ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME AMENDMENT: … · environmental management programme amendment:...

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME AMENDMENT:

BLACK MOUNTAIN MINING – VEDANTA RESOURCES, AGGENEYS,

NORTHERN CAPE

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION

Client:

BLACK MOUNTAIN MINING

Proposal Name:

Environmental Management Programme

Amendment

RHDHV Reference Number:

E00.CPT.000402

DMR Reference:

ML 5/2000

Date:

June 2013

Location:

Aggeneys, Northern Cape

Compiled by:

Ntšeketsi Lerotholi

Reviewed by:

Bronwen Griffiths

© Royal HaskoningDHV

All rights reserved

No part of this publication may be

reproduced or transmitted in any form

or by any means, electronic or

mechanical, without the written

permission from RHDHV and Black

Mountain Mining.

Black Mountain Mining (Pty) Ltd – EMPR May 2013 Page i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................... V

LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................ VI

APPENDICES-SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ............................................................................. VII

APPENDIX A: WATER QUALITY AUDIT REPORT, FEBRUARY, 2001 ........................................ VII

ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................................. VIII

1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 1

1.1 History and Background Information ........................................................................................... 1

1.1.1 Contact details for the mine .................................................................................................... 2 1.2 Location of the Operations ............................................................................................................ 3

2 DESCRIPTION OF THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT .............................................................. 5

2.1 Geology of the Broken Hill Deeps Project Ore Body .................................................................. 5

2.2 Ground Water .................................................................................................................................. 7

2.2.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................. 7 2.2.2 Depth of water table(s) ........................................................................................................... 7 2.2.3 Background Groundwater Quality .......................................................................................... 9 2.2.4 Ground water quality around the tailings and ageing pond area ......................................... 11 2.2.5 Depth of water Table ............................................................................................................ 14 2.2.6 Seepage Volumes ................................................................................................................ 14 2.2.7 Seepage quality prediction ................................................................................................... 15 2.2.8 Groundwater Use ................................................................................................................. 16

2.3 Climate ........................................................................................................................................... 16

2.3.1 Mean monthly and annual rainfall ........................................................................................ 17 2.3.2 Maximum rainfall intensities ................................................................................................. 18 2.3.3 Mean monthly, maximum and minimum temperatures ........................................................ 19 2.3.4 Monthly mean wind direction and speed .............................................................................. 20 2.3.5 Incidence of extreme weather conditions ............................................................................. 20

2.4 Topography ................................................................................................................................... 20

2.4.1 Description ............................................................................................................................ 21 2.4.2 Soil ........................................................................................................................................ 21

2.5 Land use ........................................................................................................................................ 24

2.5.1 Pre-mining land use ............................................................................................................. 24 2.5.2 Historical agricultural production .......................................................................................... 24 2.5.3 Evidence of misuse .............................................................................................................. 24 2.5.4 Existing structures ................................................................................................................ 24

2.6 Natural vegetation / plant life ...................................................................................................... 24

2.6.1 Priority and Sensitivity Analysis............................................................................................ 30 2.7 Fauna ............................................................................................................................................. 31

2.7.1 Commonly occurring species ............................................................................................... 31 2.7.2 Avifaunal Priorities ................................................................................................................ 31 2.7.3 Drainage Context ................................................................................................................. 33 2.7.4 Surface water quality ............................................................................................................ 37

2.8 Air quality ...................................................................................................................................... 37

2.9 Noise 37

2.10 Sites of Archaeological and Cultural interest ........................................................................... 37

2.10.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................... 37 2.10.2 Earlier and Middle Stone Age sites ...................................................................................... 39 2.10.3 Middle Stone Age sites ......................................................................................................... 40 2.10.4 Later Stone Age Sites .......................................................................................................... 40 2.10.5 Rock art sites ........................................................................................................................ 44 2.10.6 Painted boulder site near Aggregate Quarry ........................................................................ 44 2.10.7 Cemeteries and graves ........................................................................................................ 51

Black Mountain Mining (Pty) Ltd – EMPR May 2013 Page ii

2.11 Visual Aspects .............................................................................................................................. 51

2.11.1 Study Area Visual baseline .................................................................................................. 51 2.11.2 Study area visual character and VAC .................................................................................. 54 2.11.3 Presence of Receptor Locations and Visual Sensitivity of the Area .................................... 55

2.12 Socio-economic structure ........................................................................................................... 57

2.12.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................... 57 2.12.2 Formulation of Integrated Development Plan‟s .................................................................... 59 2.12.3 Aggeneys Community Engagement Plan ............................................................................ 59 2.12.4 Small Business Development ............................................................................................... 60

3 PROCESS DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................. 62

3.1 Mining Process ............................................................................................................................. 62

3.2 Mineral Processing Plant ............................................................................................................. 62

3.2.1 Crushing ............................................................................................................................... 63 3.2.2 Milling ................................................................................................................................... 63 3.2.3 Aeration ................................................................................................................................ 64

3.3 Flotation ........................................................................................................................................ 64

3.3.1 Copper Flotation ................................................................................................................... 64 3.3.2 Lead Flotation ....................................................................................................................... 65 3.3.3 Zinc Flotation ........................................................................................................................ 65

3.4 Thickening ..................................................................................................................................... 66

3.5 Tailings Dam ................................................................................................................................. 67

3.6 Backfill ........................................................................................................................................... 68

3.7 Storage of finished products ...................................................................................................... 71

3.8 Dispatch of Products from Site ................................................................................................... 71

3.9 Waste Rock ................................................................................................................................... 71

3.10 Supporting Services and Activities ............................................................................................ 71

3.10.1 Housing, recreation and other employee facilities ............................................................... 71 3.10.2 Water Supply ........................................................................................................................ 72 3.10.3 Power / Electricity ................................................................................................................. 73 3.10.4 Airfields, roads and railways ................................................................................................. 73 3.10.5 Sanitation facilities ................................................................................................................ 73 3.10.6 Diesel/Fuel ............................................................................................................................ 75 3.10.7 Storm water .......................................................................................................................... 75 3.10.8 Solid waste management facilities ....................................................................................... 75 3.10.9 Hazardous waste .................................................................................................................. 77 3.10.10 Emergency Incidents and / or Accidents .............................................................................. 79

3.11 Concurrent Rehabilitation ........................................................................................................... 80

3.12 Closure and Decommissioning ................................................................................................... 81

3.12.1 Closure objectives ................................................................................................................ 81 3.12.2 Closure framework ............................................................................................................... 81 3.12.3 Rehabilitation Methodology proposed for the infrastructure on site ..................................... 82

4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ............................................................................................... 90

4.1 Consultation Process................................................................................................................... 90

4.1.1 Background Information Document ...................................................................................... 90 4.1.2 Key Issues Identified ............................................................................................................ 90

4.2 Ongoing Communication............................................................................................................. 90

4.2.1 Complaints ............................................................................................................................ 90 4.2.2 List of Interested and Affected Parties ................................................................................. 91

5 METHODS USED TO UNDERTAKE THE IMPACT ASSESSMENT ........................................... 92

5.1 Legal Requirements ..................................................................................................................... 92

5.2 Definitions ..................................................................................................................................... 92

5.2.1 Criteria to Consider when Determining Severity of impacts ................................................. 93 5.3 Explanation of Impact Rating ...................................................................................................... 93

5.3.1 Probability and Likelihood .................................................................................................... 93

Black Mountain Mining (Pty) Ltd – EMPR May 2013 Page iii

6 IMPACT ASSESSMENT ................................................................................................. 96

6.1 Impact Assessment of Mining Process ...................................................................................... 96

6.1.1 Impact assessment during Exploration drilling surface ........................................................ 97 6.1.2 Impact Assessment for Underground Mining ....................................................................... 99 6.1.3 Impact assessment during ore handling Deeps Underground, Surface Conveyors,

Waste Rock Dump & Tony‟s dam ...................................................................................... 103 6.2 Impact Assessment for Crushing ............................................................................................. 106

6.3 Impact Assessment for Milling and Aeration .......................................................................... 110

6.4 Impact Assessment for Flotation, Thickening and Filtration................................................. 113

6.5 Impact Assessment for Tailings Dam ...................................................................................... 115

6.6 Impact Assessment for Backfill ................................................................................................ 118

6.7 Impact Assessment for Storage of finished products ............................................................ 125

6.8 Impact Assessment for Dispatch of Products from Site ........................................................ 127

6.9 Impact Assessment for Waste Rock ........................................................................................ 130

6.10 Supporting Services and Activities .......................................................................................... 131

6.10.1 Impact assessment during maintenance ............................................................................ 131 6.10.2 Impact Assessment for Office Operations .......................................................................... 139 6.10.3 Impact Assessment for Water Supply and Storm Water ................................................... 141 6.10.4 Power / Electricity; Use of Generators ............................................................................... 143 6.10.5 Impact Assessment for Hazardous waste .......................................................................... 144

6.11 Impact Assessment for concurrent rehabilitation ................................................................. 150

6.12 Impacts Associated with Decommissioning and Closure ..................................................... 153

7 ALTERNATIVE LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENTS CONSIDERED ....................................... 154

7.1 Land-use / development Alternatives Considered .................................................................. 154

7.2 Alternative Mining Methods ...................................................................................................... 154

7.3 Consequences of Not Continuing with the Mine .................................................................... 154

8 ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ................................................................ 155

8.1 Environmental Goals and Objectives ....................................................................................... 155

8.1.1 Environmental Legislation .................................................................................................. 155 8.2 Water Pollution ........................................................................................................................... 156

8.3 Dust 157

8.4 Noise 157

8.5 Blasting ....................................................................................................................................... 157

8.6 Waste Management .................................................................................................................... 157

8.7 Rehabilitation .............................................................................................................................. 158

8.8 Environmental Awareness Training ......................................................................................... 158

8.9 Socio-economic Goals and Objectives .................................................................................... 158

8.9.1 Skills Development ............................................................................................................. 158 8.9.2 Local Economic Development ............................................................................................ 158 8.9.3 Black Economic Empowerment and Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises ..................... 159

8.10 Heritage Goals and Objectives ................................................................................................. 159

8.11 Closure Goals and Objectives .................................................................................................. 159

9 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ..................................................... 160

9.1 Environmental Management for Topography .......................................................................... 160

9.2 Environmental Management for Geology ................................................................................ 160

9.3 Environmental Management for Ground Water ...................................................................... 161

9.4 Environmental management for heritage resources .............................................................. 162

9.5 Environmental Management for Visual / aesthetic value ....................................................... 165

9.6 Environmental Management during Underground Mining..................................................... 165

9.7 Environmental Management for Waste Management ............................................................. 166

Black Mountain Mining (Pty) Ltd – EMPR May 2013 Page iv

9.8 Environmental Management during Ore handling Deeps Underground, Surface Conveyors, Waste Rock Dump & Tony’s dam .............................................................. 167

9.9 Environmental Management during Crushing ........................................................................ 168

9.10 Environmental Management during during Milling and Aeration ......................................... 169

9.11 Environmental Management during flotation1, thickening and filtration ............................. 169

9.12 Environmental Management for Tailings ................................................................................. 170

9.13 Environmental Management during Backfill ........................................................................... 171

9.14 Environmental Management during Storage of finished products ....................................... 172

9.15 Environmental Management during Dispatch of products .................................................... 173

9.16 Envronmental Management for Waste Rock ........................................................................... 173

9.17 Environmental Management for Hydrocarbon ....................................................................... 174

10 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS PLAN ......................................................................... 175

10.1 Environmental Training and communication approach ......................................................... 175

10.1.1 Identification of training needs ............................................................................................ 175 10.2 Induction ..................................................................................................................................... 175

10.2.1 Environmental Procedure Training ..................................................................................... 176 10.2.2 Training material development and review ........................................................................ 176 10.2.3 Training Assessment .......................................................................................................... 176

10.3 Environmental Communication and Awareness ..................................................................... 177

10.4 External Environmental Awareness Courses .......................................................................... 177

11 FINANCIAL PROVISION ESTIMATION ............................................................................ 178

11.1 Quantum of Financial Provision [Regulation 54(1)] ................................................................ 178

12 UNDERTAKING .......................................................................................................... 179

Black Mountain Mining (Pty) Ltd – EMPR May 2013 Page v

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1-1: Ore sources for Black Mountain Mine. ........................................................................................2 Figure 1-2: Location of Black Mountain Mine ................................................................................................3 Figure 1-3: Aerial photo showing Black Mountain Mine main offices ............................................................4 Figure 2-1: Generalized plan and section of the Broken Hill stratiform massive sulphide ore bodies at Black Mountain Mine. ....................................................................................................................................6 Figure 2-2: Position of ground water monitoring points. ................................................................................8 Figure 2-3: Water levels in the boreholes ................................................................................................... 10 Figure 2-4: Schematic drawing of different mechanisms influencing the hydrochemistry around the slimes dam area..................................................................................................................................................... 12 Figure 2-5: Google Earth Aerial view of Aggeneys showing the topography of the site (note the terrain has been vertically exaggerated) ...................................................................................................................... 21 Figure 2-6: General Soils map of the study area and surroundings (SANBI BGIS)................................... 23 Figure 2-7: National vegetation map for the study area (SANBI BGIS 2013) ............................................ 26 Figure 2-8: Northern Cape Critical Biodiversity Areas Priority Map (SANBI BGIS 2013) .......................... 27 Figure 2-9: Site pictures of BMM koppie, drainage and flats surroundings. .............................................. 29 Figure 2-10: Priority analysis of sensitive ecological areas: Red = high, Amber = medium to high; and yellow = medium ......................................................................................................................................... 30 Figure 2-11: Hydrology Map depicting hydrogeomorphic feature map (SANBI BGIS 2013) ..................... 35 Figure 2-12: National Freshwater Ecological Priority Area Atlas Map (SANBI BGIS 2013) ...................... 36 Figure 2-13: Key sites at Black Mountain Mine .......................................................................................... 38 Figure 2-14: Deflation hollow at Zuurwater – handaxe in foreground. ....................................................... 39 Figure 2-15: Rock surfaces where water collects after rains ..................................................................... 41 Figure 2-16: One of several grinding stone surfaces in the vicinity of 29.25362

o S 18.80600

o E ............. 41

Figure 2-17: Location of Aggeneys Goras site 1 (white arrow) .................................................................. 42 Figure 2-18: Bedrock exposure and hollow in which water collects after rain. .......................................... 42 Figure 2-19: Grinding groove in bedrock and examples of microlithic stone tools, pottery and ostrich eggshell. ..................................................................................................................................................... 43 Figure 2-20: Location of the goras in the Aggeneys game farm (white arrow) .......................................... 43 Figure 2-21: Faintly visible ‘star’ image finger painting. ............................................................................. 45 Figure 2-22: painted boulder with protective fence and reed roof (needs repairing). ................................ 45 Figure 2-23: Quartz flake and ostrich eggshell fragment from painted boulder site .................................. 46 Figure 2-24: Location of the painted boulder site (white arrow) ................................................................. 46 Figure 2-25: Aggeneys cupule site: ............................................................................................................ 47 Figure 2-26: Zoomed in cupule site ............................................................................................................ 47 Figure 2-27: Location of the cupule site (arrow) (Zuurwater cupule site: 29.23668

oS 18.72809

oE) .......... 48

Figure 2-28: Waterfall with cupules (indicated by arrow) ........................................................................... 49 Figure 2-29: Cupules engraved/drilled into the face of the rock................................................................. 50 Figure 2-30: Swartberg Mine and position of the cupule site (arrow) ........................................................ 50 Figure 2-31: Visual impact of form ............................................................................................................. 52 Figure 2-32: Visual impact of line ............................................................................................................... 53 Figure 2-33: Visual impact of texture .......................................................................................................... 54 Figure 2-34: Study Area and Receptor Locations ...................................................................................... 56 Figure 2-35: Labour sending areas by local municipalities ........................................................................ 58 Figure 2-36: Labour sending areas by Towns within thin the Namakwa and Siyanda District ................. 59 Figure 3-1: Typical Mine Flow Diagram ...................................................................................................... 63 Figure 3-2: Crushing Circuit........................................................................................................................ 63 Figure 3-3: Milling Flow Diagram ................................................................................................................ 64 Figure 3-4: Copper Flotation Flow Diagram. .............................................................................................. 65 Figure 3-5: Lead Flotation Flow Diagram ................................................................................................... 66 Figure 3-6: Zinc Flotation Flow Diagram .................................................................................................... 66 Figure 3-7: Thickener and Filtration Flow Sheet ........................................................................................ 67 Figure 3-8: Backfill Plant Layout ................................................................................................................. 68 Figure 3-9: The Mine Sewage System ....................................................................................................... 74 Figure 3-10: BMM General Waste Flow Diagram ...................................................................................... 76 Figure 3-11: BMM Hazardous Waste Flow Diagram .................................................................................. 78 Figure 8-1: The black mountain HDSA/BEE spend targets (BMM SLP, 2009) ........................................ 159

