environmental management plan - ssc group · pdf filewindhoek 291 it, blymoedig 301 it and ......

PROJECT LOCATION: Ermelo Magisterial District

Farms: Bothmanloop 139 IT, Vlakfontain 266 IT, Blaauwkop 271 IT, Schimmelhoek 272 IT,

Onverwacht 271 IT, Scheidam 274 IT, Steenkoolspruit 275 IT, Rietvlei 310 IT, Bankplaats

279 IT, Klipfontein 283 IT, Waaihoek 286 IT, Onverwacht 287 IT, Zwartwater 288 IT,

Windhoek 291 IT, Blymoedig 301 IT and Witbank 300 IT .

Compiled by:

8March 2010

APPLICANT: Siyakhula Resources Corporation

PROJECT: Sheepmoor North Prospecting Right Application

DMR Ref: MP30/5/1/1/2/4994PR

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

SIYA KHULA

SONKE

RESOURCE

DEVELOPMEN

T

(PTY) LTD

377 Riv onia Boulev ard

Riv onia

Sandton

2128

Registration

number:

2007/013601/07

DIRECTORS:

F red A rendse (C EO ) , Dr Elton Dorkin (COO ) ,

Garreth Sexton (FD)

Postnet Suite 1, Private Bag X75,

Bryanston, 2021

Tel: +27 (0)11 275 0218

Fax: +27(0) 11 234 5022

Website: www.sscgroup.co.za

8 March 2010

The Regional Manager

Department of Mineral Resources (Mpumalanga)

Private Bag X 7279

Witbank 1035

Tel: 013-656 1448, Fax: 013-656 0932

Dear Sir,

Re: SUBMISSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN PROSPECTING RIGHT APPLICATION – MP30/5/1/1/2/4994PR

Herewith please find the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the Sheepmoor North

Prospecting Right Application (Ref MP30/5/1/1/2/4994PR).

The document complies with the directive issued by your Department on 8 January 2010.

Included in the EMP is the final Public Participation Report (Appendix 4), which was completed with

comment and input from IAP up to 5 March 2010.

Please do not hesitate to contact us, should there be any questions or if you require further

information regarding the application. We have appointed Cecilia Hattingh as our Representative for

this project. Her contact details are:

Address: P O Box 113 Beestekraal 0255

Tel: 012 – 277 1511

Cell: 082 773 5142

Fax: 0866 286 089

Email: [email protected]

SIYA KHULA

SONKE

RESOURCE

DEVELOPMEN

T

(PTY) LTD

377 Riv onia Boulev ard

Riv onia

Sandton

2128

Registration

number:

2007/013601/07

DIRECTORS:

F red A rendse (C EO ) , Dr Elton Dorkin (COO ) ,

Garreth Sexton (FD)

Yours sincerely

SRC Sheepmoor North Prospecting Right Application – Environmental Management Plan

March 2010

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Siyakhula Resources Corporation (SRC) is in the process of applying for a coal Prospecting Right. The

proposed project, referred to as the Sheepmoor North Prospecting Project, covers an area of 32 926

ha in the Ermelo Magisterial District and within the Msukaligwa Municipality. The Department of

Mineral Regulation (DMR) has accepted the application and requested SRC to compile an

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the project.

The proposed prospecting programme will be undertaken in 4 phases over a period of 5 years.

Prospecting activities include geological mapping, geophysical surveys, dril l ing of exploration

boreholes, sampling and analysis. SRC is currently in negotiation with previous prospecting rights

holders to obtain information on some 400 boreholes that were dril led previously in the project area.

This information will be made available to SRC once a prospecting right is awarded by the DMR, and

will significantly reduce the number of boreholes to be dril led. It is anticipated that only validation

boreholes will be dril led, once this information is available.

The environmental requirements in the EMP comply with the Minerals and Petroleum Resources

Development Act (MPRDA) and its regulations. Management plans developed also complies with

other relevant legislation like the National Water Act.A baseline assessment was undertaken to

describe the environment that is l ikely to be affected during prospecting. The baseline assessment

included the local setting and infrastructure, climate, topography, soil and land capability, land use,

biodiversity (including threatened and endangered species, plants of medicinal value and

conservation areas), surface water, groundwater, geology, noise, air quality, places of cultural interest

and sensitive landscapes (including wetlands, heritage sites and land claims), the socio-economic

setting and waste.

A public participation programme was undertaken as part of the compilation of the EMP to identify

landowners, Interested and Affected Parties (IAPs), Government Authorities and surrounding mining

companies. Landowners and IAPs were identified by means of newspaper advertisements, site

notices and a public meeting. Issues raised by IAPs were recorded in telephonic discussions, one-on-

one meetings, written responses and a public meeting. All issues raised by landowners and IAPs are

included in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and EMP for the prospecting project. The

EIA is summarised overleaf.

All impacts identified during the Baseline Assessment as well as by landowners and IAPs were used

to develop an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the project. The EMP is summarised

overleaf, and includes a Closure and Rehabilitation Plan, an Emergency Response Plan (a Spill

Procedure and Fire Management Plan) and a Complaints Handling Procedure.

The project wil l be monitored on a weekly and monthly basis and bi-annual independent

Performance Assessment Audits will be undertaken to determine the level of environmental

compliance. The results of the monitoring and audits will be submitted to the DMR. All prospecting

personnel will receive the necessary training to implement and monitor the requirements of the EMP.

The following areas are exempted from prospecting:

- A buffer zone of 100m from and around wetlands.

- A buffer zone of 100m metres from rivers and streams, outside the floodplain and above the

1:50 year flood level mark.

- A buffer zone of 100m around dams and pans.

- A buffer zone of 100m around heritage sites, including buildings older than 60 years and

cemeteries.

- A buffer zone of 100m around farmsteads and all other residential areas.

- The town of Sheepmoor.


March 2010

- All conservation and other protected areas.

- A buffer zone of 5m around national, provincial and farm roads.

- Steep sloping mountainous terrain.

- The servitudes of all buried telephone lines, pipelines and other public uti l i ties.

The financial provision for rehabilitation will be given in the form of a bank guarantee to the value of

R74492.00


March 2010

Summary of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Activity Impact on the environment Significance Cross reference to source Cross reference to EMP

High negative Prospecting Process

Construction and Operational

Landowners object to prospecting on their land due to past experience.

Issues relate to pollution, erosion, compensation, lack of communication,

rehabilitation. With mitigation:

Medium negative

IAPs: Geldenhuys, Forbes,

Robberts

Planning and Socio-economic Management

Plans

Closure and Rehabilitation Plan

High negative Surface and groundwater

Construction, Operational &

Closure

The project area is pristine and situated on a sensitive water divide.

Surface and groundwater is the only source of water to farmers. Pollution

must be avoided. With mitigation:

Low negative

IAPs: Robberts, Forbes,

Geldenhuys, Kraamwinkel

Storing and dispensing of drill

core and other contaminants

on site

Excluded and Exempted Areas; Planning,

Surface- &Groundwater, Wetlands, Air, Noise

& Waste Management Plans; Closure and

Rehabilitation &Emergency Response Plan

High negative W etlands


Closure

Wetlands must not be accessed or affected during prospecting.

Prospecting could impact on the hydrology and biodiversity associated

with wetlands With mitigation:

Low negative

IAPs: Forbes, Robberts

Establishment of prospecting

sites and access tracks

Excluded and Exempted Areas

Wetlands Management Plan


Medium negative Bio-Diversity


Closure

A number of threatened or endangered species are found in the area,

mostly associated with wetlands. Prospecting could With mitigation:

Low negative

IAPs:Kraamwinkel

Establishing of prospecting


Excluded and Exempted Areas

Biodiversity Management Plan


Medium negative Soil Erosion


Closure

Erosion and sediments washing from drill pads, access roads and other

disturbed areas. Heavy machinery cannot use sensitive roads like dam

walls. With mitigation:

Low negative

IAPs: Forbes

Unprotected denuded areas

Soil, Erosion and Sediment Management

Plan


Medium negative Fire management


The impact of fires started in the prospecting area could be severe in the

surrounding forestry areas. Fires must be prevented and fire fighting

equipment must be kept on site at all times. With mitigation:

Low negative

IAPs: Kraamwinkel and

Robberts

Socio-economic Management Plan

Emergency Response Plan

Medium negative Rehabilitation

Operational and Closure

Rehabilitation must not be neglected and must be completed adequately

to prevent on-going pollution. Rehabilitation methods must not introduce

pollution. Sufficient funds must be set aside for rehabilitation With mitigation:

Low negative

IAPs: Manyathi, Robberts,

Forbes

All aspects of rehabilitation


Financial Provision for Rehabilitation

Medium negative W aste management


Closure

Poor management of waste (domestic waste, sewage, drilling core and

contaminated soil) will cause pollution of soil and water With mitigation:

Low negative

Waste generation during

prospecting

Waste Management Plan

Oil and Diesel Storage Procedure


Low negative Air Quality


Dust from prospecting will choke wetlands and coal vegetation, making it

unsuitable for livestock grazing. With mitigation:

Low negative

IAPs Robberts

Dust from drilling Air Quality Management Plan

Low negative Damage to private property

Operational

Vibrations from drilling through hard rock (dolerite) could result in

damage to private property With mitigation:

Low negative

IAPs: Manyathi

Drilling through hard rock Socio-economic Management Plan

Low negative Heritage Sites


The establishment of prospecting sites and access tracks could damage

heritage sites, including buildings older than 100 years. With mitigation:

Low negative

IAPs: Manyathi

Prospecting sites, access

tracks and drilling

Heritage Manage Plan


Socio-economics The project can benefit local communities and businesses through job Low positive IAPs: Maseko, Manyathi, Socio-economic Management Plan


March 2010

Construction and Operational creation. With mitigation:

Low positive

Masina

Job creation opportunities


March 2010

Summary of Environmental Management Plan Impact Mitigation Measure Responsibility Cost

• SRC will seek to dev elop access arrangements with each landowner prior to commencing with prospecting. The arrangements

will include periods during which SRC is permitted access, parts of land which may be prospected and the conditions that SRC

will observ e when prospecting.

• Landowner agreement will be sought f or access, the use of on-site water resources, management of gates, liv estock control,

conditions of entry and permission to camp on site.

• Each prospecting site will be clearly demarcated with a f ence and permanent beacons will be erected and maintained, as

required. Prospecting will be strictly limited to the demarcated site, with the exception of a 5m f irebreak that will be cleared of

v egetation around each prospecting site.

• Drilling will be undertaken by a reputable company and each prospecting site will be adequately superv ised by an SRC

representativ e. All people inv olv ed in prospecting will receiv e adequate training according to the Training Programme.

• All av ailable historical prospecting inf ormation will be ev aluated prior to f inalising the drilling programme to av oid unnecessary

duplication of inf ormation.

• The location of all existing buried telephone lines, pipelines and other public serv itudes will be identif ied.

• The Regulation 2(2) Plan will be av ailable at the prospecting site and will be updated on a regular basis with regard to progress

made with prospecting.

• Each drilling site will be rev iewed on site to identif y excluded and exempted areas.

• Existing roads/tracks will be identif ied so that they can be used.

• The need to construct new access tracks will be determined.

• If new tracks hav e to be constructed, the route shall be selected so that the minimum number of bushes and trees are f elled

and existing f ence lines will be f ollowed as f ar as possible. Watercourses and steep gradients will be av oided as f ar as

practical.

• New access tracks will be designed and constructed with appropriate sediment and erosion control, including cut-of f berms and

trenches.

• Depending on the condition of the road, wet weather access will be restricted so as to prev ent damage.

• No other routes will be used by prospecting v ehicles or personnel f or the purpose of gaining access to the site.

• Each drilling site will be f enced of f to restrict access to the area.

• Strict saf ety regulations will be implemented, including PPE and access conditions. All f ire f ighting equipment detailed in the

Fire Management Plan, will be on site at all times.

• Photographs will be taken bef ore, during and af ter prospecting at each site at f ixed points, f or the purpose of determining the

success of the rehabilitation programme.

SRC Project

Manager

Planning

Management

Plan

• Only one prospecting site will be operational at any time.

• Wet weather access arrangements will be implemented, as necessary .

• If access tracks are to be constructed, they will incorporate appropriate sediment and erosion controls.

• New access tracks will be adequately maintained so as to minimise dust, erosion or undue surf ace damage.

• If new access tracks were constructed, they will be rehabilitated as soon as possible af ter use to meet the requirements of the

Rehabilitation Plan.

Superv isor

± R50 000

(Fence, training,

establishment

of new tracks,

f ire f ighting

equipment,

water cart,

repairs of

damage to

roads)


March 2010

• Damage to existing roads will be repaired in consultation with the landowner. Drill cores may not be used f or road rehabilitation.

• Prospecting sites wil be rehabilitated to meet the requirements of the Rehabilitation Plan.

• A f inal Regulation 2(2) Plan will be submitted to DMR upon completion of the project.


March 2010

Impact Mitigation Measure Responsibility Cost

• Existing water supply locations will be identif ied f or use and agreements will be reached with landowners regarding on-site water

use. The drilling rig will require approximately 10 000l/day . Where a suitable water supply is not av ailable, water will be

sourced f rom a commercial supplier and deliv ered to site by water tanker.

• A water use license will be applied f or to abstract surf ace- and/or groundwater during prospecting, if required.

• The drilling f luid that will be used during prospecting must be bio-degradable and not pose a water pollution threat.

• Drilling sumps and containment measures will be designed to contain all drilling f luid.

• Adequate prov ision will be made f or storing drinking water on site in 2500 litre plastic water tanks.

• Sediment and erosion controls will be designed to prev ent runof f f rom the prospecting site into riv ers, streams and wetlands.

• Appropriate water management, sediment and erosion controls will be designed f or road and tracks that may be constructed.

SRC Project

Manager

Surface

Water

Management

Plan

• A cut-of f trench and berm will be constructed around the prospecting site to div ert clean water around the af f ected area and to

contain dirty runof f inside the af f ected area.

• The cut-of f trench and berm will serv e as sediment and erosion control measures to prev ent runof f of sediment.

• All chemicals, f uels and oils to be stored on site will be appropriately bunded according to the Oil and Diesel Storage Procedure.

• Machinery and equipment will only be maintained ov er a drip tray , a thin concrete slab or a PVC lining to prev ent soil and water

contamination. No v ehicle will be extensiv ely repaired in any place other than the maintenance y ard.

• Spills will be managed according to the Spill Procedure. Any contaminated soil will be collected into non-permeable bags and

disposed of to an approv ed landf ill site.

• A chemical toilet will be used on site during prospecting and will be used in such a way as to prev ent water pollution. The use of

a chemical toilet will be undertaken in consultation with the landowner. Full or leaking toilets must be reported to the Superv isor

f or correctiv e action or replacement

• All core will be remov ed f rom the prospecting site and will be disposed of to an approv ed landf ill to av oid acid mine drainage

through the exposure of sulphide minerals in the core to oxy gen and water.

• All sumps, cut-of f trenches and berms will be rehabilitated according to the Rehabilitation Plan.

Superv isor

± R80 500

(Water license

application,

domestic

water tank,

sediment and

erosion

controls,

construction

of storage

area, spill kit,

core remov al

f rom site,

chemical

toilet)

Water cart

costs are

included

abov e

• Prospecting activ ities will be kept away f rom excluded and exempted areas.

• Boreholes and access tracks will be located in areas that will result in minimal ground disturbance.

• A f ield surv ey will be undertaken bef ore drilling commences at each drilling site to conf irm that no threatened species,

ecologically sensitiv e areas or conserv ation areas are present on the land to be cleared.

• Permission will be obtained f rom landowners bef ore trees are f elled.

• Machinery will be cleared of mud and seed prior to relocation to the next site to prev ent the spread of alien inv asiv e species.

SRC Project

Manager

Biodiversity

Management

Plan • Areas of ecological signif icance will be av oided and if disturbance is required, it will be undertaken in accordance with legislation.

• Prospecting activ ities will be restricted to areas approv ed by landowners and designated f or the activ ity .

• Boreholes and disturbed land will be rehabilitated according to the Rehabilitation Plan.

• An inspection on whether there is ev idence of weeds or pest inv asion as a result of prospecting activ ities will be undertaken and

appropriate remediation actions will be implemented as required.

Superv isor

No cost other

than salaries of

prospecting

personnel

(Superv isor)

Heritage

Management

Plan • Potential heritage sites will be identif ied during the planning phase to ensure that such areas are av oided. Each prospecting site

will be v isited prior to any work starting to identif y possible heritage sites.

SRC Project

Manager

±R 5000


March 2010

• Local knowledge will be used to identif y and conf irm heritage sites.

• Where boreholes are sited in proximity to heritage sites and depending on the proximity to the drilling site, appropriate measures

such as f lagging, pegging or installation of temporary f encing will be undertaken to ensure that the site is not impacted on during

prospecting

• The prospecting programme will be designed to av oid disturbance of heritage sites.

• Prospecting activ ities will be restricted to areas approv ed by landowners and designated f or the activ ity .

• Boreholes and disturbed land will be rehabilitated according to the Rehabilitation Plan.

Superv isor

(Flagging,

pegging and

surv ey ing)


March 2010


• A chemical toilet will be used on site during prospecting.

• Full or leaking toilets must be reported to the Superv isor f or correctiv e action or replacement

• Sediment and erosion controls will be designed to contain possible dirty runof f within the prospecting site.

• Appropriate water management and sediment and erosion controls will be designed f or road and tracks that may be constructed.

SRC Project

Manager

Groundwater

Management

Plan

• Spills will be managed according to the Spill Procedure. Any contaminated soil will be collected into non-permeable bags and

disposed of to an approv ed landf ill site.

• For the purpose of f uture monitoring programmes, impact assessments and rehabilitation, the depth of water strikes will be

recorded during exploration drilling.

• The static groundwater lev el will be monitored in each prospecting borehole af ter completion and bef ore rehabilitation f or f uture

monitoring, impact assessment and rehabilitation purposes.

• If any drill hole meets an artesian f low, it will be permanently sealed f rom top to bottom, depending on site conditions, to

prev ent surf ace discharge.

• All boreholes will be drilled and constructed in such a way as to prev ent ingress of water into the hole.

• Any completed hole that is not required f or groundwater monitoring, will be sealed to prev ent groundwater contamination.

• Rehabilitation of prospecting boreholes as well as the site and access tracks will be undertaken according to the Rehabilitation

Plan.

Superv isor

± R 15 000

(sealing of

borehole)

All other costs

are included

abov e.

• During the planning phase f or each borehole, wetlands as well as riv ers and/or streams f eeding wetlands will be identif ied. The

prospecting programme will be designed to av oid wetlands and to leav e a buf f er zone of 100m around wetlands, riv er, streams,

dams and pans,

• Wetlands will not be crossed, accesses, drained, dredged or f illed during prospecting.

• Wetland and surrounding land use management will be aimed at minimising interf erence with the hy drology of wetlands as this

is the most important determinant of a wetland’s structure and f unction.

SRC Project

Manager Wetland

Management

Plan

• Plans and controls to minimise erosion and sediment control dev eloped during the construction phase will be implemented.

• Rehabilitation of prospecting boreholes as well as the site and access tracks will be undertaken according to the Rehabilitation

Plan.

Superv isor

No specif ic

costs other

than salary of

prospecting

personnel.

(Superv isor)

Soil, Erosion

and

Sediment

Management

Plan

• During the planning phase f or each borehole, specif ic controls will be identif ied and implemented, based on site conditions.

• Topsoil will be stripped f rom areas where drilling sumps will be drilled and stored in a bund wall on high ground, outside the 1:50

y ear f lood lev els of riv ers and streams, within the f irebreak area.

• Topsoil will be adequately protected f rom being blown away or being eroded.

• Machinery and equipment will only be maintained ov er a drip tray , a thin concrete slab or a PVC lining to prev ent soil and water

contamination. No v ehicle will be extensiv ely repaired in any place other than the maintenance y ard.

• Controls will be aimed at minimising erosion and sediment washing f rom drill pads, access roads and other disturbed areas.

• Sediment and erosion controls may include cut-of f trenches and drains, culv erts f or tracks, silt f ences, straw bales, rock

armouring or mulching.

SRC Project

Manager

± R 8 750

(Topsoil

stripping)

All other costs

are included

abov e.


March 2010

• Drill core will not be used f or sediment and erosion control due to the presence of py ritic minerals in the core that could cause

acid mine drainage.

• Minimising the area of disturbance and timely rehabilitation will help to minimise erosion and sediment mov ement.

• Monthly inspections will be undertaken of erosion and sediment controls to ensure they area ef f ectiv e and to determine whether

maintenance work is required.

• Erosion and sediment controls as well as the disturbed area will be rehabilitated according to the Rehabilitation Plan

Superv isor


March 2010


• All drilling rigs will be f itted with appropriate dust and noise suppression equipment like water spray s and muf f lers.

• Borehole sites will not be located within 1km of residential areas to ensure that noise lev els are not exceeded at sensitiv e

receptor areas.

