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ASILI AFRICAN MINERALS PTY LTD
1
NAME OF APPLICANT: ASILI AFRICAN MINERALS (PTY) LTD
REFERENCE NUMBER: FS 30/5/1/2/2/ 10242 PR
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
SUBMITTED
IN TERMS OF SECTION 39 AND OF REGULATION 52
OF THE MINERAL AND PETROLEUM RESOURCES
DEVELOPMENT ACT, 2002,
(ACT NO. 28 OF 2002) (the Act)
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ASILI AFRICAN MINERALS PTY LTD
STANDARD DIRECTIVE
Applicants for prospecting rights or mining permits, are herewith, in terms of the provisions of
Section 29 (a) and in terms of section 39 (5) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development
Act, directed to submit an Environmental Management Plan strictly in accordance with the subject
headings herein, and to compile the content according to all the sub items to the said subject
headings referred to in the guideline published on the Departments website, within 60 days of
notification by the Regional Manager of the acceptance of such application. This document
comprises the standard format provided by the Department in terms of Regulation 52 (2), and the
standard environmental management plan which was in use prior to the year 2011, will no
longer be accepted.
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ASILI AFRICAN MINERALS PTY LTD
IDENTIFICATION OF THE APPLICATION IN RESPECT OF WHICH THE ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT PLAN IS SUBMITTED.
ITEM COMPANY CONTACT DETAILS
Name ASILI AFRICAN MINERALS (PTY) LTD
Contact Person G.M. MASHININI
Tel no 0733311429
Fax no: 0117094625
Cellular no 0733311429
E-mail address [email protected]
Postal address P.O. Box 1218
BETHLEHEM
9700
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ASILI AFRICAN MINERALS PTY LTD
Table of Contents
1 REGULATION 52 (2): Description of the environment likely to be affected by the proposed prospecting
or mining operation ................................................................................................................................ 7
1.1 The environment on site relative to the environment in the surrounding area. ..................................... 7
1.2 The specific environmental features on the site applied for which may require protection,
remediation, management or avoidance. .............................................................................................. 8
1.3 Map Showing the Spatial Locality of all Environmental, Cultural/Heritage and Current Land Use
Features Identified on Site .................................................................................................................. 8
1.4 Confirmation that the description of the environment has been compiled with the participation of the
community, the landowner and interested and affected parties, .............................................................. 9
2 REGULATION 52 (2) (b): Assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed prospecting or
mining operation on the environment, socio- economic conditions and cultural heritage. ............................... 9
2.1. Description of the proposed prospecting or mining operation. .......................................................... 9
2.1.1. The main prospecting activities (e.g. access roads, topsoil storage sites and any other basic
prospecting design features ) .......................................................................................................... 9
2.1.2. Plan of the main activities with dimensions .............................................................................. 9
2.1.3 Description of construction, operational, and decommissioning phases. .................................... 10
2.1.4 Listed activities (in terms of the NEMA EIA regulations) ........................................................... 12
2.2 Identification of potential impacts ................................................................................................. 13
Section C.2: Assessment of the Potential Impacts ........................................................................... 17
C.2.1.4 Listed activities (in terms of the NEMA EIA regulations) .................................................... 17
C.2.2 Identification of potential impacts ............................................................................................ 26
Table C2.2 : List of potential impacts per activity and listed activity .................................................... 26
2.2.1 Potential impacts per activity and listed activities. .................................................................... 44
2.2.2 Potential cumulative impacts. ................................................................................................ 44
2.2.3 Potential impact on heritage resources .................................................................................. 45
2.2.4 Potential impacts on communities, individuals or competing land uses in close proximity............ 45
2.2.5 Confirmation that the list of potential impacts has been compiled with the participation of the
landowner and interested and affected parties. ............................................................................... 45
2.2.6 Confirmation of specialist report appended. ............................................................................ 45
3. REGULATION 52 (2) (c): Summary of the assessment of the significance of the potential impacts and the
proposed mitigation measures to minimise adverse impacts. ................................................................... 46
3.1 Assessment of the significance of the potential impacts .................................................................. 46
3.1.1 Criteria of assigning significance to potential impacts .............................................................. 46
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ASILI AFRICAN MINERALS PTY LTD
3.1.2 Potential impact of each main activity in each phase, and corresponding significance assessment
.................................................................................................................................................. 47
3.1.3 Assessment of potential cumulative impacts. .......................................................................... 49
3.2 Proposed mitigation measures to minimise adverse impacts. .......................................................... 49
3.2.1 List of actions, activities, or processes that have sufficiently significant impacts to require
mitigation. .................................................................................................................................... 49
3.2.2 Concomitant list of appropriate technical or management options ............................................. 49
3.2.3 Review the significance of the identified impacts ..................................................................... 52
4. REGULATION 52 (2) (d): Financial provision. ..................................................................................... 52
4.1 Plans for Quantum Calculation Purposes. ..................................................................................... 52
4.2 Alignment of rehabilitation with the closure objectives .................................................................... 53
4.3 Quantum calculations. ................................................................................................................. 30
4.4 Undertaking to provide financial provision ..................................................................................... 34
5 REGULATION 52 (2) (e): Planned monitoring and performance assessment of the environmental
management plan. ............................................................................................................................... 34
5.1 List of identified impacts requiring monitoring programmes. ............................................................ 34
5.2 Functional requirements for monitoring programmes. ..................................................................... 35
5.3 Roles and responsibilities for the execution of monitoring programmes. ........................................... 36
5.4 Committed time frames for monitoring and reporting. ..................................................................... 36
6 REGULATION 52 (2) (f): Closure and environmental objectives. ............................................................ 30
6.1 Rehabilitation plan ...................................................................................................................... 30
6.2 Closure objectives and their extent of alignment to the pre-mining environment. ..................... 31
6.3 Confirmation of consultation ........................................................................................................ 32
7 REGULATION 52 (2) (g): Record of the public participation and the results thereof. ................. 32
7.1 Identification of interested and affected parties. ............................................................................. 32
7.1.1 Name the Community or Communities Identified, or Explain Why No Such Community was
Identified. .................................................................................................................................... 32
7.1.2 Specifically State whether or not the Community is also the Landowner. ................................... 33
7.1.3 State whether or not the Department of Land Affairs has been identified as an Interested and
Affected Party. ............................................................................................................................. 33
7.1.4 State specifically whether or not a Land Claim is Involved. ....................................................... 33
7.1.5 Name the Traditional Authority Identified. ............................................................................... 33
7.1.6 List the Landowners Identified by the Applicant (Traditional and Title Deeds Owners) ................ 33
7.1.7 List the Lawful Occupiers of the Land Concerned. ................................................................... 34
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ASILI AFRICAN MINERALS PTY LTD
7.1.8 Explain Whether or Not Other Persons’ (Including on Adjacent and Non-adjacent Properties)
Socio-economic Conditions will be Directly Affected by the Proposed Prospecting or Mining Operation
and, if not, explain why not. ........................................................................................................... 34
7.1.9 Name the Local Municipality Identified By the Applicant. .......................................................... 34
7.1.10 Name the Relevant Government Departments, Agencies and Institutions Responsible for the
Various Aspects of the Environment and for Infrastructure Which May be Affected by the Proposed
Project. ....................................................................................................................................... 34
7.1.11 Submit Evidence That the Landowner or Lawful Occupier of the Land in Question, and Any Other
Interested and Affected Parties Including all Those Listed Above, Were Notified ................................ 35
7.2 The details of the engagement process. ....................................................................................... 35
7.2.1. Description of the information provided to the community, landowners, and interested and
affected parties. ........................................................................................................................... 35
7.2.2 List of which parties identified in 7.1 above that were in fact consulted, and which were not
consulted. .................................................................................................................................... 36
7.2.3 List of views raised by consulted parties regarding the existing cultural, socio- economic or
biophysical environment................................................................................................................ 36
7.2.4 List of views raised by consulted parties on how their existing cultural, socio- economic or
biophysical environment potentially will be impacted on by the proposed prospecting or mining
operation. .................................................................................................................................... 36
7.2.5 Other concerns raised by the aforesaid parties. ...................................................................... 37
7.2.6 Confirmation that minutes and records of the consultations are appended. ................................ 37
7.2.7 Information regarding objections received. ............................................................................. 37
7.3 The manner in which the issues raised were addressed. ................................................................ 37
8 SECTION 39 (3) (c ) of the Act: Environmental awareness plan. ............................................................ 38
8.1 Employee communication process ............................................................................................... 38
8.2 Description of solutions to risks .................................................................................................... 38
8.3 Environmental awareness training. ............................................................................................... 38
9 SECTION 39 (4) (a) (iii) of the Act: Capacity to rehabilitate and manage negative impacts on the
environment. ........................................................................................................................................ 40
9.1 The annual amount required to manage and rehabilitate the environment. ....................................... 40
9.2 Confirmation that the stated amount correctly reflected in the Prospecting Work Programme as
required........................................................................................................................................... 41
10 REGULATION 52 (2)(h): Undertaking to execute the environmental management plan..................... 41
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1 REGULATION 52 (2): Description of the environment likely to be affected by the
proposed prospecting or mining operation
1.1 The environment on site relative to the environment in the surrounding area.
The study area is located in the Free State Province of South Africa, it is situated 49.4 km, west of
the town Bethlehem, under Fouriesburg magisterial district. Further, the farm is easily accessible
through the R771 main road.