Black Mountain Mining (Pty) Ltd – EMPR May 2013 Page vi

LIST OF TABLES

Table 2-1: Typical background hydro-chemistry in the Black Mountain area. ..............................................9 Table 2-2: Typical hydro-chemistry in boreholes (M18 – 21, BH1 – 5, JMA1 – 4, M6, M7) in the vicinity and of the tailings dam and ageing pond area. .......................................................................................... 13 Table 2-3: Operational rules at the Black Mountain tailings dam and return water dam used for prediction of seepage volumes. .................................................................................................................................. 15 Table 2-4: Preliminary seepage volumes predicted for the tailings dam and the return water dam during the operational phase before the use of the new dams in 2010. ............................................................... 15 Table 2-5: Preliminary operational phase seepage water qualities from the Black Mountain tailings dam and return water dam ................................................................................................................................. 16 Table 2-6: Annual rainfall in Aggeneys: 1986 – 1992 ................................................................................ 18 Table 2-7: Mean, maximum and minimum monthly and annual rainfall and maximum recorded in 24 hours at Pofadder: 1993 - 1984 ............................................................................................................................ 18 Table 2-8: Highest rainfall rates recorded and the computed 50 and 100 year maximum expected rates at Pofadder (mm) ............................................................................................................................................ 19 Table 2-9: Average temperatures and barometric pressures: 1986 – 1992 .............................................. 19 Table 2-10: Calculated average humidity during summer and winter ........................................................ 19 Table 2-11: Wind data during 1975 for Aggeneys ...................................................................................... 20 Table 2-12: Average daily evaporation rates at Aggeneys ........................................................................ 20 Table 2-13: Species of conservation concern for Aggeneys taken from a the Namaqua Biodiversity Plan .................................................................................................................................................................... 31 Table 2-14: Fauna species of conservation concern of endangered or rare status ................................... 31 Table 2-15: key species to the study area (from Birdlife South Africa, 2013) ............................................ 32 Table 2-16: Range and biome restricted Species of the study area (from Birdlife South Area 2013) ....... 32 Table 2-17: Catchment Characteristics of the study site ............................................................................ 34 Table 2-18: Total estimated job opportunities created by Black Mountain ................................................ 58 Table 3-1: Physico-chemical properties of the hydraulic backfill medium. ................................................. 69 Table 3-2: The chemical composition of reclaim water. ............................................................................. 69 Table 3-3: The chemical composition of the tailings. ................................................................................. 70 Table 3-4: Hydrocarbon register onsite ...................................................................................................... 75 Table 5-1: Scoring for environment impact assessment criteria. ............................................................... 94 Table 5-2: Impact Significance ................................................................................................................... 95 Table 9-1: Environmental Management for Topography .......................................................................... 160 Table 9-2: Environmental Management for Geology ............................................................................... 160 Table 9-3: Environmental Management for Ground Water ...................................................................... 161 Table 9-4: Environmental Management for heritage resources ............................................................... 162 Table 9-5: Environmental Management for visual/aesthetic value .......................................................... 165 Table 9-6: Environmental Management during underground mining ....................................................... 165 Table 9-7: Environmental Management for waste management ............................................................. 166 Table 9-8: Environmental Management for Ore handling ........................................................................ 167 Table 9-9: Environmental Management for crushing ............................................................................... 168 Table 9-10: Environmental Management for milling and aeration ........................................................... 169 Table 9-11: Environmental Management for flotation, thickening and filtration ....................................... 169 Table 9-12: Environmental Management for tailings ................................................................................ 170 Table 9-13: Environmental Management for backfill ................................................................................ 171 Table 9-14: Environmental Management for storage of finished products .............................................. 172 Table 9-15: Environmental Management for dispatch of products .......................................................... 173 Table 9-16: Environmental Management for waste rock .......................................................................... 173 Table 9-17: Environmental Management for hydrocarbon ....................................................................... 174

Black Mountain Mining (Pty) Ltd – EMPR May 2013 Page vii

APPENDICES-SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

Appendix A: Water quality audit report, February, 2001

Appendix B: Ecological Report April, 2013

Appendix C: Heritage Report

Appendix D: Visual Impact Assessment Study, April 2013

Appendix E: Mine Plan

Appendix F: Black Mountain Standard Operating Procedures (SOP‟s) ESOP033:

Appendix G: Environmental Rehabilitation Programme for Life of Mine Phase 1.

Appendix H: The Background Information Documents (BID)

Appendix I: A list of I&AP identified and consulted with during the public participation process

Black Mountain Mining (Pty) Ltd – EMPR May 2013 Page viii

ABBREVIATIONS

AGIS Agricultural Geographic Information System

AVCP Alien Vegetation Control Programme

BEE Black Economic Empowerment

CARA Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, Act No. 43 of 1983

DSB Development Services Board

DMR Department of Mineral Resources

DWAF Department of Water Affairs and Forestry

EC European Community

ECA. Environment and Conservation Act, Act No. 73 of 1989

EDP Economic Development Plan

EIA Environmental Impacts Assessment

EMP1 Environmental Management Programme

EMPR2 Environmental Management Programme Report

GPS Geographic Positioning System

HDSA Historically Disadvantaged South African

I&AP Interested and Affected Parties

IDP Integrated Development Plan

ISO International Standards Organisation

LoM Life of mine

LED Local Economic Development

masl meters above sea level

MPRDA Minerals and Petroleum Resource Development Act, Act No. 28 of 2002

NEMA National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998

NEM: AQA. National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, Act No. 39 of 2004

NWA. National Water Act, Act No. 36 of 1998

MWP Mining Work Programme

OEL Occupational Exposure Limit

QDS Quarter Degree Square

OMP Overburden Management Plan

ROM Run of Mine

SABAP South African Bird Atlas Project

SAHRA South African Heritage resource Agency

SAWS South African Whether Service

SANS South African National Standard

SLP Social and Labour Plan

SMME Small Micro and Medium Enterprise

SSC Shared Service Centre

TDS Total Dissolved Solids

TWQR Target Water Quality Range

USBM Unites States Bureau of Mines

1 Compiled in accordance with the requirements of the Minerals and Petroleum Resource Development Act, Act No. 28 of 2002.

2 Compiled in accordance with the Minerals Act, Act No. 51 of 1991.

Black Mountain Mining (Pty) Ltd – EMPR May 2013 Page | 1

1 INTRODUCTION

This document constitutes the amended environmental impact assessment, which determines the

significance of impacts associated with the Black Mountain Mine and the environmental management

programme, which provides management measures to mitigate the significance of the impacts of the

mining operation, for the Black Mountain Mine – Vedanta Resources.

Royal HaskoningDHV (hereafter referred to as RHDHV) has been appointed to consolidate all the

existing Black Mountain Mine (BMM) EMPRs into one over-arching document.

1.1 History and Background Information

Exploration in the region of the Black Mountain Mine started in 1929 with the first shaft sunk on Swartberg

– the „Black Mountain‟ of the company‟s name. Desultory investigations continued at sporadic intervals

after that until 1970 when Phelps Dodge Corporation commenced a diamond-drilling programme.

In 1971 the Swartberg ore body was intersected, followed by the ore body at Noeniespoort se Kop

(„Broken Hill‟) in 1972 and in 1973 the Aggeneys Mountain („Big Syncline‟) ore body. The most promising

of the three was at Noeniespoort and an audit was conducted in 1974 to procure bulk samples for

metallurgical testing. In 1976 Phelps Dodge Corporation commissioned a feasibility study for an

underground mine.

In October 1977, after a decision to seek a partner for the venture, Phelps Dodge came to an agreement

with Gold Fields of South Africa Limited (GFSA) and its associates, who subscribed for a 51% interest in

the Black Mountain Mineral Development Company (Proprietary) Limited.

In the late nineties, GFSA decided to sell off its base metal assets, including Black Mountain. After

conducting a due-diligence study, Anglo-American Corporation purchased Black Mountain and the

nearby, as yet undeveloped Gamsberg zinc deposit.

Low-key exploration through the ‟90s, aimed mainly at finding extensions to the Broken Hill orebody,

yielded little encouragement but the geologists were still optimistic. With the change in ownership almost

certainly signalling an end to the drilling program, the Chief Geologist requested funds for one final hole to

test an area further out from the previously drilled holes.

This proved a turning point in the history of Black Mountain Mining, as high-grade mineralization was

intersected at a depth of just over 1,000m. On 10 May 2010, Anglo American announced the sale of its

Zinc portfolio to Vedanta Resources.

Four major sediment-hosted lead-zinc-copper-silver deposits: Broken Hill, Swartberg, Big Syncline and

Gamsberg, occur in the Aggeneys area (See Figure 1-1). Broken Hill used to produce 1.56 million tonnes

of ore per annum. Exploration drilling from surface indicated a major down-plunge extension to the

Broken Hill ore body. This extension was named the Deep orebody. The Deep ore body‟s western

extremity is approximately 390 m east of, and 240 m below, the current deepest level of the mine (800 m

below surface). It has a known down plunge extent of 1 100 m and is open at depth. The deepest position

of the ore body is 1 680 m below surface. The Deep ore body is sub-divided into five geologically distinct

zones each comprising of iron formation and massive sulphide. Lead -zinc-copper-silver mineralisation

occurs as fine to coarse disseminations or interbanded in the iron formations. Mineralisation in the

massive sulphide is fine-grained and often brecciated. Economic ore occurs in all of the five ore body

zones and is predominantly situated at or close to the footwall of each zone. The Deep ore body is

contained in a synformal structure with a steep (63°-70°) and extensive southern limb. The northern limb

of this structure has, so far, been poorly explored, however from existing information it seems to be

refolded. Indications are that the shape and disposition of the ore body have been determined by both


folding and thrusting. Black Mountain mine produces zinc, lead, and copper concentrate. Silver is

produced as a by-product of lead and copper processing.

Figure 1-1: Ore sources for Black Mountain Mine.

1.1.1 Contact details for the mine

Name of Applicant: Black Mountain Mining (PTY) Ltd – Vedanta Resources

DME Reference No. 6/2/6/33; SCN 5/3/2/223; SNC 6/2/2/153; NCS

30/5/1/2/3/2/2/1 517 MR; NCPOF1/NAM/03/2007; ML

5/2000; ML 2/99

Contact Person (Black Mountain Mine): PD Venter

Physical Address: Black Mountain Mining (PTY) Ltd – Vedanta Resources

1 Penge Road

Aggneys

Postal Address: Black Mountain Mining (PTY) Ltd – Vedanta Resources

P O Box X01, Aggeneys

8893

Telephone Number: (054) 983 9345

Fax Number: (054) 983-9353

Email [email protected]

Commodity: Lead, Zinc and Copper


1.2 Location of the Operations

Black Mountain Mine is situated in Aggeneys, a small town in the Northern Cape Province (Figure 1-2).

BMM is located 60km East of Pofadder and 110km West of Springbok. The map below illustrates BMM in

relation to other centres and major infrastructures in the Northern Cape Province.

Figure 1-2: Location of Black Mountain Mine

The BMM falls under the Kenhardt magisterial district and the Springbok regional services council

authority. It is adjacent to the small village of Aggeneys located along the N14 highway between the

towns of Pofadder and Springbok in the Northern Cape Province.

The mine is synonymous with the settlement and is inhabited by employees of the mine (Figure 1-3).


Figure 1-3: Aerial photo showing Black Mountain Mine main offices


2 DESCRIPTION OF THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

BMM has been operating since 1979.

The description of the receiving environment describes the pre-mining environment and the current

environment present on the site. The baseline description of the receiving environment has been

extrapolated from the following sources (which are referenced throughout the report):

The Environmental Management Programme Report compiled Groundwater Consulting Services

cc, 2000.

Black Mountain – A division of Anglo Operations Limited Original Environmental Management

Programme Report, 1993.

Environmental Management Programme for the tailings dam extension compiled by Oryx

Environmental, 2007.

Recent environmental auditing and monitoring results.

The Visual assessment carried out by RHDHV, 2013

The Ecology assessment carried out by RHDHV, 2013

The Heritage assessment compiled by Dr David Morris, McGregor Museum, Kimberley, March

2013

2.1 Geology of the Broken Hill Deeps Project Ore Body

Geology information in this section is obtained from the existing original EMPRs.

The Aggeneys copper-lead-zinc-silver deposits occur in the Precambrian metavolcanic metasedimentary

Bushmanland Group which forms part of the Namaqualand Metamorphic Complex. The Bushmanland

Basin occupies an area measuring around 18,000km in the western half of the Namaqualand-Natal

Mobile Belt.

Ore at the Black Mountain Mine is more copper-rich, in contrast to the other deposits to the east which

are all more zinc-rich. This deposit comprises two superposed massive sulphide bodies namely the

thicker Upper Ore Body (UOB) and a thinner Lower Ore Body (LOB) (See Figure 2-1). Both ore bodies,

which also carry disseminated sulphides, are hosted in the banded iron formation. The iron formation

horizons are both separated by and enveloped in northwest-dipping schist, which is overlain by a thick

quartzite formation.

The UOB is comprised of three types of iron formation: magnetite quartzite, magnetite-amphibolite and

barite-magnetite. Garnet-quartzite forms a halo around the UOB; it is locally enriched in copper (up to 3%

copper (Cu)).

The LOB consists of baritic to quartzitic schist with disseminated sulphides which grades into magnetite-

amphibolite. The footwall to the massive sulphide lenses is characterized by abundant sillimanite.


Figure 2-1: Generalized plan and section of the Broken Hill stratiform massive sulphide ore bodies

at Black Mountain Mine.

The dip is to the north at 55° (fifty-five degrees) near surface and varies from almost sub horizontal to 40°

in the lower western portion of the ore bodies. The contacts of the massive sulphide ore with the host rock

are sharp. The ore bodies extend over a strike length of 1,600m from a surface outcrop in the west to

about 800m in the east. The stratigraphy consists primarily of footwall schists, which contain little or no

water. An unconsolidated weak zone 3m thick, consisting of graphite and mica rich ground, occurs in the

footwall. The ore bodies and the hanging wall quartzite‟s contain water which is associated with fissures

and cracks.