SRC Project

Manager

Air and

Noise

Management

Plan

• All equipment on site will be maintained in a good working order.

• Pre-start inspections of equipment will include inspections of noise and dust control measures to ensure they are operational at

all times.

• Speed limits on grav el roads will be 60 km/hr to minimise dust and noise generation.

• Prospecting activ ities will be restricted to day light hours.

• Dust will be ef f ectiv ely controlled in all disturbed areas through water spray ing.

Superv isor

± R10 000

(Muf f lers and

water spray s

on drilling rig)

Other costs

included

abov e

Waste

Management

Plan

• Prospecting areas will be maintained in a clean and tidy condition at all times.

• All waste will be collected, separated and stored in properly constructed containers with lids and remov ed to an approv ed landf ill

or another site according to local municipal requirements. Full waste bins must be reported to the Superv isor f or collection and

disposal at an approv ed landf ill.

• Precautions will be taken to prev ent spills and soil contamination.

• All chemicals, f uels and oils to be stored on site will be appropriately bunded according to the Oil and Diesel Storage Procedure.

• An appropriate commercially av ailable spill kit will be kept at each prospecting area that will contain PPE, containers, and

equipment (including absorbent material) to clean spills up. Spills will be managed and cleaned according to the Spill Procedure.

• Any contaminated soil will be collected into non-permeable bags and disposed of to an approv ed landf ill site. The site of a spill

will be rehabilitated according to the Rehabilitation Plan.

• A chemical toilet will be kept on site f or use during prospecting.

• Remaining ref use, chemicals, f uels and waste materials will be remov ed f rom the site f ollowing the completion of the

prospecting programme. Such waste will be disposed of to an approv ed landf ill.

Superv isor

± R 2 500

(Waste

remov al)

Other costs

are included

abov e

Socio-

economic

Management

Plan

• Inf ormation regarding land claims will be obtained prior to the commencement of prospecting. If drilling is to be undertaken in

land claim areas, consultation will be undertaken with current f armers as well as land claimants.

• Local people and businesses with appropriate skills will be identif ied and included in the project tender process. SRC is

committed to employ local people and businesses during the project, where possible.

• Due to the nature of prospecting, employ ment opportunities will be minimal. The prospecting crew is small (6 people) with

specialised skills. Were possible, local people will howev er be employ ed during the project.

• Compensation f or damages will be negotiated with f amers during Phase 1 of the prospecting project. This will be based on the

merits of each case.

SRC Project

Manager

± R 5000

(PPE)

Other costs

are included

abov e


March 2010

• Emergency incidents will be managed according to the Emergency Response Procedure, including spill and f ire prev ention.

• Complaints will be dealt with according to the Complains Handling Procedure.

• Feedback will be giv en to registered IAPs on a quarterly basis regarding progress made with the prospecting project.

• If damage to priv ate property occurs as a result of prospecting activ ities by SRC, such damage will be repaired or owners will

be compensated as appropriate.

Superv isor


March 2010

TABLE OF CONTENT

1 Introduction and Background..................................................................................1

1.1 Biographic details ..........................................................................................................1

2 Purpose and Scope ...................................................................................................4

3 Description of the Prospecting Programme........................................................4

3.1 Project Timeframe..........................................................................................................8

4 Legislative Context ...................................................................................................8

5 Project Methodology.................................................................................................9

6 Baseline Information and Assessment of Environment likely to be Affected

during .................................................................................................................Prospecting 9

6.1 Setting and Infrastructure..............................................................................................9

6.2 Climate .........................................................................................................................12

6.3 Topography .................................................................................................................12

6.4 Soil and Land Capability...............................................................................................15

6.5 Land Use .....................................................................................................................15

6.6 Biodiversity ..................................................................................................................20

6.6.1 Vegetation ...................................................................................................................20

6.6.1.1..............................................................................................................................................................................Afforestation

22

6.6.1.2...................................................................................................................................................................Threatened Plants

22

6.6.1.3................................................................................................................Economically Important Medicinal Plants

22

6.6.1.4........................................................................................................................................................Alien Invasive Species

23

6.6.2 Fauna...........................................................................................................................23

6.6.2.1..........................................................................................................................................Threatened or Rare Species

25

6.6.3 Conservation Areas ....................................................................................................26

6.7 Surface Water .............................................................................................................26

6.8 Groundw ater ...............................................................................................................29

6.9 Geology .......................................................................................................................32

6.10 Noise............................................................................................................................34

6.11 Air Quality ....................................................................................................................34

6.12 Places of Cultural Interest and Sensitive Landscapes ................................................35

6.12.1 Wetlands......................................................................................................................35

6.12.2 Heritage Sites ..............................................................................................................35

6.13 Socio-economic Setting...............................................................................................37

6.14 Waste ..........................................................................................................................38

7 Public Participation and Consultation w ith Landowners.................................39


March 2010

7.1 Identifying Interested and Affected Parties (IAP) ........................................................39

7.2 Public Meeting..............................................................................................................39

7.3 Telephonic, Fax and E-Mail Communication.................................................................40

7.4 One-on-one Meetings ..................................................................................................40

7.5 IAP Database...............................................................................................................41

7.6 Interaction w ith Government Authorities .....................................................................42

7.7 Information made available to IAP................................................................................42

7.8 Submission and Review ..............................................................................................42

8 Identification of Impacts on the Environment....................................................43

8.1 Main Prospecting Activities..........................................................................................43

8.2 Potential Physical Impacts Identif ied by Interested and Affected Parties ....................45

8.3 Impacts Identif ied during the Baseline Assessment....................................................45

8.4 Categorisation and Signif icance Rating of Prospecting Activities ...............................45

8.5 Potential Physical Impacts Identif ied by State Departments.........................................45

9 Environmental Management Plan.........................................................................55

9.1 Excluded and Exempted Areas ...................................................................................55

9.2 Tabulated Environmental Management Plan.................................................................55

9.3 Closure Plan (Action Plan and Time Schedule for mitigtation) .....................................67

9.3.1 Closure Objectives ......................................................................................................67

9.3.2 Rehabilitation Plan........................................................................................................67

9.4 Emergency Response Procedure................................................................................69

9.5 Complaints ...................................................................................................................74

10 Monitoring and Reporting......................................................................................75

11 Performance Assessment and Review..............................................................75

12 Training......................................................................................................................76

13 Capacity to Manage and Rehabilitate the Environment ....................................76

14 Financial Provision for Rehabilitation...................................................................76

15 References ...............................................................................................................79


March 2010

XIII

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Location map (Regulation 2(2) Plan.................................................................................. 2

Figure 2 Regional municipal setting................................................................................................. 6

Figure 3 Local setting and infrastructure ....................................................................................... 7

Figure 4 Windrose (Source: South African Weather Services)..................................................... 9

Figure 5 Avg Monthly Rainfall (mm) ................................................................................................ 9

Figure 6 Avg Daytime Temp (°C) .................................................................................................... 9

Figure 7 Typical land use............................................................................................................ 10

Figure 8 Land Type Map............................................................................................................... 11

Figure 9 Land Capability Map........................................................................................................ 12

Figure 10 Land Use Map................................................................................................................. 13

Figure 11 Typical vegetation of the area...................................................................................... 14

Figure 12 Sandspruit north of Sheepmoor ................................................................................... 19

Figure 13 NGDB borehole positions.............................................................................................. 22

Figure 14 Groundw ater yield (source: NGDB) ............................................................................. 23

Figure 15 Geological map of the Sheepmoor North Project Area................................................. 32

Figure 16 Simplif ied stratigraphic columns in the Ermelo coal f ield............................................... 25

Figure 17 Demographics: Age ......................................................................................................... 28

Figure 18 Demographics: Level of education .................................................................................. 28

Figure 19 Demographics: Employment............................................................................................. 28

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 Planned Activities during Prospecting................................................................................... 6

Table 2 Legislative Context ............................................................................................................ 8

Table 3 Soil and land capability characteristics (source: AGIS) .................................................. 15

Table 4 Typical grassland species............................................................................................... 20

Table 5 Vegetation description (Source: Acocks, AGIS)............................................................. 20

Table 6 Sectorial w ater requirements (adapted from DWAF, 2002)............................................ 27

Table 7 Water Availability (million m3/a) (adapted from DWAF, 2002).......................................... 27

Table 8 % samples exceeding DWAF w ater quality standards (SOE, 2003) .............................. 28

Table 9 Surface w ater quality: nutrients (SOE, 2003) ................................................................. 29

Table 10 Average aquifer characteristics ................................................................................... 31

Table 11 Impacts Identif ied by Interested and Affected Parties (as of 5 March 2010)................ 46

Table 12 Impacts Identif ied during the Baseline Assessment...................................................... 52

Table 13 Overall Categorisation and Signif icance Rating of Prospecting Impacts ...................... 53

Table 14.1 Environmental Management Plan: Planning and Access ............................................ 56

Table 14.2 Environmental Management Plan: Biodiversity and heritage sites .............................. 59

Table 14.3 Environmental Management Plan: Surface Water....................................................... 60

Table 14.4 Environmental Management Plan: Groundw ater and Wetlands.................................. 61

Table 14.5 Environmental Management Plan: Soil, Erosion and Sediment Control........................ 62


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Table 14.6 Environmental Management Plan: Air, Noise and Waste ............................................ 64

Table 14. 7 Environmental Management Plan: Socio-economics.................................................. 66

Table 15 Rehabilitation procedure for prospecting boreholes ..................................................... 68

Table 16 Rehabilitation of prospecting sites and access tracks.................................................. 68

Table 17 Spill Procedure............................................................................................................... 70

Table 18 Fire Management Plan.................................................................................................... 72

Table 19 Environmental Incident Report Sheet............................................................................. 73

Table 20 Complaints Handling Procedure..................................................................................... 74

Table 21 Monitoring requirements ................................................................................................ 75

Table 22 Quantum for Financial Provision for Concurrent and Closure Rehabilitation................. 78

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix 1 DMR Acceptance of Application Letter

Appendix 2 Detailed Description of the Prospecting Programme

Appendix 3 Field observations

Appendix 4 Final Public Participation Report

Appendix 5 Environmental Impact Assessment Methodology

Appendix 6 Environmental Procedure: Oil and Diesel Storage

LIST OF ACRONYMS USED

CE/CR Red Data Status: Critically Endangered

DMR Department of Mineral Resources

DWAF Former Department of Water Affairs and Forestry

DWEA Department of Water and Environmental Affairs

E Red Data Status: Endangered

EC Electrical Conductivity

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EPA-Mpu Environmental Potential Atlas – Mpumalanga

ERR Environmental Risk Report

EW Red Data Status: Extinct in the Wild

I Red Data Status: Indeterminate

ILC Irene Lea Consulting CC

IAPs Interested and Affected Parties

LC Red Data Status: Least Concern

MPRDA Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (Act 28 of 2004)

N Nitrogen

NEMA National Environmental Management Act (107 of 1998)

NEMWA National Environmental Management: Waste Act (Act 59 of 2008)

NGDB National Groundw ater Database

NDVI Normalized Difference Vegetation Index

NT Red Data Status: Near Threatened

NWA National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998)

OD Red Data Status: Out of Danger

P Orthophosphate

PPE Personal Protection Equipment

PFS Pre-Feasibility Study

R Red Data Status: Rare


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R&S Rock and Stock Investments (Pty) Ltd

SAMREC South African Code for Reporting of Exploration Results: Mineral Resources and

Mineral Reserves

SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute

SANS South African National Standards

SADC Southern African Development Community

SRC Siyakhula Resources Corporation (Pty) Ltd

TDS Total Dissolved Solids

VU Red Data Status: Vulnerable


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1

1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Siyakhula Resources Corporation (SRC) is in the process of applying for a coal Prospecting Right.

The proposed project covers an area of 32 926 ha in the Ermelo Magesterial District, covering the

follow ing farms: Bothmanloop 139 IT, Vlakfontein 266 IT, Blaauw kop 271 IT, Schimmelhoek 272 IT,

Onverw acht 273 IT, Schiedam 274 IT, Steenkoolspruit 275 IT, Bankplaats 279 IT, Klipfontein 283 IT,

Waaihoek 286 IT, Onverw acht 287 IT, Zw artw ater 288 IT, Weltevreden 289 IT, Windhoek 291 IT,

Tw yfelaar 298 IT, Blymoedig 301 IT and Witbank 300 IT.

The Department of Mineral Regulation (DMR) has accepted the prospecting right application and

has instructed SRC to continue w ith the requirements of the application process (DMR Ref. MP

30/5/1/1/2/4994 PR). A copy of the DMR acceptance letter is contained in Appendix 1.

The project area is show n in Figure 1.

Prospecting w ill take place for all the coal seams believed to be present in the Ermelo Highveld

Coal Field. The prospecting w ork w ill include geophysical surveys, geological mapping as w ell as

the drilling of a number of cored boreholes over a period of 5 years.

In order to complete the legally required environmental components of the prospecting right

application, SRC has appointed Irene Lea Consulting Services CC (ILC) as independent specialised

environmental consultants.

1.1 Biographic details

Applicant: Siyakhula Resources Corporation

Responsible person: Cecilia Hattingh (ID: 740305008387)

Address: P O Box 113 Beestekraal 0255

Tel: 012 – 277 1511

Cell: 082 773 5142

Fax: 0866 286 089


Full description of property: Bankplaats 279 IT Portions 0 – 19; Blaaukop 271 IT Portions 1, 3 – 10,

13 and RE 2; Blymoedig 301 IT Portions 0 and 1; Bothmanloop 139 IT

Portion 7; Overw acht 271 IT Portions 0 – 12; Onverw acht 287 T

Portions 3 – 7 and RE 2; Rietvlei 310 IT Portions 0, 4 and 9; Schiedam

274 IT Portions 0, 1, 2, 5 and 6; Steenkoolspruit Portion 0; Vlakfontein

266 IT Portions 1 and 4 – 9; Waaihoek 286 IT Portions 5 – 7 and 9 –

17; Windhoek 291 IT Portions 3, 5 – 7 and 9 – 11; Zw artw ater 288 IT

Portions 0 – 7 and 9 – 12.

Approximate centre of project area (WGS 84 coordinates): East 30.351979 South -26.580044

Magisterial district: Ermelo

Registered landow ners: Details provided in the Public Participation Report in Appendix 4.

Name of nearest tow n: Sheepmoor

Prospecting mineral: Coal


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Number of people employed: 6 per prospecting site


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Figure 1 Location map (Regulation 2(2) Plan


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2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The purpose of this document is to provide the framew ork for environmental management of the

prospecting activities for the Sheepmoor North Project. An approved Environmental Management

Plan (EMP) is a legal requirement of the prospecting right application process. The document

details measures to ensure that SRC conduct prospecting activities according to legal

requirements.

The scope of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the Sheepmoor North Prospecting

Project includes:

• The compilation of baseline information concerning the affected environment.

• To set environmental management objectives.

• To identify all actions during the proposed prospecting programme w hich may

cause pollution or environmental degradation. These impacts w ill be categorised according to

their signif icance.

• Identif ication of potential impacts on national estates governed by the National

Heritage Resources Act.

• To develop an EMP that describes how activities that may impact on the

environment can be modif ied, remedied, controlled or stopped, so as to minimise pollution or

environmental degradation.

• To develop an environmental monitoring programme w hich w ill be used to monitor

the effectiveness of environmental management measures.

• To calculate the quantum for f inancial provision for the rehabilitation or management

of negative environmental impacts.

3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROSPECTING PROGRAMME

The aim of the prospecting w ork planned is to confirm coal occurrence in the target area. Once

the occurrence of coal has been confirmed, a detailed exploration programme w ill be conducted to

delineate the potential Mineral Resource and possibly the Mineral Reserve, should the prospect be

deemed feasible.

Information from some 400 existing prospecting boreholes, drilled by previous Prospecting Right

Holders, is currently under negotiation betw een SRC and the relevant companies. This signif icant

amount of available prospecting information w ill be taken into consideration during the prospecting

programme detailed below to ensure that duplication does not occur.

The proposed prospecting programme w ill be phased and based on defining, testing and

delineating the target. Once this is completed, the technical and economic aspects of the project

w ill be evaluatedas part of a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS). The PFS w ill indicate w hether the project

w ill be economically mineable or not. Should the PFS prove to be viable, the project w ill be

escalated to a Feasibility Phase,during w hich the necessary requirements for a Mining Rights

Application w ill be completed. This w ill include a more detailed Environmental Impact Assessment

(EIA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP).


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The invasive as w ell as non-invasive prospecting methods that w ill be utilised during the

exploration of the target area are described in detail in Appendix 2 and are summarised in Table 1.


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Table 1 Planned Activities during Prospecting Phase Activity Planned outcome Prospecting Phase

Phase 1

Target

definition

(6 months)

• Negotiation with landowners

• Prov iding details of prospecting

programme to landowners

• Detailed desktop study

• Geological mapping (lithological and

structural)

• Geophy sical surv ey s (aeromagnetic

surv ey and possibly ground magnetic

surv ey )

• Negotiated access to land and water.

• Agreement on inf rastructure to be used and f inal rehabilitation requirements.

• Map and support inf ormation to landowners, showing the extent of prospecting

on each f arm.

• Clear communication strategy with landowners.

• Geological map

• Geophy sical map

• Preliminary structural 3D model (dependent on av ailable historical inf ormation)

Construction Phase

Phase 2

Target

testing

(18 months)

• Drilling of widely spaced boreholes

(possible 63 holes)

• Wireline (geophy sical) logging of boreholes

• Lithological logging of boreholes

• Sampling of coal seams

• Analy sis of coal samples

• Updating of structural model

• Estimation of Inf erred Resource

• Conduct bi-annual EMP compliance

inv estigation

• Geological logs of each borehole

• Borehole database

• Wireline log of each borehole

• Sample analy sis results of indiv idual samples

• Updated structural model

• Monthly reports

• Annual Progress Report f or DMR

• Technical geological report or Competent Persons Report (CPR) if Inf erred

Resource was estimated

• Bi-annual EMP Compliance Report f or DMR

• Feedback to landowners on progress made on a quarterly basis, or as

required.

Operational Phase

Phase 3

Target

delineation

(18 months)

• Drilling of inf ill boreholes in prev ious

Inf erred Resource area (possible 49 holes)

Wireline logging of boreholes

Lithological logging of boreholes

Sampling of coal seams

Analy sis of coal samples

Updating of structural model

Estimation of Indicated Resource




• Sample analy sis results of indiv idual samples


• Monthly reports

• Annual Progress Report f or DMR

• Technical geological report or CPR if Indicated Resource was estimated.


required.

Operational Phase

Phase 4

Pre-

feasibility

(18 months)

• Drilling of inf ill boreholes in target area

(possible 90 holes)

• Wireline logging of boreholes

• Lithological logging of boreholes

• Sampling of coal seam




• Sample analy sis results


Operational and

Closure Phases


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7

• Analy sis of coal samples

• Updating of structural model

• Estimation of Measured Resource

• Techno-economic ev aluation

• Conduct bi-annual EMP compliance

inv estigation

• Pre-f easibility study

• Monthly reports

• Annual Progress report f or DMR

• Bi-annual EMP Compliance report f or DMR

• Technical geological report or CPR if Measured Resource was estimated

• Techno-economic ev aluation report

• Pre-f easibility study report


required.


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3.1 Project timeframe

The prospecting right application timeframe, as prescribed by the DMR, is:

Prospecting w ill only commence on DMR approval of the application and granting of the

prospecting rights to SRC. Prospecting w ill be conducted in different phases w here each phase is

dependent on the results of the preceding phase. The proposed exploration activities are planned

to ensure that each phase w ill increase the data obtained and as such increase the confidence in

the results of the exploration programme. The prospecting programme w ill be completed w ithin 5

years of receipt of the prospecting right from DMR, as show n in Table 1. Phase 1 w ill be

completed in 6 months and Phases 2, 3 and 4 in 18 months respectively.

4 LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT

Table 2 Legislative Context

Requirement Applicable Section of

MPRDA

Corresponding

Section in Report

Establishment of baseline inf ormation concerning the

af f ected env ironment.

Section 39(3)(a)

Regulation 52(2)(a)

Regulation 52(2)(c)

Regulation 2(2) Plan

Section 6

Page 6

Page 2

Public participation and consultation of landowners

Section 39(3)(b)(i)

Regulation 52(2)(c)

Regulation 52(2)(g)

Section 7

Page 30

Identif ication of all actions, activ ities or processes

which may cause pollution or env ironmental degradation

Section 39 (3)(b)(i)

Section 39(3)(d)(1)

Regulation 54(1) Plan

Section 7

Page 33

Page 2

Categorisation of identif ied impacts in terms of

signif icance and which phase of prospecting it is

applicable to.