Climate
The province’s has an average summer temperature of 23ºC and an average winter temperature of
8ºC. This means it enjoys fairly good weather all year round with the heat peaking in January when
temperatures can soar as high as 32º C. And the winters aren’t always cold either with some winter
days enjoying a comfortable 17ºC.
Topography
The natural topography is relatively steep with a gentle, even down slope from east to west at a
gradient between 4 and 5%.
Fauna and flora
The grassy plains provides ideal conditions for large herds of plain game such as black wildebeest
and springbok. The ridges, koppies and plains typical of the northern section are home to kudu, red
hartebeest, white rhinoceros and buffalo. Soya, sorghum, sunflowers and wheat are cultivated in
the Free State as well.
Noise
The area is generally characterized by farming, and as such the ambient noise levels are slightly low
Visual
The general appearance of the area is dominated by flat agricultural lands, and a few mountains
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ASILI AFRICAN MINERALS PTY LTD
on the outskirts of the application area. The general ―sense of place in the area is a particular kind
of openness. As the area is dominated by open farmland, the visual and aesthetic feeling of the area
is pleasant.
1.2 The specific environmental features on the site applied for which may require
protection, remediation, management or avoidance.
The farm has a residential area inside the application area, the proposed prospecting operations
will fall outside the the applied bufferzone for residential areas.
There are streams, running through the application area, a bufferzone of between 100-150 metres
will be applied to avoid tampering with of negatively impactin on the specific feature
1.3 Map Showing the Spatial Locality of all Environmental, Cultural/Heritage and Current Land
Use Features Identified on Site
Figure 1: Locality map of the area
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ASILI AFRICAN MINERALS PTY LTD
1.4 Confirmation that the description of the environment has been compiled with the
participation of the community, the landowner and interested and affected parties,
The applicant confirms that identified and consulted interested and affected parties agree on the
description of the existing status of the environment (kindly refer to minutes of the meeting with the
land owner and other key stakeholders) on the consultation document in Appendix A. All comments
received after this date will be forwarded to the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) by Asili
African Minerals.
2 REGULATION 52 (2) (b): Assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed
prospecting or mining operation on the environment, socio- economic conditions and
cultural heritage.
2.1. Description of the proposed prospecting or mining operation.
2.1.1. The main prospecting activities (e.g. access roads, topsoil storage sites and any
other basic prospecting design features )
The prospecting works programme consists of four phases of which the second phase (drilling) is
dependent on the results of the first phase (desktop studies). Therefore the main invasive
prospecting activities will include:
Drilling Site Establishment
Drilling programme
2.1.2. Plan of the main activities with dimensions
No permanent infrastructure will be constructed as the proposed activities are only applicable to
Prospecting. The individual Prospecting drill sites measure approximately 150m to 200m in area.
Only mobile equipment will be used during the invasive Prospecting methods and the equipment will
be removed from the site once activities have been concluded. Following the Prospecting activities,
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ASILI AFRICAN MINERALS PTY LTD
the Prospecting drill site will be ripped and levelled to ensure that the area returns to its natural,
predetermined condition. Mobile homes in the form of containers may be used to house the
contractors and crew, and chemical toilets are installed for their use. Waste disposal bins are located
at each site for waste sorting and disposal.
Existing access roads will be used for access, no topsoil will be remove except onsite. Field mapping
will be carried out initially, afterwhich a report will be drafted to determine the position of the
boreholes and the number of boreholes.
2.1.3 Description of construction, operational, and decommissioning phases.
Construction Phase
No physical construction will take place as no permanent infrastructure will be established. Activities
will relate to the possible establishment of a temporary access road, as well as the clearing of
vegetation for the establishment of the Prospecting drill site. Potential access roads, should they be
required, will be established from existing road infrastructure with the shortest possible route to the
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ASILI AFRICAN MINERALS PTY LTD
Prospecting drill site used, ensuring there are minimal environmental impacts related to this activity.
During the Operational Phase, the temporary access roads will only be utilised by personnel vehicles
for site inspections and the pick-up of drill core. Three sumps will be constructed within the boundary
of the Prospecting site to separate oil, sludge and water. Topsoil is stockpiled and stored for future
rehabilitation of the site once drilling has concluded. Topsoil stockpiles are covered during windy
and rainy months to prevent soil erosion.
Operational Phase
The prospecting work will comprise of four phases, each focusing on a particular aspect. Each of
these phases builds on the results of the previous phase/s and this will only go to completion if
results from previous phases are promising.
Phase 1 (Months 1 -10); duration 10 months
The first phase will begin within three months of obtaining the necessary approvals from the
Department of Mineral Resources (DMR). This will involve collection/purchasing, capturing and
modelling of the available information (geological maps; geophysical data; drilling data; geochemical
surveys, etc. This will be followed by detailed report compilation including recommendations for the
way forward.
Phase 2 (Months 11-18); duration 8 months
If results for the first phase are promising, diamond drilling will be conducted in order to assess the
continuity of mineralization in the area. A total of 15 holes to a maximum depth of some 150 m are
planned. Holes will be orientated vertically and could be drilled to a depth of up to 150m. The
distribution of these holes will be controlled mainly by results from phase 1. Cores of NQ
diameter totaling over 4000 m will be drilled. Drilled cores will be logged in detail and samples
(over 2000 samples) will be taken for further investigations. The ore horizons intersected in the core
will be sampled and analysed and it is anticipated that mineralised intersections will be sampled on
one meter intervals. During sampling, individual samples will be kept in a well labelled sample bags
to avoid mixing of the samples which might lead to confusion when interpreting geochemical
data. Detailed resource and reserve estimations will be completed at this stage. This will be followed
by a pre-feasibility study. It is expected that the above mentioned investigations will complete in
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ASILI AFRICAN MINERALS PTY LTD
eight months.
Phase 3 (Months 19-30); duration 12 months
Phase three of the project will comprise a full feasibility study. This examines the cost of initial
capital investment, methods of extraction, the cost of operation, an estimated length of time to
payback, the gross revenue and net profit margin, any possible resale price of the land, the total
life of the reserve, the total value of the reserve, investment in future projects, and the property
owner or owners' contract. In addition, environmental impact, reclamation, possible legal
ramifications and all government permitting are considered. These steps of analysis determine
whether the applicant should proceed with the extraction of the mineral or whether the project should
be abandoned.
Phase 4 (Months 31-36); duration 6 months
This final phase of the project will involve compilation of all documents required for a mining right
application. It is expected that compilation of all documents (i.e. social and labour plan) necessary
for a mining right application will take six months to complete.
Decommissioning Phase
Not applicable – application to be made for mining right.
2.1.4 Listed activities (in terms of the NEMA EIA regulations)
Due to the small scale of the Prospecting activities, and the temporary nature of these activities, no
listed activities according to the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of
1998) (NEMA) EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations will be triggered.
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ASILI AFRICAN MINERALS PTY LTD
2.2 Identification of potential impacts
Table C2.1.3: This description should include an indication of the phases and estimated time frames in relation to the implementation of these activities and
infrastructure. The potential impacts must be identified per activity/process or infrastructure in the relevant phases.
Activity Impact
Month
s
1-
2
3-
4
5-
6
7-
8
9-
10
11
-
12
13
-
14
15
-
16
17
-
18
19-
20
21-
22
23-
24
25-
26
27-
28
29-
30
30-
40
40-
50
50-
60
Phase 1:
Desktop Study: Obtain and interpret
all relevant geological data.
Field Geological Mapping of all rock
outcrops
Site Preparation
Data Interpretation and Planning
The impacts on the
environment
are listed as
follows:
Vegetation
and soil
Noise
Air quality
Groundwater
Surface water
Security:
Road damage
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Phase 2:
Detailed Field Mapping
Reconnaissance Drilling: Drilling of 15
diamond core holes.