On a regional scale the area has been subjected to several phases of faulting and folding which has

resulted in fracture zones. The surface rocks are invariably jointed and in some areas open partings are

present along the east-west striking bedding planes. Much of the jointing and fracturing however extends

to depths of less than 200m below surface and it appears that deep open fracturing of geohydrological

significance only occurs on quartzite gneiss contacts where late stage folding and fracturing has

occurred. The fractured contact zones may act as preferential flow paths for ground water.

Black Mountain contains significant lead and copper mineralisation with zinc and silver, while Broken Hill,

which is presently being mined, contains the highest grades of lead, zinc and silver, with lesser, although

still economically important, copper.


The entire known deposits outcrop at surface with well developed gossans up to 30m in thickness, which

will not be mined due to metallurgical problems. An unknown, but probably significant, proportion of the

mineralisation has been removed by erosion. Physical and chemical weathering is still occurring as

evidenced by highly acidic spring water in Big Syncline, and by the name Zuurwater. The rocks form part

of the Namaqualand Metamorphic Complex and are mid-Proterozoic age (1,200 – 1,600 million years

(m.y.)). They are predominantly of sedimentary origin, with intrusive and minor volcanics, and have been

subjected to medium to high grade metamorphism, with up to four phases of deformation, including

thrusting and tight isoclinal folding.

Mineralisation is associated with, but not confined to, magnetite-rich banded iron formations. At Broken

Hill, high grade ore also occurs in discrete massive sulphide bodies. The Big Syncline massif forms the

northern boundary of the property, and contains a large tonnage of low-grade schist-hosted zinc/lead

mineralisation in its central part.

2.2 Ground Water

Information in this section was obtained from the existing EMPRs, water quality audit report, February,

2001 (Attached in Appendix A) and Geohydrological inputs for the Tailings Dam Area - Black Mountain

Mine EIA.

2.2.1 Overview

Black Mountain groundwater system consists of two aquifers. An upper unconfined primary aquifer

comprising of unconsolidated sand silts and clays and the lower confined secondary rock aquifer (gneiss,

quartzite, schist and amphibolite), which is related to zones of secondary permeability. Groundwater

quality in the primary (upper) aquifer is variable (TDS 500 – 25,000mg/l) and is generally of worse quality

than the lower fractured rock aquifer.

There are no groundwater users in the immediate area of mine contaminant sources. During the EMP

study (2000), it was determined that no groundwater user has been or will be affected by dewatering

activities and contamination. Groundwater use is limited due to the general poor quality of groundwater

and is mainly used for stock watering.

2.2.2 Depth of water table(s)

There are twenty-two (22) monitoring boreholes already in existence in the vicinity of the mine, mainly for

monitoring of groundwater quality. These boreholes are numbered using M and N prefixes and have been

used for groundwater quality monitoring since 1998.

Not all of the available boreholes on the mine property are used for monitoring purposes, only selected

boreholes are chosen based on their position from certain sources of pollution.

A description of all sampling points is provided in Table 2-1. Figure 2-2 shows the monitoring points

which were sampled in 2000 during the water quality audit.


Figure 2-2: Position of ground water monitoring points.


2.2.3 Background Groundwater Quality

The typical background groundwater quality of the area is given in Table 2-1 below. The results include

all the hydro-chemistry results obtained from the mine as well as the chemistry analyses of the drilled

JMA boreholes. A total of 159 (on hundred and fifty-nine) hydro-chemical samples were assessed in

order to identify the background ground water hydro-chemical signature. Most of the groundwater in the

area was not fit for long-term human consumption even before mining activities started. It is difficult to

define the background groundwater quality as the ambient groundwater quality is naturally elevated in

salts. A screening process was used to identify the typical background groundwater quality. However, as

more groundwater hydro-chemistry data becomes available in future, the screening process as well as

the proposed background groundwater chemistry will be refined.

Table 2-1: Typical background hydro-chemistry in the Black Mountain area.

The following observations can be made from the background hydro-chemistry data of Table 2-1:

The typical background groundwater quality was found to have Sulphate (SO4) concentrations of

below 600mg/l.

The samples selected also have Chlorine (Cl) values of below 1,035mg/l (milligram per litre).

Although this represents most background groundwater chemistry in the area, even higher Cl

values might be expected in shallow groundwater that is subjected to evaporation.

The typical groundwater quality is not recommended for long term drinking water use. The

average Magnesium (Mg) and Lead (Pb) concentrations are non-compliant and the average

Conductivity (EC), Total dissolved solids (TDS), Calcium (Ca), Chlorine (Cl), Fluoride (F), Iron

(Fe), Manganese (Mn) concentrations are marginally compliant in terms of the SANS 241:2005

Drinking Water Standard.


Figure 2-3: Water levels in the boreholes


2.2.4 Ground water quality around the tailings and ageing pond area

The ground water quality in the tailings dam and ageing pond is of concern. The ground water quality

down-gradient of the tailings dam has a different signature to the background ground water hydro-

chemistry and some samples differ slightly from other contaminated samples in the larger Black Mountain

mining site.

Six (6) sampling points are situated immediately down gradient of the tailings dam/ageing pond, namely

boreholes JMA-1, JMA-2, M6 and M7, as well as manholes (large diameter shallow pits) M18 to M21. All

these boreholes and manholes have sulphate concentrations between 2,000mg/l to 3,000mg/l, similar to

that of the tailings dam and aging pond water. Other boreholes, further away, such as JMA-3, JMA-4, N9

to N12 and BH1 to BH5 also have similar sulphate concentrations.

Figure 2-4 was created in order to show different mechanisms influencing the hydrochemistry around the

slimes dam area. The typical hydrochemistry found in the monitoring points in the vicinity of the tailings

dam and the ageing pond is given in Table 2-2 below:


Figure 2-4: Schematic drawing of different mechanisms influencing the hydrochemistry around the slimes dam area


Table 2-2: Typical hydro-chemistry in boreholes (M18 – 21, BH1 – 5, JMA1 – 4, M6, M7) in the

vicinity and of the tailings dam and ageing pond area.

The following observations could be made from Table 2-2 above (water qualities of the actual tailings

dam and the ageing pond obtained in the Draft Ground water Section (August 2000) of the EMPR):

Widespread non-compliance in terms of the SANS 241:2005 Drinking Water Standard for most

constituents is present in the aquifer in the vicinity and down-stream of the tailings dam area.

The Cl in the aquifer average at 3,294mg/l and are much higher than that of the tailings dam and

ageing ponds (at respectively 327mg/l and 780mg/l).

The TDS is much higher at 8,834mg/l in the underlying aquifer than in the tailings dam and

ageing ponds (at respectively 2,884mg/l and 5,253mg/l).

The ground water quality below the tailings dam has average SO4 concentrations of 2,970mg/l

that compare well with the SO4 concentration in the tailings dam and ageing ponds (at

respectively 2097 mg/l and 1881 mg/l).

As with TDS and Cl, most cations and anions are much higher in the underlying aquifer than in

the tailings dam and ageing ponds except for Ca and SO4. It is suggested that because shallow

groundwater is subjected to evaporation most cations and anions increase along with Cl in

concentration. The Ca and SO4 concentrations are strongly controlled by gypsum precipitation.

It was evident that the contaminated ground water has a strong SO4 and Cl dominance. It is not possible

to distinguish between the hydro-chemistry of the tailings dam monitoring boreholes and that of other

contaminated groundwater samples over the mine site. No specific cation dominance is present in either

the background hydro-chemistry or in the all the contaminated samples on the site.

It was also evident that SO4 and Cl show a strong positive correlation in the background groundwater.

However, in contaminated samples SO4 does not increase with increasing Cl. This is especially the case

in the tailings dam monitoring samples. Almost all the tailings dam monitoring samples show Cl values

higher than 6,000mg/l.

It is suggested that the groundwater in the plume emanating from below the tailings dam area is

subjected to evaporation in the shallow aquifer. The Cl therefore increases in concentration; however the

SO4 concentration does not increase with Cl as it precipitates with Ca to form gypsum.


2.2.5 Depth of water Table

At the Black Mountain mining area there are currently two (2) major impacts on the groundwater levels as

described in the Draft Ground water Section (August 2000) of the EMPR:

Mining has resulted in a lowered water level (relative to pre-mining conditions) in the mine

working areas. The water levels measured during 1978 are representative of the pre-mining water levels

of the area. The average groundwater level was ±55mbs (metres below surface). Water level

measurements in 2000 indicate that the piezometric water levels in the fractured aquifer system have

dropped significantly in the Broken Hill area since mining has started (most of the boreholes were found

to be dry and that the aquifer system could be totally dewatered in areas. At Swartberg, present mining

activities are mostly above the saturated zone and ground water levels (boreholes N1, N2, N3, M1) are at

depths between 60 and 80mbs.

Artificial surface water bodies created by the mining activities have resulted in groundwater

mounding and are surrounded by subsequent shallower water level depths. Groundwater levels in the

boreholes near the tailings dams, maturation ponds, plant area and reed beds, are a function of the

proximity of the borehole to the nearest artificially created surface water bodies. Groundwater levels are

very shallow near the ponds and get progressively deeper with distance away from the ponds. The

geometry of the water mounds depends on the transmissivity of the underlying alluvial aquifer. Water

which percolates vertically from the ponds, reaches either the underlying bedrock or impervious clay

layers in the unconsolidated alluvium. The shallow groundwater level depths measured in JMA-1 to 4

(February 2007) in the vicinity of the tailings dam compare well with the shallow water level depths

measured in boreholes in June 1998 and May 2000. This proves the presence of the groundwater mound

in the larger tailings dam area ever since it was monitored.

The depth to the water table in the boreholes around the tailings dam ranged from 2.1m in JMA-1

(adjacent to the tailings dam) to respectively: 11.1m in N9 (1,100m south-west and down-gradient of the

tailings dam in the direction of Plaatjiesvlei), 12.7m in N7 (600m west of the Tailings dam) and 12.6m in

N10 (700m south-east of the Tailings dam).

2.2.6 Seepage Volumes

Black Mountain Mine appointed Golder Associates Africa (Pty) Ltd to characterize seepage from the

tailings dam and the return water dam. The following section is retrieved from their technical

memorandum submitted to JMA Consulting entitled: “Source term study preliminary seepage load

prediction for the Black Mountain storage facility – 30 March 2007”.

The Vadose/W iterative numerical software (Krahn, 2004) was used to predict the saturated and

unsaturated flow components for the operational phase of the tailings dam as a function of the operational

rules, climate variation, material properties and facility geometry. The tailings dam was modelled in a two

dimensional model based on a cross section through the length of the facility. The Darcian equation was

used to estimate the seepage volumes from the return water dam due to the presence of a permanent

water head.

At the time of the ground water study, there was no lined water return dam. Annual rainfall data for the

rain gauges in close proximity to Black Mountain tailings dam was extracted from the former Computing

Centre for Water Research (CCWR) data base.

A five (5) year moving average on the annual rainfall was applied to determine the 5 year wettest

(194mm) and driest (16.8mm) periods to simulate the worst and best case scenarios, whereas the mean

5 year rainfall (36.8mm) period were used for the likely case. The operational rules for the Black Mountain

tailings dam and return water dam that were applied in the model are summarised in Table 2-3 below:


Table 2-3: Operational rules at the Black Mountain tailings dam and return water dam used for

prediction of seepage volumes.

The predicted daily average seepage volumes (cubic metres per day (m

3/day) for the tailings dam and its

return water dam during the operational phase are summarized in Table 2-4 below:

Table 2-4: Preliminary seepage volumes predicted for the tailings dam and the return water dam

during the operational phase before the use of the new dams in 2010.

The predicted seepage rates and volumes summarized in Table 2-5 should be viewed and applied as

preliminary results and the ranges demonstrate the current uncertainty in the predicted seepage volumes.

The predictions were based on current readily available data as input to the model. More confidence in

the predicted seepage flows could be attained by improved data on the spatial distribution of soil depth

and saturated hydraulic conductivity of the underlying calcrete. Predicted seepage volumes from the

tailings dam and the return water dam were calibrated in the groundwater model that will take into

consideration the surrounding borehole data.

2.2.7 Seepage quality prediction

The approach followed in the simulation of likely operational seepage qualities from the Black Mountain

tailings dam is provided below:

Seepage volumes from the tailings dam during the operational phase are predominantly driven by

saturated flow processes associated with the penstock pool. This pool acts as a permanent head of water

and is therefore the main driver of seepage. Recharge processes on the beach and wall sections are

driven by unsaturated flow processes which are typically order of magnitude lower compared to saturated

flow processes.

It is expected that the quality of seepage associated with the penstock pool will be similar to that

of the penstock water. Penstock water, although in near equilibrium with the fresh tailings

material, has limited interaction with air before it seeps into the tailings material or is decanted.

The predominantly saturated tailings material will also undergo insignificant oxidation due to the

lack of oxygen and dissolved oxidants.

Tailings material on beach and wall sections will start oxidizing during periods of drying and will

significantly influence the quality of pore water migrating in the tailings dam beach and wall

sections. However, due to the low recharge rates and values compared to the saturated

conditions, the penstock pool will have limited influence on the operational seepage qualities.

In the absence of any kinetic data (Humidity cell tests) and in order to provide a range of possible

operational seepage qualities, use was made of fresh tailings supernatant, penstock overflow,

leach pore water samples to request a Best Case, Likely Case and Worst Case seepage quality

respectively. The above qualities were evaluated for possible geochemical controls that will affect

the seepage quality. The simulated qualities, although showing the effect of Acid Rock Drainage

(ARD) processes, were not simulated taking account of reaction kinetics.


The worst case seepage qualities have the highest TDS which indicates salinisation of pore water quality

related to ARD processes and/or concentration by evaporation. Table 2-5 below indicates the best, likely

and worst case seepage qualities expected from the Black Mountain tailings dam and return water dam.

Table 2-5: Preliminary operational phase seepage water qualities from the Black Mountain tailings

dam and return water dam

In Table 2-5 marginal and non-compliance in terms of the SANS 241:2005 Drinking Water Standard for

predicted leachate qualities is evident for many constituents. Parameters that show non-compliance even

in the most likely seepage quality are TDS, Ca, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, F and SO4.

The possible geochemical / mineralogical constraints on the seepage qualities were evaluated by using

the geochemical speciation model, PHREEQC. It is likely that gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) is controlling the Ca

and SO4 concentrations.

This can be seen in the relative lower Ca concentrations in the worst case seepage quality and the

relative small change in SO4 concentration. Goethite (FeOOH) and Ferrihydrate (Fe(OH)3) will be the

major controlling phases of Fe in the seepage water.

2.2.8 Groundwater Use

Nearly all water used by the Black Mountain mining operation is pumped from the Orange River. Down

gradient of the tailings dam no external ground water users exist. The plume down gradient (south) of the

tailings dam and ageing pond will not extend beyond the aquifer boundaries and is contained within the

mine boundary.

2.3 Climate

The climate information for the area was obtained from the existing tailing dam EMPR.

