impact . Rating Rating • Corrective action should take into account hydrological analysis of Changes in flow energy and water quality water quality where required; and due to foreign Refer to Environmental Environmental 15 Operation TSF operation M M • Independent water quality materials and Management Plan Officer/Contractor testing should inform the increased management plan of corrective nutrients action required where pollution or sedimentation is recorded. Surface Water Site Manager & Construction Sedimentation Clean and dirty water separation Refer to construction Environmental Site clearing / 16 (TSF, RWD, due to soil L L by means of bunded areas and method statement & storm Control Officer preparation diversion) erosion upstream grader cuts water management plan (ECO) & Resident Engineer Refer to construction Construction Clean and dirty water separation Site Manager & Site clearing / Surface water method statement & storm 17 (TSF, RWD, L L by means of bunded areas and ECO & Resident preparation quality water management plan; diversion) upstream grader cuts Engineer Monitoring programme AGA hydrocarbon management Construction plan; Refer to AGA hydrocarbon Site Manager & Vehicle Surface water 18 (TSF, RWD, M L Construction vehicles must be management plan & traffic ECO & Resident movement quality diversion) parked, refuelled and serviced in management plan Engineer the dedicated vehicle areas Construction Drip trays to be used under all Site Manager & Vehicle Soil Refer to AGA hydrocarbon 19 (TSF, RWD, M L construction vehicle when parked; ECO & Resident movement contamination management plan diversion) Spill kits need to be located on site Engineer Increase runoff Construction Refer to construction Site Manager & Vehicle leading to Only identified travel routes will be 20 (TSF, RWD, M M method statement & Traffic ECO & Resident movement potential utilised diversion) management plan Engineer erosion North diversion channel to divert Surface water clean water away from the TSF Construction quality (mixing Refer to construction Site Manager & Storm water (designed for 1:50 year); 21 (TSF, RWD, of clean and M L method statement & storm ECO & Resident management Clean and dirty water separation diversion) dirty water water management plan Engineer by means of bunded areas and areas) upstream grader cuts Clean and dirty water separation Construction Sedimentation Refer to construction Site Manager & Storm water by means of bunded areas and 22 (TSF, RWD, due to soil M L method statement & storm ECO & Resident management upstream grader cuts diversion) erosion water management plan Engineer Minimise the clearing area

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Impact Impact Impact description before after Responsible mitigation mitigation Mitigation measures Action plan person No Risk Risk Phases Activity Impact . Rating Rating Construction Wastewater Chemical toilets; Site Manager & Surface water 23 (TSF, RWD, management M M Removal of waste off site by Chemical management plan ECO & Resident quality diversion) (sewage) contractor Engineer Revegetation of topsoil stockpiles Construction Site Manager & Topsoil Loss of topsoil Dedicated topsoil stockpile areas Refer to topsoil 24 (TSF, RWD, L L ECO & Resident stockpiling due to erosion Construction guideline for the management plan diversion) Engineer stockpiling of topsoil Revegetation of topsoil stockpiles Construction Sedimentation Site Manager & Topsoil Dedicated topsoil stockpile areas Refer to topsoil 25 (TSF, RWD, due to soil L L ECO & Resident stockpiling Construction guideline for the management plan diversion) erosion Engineer stockpiling of topsoil Clean and dirty water separation Construction Revegetation of topsoil stockpiles Refer to topsoil Site Manager & Topsoil Surface water 26 (TSF, RWD, L L Dedicated topsoil stockpile areas management plan; Water ECO & Resident stockpiling quality diversion) Construction guideline for the monitoring programme Engineer stockpiling of topsoil Establishment of Construction Site Manager & infrastructure Surface water Waste management plan (good Refer to AGA waste 27 (TSF, RWD, M L ECO & Resident (offices, quality housekeeping) management procedure diversion) Engineer workshops etc.) Establishment of Refer to construction Construction Sedimentation Site Manager & infrastructure Identified road site drains to method statement & storm 28 (TSF, RWD, due to soil L L ECO & Resident (offices, manage run-off water management plan; diversion) erosion Engineer workshops Monitoring programme etc.) Establishment of Refer to construction Construction Site Manager & infrastructure Surface water method statement & storm 29 (TSF, RWD, L L Clean and dirty water separation ECO & Resident (offices, quality water management plan; diversion) Engineer workshops Monitoring programme etc.) Construction Site Manager & Hydrocarbon Surface water AGA Hydrocarbon management Refer to AGA Hydrocarbon 30 (TSF, RWD, M M ECO & Resident Management quality procedure management procedure diversion) Engineer Construction Site Manager & Chemical Surface water AGA Chemical management Refer to AGA Chemical 31 (TSF, RWD, M L ECO & Resident Management quality procedure management procedure diversion) Engineer