Logging of drill cores and lithological
description & interpretation.
Rehabilitation of Drilling Sites by sealing
of boreholes and clean-up and
restoration.
Data Interpretation and Resource
Modeling
The impacts on the
environment
are listed as
follows:
Local geology
Vegetation
and soil
Noise
Air quality
Groundwater
Surface water
Security:
Road damage Phase 3: The impacts on the
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ASILI AFRICAN MINERALS PTY LTD
Activity Impact
Months 1-
2
3-
4
5-
6
7-
8
9-
10
11
-
12
13
-
14
15
-
16
17
-
18
19-
20
21-
22
23-
24
25-
26
27-
28
29-
30
30-
40
40-
50
50-
60
Wide-spaced drilling and sampling of 15
diamond core holes.
Logging of drill cores and lithological
description & interpretation.
Rehabilitation of Drilling Sites by sealing
of boreholes and clean-up and
restoration.
Data Interpretation and Resource
Modeling – Construction of a
preliminary Geological Model.
environment
are listed as
follows:
Local geology
Vegetation
and soil
Noise
Air quality
Groundwater
Surface water
Security:
Road damage
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ASILI AFRICAN MINERALS PTY LTD
Phase 4:
Closer Spaced Drilling of 10 diamond
core drill holes.
Logging of core and sampling.
Metallurgical and Geotechnical Tests.
Updating of Geological Model.
Rehabilitation of Drilling Sites by sealing
of boreholes and clean-up and
restoration.
The impacts on the
environment
are listed as
follows:
Local geology
Vegetation
and soil
Noise
Air quality
Groundwater
Surface water
Security:
Road damage
Section C.2: Assessment of the Potential Impacts
C.2.1.4 Listed activities (in terms of the NEMA EIA regulations)
Potentially Relevant
Legislation
Activity Relevance to this
Application
National Environmental
Management Act (NEMA)
NEMA Listing Notice 1 Activity nr 19 – Any activity
which requires a prospecting right or renewal thereof in
terms of section 16 and 18 of the Mineral and
Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act
No 28 of 2002).
This is an application for a
prospecting right.
NEMA Listing Notice 1 Activity nr 9 – The
construction of facilities or infrastructure exceeding
a 1000m in length for the bulk transportation of
water, sewage or storm water – (i) with an internal
diameter of 0.36m or more; or (ii) with a peak
throughput of a 120 litres per second or more.
Pipelines could be
constructed from a water
resource for process water
during the drilling of
boreholes.
NEMA Listing Notice 1 Activity nr 22 – The
construction of a road outside urban areas –
(i) with a reserve wider than 13.5 metres or,
(ii) where no reserve exists where the road is wider
than 8 metres or,
(iii) for which an environmental authorisation was
obtained for route determination in terms of
activity 5 in Government Notice 387 of 2006 or
activity 18 in Notice 545 of 2010.
There is the potential that
roads might be constructed
for the drill rig to get to the
specific drilling sites.
NEMA Listing Notice 1 Activity nr 47 –
The widening of a road by more than 6
metres or the lengthening of a road by
more than 1 kilometre –
(i) where the existing reserve is wider than
13,5 metres; or
(ii) where no reserve exists, where the
existing road is wider than 8 metres –
excluding widening or lengthening inside
urban areas.
There is the potential that
roads might be widened or
lengthened for the drill rig to
get to the specific drilling
sites.
C.2.2 Identification of potential impacts
Table C2.2 : List of potential impacts per activity and listed activity
Item Activity Description Phases of
operation
Impact Timeframe
C 2.2.1 Offsite outside prospecting application area
C 2.2.1.1 Communication
with IAP’s
Notification of community and Chief’s foreman
regarding drilling activities on the proposed site.
Construction
,
Operational,
Closure
The impacts on the environment are
listed as follows:
Socio-economic expectations:
communication with the Ward Councillor
may impact on the social environment and
possibly impact on the cultural aspects of
the environment due to perceived social
change (of the community) of possible
employment opportunities.
Ongoing
C 2.2.1.2 Water Acquisition Water will not be required for mineral processing
as there is no processing associated with this
prospecting
exercise. Water will be required for the core-
drilling where it will be utilized for cooling and
flushing of the hole. This water will be sourced
from farm reservoirs and existing boreholes. If not
available, water will be sourced off-site and
brought in onto the prospecting area via a water
bowser.
Construction
,
Operational
The impacts on the environment are
listed as follows:
Water acquisition will not impact the
prospecting area directly as water will
be sourced from farm reservoirs and
existing boreholes with the farmer’s
permission.
Duration of
actual
drilling.
C 2.2.1.3 Transport The drilling team will be staying onsite or offsit
and will be transported to and from the drill
site daily, depending on the agreement with the
farm owner.
The drill rigs will be brought onto and again taken
off the drilling site via the existing access road
network, after drilling is complete.
Construction
,
Operational,
Closure
The impacts on the environment are
listed as follows:
Air quality: The tractor and
vehicles will generate low levels
of
dust.
Security: The drilling team could
enter leave gates open and this
could result in unauthorised
access to areas.
Safety: The transport of labour
has a risk to safety.
Daily
As required by
drilling
process.
Item Activity Description Phases of
operation
Impact Timeframe
Maintenance of plantation roads used by
prospecting vehicles.
Dust suppression.
Location of stock-piles for top soil.
C.2.2.1.4 Accommodation The drilling team will stay on site in an area
agreed to by the landowner. The site where the
drilling
team stays will include a caravan, ablution and
waste disposal facilities (waste containers).
Compliance with the relevant building regulations.
Construction
,
Operational,
Closure
The impact will be on the vegetation but
should be insignificant, as these structures
will remain on site on a temporary basis
only.
N/A
Item Activity Description Phases of
operation
Impact Timeframe
Waste and pollution
management
Ablution facilities
The specific sites will take into consideration the
location of environmentally or historically-cultural
areas in co-operation and in agreement with the
relevan manager, which will include sites such as
drainage lines, indigenous forests, virgin
grasslands, riparian or wetland areas, grave
sites, powerlines, rivers and main roads etc.
Waste and Pollution Management
The applicant will further undertake to sign an
agreement if and when the prospecting right is
granted which will in consultation with the foreman
and the foreman stipulate the conditions and
agreements with regards to the following:
Disposal of general waste – a location and
agreement will be drawn up between the
applicant and the
foreman to endure that waste containers are
available and that the contents are disposed at an
approved waste landfill site.
Appropriate hazardous waste containers will be
supplied and the contents disposed of by a
registered
hazardous waste contractor.
Drip trays will be provided for all parked vehicles
to reduce the risk of any soil pollution.
No bulk fuel storage facilities are envisioned,
however should there be a need for this then the
\
Item Activity Description Phases of
operation
Impact Timeframe
Cooking facilities
stipulating the conditions and agreements with
regards to the following requirements for ablution
facilities as outlined by the foreman.
The location must in such a way that it does not
pose any significant pollution risk to any water
resources or environmentally sensitive areas.
Effluent from the facilities should not cause any
health hazard or odour nuisance.
Effluent from any washing facilities should be
treated via a french drain system.
Ablution facilities should not cause any odour
impact on living quarters.
Ablution facilities must comply with all relevant
Health and Safety standards.
Cooking facilities
The applicant will further undertake to sign an
agreement if and when the prospecting right is
granted which will in consultation with the foreman
and the Forestry manger stipulating the
conditions and agreements with regards to the
following requirements for cooking facilities as
outlined by the foreman:
Cooking facilities should be constructed in such a
way that potential of fire spreading from the
Item Activity Description Phases of
operation
Impact Timeframe
Fire Prevention
Organic or food waste must be disposed of in
such a way that the attraction of insects and
rodents/scavengers are minimized and that it
does not cause any nuisance or health hazards.
No food rests or other organic waste should be
visible at washing-up facilities, water conduits
and/or French drains.
Waste from cooking areas must be disposed
of as general waste.
Fire
Prevention
The applicant will further undertake to sign an
agreement if and when the prospecting right is
granted which will in consultation with foreman
and the Forestry manger stipulating the
conditions and agreements with regards to the
following requirements for fire prevention as
outlined by foreman:
Areas where cooking and/or warming fires may
be made must be demarcated and located in
such a way
that the risk of plantation and/or veld fires
caused by such fires is minimized.
Item Activity Description Phases of
operation
Impact Timeframe
Poaching from the relevant Forestry Manager.
.
Poaching
The applicant must ensure that any
contractors and staff do not utilize any
indigenous flora or fauna.