The climate of the western areas of the Republic of South Africa is controlled to a great extent by the

semi-permanent high pressure systems of the south Atlantic, the easterly moving low pressure systems

of the sea areas in the region of 40°S and a low pressure system situated in the northern areas of

Namibia. The movements of these pressure systems during the year and the influence of the cold

Benguela current along the west coast combine to produce the arid climate of the north western part of

the old Cape Province.


During the summer, the South Atlantic High moves south and similarly the low pressure over northern

Namibia also moves south causing moist air to flow from the tropical regions to the eastern portions of the

country, causing precipitation in the form of violent thundershowers. These conditions are compounded

by the topography in the east. Because of this movement of the air mass in a south-eastern (SE)

direction, the western areas of the country are considerably more arid than the eastern and northern

areas.

During winter, the low pressure systems associated with the sea areas in the region of 40°S extend their

influence northwards and a continuous series of frontal depressions with associated inclement weather

cross the south western part of the old Cape Province.

At the same time a permanent high pressure system develops over the eastern parts of the country which

tends to block the eastward progress of these frontal depressions, steering them to the SE and giving rise

to the strong northerly winds over the NW of the old Cape Province. These northerly winds have a

tendency, during cold fronts, to veer southerly for short periods, causing low cloud and rain, the influence

of which is mainly in the southern and western areas of the Cape, but which can extend as far as

Aggeneys.

Aggeneys is situated in the NW region of Bushmanland, an area which is marginal to the winter and

summer rainfall zones in the NW Cape Province. Namaqualand to the west is considered to constitute a

winter rainfall area while Gordonia to the east is a summer rainfall area. Aggeneys gets very little of either

type of rain, resulting in desert conditions, although more rain tends to fall in the summer months.

Protracted droughts are a common feature, and in the recent past, some parts of Bushmanland did not

have any rain for a period of ten (10) years.

2.3.1 Mean monthly and annual rainfall

The annual rainfall varies between 50mm and 190mm, averaging just over 90mm. Table 2-6 gives the

annual rainfalls for the period 1986 – 1992.

Rainfall data has been recovered over a longer period at Pofadder, which lies 60km to the East of the

property and is thus more liable to get summer rain (thunderstorms). Here the average rainfall from 1933

to 1984 was 105mm, with a maximum in any one year of 278mm, as can be seen in Table 2-7,

November, February, March and April are the only months where mean monthly rainfall exceeds 10mm.

Zero rainfall can fall in any month and up to tenfold the mean monthly rainfall has occurred.


Table 2-6: Annual rainfall in Aggeneys: 1986 – 1992

Table 2-7: Mean, maximum and minimum monthly and annual rainfall and maximum recorded in

24 hours at Pofadder: 1993 - 1984

Although fairly high rates of precipitation have been recorded, even the maximum annual precipitation of

278mm, recorded in 1974, is hardly enough to produce a crop of Sorghum. Occasionally, high winter rain

is sufficient to propagate spring flowers.

2.3.2 Maximum rainfall intensities

There is no reliable record at Aggeneys, but it believed that only very rarely would a daily precipitation in

excess of 50mm occur. Table 2-8 shows the maximum rainfall intensity recorded and to be expected in a

50 year and a 100 year period at Pofadder.

The highest recorded rate over 30 minutes exceeds the computed 100 year maximum in five of the twelve

months while over 24 hours the recorded maximum falls exceed the 100 year computed maximum in

seven of the twelve months. This provides a measure of the deviation of actual rainfall from statistical

norms.


Table 2-8: Highest rainfall rates recorded and the computed 50 and 100 year maximum expected

rates at Pofadder (mm)

2.3.3 Mean monthly, maximum and minimum temperatures

Temperatures at the mine site range between –2°C and 45°C. The mean summer temperatures are

31.4°C maximum and 20.2°C minimum, while the mean winter temperatures are 17.6°C maximum and

10.8°C minimum. Table 2-9 indicates the recent available results.

Table 2-9: Average temperatures and barometric pressures: 1986 – 1992

From the figures shown in Table 2-9, relative humidity readings for the summer and winter periods have

been calculated from the average temperature and barometric pressure readings. The results are shown

in Table 2-10.

Table 2-10: Calculated average humidity during summer and winter


2.3.4 Monthly mean wind direction and speed

The prevailing wind direction is southerly in summer and northerly in winter. The least common wind

direction is north-westerly, which wind would seem to precede rain in the summer months. Wind velocities

of up to 110km/hr have been recorded. Wind data including velocity and direction recorded at Aggeneys

during 1975 are summarized in Table 2-11.

The total evaporation rate over a year is 3.5m. The variation in the monthly evaporation can be seen in

Table 2-11.

Table 2-11: Wind data during 1975 for Aggeneys

The total evaporation rate over a year is 3.5m. The variation in the monthly evaporation can be seen in

Table 2-12 below.

Table 2-12: Average daily evaporation rates at Aggeneys

Annual evaporation is more than ten times annual average rainfall. There are only very short periods

when precipitation is in excess of evapo-transpiration and when soil moisture will be adequate to supply

any but xeric plant water requirements.

2.3.5 Incidence of extreme weather conditions

Occasional protracted droughts. Minor hailstorms have occurred, but only very rarely.

2.4 Topography

The topography of the study area was obtained from the visual study undertaken in 2013 (Appendix B).


2.4.1 Description

The area around the mine and Aggeneys is characterised by two distinct landform types; very flat plains

characterised by dunes in places and rugged low mountains that rise in distinct from the surrounding

plains, due to the presence of quartzite and iron formation layers within the stratigraphy that are les prone

to weathering than other rocks (Norman and Whitfield, 2006).

Due to the arid nature of the climate, the mountain ranges / hills are very rugged and are highly visually

prominent creating a strong landscape-level contrast with the surrounding plains. In the vicinity of the

mine and the settlement of Aggeneys, the Swartberg Mountain and the Aggeneys se Berge range that

stretches off to the north-east form the visual backdrop and frame the visual envelope.

The Windhoek se Berge, Skelmberg and Hoedkop Mountains enclose the viewshed from the mine to the

south-west and the Ghaamsberg Mountain rises above the plains to the east, giving the viewer located at

the mine or settlement of Aggeneys the impression of being completely encircled by hills and mountains

(see Figure 2-5). The altitude is between 900 and 1,200masl (metres above sea level), sloping down

towards the Kalahari-basin in the northwest.

Figure 2-5: Google Earth Aerial view of Aggeneys showing the topography of the site (note the

terrain has been vertically exaggerated)

2.4.2 Soil

Information on the soils of the Black Mountain area was sourced from 1: 250 000 Land Type maps

supplied by the Department of Agriculture, from Ecological Report attached on Appendix C and from the

existing EMPRs.

2.4.2.1 Description

The land type for the area (Memoirs of the Agricultural Natural Resources of South Africa 1987, No.9) is

Ag26, which covers a total of 23, 280ha of which 500ha is available for agriculture. A total of three soil

forms were identified in the area including: Hutton (Hu), Mispah (Ms) and Dundee (Du) which is less

significant. The Hutton Form, 200 – 800mm in depth, is the most prevalent, occupying 85% of the area


and dominates the lower part of the slopes and valleys; while Mispah, 50 – 100mm in depth, dominates

the upper parts of the slopes.

These soils can be described as red, excessively drained sandy soils with high base status, on bedrock

with presence of lime (Figure 2-6). The climatic conditions do not allow any large scale crop farming, but

the experience in the village of Aggeneys would appear to indicate that there is an irrigation potential,

although the high evaporation rates at certain periods of the year mean that the roots of many mesic

plants are not be able to supply water to aerial parts fast enough to prevent wilting.

In terms of the Chamber of Mines Classification of Land capability (1981), the relief and mountainous

areas can be classified as mainly “Wilderness Land”. Grass cover is extremely sparse in these areas due

to the very rocky nature of the soil, its shallowness and the arid climate. A large component of the

vegetation in the rocky/mountainous areas comprises inedible Euphorbia sp. The plain areas of the

property should also be considered as “Wilderness Land” but had been used for grazing prior to the mien

being established. The unsuitability of the land for this use resulted in heavy over-grazing. At the time

when the mine started, the land was extremely dry and had been heavily overgrazed, resulting in very

sparse vegetation as is explained in the next section.


Figure 2-6: General Soils map of the study area and surroundings (SANBI BGIS)


2.5 Land use

2.5.1 Pre-mining land use

Bushmanland was declared a game reserve in 1892, but, due to problems in controlling the area, was

deproclaimed in 1920, when open grazing by sheep was permitted. This changed the whole nature of the

veld, converting the once impressive grassveld into tractable brackish veld. (This had been the only true

grassveld as it had sustained itself and did not have to rely on fire for this purpose). Previously,

indigenous herbivores had roamed around a large unrestricted area, following patches of good

vegetation. This meant that zones which had not had sufficient rain were left alone and were able to

recover. With the introduction of farming, fencing was erected and thus areas were thereafter

continuously grazed, irrespective of their condition. Sheep are selective grazers, finding only certain of

the available plants palatable. Continuous grazing of these palatable species suppressed flowering,

severely reducing contributions to the seedbank. The position was exacerbated by over-stocking.

2.5.2 Historical agricultural production

On surrounding farms, the stock density is currently eight (8) hectares per sheep. In years of poor rainfall

even this low a density can be considered to be overpopulated.

2.5.3 Evidence of misuse

Of the three main land types in Bushmanland, mountain, gravel plain and dune, the latter two types were

most affected by overgrazing. While the gravel plain type shows some ability to recover from a distortion

of plant types, the effects of farming of the dune regions is to convert dune grasslands to shrub lands and

stable to unstable dunes. This is because a diminution of palatable shallow rooted dune grasses causes

the dunes to lose their cohesion and thus move. The movement of the dunes often destroys the bushes

as well, causing complete desertification. In certain areas, cattle were introduced and the weight of their

hooves further broke up the dune surfaces. Attempts to cultivate the fragile soil also caused immense

damage. The importance of the top few centimetres of the soil in this sort of environment cannot be over-

stressed, since it is the shallow rooted plants that hold the dune system in balance. Currently, less than

0.01% of the Arid Karoo is conserved by the State, while the only conserved part of the Koa Valley dune

system is the private reserve on the Aggeneys property.

2.5.4 Existing structures

Prior to the commencement of prospecting, only the Aggeneys farmhouses were present on the property.

When exploration activities commenced in 1970, a temporary camp was established near Black

Mountain. As the present Aggeneys Township became established, the temporary camp was phased out.

2.6 Natural vegetation / plant life

Information for this section is taken from the existing EMPRs and the ecological assessment undertaken

in 2013 (See Appendix B).

Description

At the time the mine commenced, this was a dry, desolate area with little or no vegetation due to a

prolonged drought and overgrazing. Since then, the situation has changed dramatically. The natural

vegetation has not only recovered on the mine property but is also fast recovering outside the mine‟s

boundaries due to the re-creation of a natural seed bank.

The dominant vegetation types classified for the area are Bushmanland Sandy Grassland, Bushmanland

Inselberg Shrubland; and Aggeneys Gravel Vygieveld (Figure 2-7). The general Vegetation types can be

described as follows:


Found onsite on the plains forming part of the Nama-Karoo Biome and Bushmanland Bioregion:

Bushmanland Arid Grassland and Bushmanland Sandy Grassland.

Found onsite around hill outcropping forming part of the Succulent Karoo Biome and Richtersveld

Bioregion: Aggeneys Gravel Vygieveld on the hillslope of the koppies; and isolated pockets of

Bushmanland Inselberg Shrubland on koppies.

All vegetation types found onsite have conservation status of least threatened (Figure 2-9 and Figure 2-

10). However, protected tree Acacia erioloba (Camel Thorn) is known to have a distribution range in the

area and provides some conservation concern in terms of protected species.

The significance of the vegetation and ecology of the study site relates strongly to the alpha, beta and

gamma diversity of the area where species turnover, over space can be regarded as high for biodiversity

as well as available habitat (sandy soils and rocky soils over plains and over mountain hills). This is very

important when considering the conservation implications for conservation planning. The fine-scale

priority atlas for the region has identified the area to contain significant priority areas for ecological

corridor management, of which the northern and north-western extents of the study site form part of a

priority corridor (Figure 2-11).


Figure 2-7: National vegetation map for the study area (SANBI BGIS 2013)

* Vegetation types: light pink=Bushmanland Sandy Grassland; dark pink=Bushmanland Arid Grassland; light gold=Bushmanland Inselberg Shrubland; and light gold= Aggeneys Gravel Vygieveld


Figure 2-8: Northern Cape Critical Biodiversity Areas Priority Map (SANBI BGIS 2013)


No significant fauna was found during the ecological assessment in 2013, but based on ecological

processes and refugia availability; associated habitat fauna identified in the previous EMPRs should

remain prevalent and relevant.

During the assessment, it was evident that although landscape was dominated by exposed soils, gravel

or sands, the study area was very rich in biodiversity on all koppies as habitat availability, soil

compositional change over space provided adequate support for high floral diversity and associated

faunal refugia. However, the site drainage from koppies are largely affected by the harsh climate

conditions persisting in the area with dry hot weather diminishing any potential surface seepage

contributions when looking at the koppies from a watershed perspective. As a result, no real riparian

ecology can be associated with these drainage lines except for where drainage depressions join the

baseflow of the sub-surface drainage contributions from surrounding stormwater contributions. However,

a high number of erosion based drainage lines are present throughout the landscape, which indicates

ephemeral streams functioning during high precipitation intervals. In contrast to the koppies of the study

area, the often sandy and/or stone-gravel based flats and general surrounding area has a very

cosmopolitan habitat and species composition where very little biota resides besides the hardy scrub flora

of the region and burrow based fauna (with the exception of avi-fauna which uses this terrain for foraging

on rodents and reptiles). Evidence of buck (buck droppings) and baboons were noted.

Vegetation types delineated in the desktop screening assessment was found to be predominantly true,

with the exception of the surrounding plains being compromised of mesic Bushman Grassland and not

separated grassland vegetation types. All koppies, natural drainage lines and surrounding flats were

comprised an estimated 90% natural vegetation of which 5% can be considered degraded and 5%

transformed. In terms of vegetation community structure, the following applies (Figure 2-11):

On Koppies

The vegetation community structures for the koppies are comprised of a dominant Aloe pillansii succulent

tree species and Euphorbia dregeana ecotone species with Lycium ferocissimum being the dominant

woody shrub. Aridaria noctiflora was found to be dominant on the footslopes which completes the canopy.

The understory is comprised of scrub vegetation and an additional Aloe (Aloe claviflora) with Crassula

spp., Cotyledon orbiculata residing amongst dwarf “vygie” succulents (no flowers) and Aristida spp. and

Stipagrostis spp. grass compositional species.

On River Beds

The natural drainage lines were dominated by surrounding flats terrestrial scrub Rhigozum trichotomum,

with Juncus spp., Salix mucronata and Prosopis glandulosa residing in baseflow pools where surface

water become exposed. In artificially modified drainage lines, which contain mine effluent and most

stormwater contributions, the overgrowth of Phragmites australis was evident.

On Flats

The general surroundings of the study area is comprised of low undulating flats, with canopy species

Rhigozum trichotomum, Eriocephalus microphyllus and Galenia fruticosa dominant throughout the

landscape with tufts of Stipagrotis spp. grasses evident in the landscape. Where flats eroded bedrock, the

vegetation has some Euphorbia karroensi and Crassula spp.