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Impact Impact Impact description before after Responsible mitigation mitigation Mitigation measures Action plan person No Risk Risk Phases Activity Impact . Rating Rating Operational (TSF, AGA hydrocarbon management RWD, plan; Refer to AGA hydrocarbon Stormwater, Vehicle Surface water Site Manager & 32 M L Construction vehicles must be management plan & traffic Deposition , movement quality ECO parked, refuelled and serviced in management plan Interception, & the dedicated vehicle areas maintenance) Operational (TSF, RWD, Drip trays to be used under all Refer to AGA hydrocarbon Stormwater, Vehicle Soil Site Manager & 33 M L construction vehicle when parked; management plan & traffic Deposition , movement contamination ECO Spill kits need to be located on site management plan Interception, & maintenance) Operational (TSF, RWD, Increase runoff Refer to construction Stormwater, Vehicle leading to Only identified travel routes will be Site Manager & 34 M L method statement & Traffic Deposition , movement potential utilised ECO management plan Interception, & erosion maintenance) Operational (TSF, Maintain minimum pool, that is Site Manager RWD, centralised; AGA responsible Stormwater, Tailing Surface water Minimum freeboard Refer to Operating manual & person 35 H M Deposition , Deposition quality Monitor pool level daily AGA TSF COP Appointed Interception, & Code of Practice for TSFs Engineer maintenance) Operating Manual APP National and International design Operational (TSF, standards applicable; Site Manager RWD, SANS 10286 applicable to operation AGA responsible Refer to operating manual, Stormwater, Tailing Surface water of TSF; person 36 H M COP, and applicable Deposition , Deposition quality AGA tailings management Appointed standards. Interception, & framework; Engineer maintenance) Monitoring equipment ; APP Stability assessment; Operational (TSF, Secondary containment Site Manager RWD, regular inspections and Refer to maintenance plan, AGA responsible Stormwater, Tailing Surface water 37 H M maintenance & containment risk person Deposition , Deposition quality maintenance and replacement assessment Appointed Interception, & program Engineer maintenance) Operational (TSF, Dam level control philosophy; Site Manager Water Surface water Refer to TSF operating 38 RWD, M M Water balance; Applicable design AGA responsible Management quality manual. Stormwater, criteria; Emergency spillway person

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Impact Impact Impact description before after Responsible mitigation mitigation Mitigation measures Action plan person No Risk Risk Phases Activity Impact . Rating Rating Deposition , (RWD and Prescribed operating levels; Appointed Interception, & SWD) Desilting of RWD's / Trenches; Engineer maintenance) Construction of silt traps / paddocks Maximize water return to reclamation sites (water re-use and circulation) Operational (TSF, Site Manager & RWD, North diversion channel ECO Stormwater, Storm water Surface water Bund wall around the TSF Operating manual & design AGA responsible 39 M M Deposition , management quality Solution Trench concrete lined report person Interception, & Dirty water storage facilities (RWD) Appointed maintenance) Engineer Operational (TSF, Site Manager & RWD, ECO Stormwater, Storm water Surface water Operating manual & design AGA responsible 40 M M Dams designs to 1:50 yr flood event Deposition , management quality report person Interception, & Appointed maintenance) Engineer Operational (TSF, Site Manager RWD, Impact of climate change has been AGA responsible Stormwater, Climate Surface water Refer to water balance and 41 M M considered in the designs of the person Deposition , change quality design report infrastructure Appointed Interception, & Engineer maintenance) Operational (TSF, Additional raw Site Manager RWD, water Optimise, re-use and recycle Refer to TS operating AGA responsible Stormwater, Climate 42 abstraction M M Investigate water saving manual; Investigate water person Deposition , change from the technologies saving technologies Appointed Interception, & catchment area Engineer maintenance) Operational (TSF, Site Manager RWD, Increase AGA responsible Stormwater, TSF Concurrent surface runoff Prioritise rehabilitation is Refer to Kareerand 43 M L person Deposition , Rehabilitation from side undertaken concurrently Rehabilitation Plan Appointed Interception, & slopes Engineer maintenance) Operational (TSF, Siltation of Site Manager RWD, TSF Concurrent Prioritise rehabilitation is Refer to Kareerand 1 TSF 44 trenches / M L AGA responsible Stormwater, Rehabilitation undertaken concurrently concurrent cover design dams person Deposition ,

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Impact Impact Impact description before after Responsible mitigation mitigation Mitigation measures Action plan person No Risk Risk Phases Activity Impact . Rating Rating Interception, & Appointed maintenance) Engineer Operational (TSF, Site Manager RWD, AGA responsible Stormwater, TSF Concurrent Surface water Prioritise rehabilitation is Refer to Kareerand 1 TSF 45 M M person Deposition , Rehabilitation quality undertaken concurrently concurrent cover design Appointed Interception, & Engineer maintenance) Operational (TSF, Site Manager RWD, Emergency Response plans Refer to operating manual, AGA responsible Stormwater, Uninterrupted Surface water 46 M M 1:50 year containment capacity COP, applicable standards & person Deposition , operation quality designs emergency response plan. Appointed Interception, & Engineer maintenance) Operational (TSF, RWD, Stormwater, Waste Surface water Refer to AGA waste 47 M L AGA Waste management procedure Site Manager Deposition , management quality management procedure Interception, & maintenance) Operational (TSF, RWD, Stormwater, Hydrocarbon Surface water AGA Hydrocarbon management Refer to AGA hydrocarbon 48 M M Site Manager Deposition , Management quality procedure management procedure Interception, & maintenance) Operational (TSF, RWD, Stormwater, Chemical Surface water AGA Chemical management Refer to AGA chemical 49 M L Site Manager Deposition , Management quality procedure management procedure Interception, & maintenance) AGA hydrocarbon management plan Refer to AGA hydrocarbon Decommissioning Vehicle Surface water Operation vehicles must be parked, Site Manager & 50 M L management plan & traffic & Closure movement quality refuelled and serviced the ECO management plan dedicated vehicle areas Refer to construction Decommissioning Vehicle Increase Only identified travel routes Site Manager & 51 M L method statement & Traffic & Closure movement surface runoff identified will be utilised ECO management plan Decommissioning Increase Rehabilitation maintenance Refer to Kareerand Site Manager & 52 Rehabilitation M L & Closure surface runoff program post decommissioning and Rehabilitation Plan ECO