C.2.2.1.5 Offices The Applicant has existing office facilities. Offices
won’t be needed for prospecting.
N/A No Impact. N/A
C.2.2.1.6 Laboratory
services (testing
and result
analysis)
Samples of the drilled core are intersected
will be obtained and analysed to determine
the characteristics of the mineral deposit.
Construction
,
Operational
No Impact. 3 months
(continuous)
C.2.2.1.7 Geological Services Data collection and validation of existing information;
Logging, sampling and analysing of information;
Gain an overall impression of the reserve potential;
Planning of the logistics of and the further
phases of the physical drilling programme;
A geological report will be compiled giving the
mineral resource statement;
Reports and results statements.
Construction
,
Operational
No Impact. 9 months
Item Activity Description Phases of
operation
Impact Timeframe
C.2.2.2 Off site from drilling site
C.2.2.2.1 Site
establishment
and de-
establishment
The site establishment, which includes the
provision of a caravan, ablution and waste disposal
facilities (waste containers).
Chemical toilets will be provided within close
proximity of the drilling site and serviced on a
regular
basis by the service provider;
Specific areas for lunch breaks will be provided;
A closed bin will be provided to collect
domestic waste which will be removed and
disposed of at a registered waste site;
Construction
,
Operational,
Closure
The impacts on the environment are
listed as follows:
Vegetation and soil
Noise
Air quality
Groundwater: Low significance
Surface water: low significance
Security: Should the farm gates
be left open, live stock could
move out of the camps.
Safety
Waste management:
24 months
C.2.2.2.2 Water Acquisition Water for drilling purposes will be obtained from
farm reservoirs and existing boreholes,
alternatively water
will be brought onto the drilling site via the
existing access road network, in a water
bowser.
Water Resource Protection
The applicant should take into consideration
the requirements as outlined by IAP regarding
water resource protection measures and this
regard IAP outlines the following measures:
- The applicant should use the DWAF guideline for
wetland delineation as the official guideline to be
used for aquatic systems identification and
protection and no development may take place
inside a buffer zone around such identified
wetlands and/or riparian zones
- No process water may be allowed to flow directly
Construction
,
Operational
The impacts on the environment are
listed as follows:
Water acquisition will not impact the
prospecting area directly as water will
be sourced from farm reservoirs and
existing boreholes with the IAP
permission.
As required by
drilling
process.
Item Activity Description Phases of
operation
Impact Timeframe
into any aquatic system without first being treated
to
a standard approved by DWAF as well as the
relevant
Forestry Manager.
C.2.2.2.3 Access roads The existing road and track network will be
utilised as far as possible and if necessary extra
roads would
be constructed.
Construction
,
Operational
The impacts on the environment are
listed as follows:
Vegetation and topsoil: If existing
roads are not used the tractor
and vehicles will damage the
vegetation
and topsoil.
Air quality: The tractor and
vehicles will generate low levels
of dust.
Security: Should the farm gates
be left open, live stock could
move
out of the camps.
Safety: The transport of labour
has a risk to safety.
Ongoing
C.2.2.2.4 Geological Services Geophysical and geochemical surveys: An
airborne radiometric and magnetic survey will be
undertaken
to determine the presence of igneous intrusions.
A
ground geophysical survey will be conducted to
follow-up airborne anomalies. This survey will
consist of six 1.5km traverses using a hand held
magnetometer. A GPS will be used to record the
data point locations.
Construction
,
Operational
No Impact. 24 months
C.2.2.2.5 Environmental
services (first
order socio
economic impact
assessment,
An environmental specialist will conduct the
required environmental and socio-economic
impact
assessments and compile the necessary reports.
Construction,
Operational,
Closure,
Post-
Closure
No Impact. 12 months
Item Activity Description Phases of
operation
Impact Timeframe
env impact
assessment
and feasibility
report)
C.2.2.2.6 Monitoring An Environmental Performance monitoring
protocol will be prepared to which monitoring will
be
measured.
A monitoring/ audit report will be compiled and
submitted to the Applicant together with any
non- conformances and Corrective Action
Instructions after each audit has been
conducted.
Construction,
Operational,
Closure,
Post-
Closure
The impacts on the environment are
listed as follows:
Monitoring and audits - positive
impact as the negligent
degradation off the environment
will be
reduced.
Ongoing
C.2.2.3 On-site activities
C.2.2.3.1 Surveying Geologist to survey borehole positions Construction
,
Operational
The impacts on the environment are
listed as follows:
Surveying will have an insignificant impact on
the soils and vegetation through the
pegging of the proposed drilling site.
30 months
C.2.2.3.2 Site establishment Bring drilling rig on site via mounted tractor
and trailer or integrated truck rig.
Locate areas for demarcated drill sites and set up
drill rig.
Construction
,
Operational,
Closure
The site establishment of the drilling
rig will have an impact on the topsoil,
vegetation and land use by the
stripping of the vegetation surrounding
the immediate vicinity of the rig.
As and
when
required
C.2.2.3.3 Drilling A total of 50 diamond core boreholes with a
maximum depth of 50 to 250 meters each will
be
drilled to identify and assess the reserve.
Construction
,
Operational,
Closure
The impacts on the environment are
listed as follows:
Local geology
Vegetation and soil
Noise
Air quality
Groundwater
Surface water
18 months
Item Activity Description Phases of
operation
Impact Timeframe
Security: Should the farm gates be left open, live stock could
move out of the camps.
C.2.2.2.4 Water
management
A portable resevoir pool will be used around the
drilling rigs to collect water during the drilling
process
and settle out the suspended solids, for
recycling of the water. This water will be re-used
on the rig and seepage that will occur in the
ground is not considered to cause a significant
impact.
Construction
,
Operational,
Closure
Impacts on the environment are listed as follows:
Vegetation: vegetation in the area
where the pool stands will be
disturbed.
Ground water: Limited seepage into the
surrounding soil will occur.
Surface water: Through the
disturbance of runoff.
On
movement
between drill
sites
C.2.2.2.5 Environmenta
l services
(monitoring,
rehabilitation)
Drill sites will be cleaned and cleared of any waste
and will form part of the rehabilitation plan.
Rehabilitation of the drill area will include:
o Removal of portable pools
o Pouring of concrete into the base of the
exploration
boreholes
o Lowering of drill cores into the holes
o Pouring of concrete to cap the holes
o Photographs of rehabilitated area for
record
o Decommission and associate infrastructure
Contaminated top soil at the drilling sites will be
regarded as significant if oil spills occur. Any spill
will be cleaned up through the removal of
contaminated soils and disposed of at a
registered facility. Containers and trip trays will
be kept at the drill site
to capture any such substances which could leak
from machinery.
Construction,
Operational,
Closure,
Post-
Closure
The impacts on the environment are
listed as follows:
An environmental control officer will
monitor the impacts on any element of
the environment thereby reducing
negligent degradation of the environment.
Ongoing
C.2.2.2.6 Geo-technical Geo-technical testing of roof and floor conditions Operational No Impact. 24 months
Item Activity Description Phases of
operation
Impact Timeframe
Testing,
Metallurgical
(washing
characteristics).
Metallurgical and geotechnical testing.
2.2.1 Potential impacts per activity and listed activities.
Activity: Drill Site Establishment Drilling programmes
Impact: -Loss of Topsoil
-Impact on vegetation
-Dust from roads and land
-Waste Disposal
-Noise
-Water use
Impact on rivers and related
floodplain
- Loss of Topsoil
- Impact on vegetation
- Dust from roads and land
- Waste Disposal
-Noise
-Water use
- Impact on rivers and related
floodplain
2.2.2 Potential cumulative impacts.
Should an impact described above take place, the following potential cumulative impacts could
occur:
Cumulative impacts on surface water and groundwater in the event that spills are not contained and
cleaned up immediately;
Sedimentation of watercourses in the area in the event of poor topsoil management which will
increase Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and EC;
Surface water quality impacts, which are associated with accidental spillage of large volumes of
hydrocarbons containing hazardous material, may take an extended period of time to mitigate;
Surface water quantity cumulative impacts include the permanent alteration of the drainage pattern,
which cannot be fully returned to the pre-prospecting state;
Soil erosion which could contribute towards the national loss of soils with agricultural potential;
The spread of invasive and alien floral species which leads to reduced water quantities in local
rivers and streams, as well as contributing towards the national problem of invasive and alien
species in South Africa’s water systems; and
Increased noise and dust levels may be caused due to the site clearing and drilling activities.