On Transformed Flats

The transformed flats are areas which have been used for mining activities, as well as settlement service

uses and are predominantly comprised of cosmopolitan weedy grass Pennisetum spp. and Stenotaphrum

secundatum and alien shrub species such as Atriplex semibaccata, Gomphocarphus fruiticosus

(previously known as Aclepias fruiticosus) as well as the very problematic alien Prosopis glandulosa.

Garden escapees are not a serious problem in the area, but will need to be monitored. These included all

ornamentals used at households and for general greening uses.


Rare and endemic species identified to reside in the BMM vicinity relates strongly to inconspicuous dwarf

succulents, forbes, grasses and general underground found on the geologies of the areas prominent

koppies of the area (Inselbergs) (Error! Reference source not found.). In fact, species turnover found

onsite between koppies can be regarded as remarkable over space where population groupings and

ecotone species have similar community structure in terms of species structural or family groupings, but

with different species composition. In other words, where community structure was dominated by Aloe

tree species on the one koppie, becomes Euphobia species on the following koppie, with a different

dominant Aloe shrub species. However, no rare or endemics from Table 2-11 have been found onsite

during the site assessment visit conducted.

Figure 2-9: Site pictures of BMM koppie, drainage and flats surroundings.


Figure 2-10: Priority analysis of sensitive ecological areas: Red = high, Amber = medium to high;

and yellow = medium

* Arrow indicates the identified conservation priority corridor from the Northern Cape Fine Scale Plan.

**Red and amber polygons indicate High ecological areas having high biodiversity and/or high connectivity

***Light blue line indicate human induced drainage and dark blue line represents natural ephemeral drainage lines

2.6.1 Priority and Sensitivity Analysis

The assessment also provided a platform to check identified ecological sensitivities and priorities

provided in the screening assessment. From the site visit undertaken, it can be confirmed that ecological

important areas identified in the Northern Cape conservation plan is accurate and that identified critical

biodiversity and ecological support areas are accurate. Two (2) Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) Class 1s

were found in the area, with the koppie in the town of Aggeneys having a medium to high biodiversity

composition and the koppie north-west of Aggeneys having a very high biodiversity. The relation of the

areas biodiversity hotspots and its identified Ecological Support Area (ESA) forms a corridor to the south

of Aggeneys, but doesn‟t relate strongly to the ecology of the surrounding flats very cosmopolitan mesic

Bushmanland Sandy / Arid Grassland. These biodiversity hotspots found on the areas koppies may be

better protected using drainage line corridors as a basis for ecological support areas (3).

According to Marsh et al (2009), a total of 854 plant species have been recorded in the Khai Ma Local

Municipality area, of which the town of Aggeneys resides in. Forty-one (41) species are known as

endemic to the area and an additional twenty (20) may be considered to be endemic as well.

As previously stated, the primary type of endemism found in the area relates to species found within the

fine grained quartz patches and which is typically dwarf succulents.


Table 2-13: Species of conservation concern for Aggeneys taken from a the Namaqua Biodiversity

Plan

Data source: (Marsh et al 2009)

2.7 Fauna

Information in this section cannot be taken as definitive as there is a lack of faunal knowledge in the area,

particularly as concerns insects of other invertebrates. Birds are well documented, and some work has

been done on mammals and these are listed on Table 2-14 below.

2.7.1 Commonly occurring species

Table 2-14: Fauna species of conservation concern of endangered or rare status

2.7.2 Avifaunal Priorities

From the Important Bird Areas Directory (IBA Directory 1998) the study area of Black Mountain is well

known for its importance to bird life (Birdlife South Africa 2013). The Black Mountain area is recognised

as a protection site of both global and local significance, as habitat or biome range restricted bird species

reside in the unique habitats of the area. In addition, key and threatend species are known to reside in the


area such as the globally threatened Red Lark Certhilauda burra, which inhabits the red sand dunes, and

the near-threatened Sclater's Lark Spizocorys sclateri, which occurs erratically on the barren stony plains.

Furthermore, this site also holds 16 of the 23 Namib-Karoo biome-restricted assemblage species and a

host of other arid-zone birds (2-15 and 2-16).

Table 2-15: key species to the study area (from Birdlife South Africa, 2013)

Threatened Species

Name Breeding

Pairs

Total Numbers

Globally Threatened

Red Lark 700-900 1 500 - 2 000

Ground Woodpecker 50 - 100

Sclater's Lark 0 - 500

Regionally Threatened

Kori Bustard 10-Feb

Ludwig's Bustard 20-May

Table 2-16: Range and biome restricted Species of the study area (from Birdlife South Area 2013)

Name Status

Ludwig's Bustard Common

Karoo Korhaan Common

Karoo Long-billed Lark Common

Red Lark Fairly Common

Sclater's Lark Uncommon

Stark's Lark Uncommon

Black-eared Sparrow-lark Fairly Common

Tractrach Chat Fairly common

Sickle-winged Chat Fairly Common

Karoo Chat Common

Layard's Titbabbler Common

Karoo Eremomela Common


Cinnamon-breasted Warbler Common

Namaqua Warbler Uncommon

Pale-winged Starling Fairly Common

Sociable Weaver Common

Black-headed Canary Fairly Common

2.7.3 Drainage Context

The study area falls within the Lower Orange River Water Management Area (WMA), Quaternary

Catchment D82C (Table 2-17). The Orange River, about 40km to the north, does not have any significant

tributary rivers associated with the study site. However, the study areas does reside in the Orange Rivers

Tertiary Catchment‟s and the northern extents of BMM‟s mountain features forms a watershed for

secondary streams which can be considered to be tributaries of the Orange River (indirectly connected to

the Orange River tributaries). In terms of wetland features, the study sites drainage features can all be

regarded as wetland in nature as a result of the general ephemeral nature of site drainage. In terms of

classification, the study site is known to have both natural and artificial wetland depression on the valley

floor and along watershed slopes ( Figure 2-11). In general, these drainage features are erratic, and

characteristic of very dry areas where soil structures are relict and not conducive to the formation of

riparian soils. However, on the extreme rainfall periods (significant rainfall events) these ephemeral

features can becomes significant rivers or wetlands where storm water drainage lines are active for a

short period of time (minutes or hours of flow in general and in the extreme rainfall event these features

flow for a couple of days).

In terms of the importance and conservation value of these onsite drainage features, the National

Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area atlas identifies the quaternary as important in the northern and north-

western extents of the site ( Figure 2-12). In terms of the Present Ecological State of the drainage

tributaries within the general vicinity of the study area, a general natural to good class is given to all

ephemeral and seasonal streams as a result of its uniqueness and the inability at present for DWA or

SANBI to qualify its actual PES (No methods available due to the difficulty of providing reference

conditions to these type of hydro geomorphic features). In general the Lower Orange River catchment in

the study area is regarded to have a PES of B (good class) and is considered essential for conservation

but not very important in terms of its irreplaceability and sensitivity (Status is not threatened).


Table 2-17: Catchment Characteristics of the study site

Attribute Value

Catchment D82C

L1_ECOREGN 26

L2_ECOREGN 26_2

FLOW E

GEOZONE F

GZLUMP F

RIVTYPE 26_N_F

CLASS Dry

PES1999 CLASS B: LARGELY NATURAL

SURFACE Karoo

RIVCON AB

FFRID 0

FFRFLAGSHP 0

FEPACODE 0

CAT104060 Not threatened


Figure 2-11: Hydrology Map depicting hydrogeomorphic feature map (SANBI BGIS 2013)


Figure 2-12: National Freshwater Ecological Priority Area Atlas Map (SANBI BGIS 2013)


2.7.4 Surface water quality

Any surface water would be present for very short periods during rainstorms and would thus be normal

rainwater.

2.8 Air quality

The main sources of dust in the area are the quarry and dust roads. There is no smelter on site. The

existing tailings dam does not appear to be a major source of dust as evidenced by the lack of fallout

adjacent to it. This may be as a result of the nature of the tailings material which appears to cake after

deposition and is not easily mobilised by wind.

Most of the large area owned by the mine is unused, which means that potential impact points within 3km

of the working sites, i.e. plant, mine, sand quarry etc, have been assessed. There are no major

atmospheric pollution sources in the vicinity of the property. The main Springbok/Pofadder road, the town

of Aggeneys and the Eskom sub-station all fall within the mine boundaries but are greater than 3km from

any activities that generate dust. No atmospheric pollution from sources outside the property is evident.

2.9 Noise

The noise levels at Black Mountain were obtained from the existing EMPRs.

Pre-mining noise was negligible. Noise produced by current operations is limited to noise emanating from

the plant, traffic noise; various loading and trucking operations and occasional blasting in the aggregate

quarry. The effect of this industrial noise on the Aggeneys Township, or any other dwelling place in the

region, is negligible.

2.10 Sites of Archaeological and Cultural interest

The information on this section was obtained from heritage assessment carried out in 2013 (Appendix

C).

2.10.1 Overview

The archaeology of the Northern Cape is rich and varied, covering long spans of human history.

Concerning Stone Age sites here, C.G. Sampson observed: “It is a great and spectacular history when

compared to any other place in the world” (Sampson 1985). Some areas are richer than others, and not

all sites are equally significant.

Known sites (See Figure 16) on Black Mountain Mining property provide local glimpses of this broad

sweep of human history, from Earlier Stone Age times to the recent past.


Figure 2-13: Key sites at Black Mountain Mine


2.10.2 Earlier and Middle Stone Age sites

Isolated artefacts of Pleistocene age including handaxes have been documented at a few surface locales.

It is possible that more substantial sites may yet be found.

In one example a single quartz biface (ESA) was found in a deflation area at 29.33123oS 18.74606

oE. No

other artefacts or notable features were found in association with it. Such completely isolated single-

artefact finds could not be considered as constituting “sites” in a conventional archaeological or heritage

sense.

Figure 2-14: Deflation hollow at Zuurwater – handaxe in foreground.

In the wider vicinity of Aggeneys, ESA material has been found in the Gamsberg basin at GI 4 and 5.

These are amongst the very few known Acheuland sites in Bushmanland.

Beaumont et al. (1995:240-1) note a widespread low density stone artefact scatter of Pleistocene age

across areas of Bushmanland to the south east, where raw materials mainly quartzite cobbles, were

derived from the Dwyka till. Systematic collections of this material made at Olyvenkolk, south west of

Kenhardt and Maans Pannen, east of Gamoep, could be separated out by abrasion state into a fresh

component of MSA with prepared cores, blades and points, and a large aggregate of moderately to

heavily weathered ESA. The latter included Victoria West cores on dolerite, long blades, and, a very low

incidence of handaxes and cleavers. The Middle (and perhaps in some instances Lower) Pleistocene

occupation of the region that these artefacts reflect must have occurred at times when the environment

was more hospitable than today. This is suggested by the known greater reliance of people in Acheulean

times on quite restricted ecological ranges, with proximity to water being a recurrent factor in the

distribution of sites. This must have been the case at Gamsberg, where clearly another draw-card, and

undoubtedly the raison d’être for Sites GI 4 and 5, was the availability of suitable raw material for stone

tool manufacture.

The artefacts found at these two Gamsberg sites include handaxes and Victoria West cores. The

distribution of the rather specialised Victoria West technique of tool production in the Acheulean is known

to be relatively restricted to the Karoo, western Free State, the old Transvaal area, and, part of the

Northern Cape Province – in short, a certain geographical spread within the interior of the subcontinent

(Sampson 1974, Volman 1984). The method is not in evidence in the southern Cape; nor is it found north

of the Limpopo. However, writing in the early 1970s, Sampson noted that “nothing is yet known of the

(Acheulean) typology of the western and eastern regions of the subcontinent”(Sampson 1974:121), the

western-most known occurrence of Victoria West then being the vast site of Nakop near the Namibian

border (Brain & Mason 1955;Sampson 1974). The evidence from Gamsberg has the potential to shed

important light on this question, and for now at least extends the known distribution of the Victoria West

technique yet further westwards.


2.10.3 Middle Stone Age sites

Isolated artefacts of Pleistocene age probably attributable to the Middle Stone Age (MSA) have been

documented at a few surface locales on BMM property. While Beaumont et al. (1995:241) find that

“substantial MSA sites are uncommon in Bushmanland,” it is possible that some bigger sites may yet be

found, such as the MSA workshop site, identified as Site GI 1, at the top of the northern rim of the

Gamsberg inselberg. This is a regionally exceptional feature. It appears that the site was focused on a

form of raw material, gossan, apparently favoured locally in MSA times. The surrounding plains are

strewn predominantly with gneiss and ubiquitous small surface nodules of quartz. In such an

environment, something of a premium must have been placed in those rocks with good or suitable flaking

qualities, and this no doubt accounts for the extensive use of this localised Gamsberg source. Artefacts

from here were carried away at least as far as the Gamsberg basin and the eastern plateau, and regional

surveys may well show a wider distribution.

The significance of the site can be gauged in part from the known distribution of MSA sites at a regional

scale, Beaumont et al. having shown that “substantial MSA sites are uncommon” (1995:241): with those

that have been documented thus far generally yielding only small samples (Morris & Beaumont 1991;

Smith 1995).

It has been suggested that “the relatively few [sites] that have been discovered [in Bushmanland] appear

to be largely confined to the MSA3 or late MSA1 phases of that technocomplex” (Beaumont et al.

1995:241). Volman‟s (1984) scheme places the MSA1 in Marine Isotope Stage 6 (cold with warm

oscillations, ending at 128 ka BP), the MSA3 in Stage 5a-3 (late Last Interglacial through Last Glacial,

cold with warm oscillations, c. 82-32 ka BP).

2.10.4 Later Stone Age Sites

The records of the early travellers are of value for interpreting the final Later Stone Age (LSA) traces in

the area. Late Holocene LSA sites are the predominant archaeological signature noted in surveys carried

out in the Aggeneys-Pofadder region.

Known sites in the vicinity (including those documented at Aggeneys and Black Mountain and at places

around Gamsberg and further afield) are dominated by quartz as raw material, but they also invariably

have lithics made from exotic fine-grained river pebbles. Moreover, fragments of ostrich eggshell from

broken water flasks are usually present. Most of the known LSA sites in the region also have pottery.

The distribution of sites in the area show that late LSA inhabitants of the area preferentially occupied

specific parts of the landscape, namely dune areas and alongside certain features including outcrops of

bedrock or dry watercourses where water collects and might remain for a time in hollows after rains.

Some of these sites have grinding grooves; and they all have stone artefacts, fine grit-tempered pottery

and ostrich eggshell fragments. Another common feature of the sites is colonial era glass and porcelain,

representing either interaction by LSA people with colonial farmers or the so-called Bastaards, or use of

the sites by these frontiersmen themselves later one, or both. It is known that white farmers until as late

as the 1930s practised transhumance, utilising the seasonal water sources known as Gorras.

Situated at the eastern end of the hill where the Aggregate Quarry is, gently sloping bedrock bears

numerous grinding surfaces near to hollows where water collects after rains (goras). Other similar sites

are known in the area north-west of Gamsberg and on the neighbouring farm of Bloemhoek (Morris 2010,

in prep.).