Cross ref erence of impacts to the relev ant source

activ ity

Section 39(3)(b)(i)

Regulation 52(2)(c)

Regulation 52(2)(g)

Regulation 39(3)(d)(i)

Table 13

Page 41

Potential impacts on heritage sites

Section 39(3)(b)(iii)

Regulation 52(2)(b)

Regulation 52(2)(c)

Section 3(2) of the National

Heritage Resources Act

Tables 11, 12, and 13

Pages39, 40 and 41

Description of the manner to modif y , remedy , control or

stop activ ities that may cause pollution or

env ironmental degradation (Env ironmental Management

Plan)

Section 39(3)(d)

Regulation 52(2)(b)

Regulation 52(2)(c)

Section 9

Page 42

Env ironmental monitoring and reporting

Section 39(3)(d)

Regulation 52(2)(e)

Regulation 52(2)(c)

Section 10

Page 58

Perf ormance assessment and rev iew Regulation 52(2)(e) Section 11

Page 58

Financial prov ision f or rehabilitation Section 39(4)(a)(ii)

Section 41(1)

Section 14

Page 59

Capacity to manage and rehabilitate the env ironment Section 39(4)(a)(iii) Section 9.3 and 14


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Section 37(2)

Section 39(3)(d)

Page 59

Other relevant legislation that may be applicable to the project include the National Monuments Act

(Act 28 of 1969); the National Parks Act (Act 57 of 1976); the Environmental Conservation Act

(Act 73 of 1989); the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998); the Atmospheric

Pollution Prevention Act (Act 45 of 1965); the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) and the National

Environmental Management: Waste Act (Act 59 of 2008).

5 PROJECT METHODOLOGY

• The project w as initiated w ith a desktop study during w hich available information

for the project area, w as evaluated. The relevant information is presented in the various

sections of this document and a list of references is presented at the end of the document.

Information obtained during the desktop study forms the basis of the baseline information in

Section 6.

• A w alk-over site investigation w as undertaken from publically accessible areas. A

list of information on the physical character of the farms that are included in the prospecting

right application w as compiled. This information is presented in Appendix 3. Also included are

aerial photographs of the various farms in the project area. This information w as incorporated

into the baseline information in Section 6.

• Consultation w ith landow ners, other mineral right holders and Interested and

Affected Parties (IAPs) w as undertaken, as detailed in Section 7.

• All the information gathered from the above activities w as used to compile the

Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan, as detailed in Sections

8 and 9.

6 BASELINE INFORMATION AND ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENT LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED DURING PROSPECTING

In compliance w ith section 39(4)(a)(i) of the MPRDA, read together w ith Regulation 52(2)(a) and

52(2)(c), including the Regulation

2(2) Plan, w hich is show n in

Figure 1.

6.1 Setting and

Infrastructure

The Sheepmoor North Prospecting

Project falls w ithin the Msukaligw a

Mjunicipality, situated in the central

part of Mpumalanga highveld.

Ermelo is the major

commercialcentre in the area. The

project is situated north of the

tow n of Sheepmoor, as show n in.

Other tow ns in the area

includePiet Retief, Breyten and

Figure 2 Regional municipal setting Figure 2 Regional municipal setting


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Lothair. The project falls w ithin the Gert Sibande District Municipality (see Figure 2). Regional

infrastructure is show n in Figure 3.Mixed farming is practiced in the area. Cattle (beef and dairy),

sheep, maize, potatoes, sorghum, sunflow er seed, lucerne, beans and soybeans are produced.

The Nooitgedacht Agricultural Development Centre is situated outside Ermelo.


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Figure 3 Local setting and infrastructure


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12

The Jericho Dam situated to the east of the project area. Forest plantations are situated in the

eastern part of the municipality. Various coalmines are found in the district. The Camden Pow er

Station is located near Ermelo.

The project area is accessed via the N2 (R29) betw een Ermelo and Piet Retief and the R65

betw een Ermelo and Amersfoort (Figure 3). Various dirt roads are used to access forestry and

farming areas.

The Piet Retief-Ermelo railw ay line goes through the southern section of the project area, through

the tow n of Sheepmoor.

The Vaal River f low s along the w estern boundary of the project area. A w ater divide is present

in the central part of the project area, separating the Vaal River and Mfolozi River catchments.

The Usutu River f low s to the north of the project area, as show n in Figure 3.

6.2 Climate

The information presented in this section w as obtained from the South African Weather Services.

Ermelo receives on average 625mm of rainfall per year. IAPs claim the rainfall to be 1200mm/a

(Robberts, Appendix 4). This is a summer rainfall area, w ith the highest average rainfall in

January (112 mm), as show n in Figure 4. The low est rainfall (1mm on average) occurs during

June.

The monthly distribution of average daily maximum temperatures (Figure 5) show s that the

average midday temperatures for Ermelo range from 16°C in June to 24°C in January. The region is

the coldest during June and July w hen the mercury drops to 0°C on average during the night.

The w ind rose profile for the area (Figure 6) is typical of that experienced by low -lying areas

surrounded by an escarpment. The majority of the w ind (15%) w ithin the project area is from the

east, w ith speeds of betw een 3.7 and 5.8 m/s most of the time.

From the w est, w inds blow 12% of the timeat speeds of betw een 3.8 and 5.7 m/s.

6.3 Topography

The topography for the project area is show n in Figure 1. The project area is dominated by an

escarpment. This escarpment forms a w ater divide (see Figure 3) betw een the Upper Vaal River

Catchment to the w est and the Mfolozi River Catchment to the east. The Usutu River forms part of

the Mfolozi Catchment. The mountainous regions of the project area reach heights of up to 1783 m

above sea level.

The topography drops in elevation to the w est to the Vaal River, w hich runs along the boundary of

the project area. Within the area of interest, the Vaal River’s low est elevation is 1624 m above

sea level. Numerous perennial and non-perennial streams flow from the mountainous area in the

central part of the project tow ards the Vaal River. These include the Roodew alspruit, the

Sw artw aterspruit and the Sandspruit

From the escarpment, the topography drops to the east to the Usutu and Mpama Rivers (see

Figure 3). The low est topographical elevation in the area of interest in this catchment is 1593

mamsl. The Jericho Dam is situated on the Mpata River to the east of the project area. The

eastern catchment is characterised by w etlands associated w ith low -lying topography and


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numerous perennial and non-perennial streams.


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Figure 4 Avg Monthly Rainfall (mm) Figure 5 Avg Daytime Temp (°C)

Figure 6 Windrose (Source: South African Weather Services)


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15

6.4 Soil and land capability

Soils in the project area comprise mainly red-yellow and greyish soils w ith a low to medium base

status, as detailed in Table 3 and Figure 7(source: AGIS). Some red and yellow massive or w eak

structured soils and soils w ith minimal development, usually shallow on hard or w eathered rock

are found in the w estern section of the project area. The leaching status of the soils is classif ied

as mesotrophic to eutrophic.

Soil depth varies betw een 450 mm and 750 mm in the area (source: Environmental Potential Atlas,

Mpumalanga (EPA – Mpu)).

The land type classif ies the sand loams and silty clay (Bc & Bb) as moderate to good quality arable

soils, w ith red sandy clay loams that are deep, as good quality arable land capability (Ah).The

poor quality soils rate as “Wilderness” on the land capability rating (Fa) (Figure 8).

Of signif icance to the major soil forms classif ied in the area is the moderate to good soil

permeability, and related drainage characteristics, the better than average w ater holding

capabilities, and sensitive compaction index. The erodibility index (K) is moderate on the shallow

slopes and w ell vegetated deeper soils and poor to highly sensitive the shallow dolerite derived

soils that are often associated w ith steeper slopes.

Table 3 Soil and land capability characteristics (source: AGIS) Soil type Soil Description Land capability

Fa

Soil with limited pedological dev elopment. Usually shallow

undif f erentiated soils on hard or weathered rock. Lime is

absent or scarce. The water holding capacity is generally 21 –

40mm. The leaching status is non-calcareous.

Non-arable with a

low grazing potential.

Ah

Red-Yellow well drained soils, generally lacking strong texture.

The soils hav e a low to medium base status. Generally f ree

drained structureless soil. The water holding capacity is

generally 61 – 80mm. The leaching status is dy strophic

Moderate potential

arable land.

Bb

Soils with a plinthic catena. Red, y ellow and/or grey ish soils

with a low to medium base. The soils are generally

undif f erentiated and structureless. The water holding capacity

is 41 – 60mm. The leaching status is mesothropic

Marginal potential

arable land.

6.5 Land use

The land use for the project area is

show n in Figure 9 (EPA - Mpu, 2000). It

is show n that the eastern section of the

project area is characterised by

forestry, interspaced w ith cultivated

land.

In the w estern section, cultivation of

land is the dominant land use. Both

livestock and grain/maize farming takes

place(Figure 10).Large areas of

unspecif ied land use are present

throughout the project area. Figure 10 Typical land use


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16

The Jericho Dam Nature Reserve, a conservation area, is situated to the east of the project

area.The tow n of Sheepmoor is classif ied as built-up land. Subsistence farming takes place to the

north of Sheepmoor tow n. Other land use includes servitudes for roads, railw ay and pow erlines.

The site inspection indicated that Strebbor EAS3 Bonsmara cattle are commercially farmed on

Onverw acht 287 IT.


March 2010

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Figure 7 Land Type Map


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18

Figure 8 Land Capability Map


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19

Figure 9 Land Use Map


March 2010

20

6.6 Biodiversity

Biodiversity is defined as the

variability among living organisms

from all sources, including

terrestrial, marine and other

aquatic ecosystems and the

ecological complexes of w hich

they are part. This includes

diversity w ithin species,

betw een species and of

ecosystems (UNCBD, 1992). The

Mpumalanga SOE (SOE, 2003)

indicates that the Sheepmoor

North prospecting project area

falls w ithin sites of medium low

to medium intrinsic biodiversity

value.

6.6.1 Vegetation

The Environmental Potential Atlas for Mpumalanga indicated that the project area vegetation is

typicallyBankenveld to Sour Sandveld and Piet Retief Sourveld. Sour grasses lose its nutritional

value in w inter as it occurs on infertile soil. Sourveld occurs in cooler, high-rainfall areas, as high

rainfall leads to leaching of nutrients from the soil. Bankenveld consists of a mosaic of grassland

and w oodland communities. Woody species, of sour bushveld aff inity, occur on the ridges as

“false grassveld”. The follow ing species are typical of grasslands:

Table 4 Typical grassland species

Prominent grass species On mountain slopes

Themeda triandra (dominant species) Trachypogon spicatus

Eragrostis curvula Tritachya leucothrix

Cymbopogon plurinodis Panicum natalense

Setaria sphacelata Schizachyrium sanguineum

Digitaria eriantha Loudetia simplex

Hyparrhemia hirta Monocymbium ceresiiforme

Cynodon dactylon Alloteropsis semialata

Eulalia villosa

Karroid shrubs such as Stoebe vulgaris may be dominant in degraded and overgrazed sites.

Sedges dominate the w etland areas.

Table 5 Vegetation description (Source: Acocks, AGIS) Description Western Project Area Eastern Project Area

Vegetation biome Grassland Grassland

Acocks v eldty pe Pure grassv eld ty pes False grassv eld ty pes

Tree density 11 – 15% 31 – 75%

Grazing potential

5 – 7 ha/AU

Pockets of 14 – 17 ha/AU

Sheepmoor 41 – 60 ha/HA

Transf ormed rangeland

NDVI Moderate - high High

Figure 11 Typical vegetation of the area


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Long-term annual av erage

The main causes of transformation of vegetation communities include mines and quarries;

urbanisation; degraded vegetation associated w ith overgrazing; forest plantations and cultivation

of land.


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6.6.1.1 Afforestation

The Mpumalanga forests generally occur along the steep south- or east-facing slopes on the

escarpment. They are found along an altitudinal gradient that extends from some of the drier

low er-lying riparian areas up into the moist mist-belt region.

The Lion Match Company, established in 1905, operates forestry along the eastern boundary of

the project area. Up until 1993 w hen a moratorium w as placed on planting poplar, Lion Match

planted poplar in vlei areas. At this stage, Lion Match Forestry Division w as forced to diversify to

pine. Several of the smaller non-productive poplar farms w ere sold and current pine farm areas

w ere increased in the Sheepmoor and Lothair areas, w hich are the closest timber grow ing areas

to their Rosslyn Factory.

The tree density to the east of the project area, in the forestry area, is 31 – 75% (source: AGIS).

In contrast, the tree density in the w est of the project area is 11 – 15%.

6.6.1.2 Threatened plants

Emery et al (2002) lists the follow ing threatened plant species for the Piet Retief Sourveld

veldtype. It must be noted that the presence of these plants w ithin the project area has not been

confirmed.

Eugenia pusilla N.E. Br. (Red data status: EW)

This taxon is know n from only a single old locality w here it w as recorded grow ing

amongst rocky outcrops on granite or gneiss in the Piet Retief Sourveld, w hich falls on the

eastern edge of the project area.

The Mpumalanga State of the Environment Report (SOE, 2003), indicate that the project area falls

w ithin conservation areas w ith no or low threatened plant populations.

6.6.1.3 Economically important medicinal plants

The demand for medicinal plants w ithin Mpumalanga is high, w ith approximately 700 tonnes of

plant material being consumed annually. The medicinal plants listed here (Emery et al, 2002) have

not been confirmed w ithin the project area.

Adenium swazicum Stapf (Red data status: CR)

Harvesting of large underground tubers is destructive. Found in south-eastern

Mpumalanga. The demand is medium and availability declining.

Alepidea longifolia E. Mey. Sens lat. (Red data status: LC)

Harvesting of rizomes, used to treat coughs, is destructive. Populations are w idespread.

The demand is top and the availability scarce.

Cryptocarya transvaalensis Burtt Davy (Red data status: NT)

Over harvesting of stem bark is destructive. Plants found along the Mpumalanga

escarpment. The demand is medium and the availability declining.

Dioscorea sylvatica (Kunth) Eckl (Red data status: NT)

Harvesting of f leshy tuber is destructive. The demand is medium and availability declining.

Eucomis autumnalis (Mill) Chitt. Subsp. Clavata (Red data status: NT)

Harvesting of bulbs is destructive. Populations are w idespread. The demand is high and

the availability medium.


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Gunnera perpensa L. Clavata (Red data status: LC)

Harvesting of rhizomes is destructive. Populations are w idespread and the species is

w etland dependent. The demand is mentioned and the availability low .

Hypoxis hemerocalledea Fisch. & C.A. Mey (Red data status: NT)

Harvesting of corm is destructive. Populations are w idespread and sold nationw ide. The

demand is medium and the availability declining.

Ocotea bullata (Burch.) Baill (Red data status: VU)

Harvesting of stem bark is destructive. Populations are w idespread. The demand is

mentioned and the availability low .

Scilla natalensis Planch (Red data status: NT)

Harvesting of bulb is destructive. Populations are w idespread, but demand outstrips

supply and populations are under threat. The demand is top and the availability scarce.

Siphonochilus aethiopicus (Schweinf.) B.L. Burtt (Red data status: CR)

Harvesting of rhizome is destructive. Populations are w idespread and it is the most

popular medicinal plant in Mpumalanga, now only found in protected areas. The demand is

top and the availability scarce.

It is unlikely that current levels of consumption of medicinal plants can be sustained. It is therefore

important to identify areas that could potentially support or provide plants w ith medicinal value.

Areas w here the plants are found are of conservation and cultural value, often concealing a

hidden economy on w hich rural communities depend.

The Mpumalanga SOE (SOE, 2002) indicates that the project area falls w ithin an area w ith low to

medium conservation importance in terms of medicinal plants.

6.6.1.4 Alien Invasive Species

Invasive alien plants are the single biggest threat to plant and animal biodiversity through the

effects of predation, alteration of habitat or disruption of ecosystems. The Working for Water

Programme, a multi-departmental initiative lead by the Department of Water and Environmental

Affairs (DWEA), aims to sustainably control invading alien species.

The Working for Water Programme indicates that the percentage of alien invasion in the

Sheepmoor North project area is low , betw een 0.1 and 1%. There is no Working for Water Project

in the vicinity of the project area.

Field observations, as presented in Appendix 3, indicate the presence of bluegum and w attle on

several of the farms in the project area. Other specif ic alien invasive species that may occur in

the area include:

Acacia dealbata Silver w attle

Accacia decurrens Black w attle

Eucalyptus grandis Bluegum

Pinus Elliottii Slash pine

Populus x canescens Grey poplar

Solanum mauritianum Bugw eed

6.6.2 Fauna

The follow ing mammals may occur in the project area (source: Emery et al, 2002):


March 2010

24

Greater musk shrew Egyptian free-tailed bat Cape serotine bat

Common slit-face bat Scrub hare Common mole rat

Porcupine Woodland dormouse Vleirat

Greater cane rat Angoni vlei rat Multimammate mouse

Striped mouse Water rat Red veld rat

Highveld gerbil Brant’s climbing mouse Cape claw less otter

Aardw olf Black-backed jackal Samago monkey

Striped polecat Afican civet Large-spotted genet

White-tailed mongoose Water mongoose Common duiker

Springbok Steenbok Bushbuck

Reedbuck Honey badger

The Mpumalanga SOE (SOE, 2003), indicate that the project area falls w ithin conservation areas

w ith low to medium mammal importance.

The follow ing common birds may occur in the project area (source: w w w .birp.adu.org.za):

Little Grebe White-breasted Cormorant Reed Cormorant

African darter Grey Heron Purple Heron

Little Egret Cattle Egret White Stork

Egyptian Goose Yellow -billed duck Amur falcon

Steppe Buzzard Osprey African Purple

Sw amphen

Common Moorhen Red-knobbed Coot Blacksmith Lapw ing

White-w inged Tern Whiskered Tern Red-eye Dove

Cape Turtle Dove Laughing Dove Red-chested Cuckoo

Little Sw ift Speckled Mousebird Rufous-naped Lark

Spike-heeled Lark Barn Sw allow White-throated Sw allow

Banded Martin Kurrichane Thrush Mountain Wheatear

Buff-streaked Chat Anteating Chat African Stonechat

Lesser Sw amp-w arbler African reed-w arbler Little Rish-Warbler

Zitting Cisticola Cloud Cisticola Wing-snapping Cisticola

Cape Wagtail African Pipit Yellow -breasted Pipit

Cape Longclaw Common fiscal Red-backed Shrike

Pied Starling House Sparrow Cape Sparrow

Cape Weaver Southern Masked Weaver Southern Red Bishop

Yellow -crow ned Bishop Fan-tailed Widow bird Long-tailed Widow bird

Red-headed Finch African Firefinch African Quailf inch

Pin-tailed Whydah Dusky Indigobird Cape Canary

Streaky-headed Seedeater

These birds are mostly associated w ith the Jericho Dam Nature Reserve, w hich is an important

birding site for eco-tourists. The Mpumalanga SOE (SOE, 2003), indicate that the project area falls

w ithin conservation areas w ith medium to high bird importance

The follow ing reptiles may be present in the project area (Source Emery et al, 2002):

Legless lizard Giant legless skink Striped skink

Striped skink Wahlberg’s dw arf skink Highveld crag lizard

Flapnecked chameleon


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25


w ith low to medium reptile importance.

The follow ing amphibians may occur in the project area (Source Emery et al, 2002):

Bubbling kassina Bushveld rainfrog Tremelo sand frog

Natal sand frog Raucus toad Guttural toad

Red toad Striped stream frog Common river frog

Cape river frog Clicking stream frog Striped grass frog

Bronze caco Common caco Snoring puddle frog


w ith low to medium amphibian importance. Frogging is how ever an important pastime for eco-

tourists, especially during night time w hen frogs call out.

6.6.2.1 Threatened or rare species

The follow ing rare or endangered birds may occur in the project area (source: Emery et al, 2002):

Winged f lufftail (CR) Striped f lufftails (VU) Wattled crane (CR)

Blue cranes (VU) Crow ned cranes (VU) Ground hornbills (VU)

Blue korhaan (NT) Botha’s lark (I) Rudd’s lark (VU)

Bald ibis (OD) Blackbellied korhaan (-) Stanley’s bustard (VU)

Little bittern (R) Cape Eagle Ow l (-) Grass ow l (-)

The birds listed above occur on the red data list and are generally associated w ith w etlands,

grasslands, long grass, w oodlands and clif fs. The Mpumalanga SOE (SOE, 2003), indicate that

the project area falls w ithin conservation areas w ith medium to high bird importance.Causes of

mortalities include poisoning, drow ning in reservoirs and collision w ith overhead pow erlines. The

grassland and w etland habitats are further under severe pressure due to land modif ication,

including commercial afforestation, incompatible livestock and agricultural practices, w etland

alteration, mining activities and human overpopulation.

The follow ing rare or endangered mammals may occur in the project area. Their Red-Data

Species listing is show n in brackets:

Cape molerat (EN) Sclater’s golden mole (CR) Highveld golden mole (VU)

Rough-haired golden mole (CR) Juliana’s golden mole (EN) Robust golden mole (VU)

Meester’s golden mole (VU) Laminate vlei rat (VU) Peak-saddle horseshoe bat (EN)

Lesser long-fingered bat (VU) Welw itsch’s hairy bat (EN) Short-eared trident bat (EN)

Antbear (-) Oribi (VU) African striped w easel (-)

Pangolin (VU) Natal red rock rabbit (-)

In some instances the species listed above are threatened due to the degradation of its preferred

grassland and w etland habitat. Specif ic threats include commercial afforestation, agricultural

encroachment, heavy grazing and trampling by livestock, certain burning regimes, human

disturbanceand mining and quarrying. None of the smaller mammals listed are commonly found.