2.2.3 Potential impact on heritage resources
There are no obvious artefacts of heritage importance. The DMR has requested that we acquire a letter
from the SAHRA with their comments on the extent of the prospecting activity and their distance from
the any heritage sites such as graves, stating that all the activities will take place beyond the buffer zone
Should any fossils or artefacts be uncovered during the prospecting, operations will cease until go ahead
to proceed is given by SAHRA. If there may be graves, buffer zones will be used between any graves,
buildings and any infrastructure. Therefore the initial requested Heritage impact assment report will not
be necessary if such issues are addressed within the SAHRA comments.
2.2.4 Potential impacts on communities, individuals or competing land uses in close
proximity.
There are no impacts on communities, individuals or competing land uses in close proximity to the
prospecting areas, due to the limited impact of the drilling machines at any specific point in time.
2.2.5 Confirmation that the list of potential impacts has been compiled with the
participation of the landowner and interested and affected parties.
Any possible concerns in terms of the environment were communicated directly to the land owner, or
his representative via emails, meetings and telephonically. Refer to attached consultation report.
2.2.6 Confirmation of specialist report appended.
There are no specialist reports as part of the Prospecting period of the project.
3. REGULATION 52 (2) (c): Summary of the assessment of the significance of the potential
impacts and the proposed mitigation measures to minimise adverse impacts.
3.1 Assessment of the significance of the potential impacts
3.1.1 Criteria of assigning significance to potential impacts
The undertaking of a screening level environmental risk assessment consist of the identification of
all possible environmental risks, including those which appear to be insignificant based on the input
from existing data, and the qualitative ranking of the impacts identified. The significance of the
identified impacts on the various environmental components as part of the closure phase will be
determined using the approach outlined below. This incorporates two aspects for assessing the
potential significance of impacts (terminology from the Department of Environmental Affairs and
Tourism Guideline document on EIA Regulations, April 1998), namely occurrence and severity,
which are further sub-divided as follows
Occurrence Severity
Probability of
occurrence
Duration of
occurrence
Magnitude
(severity) of
impact
Scale / extent of impact
In order to assess each of these factors for each impact, the following four ranking scales will be
used:
Probability Duration
5
4
3
2
1
0
Definite/don’t know
Highly probable
Medium probability
Low probability
Improbable
None
5
4
3
2
1
Permanent Long-term
Medium-term Short-term
Immediate
Scale Magnitude
5
4
3
2
1
International
National
Regional Local
Site only
10
8
6
4
2
Very high/don’t know
High Moderate Low
Minor
Once these factors have been ranked for each impact, the significance of the two aspects,
occurrence and severity, will be assessed using the following formula:
SP (Significance points) = (Magnitude + Duration + Scale) x Probability
The maximum value is 100 significance points (SP). Risks are identified as potentially significant
(High, >60 SP), Moderate (30 – 60 SP) or insignificant (Low, <30 SP). In some instances risks
can be rated as uncertain or unknown. Risk management strategies will be identified for the
potentially significant risks, while the uncertain risks will be re-evaluated after a data collection and
analysis programme.
3.1.2 Potential impact of each main activity in each phase, and corresponding significance
assessment
Construction Phase
Not applicable – no construction will be taking place on site.
Operational Phase
Activity Impact
Drill Site Establishment Loss of Topsoil
Magnitude Duration Scale Probability Significance
2 1 1 5 Low (20)
Activity Impact
Drill Site Establishment Impact on vegetation
Magnitude Duration Scale Probability Significance
2 1 1 2 Low (8)
Activity Impact
Drill Site Establishment Waste disposal
Magnitude Duration Scale Probability Significance
2 2 2 4 Low (24)
Activity Impact
Drill Site Establishment Dust from roads and land
Magnitude Duration Scale Probability Significance
2 2 2 3 Low (18)
Activity Impact
Drill Site Establishment Water Use
Magnitude Duration Scale Probability Significance
2 2 2 4 Low (24)
Activity Impact
Drill Site Establishment Impact on rivers and related floodplain
Magnitude Duration Scale Probability Significance
4 2 3 3 Low (27)
Activity Impact
Drilling programmes Loss of Topsoil
Magnitude Duration Scale Probability Significance
2 1 1 5 Low (20)
Activity Impact
Drilling programmes Impact on vegetation
Magnitude Duration Scale Probability Significance
2 1 1 2 Low (8)
Activity Impact
Drilling programmes Dust from roads and land
Magnitude Duration Scale Probability Significance
2 2 2 3 Low (18)
Activity Impact
Drilling programmes Noise
Magnitude Duration Scale Probability Significance
2 2 2 4 Low (24)
Activity Impact
Drilling programmes Waste disposal
Magnitude Duration Scale Probability Significance
2 2 2 4 Low (24)
Activity Impact
Drilling programmes Water Use
Magnitude Duration Scale Probability Significance
2 2 2 4 Low (24)
Activity Impact
Drilling programmes Impact on rivers and related floodplain
Magnitude Duration Scale Probability Significance
4 2 3 3 Low (27)
Decommissioning Phase
Not applicable – application to be made for mining right.
3.1.3 Assessment of potential cumulative impacts.
Activity Impact
Drilling programmes Dust from roads and land
Magnitude Duration Scale Probability
2 2 2 3
Significance
Low (18)
Activity Impact
Drilling programmes Noise from Drilling programme
Magnitude Duration Scale Probability
2 2 2 3
Significance
Low (18)
3.2 Proposed mitigation measures to minimise adverse impacts.
3.2.1 List of actions, activities, or processes that have sufficiently significant impacts to
require mitigation.
All of the impacts identified has a significance rating of Low (<30).
3.2.2 Concomitant list of appropriate technical or management options
The following management options will be taking place on site, irrespective of the significance of
the ratings above:
Topsoil
• Topsoil shall be removed from all areas where physical disturbance of the surface will occur.
• The topsoil removed, shall be stored in a pile on the high ground side of the prospecting area
outside the 1:50 flood level within the boundaries of the prospecting area.
• The topsoil stored in the pile shall b adequately protected from beingblown away or being
eroded.
Dust control on the access roads
The liberation of dust into the surrounding environment shall be effectively controlled by the
use of, inter alia, water spraying and/or other dust-
allaying agents.
The speed of trucks and other vehicles must be strictly controlled to avoid dangerous
conditions, excessive dust or excessive deterioration of the road being used.
Noise
Work will only be performed during daylight hours.
Proper design and maintenance of equipment, including silencers and mufflers.
Regular checks on the noise emissions of equipment in operation should be performed.
All equipment to be used during the construction and operational phases is to be kept in
good working condition. This is of particular importance for the exhaust systems of the diesel
earthmoving equipment.
Should complaints about the noise be received from the f a r m i n g community, the mine
needs to assess the situation and make appropriate recommendations to reduce the noise
impacts on nearby residents.
Establishing the drilling site
Drilling sites shall be sited on a practical basis after consultation with the landowner. The
area required for long-term drilling sites shall also be determined after consultation with the
landowner and kept to a minimum.
Activities shall be restricted to the agreed area.
In order to contain non-biodegradable oil and fuel spills, drip pans or PVC lining shall be
provided for mobile dril!s and drip pans or a thin concrete slab and/or with a PVC lining shall be
installed before stationary drill rigs (long term) are erected.
In the case of a need for a water supply pipeline to be laid to a site, it shall be done in
consultation with the landowner and in such a manner that the surface and natural vegetation
are not unduly disturbed.
Proper and frequent maintenance shall be done to minimize unnecessary spillage.
In the case of long-term drilling operations, each drill hole shall have adequate measures to
prevent pollution of groundwater, drainage systems or topsoil by effluent during the drilling
operation
Separate pits shall be excavated and constructed for waste water and grease and oil polluted
fluid. When excavating these pits, the topsoil and the subsoil shall be stored separately. These
pits shall be lined with an impermeable layer of concrete or PVC to prevent pollution. The pit
shall be surrounded by an earth wall of at least 50mm in height and be constructed to
withstand the impact of heavy rainfall.
The contents of pits and drip pans must be disposed of at a recognized facility
Any spill should be cleaned up immediately by removing the spill together with the polluted soil
and disposing of it at a recognized dumping facility.
On completion of prospecting, the drilling site shall be rehabilitated .
Pits shall be pumped dry and the contents disposed of as described above. Linings must be
removed and disposed of in the same manner.
After all foreign matter has been removed from the pits, the excavations shall be
backfilled with subsoil, compacted and levelled with previously stored topsoil. No foreign
matter such as cement or other rubble shall be introduced into such backfilling.