Figure 2-15: Rock surfaces where water collects after rains

Figure 2-16: One of several grinding stone surfaces in the vicinity of 29.25362o S 18.80600

o E


Figure 2-17: Location of Aggeneys Goras site 1 (white arrow)

Aggeneys Goras Site 2: 29.33326oS 18.87979

oE

This and a cluster of similar nearby sites on the farm Bloemhoek is situated on the plain south of the band

of dunes that define the Koa Valley east of Aggeneys. It consists of an exposure of bedrock where Goras

(water hollows) have formed, and is surrounded by surface scatters of Later Stone Age stone tools,

pottery and ostrich eggshell fragments. There are also bits of broken frontier / historical era ceramics /

porcelain and glass, reflecting either interaction and exchange of material culture, or later occupation of

these sites by colonial stock farmers (who were reliant on temporary water supplies such as these places

afford prior to the advent of bore hole drilling in the early twentieth century).

Figure 2-18: Bedrock exposure and hollow in which water collects after rain.


Figure 2-19: Grinding groove in bedrock and examples of microlithic stone tools, pottery and

ostrich eggshell.

Figure 2-20: Location of the goras in the Aggeneys game farm (white arrow)

Beaumont et al. (1995) have shown, with reference to the LSA, that “virtually all the Bushmanland sites

so far located appear to be ephemeral occupations by small groups in the hinterland on both sides of the

[Orange] river” (1995:263). This was in sharp contrast to the substantial herder encampments along the

Orange River floodplain itself, which reflected the “much higher productivity and carrying capacity of these


bottom lands.” “Given choice,” they add, “the optimal exploitation zone for foragers would have been the

Orange River.” The advent of herders in the Orange River Basin, Beaumont et al. argue, led to

competition over resources and ultimately to marginalisation of hunter-gatherers, some of whom then

occupied Bushmanland, probably mainly in the last millennium, and focused their foraging activities on

the limited number of water sources in the region. “Surveys of large areas away from [such water

sources] have failed to yield any signs of human occupation, except around the granite inselsberg

extruding above the peneplain, ... the red dunes which produced clean sand for sleeping, or around the

seasonal pans” (Beaumont el al. 1995: 264). It is clear that, possibly following good rains, herders

themselves moved into the hinterland. A further process attested by Thompson (1824) for herder groups

settled at the stronger springs such as Pella, is that such groups will have dispersed during periods of

drought. At such times competition between groups over resources, and stress within already

marginalised hunter-gatherer society, must have intensified.

The „Bushmen‟ ultimately exterminated at sites such as Gamsberg would have been probably the last

stone tool makers and the last representatives of the Later Stone Age in this part of South Africa.

2.10.5 Rock art sites

Some of the most significant sites on BMM properties are rock art sites with those already recorded being

a finger painting site near the Aggregate Quarry and two sites with cupules on Zuurwater (on the south

side of Swartberg) and at the southern-most edge of the farm Aggeneys.

2.10.6 Painted boulder site near Aggregate Quarry

A report by Deacon (1995) describes rock paintings found on a boulder next to the Aggregate Quarry at

Black Mountain Mine, Aggeneys (29.25644oS 18.80339

oE). These are simple finger paintings including

two “Star” motifs and an indented oval shaped image. Paintings similar to these are to be found over a

wide area in the western half of the interior of South Africa, not infrequently on isolated boulders in the

Karoo (sometimes along with rock engravings), and in rock shelters. Their age and context is not well

understood, but they appear to be associated in this region with KhoeSan (and possibly Khoekhoe

specifically) of approximately the last millennium, rather than with other groups regarded as the makers of

finger paintings elsewhere in the subcontinent.

Archaeological traces on the floor of the shelter formed by this boulder, namely pieces of ostrich eggshell

and flaked quartz, were recorded by Morris in 2011.


Figure 2-21: Faintly visible ‘star’ image finger painting.

Figure 2-22: painted boulder with protective fence and reed roof (needs repairing).


Figure 2-23: Quartz flake and ostrich eggshell fragment from painted boulder site

Figure 2-24: Location of the painted boulder site (white arrow)


The painted boulder site is highly vulnerable in terms of its location near the edge of the Aggregate

Quarry and hence there are critical management needs. A reed roof constructed to shield the paintings

from direct sunlight also requires to be repaired.

Aggeneys cupule site is situated at the southern end of the game camp on the farm Aggeneys. It consists

of a large boulder with a north-west facing concave surface making a small shelter, the wall of which is

covered by cupules up to 1.5 cm in diameter.

Figure 2-25: Aggeneys cupule site:

Figure 2-26: Zoomed in cupule site


Adjacent to the site is an extensive moderately dense surface scatter of Later Stone Age material

including stone artefacts, pottery and ostrich eggshell pieces. It seems likely but not certain that these

artefacts provide a context for the cupules. A few hundred metres away are possible isolated graves.

Figure 2-27: Location of the cupule site (arrow) (Zuurwater cupule site: 29.23668oS 18.72809

oE)

The cupule site is situated on the south side of Swartberg, a few hundred metres downslope from the

mining operation. A drainage line plunges over a waterfall feature and creates a (usually dry) pool at the

base of the cliff. On a rock to one side of the pool a vertical face of about 2 x 1.5m is festooned with

engraved cupules like the ones at the Aggeneys cupule site.

Similar cupules, in addition to the above Aggeneys site, were recently identified further west near

Kangnas. Their context is uncertain. No stone artefacts or pottery were noted in the vicinity, but three

lower grindstones with grinding grooves were found nearly.

This site is of high significance. Debris coming down the mountainside from the Swartberg mine would

need to be managed in such a way that it does not encroach on this site.


Figure 2-28: Waterfall with cupules (indicated by arrow)


Figure 2-29: Cupules engraved/drilled into the face of the rock

Figure 2-30: Swartberg Mine and position of the cupule site (arrow)

Gamsberg

In his book, The Bushman, Dunn recalled “near N’Ghaums [Gams], I saw an engraving of a

hippopotamus being dragged across the dry veldt by several Bushman people by means of a rope

attached to its nose” (1931: 46). Dunn offers an explanation suggesting that the hippopotamus,

associated with water, was shown in this way on the engraving in order that “rain would necessarily follow

... and an abundance of food be assured”. Current understandings of Later Stone Age rock art suggest


that images of large mammals such as the hippopotamus may well have served as metaphors for “rain

animals”. Dunn‟s hippo engraving has not as yet been located.

2.10.7 Cemeteries and graves

Towns as well as farms in the area contain grave yards including designated urban cemeteries and often

small burial grounds on farms. There are also indications of isolated graves, some of which were found in

the vicinity of Gamsberg.

2.11 Visual Aspects

The information on this section was obtained from visual assessment carried out in 2013 (Appendix D).

2.11.1 Study Area Visual baseline

The study area visual baseline can be described in terms of a number of landscape structural elements

that allow for a better understanding of the visual environment of the area. The elements are:

Form

Line

Colour

Texture

This approach is adapted from the (US Dept. of the Interior) Bureau of Land Management‟s Visual

Contrast Rating Methodology. The descriptions of these elements below are made in the context of the

tailings dam and the surrounding landscape.

Form

There is a basic distinction in terms of the landform as apparent in views of the tailings dam from the

south and east (directions of view from receptor locations); the flat foreground (plains) of the view

contrasts strongly with the complex background, with a number of hills visible against the horizon. The

tailings dam is set against this background and importantly is „dwarfed‟ by the larger hills in the

background (especially when viewed from the south), thus being less visually prominent than the

background hills, to which the viewer‟s attention is naturally drawn (See Figure 2-31).


Figure 2-31: Visual impact of form

Line

Lines in the landscape are complex due to the presence of different landscape features. The foreground

plains provide a horizontal line element, especially in terms of the point at which the lines plains meet the

background hills (a visual focal point). The background hills provide a more complex line element with

diagonal lines of the edges of hills, accentuated by outcrop lines within the hills. Nonetheless the interface

between the hills and the horizon is strongly horizontal due to the flat topped nature of many of the hills.

Infrastructural features (telephone lines) introduce a vertical line element and the Aggeneys road provides

a distinct band in the foreground. The tailings dam is characterised by simple horizontal (the top) and

diagonal (sides) lines, that assimilate easily with the surrounding hills (see Figure 2-32).


Figure 2-32: Visual impact of line

Colour

There is a contrast between the blanched yellow / orange plains and grey scrub vegetation in the

foreground, and the slightly darker grey hills in the background. The tailings dam is brown in colour, which

is similar to the colouration of the background hills. There is a small element of green in the middle of the

view (Prosopis trees and trees around the golf course) which provides a strong, but visually non-

prominent element. The arid climate entails that the blue of the sky is an almost permanent feature of the

landscape, providing a strong contrast and accentuating the horizon as a visual focal point in the

landscape (see Figure 2-33).

Texture

The foreground has a fine texture (Figure 2-33) due to the vegetation on the plains. The background hills

have a rougher texture, especially where outcrop lines and exfoliation domes are visible


Figure 2-33: Visual impact of texture

2.11.2 Study area visual character and VAC

The above structural components of the landscape influence the visual character of the study area. The

nature of the predominant landuse (livestock farming) and the relatively low level of change to the natural

vegetation and landscape that this landuse has resulted in (apart from the introduction of typical rural

infrastructure to the landscape such as fencing, feedlots and windmills) entails that the wider study area

displays a largely natural visual character.

A natural character is characterised by a very low level of transformation of the natural landscape, with

the limited introduction of infrastructure and structural changes to landscape features such as vegetation.

However the presence of the Black Mountain Mine complex and associated infrastructure has introduced

an industrial element to the study area. Although the visual influence of the Black Mountain Mine is not

pervasive over the wider area due to the limited viewshed of the mine due to the presence of mountains

around it that restrict its viewshed, the mine brings an industrial component to its immediate surroundings.

The study area‟s visual character can thus be described as being rural with a strong industrial

component.

This has an important bearing on the visual absorption capacity (VAC) of the study area. Visual

absorption capacity can be described as the ability of a certain area / landscape to accept a new

development or structures. This is largely based on the presence of existing infrastructure within the

landscape; in a setting in which there is no or very little human presence, the VAC of the landscape / area

could typically be termed as low – i.e. a new development would be incongruent with the setting and

potentially visually intrusive. Conversely in a setting in which there is a high degree of development and

existing infrastructure, a new development would be able to be easily incorporated into the landscape

without creating a significant degree of visual intrusion and as such the VAC would be high.


In the context of the study area, any planned activities relating to the expansion of the mining activities

would occur in a context in which the mining infrastructure already occurs, thus the immediate area

around the mine would have a high visual absorption capacity, as the area is already associated with

mining infrastructure and a certain degree of transformation of the natural environment. The expansion to

the mine would be unlikely to be seen as incongruent in this context.

2.11.3 Presence of Receptor Locations and Visual Sensitivity of the Area

Visual Impact is related to the presence of human receptors / viewers, thus visual impact is typically

experienced from locations inhabited by humans. Accordingly an understanding of the areas inhabited /

occupied by humans (even transiently) is important in the classification of potential visual impacts. As

described above, there is a very low density of human settlement in the wider area due to its aridity and

the nature of land use.

Although small, the settlement of Aggeneys is the most important receptor location as it represents the

only cluster of human settlement and recreational activity for quite a distance. Much of the area around

the mine itself is owned by the mining company and as such is access restricted, and thus there is no

public access into this area. This includes the area to the north of the mine and an area to the south of

the N14 highway.

Aggeneys is the only static receptor location within a 5km radius of the mine and tailings dam, and are

located right at the edge of this 5km radius. Within a 10km radius of the tailings dam the only other static

location is the Suurwater farmstead, located right on the edge of the 10km radius. The N14 highway

traverses the area to the south of the mine, and could be considered a receptor location.


Figure 2-34: Study Area and Receptor Locations


A distinction can be made between receptor locations and sensitive receptor locations. Sensitive

Receptors would be receptors which would potentially be adversely impacted by a proposed

development, i.e. from which people viewing a development would view it negatively. This takes into

account a subjective factor on behalf of the viewer – i.e. whether the viewer would consider the impact as

a negative impact. In the context of visual impact, the adverse impact is often associated with the

alteration of the visual character of the area in terms of the intrusion of a development into a „view‟, which

may affect the „sense of place‟ of the area.

A question needs to be posed in terms of the visual sensitivity of the study area and whether any

receptors in the study area could be termed sensitive receptors. In this context it should be noted that

apart from the Suurwater farmstead and the N14 highway, all of the receptor locations in the study area,

and indeed all of the human activity in the study area appears to be related to the presence of the mine.

As described above, Aggeneys as a settlement is intrinsically related to the Black Mountain Mine. The

village itself was only established once mining started in the early 1970‟s, and was set up for the purpose

of providing housing and amenities to people working at the Black Mountain Mine

(http://www.aggeneys.com/history). As most of the residents of the village inhabit it because of the mine,

it is thought to be highly unlikely that they would associate the mine and any changes in the appearance

of mine components as a visual impact due to the mine providing the means to sustain a livelihood.

The inhabitants of the Suurwater Farmstead could qualify as sensitive receptors, but are likely to be

sufficiently distant from the mine (as explored in the section below) to not be affected by it. Similarly

people travelling along the N14 road may view the mine negatively, but in the context of the road between

Pofadder and Springbok (with its expanses of wide open, uninhabited land); the Black Mountain Mine

occupies a relatively minor „segment‟ of the journey, and is not visually prominent, due to the distance of

the road away from the mine.

The above factors influence the general visual sensitivity of the area; as stated previously the only reason

for the vast majority of people inhabiting the study area and visiting it (apart from people travelling past

the site along the N14 road) is due to the presence of the Black Mountain Mine. The village of Aggeneys

owes its existence to the mine, and thus it is likely that the mining activities are viewed by most

inhabitants and visitors to the study area as being an intrinsic part of the visual fabric of the area.

It should also be noted that mining is not out of place in the wider context of the Northern Cape, as it is

perceived by many to be an important means of generating economic activity and income in an area that

suffers from an absence of income generating activities. In this context the visual sensitivity of the area is

likely to be very low, which means that any visual changes to the area relating to the upgrading of the

mine are unlikely to be perceived negatively. The exploration of potential visual impacts associated with

the proposed mine upgrading as explored below must be seen in this context.

2.12 Socio-economic structure

Most of this information was obtained from the existing EMPR and BMM Social and Labour Plan (SLP).

2.12.1 Overview

The value of the Black Mountain Mine‟s investment in this area to date was R1.421 billion. This included

the purchase of the proclaimed town of Aggeneys. Since its operation, employee and contractor numbers

have shown a steady increase and stabilised to current levels reflected in the table below as at December

2007.

http://www.aggeneys.com/history


Table 2-18: Total estimated job opportunities created by Black Mountain

Category of Employment Number of Jobs

Total permanent employees (direct employment) 752

Total indirect employment 708

Induced employment 584 *

Total estimated employment 2 044

* According to SEAT - Induced employment is assumed to be 40% of direct and indirect employment.

Approximately 60% of direct employment is from the local communities within the Namakwa district

municipal region, and it is Black Mountain‟s policy to request contractors to where possible, recruit their

employees from local communities. The larger towns within the Namakwa district municipal area are

Springbok, O‟Okiep, Nababeep, Concordia, Steinkopf, Pofadder and Pella. Black Mountain‟s policy

regarding preference to local recruitment is borne out by the fact that 72% of the employees are from the

Northern Cape Province.

Figure 2-35: Labour sending areas by local municipalities

The above graph illustrates the impact that inert Black Mountain has on the local towns and

surrounding areas within the Khai-Ma (Pofadder), Nama Khoi (Springbok) and Khara Hais

(Upington) municipal regions, Figure 2-36 provides further information regarding recruitment of

employees.