The follow ing amphibians, all considered to be vulnerable, may occur in the project area (source:

Emery et al, 2002):


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Karroo toad Natal Ghost Frog Spotted Shovel-nosed frog

Plain stream frog Yellow -striped reed frog Giant bullfrog

Greater leaf-folding frog Whistling rainfrog

The Usutu River Catchment and small areas along the Mpumalanga escarpment w as identif ied as

important for the conservation of vulnerable amphibian species. Habitat destruction and alien

vegetation results in fragmentation of populations. Overgrazing and severe f ires in grasslands

result in extensive silting up of streams and w etlands, threatening the breeding habitat of the

tadpoles and frogs. Herbicides and pesticides often cause development of abnormalities or

mortalities. Another threat is the damming of rivers, streams and w etlands and the introduction of

alien f ish species.

The follow ing threatened reptiles may be present in the project area (source: Emery et al, 2002):

Sungazer/Giant Girdled Lizard (VU) Sw azi rock snake (VU) Transvaal f lat lizard (NT)

Montane burrow ing skink (LC) Breyer’s longtailed seps (VU)

These lizard is threatened by habitat destruction caused by agriculture, mining, urban

development, muti trade as w ell as increased predation due to ecological disturbance.

6.6.3 Conservation areas

The Jericho Dam Nature Reserve is situated to the east of the project area, as show n in Figure 3.

This is a proclaimed Nature Reserve is ow ned by the Mpumalanga Parks Board, covering an area

of 1915.8 ha. Jericho Dam w as constructed in 1966. The area is an important habitat for birds and

as such an eco-tourist attraction for the area.

The Ekangala Grassland Biosphere initiative seeks to establish and maintain a biosphere reserve

aimed at securing the ecological integrity of the high altitude moist grasslands of Mpumalanga,

Kw aZulu-Natal and the Free State Provinces. This is necessary since there is a serious lack of

formally protected areas in this region. The most signif icant ecosystem service in this area is the

w ater retaining properties of the grasslands and associated w etlands.

6.7 Surface Water

Fresh w ater is essential to

support human life, ecosystems

and economic development. It is

a critical, yet scarce resource

and needs to be managed

sustainably if economic

development as w ell as

ecological integrity is to be

achieved.

The Sheepmoor North project is

situated on a w ater divide, as

show n on Figure 3. Surface

w ater in the w estern section of

the project area drains to the Vaal

River Catchment and in the

Figure 12 Sandspruit north of Sheepmoor


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eastern section to the Mfolozi River Catchment, of w hich the Usutu River forms part. The eastern

section of the project area falls in the W5 and the w estern section in the C1 catchments. The

Mfolozi River Catchment shares a boundary w ith Sw aziland and w ater is shared according to

SADC Agreements (Wilson, 2000). Smaller perennial rivers are present across the project area,

for example the Sandspruit, north of Sheepmoor (Figure 12). The project area is characterised by

numerous non-perennial streams and pans, as show n in Figure 3.

The Jericho Dam is situated on the Mpata River to the east of the project area. The dam has a

storage capacity of 60 million m3/a. It is ow ned and operated by DWEA (formerly DWAF) as part of

the Usutu River Transfer Scheme, w here w ater is pumped over the w ater divide to the

Onverw acht Reservoir (Wilson, 2000).

Water in the Usutu catchment is used for irrigation, urban and rural requirements as w ell as

afforestation, as show n in Table 6. The largest w ater use in this catchment is the transfer to the

Upper Olifants Catchment for the purpose of pow er generation. Similar w ater uses are practiced

in the Upper Vaal Catchment, w ith the exception of afforestation. The total requirements in the

Upper Vaal Catchment are just over 10 times higher than in the Usutu River Catchment. The Usutu,

is how ever an important international river and supplies w ater to Sw aziland.

Table 6 Sectorial water requirements (adapted from DWAF, 2002) Sectorial requirements (volumes in million m3/a)

WMA Sub-WMA Irrigation Urban Rural

Mining

and bulk

industrial

Power

generation

Afforestat

ion

Transfers

out

Total

require-

ments

Usutu Upper

Usutu 13 8 5 0 0 43 114 262

Upper

Vaal

Upstream

Vaal Dam 29 38 17 99 39 0 39 2672

Table 7 Water Availability (million m3/a) (adapted from DWAF, 2002)

Reporting Scale Natural Resource Usable return flow Transfers

in

Total

Resource

available

WMA Sub-WMA Surface

water

Ground-

water Irrigation Urban

Mining and

bulk

industrial

Usutu Upper

Usutu 151 2 1 3 0 0 157

Upper

Vaal

Upstream

Vaal Dam 153 8 3 11 8 118 301

A comparison betw een the total w ater requirements for the tw o catchments in Table 6, w ith the

total resource available in Table 7, show s that there is a shortage of 105 million m3/a in the Upper

Usutu catchment and a shortage of 2 371 million m3/a in the Upper Vaal catchment. This shortage

necessitates the transfer of w ater from other catchments, like the Upper Usutu catchment.

Water is an excellent solvent and transport medium for particles and as such tends to become

contaminated both by natural processes such as erosion and dissolution of salts geologically


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present in soils, as w ell as by man-introduced processes and w astes.

Water quality in the Usutu Catchment in Sheepmoor North Prospecting project area varies from a

Class B (largely natural) to Class C (moderately modif ied). The general w ater quality is good, w ith

low electrical conductivity concentrations and moderate to high Sodium Absorption Ratios. Further

to the east, in the vicinity of Piet Retief, surface w ater in the Usutu/Mhlathuze Water Management

Area is classif ied as Class E – F (not acceptable) (Wilson, 2000). There are localised problems

w ith faecal pollution from communities lacking basic services and also signif icant erosion problems

in some areas due to poor agricultural practices. The fact that many rural communities are directly

reliant on raw w ater from the rivers and streams emphasises the importance of protecting

surface w ater resources.Rivers in the area have minor problems w ith alien plant infestation.

Water quality in the Upper Vaal is poorer compared to that in the Usutu Catchment. This is evident

if the percentage of samples that exceed DWAF w ater quality standards are compared (Table 8).

For example, only 14% of samples taken in the Usutu exceeded DWAF drinking w ater total

dissolved solid (TDS) concentrations, w hereas almost 40% of samples taken in the Upper Vaal

exceeded TDS concentrations. Metal (Aluminium, iron and manganese) concentrations in the

Upper Vaal also exceeded standards signif icantly.

In the Usutu catchment, irrigation w ater standards w ere signif icantly exceeded for magnesium,

sulphate and manganese, w ith similar trends in the Upper Vaal.

Table 8 % samples exceeding DWAF water quality standards (SOE, 2003) Usutu Water Management Area Upper Vaal Water Management Area

Paramete

r Dinking Water Industrial Use Irrigation Drinking

Water

Industrial

Use Irrigation

pH 0 38.9 7.8 0 66 16.3

EC 12.4 12.4 41.5 41.5 65.1

TDS 14.2 14.2 28.8 39.8 39.8

Ca 0.4 1.6

Mg 1.0 35.2 0.1 73.9

Na 4.1 13.8 0.9 14.8

K 0.6 0

Cl 5.0 10.3 10.3 0.9 7.4 7.4

SO4 1.5 5.1 67.3 5.7 15.8

F 0 0 0.2 0.1

NOx as N 0 0 1.4

NH4 as N 0.1 0.9

Al 2.3 0 23.6 0.7

Cu 0 0 0 6.8

Fe 1.1 2.7 0 3.7 11.3 0.4

Mn 0.4 1.5 4.9 7.8 12.4 42.2

Ni 0 3.7

Pb 0 6.1

Zn 0 0 0 0.9

High nitrate levels in drinking w ater are dangerous to human health and cause algae grow th and


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eutrophication in w aterw ays. By monitoring the ratio of total inorganic nitrogen (N) to

orthophosphate (P), the potential for eutrophication can be determined. Information available for

the project area is show n in Table 9. A decrease in the N:P ratio implies deterioration of the w ater

resource. Higher P concentrations indicate impacted conditions. Both the Usutu and Upper Vaal

catchments have deteriorated since 1996, as show n.

Table 9 Surface water quality: nutrients (SOE, 2003) N:P ratio Orthophosphate Area

1996 2001 2002 1996 2001 2002

Usutu 11.8 8.4 5.5 0.017 0.028 0.024

Upper Vaal 7.0 4.9 5.1 0.026 0.057 0.072

6.8 Groundwater

Information from the National Groundw ater Database (NGDB), w hich is managed by DWEA, w as

used to assess the status of groundw ater in the project area. Tw o aquifers are typically present

in the area, as described below :

• A shallow perched aquifer that is developed in the w eathered zone, w hich typically

extend to 10 metres below surface and is restricted to the soil and sub-soil horizons. The

aquifer is formed by the direct recharge of rainw ater that collects along the transition from

w eathered to fresh rock. This transition betw een w eathered and competent rock, in

places associated w ith clay or ferricrete, forms the base of the perched aquifer. The

perched aquifer is typically unconfined or semi-confined. The hydraulic conductivity for

this aquifer typically varies betw een 0.001 and 0.1 m/d. The porosity is typically 3 - 7%,

depending on the clay content of the material. Often the perched aquifer is not laterally

extensive and is therefore not considered a signif icant aquifer, how ever, it often

contributes to the baseflow of streams as w ell as w etlands.

• A deeper fractured rock aquifer formed by bedding planes, fractures and faults in the

w eathered and competent sediments of the Karoo Supergroup is developed from

approximately 10m. This aquifer is also replenished by recharge of rainfall and is typically

semi-confined to confined in nature. The aquifer is heterogeneous and could potentially

yield relatively high volumes of groundw ater considering the presence of w etlands and

streams w ithin the project area. The fractured rock aquifer typically has a low

transmissivity (<1 m2/d) and storage coeff icients ranging betw een 1 x 10-5 to 1 x 10-2.


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Figure 13 NGDB borehole positions


March 2010

31

The porosity for the fractured rock aquifer is typically in the order of 0.75 - 3%. The

fractured rock and perched aquifersare ofteninterconnected, w ith groundw ater seeping

from the perched aquifer into the fractured rock aquifer. The saturated thickness of the

fractured rock aquifer is typically >30m.

Information on a total of 51 boreholes is available for the project area. The locations of these

boreholes are show n in Figure 13. Information suggests that aquifers are associated w ith

sandstone and shale of the Karoo Supergroup, as w ell as w ith boulders, gravel and alluvium in

riverbeds. Aquifers are also formed by dolerite intrusions.

Field measured electrical conductivity (EC) show that groundw ater is of good quality, w ith

concentrations varying betw een 11 and 23 mS/m. The depth to groundw ater level and

groundw ater strike as w ell as the average yield for the boreholes in the NGDB is show n in Table

10. The average depth to groundw ater levels is 12m below surface, the average depth to a

w ater strike almost 22m and the average yield of the boreholes are low (1.7 l/s).

Table 10 Average aquifer characteristics Parameter Minimum Maximum Average

Depth to groundwater lev el (m below surf ace) 1.09 56.44 12.14

Depth to water strike (m below surf ace) 4.23 70.6 21.78

Av erage y ield (l/s) 0.02 13 1.7

Groundw ater yield

information from the

NGDB is categorised in

Figure 14. It is show n

that 45% of the

boreholes evaluated

have a yield of < 1l/s.

Some 25% of the

boreholes yielded

betw een 1 – 2 l/s,

w hich means that 70%

of the borehole yield

less than 2 l/s, w hich is

equivalent to

approximately 170 m3/d.

A number of w indmills w ere noticed during the site investigation, as detailed in Appendix 3. In

addition, a number of w indmills w ere identif ied from the 1:50 000 topographical map for the area

(2630CA and 2630CB). These are indicated on Figure 3.

Groundw ater in the Usutu/Mhlathuze Water Management Area, groundw ater is generally speaking

under-utilised (Wilson, 2002).

Figure 14 Groundwater yield (source: NGDB)


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6.9 Geology

The Karoo Supergroup of Late Carboniferous to Middle Jurassic age (320-180Ma) hosts all the

South African coal deposits. Within the main Karoo basin coal is present in the Vryheid Formation

of the Ecca Group in the project area. The coal deposits in the main Karoo basin are typically

found in stable cratonic platforms and fault-bounded rif t basins. The rank of the Ecca coal

increases in an easterly direction.

The Late Carboniferous to Early Permian glaciogene Dw yka Group occupies the base of the Karoo

Supergroup, and consists of a variety of glacial to peri-glacial sediments. These strata record the

cyclic advance and retreat of ice sheets across the subcontinent during a lengthy period.

Figure 15 Geological map of the Sheepmoor North Project Area

Coal in the Ecca Group of the main basin is restricted to the north-eastern area of terrestrial

deposition on a gently subsiding shelf platform. This proximal platform facies is represented by

w idespread, mainly coarse, f luviodeltaic sandstones (Vryheid Formation), derived from the north,

w hich thin and eventually w edge out into siltstone and mudstone facies (Pietermaritzburg and

Volksrust Formations) tow ards the south. The course of the southerly f low ing rivers w as

determined by elongated valleys scoured into the pre-Karoo basement by the Dw yka glaciers and

continental ice sheets. After the northw ard retreat of the ice sheets these glacial valleys w ere

dammed up by terminal moraines and w ere partly f illed by f luvio-glacial sediments so that shallow


March 2010

33

pro-glacial lakes w ere formed, w hich in time w ere transformed into sw amps. This resulted in the

formation of the low er coal seams. The topography of the pre-Karoo f loor played a crucial role in

determining the distribution of the low er seams and their associated clastic rocks and the low er

seams narrow tow ards and eventually pinch out against palaeo-highs.

As a result of the further shallow ing of the valley slopes due to sedimentation w ithin the channels,

they began meandering and also bifurcated into bank-stabilised anastomosed channels. The

deltaic deposits w ere formed in deltas in shallow lakes on the f lood plains.

The eastern and south-eastern portions of the Karoo basin, incorporating the Ermelo, Klip River,

Utrecht and Vryheid coal f ields, w ere much deeper at the time of the retreat of the Dw yka

glaciers. Consequently, the Pietermaritzburg Formation w as deposited as a shelf facies before

the Vryheid Formation w as deposited in its characteristic f luviodeltaic environment. In the areas

w here the Pietermaritzburg Formation is relatively thick, the pre-Karoo topography appears to

have played a much less important role during coal formation.

Within the main basin the number of coal seams in the Vryheid Formation varies from one coal f ield

to another, and although individual coal seams cannot alw ays be correlated, it is possible to

correlate smaller depositional sequences, based on upw ard-fining and upw ard-coarsening

cycles.

As a result of increasing aridity the sediments of the Elliot Formation w ere deposited by ephemeral

streams and those of the Clarens Formation by aeolian activity. The development of the Karoo

Supergroup ended w ith the eruption of the basaltic lavas of the Drakensberg Group.

A signif icant proportion of the magma intrudes the sedimentary rocks of the Karoo Supergroup as

dykes, concordant sills and transgressive sills of dolerite. The heat from the magma has

devolatilised coal close to these intrusions. The transgressive sills are especially troublesome in

coal mining as they displace the coal seams over a distance equal to the apparent vertical

thickness of the relevant sill. In some places strongly undulating sills form domes and basins,

resulting in severe mining problems.

A geological map of the Sheepmoor area in show n in Figure 15. A simplif ied cross section of the

geology in the project area is show n in Figure 16 and.


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34

6.10 Noise

The ambient noise condition in the Sheepmoor area is quiet and is representative of a rural

(farming) noise district.

There are how ever, a number of noise sources in the area namely the traff ic on the main roads,

coal trucks transporting coal and the railw ay line.

The noise sensitive sites/areas are Sheepmoor tow n as w ell as the various farmhouses and farm

labourer residences in the project area.

6.11 Air quality

Air quality is an issue of concern in Mpumalanga, as it is in many other parts of South Africa. The

driving forces of poor air quality include both human activities (industrial development, population

grow th) and natural processes (climate change). The Msukaligw a local Municipal area is included

in the recently declared Highveld Priority Area in terms of air quality management (IDP, 2009/2010).

The municipality is in the process of establishing an ambient air quality monitoring system in Ermelo.

At present, the closest existing air quality monitoring station is in Bethal. Air quality management

w ill be included in the District Environmental Management Framew ork and Plan, w hich is currently

being developed. Key performance indicators show that only a 20% compliance w ith air quality

standards iscurrently achieved.

Sources of air pollution in the area include pow er generation, mining and quarrying, agricultural

activities, vehicle entrained dust and exhaust emissions, domestic fuel burning and veld f ires.

Ambient outdoor air quality is generally w orse in urban or industrialised areas.

The tow n of Sheepmoor, farmsteads and farming communities, farm schools, livestock farms and

w etlands are considered sensitive air quality receptors.

Figure 16 Simplified

stratigraphic columns in the

Ermelo coal field


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35

6.12 Places of cultural interest and sensitive landscapes

6.12.1 Wetlands

The information presented in this section w as modif ied from Emery et al (2002) as w ell as from the

South African National Wetland Inventory. Wetlands comprise many different specif ic habitats

associated w ith springs, seeps, mires and fens in the upper catchment of rivers; to midland

marshes and f loodplains. Rivers that link these habitat types are also classif ied as w etlands,

including riverbanks.

Wetlands are very valuable ecosystems, w hich can have an effect on the nature of the entire

catchment that are beneficial to the needs of humans. Some w etlands are of hydrological value,

for example w ater purif ication, streamflow regulation, f lood attenuation, baseflow augmentation

and groundw ater discharge and recharge. Wetlands further have value in controlling erosion.

Wetlands have an ecological value in the maintenance of biotic diversity through the provision of

habitat for w etland-dependent fauna and f lora.

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) have through the Wetlands Conservation

Programme, embarked on a process of mapping w etlands in South Africa w ith Remote Sensing

techniques. The purpose of this study is to, amongst other aspects, establish a baseline for

measuring future change in w etland area, function and values and to establish monitoring

programme. An advisory committee w as formed, w hich includes numerous specialists in the f ield

of w etlands, including those from Mpumalanga Parks Board (Nature Conservation). This project

w ill be monitored and results included in the w etland management plan for the project area.

Most w etlands in the project area can be classif ied as f loodplain and seepage w etlands, w hich

consists of w etlands traditionally called marshes, sw amps, fens and vleis. The w etlands include

small w ater bodies and are associated w ith vegetated and unvegetated pans and dams.

Floodplain w etlands normally occur w ithin 100m of perennial rivers.

Wetland classif ication includes the type of w etland, dominant vegetation and land use activities in

and outside the w etland.

Several anthropogenic threats to the f loodplain and seepage w etlands w ere identif ied. These

include forest plantations, cultivated land, farm dams, mines and quarries and built-up land. In the

area, agriculture is one of the main reasons for the drainage of f loodplain and seepage w etlands.

By draining a w etland, it low ers the w ater table and thus provides greater depth for the root zone

of crops and pastures. It also controls w ater f low , w hich decreases the volume and retention

time of w ater in the w etland. This leads to a reduction in its value for storing w ater and enhancing

sustained streamflow . Agriculture also replaces natural vegetation w ith commercial temperate

crops or pastures, w hich increase w ater use during the critical dry season. Conversion of a

w etland to cropland or planted pastures involves disrupting of the hydrological regime, the total

replacement of natural w etland vegetation and the application of fertilisers. This is detrimental to

bio-diversity in the w etland.

6.12.2 Heritage Sites

The follow ing heritage sites w ere identif ied for the project area:

• The Zimelani Homebased Care Centre at 443 Brink Street, Sheepmoor. The Centre


March 2010

36

focuses on HIV/AIDS prevention and education.

• Land claims

• The Waaihoek Farm Cemetery. Other farm cemeteries w ithin the project area.

• Farmsteads and other buildings older than 60 years.

• The region boasts more than 270 lakes and w etlands of various sizes and shapes.

The ancient San people, w ho adapted to conditions by living on rafts in the larger lakes, w ere

the f irst inhabitants of the region. Chrissiesmeer (LakeChrissie), situated to the north of the

project area is the largest freshw ater lake in South Africa and a prime attraction for birders

from around the w orld. The lakes are host to a variety of w ater fow l and other birds including

a spectacular of 20 000 f lamingos each year. The lake is also a haven for frogs of all

descriptions.


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37

6.13 Socio-economic setting

The information presented here

w as obtained from the Integrated

Resource Information Report for

the Msukaligw a Municipality

(Mpumalanga Provincial

Government, 2005).