All boreholes shall be covered and made safe by means of a concrete cap, unless otherwise
determined. On cultivated land, where practicable, a concrete cap shall be installed at least
1metre below the surface. Boreholes shall be backfilled and compacted with appropriate inert
material and soil. No foreign matter such as rubble or waste material shall be introduced into
the hole. ·
Where drilling sites (long-term operation) have been denuded of vegetation/grass or where
soils have been compacted or crusts formed, the surface shall be ripped or ploughed and if
necessary appropriately fertilized to allow vegetation to grow rapidly. If a reasonable
assessment indicates that the re-establishment of vegetation is unacceptably slow, it may
be required that the soil be analysed and any deleterious effects on the soil arising from the
prospecting operation, be corrected and the area be seeded with a seedmix to a certain
specification.
Waste disposal
Designated areas will be planned and established for the disposal and temporary storage of
all wastes on site.
The necessary bins will be provided for the collection of waste.
Domestic waste will be removed form site weekly by an independent waste disposal contractor
to a registered or licensed disposal facility.
Any hazardous waste will be stored separately and removed from the site by an independent
waste disposal contractor to a registered or licensed disposal facility.
Waste from the drilling operation will be place within the dumping area as indicated on the
Plan and removed by subcontractors for further utilisation.
Responsible waste management practices will be implemented
Surface Water
A buffer zone will be placed around the rivers’s floodplain.
No drilling or any other activity will take place within this buffer zone.
Surface water resources will only be crossed at designated established crossing areas.
No run-off water from the drilling programme will be allowed to run into the surface water
resource.
3.2.3 Review the significance of the identified impacts
None, all of the impacts identified has a significance rating of Low (<30).
4. REGULATION 52 (2) (d): Financial provision.
4.1 Plans for Quantum Calculation Purposes.
The locality map of the Prospecting phases is displayed in Figure 1. Non-invasive Prospecting
methods will identify possible and future Prospecting drill sites. It is currently anticipated that there
will be 1 drill sites over the course of the Prospecting project; and 5 boreholes. These boreholes will
be approximately 100 m to 200 m and will require rehabilitation and monitoring. A sump will be
constructed on-site to accommodate oil, sludge and water and approximately 6 m3 of soil will be
removed for this purpose. Rehabilitation will be site specific surface area rehabilitation.
4.2 Alignment of rehabilitation with the closure objectives
To align the rehabilitation initiatives with the closure objectives, it is imperative to define the closure
objectives. Closure objectives are defined as follows:
The holder of a Prospecting Right must, as far as it is reasonably practicable, rehabilitate the
environment affected by the Prospecting operations to its natural or predetermined state, or
to a land use which conforms to the generally accepted principle of sustainable development,
through restoration, remediation, rehabilitation and stabilisation;
Correct allocation of closure funds according to the closure plan and ensure adequate
financial provision;
To ensure that good water quality is maintained on site; and
Monitoring will continue until such a time that it can be proven that there are no more
negative impacts on the environment and site closure can be achieved.
In line with the above objectives, rehabilitation will include:
All evidence of impacts associated with, or resulting from Prospecting should be rehabilitated;
Sites should be left free of waste and in a stable condition;
All the soil that has been removed by the drilling activity should be replaced and shaped, and
those areas affected by drilling will then proceed to be rehabilitated;
Soil and surface rehabilitation must be conducted in such a way as to ensure that the site is
left stable with no further impacts relating to soil erosion;
The topography of the disturbed area should be reinstated to its former natural state as far as
possible;
All new tracks will be rehabilitated to their predetermined state;
Boreholes sunk in agricultural lands will have the casings removed, or cut to a minimum
depth of 2m below surface, then a plug inserted at a minimum of 5m below surface and filled
with concrete to 2m below surface. The remainder of the hole will be filled with top soil.
Boreholes outside agricultural lands will be rehabilitated similarly and marked with a concrete
beacon.
Monitoring of the success of rehabilitation, such as vegetation establishment, should be
conducted regularly to ensure that the sites have been rehabilitated successfully. Monitoring
should take place at least on a monthly basis; and, It is required that all prospecting holes be
rehabilitated, which is conducted on an on-going basis.
Should rehabilitation prove to have been unsuccessful, an additional fertilisation and seeding
programme must be followed by a qualified ecologist.
4.3 Quantum calculations.
Mine: MCS GROUP (PTY) LTD Location: MPUMALANGA
Evaluators: Date: 12-Apr-14
No Description Unit A B C D E=A*B*C*D
Quantity Master rate/specific
applied rate
Weighting factor
1
Amount (rands)
Step 4.5 Step 4.3 Step 4.3 Step 4.4
1 Dismantling of
processing plant and
related structures
(Including overland
conveyors and power
lines)
m3
1,00
1,00 R
-
2(A) Demolition of steel
buildings and
structures
m2
1,00
1,00 R
-
2(B) Demolition of
reinforced concrete
buildings and
structures
m2
1,00
1,00 R
-
3 Rehabilitation of
access roads
m2
200
R 24,11
1,00
1,00 R
4 822
4(A) Demolition and m R
rehabilitation of
electrified railway
lines
- -
4(B) Demolition and
rehabilitation of non-
electrified railway
lines
m
-
R
-
5 Demolition of housing
and/or administration
facilities
m2
-
1,00
1,00 R
-
6 Opencast
rehabilitation
including final voids
and ramps
ha
0,50
1,00 R
-
7 Sealing of shafts,
adits and inclines
m3 R
-
8(A) Rehabilitation of
overburden and
spoils
ha
-
1,00
1,00 R
-
8(B) Rehabilitation of
processing waste
deposits and
evaporation ponds
(basic, salt-producing
waste)
ha
1,00
1,00 R
-
8(C) Rehabilitation of
processing waste
deposits and
evaporation ponds
(acidic, metal-rich
waste)
ha R
-
9 Rehabilitation of
subsided areas
ha R
-
10 General surface
rehabilitation
ha
0,2
R 74 614,11
0,52
1,00 R
7 760
11 rivers diversions ha R
-
12 Fencing ha
1,00
1,00 R
-
13 Water management ha
14 2 to 3 years of
maintenance and
aftercare
ha
1,5
R 9 929,63
0,52
1,00 R
7 745
15a Specialist study sum
1,00
1,00 R
-
R 20
327 (Sum of items 1 to 15 above)
Multiply by Weighting
factor 2 (Step 4.4)
1,10 = R è R
22 360
1 Preliminary and General Add 6% of Subtotal 1 if Subtotal 1
R 100 000 000,00
Add 12% of Subtotal 1 if Subtotal 1 R
2 439
R 100 000 000,00
2 Contingencies Add 10% of Subtotal 1 R
2 033
Sub Total 2 R
22 360 (Subtotal 1 plus sum of
management and
contingency)
Sub Total 3 R
26 832
VAT @ 14 % of Subtotal 3 R
3 756
GRAND TOTAL R
30 588 (Subtotal 3 plus VAT)
The Guidelines as prescribed by the Department indicates that a rate per hectare is required in terms of the class of activities as well as the environmental sensitivity of the
prospecting activities.
In terms of the area where the prospecting will be taking place, the land can be classified as:
- Biophysical: Low – Medium
- Social: Medium
- Economic: Medium
Construction Phase
Not applicable – no construction will be taking place on site.
Operational Phase
Due to the small impact of the boreholes that was drilled, and which was the only direct impact on the properties in question, the quantum can be related directly to the
number of boreholes drilled, and the related costs thereto for each borehole to be rehabilitated (± R1500.00 per borehole).With the current estimation of 15 boreholes
to be drilled, the estimated financial quantum is R30,588.00
Decommissioning Phase
Not applicable – rehabilitation will take place concurrently with the drilling programme, i.e. the boreholes will be filled once drilled.
4.4 Undertaking to provide financial provision
The amount provided above, in Section 4.3, will be made available as a Bank Guarantee on approval of this EMP Report. Sello
and Associates Consulting will cover all the expenses relating to this application, and processes thereafter.
5 REGULATION 52 (2) (e): Planned monitoring and performance assessment of the environmental management plan.
5.1 List of identified impacts requiring monitoring programmes.
The following are identified impacts which require monitoring programmes:
■ Site clearing and drilling: Removal of vegetation;
■ Drilling: Soil erosion;
■ Drilling: Dust and noise;
■ Drilling: Water generated;
■ Drilling: Cleaning of machinery before relocating to another site to prevent the spread of invasive and alien floral species;
■ Drilling: Groundwater levels and quality;
■ Heritage landscape;
■ Hydrocarbon spillages;
■ Ablution facilities;
■ Domestic waste; and
■ Fires.
Wetlands, pans and lakes will be avoided during the Prospecting activities.
