name of applicant: asili african minerals (pty) ltd ......6 asili african minerals pty ltd 7.1.8...

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)

2


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.

3


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

4


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

5


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

6


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

7


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

8


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

9


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,

10


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

11


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

12


eight 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.


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.

13


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

14


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

15


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.



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

16


Phase 4:

Closer Spaced Drilling of 10 diamond

core drill holes.

Logging of core and sampling.

Metallurgical and Geotechnical Tests.

Updating of Geological Model.



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


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


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.


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


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

\


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



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


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



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.


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


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


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


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.


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


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


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


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


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


listed as follows:

Local geology

Vegetation and soil

Noise

Air quality

Groundwater

Surface water

18 months


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


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


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


2 1 1 2 Low (8)

Activity Impact

Drill Site Establishment Waste disposal


2 2 2 4 Low (24)

Activity Impact

Drill Site Establishment Dust from roads and land


2 2 2 3 Low (18)

Activity Impact

Drill Site Establishment Water Use


2 2 2 4 Low (24)

Activity Impact

Drill Site Establishment Impact on rivers and related floodplain


4 2 3 3 Low (27)

Activity Impact

Drilling programmes Loss of Topsoil


2 1 1 5 Low (20)

Activity Impact

Drilling programmes Impact on vegetation


2 1 1 2 Low (8)

Activity Impact

Drilling programmes Dust from roads and land


2 2 2 3 Low (18)

Activity Impact

Drilling programmes Noise


2 2 2 4 Low (24)

Activity Impact

Drilling programmes Waste disposal


2 2 2 4 Low (24)

Activity Impact

Drilling programmes Water Use


2 2 2 4 Low (24)

Activity Impact

Drilling programmes Impact on rivers and related floodplain


4 2 3 3 Low (27)


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


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

name of applicant: asili african minerals (pty) ltd ......6 asili african minerals pty ltd 7.1.8...

Documents