The population of the Msukaligw a

Municipal area is estimated at

approximately 125 000, w hich is

4.5% of the total Mpumalanga

population. The dominant population group

are Africans (89.3%), follow ed by

Whites (9.7%), Indian (0.7%) and

Coloureds (0.3%).

The dominant home languages are

IsiZulu and SiSw ati, follow ed by

Afrikaans.

The age demographics for the

region are show n in Figure 17.

The largest section of the

population falls in the category

Age 15 – 34.

The level of education for the region is show n in

Figure 18. Some 26% of the

population has no education and a

further 23 % has Primary

Education. It is show n that

relatively high levels of illiteracy

are evident for the area.

In addition to the low levels of

literacy, some 39% of the

population is either unemployed or

economically inactive. The total

labour force is reported to be

45444 (Figure 19).

The largest percentage (40%) of people economically active in the area is employed in the forestry

and agricultural sectors.

This if follow ed by 23% employed in the community and social section. The rest of the

economically active population are involved in construction, f inancial, manufacturing, mining and

electricity and w ater supply sector.

Figure 17 Demographics: Age

Figure 18 Demographics: Level of education

Figure 19 Demographic: Employment


March 2010

38

Available information further suggests that most people are dependent on coal as an energy

source for cooking.

It is further show n that only 21% of the total population of the region have access to piped drinking

w ater.

Only 17% of the total population have access to w ater-borne sew age services.

The information from the municipal Integrated Resource Information Report indicates that

unemployment, illiteracy and lack of basic services are the challenges for the region.

6.14 Waste

Mpumalanga Province generates approximately 3.8 million cubic metres of w aste per annum (SOE,

2003), w hich is 9% of the total volume of w aste generated in South Africa. Mpumalanga

Province, is how ever the largest producer of hazardous w aste in South Africa. Hazardous

w aste can be classif ied into 9 different classes based on the type of risk involved:

Explosives

Gases

Flammable liquids

Flammable solids (substances liable to spontaneous combustion and substances that on

contact w ith w ater, emit f lammable gasses.

Oxidizing substances and organic pesticides

Toxic and infection substances

Radioactive material

Corrosives

Miscellaneous dangerous substances and goods.

During prospecting, domestic w aste w ill be generated (paper, food w aste, plastic, etc).

The only hazardous material that w ill be used on site is oil, diesel, paint and greases. The drilling

f luid is bio-degradable and as such is not a hazardous substance.


March 2010

39

7 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND CONSULTATION WITH LANDOWNERS

In terms of Section 39(3)(b)(i) of the MPRDA, read together w ith Regulation 52(2)(c) and 52(2)(g)

This section of the report documents the process follow ed to date w ith respect to consultation of

landow ners, Interested and Affected Parties (IAP) and Government Authorities. The results from

the process are summarised here and the full Public Participation Report is contained in Appendix

4. The follow ing objectives are set for the Public Participation Process for the project:

• Undertaken reasonable measures to identify landow ners and IAP, provide

information on the project in w riting and afford them an opportunity to express their

view s/concerns about the project.

• Inform Government Authorities of the project and provide an opportunity for them to

express their concerns and indicate w hich issues they w ould like to see addressed in the

EMP.

• Record IAP raised issues associated w ith the project, w hich are likely to impact on

the biophysical and socio-economic aspects of the surrounding environment.

• Assist in defining the terms of reference for the EMP for the project.

• Determine and document w hich aspects of the project require further investigation

during the proceeding phases.

• Document the process and outcomes of the Public Participation Process

7.1 Identifying Interested and Affected Parties (IAP)

Landow ners and their contact details w ere identif ied through a Title Deed search for the

properties falling w ithin the proposed prospecting area. The Title Deed search results are show n

in Appendix 4. Surrounding Mining Houses’ contact details, including Anker Coal and Mineral

Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Eyesizw e Coal (Pty) Ltd, Tshedza Mining Resources CC and Phumelela Mining

(Pty) Ltd, w ere obtained through a Company Search.

Letters, Background Information Documents (BID) and Project Comment Sheets w ere posted to

landow ners and surrounding Mining Houses for w hom contact details w ere available at the time of

the compilation of this report. This documentation w as used to introduce these IAP to the project

and to invite them to participate in the process. Proof of posting is included in Appendix 4. The

process of identifying and contacting landow ners and other IAP w as continued after 8 February

2010, w hen the f irst draft Public Participation Report w as submitted to the DMR, and completed by

5 March, w hen the Environmental Management Plan w as f inalised.

IAP are also identif ied through responses to advertisements placed, telephone discussions, e-mail

and faxed communication as w ell as a public meeting, as detailed in Appendix 4.

7.2 Public Meeting

A public meeting w as held on 8 February 2010, at the De Rust Hall in Sheepmoor at 16H30. The

minutes w ere recorded for the purpose of incorporating comments and issues in the EMP. These

minutes are included in Appendix 4.


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40

The purpose of the meeting w as to share information w ith IAPs regarding the project as w ell as to

provide an opportunity to interact w ith the project team. It w as agreed w ith IAPs present that the

meeting w ould be held in English.

Unfortunately the SRC representative, Mr. Hugh Callaghan, fell ill just before the meeting and had to

undergo an emergency operation. He could therefore not attend the public meeting. Due to short

notice, other SRC Directors w ere unfortunately not available to attend the meeting.

Tw enty three IAPs attended the meeting. The attendance register is attached to the minutes in

Appendix 4. It w as brought to the project team’s attention that some of the landow ners deliberately

boycotted the public meeting to make a point, and that prospecting and mining in general w as not

w elcome on their community. This w as noted.

ILC urged IAPs to take part in the public participation process, but emphasised that the process is

voluntary. She explained that it w ould be to everyone’s advantage to attend and take part in the

process, as it w ill allow the project team to record all issues as w ell as to keep IAPs informed of

the application and approval processes.

All issues raised during the public meeting w ere recorded and incorporated into the EMP. A

summary of issues raised by IAPs is contained in Table 11 and is incorporated into the EMP.

A request w as made during the meeting that the minutes of the meeting be translated into isiZulu.

This w as done (Appendix 4) and the isiZulu minutes w ere posted to all Zulu speaking people.

The meeting w as considered to be constructive and useful information w as disseminated

betw een the project team and IAPs. Everyone at the meeting received a copy of the BID and the

Comment and Response Sheet. They also had an opportunity to page through the Draft Public

Participation Report that w as submitted to the DMR.

The public meeting w as used to register IAPs that have not done so already and to record their

comments and issues. Minutes of the meeting w ere circulated to all registered IAPs.

7.3 Telephonic, Fax and E-Mail Communication

Throughout the Public Participation Process it w as emphasized that the IAPs could communicate

their concerns/view s to ILC via telephone, fax, post or e-mail. Some IAP used this opportunity and

a record of the issues/concerns raised via e-mail, post and fax. The information captured as part

of this process is presented in Table 11. Details regarding these discussions are contained in

Appendix 4.

7.4 One-on-one Meetings

Informal meetings w ere conducted w ith IAPs during a site visit on 4 – 5 February 2010. The aim of

these initial consultations w as to brief IAPs about the proposed project, to invite them to the public

meeting and to askthat they submit their issues and concerns in w riting so that these could be

captured in the EMP.

Information obtained during these discussions w as incorporated into the IAP database as w ell as

into Table 11.


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41

7.5 IAP Database

The information obtained during the process of IAP identif ication, w ere incorporated into an IAP

database for the project. The database up to 5 March 2010 is detailed in Appendix 4.

The information in the IAP database w ill be continually updated as more IAP are identif ied and

become involved in the project.


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42

7.6 Interaction with Government Authorities

The follow ing Government Authorities have been involved in the process to date:

Department of Mineral Resources: Ms Sonia Chipu

Department of Water Affairs and Forestry: Mr JM van Asw egen

Msukalingw a Local Municipality: Mr Jan Bouw er

Gert Sibande District Municipality: The Environmental Department

Background Information Documents w ere provided to these authorities to introduce the project and

to invite them to comment on the process. Contact details for these authorities are contained in the

IAP Database in Appendix 4.

No comment w as received from Government Authorities at the time of compilation of this report.

The DMR have provided a specif ic list of requirements that must be fulf illed as part of the

application process. These are summarised in Table 2. The DMR w ill circulate copies of this

report to other Government Authorities for comment w ithin a 60-day period. The EMP w ill be

amended, based on the comments received.

7.7 Information made available to IAP

A Background Information Document or BID (show n in Appendix 4) w as forw arded to all IAP via

e-mail, fax or post. The BID includes details of the proposed prospecting project, a map of the

project area as w ell as the EMP and Public Participation Processes being follow ed. It also includes

contact details for the Public Participation Process and the DMR.

IAPs w ere invited to register and send responses by fax, telephone or email to ILC or directly to

the DMR.

A comment sheet w as attached to the BID sent to all IAP. Landow ners and other IAP w ere

encouraged to register as an IAP and to complete the comment sheet, to list their view s and

concerns and to attend the public meeting.

7.8 Submission and review

This First Draft Public Participation Report w as submitted to the DMR on 8 February 2010. Proof of

submission is included in Appendix 9. This document constitutes the Final Public Participation

Report, w hich w as incorporated into the EMP for submission on 8 March 2010 to the DMR for

comment.

The English and Zulu minutes of the Public Meeting held on 8 February 2010 w as distributed to all

registered IAP through e-mail and post.

The Executive Summary of the EMP w ill be made available to all registered IAP on completion. The

full EMP w ill be made available to IAP on request.

SRC w ill provide feedback to registered IAP regarding progress made w ith the application and

project approval process.


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8 IDENTIFICATION OF IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Identif ication of actions, activities or processes that may cause pollution or environmental

degradation in terms of Section 39(3)(b)(i) of the MPRDA, read together w ith Section 39(3)(d)(1),

Regulation 52(2)(c), Regulation 52(2)(g), Regulation 39(3)(d)(i), Section 39(3)(b)(iii), Regulation

52(2)(b), Regulation 52(2)(c), Section 3(2) of the National Heritage Resources Act and including a

Regulation 54(1) Plan.

8.1 Main prospecting activities

The geological w ork to be undertaken during prospecting is listed in Table 1. In addition, the

follow ing activities w ill be undertaken during prospecting:

• Negotiations w ith landow ners regarding access, use of infrastructure and

compensation.

• Evaluating existing available prospecting information that w ill be used to design and

plan the rest of the prospecting w ork. Information on some 400 boreholes is

available, w hich, if obtained by SRC, w ill signif icantly reduce the number of

boreholes to be drilled. In this case, only validation boreholes w ill be drilled.

• Boreholes w ill be sited taking all exploration and environmental information into

consideration.

• Each site w ill be visited before any w ork commences to establish site and

environmental conditions.

• Where possible, existing road and tracks w ill be used. New tracks w ill only be

constructed as a last resort and in consultation w ith landow ners.

• Demarcation of the prospecting area, clearing of vegetation in the demarcated area

as w ell as a 5m firebreak around each site. The demarcated area w ill be fenced in.

• Stripping of topsoil w here drilling sumps w ill be dug and storing it as a berm w ithin

the f irebreak.

• A cutoff trench and berm w ill be constructed around each project site to divert

clean runoff and contain potentially dirty runoff.

• Drilling sumps and trenches w ill be dug.

• Approximately 10 000 litres of w ater w ill be required per borehole. Water w ill be

sourced from local w ater bodies, w ith the permission of landow ners or from

commercial sources, w hich w ill be delivered by w ater tanker. Drinking w ater w ill

be supplied in a 2 500 litre plastic tank to be stored on site.

• A dedicated storage area w ill be constructed for the storage of chemicals and fuel.

• Portable chemical toilets w ill be used on site.

• Machinery and equipment w ill be serviced on an impermeable surface on site.

Extensive maintenance w ill be undertaken off site at a dedicated w orkshop.

• Drilling rigs w ill be f itted w ith noise and dust suppression equipment.

• Waste w ill be separated and stored in appropriate containers on site. Waste w ill

be disposed of to an approved landfill.

• Upon completion of the prospecting programme, all infrastructure w ill be removed

and the site and access track rehabilitated.

Due to the fact that the prospecting programme can only be f inalised once all available information

has been assessed, it is not possible to compile all details for the Regulation 54(1) Plan. The

extent of the project area is show n in Figure 1.


March 2010

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March 2010

45

8.2 Potential Physical Impacts Identified by Interested and Affected Parties

The impacts identif ied are summarised in Table 11 from information presented in the Public

Participation Report in Appendix 4. The information presented includes impacts on heritage sites

identif ied by IAPs as w ell as cross references to the Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

8.3 Impacts Identified during the Baseline Assessment

The impacts identif ied during the Baseline Assessment in Section 6, are summarised in Table 12.

The assessment includes impacts on heritage sites identif ied during the Baseline Assessment.

The Impact Assessment Methodology used is detailed in Appendix 5.

8.4 Categorisation and Significance Rating of Prospecting Activities

In terms of Section 39(3)(b)(i) of the MPRDA, read together w ith Regulation 52(2)(c) and 52(2)(g).

Cross-referenceof impacts to relevant source activities is presented in terms of Section

39(3)(d)(i).

The categorisation and signif icance rating of prospecting activities is show n in Table 13. The

Impact Assessment Methodology used, is detailed in Appendix 5.

8.5 Potential Physical Impacts Identified by State Departments

No specif ic impacts w ere identif ied by State Departments at the time of compilation of this report.

Comments on the EMP, w hich w ill be distributed by DMR to other State Departments, w ill be

addressed, once received.


March 2010

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Table 11 Impacts Identified by Interested and Affected Parties (as of 5 March 2010) Aspect Person Issues Action

Public

Participation

Process

Mr H Geldenhuys

Property Owner

Schiedam 274 Pt 6

Telephonic discussion

• Farmers are sick of public meetings. One mine

af ter another stand in line to prospect ov er the same area.

• If f armers hav e to attend public meetings, they

require R2500/hr to be present.

• The f armers will be willing to consult with SRC

once a prospecting right has been awarded. Until such time,

public participation is a waste of time to the f armers.

• He will not be attending the public meeting.

SRC will f ollow the legally required process during

Public Participation. All landowners and Interested and

Af f ected Parties (IAPs) are inv ited to participate in this

process to raise comments and issues. Public

participation is a v oluntary process and IAPs will not

be compensated to participate.

Public

Participation

Process

Ms U Franke

Endangered Wild Lif e Trust

(EWT)

E-mailed response

• Requests that the EWT is registered as an IAP.

• She is unable to attend the Public Meeting and

requests that documentation related to the consultation

process and prospecting application be sent to her v ia e-

mail.

The EWT is registered f or the project and included in

the IAP database f or f uture correspondence and

dissemination of inf ormation.

Public

Participation

Process

Mr E Kraamwinkel

Lion Match Forestry

Public meeting issue

• Public participation with Lion Match Forestry will

take place at their of f ices in Durban.

• Farmers and property owners must be

consulted prior to access of land.

This request is noted f or action, once the prospecting

right application has been approv ed.

Public

Participation

Process

Mr C Forbes

Landowner

Atuole Farm, Amsterdam

Public Meeting issue

• The adv ertisement in the newspaper was v ague.

• The f armers consider a newspaper

adv ertisement as notif ication of the project as a f orm of

arrogance. Farmers should be telephoned to discuss the

project

Due to the tight timeline prescribed by the DMR, it is

not possible to obtain telephone numbers and contact

each landowner during av ailable time. The public

meeting was theref ore held to disseminate inf ormation.

Public

Participation

Process

M Ngweya

Local resident


• Requests that the minutes of the meeting be

translated to isiZulu.

This was done and copies of the translated minutes

were posted to Zulu-speaking IAPs.

Public

Participation

Process

Mr S K Masina

Local resident and

businessman


• Other companies hav e applied f or prospecting

rights ov er the same area and SRC may not get the rights.

• He does not regard the public meeting as

representativ e. Those absent include f armers who are

boy cotting the meeting, the DMR and the applicant, SRC.

• The DMR must attend the meetings to explain

the process and the deadlines set.

• He recommends that the names on the

attendance register must not be submitted to the DMR, as

the meeting is not representativ e.

Although SRC was not present at the meeting, their

process and commitment to the process was

presented. The process that was f ollowed is exactly

the same process if SRC was present at the meeting.

SRC will consult with all landowners once the project

has been approv ed to negotiate access to land and

use water and inf rastructure. The DMR normally do

not attend public meetings, as they see the meetings

as the responsibility of the applicant.


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Aspect Person Issues Action

Public

Participation

Process

Mr J Robberts

Landowner

Onv erwacht 273 IT, Pt 2, 3,

8 and 11

Telephonic discussion and

written response

• Not all landowners were contacted in time to

attend the public meeting. He receiv ed inf ormation only on

25 February 2010. He prov ided an agreement to be signed

between SRC and Harrob Beleggings, the company

managing the f arm. This agreement details his request f or all

inf ormation on the project so that he can participate

meaningf ully , including suf f icient time to ev aluate and

comment on documentation. He also prov ides his

interpretation of how meaningf ul consultation must be

undertaken. He prov ided alternativ e contact details to ILC.

• He insists that the DMR must be present at

public meetings so that they can hear the comments raised

by IAPs. IAPs can also make them aware of f laws in

current legislation, like allowing mining in sensitiv e areas, the

short time giv en f or consultation, as well as allowing more

than one company to apply f or the same rights. He

requested contact details f or the Ministers of Mineral

Regulation as well as Water Af f airs and the Env ironment to

bring these matters to their attention. He also wants to

discuss this matter with the DMR Mpumalanga Regional

Manager.

• Prospecting inf ormation must be shared

between companies and companies must be willing to pay

f or such inf ormation. This will prev ent that the area is

riddled with boreholes and that duplication takes place.

A letter, BID and Comments and Response Sheet was

sent ov er-night speed post to all landowners f or whom

contact details f rom Title Deeds were av ailable. The

tracking number conf irms that Mr Robberts’ letter was

deliv ered to the address av ailable on 5 February 2010.

New contact details were included in the IAP Database

f or f uture ref erence.

The relev ant ministerial contact details requested, was

prov ided by ILC v ia email on 26 February 2010.

SRC is in negotiation with prev ious prospecting right

holders to obtain inf ormation on existing prospecting

boreholes. Inf ormation on some 400 boreholes is

av ailable. This inf ormation will be made av ailable to

SRC if a prospecting right is granted by the DMR.

The number of prospecting boreholes to be drilled as

part of the Sheepmoor North project will be adjusted

(and signif icantly reduced), once this inf ormation has

been ev aluated. New boreholes will only be drilled to

v alidate existing inf ormation.

Prospecting

Process

Mr G Combrinck

Property Owner

Schimmelhoek 272 Pt 3, 6

and remaining extent

E-mailed response

• Requests that all av ailable inf ormation is sent

to him v ia e-mail.

• He asks to be registered as an IAP f or the

project.

A copy of the BID was emailed to Mr Combrinck. He

is also registered f or the project and included in the

IAP database f or f uture correspondence and

dissemination of inf ormation.

Prospecting

Process

Mr C Forbes

Landowner



• Based on prev ious experience, the

communication between the company and the f armer is

poor. The prospecting company must stick to what was

agreed with the f armer and specif ically not drill more

boreholes than agree on.

• Drilling teams are unsuperv ised and do what

they want.

A clear channel of communication will be established

with each landowner. SRC will abide by agreements

with f armers and other stakeholders.

Adequate superv ision will take place at all times.

The rate of compensation f or prospecting will be


March 2010

48


• Only roads agreed to by f armers can be used.

No new roads can be made without prior agreement with the

f armer

• He is not conv inced that current legislation can

be enf orced and will prev ent contamination.

• He has no interest in a coalmine on his f arm,

regardless of the amount of money of f ered to him.

• If prospecting is to be undertaken on f arms,

f armers must be compensated accordingly .

• The issues he raises are the general sentiments

of all f armers in the area.

• Both DWEA and DMR v isited a prospecting site

on his land that was undertaken by another company that

causes sev ere pollution. Nothing was done about it. He is

not conv inced that the law can be enf orced to make sure

prospecting companies adhere to the EMP.

• Companies who do not adhere to their EMP,

should loose their prospecting license.

• What is the point of this process if f armers are

not willing to part with their land? Are there plans to

expropriate the land f or coal mining due to the electricity

shortage in SA? This cannot be allowed to happen. He

f ears that there is an agenda that mining houses, but not the

f armers, know about.

negotiated with all landowners, once the prospecting

right application has been approv ed.

SRC is committed to implement and adhere to the

EMP f or the project. Bi-annual independent audits will

be undertaken to determine the lev el of compliance

with env ironmental requirements. The results of this

audit will be submitted to the DMR.

SRC is not aware of any plans to expropriate f arms in

f av our of coal mining. SRC is f ollowing a prescribed

process to obtain a prospecting license. The results of

this process will be discussed with landowners. If the

project is approv ed and SRC are granted the

prospecting rights by the DMR, negotiations with

f armers will be undertaken prior to commencing with

any prospecting.

Prospecting

Process

B Maseko

Councillor


• There is land that is currently under dispute in

the project area. Will the current f armer as well as those

who are disputing the land be consulted during the project?