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Impact Impact Impact description before after Responsible mitigation mitigation Mitigation measures Action plan person No Risk Risk Phases Activity Impact . Rating Rating from side closure; slopes Monitoring and inspections. Rehabilitation maintenance Siltation of Decommissioning program post decommissioning and Refer to Kareerand Site Manager & 53 Rehabilitation trenches / M L & Closure closure; Rehabilitation Plan ECO dams Monitoring and inspections. Rehabilitation maintenance program post decommissioning and Decommissioning Surface water closure; Refer to Kareerand Site Manager & 54 Rehabilitation M M & Closure quality Surface water monitoring Rehabilitation Plan ECO programme Monitoring and inspections. Implementation of rehab plan Decommissioning Storm water Surface water Operating manual & design Site Manager & 55 M M Continual monitoring of water & Closure management quality report ECO monitoring program Implementation of rehab plan Decommissioning Storm water Surface water Operating manual & design Site Manager & 56 M M Continual monitoring of water & Closure management quality report ECO monitoring program Rehabilitation of Kareerand facility Decrease in to allow for discharge of surface Decommissioning Storm water Refer to Kareerand Site Manager & 57 catchment M M water post closure; & Closure management Rehabilitation Plan ECO water quantity Water quality monitoring before release. Increase Post closure Implementation of rehab plan Decommissioning surface runoff Refer to Kareerand Site Manager & 58 infrastructure M L Continual monitoring of water & Closure from side Rehabilitation Plan ECO maintenance monitoring program slopes Post closure Siltation of Implementation of rehab plan Decommissioning Refer to Kareerand Site Manager & 59 infrastructure trenches / M L Continual monitoring of water & Closure Rehabilitation Plan ECO maintenance dams monitoring program Post closure Implementation of rehab plan Decommissioning Surface water Refer to Kareerand Site Manager & 60 infrastructure M M Continual monitoring of water & Closure quality Rehabilitation Plan ECO maintenance monitoring program

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5.6 Issues and Responses from Public Consultation Process Public participation is an essential and legislative requirement for any environmental authorisation process. The principles that demand communication with society at large are best embodied in the principles of the National Environmental Management Act 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA), South Africa’s overarching environmental law.

Section 41 (4) of the NWA provides that the competent authority, the DWS, may, at any stage of the application process, require the applicant to place a suitable notice in newspapers and other media, and to take other reasonable steps as directed by the competent authority to bring the application to the attention of relevant organs of state, interested persons and the general public. The required Public Participation Process (PPP) is outlined in the Government Notice Regulation 267, Regulations Regarding the Procedural Requirements for Water Use Licence Applications and Appeals published in Government Gazette 40713 on 24 March 2017.

As such, the following PPP will be undertaken for this IWULA in accordance with GNR.267: • Erecting of Site Notices; • Distribution of Background Information Documents (BIDs) to adjacent landowners, the respective local governments and any other Interested and Affected Party (I&AP) that requested said document; • Public meeting; and • Placement of an advertisements.

The following public participation has been undertaken to date: • A public participation meeting was held on the 5th February 2020 located at Lost Treasure, 1 Winnie Mandela Drive, Stilfontein; and • Adverts were placed in newspapers to notify the public of the Draft IWULA for public review. These newspapers include: o City Press – published 23rd February 2020; o Potch Herald – published 27th February 2020; o Kerksdorp Record – published 27th February 2020; o Volksbald – published 26th February 2020; and o Kroonnuus – published 25th February 2020.

Site notices and BID documents will be erected and distributed in the first week of March 2020. Details pertaining to the erection of site notices and distribution of BIDs will be recorded in the Public Participation Report and submitted with the final application.

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5.7 Matters Requiring Attention/ Problem Statement This section is not applicable to the Kareerand TSF Expansion.

5.8 Assessment of Level and Confidence of Information All information contained in this IWWMP was sourced from the specialist studies conducted for the project area. The specialists appointed to undertake the various investigations are considered to be competent in their particular fields. In light of the above, the level of confidence with regards to the information and reports used to compile this document is high.

6 WATER AND WASTE MANAGEMENT

6.1 Water and Waste Management Philosophy The following philosophies have been created to ensure the correct management of the water at Kareerand’s operations.

6.1.1 Process Water

The philosophy with respect to process water management is to: • Minimise the amount of process water produced (continually investigate emerging technologies for gold processing); and • Re-use process water for dust suppression if of an appropriate quality for the area (i.e. TSF can be suppressed with any quality of water while the roads will require better quality) where dust suppression occurs and in the process.