5.2 Functional requirements for monitoring programmes.
■ Removal of vegetation: Vegetation cleared from the site will be stored adjacent to the Prospecting site and removed from the site should it not be adequate to use during
rehabilitation. Only the necessary vegetation, required for the establishment of the site, will be cleared and indigenous trees will be avoided;
■ Soil erosion: All topsoil removed will be stored in a stockpile and protected from erosion for use during the rehabilitation. Daily site inspection by the site manager will take
place to ensure that all soil erosion mitigation measures are in place and implemented;
■ Dust and noise: Roads should be sprayed with water to suppress dust and the soil stockpiles with a plastic liner. The drill should be maintained and serviced regularly, and
a silencing system should be fitted, if possible. Drilling is to only take place between sunrise and sunset;
■ Water generated: Water generated from the drilling should be captured and treated as hazardous waste, since drill fluids will be present in the water;
■ Machinery: Cleaning of machinery and equipment will be performed in a dedicated area to avoid the spread of alien invasive floral species to other areas and will take
place before leaving the Prospecting site;
■ Access roads: Machinery operators and drivers should be made aware of the possible safety hazards that they could pose;
■ Groundwater: Groundwater levels and quality should be monitored so as to ensure that surrounding farms are not affected by the drilling activities;
■ Heritage landscape: A Watching Brief should be implemented during site establishment in the event that Heritage Resources are discovered;
■ Use of hydrocarbons: During drilling, a spill tray will be placed under the machinery to collect any hydrocarbon leaks and spillages. Should spillages occur, the soil will be
removed and treated as hazardous waste using bioremediation techniques. Should the soil not be adequately treated on-site, the soil should be removed from the site and
disposed of at a waste handling facility;
■ Ablution facilities: The contents of the chemical toilets should be emptied in a regular basis, at least weekly, to prevent spillages;
■ Domestic waste: Bins will be placed at each site to collect the domestic waste and will be disposed of at a registered waste handling facility. The waste in the rubbish bins
will be removed on a daily basis by the contractor;
■ Wetlands will be avoided; and
■ No open fires are permitted in the Prospecting project area.
5.3 Roles and responsibilities for the execution of monitoring programmes.
Supervisors should be appointed to monitor the potential impacts of the above mentioned activities and Project Managers will foresee that all the management plans are
implemented. Asili African Minerals Pty Ltd will appoint an independent Environmental Control Officer (ECO) to conduct a site visit during the drilling programme to assess the
compliance with the EMP. Once the Prospecting activity has been completed, the ECO will conduct a site visit to audit the rehabilitation, from which a report will be compiled
and submitted to the DMR.
5.4 Committed time frames for monitoring and reporting.
The committed frequency for monitoring the potential impacts is outlined in Table 3 below.
Performance Assessment monitoring and reporting will be conducted on an annual basis, as prescribed by the DMR. General environmental monitoring, however, will be
continuous throughout the Prospecting operations.
Table 3: Frequency of Monitoring Per Potential Impact
Potential Impact Frequency of Monitoring
Removal of vegetation Daily
Soil erosion Daily
Dust and noise Daily
Water generated Daily
Cleaning of machinery Before moving off the Prospecting drill site
Access roads Daily
Groundwater Before and after drilling; and
Monthly during drilling.
Heritage landscape Daily during Site Establishment
Use of hydrocarbons Daily
Ablution facilities Weekly
Domestic Waste Weekly
Rehabilitation After the completion of each Prospecting activity
6 REGULATION 52 (2) (f): Closure and environmental objectives.
6.1 Rehabilitation plan
On completion of the drilling at a specific Prospecting site, the following activities will take place in chronological order:
a) The borehole will be backfilled and sealed with a concrete plug below the natural ground level. The borehole may be left open and capped for future water
extraction at the request of the landowner;
b) The Prospecting drill site will be ripped to ensure that the surface and soils are not compacted;
c) Water will be pumped from the sumps within 24 hours once drilling has concluded;
d) All plastic liners will be removed from the sumps;
e) A “soil fix kit’ will be applied to remove any traces of hydrocarbons from accidental spillages that have occurred during the Prospecting activities;
f) The soil will be left for a 3 to 4 day period to ensure that all hydrocarbons are removed;
g) Fertilisers will be applied to the area and left for a period of 3 to 4 weeks. During this period the soils are left to dry;
h) The topsoil will be levelled over the entire area and all sumps and excavations will be backfilled; and
i) Where necessary, the area is ripped again, levelled and profiled to its predetermined state.
All sites will be rehabilitated, as far as possible, to their predetermined state.
6.2 Closure objectives and their extent of alignment to the pre-mining environment.
Refer to Section 4.2 of this EMP Report for the closure objectives. The extent of alignment to the environments predetermined state is as follows:
■ The Prospecting site will be rehabilitated to allow for natural vegetation to reestablish itself within the site. This is generally accomplished by ensuring adequate preservation
of the topsoil which generally consists of fertile soils and contains a significant amount of natural seeds;
■ Indigenous trees will not be uprooted. Smaller shrubs, however, may be removed during site clearing;
■ The general topography will be maintained where possible. Should alteration of the topography take place during the Prospecting activities, this will be reinstated during
rehabilitation;
■ Rocky areas will be avoided, as such areas are also associated with sensitive
habitats;
■ Invasive and alien floral species will be monitored and, where possible, existing invasive and alien species will be eradicated during the course of the
Prospecting activities; and Minimal disturbance to the subsoil will assist with the objectives of accomplishing returning the environment to its predetermined state.
6.3 Confirmation of consultation
A comprehensive consultation process has been undertaken with the relevant landowners and I&APs. Refer to Section 7 below for the consultation process. Background
information documents and registered leeters have been sent to the landowners, an advert was also published. Any possible concerns in terms of the environment were
communicated directly to the proponent, or his representative.
7 REGULATION 52 (2) (g): Record of the public participation and the results thereof.
7.1 Identification of interested and affected parties.
7.1.1 Name the Community or Communities Identified, or Explain Why No Such Community was Identified.
There was no community identified as the lawful land owner residing immediately on land or adjacent land. The ownership of the the farm which the prospecting right has been
applied at is as follows:
De Villiers Drift 338 is owned by Raudog Close Corporation (Mr J.L Mans).
The proposed Prospecting activities will occur on the farm indicated in 4 below.
Table 4: Farm included in Prospecting Right Application
Farm Name Farm no Portion
De Villiers 338 FO 00
7.1.2 Specifically State whether or not the Community is also the Landowner.
There is no community that is a landowner. No communities were identified in the proximity of the Prospecting Right area.
7.1.3 State whether or not the Department of Land Affairs has been identified as an Interested and Affected Party.
The department of land affairs was notified in writing with the motive to establish whether the land is perhaps on land claim programs, however our findings revealed that the
land is on private hands(kindly see the annexed minutes in Appendix A)
7.1.4 State specifically whether or not a Land Claim is Involved.
A letter requesting confirmation on possible land claims on the farm De Villiers was sent by Asili African Minerals Pty Ltd to the Department of Rural Development and Land
Reform (see Section 7.1.3 above) by email correspondence. The purpose of the letter was to enquire whether there are any land claims on the farm. It was further confirmed
by the land owner Mr J.L Mans (Raudog Close Corporation) through the consultation meeting that was held between him and the Asili African Mineral Pty Ltd.
7.1.5 Name the Traditional Authority Identified.
No Traditional Authority was identified.
7.1.6 List the Landowners Identified by the Applicant (Traditional and Title Deeds Owners)
De Villiers Drift 338 farm is owned by Raudog Close Corporation according to deeds records.
7.1.7 List the Lawful Occupiers of the Land Concerned.
The land owner and the farm workers are the lawful occupiers on the land.
7.1.8 Explain Whether or Not Other Persons’ (Including on Adjacent and Non-adjacent Properties) Socio-economic Conditions will be Directly Affected by the
Proposed Prospecting or Mining Operation and, if not, explain why not.
The socio- economic conditions of persons adjacent and non adjacent properties will not be negatively affected by the proposed prospecting. However on adjacent properties
they may be unemployed people whose socio- economic conditions may change and improve if the proposed project leads to full mining project. These people can benefit
immensely from job creation opportunities if the project leads to mining. These job opportunities can also cater for the unemployed people in the neighbouring communities.
7.1.9 Name the Local Municipality Identified By the Applicant.
The Dihlabeng local Municipality
7.1.10 Name the Relevant Government Departments, Agencies and Institutions Responsible for the Various Aspects of the Environment and for Infrastructure
Which May be Affected by the Proposed Project.