• Will f armers be prev ented f rom objecting to the

project because they may loose f arm labourers to the

mines?

SRC will engage both f armers and persons inv olv ed in

land claims including community leaders during their

negotiation process.

Prospecting

Process

Mr H Geldenhuys

Property Owner

Schiedam 274 Pt 6


• States strongly that f armers are not in f av our

of prospecting or mining on their f arms.

• Mining is not in f av our of the f armers and they

will not get any thing out of the process.

SRC will engage with Mr Geldenhuy s once a

prospecting right is granted to them f or the project, to

discuss the issues raised.

Prospecting

Process

Mr J Robberts

Landowner


• Both Gold Fields and Exxaro hav e prev iously

drilled exploration boreholes in the area. These boreholes

were not properly rehabilitated, only cov ered with soil or

SRC will undertake the project and rehabilitation

according legal requirements as detailed in the EMP

(Section 9). A bi-annual independent audit on


March 2010

49


8 and 11


written response

corrugated tin sheets.

• If a mine goes ahead in the area, it will be a

national emergency , as f ood generation will be negativ ely

af f ected, as mines do not rehabilitate.

• He requests that BHP Billiton standards are

applied during prospecting. Only a description of the project

area cannot be accepted, as it is not the norm.

• All prospecting boreholes during the mapping

phase must be indicated in GPS coordinates that are

approv ed prior by landowners. Landowners must approv e

any dev iation bef ore the project may continue.

• Wetlands must be highlighted and the impact

study must comply with the Wetland Adv isory Committee

International. Wild and Bird Lif e South Af rican and Nature

Conserv ation must also be inf ormed about the project.

• Compensation must be giv en to f armers f or the

time they spend during the consultation process.

• He questions SRC’s integrity , ability to

complete the project and states that they are part of the

“Mineral Greed” that robs Af rica of its minerals to the cost of

the population.

• He requests that the MPRDA be amended to

allow only one prospecting right application per title deed, to

allow f or compensation and that inf ormation must be made

av ailable to subsequent prospecting right applicants.

env ironmental compliance will be undertaken. The

results of this audit will be submitted to the DMR.

SRC will comply with legal requirements as well as the

directiv e with instructions issued by DMR upon

acceptance of the project. This includes an EIA, EMP

and Rehabilitation Plan (including f inancial prov ision

f or rehabilitation).

Wetlands will be managed according to the EMP

(Section 9.1 and Table 14.4). Contact details f or the

Wetland Adv isory Committee International could not

be f ound, but SANBI will be included in the project, as

detailed in Section 6.12.1. Mpumalanga Prov incial

Parks Board (Nature Conserv ation) will be consulted

as part of the DMR’s Co-operativ e Gov ernance policy .

Public participation is a v oluntary process and IAPs

will not be compensated to participate.

Environmental

Impact

Mr S K Masina

Local resident and

businessman


• He is worried about the env ironmental impact

that comes with mining.

A baseline env ironmental and potential impact

assessment was undertaken f or the prospecting right

application, according to DMR requirements.

Soils - Erosion

Mr C Forbes

Landowner



• Prospectors must only use roads agreed to with

landowners. Heav y machinery cannot use sensitiv e roads

like damwalls. Erosion control measures must be put in

place.

This issue is addressed in the EMP (Section 9.1 and

Table 14.5).

Surface,

groundwater

Mr J Robberts

Landowner


8 and 11

• DWEA hav e identif ied 5 illegal coalmines in the

Ermelo area. These mines do not hav e water use licenses.

• Further ev idence show that two coal slurry

dams breached into the Vaal Riv er. It seems that DWEA is

SRC will manage surf ace water, wetlands and waste

management according to the EMP (Section 9.1 and

Tables 14.3, 14.4 and 14.6). Should activ ities be

undertaken during prospecting that require a water use


March 2010

50



written response

not capable of enf orcing the law to prev ent this. He requests

that the DMR inv estigates both cases.

• The project and Ermelo area is of national

importance, as 80% of the country ’s most important riv ers

start on the water div ide that f eeds streams draining to the

Atlantic and Indian Oceans. If a mine is opened on the

mountain on his f arm, it will result in pollution of the Indian

Ocean. The area receiv es 1200 mm/a of rainf all.

• Groundwater and surf ace water in the area is

not only a source of water to f armers, but is of national

importance, and must not be polluted.

license, SRC will apply f or a license with DWEA.

The request that DMR should inv estigate the matter

will be passed on to them.

Surface and

groundwater

Mr H Geldenhuys

Property Owner

Schiedam 274 Pt 6


• Claims that the mine will destroy and pollute the

last clean water in the area.

This issue is addressed in the EMP f or the project

(Section 9.1 and Tables 14.3 and 14.4).

Surface and

groundwater

Mr E Kraamwinkel

Lion Match Forestry


• The project area is on a water div ide and the

water is pristine. There must be no pollution.

This issue is addressed in the EMP f or the project

(Section 9.1 and Tables 14.3 and 14.4).

Surface water and

Wetlands

Mr C Forbes

Landowner



• Prev ious prospecting by Anker Coal included

drilling into wetlands. This must be av oided as it causes

acid mine drainage and pollution.

• Anker Coal drilled a borehole within 5m of the

Usutu Riv er, which causes pollution and the dev elopment of

groundwater seepage/wetlands. This is unacceptable.

• The Usutu Riv er must not be polluted with acid

mine drainage, as riv er water is used f or liv estock watering.

The management of wetlands and surf ace water

quality is included in the EMP f or the project (Section

9.1 and Tables 14.3 and 14.4)..

Measures to prev ent Acid Mine Drainage are discussed

in the EMP (Tables 14.3 and 14.5 and Section 9.3).

Biodiversity

Mr E Kraamwinkel

Lion Match Forestry


• There is a number or Red Data Species in the

area, including oribi, reedbuck, steenbok, gy mnogene, stork,

blue crane and crested crane. These species are associated

with wet areas.

The impact on biodiv ersity is addressed in the EMP

(Table 14.2).

Air quality

Mr J Robberts

Landowner


8 and 11


written response

• Dust f rom existing coal mines blow onto

wetlands, cov ering v egetation and choking the f low of water.

Liv estock can in some instances not eat the v egetation

because it is cov ered in coal dust.

The impact on air quality is addressed in the EMP

(Table 14.6). This is howev er a prospecting right

application and coal dust, associated with mining

activ ities, will not be generated during prospecting.


March 2010

51


Ground

vibrations

ML Manyathi (Solly)

Local business man


• Will the drilling of boreholes through dolerite

result in ground v ibrations that could cause damage to

property ?

This aspect is addressed in the EMP (Table 14.7). If it

is f ound that activ ities by SRC hav e resulted in

damage to priv ate property , damage will be corrected

or compensation will be giv en to the af f ected owner.

Fire management

Mr E Kraamwinkel

Lion Match Forestry

Public meeting

• Fires must be prev ented and f ire f ighting

equipment must be on site at all times

Fire prev ention measures are detailed in the Fire

Management Plan in Table 18.

Fire management

Mr J Robberts

Landowner


8 and 11


written response

• His f arm borders a f orestry area. If a f ire is

started in the prospecting area Lion Match will hold him (as

landowner) responsible f or the damage. He insists that a

trust f und is created to f und an aeroplane to put f ires out.

Fire prev ention measures are detailed in the Fire

Management Plan (Table 18).

Heritage Sites

ML Manyathi (Solly)

Local business man


• There are heritage sites in the area, including

buildings older than 100 y ears and grav esites. These must

be protected.

All heritage sites will be identif ied and barricaded of f to

prev ent access f rom prospecting teams and damage

due to prospecting.

Socio-economic

impacts

ML Manyathi (Solly)

Local business man


• How will f armers be compensated f or drilling?

• How will the Social and Labour Plan be

implemented?

• How will this project benef it local communities?

There are skilled people in the community that could be

employ ed by SRC. He knows such people. Local

businesses must be used in pref erence to businesses

outside the community .

The rate of compensation f or drilling will be negotiated

with all landowners, once the prospecting right

application has been approv ed. A Social and Labour

Plan will be dev eloped if the project goes to mining

phase.

The socio-economic impacts will be managed

according to the EMP (Table 14.7). Mr Many athi will be

consulted to identif y local skilled people that may be

suitable f or employ ment during prospecting.

Socio-economic

impacts

Mr P Masina

Resident of Sheepmoor


• His interest is that he has f amily liv ing in

Sheepmoor.

• He would like to hav e a better understanding of

any business opportunities that may arise f rom mining.

• What benef its would the project hav e to the

public?

SRC will highlight and dev elop the positiv e socio-

economic impacts of the project as part of the EMP

(Table 14.7). Specif ic f eedback will be giv en to Mr

Masina upon approv al of the prospecting license in

f av our of SRC.

Rehabilitation

ML Manyathi (Solly)

Local business man


• Will the SRC come back to check if the

boreholes are closed properly ?

SRC will undertake rehabilitation according to the

Rehabilitation Plan in the EMP (Section 9.3). All

boreholes will be sealed, capped and locked to ensure

that they are not a saf ety or env ironmental hazard.

Rehabilitation Mr J Robberts

Landowner

• Insists that if the project goes ahead, that all

boreholes are reamed and f iled with concrete f rom top to

The rehabilitation of prospecting boreholes is detailed

in the Rehabilitation Plan in the EMP(Section 9.3). The


March 2010

52



8 and 11


written response

bottom during rehabilitation.

• To ensure that f inancial prov ision is suf f icient,

costs must be obtained f rom the Ermelo and Sheepmoor

“FBI.” The rehabilitation trust f und must be immediately

accessible by FBI members, in case of an emergency and

an aeroplane is necessary . Money in this f und may not be

restricted and can be requested at the discretion of FBI

members.

rehabilitation trust f und will be set up according to

Section 41(1) as well as Regulations 53 and 54 of the

MPRDA.

Rehabilitation

Mr C Forbes

Landowner



• Roads damaged during prospecting cannot be

rehabilitated with core, as it causes acid mine drainage.

• Damage to roads, especially when it is wet,

must be rehabilitated immediately , to the requirements of

f armers.

• Exploration boreholes must be rehabilitated

properly . Placing soil on top of the hole or throwing core

back into the hole is not acceptable, as this is a hazard to

cattle.

The issues raised were incorporated into the

Rehabilitation Plan f or the project (Section 9.3). All

boreholes will be sealed to ensure that they are not a

saf ety or env ironmental hazard.

Table 12 Impacts Identified during the Baseline Assessment Aspect Impact Cross reference to source activity Cross reference to EMP

Soil

Soil in the project area is 450 – 750 mm, consisting of moderate to good quality

arable soils with abov e av erage water holding capacities. The mov ement of heav y

machinery and maintenance on site can result in compaction and possible

contamination of soils.

Mov ement of heav y machinery and

equipment maintenance on site

Soil Management Plan

(Table 14.5)

Soil Erosion and sediment washing f rom drill pads, access roads and other disturbed

areas into the surrounding env ironment. Unprotected denuded areas.

Erosion and Sediment Control

(Table 14.5)

Soil, Surf ace-

& Groundwater Hy drocarbon, f uel or chemical spillage.

Storing and dispensing of

hy drocarbons, f uels and chemicals on

site.

Oil & Diesel Storage Procedure

(Appendix 6)

Soil, Surf ace-

& Groundwater

The generation of acid mine drainage f rom core drillings lef t on site. The core

contains py rite, which acidif ies when in contact with oxy gen and water

Exposure of core drillings to oxy gen

and water.

Surf ace Water Management

Plan (Table 14.3), Closure and

Rehabilitation Plan (Section

9.3)

Land use

The establishment of a prospecting site and access roads will temporarily change

the land use f rom either agricultural, f orestry or subsistence f arming to

prospecting.

Establishment of prospecting sites,

clearing of v egetation and topsoil.

Planning (Table 14.1)


(Section 9.3)

Biodiv ersity The establishment of a prospecting site and access tracks, clearing of v egetation, Establishment of prospecting sites, Biodiv ersity Management Plan


March 2010

53

noise and dust could af f ect f auna, f lora and specif ically threatened species, in a

negativ e way . Alien inv asiv e species and weeds can be introduced to disturbed

areas.

clearing of v egetation, noise and dust

f rom prospecting.

(Table 14.2)

Surf ace water

The drilling rig will require approximately 10 000 litres of water a day . This water will

be sourced, with the permission of landowners, f rom local surf ace water, which

may result in a reduction in av ailability f or downstream users.

Drilling water requirements.

Prospecting Planning

Programme (Table 14.1)


Plan (Table 14.3)

Surf ace water

Surf ace water in the project area is of good quality . Surf ace water in the project

area drains both to the Vaal and Usutu Riv er catchments. Polluted runof f f rom

prospecting sites could contaminate surf ace water. Polluted water can originate

f rom maintenance of v ehicles and machinery on site, storage of oil, diesel and

chemicals on site, sewage.

Maintenance of v ehicles and

machinery , oil, diesel and chemical

storage and sewage.


Plan (Table 14.4)

Wetlands

Establishment of prospecting sites and access tracks could impact on the

hy drology and biodiv ersity associated with wetlands. The Usutu catchment

specif ically contains a number of wetlands that are sensitiv e to disturbance and

pollution.

Establishment of prospecting sites and

access tracks.

Wetlands Management Plan

(Table 14.4)

Heritage sites Various heritage sites are present in the project area, which could be damaged

during prospecting.

Prospecting sites & access tracks.

Drilling of prospecting boreholes.

Heritage Management Plan

(Table 14.2)

Socio-

economics

Expectations can be created that numerous job and business opportunities will

become av ailable during prospecting. IAPs need to be inf ormed throughout the

project.

Job and business creation opportunities

associated with prospecting.

Socio-economic Management

Plan (Table 14.7)

Waste Domestic waste, sewage, drilling core and contaminated soil can contaminate soil

and water resources. Waste generation during prospecting.

Table 14.6, Appendix 6 and

Section 9.3

Table 13 Overall Categorisation and Significance Rating of Prospecting Impacts (see Appendix 6) Consequence Likelihood Activity of

concern and

prospecting

phase

Impact on the environment Nat/Int/Sev Spat Dur Prob Freq

OS Cross reference to

source

Cross reference

to EMP

5 2 2 4 5 High negative Prospecting Process

Construction and

Operational

Landowners object to prospecting on their land due to past

experience. Issues relate to pollution, erosion,

compensation, lack of communication, rehabilitation. 3 2 2 3 3 With mitigation: Medium negative

Table 11 (Geldenhuys, Forbes,

Robberts)

Table 14.1

Table 14.7

Section 9.3

5 3 2 3 5 (Sea) High negative Surface and

groundwater

Construction,

Operational & Closure

The project area is pristine and situated on a sensitive

water divide. Surface and groundwater is the only source of

water to farmers. Pollution must be avoided. 3 1 2 2 2 (Sea) With mitigation:

Low negative

Table 11 (Robberts, Forbes,

Geldenhuys, Kraamwinkel)

Storing and dispensing of drill

core and contaminants on site

Section 9.1

Tables 14.1, 14.3

14.4 and 14.6.

Sections 9.3 and 9.4

5 3 3 3 5 High negative W etlands

Construction,


Wetlands must not be accessed or affected during

prospecting. Prospecting could impact on the hydrology

and biodiversity associated with wetlands 1 2 2 2 2 With mitigation:

Low negative

Table 11 (Forbes, Robberts)

Establishment of prospecting


Section 9.1

Table 14.4

Section 9.3


March 2010

54

3 2 2 3 2 (Sea) Medium negative Bio-Diversity

Construction,


A number of threatened or endangered species are found

in the area, mostly associated with wetlands. Prospecting

could 3 1 2 2 2 (Sea) With mitigation:

Low negative

Table 11 (Kraamwinkel)

Establishing of prospecting


Section 9.1

Table 14.2

Section 9.3

3 2 2 2 3 (Sea) Medium negative Soil Erosion

Construction,


Erosion and sediments washing from drill pads, access

roads and other disturbed areas. Heavy machinery cannot

use sensitive roads like dam walls. 3 1 1 2 2 (Sea) With mitigation:

Low negative

Table 11 (Forbes)

Unprotected denuded areas

Table 14.5

Section 9.3

5 2 2 3 2 (Sea) Medium negative Fire management

Construction and

Operational

The impact of fires started in the prospecting area could

be severe in the surrounding forestry areas. Fires must be

prevented and fire fighting equipment must be kept on site

at all times. 3 1 2 2 2 (Sea)

With mitigation: Low negative

Table 11 (Kraamwinkel and

Robberts)

Table 14.7

Section 9.4

3 2 4 3 5 Medium negative Rehabilitation

Operational and

Closure

Rehabilitation must not be neglected and must be

completed adequately to prevent on-going pollution.

Rehabilitation methods must not introduce pollution.

Sufficient funds must be set aside for rehabilitation 3 1 3 2 1

With mitigation: Low negative

Table 11 (Manyathi, Robberts,

Forbes)

All aspects of rehabilitation

Section 9.3

Section 14

3 2 2 3 5 Medium negative W aste management

Construction,


Poor management of waste (domestic waste, sewage,

drilling core and contaminated soil) will cause pollution of

soil and water 1 1 1 2 2 With mitigation:

Low negative

Waste generation during

prospecting

Table 14.6,

Appendix 6 and

Section 9.3

3 2 2 2 2 (Sea) Low negative Air Quality

Construction and

Operational

Dust from prospecting will choke wetlands and coal

vegetation, making it unsuitable for livestock grazing. 3 1 2 2 2 (Sea) With mitigation:

Low negative

Table 11 (Robberts)

Dust from drilling Table 14.6

3 1 1 1 1 Low negative Damage to private

property

Operational

Vibrations from drilling through hard rock (dolerite) could

result in damage to private property 3 1 1 1 1 With mitigation:

Low negative

Table 11 (Manyathi)

Drilling through hard rock Table 14.7

3 2 2 2 2 Low negative Heritage Sites

Construction and

Operational

The establishment of prospecting sites and access tracks

could damage heritage sites, including buildings older

than 100 years. 1 1 2 2 1 With mitigation:

Low negative

Table 11 (Manyathi

Prospecting sites, access

tracks and drilling

Table 14.2

Section 9.3

3 1 2 1 2 Low positive Socio-economics

Construction and

Operational

The project can benefit local communities and businesses

through job creation. 3 2 2 2 2 With mitigation:

Low positive

Table 11 (Maseko, Manyathi,

Masina)

Job creation opportunities

Table 14.7


March 2010

55

9 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Undertaken in terms of Section 39(3)(d) of the MPRDA, read together w ith Regulations 52(2)(b)

and 52(2)(c). The information is presented in tabular format, as prescribed by the DMR.

9.1 Excluded and exempted areas

The follow ing areas are excluded and exempted from prospecting w ork, unless otherw ise agreed

w ith landow ners:

• A buffer zone of 100m from and around w etlands.

• A buffer zone of 100m metres from rivers and streams, outside the f loodplain and

above the 1:50 year f lood level mark.

• A buffer zone of 100m around dams and pans.

• A buffer zone of 100m around heritage sites, including buildings older than 60

years and cemeteries.

• A buffer zone of 100m around farmsteads and all other residential areas.

• The tow n of Sheepmoor.

• All conservation and other protected areas.

• A buffer zone of 5m around national, provincial and farm roads.

• Steep sloping mountainous terrain.

• The servitudes of all buried telephone lines, pipelines and other public utilities.

9.2 Tabulated Environmental Management Plan

The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is presented overleaf in Table 14.


March 2010

56

Table 14.1 Environmental Management Plan: Planning and Access Impact that

may cause

pollution or

degradation

Significance of

impact (cross

reference to EIA)

Applicable

Prospecting

Phase

Mitigation Measure Responsibl

e Person Cost

Reconciliation

with prescribed

Standards

Planning of the

prospecting

programme and

gaining access

to prospecting

drilling sites

Initial

assessment:

High negativ e

With mitigation:

Medium negativ e

Construction Phase

• SRC will seek to dev elop access arrangements with each landowner prior

to commencing with prospecting. The arrangements will include periods

during which SRC is permitted access, parts of land which may be

prospected and the conditions that SRC will observ e when prospecting.

• Landowner agreement will be sought f or access, the use of on-site water

resources, management of gates, liv estock control, conditions of entry and

permission to camp on site.

• Each prospecting site will be clearly demarcated with a f ence and

permanent beacons will be erected and maintained, as required.

Prospecting will be strictly limited to the demarcated site, with the exception

of a 5m f irebreak that will be cleared of v egetation around each prospecting

site.

• Drilling will be undertaken by a reputable company and each prospecting

site will be adequately superv ised by an SRC representativ e. All people

inv olv ed in prospecting will receiv e adequate training according to the

Training Programme in Section 12.

• All av ailable historical prospecting inf ormation will be ev aluated prior to

f inalising the drilling programme to av oid duplication of inf ormation.

• The location of all existing buried telephone lines, pipelines and other

public serv itudes will be identif ied.