6.1.2 Stormwater

The philosophy for stormwater management on site is in keeping with the GN704 principles: • To keep clean and dirty water separated; • To contain any dirty water within a system; • To prevent contamination of clean water; and • To return clean water to the catchment.

6.1.3 Groundwater

The philosophy for groundwater management at Kareerand is: • Ensure that all potential groundwater impacts are identified; and • Ensure that groundwater monitoring is conducted as per the prescribed timeframes and that records are kept and a database compiled to identify trends over time.

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6.1.4 Waste

The philosophy for the management of the various waste streams on site is: • Eliminate: o Remove the waste source; o Substitute for a product that will produce less waste; and o Stop poor waste practices. • Control at the source: o Restrict waste: Contain or attenuate the waste source; and o Proper maintenance and good housekeeping of plant, equipment and machinery. • Minimise: o Restrict waste. (Admin. controls); o Re-use and recycle waste; and o Competent on-going supervision is needed to ensure compliance.

6.2 Strategies 6.2.1 Process Water

Process water management will consist of: • Investigating new alternatives for process water treatment and re-use; and • Continued, regular monitoring of dirty water dams which contain stormwater/run-off water and process water to ensure that the water quality is appropriate for re-use.

6.2.2 Storm Water

A storm water management plan has been developed for Kareerand’s operations (refer to Section 5.2.2). Storm water management will comprise of the following: • Regular monitoring of surface water quality; • Regular monitoring of groundwater quality; • Regular monitoring and maintenance of stormwater control structures; and • Updating the SWMP for the TSF Expansion when needed.

6.2.3 Groundwater

Groundwater management strategies will comprise of: • Proper design and construction of any future dirty water or waste management containment facilities; • Continued, regular monitoring of groundwater levels and quality; and • Annual compliance audits to ensure compliance with the IWUL conditions.

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6.2.4 Waste

Waste management strategies will consist of: • Implementation of good housekeeping and best practises; • Investigating new, cleaner and more cost effective technologies to reduce and manage waste; • Monitor compliance with best practises; and • Creating environmental awareness and sensitivity through improvements to the induction programme for employees.

6.3 Performance Objectives/ Goals The following objectives and strategies are followed in order to achieve the Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Policy: • Compliance: o Identify all applicable legislation and other applicable requirements to the identified environmental aspects and will ensure that the operations remain in compliance with such legislation and requirements. • Pollution Prevention: o Identify the impacts that all operations, processes and products have on the environment and will ensure that pollution on the environment is prevented or minimised. • Improvement: o Set objectives and targets to improve environmental performance and the Environmental Management System and will continually strive to find even better sustainable solutions to problems. • Competence: o Ensure that all people who perform work for or on behalf of Chemwes/MWS are competent and understand the impact of their activities on the environment, and their role in the prevention of pollution and the maintenance of the Environmental Management System. • Communication: o Actively communicate this policy to persons working for and on behalf of Chemwes/MWS to ensure that they understand the content intent and will make it available to the public. • Review: o Review the continued sustainability and adequacy of this policy at least annually to ensure it remains valid at all times.

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6.4 Measures to Achieve and Sustain Performance Objectives The IWWMP must clearly demonstrate that they have incorporated all of the above objectives/principles or, alternatively, must clearly motivate why any of the above principles are not relevant.

The water resource can be protected in the following ways by applying water conservation, pollution prevention and minimisation of impacts principles: • Investigation of reduction options for the of contamination of water through implementation of pollution prevention strategies thereby increasing the economic reuse of the water without treatment; and • Minimisation of impacts through capture, containment, reuse & reclamation of contaminated water thereby preventing discharges/releases.

6.5 Option Motivation for Implementation of Preferred Options Various options were considered for the site selection of the TSF. The options were identified in the Scoping Report compiled by GCS, 2019. Below is a summary of the site selection process. The detailed risk assessment of alternatives will be presented in the EIA Report.

The scope of work covered by the risk report (GCS, 2017) includes: • Site selection and risk analysis on identified options; • Identification and quantification of potential latent environmental risks related to post closure of each option; • Discussion of risk management approaches; and • Quantification of potential liabilities associated with management of the risks.

6.5.1 Site Options

6.5.1.1 Option 1 This site is located on the existing Buffelsfontein TSF footprint (shown in dark red in Figure 6.1). Site area is 300 Ha, can accommodate 230Mt, 70 m high at a deposition rate of 10Mt/a. Located on dolomite. Area required for expansion incorporates the current Buffelsfontein Gold Plant which does not belong to MWS/AGA.

6.5.1.2 Option 2 This site is located directly north of the existing MWS plant, on a TSF footprint area (shown in orange in Figure 6.1). Consists of 4 cells: 2a, b, c, and d; of which 2b is a greenfields site and 2c has an existing TSF, still to be reclaimed. The entire footprint area can accommodate 560Mt at 70m high at a deposition rate of 30 Mt/a. Located on dolomite. Land mostly owned by MWS.