The relevant Government Departments, and institutions are listed below and more information is included as part of the Stakeholder Database, Appendix A:
o Dept of rural development and land reform
o Dept of Agric & rural development
o Dihlabeng local Municipality LED
o Free State provincial Department of Environmental Affairs
o Free State provincial Department of Water Affairs
7.1.11 Submit Evidence That the Landowner or Lawful Occupier of the Land in Question, and Any Other Interested and Affected Parties Including all Those Listed
Above, Were Notified
o Land owner: Hand delivered notification letter to Raudog Close Corporation owner ( Mr Karl Mans)
o Farm workers: Hand delivered notification letter to Mr Mokoena
o Dihlabeng Local Municipality: Hand delivered notification letter to local economic development unit of the municipality received by Ms D Ferreira
o Department of Agriculture and Rural Developmet: Hand delivered a notification letter to Mr Thabiso Masekoa
o Department of Rural Development and Land Reform: Hand delivered the notification letter to Ms Mohanuwa Kaota
o Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs: We wrote an email notifying the Environmental Impact Management Sub- directorate about the proposed activities on
the property/ farm in question (copy of the email is aatached in Appendix A)
o Provincial Department of Water Affairs: We wrote an email notifying the department about the proposed activities (copy of the email is attached in Appendix A)
Information included in the PP documentation that was distributed included information of the applicant, the project description and proposed timeframes, a local setting,
legislative framework according to the MPRDA and the PP process to be followed with the required contact details that stakeholders can use to formally register as an I&AP
on the project. All PP documentation is included in Appendix A.
7.2 The details of the engagement process.
7.2.1. Description of the information provided to the community, landowners, and interested and affected parties.
Refer to Section 7.1.11 for the details on the information that was provided to I&APs.
7.2.2 List of which parties identified in 7.1 above that were in fact consulted, and which were not consulted.
List of consulted individuals
Farm owner or I & AP Organisation
1 Mr J. L Mans De Villiersdrift 338
2 R Mans De Villiersdrift 338
3 L Mokoena De Villiersdrift 338
4 Mr Tlhoriso Khemane De Villiersdrift 338
5 Ms D Ferreira Dihlabeng local Municipality LED
6 Mr Johan Botha Dihlabeng local Municipality LED
7 Mr Thabo Masekoa Dept of Agric & rural dev
8 Ms Mohanuwa Kaota Dept of rural development and land reform
9 Mpiti Nchapi Dept of rural development and land reform
10 Itumeleng Mothibi Dept of rural development and land reform
11 Dineo Gaobepe Dept of rural development and land reform
7.2.3 List of views raised by consulted parties regarding the existing cultural, socio- economic or biophysical environment.
There was no negative views raised by interested and affected parties on the existing, cultural, socio- economic or biophysical environment.
7.2.4 List of views raised by consulted parties on how their existing cultural, socio- economic or biophysical environment potentially will be impacted on by the
proposed prospecting or mining operation.
No negative views were expressed by the interested and affecte parties. However the land owner indicated that the applicant must minimize the potential impact that may
arise as a result of prospecting activities. As for the interested and the affected parties they welcomed the proposed project and expressed their positive views (support) on
the potential that the project may have potential job opportunities and inflow of investment into the area. For more details refer to the attached consultation report.
7.2.5 Other concerns raised by the aforesaid parties.
None
7.2.6 Confirmation that minutes and records of the consultations are appended.
No communities were identified and, as such, no meetings were held with the community members. The meeting was held with the land owner, lawful occupiers in the farm
and various government departments. Comments received from the land owner and the departments are attached in Appendix A. The register list and the emails confirming
consultations are attached in the consultation document in Appendix A. Attached herewith are the minutes included in the consultation report.
7.2.7 Information regarding objections received.
During the consultations there were no objectives received. Any objection receive after submission of the EMP will attend to it and also forward to the relevant authority.
7.3 The manner in which the issues raised were addressed.
A copy of the Environmental Management Plan was sent to them to address any concern that they may have, they have also raised an issue of land sale if the applicant
decide to mine if the geological report proves the viability of the area, such will be privately agreed on with individual farm owners depending on their needs and cooperation.
Refer to the consultation document regarding how the issues raised were addressed.
8 SECTION 39 (3) (c ) of the Act: Environmental awareness plan.
8.1 Employee communication process
Asili African Minerals Pty Ltd has developed Environmental, Health and Safety Policies. The Environmental Policy will be communicated to all personnel, whether they are
contractors or permanent staff, and the policy will be erected at each active Prospecting site. Employees will receive general environmental awareness training on specific
items contained in this EMP, as well as on Best Possible Environmental Practices (BPEP).
8.2 Description of solutions to risks
Each possible potential impact (risk) has been identified in this EMP Report. For each impact or risk, a mitigation measure has been proposed. If employees are trained on
these mitigation measures, the likelihood of potential impacts will be reduced significantly.
8.3 Environmental awareness training.
■Environmental Awareness Training will be undertaken to make employees and contractors aware of the following:
■ The importance of conforming with the environmental policy and procedures and with the requirements of the EMP;
■ The significant social and environmental impacts of their work activities and the environmental benefits of improved personal performance;
■ Their roles and responsibilities in achieving conformance with the environmental policy and procedures and with the requirements of the environmental management
system;
■ The potential consequences of departure from specified operating procedures; and
■ Possible archaeological finds, action steps for mitigation measures, surface collections, excavations and communication routes to follow in the case of a discovery.
The guidelines for training are summarised in 5 below, which are in line with the ISO 14001:2004 guidelines with regards to training and awareness creation.
Table 5: Training Guidelines
Types of training Audience Purpose
Raising awareness of the
strategic importance of
environmental management.
Senior management To gain commitment and
alignment to the organisation’s
environmental policy.
Raising general environmental
awareness.
All employees To gain commitment to the
environmental policy and objectives
and to instil a sense of individual
responsibility.
Skill enhancement. Employees with environmental
responsibilities
To improve performance in specific
tasks.
Compliance. Employees whose actions can
affect compliance
To ensure that regulatory and internal
requirements for training are met.
The training programme will consist of the following elements:
■ Identification of employee training needs;
■ Development of a training plan to address defined needs;
■ Verification of conformance of the training programme to regulatory or
organisational requirements and standards;
■ Training of target employee groups;
■ Documentation of training received; and
■ Evaluation of training received.
This training is done on an annual basis for all personnel, together with the annual required induction programmes. The training material provided will be subject to annual
review, based on issues such as incidents, accidents, new legislative requirements, modified processes and environmental and social aspects identified from time to time.
This training is to be carried out and coordinated internally by Asili African Minerals Pty Ltd.
Asili African Minerals Pty Ltd will, therefore, develop the capabilities and support mechanisms necessary to achieve its environmental policy, objectives and targets. In
addition, an Emergency Preparedness Plan will be communicated and trained to all site personnel during the induction process.
9 SECTION 39 (4) (a) (iii) of the Act: Capacity to rehabilitate and manage negative impacts on the environment.
9.1 The annual amount required to manage and rehabilitate the environment.
It should be noted that in addition to monitoring that needs to take place as the PWP, the quantum calculation which includes all infrastructure should be included. It is
recommended that the liability figures need to be updated on an annual basis as a requirement by the MPRDA. This will ensure that all costs become more accurate over time
and will reflect current market conditions. From the R30 588 amount calculated in section 4.3 the R11 000 will be used annually to rehabilitate the affected areas.
Avtivity Amount
Cost of re-vegetation R1000
Cost of profiling disturbed areas R2000
Spillages Management R2000
Drilled holes R2000
Aftercare and maintenance R4000
Total R 11 000
9.2 Confirmation that the stated amount correctly reflected in the Prospecting Work Programme as required.
The annual amount of R 610 000.00 was displayed in the Prospecting Works Programme (PWP). Asili African Minerals Pty Ltd, this amount will be used in the processing of
the prospecting activities.
10 REGULATION 52 (2)(h): Undertaking to execute the environmental management plan.
Herewith I, the person whose name and identity number is stated below,
confirm that I am the person authorised to act as representative of the applicant in terms
of the resolution submitted with the application, and confirm that the above report
comprises an EMP compiled in accordance with the guideline on the Departments official
website and the directive in terms of sections 29 and 39 (5) in that regard, and the applicant
undertakes to execute the Environmental management plan as proposed.
Full Names and Surname
George Mbusela Mashinini
Identity Number
8307065638083
-THE END-
APPENDICE A : REGISTER LISTS
APPENDICE B :
CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT OF NOTIFICATION LETTERS
APPENDICE C: EMAILS RECEIVED