• The Regulation 2(2) Plan will be av ailable at the prospecting site and will

be updated on a regular basis with regard to progress made with

prospecting.

• Each drilling site will be rev iewed on site to identif y excluded and

exempted areas.

• Existing roads/tracks will be identif ied so that they can be used.

• The need to construct new access tracks will be determined.

• If new tracks hav e to be constructed, the route shall be selected so that

the minimum number of bushes and trees are f elled and existing f ence

lines will be f ollowed as f ar as possible. Water courses and steep gradients

will be av oided as f ar as practical.

• New access tracks will be designed and constructed with appropriate

sediment and erosion control, including cut-of f berms and trenches.

SRC Project

Manager

± R50 000

(Fence,

Training,

Establishment

of new tracks,

f ire f ighting

equipment,

water cart,

repairs of

damage to

roads)

Planning and

implementation will

comply with the

requirements of :

• The MPRDA

and its

Regulations

• The NWA and

its Regulations

• The

requirement f or a

water use

license.

• The DWEA

Best Practice

Guidelines

• NEMA and its

Regulations.

• The NEMWA

(Act 59 of 2009)

and its

Regulations.


March 2010

57

• Depending on the condition of the road, wet weather access will be

restricted so as to prev ent damage.

• No other routes will be used by prospecting v ehicles or personnel f or the

purpose of gaining access to the site.

• Each drilling site will be f enced of f to restrict access to the area.

• Strict saf ety regulations will be implemented, including PPE and access

conditions. All f ire f ighting equipment detailed in the Fire Management Plan

in Table 18, will be on site at all times.

• Photographs will be taken bef ore, during and af ter prospecting at each

site at f ixed points, f or the purpose of determining the success of the

rehabilitation programme.


March 2010

58

Impact that

may cause

pollution or

degradation

Significance of

impact (cross

reference to EIA)

Applicable

Prospecting

Phase


e Person Mitigation cost

Reconciliation

with prescribed

Standards

Operational Phase

• Only one prospecting site will be operational at any time.

• The area to be disturbed will be kept to a minimum, not exceeding 5 x 5

m.

• A 5m f irebreak will be cleared of v egetation around each site.

• Existing roads and tracks will be used, where possible.

• Wet weather access arrangements will be implemented, as necessary .

• If access tracks are to be constructed, they will incorporate appropriate

sediment and erosion controls.

• New access tracks will be adequately maintained so as to minimise dust,

erosion or undue surf ace damage.

Superv isor

Initial

assessment:

High negativ e

With mitigation:

Medium negativ e

Decommissioning

and Closure Phase

• If new access tracks were constructed, they will be rehabilitated as soon

as possible af ter use to meet the requirements of the Rehabilitation Plan in

Section 9.3.

• Damage to existing roads will be repaired in consultation with the

landowner. Drill cores may not be used f or road rehabilitation.

• Prospecting sites wil be rehabilitated to meet the requirements of the

Rehabilitation Plan in Section 9.3.

• A f inal Regulation 2(2) Plan will be submitted to DMR upon completion of

the project.

Superv isor


March 2010

59

Table 14.2 Environmental Management Plan: Biodiversity and heritage sites Impact that

may cause

pollution or

degradation

Significance of

impact (cross

reference to EIA)

Applicable

Prospecting

Phase


e Person Cost

Reconciliation

with prescribed

Standards

Construction Phase

• Prospecting activ ities will be kept away f rom excluded and exempted

areas.

• Boreholes and access tracks will be located in areas that will result in

minimal ground disturbance.

• A f ield surv ey will be undertaken bef ore drilling commences at each

drilling site to conf irm that no threatened species, ecologically sensitiv e

areas or conserv ation areas are present in sections to be cleared.

• Permission will be obtained f rom landowners bef ore trees are f elled.

• Machinery will be cleared of mud and seed prior to relocation to the next

site to prev ent the spread of alien inv asiv e species.

SRC Project

Manager

Operational Phase

• Areas of ecological signif icance will be av oided and if disturbance is

required, it will be undertaken in accordance with legislation.

• Prospecting activ ities will be discussedwith landowners prior to work

commencing.

Superv isor

Impact on

Biodiv ersity

(v egetation,

animals and

conserv ation

areas)

Initial

assessment:

Low negativ e

With mitigation:

Low negativ e

Decommissioning

and Closure Phase

• Boreholes and disturbed land will be rehabilitated according to the


• An inspection on whether there is ev idence of weeds or pest inv asion as

a result of prospecting activ ities will be undertaken and appropriate

remediation actions will be implemented as required.

Superv isor

No cost other

than salaries of

prospecting

personnel

(Superv isor)

Planning and

implementation will

comply with the

requirements of :

• The MPRDA

and its

Regulations

• The NWA and

its Regulations

• NEMA and its

Regulations.

• The NEMWA

(Act 59 of 2009)

and its

Regulations.

Construction Phase

• Potential heritage sites will be identif ied during the planning phase to

ensure that such areas are av oided. Each prospecting site will be v isited

prior to any work starting to identif y possible heritage sites.

• Local knowledge will be used to identif y and conf irm heritage sites.

• Where boreholes are sited in proximity to heritage sites and depending on

the proximity to the drilling site, appropriate measures such as f lagging,

pegging or installation of temporary f encing will be undertaken to ensure

that the site is not impacted on during prospecting

SRC Project

Manager

Operational Phase

• The prospecting programme will be designed to av oid disturbance of

heritage sites.

• Prospecting activ ities will be restricted to areas approv ed by landowners

and designated f or the activ ity .

Superv isor

Heritage sites

Initial

assessment: Low

negativ e

With mitigation:

Low negativ e

Decommissioning

and Closure Phase

• Boreholes and disturbed land will be rehabilitated according to the

Rehabilitation Plan in Section 9.3. Superv isor

±R 5000

(Flagging,

pegging and

surv ey ing)

Planning and

implementation will

comply with the

requirements of :

• Section 3(2) of

the National

Heritage

Resources Act


March 2010

60

Table 14.3 Environmental Management Plan: Surface WaterImpact that may

cause pollution or

degradation

Significance of

impact

Applicable

Prospecting

Phase

Mitigation Measure Responsible

Person Mitigation cost

Reconciliation

with prescribed

Standards

Construction

Phase

• Existing water supply locations will be identified for use and agreements will

be reached with landowners regarding on-site water use. The drilling rig will

require approximately 10 000l/day. Where a suitable water supply is not

available, water will be sourced from a commercial supplier and delivered to

site by water tanker.

• If required, a water use license will be applied for to DWEA for the

abstraction of surface- and/or groundwater during prospecting.

• The drilling fluid that will be used during prospecting must be bio-

degradable and not pose a water pollution threat.

• Drilling sumps and containment measures will be designed to contain all

drilling fluid.

• Adequate provision will be made for storing drinking water on site in the

form of 2500 litre plastic water tanks.

• Sediment and erosion controls will be designed to prevent runoff from the

prospecting site into rivers, streams and wetlands.

• Appropriate water management, sediment and erosion controls will be

designed for road and tracks that may be constructed.

SRC Project

Manager

Operational

Phase

• Drilling sumps will be constructed sufficiently large to retain all slurry

produced during drilling.

• A cut-off trench and berm will be constructed around the prospecting site to

divert clean water around the affected area and to contain dirty runoff inside the

affected area.

• The cut-off trench and berm will serve as sediment and erosion control

measures to prevent runoff of sediment.

• All chemicals, fuels and oils to be stored on site will be appropriately

bunded according to the Oil and Diesel Storage Procedure in Appendix 6.

• Machinery and equipment will only be maintained over a drip tray, a thin

concrete slab or a PVC lining to prevent soil and water contamination. No

vehicle will be extensively repaired in any place other than the maintenance

yard.

• Spills will be managed according to the Spill Procedure in Table 17. Any

contaminated soil will be collected into non-permeable bags and disposed of

to an approved landfill site.

• A chemical toilet will be used on site during prospecting and will be used in

such a way as to prevent water pollution. The use of a chemical toilet will be

undertaken in consultation with the landowner. Full or leaking toilets must be

reported to the Supervisor for corrective action or replacement

Superv isor

Surf ace water

Initial

assessment:

High negativ e

With mitigation:

Low negativ e

Decommissioning

and Closure

Phase

• All core will be removed from the prospecting site and if required will be

disposed of to an approved landfill to avoid acid mine drainage through the

exposure of sulphide minerals in the core to oxygen and water.

• All sumps, cut-off trenches and berms will be rehabilitated according to the


Superv isor

± R80 500

(Water license

application,

domestic

water tank,

sediment and

erosion

controls,

construction

of storage

area, spill kit,

core remov al

f rom site,

chemical

toilet)

Water cart

costs are

allocated in

Table 14.1

Planning and

implementation

will comply with

the requirements

of :

• The MPRDA

and its

Regulations

• The NWA and

its Regulations

• The

requirement f or

a water use

license.

• The DWEA

Best Practice

Guidelines

• NEMA and its

Regulations.

• The NEMWA

(Act 59 of

2009) and its

Regulations.


March 2010

61

Table 14.4 Environmental Management Plan: Groundwater and Wetlands Impact that may

cause pollution or

degradation

Significance of

impact

Applicable

Prospecting

Phase


Person Cost

Reconciliation

with prescribed

Standards

Construction

Phase

• A chemical toilet will be used on site during prospecting.

• Full or leaking toilets must be reported to the Superv isor f or

correctiv e action or replacement

• Sediment and erosion controls will be designed to contain

possible dirty runof f within the prospecting site.

• Appropriate water management and sediment and erosion

controls will be designed f or road and tracks that may be

constructed.

SRC Project

Manager

Operational

Phase

• Spills will be managed according to the Spill Procedure in Table 17. Any

contaminated soil will be collected into non-permeable bags and disposed of

to an approved landfill site.

• For the purpose of future monitoring programmes, impact assessments and

rehabilitation, the depth of water strikes will be recorded during exploration

drilling.

• The static groundwater level will be monitored in prospecting boreholes that

intersected water after completion and before rehabilitation for future

monitoring, impact assessment and rehabilitation purposes.

• If any drill hole meets an artesian flow, it will be permanently sealed from top

to bottom, depending on site conditions, to prevent surface discharge.

• All boreholes will be drilled and constructed in such a way as to prevent

ingress of water into the hole.

• Any completed hole that is not required for groundwater monitoring, will be

sealed to prevent groundwater contamination.

Superv isor

Groundwater

Initial

assessment:

High negativ e

With mitigation:

Low negativ e

Decommissioning

and Closure

Phase

• Rehabilitation of prospecting boreholes as well as the site

and access tracks will be undertaken according to the


Superv isor

± R 15 000

(sealing of

borehole)

All other costs

are included in

Table 14.3

Planning and

implementation

will comply with

the requirements

of :

• The MPRDA

and its

Regulations

• The NWA and

its Regulations

• The DWEA

Best Practice

Guidelines

• NEMA and its

Regulations.

• The NEMWA

(Act 59 of

2009) and its

Regulations.

Wetlands

Initial

assessment:

High negativ e

With mitigation:

Low negativ e

Construction

Phase

• During the planning phase f or each borehole, wetlands as

well as riv ers and/or streams f eeding wetlands will be

identif ied. The prospecting programme will be designed to

av oid wetlands and to leav e a buf f er zone of 100m around

wetlands, riv er, streams, dams and pans,

• Wetlands will not be crossed, accesses, drained, dredged or

f illed during prospecting.

• Wetland and surrounding land use management will be

aimed at minimising interf erence with the hy drology of

wetlands as this is the most important determinant of a

SRC Project

Manager

No specif ic

costs other

than salary of

prospecting

personnel

(Superv isor)

Planning &

implementation

to comply with:

• The MPRDA

& its

Regulations.

• The NWA and

its Regulations

• The DWEA

Best Practice


March 2010

62

wetland’s structure and f unction.

Operational

Phase

• Plans and controls to minimise erosion and sediment control

dev eloped during the construction phase will be implemented. Superv isor

Decommissioning

and Closure

Phase

• Rehabilitation of prospecting boreholes as well as the site

and access tracks will be undertaken according to the


Superv isor

Guidelines

• NEMA and its

Regulations.

• The NEMWA

(Act 59 of

2009) and its

Regulations.

Table 14.5 Environmental Management Plan: Soil, Erosion and Sediment Control Impact that may

cause pollution or

degradation

Significance of

impact

Applicable

Prospecting

Phase



Reconciliation

with prescribed

Standards

Construction

Phase

• During the planning phase f or each borehole, specif ic

controls will be identif ied and implemented, based on site

conditions.

• Topsoil will be stripped to a depth of 300mm f rom all

disturbed areas and stored in a bund wall on high ground,

outside the 1:50 y ear f lood lev els of riv ers and streams,

within the f irebreak area.

• Topsoil will be adequately protected f rom being blown away

or being eroded.

• Machinery and equipment will only be maintained ov er a

drip tray , a thin concrete slab or a PVC lining to prev ent soil

and water contamination. No v ehicle will be extensiv ely

repaired in any place other than the maintenance y ard.

• Controls will be aimed at minimising erosion and sediment

washing f rom drill pads, access roads and other disturbed

areas.

• Sediment and erosion controls may include cut-of f trenches

and drains, culv erts f or tracks, silt f ences, straw bales, rock

armouring or mulching.

• Drill core will not be used f or sediment and erosion control

due to the presence of py ritic minerals in the core that could

cause acid mine drainage.

• Minimising the area of disturbance and timely rehabilitation

will help to minimise erosion and sediment mov ement.

SRC Project

Manager

Soils,

Erosion and

Sediment Control

Initial

assessment:

Medium

negativ e

With mitigation:

Low negativ e

Operational

Phase

• Plans and controls to minimise erosion and sediment control

dev eloped during the construction phase will be implemented.

• Monthly inspections will be undertaken of erosion and

Superv isor

± R 8 750

(Topsoil

stripping)

All other costs

are ref lected

in Table 14.3

Planning will

comply with the

requirements of :

• The MPRDA

and its

regulations

• The NWA and

its Regulations

• The DWEA

Best Practice

Guidelines

• NEMA and its

Regulations.

• The NEMWA

(Act 59 of

2009) and its

Regulations.


March 2010

63

sediment controls to ensure they area ef f ectiv e and to

determine whether maintenance work is required.

Decommissioning

and Closure

Phase

• Erosion and sediment controls as well as the disturbed area

will be rehabilitated according to the Rehabilitation Plan in

Section 9.3.

Superv isor


March 2010

64

Table 14.6 Environmental Management Plan: Air, Noise and Waste Impact that may

cause pollution or

degradation

Significance of

impact

Applicable

Prospecting

Phase



Reconciliation

with prescribed

Standards

Construction

Phase

• All drilling rigs will be f itted with appropriate dust and noise

suppression equipment like water spray s and muf f lers.

• Borehole sites will not be located within 1km of residential

areas to ensure that noise lev els are not exceeded at

sensitiv e receptor areas.

SRC Project

Manager

Operational

Phase

• All equipment on site will be maintained in a good working

order.

• Pre-start inspections of equipment will include inspections

of noise and dust control measures to ensure they are

operational at all times.

• Speed limits on grav el roads will be 60 km/hr to minimise

dust and noise generation.

• Prospecting activ ities will be restricted to day light hours.

• Dust will be ef f ectiv ely controlled in all disturbed areas

through water spray ing.

Superv isor

Air and Noise

Management

Initial

assessment:

Low negativ e

With mitigation:

Low negativ e

Decommissioning and

Closure Phase • No specif ic management measures NA

± R10 000

(Muf f lers and

water spray s

on drilling rig)

Other costs

are cov ered in

Tables 14.1

and 14.3

Planning will

comply with the

requirements of :

• The MPRDA

and its

regulations

• NEMA and its

Regulations.

• The Air

Quality Act

(Act 39 of

2004).

Construction

Phase

• Controls will be implemented during the operational phase of

prospecting. NA Waste management

Initial

assessment:

Medium

negativ e

With mitigation:

Low negativ e

Operational

Phase

• Prospecting areas will be maintained in a clean and tidy

condition at all times.

• All waste will be collected, separated and stored in properly

constructed containers with lids and remov ed to an approv ed

landf ill or another site according to local municipal

requirements. Full waste bins must be reported to the

Superv isor f or collection and disposal at an approv ed landf ill.

• Precautions will be taken to prev ent spills and soil

contamination.

• All chemicals, f uels and oils to be stored on site will be

appropriately bunded according to the Oil and Diesel Storage

Procedure in Appendix 6.

• An appropriate commercially av ailable spill kit will be kept at

each prospecting area that will contain PPE, containers, and

equipment (including absorbent material) to clean spills up.

Superv isor

± R 2 500

(Waste

remov al)

Other costs

are cov ered in

Tables 14.1

and 14.3

Planning will

comply with the

requirements of :

• The NEMWA

(Act 59 of

2009) and its

Regulations.


March 2010

65

Spills will be managed and cleaned according to the Spill

Procedure in Table 17.

• Any contaminated soil will be collected into non-permeable

bags and disposed of to an approv ed landf ill site. The site of

a spill will be rehabilitated according to the Rehabilitation Plan

in Section 9.3.

• A chemical toilet will be kept on site f or use during

prospecting.

Decommissioning

and Closure

Phase

• Remaining ref use, chemicals, f uels and waste materials will

be remov ed f rom the site f ollowing the completion of the

prospecting programme. Such waste will be disposed of to an

approv ed landf ill.

Superv isor


March 2010

66

Table 14. 7 Environmental Management Plan: Socio-economics Impact that may

cause pollution or

degradation

Significance of

impact

Applicable

Prospecting

Phase



Reconciliation

with prescribed

Standards

Construction

Phase

• Inf ormation regarding land claims will be obtained prior to

the commencement of prospecting. If drilling is to be

undertaken in land claim areas, consultation will be

undertaken with current f armers as well as land claimants.

• Local people and businesses with appropriate skills will be

identif ied and included in the project tender process. SRC is

committed to employ local people and businesses during the

project, where possible.

• Due to the nature of prospecting, employ ment opportunities

will be minimal. The prospecting crew is small (6 people) with

specialised skills. Were possible, local people will howev er be

employ ed during the project.

• Compensation f or damage will be negotiated with f armers

during Phase 1 of the prospecting project. This will be based

on the merits of each case.

SRC Project

Manager

Operational

Phase

• Emergency incidents will be managed according to the

Emergency Response Procedure in Section 9.4, including spill

and f ire prev ention.

• Complaints will be dealt with according to the Complains

Handling Procedure in Table 20.

• Feedback will be giv en to registered IAPs on a quarterly

basis regarding progress made with the prospecting project.

• If damage to priv ate property occurs as a result of

prospecting activ ities by SRC, such damage will be repaired

or owners will be compensated as appropriate.

Superv isor

Socio-economic

impacts

Initial

assessment

Low positiv e

With mitigation:

Low positiv e

Decommissioning

and Closure

Phase

• No specif ic management measures required. NA

± R 5000

(PPE)

Other costs

are cov ered in

Tables 14.1

and 14.3

Planning will

comply with the

requirements of :

• The MPRDA

and its

regulations

•

• NEMA and its

Regulations.


March 2010

67

9.3 Closure Plan (Action Plan and Time Schedule for mitigtation)

Upon completion of prospecting, rehabilitation of all remaining disturbed areas w ill be undertaken,

temporary infrastructure w ill be removed and the site w ill be prepared for an inspection by the

DMR to obtain a closure certif icate. Progressive rehabilitation w ill be undertaken during

prospecting. Each prospecting site and associated disturbed areas w ill be rehabilitated w hen

prospecting at the site has been completed. This w ill be done w hile the next prospecting site is

being established. Financial provision for rehabilitation is detailed in Section 14.

At closure, the Regulation 2(2) Plan w ill be updated to reflect the f inal extent of prospecting and

w ill be submitted to the DMR. A f inal Environmental Risk Report (ERR) w ill be compiled according

to Regulation 60 of the MPRDA and included in the Final Closure Plan that w ill be developed at the

start of the closure phase. The ERR w ill be based on the screening level environmental risk

assessment undertaken in Section 8 of this document as w ell as additional sampling, data

collection and monitoring that may be required.

The Final Closure Plan w ill summarise rehabilitation that still needs to be undertaken during the

closure phase of prospecting.

Rehabilitation w ill be undertaken according to the Rehabilitation Plan in Section 9.3.2. During the

closure phase of prospecting landow ners and IAPs w ill be consulted regarding f inal land use

requirements. The results of these w ill be presented in the Final Closure Plan. If the commitments

in this EMP are adhered to and rehabilitation is undertaken as detailed in Tables 15 and 16, it is not

anticipated that there w ill be any long-term management or maintenance required for areas

disturbed during prospecting.

9.3.1 Closure objectives

The follow ing closure objectives w ill be applicable for rehabilitation:

• Land disturbed w ill be rehabilitated to a stable and permanent form suitable for

subsequent land use.

• The f inal land use w ill be agriculture, forestry or subsistence farming, depending on

w here the prospecting site is located w ithin the project area.