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6.5.1.3 Option 3 This site is located north of the existing MWS plant, on a greenfields area (shown in dark yellow in Figure 6.1). The entire footprint area can accommodate 560 Mt at 70m high at a deposition rate of 30 Mt/a. Located on dolomite. Land mostly owned by MWS.

6.5.1.4 Option 4 This site is a greenfields site located directly west of the current Kareerand TSF (shown in pale yellow in Figure 6.1). An area of 615 Ha is available, which caters for 456 – 584 Mt at a deposition rate of >30 Mt/a. The land is owned by and leased from the community. Site is not located on dolomite.

6.5.1.5 Option 5 This site is a greenfields site located north of the current Kareerand TSF (shown in blue in Figure 6.1). An area of 560 Ha is available. The land belongs to a private landowner. Site is not located on dolomite.

6.5.1.6 Option 6 This site is a greenfields site located directly to the south of the current Kareerand TSF (shown in purple in Figure 6.1). An area of 730 Ha is available. The land belongs to a private landowner. Site is not located on dolomite. The TSF footprint would be located within the 500m buffer zone of the Vaal River.

6.5.1.7 Option 7 This site is a greenfields site located southwest of the current Kareerand TSF (shown in pink in Figure 6.1). An area of >510 Ha is available. The land belongs to MWS. Site is not located on dolomite. The TSF footprint would be located within the 500m buffer zone of the Vaal River.

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Figure 6.1: The seven alternatives investigated to identify the best site for the TSF expansion project

6.5.2 Site Alternative Risk Matrix

Using the matrix-based risk approach, identified risks were subjected to mitigation strategies to determine the possibility of reducing the risk rating. For certain aspects under assessment,

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risks were able to be mitigated, but for others- such as dolomite structures underneath the tailing’s facility- these risks had to be accepted.

In conclusion, two options (options 4 and 5) were identified as least disruptive to the environment and social environment. Thereafter, option 4 was chosen as the better alternative for the following reasons: • Land owned by applicant; • Expansion to current facility, keeping the source of pollution at a single point, which makes it easier to manage and mitigate for; • Area is not underlain by dolomite, thus resulting in reduced risk; • Infrastructure on the current facility can be used by the new facility; and • Expansion would be relatively far from communities.

Risk focus need to be placed on ownership. Negotiations with surface right owners is key in ensuring risks can be mitigated to the extent of rights being granted to build the new facility.

6.6 IWWMP Action Plan An Action Plan provided herein shall provide water and waste management options for issues requiring immediate attention at the Kareerand TSF Expansion. The broad objective of the Action Plan is to provide robust and sustainable water and waste management practice for the operation. The following aspects will be addressed as part of the Action Plan: • Key performance areas • Objectives • Roles and responsibilities • Timeframes

The compilation of an IWWMP is a long-term commitment in terms of resources requirements including technical investigations that are conducted. These also require disbursing financial resources to implement management measures which can in most cases take months. With this in mind, this IWWMP has been developed for medium term (i.e. first 5 years of operation of the facility), with the Action Plan herein reviewed and updated every 2nd year. It is thus the intention of the operation to have annual interaction with DWS.

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Table 6.1: Kareerand TSF Expansion IWWMP Action Plan Action Implementation Date Person Responsible Maintenance and cleaning of storm water 1 management trenches transporting On going Operational Manager collected dirty water to the PCD. Site Manager & Construction of the clean and dirty water 2 Construction Phase Environmental Control management systems. Officer (ECO) Installation of metering devices to 3 accurately measure water use proposed End of Construction Operational Manager for dewatering activities. Environmental Control 4 Weekly Site Inspections Weekly Officer (ECO)

5 Monthly management inspections Monthly ECO

As per prescribed 6 Groundwater Monitoring ECO & Contractor schedule

7 Surface Water Monitoring Monthly ECO & Contractor

8 Bio-monitoring Bi-annually Contractor

9 WUL Audits (Internal) Annually ECO

10 WUL Audits (external) Annually Contractor

11 Update Water Balance Monthly Operations Manager

New employees and Environmental and 12 Employee Training after employees return Training Department from leave

6.7 Control and Monitoring 6.7.1 Monitoring of Change in Baseline (Environment) Information

6.7.1.1 Surface Water Refer to Section 5.4.1 for the monitoring and control of the surface water at the Kareerand TSF expansion.

6.7.1.2 Groundwater Refer to Section 5.4.2 for the monitoring and control of the groundwater at Kareerand TSF expansion.

6.7.1.3 Bio-monitoring Refer to Section 5.4.2 for the monitoring and control of the bio-monitoring at Kareerand TSF expansion.

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6.7.2 Audit and Report on Performance Measures

Each component within the IWUL (when issued) will have an associated audit and performance review component. Regular review and auditing is important to ensure systems are up-to-date and still relevant for current situations. Evaluation is required to verify its appropriateness and suitability by comparing performance to objectives set. Changes or adjustments to systems are required where review/auditing highlights shortcomings or gaps. Performance should be measured against: • Annually – alternating internal and external audits per annum, such that only one audit is conducted per annum; and • DWS reporting (conducted bi-annually).

6.7.3 Audit and Report on Relevance of IWWMP Action Plan

Audits of the water and waste management programmes are undertaken in line with license requirements. They include assessments of performance in relation to the action plan, whilst reviewing the relevance of all provisions or commitments in the plan.