Figure 2-36: Labour sending areas by Towns within thin the Namakwa and Siyanda District

Municipalities

From Figure 2-36 it is clear that the majority (60%) of employees were recruited from the local towns

of Springbok, Pella and Pofadder. This is an indication of those municipal areas where the company

has the most significant direct impact. A significant transfer of skills and development of the local

human resource has taken place as a result of this operation being established, especially due to the

technical nature of the operation in a traditional agricultural/subsistence-farming environment. Black

Mountain is committed to the continued implementation and evaluation of an appropriate Local

Economic Development Plan with the focus on sustainable development initiatives in local

communities.

2.12.2 Formulation of Integrated Development Plan’s

Black Mountain as a stakeholder participates and supports the Khai-Ma Municipality‟s Integrated

Development Plan. It is the company‟s strategy to align its community social investment initiatives as

closely as possible to the local municipal IDP. Based on the IDP, Khai-Ma municipality identified and

prioritised projects which they requested company to fund and these are listed below and details are

provided in the SLP. The full funding of the following projects are borne by the operation at the total

cost of R16,5 million, which will be spent over a 5 year period which commenced in 2009.

Poverty alleviation

Infrastructure development

Community upliftment and development

Small business / Enterprise development

2.12.3 Aggeneys Community Engagement Plan

Black Mountain has been in operation for the last 28 years and a formal annual Community

Engagement Plan (CEP) is issued at the beginning of each financial year. The following are activities

or projects that fall under this initiative:

Community Engagement Plan initiatives within the town of Aggeneys and surrounding towns:


Education and Youth

- BMM has embarked on a process to collaborate with Okiep FET college campus to reach its

full potential with regards to further education and training especially in the field of technical training

- Registration of 100 students from the Khai-Ma region which expenses will be covered in full

by BMM for the 2013 academic year at the Okiep FET college

- Full maintenance of state school buildings.

- Skills upgrade of mathematics & science for teachers & learners

- Free bus transport to and from school, including off site extra-curricula activities.

- Community Work Exposure program

- Bursary programme

- iSchool programme for schools in our host communities

- iPad training for selected teachers from the various schools were done in 2012 with the aim

to start using the Ipads in the classroom

- The establishment of a vegetable garden at Aggeneys High School is in progress

- Africa Eco-gro Consultants have completed the feasibility study for a sizable Olive project in

Aggeneys

.

Medical facilities and Infrastructure

- General Practioner, Paramedics & nursing staff

- An eye–clinic where cataract surgery were conducted at the expense of BMM for patients

from the Namaqua District was done at Aggeneys Clinic in December 2012

- Primary Healthcare and Occupational Health Clinic facilities

- Subsidized facilities for State run clinic

- HIV&AIDS and Voluntary Counseling & Testing program for employees, contractors and

community

Municipal Services

- Refuse removal

- Potable water provision to towns of, Pella, Pofadder & Aggeneys

- Sewerage and waste management

- In order to improve service delivery within our Host Communities, BMM has purchased

Sewage truck, cherry picker, compressor and grader the to the amount of R1.3m Khai-Ma

municipality

2.12.4 Small Business Development

The company supports the development of small medium micro enterprises SMME‟s, especially

those from the ranks of historically disadvantaged South Africans. This goal is achieved through the

Procurement Department through its procurement of capital goods, consumables and services,

including the outsourcing of non-core activities to historically disadvantaged employees and

assisting them with the establishment of these companies, to date 10 companies have been formed

via this method. Black Mountain has contracted a significant number of services to independent

contractors and suppliers. Services contracted out include but are not limited to the following,

security, garden maintenance and refuse removal services, transport of personnel and mineral

concentrates. In addition to the financial contribution to the local economy the creation of these

companies also contribute to the creation and retention of jobs within local communities. Those


outsourced BEE companies established by or through the assistance of the operation are mentored

by company officials on a regular basis by personal contact sessions being held with the owners.

The following is underway, in support of small business development

- Brick making project in Pella is being registered as non profit organisation, with 9 members

selected from within the Pella community. Optimisation plan to increase production currently at 600

per day completed and they are able to reach 1000 per day now.

- Plans to train the 9 members in business skills are underway

- Both the fencing work and renovations to the ablution facilities at Onseepkans Primary

School are complete

- A request for the erection of High Masts public lighting at strategic points in Onseepkans is

being processed


3 PROCESS DESCRIPTION

This section provides an understanding of the basic activities that will be conducted by the mining

operation in order to evaluate the impacts.

3.1 Mining Process

The ore body is exploited by means of a surface vertical shaft having a 7.4m diameter, sunk to a depth of

1,752m below collar, and by the extension of the main decline of the Broken Hill mine. The decline from

Broken Hill mine have dimensions of 5.5m x 4.7m ramps down at an inclination of –15% (8.5° or 1:6.7).

The stoping method is Ramp-in Stope (RIS) cut and fill. The RIS method was developed from the sub

level cut and fill method; the only difference being the position of the access ramp, which in RIS is also in

ore. RIS cut and fill has the important advantage of reducing the amount of secondary waste

development required for access to the stopes.

The mining process involves the listed activities below:

Making safe – The miner assesses the area with a pinch bar and makes a call on whether the

area is safe or not. An operator with a scaler further loosens and breaks down lose rocks to make the

area safer.

Installation of support – The Boltec machine is used to install 2.4m steel bars and resin capsules

into the roof part of the area. The area is further assessed for safety until declared safe.

Drilling/raise boring – The operator uses the Rocket Boomer for drilling 4.5m holes into the safe

area.

Charging and Blasting – The lifting machine is used to load holes with explosives. After charging,

there is a 37 minute get-away period required before the area is blasted.

Cleaning – A scoop is used to clean the blasted area and loads.

Tramming – The scoop loads the collected ore onto a truck and has to load 50 tons of ore.

Tipping – The truck tips the 50 tons of ore into a tipping area.

Rock breaking – After tipping the large rocks of ore are broken down through the grizzly into a silo

then through the apron feeder situated on a level below the tipping area.

Crushing – The apron feeder feeds the crusher with ore, where the ore is crushed into 150mm

sized rocks. The crushed ore goes further down into a smaller silo also known as a Y-leg. This is then

transfers into a bigger silo also situated beneath the Y-leg.

Conveying – The silo feeds a conveyor belt situated at the lower next level. The ore is transported

by the conveyor belt into two loading boxes. Each loading box has a 13 ton skip which is filled with ore.

Hoisting – The 13 tons skips are hoisted up to surface and tipped into the headgear bin.

Overland conveying – The headgear bin feeds the overland conveyor belt and the ore is

transported by the conveyor belt to the stock pilling area at Tony‟s Dam where it is stock piled for

processing.

3.2 Mineral Processing Plant

The concentrator at Black Mountain Mine (BMM) treats ore from the Broken Hill Deeps ore body. Ore can

also be supplied from the Broken Hill, Swartberg and Gamsberg ore bodies. The plant currently produces

1.44 Mt of copper-lead-zinc-silver ore per year, producing a daily average of 38 tonnes of copper (Cu)

concentrate, 282 tonnes of lead (Pb) concentrate and 168 tonnes of zinc (Zn) concentrate. The mineral

processing is indicated on Figure 1 below and each process is explained in details from Section 3.3.1 to

Section 3.3.10.


Figure 3-1: Typical Mine Flow Diagram

3.2.1 Crushing

The blasted material is taken for crushing. A crushing section is where the ore is crushed by primary,

secondary and tertiary crushers to a final product size of –12mm with an 80% passing. Dust generated in

this section is suppressed by a dust suppression system to clean the dust-laden air prior to it being

discharged to atmosphere (see crushing circuit below).

Figure 3-2: Crushing Circuit

3.2.2 Milling

Following the crushing section there is a wet grinding section consisting of a rod mill and ball mill, which

does not produce dust, where the crushed ore is further reduced in size to facilitate flotation of the various

minerals (Figure 3-3). The rod mill discharge is fed to the first stage cyclones (6 cyclones – 4 in use, 2

stand-by), the overflow is gravity fed to the aeration circuit and the underflow goes into the second stage

cyclone feed sump. The slurry is pumped from the sump to the second stage cyclones (10 cyclones – 6 in

use, 4 stand-by) where the overflow is also gravity fed to the aeration circuit and the underflow goes to


the ball mill where it is being liberated further. The ball mill discharge combines with the rod mill discharge

in the 1 stage cyclone feed sump.

Figure 3-3: Milling Flow Diagram

3.2.3 Aeration

The cyclone overflow feeds the aeration circuit. From the aeration cells it is pumped to the first

conditioner tank of the copper flotation circuit. As the pump passes down the aeration banks, copper is

increasingly activated, while lead is progressively depressed. The aeration process is done to ensure that

the redox potential is at the correct level for successful copper flotation.

3.3 Flotation

Flotation is an extraction process in which the mineral particles are fed in the form of pulp into a bank of

flotation cells in which the pulp is agitated by impellers and air is bubbled through. By suitable chemical

conditioning the desired mineral can be made to adhere to an air bubble so that a mineral-rich froth is

removed and cleaned in further flotation stages, where after it is thickened and filtered to obtain the

mineral concentrate.

By this process the slurry is then passed through three flotation stages where, firstly 26% copper then

71% lead and finally 49.5% zinc are removed sequentially as explained below:

3.3.1 Copper Flotation

After aeration, the pulp is transferred to the copper conditioner tank (Figure 3-4) where mixing of the

slurry takes place and the pH of the slurry is taken. Sodium ethyl xanthate (SEX) is added and mixed in

with the pulp in the second conditioner. The SEX is a general sulphide collector. In the second copper

conditioner tank, frother and sulphurous acid are added. From the conditioner tanks, the pulp (at a

relative density of ~1.350) gravitates to the copper flotation circuit rougher cells. The concentrate from

these is pumped directly to the first copper cleaner. The slurry from copper rougher cells is then passed

through three copper cleaners where sulphurous acid is added for pH control and as a lead sulphide and

zinc sulphide depressant. In the third copper cleaner lime is added to depress the pyrite (the pH

increases to approximately 10.5). The concentrate from the third cleaner is transferred directly to the

copper concentrate thickener.


Copper recovery is usually about 65% with a concentrate grade analysing 26% Cu, 3.50% Pb, 3.00% Zn

and 300 g/t Ag.

Figure 3-4: Copper Flotation Flow Diagram.

3.3.2 Lead Flotation

The underflow from the copper tails thickener feeds three lead conditioner tanks (Figure 3-5). Lime is

added to the first conditioner tank, zinc sulphate and sodium cyanide, sodium ethyl xanthate (SEX), and

frother into the second conditioner. The slurry is fed to the lead rougher circuit. The concentrate from both

the first and the second and third rougher goes to the cleaner stage where the concentrate is being

upgraded to a higher grade. The concentrate from the cleaner is pumped to the lead concentrate

thickener, while the tails flow back into the conditioner.

Lead recovery is usually about 90% with a concentrate grade analysing 0.6% Cu, 71.0% Pb, 3.7% Zn and

800 g/tAg.

3.3.3 Zinc Flotation

The tails from the lead rougher circuit are pumped as feed to the first zinc conditioner tank where the

slurry is mixed and kept in suspension. At the lead tails pump CuSO4 is added to activate the zinc. Lime,

SEX and frother are added to the second zinc conditioning tank. The lime depresses the iron, while the

copper sulphate is used as a zinc activator. The rougher feed is split into 20% going to the 2nd

rougher

(conventional cell) and 80% to the 1st rougher tank cell. The tails of the first rougher tank cell is pumped to

the 2nd

rougher (conventional cell). The tailings of the second rougher are gravity fed to the third rougher

conventional cell and the tailing of the third rougher is gravity fed to the rougher scavenger. The

concentrate of the rougher scavenger is pumped to the conditioning stages again to refloat the material.

The tailing of the rougher scavenger is pumped to the tailing dam. The concentrates from the 1st, 2

nd and

3rd

rougher is pumped to the cleaner stage where the grade in increased by adding additional lime to

depress the iron. The final tails are pumped either to the Backfill plant or to the slimes (tailings) dam.

Zinc (Zn) recovery is about 75.%, while the concentrate grade assays at about 49.5% Zn with 2.0% Pb.


Figure 3-5: Lead Flotation Flow Diagram

Figure 3-6: Zinc Flotation Flow Diagram

3.4 Thickening

The concentrate from each of the three flotation processes is pumped to its relevant concentrate

thickener. The thickening process is a de-watering process, and, the overflow (water) from all of the

operating thickeners is transferred to the water return dam (ageing pond). The underflow of the

concentrate thickeners is pumped to the larox filters where the material is dried to 8% Cu moisture, 6%

lead moisture and 8% zinc moisture. The filter cakes are conveyed to the concentrate sheds where the

concentrates are being trucked to Loop 10 and trained to Saldanha. From Saldanha they are then

shipped to European countries for further refinery.


Figure 3-7: Thickener and Filtration Flow Sheet

3.5 Tailings Dam

The tails produced from flotation is transferred to the tailings dam. About 1/6 of the tailings produced is

used underground as hydraulic backfill, the remainder being sent to a slimes dam.

Based on an in-situ density of 1.65 ton per m3, the total tailings deposition volume (airspace) required,

assuming no backfill to the underground mine workings, amounts to 7.3 million m3. A pond is maintained

on the top of the dam, in which the slimes settle out, the clear water overflow being decanted through a

penstock and led to the ageing pond.

Any seepage from the sides of the dam, or at ground level, is caught by a drainage trench around the

slimes dam and also led to the ageing pond.

The tailings are deposited by being pumped at a slurry density of 1.65 ton per m3 to the slimes dam, with

the tailings underflow used to flatten the outer slopes whilst the overflow is deposited on the upper

surface of the tailings dam. The final elevation is fixed at 858 mamsl, to limit the height of the tailings dam

to 50m. The outer slopes on the western, eastern and northern flanks are 1:3 and the southern flank is

1:4. The dimensions of the upper surface, located within the final day-wall, is roughly 760 x 350m. The

volume of tailings required on the outer slopes is 1.9 million m3 and on the top is 5.5 million m

3. The

required underflow / outerflow split for the cycloning process is thus 26% (twenty-six percent) underflow

(outer slope deposition) and 74% (seventy-four percent) as overflow (upper surface deposition). The

underflow has a fine tail but does not influence the performance as outer slope material. The rim walls

are kept higher than the settling area to ensure that any heavy rains falling on the dam will be retained

and led to the ageing pond via the penstock.

The drains comprise a 150mm thick washed 19mm stone layer wrapped in filtration geotextile, containing

a perforated pipe. The drains are approximately 4m wide and collect seepage from the cycloned tailings

underflow. The outlet pipes from the drains are solid walled and discharge into the solution trench. On the

northern side of the tailings dam, the drains are elevated (i.e. constructed on fill to allow drainage to the

solution trench). The solution trench is trapezoidal in shape and runs along the full perimeter of the

tailings dam. Due to the flat grades of the solution trench on the northern and southern sides, it is lined

with 100mm thick stone pitching


There is a return water dam located where it allows for drainage of the solution trench under gravity. The

dam is lined with a primary 1.5mm High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) geo-membrane and a secondary

1.0mm HDPE geo-membrane. A leakage detection system consisting of a 0.75mm cuspated drain direct

any leakage to a sump from where it is pumped back into the dam.

The dam receives two (2) sources of water:

Decant from the tailings dam penstock; and

Excess process water from the plant.