• There w ill be no adverse environmental effect outside the disturbed area and the

affected area w ill be shaped to ensure effective drainage and prevent ponding on site.

• The disturbed area w ill not require greater maintenance than that in or on

surrounding land after closure.

The rehabilitation procedures for prospecting boreholes and for prospecting sites and access

tracks are provided in Tables 15 and 16 below .

9.3.2 Rehabilitation Plan

The rehabilitation programme may vary betw een boreholes due to the different land uses in the

project area. The follow ing environmental controls w ill be implemented during the operational

phase of prospecting to aid or reduce rehabilitation:

• Vegetation cleared from the site w ill be stored outside the prospecting site and


March 2010

68

outside the f irebreak for f inal rehabilitation. This location w ill be agreed on w ith the landow ner.

• Topsoil w ill be stripped w ithin the 5 x 5m area in areas w here sumps and trenches

are to be dug, to a depth of 300mm, and stockpiled separately w ithin the 5m-radius f irebreak.

All topsoil removed w ill be appropriately stored and protected from erosion for use during

rehabilitation.

• Sediment and erosion controls w ill be maintained for the duration of prospecting

activities. This w ill include a cutoff trench and and berm around each prospecting site to divert

clean surface runoff around the affected area and to contain potentially dirty runoff inside the

prospecting site.

• Prospecting activities w ill be restricted to the designated drilling site and agreed

upon access tracks. No further disturbances w ill be permitted.

Table 15 Rehabilitation procedure for prospecting boreholes Rehabilitation of prospecting boreholes

Landowners will be of f ered the opportunity to use large-diameter boreholes that intersect strong aquif ers as water

supply boreholes. It will be the responsibility of the landowner to test the groundwater to determine whether or

not it is f it f or use. It will be the responsibility of the landowner to insert the necessary borehole construction

(casing and screens) and pumping equipment in such boreholes. Boreholes to be used f or groundwater

abstraction will be registered with DWEA.

In some instances, large-diameter boreholes will be used as monitoring boreholes. Monitoring boreholes will be

identif ied in consultation with the landowner. For the purpose of monitoring, SRC will equip the borehole as

necessary (casing, screens and locable cap) to ensure that it is stable and saf e. Monitoring boreholes will be

registered with DWEA.

Boreholes that will not be used f or groundwater monitoring or abstraction will be sealed.

A plug or similar dev ice made of durable material (eg PVC, steel or concrete) and designed to securely seal the

borehole, will be installed in the collar of the borehole below surf ace lev el.

Af ter the seal is inserted, the borehole will be shaped with soil to allow the area to be f ree draining.

Boreholes that hav e intersected an aquif er and will not be used by landowners f or groundwater abstraction,

require special attention if there is a likelihood that these boreholes could be intersected later during underground

mining. Such boreholes must be sealed with a concrete plug at least immediately abov e and immediately below

the aquif er. For the purpose of rehabilitation, water strikes will be recorded during the drilling programme.

The boreholes will be surv ey ed f or f uture ref erence.

In cases where the borehole may be needed some time af ter drilling, a substantial metal object will be f ixed in the

upper portion of the borehole (like a steel casing) to allow the hole to be detected with a magnetometer or metal

detector and/or a borehole marker, whichev er option is agreed on with the landowner.

Table 16 Rehabilitation of prospecting sites and access tracks Progressiv e rehabilitation will be undertaken during the operational phase of prospecting. Each prospecting site

and associated disturbed areas will be rehabilitated when prospecting at the site has been completed. This will be

undertaken while the next prospecting site is being established to ensure that old prospecting sites are

rehabilitated as soon as possible.

All temporary equipment and f acilities will be remov ed of f site.

All sumps and trenches will be backf illed, compacted and topsoil will be replaced. Drilling f luid used must be bio-

degradable to av oid contamination of soil and water resources.

Topsoil will be replaced across the disturbed area and shaped to allow a f ree draining surf ace. No ponding on the

disturbed area will be allowed.

Each site will be seeded with a v egetation seed mix adapted to ref lect the local indigenous f lora. An inspection

will be held af ter rehabilitation to determine weed or pest inf estation and the necessary correctiv e action will be

implemented.

Cleared v egetation shall be used as brush-cut packing on disturbed areas af ter rehabilitation to prev ent erosion

while natural v egetation re-establishes. No alien plant material may be used f or this purpose.

All drilling core and cuttings will be remov ed of f site and disposed of at an approv ed landf ill.

Waste containers will be remov ed of f site and waste will be disposed of at an approv ed landf ill site.


March 2010

69

All surv ey pegs and f lagging tape will be remov ed where appropriate.

Where the prospecting site has rendered an area dev oid of v egetation or where soils hav e been compacted owing

to traf f ic, the surf ace shall be scarif ied or ripped.

Access tracks will be ripped and graded to match the surrounding landf orms. If necessary , rehabilitated roads will

be appropriately f ertilised, based on a soil analy sis, to ensure the regrowth of v egetation. Imported road

construction materials that may hamper the regrowth of v egetation will be remov ed and disposed of to an

approv ed landf ill.

Damage to pre-existing roads will be repaired in consultation with the landowner. If backf illing is required, inert

material will be imported to the site f or this purpose. Core will not be used in the rehabilitation of access tracks

or pre-existing roads.

The af f ected area will be shaped to ensure ef f ectiv e drainage of stormwater and to prev ent ponding on site.

In cases where nativ e v egetation has been remov ed or damaged and where re-v egetation is required, species

endemic to the area will be re-established.

Photos will be taken of each site bef ore, during and af ter prospecting at f ixed point to be kept on record f or

inspections.

9.4 Emergency Response Procedure

Emergency environmental incidents can be defined as incidents having the follow ing criteria:

• The likelihood of these incidents occurring is considered to be very low or may

never take place during the life of the prospecting operations.

• The environmental impacts associated w ith these incidents may be signif icant if

they are not contained or cleaned immediately.

It is essential that people involved w ith prospecting know how to respond in the event of an

environmental emergency situation in order to avoid signif icant environmental degradation or injury

to human health. Ideally such incidents should not occur. If people involved in prospecting

implement all management measures outlined in the EMP above, the likelihood of such incidents

occurring is greatly reduced. How ever, despite the best intentions and the best environmental

management practices, it is impossible to ensure that no incidentsw ill ever occur during

prospecting. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that all personnel are aw are of the management

measures to be undertaken in the event of an accident.

Tw o emergency incidents have been identif ied. There are:

• • Hydrocarbon spills.

• • The outbreak of a f ire.

Standard Operating Procedures for these emergency incidents are provided in Tables 17and 18.

The Environmental Incident Report Sheet, w hich must be completed in the event of an

environmental incident/emergency accident, is show n in Table 19. These forms w ill be managed

by the Environmental Off icer appointed to the project and w ill be used to improve environmental

management measures to prevent re-occurrence of environmental incidents.


March 2010

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Table 17 Spill Procedure

PRECAUTION

• Clear and secure the area.

• Wear the necessary PPE.

• All spills should be cleaned up promptly , ef f iciently and properly .

• Immediately warn ev ery one at risk due to the spill.

• Ensure adequate v entilation, if the spill occurred in-doors.

PERSON

RESPONSIBLE

The Superv isor is the person responsible to ensure that the spill is managed

according to the Spill Procedure. If the superv isor is not at the scene of the

spill, notif y him/her immediately to ensure that they attend to the spill as soon

as possible.

IDENTIFY THE SPILL Determine what was spilled. Consult the Material Saf ety Data Sheets f or the

item(s) spilled f or additional inf ormation concerning clean-up requirements.

Determine how much of the material was spilled.

EQUIPMENT

• PPE: chemically resistant saf ety glov es, saf ety glasses, enclosed

f ootwear (saf ety boots or gumboots) and ov erall, as applicable and

instructed by the Superv isor.

• Water (to be used sparingly ).

• Appropriate spill kit.

METHOD

Non-volatile, non-flammable, non-

toxic material

Hazardous materials (flammable, toxic or

highly reactive substances) • Put the required PPE on.

• Clean the spill up as directed by y our

Superv isor.

• Most clean-ups of non-v olatile, non-

f lammable and non-toxic liquid spills can be

done with absorbent material. Clean-up

can then be done using a dustpan, brush

and appropriate PPE.

• Pick up broken glass and dispose of in

saf e manner.

• Wash the area where the spilled occurred

once the cleanup is completed. Use water

sparingly .

• Inv estigate and report the cause of the

spill to the Env ironmental Of f icer to

prev ent f uture re-occurrence.

• Notif y y our Superv isor and/or Manager.

• Conf ine spill to a small area with an earth bund wall

downstream, or around the spill, if required.

• Pick up broken glass and dispose of saf e manner.

• If spilled material is f lammable, turn of f ignition and

heat sources without putting y ourself at risk.

• Av oid raising dust and inhaling airborne material.

• Use the relev ant spill kit to clean spill up, eg. oil spill

kit.

• Contaminated material must be disposed of in an

appropriate manner at a waste disposal f acility and

may not be buried or burned on site. Do not discard of

materials or waste water used to clean the spill in sinks,

garbage cans or the municipal storm water drains.

• Report the spill to the Env ironmental Of f icer.

• Complete an Env ironmental Incident Report Sheet and

submit to the Env ironmental Of f icer within 24 hours of

the spill.

• Inv estigate and report the cause of the spill to prev ent

f uture re-occurrence.

For small spills involving acids:

• Flush the area with water but not to the extent that the

spillage is spread unnecessarily .

• Contain the spillage with earth or sand and neutralise

caref ully with soda ash or sodium bicarbonate.

• Dispose of clean up waste to an industrial waste site.

For small spills involving alkalis:

• Contain the spillage with earth or sand.

• Use citric acid to neutralise the alkali bef ore clean up.

• Residual alkali should be washed with water ensuring

that no contact occurs between washings and any

aluminium or zinc containers.

• Dispose of clean up waste to an industrial waste site.


March 2010

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March 2010

72

Table 18 Fire Management Plan OBJECTIVE

To ensure that the Sheepmoor North Prospecting Project is prepared in the ev ent of a f ire breaking out.

FIRE MANAGEMENT ZONES

A f ire management zone will be created within a 5m radius around each prospecting site. Bef ore the

establishment of each prospecting site, the f ollowing inf ormation will be recorded: topography , v egetation,

atmospheric conditions, location of f irebreaks and access to water bodies.

FIRE PREPAREDNESS

To ensure that the prospecting team is prepared to respond to a f ire breakout successf ully , the f ollowing is

applicable:

Fire weather and fire danger rating:

The dry winter season and drought conditions are rated as f ire weather and ev ery one should be alert to f ire

hazards during these times.

Fast Initial Attack

This concept is to quickly suppress any small f ire that may start within the prospecting area.

PREVENTION

The f ollowing measures will be implemented to prev ent a f ire outbreak during prospecting:

• Clearing v egetation around each exploration site within a 5m radius to create a f ire management zone.

• Collection of f irewood will not be allowed.

• Open f ires will be prohibited to people inv olv ed in prospecting. Only gas cookers will be allowed on site.

• No hunting will be allowed.

• No burning cigarettes or matches may be thrown down within the prospecting area. A bucket with sand will be

prov ided f or the disposal of cigarettes and matches.

• No smoking will be allowed near gas, paints or f uel storage areas.

• Suitable welding blankets are to be used when welding or operating grinders and this equipment is to be

serv iced regularly .

• Rubbish or v egetation may under no circumstances be burnt. All waste will be remov ed of f site and disposed

of at an approv ed landf ill.

DETECTION

The superv isor at each prospecting site will be responsible f or a daily inspection of the site and to identif y and

rectif y any f ire hazards.

FIRE FIGHTHING EQUIPMENT

• A 10 000 litre water cart will be kept on site. This cart will be made av ailable to f armers in the area, should a

f ire not associated with the prospecting project break out. Fire crews f rom the prospecting site will also be

made av ailable to f ight such f ires.

• On-site v ehicles will be used to mobilise f ire crews and transport water.

• Hand tools to be kept on site f or f ire f ighting include a shov el, an axe, f ire swatter, a water hose and a water

pump.

• PPE, including boots with f ire resistant soles, glov es, hard hats and a f irst aid kit.

RESPONSIBILITY

It is the responsibility of the Superv isor to ensure that the conditions of the Fire Management Plan are adhered to

and that all prospecting personnel are f ully inf ormed and trained to prev ent and manage f ires.

TRAINING

All Superv isors working on the prospecting site will receiv e basic f ire f ighting and f irst aid training.

REVIEWS

The Fire Management Plan will be rev iewed annually on the anniv ersary of the prospecting license approv al date

or if an incident occurs that is not adequately addressed by this Management Plan.


March 2010

73

Table 19 Environmental Incident Report Sheet


March 2010

74

9.5 Complaints

In order to set a clear procedure to deal w ith complaints from landow ners and IAPs, a Complaints

Register w ill be kept on site, as detailed in Table 20.

Definition of a complaint:

Complaints may constitute, but are not limited to the follow ing:

- If SRC failed to meet the environmental commitments in this EMP.

- If SRC failed to meet the conditions of any other w ritten agreements.

- All other issues raised w ill be treated as grievances, w hich w ill be resolved as soon as

reasonably possible.

It is preferable that complaints are received in w riting (email, fax or letter), but verbal complaints

w ill be accepted under the Complaints Handling Procedure. Written complaints must be directed to

the Company Representative, w hich is:

Cecilia Hattingh

P O Box 113, Beestekraal, 0255


Fax: 0866 286 089

Tel: 012 277 1511

Table 20 Complaints Handling Procedure OBJECTIVE

To ensure that complaints are resolv ed in an ef f icient and prof essional manner.

COMMITMENT

SRC is committed to ef f icient and f air resolution of complaints within the context of this EMP.

SRC acknowledges landowners’ and IAPs’ rights to complain and activ ely solicit f eedback in order to ensure that

the EMP is ef f ectiv e.

FAIRNESS

SRC recognise the need to be f air to both the complainant as well asto SRCduring complaints handling.

RESOURCES

SRC hav e adequate resources f or complaints handling with suf f icient lev els of delegated authority .

VISIBILITY AND ACCESS

The complaints register will be made av ailable to Gov ernment, landowners and IAP on a quarterly basis.

The complaints register is accessible to all and ensures that the process of complaints resolution is transparent.

RESPONSIVENESS

Complaints shall be dealt with in a reasonable time and the complainants shall be treated courteously .

Feedback will be giv en to complainants af ter problem areas hav e been resolv ed.

REMEDIES

The Complaints Procedure has the capacity to determine and implement remedies.

COLLECTION

Complaints and outcomes will be recorded in the Complaints Register in the f ormat of a spreadsheet.

SYSTEMATIC AND RECURRING PROBLEMS

Complaints shall be classif ied and analy sed f or the purpose of identif ication and rectif ication of sy stematic and

recurring problems.

REVIEWS

The Complaints Procedure will be rev iewed annually on the anniv ersary of the prospecting license approv al date

or if an incident occurs that is not adequately addressed by this procedure.


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10 MONITORING AND REPORTING

Monitoring w ill be undertaken according to the specif ications in Table 21.

Table 21 Monitoring requirements

Monitoring activity Frequency Responsibilit

y

Management Action Cost

Check compliance with all

conditions of the EMP. Monthly Superv isor

Rectif y non-compliances

immediately . No cost*

Visual inspection of erosion

control measures. Monthly Superv isor



Inspection of the storage y ard

f or v isible signs of pollution. Weekly Superv isor



Inspection of f ire f ighting

equipment. Weekly Superv isor

Rectif y non-compliances and

replace f aulty tools

immediately .

No cost*

Upstream and downstream

surf ace water quality if

prospecting is near a riv er or

stream.

Weekly Superv isor

Upstream and downstream EC

concentrations and pH lev els will

be taken with handheld

monitoring equipment. If the

water quality at the downstream

sampling point deteriorates,

correctiv e action must be taken.

Handheld

EC and pH

meter:

R3500

Rainf all Daily Superv isor A portable rain gauge will be

erected at each site.

Rain gauge:

R200

Health and Saf ety monitoring

on prospecting personnel.

5 % of work

f orce on 3-

monthly basis

Superv isor

Monitoring of exposure to noise

and dust during the operational

phase.

Grav imetric

sampler

R7000

Noise

badge

R7000

Total Once-off Monitoring Cost R17 700

* No cost, except that of the salary of the Superv isor

11 PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT AND REVIEW

The EMP w ill be audited by an independent party on a bi-annual basis to determine the level of

compliance, according to the requirements of Regulation 55 of the MPRDA. The results of this

audit w ill be used to improve environmental management procedures, w here required.

The Performance Assessment Audit Report w ill be submitted to the DMR upon completion.


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12 TRAINING

As part of the construction phase for the project, induction training w ill be conducted on all people

involved in the prospecting project including geologists, drilling crew and relevant technical

services, prior to the commencement of any w ork. Training w ill involve all the relevant

components of the EMP including:

- Access, including use of roads, tracks, gates, etc.

- Control measures required to manage excluded and exempted areas.

- The handling, storage and disposal of w aste.

- Weed control.

- Fire prevention.

- Sediment and erosion control.

- Control measures to be implemented w ith regards to the management of w ater, noise and

dust.

- Rehabilitation of borehole sites and access tracks.

Refresher training w ill be undertaken bi-annually follow ing the Performance Assessment Audit on

environmental compliance for the project.

13 CAPACITY TO MANAGE AND REHABILITATE THE ENVIRONMENT

SRC has the capacity to undertakerehabilitation and to minimise negative impacts on the

environment in terms of Section 39(4)(a)(iii) of the MPRDA. The Rehabilitation Plan for the project

is detailed in Section 9.3 and f inancial provision for rehabilitation is detailed in Section 14. Suitably

qualif ied people w ill be appointed to the project to ensure that all commitments in the EMP are met.

These people w ill receive adequate training according to the details in Section 12.

14 FINANCIAL PROVISION FOR REHABILITATION

The calculation for f inancial provision is presented in Table 22 overleaf. The calculation is based

on the DMR Guideline for Financial Provision (2005). It is based on the requirements of the EMP in

Section 9, available information and the follow ing assumptions, as the prospecting plan, including

the number of boreholes to be drilled, w ill only be f inalised once all available information has been

evaluated. Existing available information w ill only be made available to SRC upon receipt of a

prospecting right:

- Only one prospecting site w ill be operational at any one time, therefore f inancial provision

for rehabilitation is made for one borehole and prospecting site.

- 500m of new access tracks w ill be constructed and 500m of damaged road w ill be

repaired.

- The average depth of drilling is 300m.

The exact location and extent of prospecting activities, including the need for construction of new

access tracks, w ill be determined once all available information has been evaluated. At this time,

the quantum for f inancial provision for rehabilitation w ill be re-evaluated and submitted to the

DMR.Due to the fact that the prospecting programme can only be f inalised once all available

information has been assessed, it is not possible to compile all details required for the

Rehabilitation Plan w ith available information. The extent of the project area is show n in Figure

1.Financial provision for rehabilitation w ill be made through a bank guarantee. The guarantee w ill

provide for suff icient funds for premature and planned closure of the prospecting operation. The


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77

quantum for f inancial provision for rehabilitation w ill be re-assessed on an annual basis and

arrangements to fund shortfalls w ill be made. This information w ill be submitted to the DMR on an

annual basis, on the anniversary of the license approval date.


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Table 22 Quantum for Financial Provision for Concurrent and Closure Rehabilitation Prospecting mineral: Coal Environmental sensitivity: medium – high Level of Information available: limited

Item Description Unit Quantity Rate Amount

1 General surf ace rehabilitation ha 0.01 R52 600.00 R 526.00

3 Rehabilitation of new tracks established m 500 R 17.00 R 8 500.00

6 Repairs on damage to existing priv ate grav el roads m 500 R 17.00 R 8 500.00

5 Water cart (operating costs only ) per month 0.25 R20 000.00 R 5 000.00

7 Remov al and disposal of waste ea 1 R 2 500.00 R 2 500.00

8 Sealing of borehole m 300 R 50.00 R15 000.00

9 Remov al of erosion and sediment controls m2 10 R 350.00 R 3 500.00

10 Topsoil replacement and shaping m2 25 R 350.00 R 8 750.00

11 Re-v egetation m2 25 R 500.00 R12 500.00

Sub Total R64 776.00

A1 Preliminary and general - - 12.5% of subtotal R 8 097.00

A2 Engineering drawings and specif ications - - 2 % of subtotal Not applicable

A4 Engineering and procurement specialists 2.5% of subtotal Not applicable

A5 Dev elopment of a closure plan 2.5% of subtotal R 1 619.40

A6 Final groundwater modelling 2.5% of subtotal Not applicable

TOTAL R74 492.40


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15 REFERENCES

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of South Africa, Botanical Research Institute, Pretoria, South Africa.

AGIS, Natural Resource Potential Atlas, Available at w w w .agis.agric.za.

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Environmental Potential Atlas, Mpumalanga, July 2000. Available at

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