7 CONCLUSION

7.1 Regulatory Status of Activity Chemwes was issued with an Integrated Water Use License (IWUL) by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) on the 30th November 2018 (License no. 08/C24BAACIG/8368) to authorise water uses triggered by the current TSF in terms of Section 21 of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) (NWA). The following water uses were licensed in terms of Section 21 of the NWA: • Section 21(a) – Taking water from a water resource; • Section 21(c) – Impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse; • Section 21(g) – Disposing of waste in a manner which may detrimentally impact on a water resource; and • Section 21(i) – Altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse.

7.2 Statement of Water Uses Requiring Authorisation As a result of the Kareerand TSF Expansion, additional water uses have been identified that require authorisation in terms of Section 21 of the NWA. The following additional water uses are required to be licenced for the TSF Expansion: • Section 21(a) – Taking water from a water resource; • Section 21(c) – Impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse; • Section 21(g) – Disposing of waste in a manner which may detrimentally impact on a water resource; and

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• Section 21(i) – Altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse.

7.3 Section 27 Motivation 7.3.1 Existing Lawful Water Use

An Existing Lawful Water Use (ELWU) is a water use which has taken place at any time during a period of two years immediately before the date of commencement of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) (NWA) or which has been declared an existing lawful water use in terms of Section 33 of the NWA and which was authorised by or under any law which was in force immediately before the date of commencement of the NWA.

There are no existing lawful water use taking place on the property. All water uses triggered are being applied for as part of the IWULA and will be authorised in terms of a Water Use License issued by the DWS.

7.3.2 The need to Redress the Results of Past Racial and Gender Discrimination

AGAs initiatives to redress the results of past racial and gender discrimination is summarised as follows: • AGA has been actively implementing the objective and vision of the Broad Based Socio-Economic Charter for the South African Mining Industry since 2004; • In compliance with the requirement of the 2010 Broad-Based Socio-Economic Empowerment Charter of the South African Mining and Minerals Industry (“Mining Charter”) that, by the end of 2014, mining companies should have achieved ownership of 26% by historically disadvantaged South Africans (“HDSAs”) (also referred to as BEE ownership), AGA has enabled HDSA ownership of 26.8% of its South African assets, which includes 4.5% allocation to an Employee Share Ownership Scheme and 1.5% to Izingwe, AGAs BEE-partner; • During 2014, AGA’s South African Operations had a total workforce of around 34,352 employees, of which around 18,375 people were employed at the Vaal River Operations, including 566 people at MWS. Of these 18,375 employees, 8,604 originate from the North-West Province, mainly the MLM (“host community”), and 3,039 originate from the Eastern Cape Province, mainly the O.R. Tambo District Municipality (“feeder community”); • The commitment of the Chief Operating Officer of AGA’s South African Region to the implementation of its corporate social responsibility. AGA has a variety of Human Resources Development (HRD) initiatives in support of the South African legislative and regulatory framework that seeks to address the general skills shortage within the country, as well as ensuring equitable representation in the workplace. These initiatives include:

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o For employees, ensuring and providing skills development in the workplace, ABET, study assistance and bursary programmes, internships, career progression and mentorship, management development, and improved housing and living conditions; o Portable skills for employees and community members, as well as internships, learnerships and bursaries for community members; o Equity in procurement and enterprise development, and employment equity: o Initiatives to advance women in mining; and o Measures to ameliorate the impact of downscaling and retrenchment. • In addition to the above initiatives, AGAs has a number of community HRD initiatives, which focusses on the implementation of educational upliftment projects in its host and feeder communities, such as providing educational institutions with the proper equipment to function optimally and empower learners and educators, as well as to contribute to maths, science and language improvements though events such as career expos and/or guidance, and schools capitalisation and enrichment. AGA is also a member of the National Education and Collaborative Trust, an initiative of Business Leadership South Africa aimed at promoting partnerships in improving the quality of education in South Africa. • During 2011, following consultation with stakeholders, including the Executive Mayors and Mayors of the local municipalities (LMs) and district municipalities (DMs) in its host and feeder communities, as well as with relevant SMMEs, NGOs, and other CBOs, AGA developed a Socio-Economic Development Framework (“SEDF”), which its objective is to “create healthy, safe, educated and economically active communities”. With regard to community development, eighteen (18) Local Economic Development (“LED”) projects and initiatives, which were selected in consultation with these community stakeholders.

From the above, it is evident that AGA takes the redressing of the results of past racial and gender discrimination seriously, and is committed to community development, education, and upliftment, especially of women.

7.3.3 Efficient and Beneficial Use of Water in the Public Interest

The Environmental Policy of AGA outlines the commitment of AGA to conduct all operations in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as well as the AGA Environmental Standards which contains a specific commitment to identify and implement programmes to prevent environmental pollution, minimise emissions, contribute to biodiversity management, optimise resource usage and manage waste in an environmentally responsible manner. In accordance with its Environmental Policy, AGA has formulated a water and waste

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management philosophy which is being implemented at all AGA Vaal River Operations, including MWS, to ensure the efficient use of water resources.

Water will be used optimally to ensure minimum wastage, thus not negatively impacting the surrounding communities. Various control mechanisms will be put in place to ensure that water use is accurately recorded and to facilitate the refinement of water efficiency plans.

In addition, the continued operation of industries in the mining sector, such as Chemwes, is of critical importance to the local community, not only in providing the MLMs inhabitants with local employment opportunities, thereby contributing to poverty eradication and community upliftment, but also in supporting the provision of community, social and water supply, electricity, waste removal and sanitation services, particularly through the implementation of a number of community development initiatives.

7.3.4 The Socio-Economic Impact

The Socio-Economic Baseline and Scoping Report undertaken by Batho Earth Social and Environmental Consultants and Southern Economic Development evaluated the potential positive and negative impacts on the adjacent local area. Refer to Annexure G for the full report.

7.3.4.1 Of the water use if authorised The following positive impacts include: • Temporary jobs and income (direct and flow-on) during the construction phase; • Up-skilling opportunities for unskilled and semi-skilled local workers during the construction phase; • Ensuring continuation of the existing operations for another 20 years and therefore enable the following: o Continuation of job and income opportunities (direct and flow-on); o Central tax revenues; o Impact on poverty through employment; and o Social funds targeted at the local community.

7.3.4.2 Of the failure to authorise the water use or uses The failure to authorise the water use associated with the activities at Kareerand will have significant detrimental socio-economic impacts, which can be summarised as follows: • MWS will have to discontinue its operations, which lead to loss of employment, not only for the employees at the MWS Processing Plants, but also employees involved with the reworking of the TSFs, and the other related operations. This will in turn

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lead to detrimental effects on the economy of the KOSH area, where AGA, including Chemwes, is one of the biggest providers of employment; • The Source TSFs will no longer be reclaimed, which will have the effect that the pollution caused by the seepage from these TSFs will continue unabated, which eventually lead to pollution of the Vaal River, and which will sterilise this land and make it unsuitable to be used for any beneficial purpose.

In summary, the socio-economic benefits if the water uses are authorised, are significant on a local and regional scale, while the socio-economic impacts if the water uses are not authorised will be severely detrimental on a local, regional, and even national scale.

7.3.5 Any Catchment Management Strategy Applicable to the Relevant Water Resource

In terms of the NWA, a CMA may be established for a specific WMA, after public consultation, on the initiative of the community and stakeholders concerned. The initial duties of such a CMA include to investigate and advise interested persons on the protection, use, development, conservation, management and control of the water resources in its water management area, to develop a catchment management strategy (CMS), to co-ordinate the related activities of water users and of the water management institutions within its water management area and to promote community participation in the protection, use, development, conservation, management and control of the water resources in its water management area.

On the 29th January 2019, Government Notice 81 in Government Gazette 39636 ‘Establishment of the Vaal River Catchment Management Agency in terms of Section 78(1) of the National Water Act 36 of 1998’ was published. This notice establishes the Vaal River Catchment Management Agency in the Vaal Water Management Area. The Vaal WMA is the result of the consolidation of the Upper, Middle and Lower Vaal catchments. The Vaal WMA occupies the Central North Eastern area of South Africa. It extends to Ermelo in Mpumalanga, just west of Swaziland in the east across to Kuruman in the Northern Cape to the West. To the northwest, the WMA borders Botswana and the Crocodile (West) and Olifants Catchments. Johannesburg sits on the boundary of the CMA. To the south east it is bounded by Lesotho.

The major water uses in the WMA include industrial, mining sectors, power generation, commercial agriculture (including stock watering, small and large irrigation schemes, dry land farming and forestry), nature conservation, as well as urban and rural human settlements. Transfers water out to the Crocodile, Marico and Olifants Management areas and also transfers water in from the Thukela, Usutu & Mhlatuze Management areas as well as from Lesotho, as per the agreement between South Africa and Lesotho due to the Lesotho

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Highlands Water Project. All initial and inherent and delegated functions will be performed in the Vaal River CMA.

To assist in the formulation of the CMS for the Middle Vaal CMA, the DWA developed an Internal Strategic Perspective (ISP) in 2004 outlining overall water management strategies for the Middle Vaal WMA, which was to be incorporated into the CMS for the Middle Vaal WMA. As no CMS has yet been developed for the new overarching Vaal WMA, the management strategies contained in the ISP for the Middle Vaal WMA will be used in the interim.

7.3.6 The Likely Effect of the Water Use to be Authorised on the Water Resource and on Other Water Users

This factor is relevant in considering this application for the review of an existing WUL, and the following aspects are of note in this regard: • The historic disposal of tailings on an area that is underlain by a dolomitic aquifer has resulted in contamination of this important groundwater resource. The activities of MWS entails the removal of these Source TSFs, which will have a nett positive effect on the water quality in the dolomitic aquifer in the medium to long term; and • The disposal of residues on the Kareerand TSF does have a localised impact on the low-yielding semi-confined fractured rock aquifers. This impact has been anticipated prior to the construction of the Kareerand TSF Complex, and management measures such as herring-bone drains, trenches, and seepage collection boreholes have been put in place to limit the extent of this possible contamination. There are users of groundwater resources in the vicinity of the Kareerand TSF, and the quality of water abstracted by these users is being monitored by MWS.

7.3.7 The Class and the Resource Quality Objectives (RQO) of the Water Resource

According the data from the DWS, the C24B and C24H quaternary catchments form an integrated unit of analysis with the C24A quaternary catchment. In terms of quaternary catchment C24B, the Ecological Category of the catchment is “D”, and the Present Ecological Status (“PES”) is “C", with a Recommended Ecological Class (“REC”) of “C”. In the area where the Kareerand TSF is located, this sub-catchment is drained by an ephemeral drainage line, which becomes a small unnamed tributary of the Vaal River.

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River. Prior to 1954, when the dewatering of the dolomitic compartment was initiated at Margaret Shaft, the Koekemoer Spruit was a non-perennial stream. The upper reaches of the Spruit (north of the N12) are still non-perennial.

The Ecological Category of the catchment is “D”, and the PES of the Koekemoer Spruit is “D/E", with a REC of “D”

Table 4.3 indicates the RQO for rivers and dams in priority Resource Units in the Integrated Unit of Analysis (IUA) (Vaal River).

7.3.8 Investments Already made and to be made by the Water User in Respect to the Water Use in Question

Since 2016, Chemwes has spent R 50 million on storm water management (East Storm Water Dam), and R 10 million on seepage interception to mitigate contaminated shallow seepage, excluding the normal operational cost. A further R31.5 million has been spent on the feasibility design and environmental specialists for the proposed expansion to date, and a further R13.5 million committed for the final design and authorisations (total R45 million).

7.3.9 The Strategic Importance of the Water Uses to be Authorised

AGA is a strategic contributor to the South African economy, and as MWS provides an essential service by not only reprocessing and rehabilitating abandoned TSFs, but also retrieve valuable resources while doing so and creates employment and benefits to the community at large by doing so.

7.3.10 The Quality of Water in the Water Resource which may be required for the Reserve and for meeting International Agreements

Water quality data for the Vaal River is presented by means of a sulphate time graph for the different monitoring sites. Figure 7.1 supplies an overview of the geographical localities of the different Vaal River water quality monitoring sites. It can be seen that samples sites

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VRS63 and VRS23 represents the upstream and downstream site respectively. VRS03 represents the down-stream site for the total area and situated at the Orkney Bridge.

Figure 7.2 shows the past 2 years of sulphate trend data for the sites up and downstream of Kareerand. The up and downstream sulphate concentrations fluctuates with seasonal rainfall but the results are generally similar. Slightly elevated sulphate concentrations were measured in Oct/Nov of both 2016, 2017 and 2018. These might be attributed to operational system issues experienced during storm events.

It is inferred from the hydrochemistry data that there is currently no/negligible poor quality diffuse groundwater seepage into the Vaal River via the surrounding aquifer occurring.

Figure 7.1: Different Vaal River monitoring sites

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Figure 7.2: Sulphate time graph for the upstream (VRS63), Kareerand downstream sites (VRS23) and Orkney far down-stream Site (VRS03)

7.3.11 The Probable Duration of any undertaking or which a Water use is to be Authorised

The Kareerand TSF was designed with an operating life of 14 years, taking the facility to 2025, and total design capacity of 352 million tonnes. Subsequent to commissioning of the TSF, MWS was acquired by AGA and tailings production target has increased by an additional 485 million tonnes, which will require operations to continue until 2042. The additional tailings, therefore, require expansion of the design life of the TSF.

7.4 Proposed Licence Conditions It is recommended that all water uses that are proposed for the Kareerand TSF Expansion are to be licenced for the twenty (25) years with a review period of 5 years.

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8 REFERENCES

AngloGold Ashanti (2019). Company History. https://www.anglogoldashanti.com/company/overview/. (Accessed on 09 January 2019).

Batho Earth Social and Environmental Consultants and Southern Economic Development (2019). Proposed AngloGold Ashanti Kareerand Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) Expansion Project, Near Stilfontein, North West Province

Carin Bosman Sustainable Solutions (2016). Integrated Water and Waste Management Plan: 2017-2021 and WUL Review and amendment Application for Chemwes (Pty) Ltd.

De Castro & Brits Ecological Consultants (2018). Wetland Impact Assessment Report for the Proposed Mine Waste Solutions (MWS) Kareerand Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) Extension Project (Stilfontein, North West Province.

Department of Water and Sanitation (2016). Government Gazette (GN 39943): Classes and Resource Quality Objectives of Water Resources for Catchments of the Middle Vaal.

Knight Piésold (2019). Feasibility Study for Kareerand TSF Extension Project.

Limosella Consultants (2019). Wetland/Riparian Delineation and Functional Assessment March 2019.

Municipalities of South Africa.(2019). Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality (DC40). https://municipalities.co.za/overview/140/dr-kenneth-kaunda-district-municipality (Accessed on 17 January 2019).

IDP (2018). Final Integrated Development Plan of the JB Marks Local Municipality (2018- 2019). https://jbmarks.co.za/sites/default/files/documents/Finale%20%20IDP%20Doc.%202018- 19%20FINAL.pdf (Accessed 17 January 2019).

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