3.6 Backfill

Slurry (a mixture of tailings and process water) from the metallurgical plant is fed to the slurry tank. The

slurry tank overflow discharges into the tailings tank. Sand mined at the nearby dunes is added at a ratio

of one ton sand for every four tons tailings in the 1st stage mixing tank. Reclaim water is added to ensure

that the correct density is achieved. The mixture from the 1st stage mixing tank is pumped to the 2

nd stage

mixing tank. Cement is added in the 2nd

stage tank at the required dosage. Chryso Fluid MF is added at a

rate of 0.6 litres per ton of mix. The backfill is pumped from the second stage mixing tank to the borehole

which discharges to the underground backfill system (See Figure 3-8). The composition and physical

properties of the hydraulic backfill medium is described in Table 3-1.

Figure 3-8: Backfill Plant Layout


Table 3-1: Physico-chemical properties of the hydraulic backfill medium.

Item Description

Content 20% sand: 80% tailings and cement (mixed at 10:1, or

60:1 for surface topping). Reclaim water is used for

mixing

Backfill production rate 650 wet tonnes per hour

Frequency of production 80% of mining activity

Density 2.1 tonnes per cubic metre

Cement Afrisam strengthened with Chrysofluid MF

Temperature 23 ºC

pH 9.6-11.5

A chemical breakdown of the reclaim water and the tailings is given in Tables 3-2 and 3-3. The chemical

composition of the slurry and tailings varies, but consists mostly of magnetite and silicates with lesser

amounts of pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, and sphalerite. The liquid component consists of trace amounts

of dissolved calcium, xanthate, cyanide, copper and zinc.

Table 3-2: The chemical composition of reclaim water.

SPECIFICATIONS Average values

PH 5.5 – 9.5 6.26

Dissolved solids < 2,000 mg/l 1,704

Sulphates < 1,000 mg/l 913

Total Alkalinity < 1,000 mg/l 26.36

Chlorides < 500 mg/l 220.17

Copper 3 mg/l < 0.01

Conductivity Msm-1

196.8

Oil and grease Mg/s 5


Table 3-3: The chemical composition of the tailings.

Copper (Cu)

Lead (Pb)

Zinc (Zn)

Bismuth (Bi)

Silver (Ag)

Cobalt (Co)

0.08%

0.44%

0.59%

18.6 g/t

8 g/t

159 g/t

30% goes to Backfill, the rest to the Tailings Dam.

This reduces the footprint of the Tailings Dam.

The slurry tank receives tailings slurry from the process plant. The overflow of the slurry tank discharges

into the tailings tank. The contents of the tailings tank are pumped to the slimes dam. The pumping

distance to the slimes dam varies depending on the discharge location. The reclaim water tanks receive

water recovered from underground, the decant backfill water as well as from the process plant. The 1st

stage mixing system consists of the following main components:

3,000 ton sand bunker

300 ton sand hopper

1st Stage mixing tank

Pumping system.

The 3,000 ton sand bunker feeds the 300 ton sand tank. The variable speed belt feeder at the base of the

tank feeds onto a fixed speed conveyor which discharges into the 1st stage mixing tank. The belt feeder

speed is set in the control room. A belt scale measures the mass of sand added to the 1st stage mixing

tank.

The 1st stage mixing tank receives slurry from the slurry tank, water from the reclaim water tanks, sand

from the 300 ton sand tank. Adjusting the slurry and sand inflow into the tank controls the tank level. The

pumps transferring the slurry to the 2nd

stage mixing tank are fixed speed.

Two Weir EnviroTech 200×200 SRC fixed speed pumps in parallel transfer slurry from the 1st stage

mixing tank to the 2nd

stage mixing tank. Strainers are installed between the tank and the pump suctions.

The 2nd

stage mixing system consists of the following main components:

150 ton cement silo

2nd stage mixing tank

Pumping system

Chrysofluid MF dosing system

The 150 ton cement silo is fitted with a variable speed screw feeder, which feeds a fixed speed conveyor.

The fixed speed conveyor discharges into a cement feeder cone which discharges into the 2nd

stage

mixing tank. The operator in the control room controls the speed of the cement screw feeder. A belt scale

measures the mass of cement added to the 2nd

stage mixing tank. Slurry from the 1st stage mixing tank is

mixed with cement from the silo through the cement mixing cone.

Chrysofluid MF additive is added to the slurry in the 2nd

stage mixing tank. The operator controls the

additive dosage by:

Switching the pump on and off at the dosage pump position.

The correct feed is acquired by opening a valve to a predetermined setting at the pump.

The following equipment is controlled from the Backfill Plant control room:

Siren – to communicate between operators.

Cement screw feeder speed – to control the slurry : cement ratio.

Sand belt feeder speed – to control the slurry density.

200×200 SRC pump speed to control the level of the 2nd

stage mixing tank.


3.7 Storage of finished products

The concentrate produced from flotation is transferred to the thickening and filtration plants for dewatering

and drying. The final dried products (copper, lead and zinc) are then stockpiled for removal by truck.

3.8 Dispatch of Products from Site

The finished products are loaded to the trucks by means of a front-end loader. All material removed from

site is sent over a weighbridge to ensure that the correct weight of material is taken and to avoid

overloading. Concentrates (copper, lead and zinc) are trucked to Loop 10 (Halfweg), stored there in an

enclosed shed and when train arrived been load and rail via the Sishen/Saldanha railway line to

Saldanha, for storage and export to various countries.

Moving concentrates by rail is our primary means of transportation. Most of the concentrate is transported

in the same way, though a limited amount is trucked directly from the plant to Saldanha port as the need

arises. During transport by both truck and rail, all concentrates are covered with tarpaulins, while storage

and loading operations at both Halfweg and Saldanha take place within enclosed sheds.

3.9 Waste Rock

The waste rock dump, which currently contains approximately 4,207,622 tonnes of waste rock is situated

against the side of the Broken Hill and tends to blend with the slopes. No waste is anticipated to be

hoisted from the Deeps mine, as all waste is stacked in the cut and fill stopes as filling occurs.

The waste rock dump might be used for the waste of the access decline for Swartberg that will be started

near the Broken Hill area. The top area is currently at 88,911m2 and bottom area at 125,697m

2. At the

contact between dump and hill, the waste rock is slightly contoured up against the hillside.

The slope angle naturally achieved by the dumping of broken waste over the edge of the dump is 35°,

which is a stable angle of repose that shows no sign of slippage. A trap drain catches water flowing off

the hillside and delivers it to a drainage channel lying to the south of the dump, whence it flows to the

backfill cyclone spill evaporation pond, lying to the south-west of the dump.

Although no significant seepage of water has originated from the dump to date, any seepage which could

occur after rain would be caught in the abovementioned drainage channel.

3.10 Supporting Services and Activities

The positions of the various features mentioned in this section could be located on the mine plan

(Appendix E).

3.10.1 Housing, recreation and other employee facilities

Housing

As there is no established community within a reasonable distance of the mine, accommodation is

supplied for all employees.

Management and skilled persons are housed mainly in the North Village, which has 235 houses, a single

quarter containing 12 rooms, 8 flats for senior single staff and visitors and 28 mobile homes.

All semi-skilled persons, some skilled persons, and the more senior unskilled persons, are housed in the

South Village, which comprises 254 houses, a male single quarter for 110 men and a female single

quarter for 30 women.

The remaining employees are housed in single quarter accommodation in the hostel complex, in which

are included 12 quarters, whilst married people stay in the houses.

A clinic, primary and secondary schools, a small central business district (including a butchery, bottle

store, grocery store, library, clothing store, bank agency, post office, police station, video store and


hairdressing salon), a childrens‟ playground, and, a multi denominational church lie between the North

and South Villages.

Recreation Facilities

Each of the two (2) villages has its own recreation club, supporting all the popular sports such as squash,

bowls, tennis, rugby, soccer, cricket, running, swimming, etc. The golf course has its own clubhouse. The

9-hole golf course is fully grassed. The hostels have TV show rooms and soccer fields.

Medical facilities

The mine owns a clinic and there is a doctor who caters for the normal medical needs of the employees.

A dentist, optometrist and a visits visit regularly and assistance is given to employees or their families

who must travel to Cape Town / Upington for specialist treatment.

Workshops, administration and other buildings

There are two (2) main workshops – one (1) to deal with production equipment and the other to handle

the housing and township‟s requirements.

The plant, shaft and workshops each have their own administrative offices, though the main company

offices are situated near to the North Village.

An explosive factory and magazines are located within the mine‟s security area, as are the warehouse

and salvage yard.

Areas have been set aside within the security area for certain contractors who supply services to the mine

(See Appendix E).

3.10.2 Water Supply

Potable Water

A pump station has been established by the Pelladrift Water Board to pump water for the mine and

township from the Orange River. This scheme also supplies potable water to Pofadder, Pella and

Swartkoppies.

A total of 4,580,000m3 was pumped by the scheme during the year ended 31 March 1992, of which

4,430,000m3 was used by the Black Mountain Mine and the Aggeneys Township. Potable water is

supplied by Pelladrift Water Board.

Process Water Supply

A pumpstation has been established by the Pelladrift Water Board to pump water for the mine and

township from the Orange River. This scheme also supplies water to Pofadder, Pella and Swartkoppies.

A total of 4,580,000m3 was pumped by the scheme in the year ended 31 March 1992, of which

4,430,000m3 was used by the Black Mountain Mine and the Aggeneys Township.

Groundwater source

a) Underground mining operations

Very little natural water is encountered underground. Orange River water is used for service and drinking,

and also in the backfill plant when cemented fill toppings are being thrown. The bulk of the water being

pumped from underground originates from backfill drainage. Dirty water pumps deliver unsettled water

from underground to a water clarifier on surface. The underflow from this clarifier is sent to the slimes

dam, while the clarified water is mainly used for backfilling operations, with any surplus being sent to the

concentrator.


b) Plant

Water from the slimes dam is caught by drainage trenches around the foot of the dam and is led to an

ageing pond, from where it is pumped for re-use in the plant and for hydraulic backfill. Further process

water originates from water pumped from underground.

Despite this reclamation, certain of Orange River water has to be used as make-up for the process. The

quantity varies with the season and with the quality of the ore being treated, but averages slightly more

than 1 m3/t milled

3.10.3 Power / Electricity

Electricity is provided to the mine by the Electricity Supply Commission network at the Hydra sub-station

at De Aar, via two 66 kV overhead power lines. Each of the existing overhead power lines to the Black

Mountain consumer substation can carry the existing as well as the future load. The Consumer Sub-

station consists of standard switchgear consisting of bus couplers, vacuum circuit breakers, Solkor

protection and ring feed system. The switchgear is housed in a building similar to the existing Broken Hill

Shaft Sub-Station.

3.10.4 Airfields, roads and railways

A certified airfield has been constructed at Aggeneys by the mine. The main Springbok – Pofadder road,

the N14, runs through the property about 3 km to the south of the tailings dam. The Sishen-Saldanha

railway line passes approximately 170km to the south of the property, with Loop 10 being the closest

siding.

3.10.5 Sanitation facilities

Sewage

Two (2) sewage plants are in operation, one serving the mine and hostels and the other the township, as

can be seen in Plan 4.A. Design capacities are 385,000 m3/annum, based on 1,050 m

3/day. Sewage is

treated in oxidation ponds, water emanating from the township plant being used for watering the golf

course and water from the mine plant being used for irrigation of lucerne.

In the period that the mine has been in operation, it has been necessary to clean out the solid residue

once only, and, on this occasion, the residue was buried in trenches situated next to the ponds.

There are ten (10) septic tanks on the property. Each of these has a concrete floor with concrete rings

mounted on top. The tanks are pumped out on a regular basis and the sewage delivered to one of the

main sewage plants (Figure 3-9).


Figure 3-9: The Mine Sewage System


3.10.6 Diesel/Fuel

Petrol, diesel and lubricant oil is stored on site as indicated on the table below.

Table 3-4: Hydrocarbon register onsite

Site Tank Capacity Frequency of deep stick

Underground 45 Level 4,000L X3 tanks -lubricant oil Daily

Underground 45 Level 7,000L – diesel tanks Daily

Stores – surface 23,000LX6 tanks – diesel Daily

Infront of repair shop 9,000L – diesel Daily

Infront of repair shop 2,300LX3 – 1 petrol and 2 diesel Daily

Gamsberg 2,300L – Diesel Daily

Loop 10 23,000L X 5 – Diesel Daily

SPH 23,000Lx 2 – Diesel tank Monthly

3.10.7 Storm water

The positions of various storm water walls forming the storm water protection system are indicated in the

mine plan (Appendix E). These walls were constructed to protect houses and other installations in the

event of a flash flood, as well as to prevent runoff rainwater from clean areas flowing through mining area.

3.10.8 Solid waste management facilities

Domestic and Industrial Waste

Separate numbered bins with leads and skips are provided for different waste types, to facilitate correct

disposal. The waste bins are emptied on weekly basis and disposed / recycled at the two refuse disposal

sites located within the mining area. Waste is separated here where used cooking oil from recreational

clubs and shops is given to the farmers and glass, paper and non perishable products are taken for

recycling and the rest is burnt and buried at the mine domestic landfill (Figure 3-10). Further to this,

certain waste materials resulting from mining and underground equipment maintenance activities are

entombed within backfill placed in the stopes.


Figure 3-10: BMM General Waste Flow Diagram


3.10.9 Hazardous waste

Labelled bins with leads and skips are provided for hazardous waste which cannot be recycled and this is

collected by the contactors and disposed off at Vissershok Hazardous landfill. Used oil is collected and

returned to OilKol and printer cartridges returned to Nashua for recycling. Hazardous wastes produced

by the mine include:

Asbestos

Oil contaminated waste

Fluorescent tubes

Lead contaminated PPE

Chemical bottles

Lead contaminated rubber

Empty grease containers

Old/waste oil

Oil separators


Figure 3-11: BMM Hazardous Waste Flow Diagram


The waste products generated at Black Mountain Mine include:

Brake fluid;

Cleaned hydrocarbon spills;

Degreaser;

Domestic waste;

Engine coolant;

Fluorescent tubes;

Medical waste;

Oil contaminated waste;

Oil filters;

Oil (used);

Oil (PCB contaminated);

Paint tins;

Rubber;

Scrap metal;

Tyres (used);

Vehicle parts;

Asbestos;

Lead contaminated PPE;

Chemical bottles;

Lead contaminated rubber; and

Empty grease containers.

3.10.10 Emergency Incidents and / or Accidents

Black Mountain has a Standard Operating Procedures (SOP‟s) ESOP033: Emergency Preparedness and

Response is fundamental to manage environmental emergencies(Attached Appendix F): The purpose is

to comply with ISO 14001 requirements and to provide guidance to all mine employees and business

partners as to their responsibilities to the mine, fellow employees and colleagues in the event of an

environmental emergency. The procedure aims to:

Minimize danger to the environment, personnel, Business Partners and non-employees;

Limit legal liability; and

Ensure public relations are effectively managed during and following an emergency.

Potential Environmental Emergencies

The following aspects have been identified as the potential of becoming environmental emergencies at

BMM:

Chemical spills;

Hydrocarbon spills;

Veldt fires;

Mineral residue dam failure;

Process water spills;

Tailings pipeline spills;

Fresh water spills;

Concentrate spills;

Ore spills;

Cyanide spills; and

Other environmental emergencies requiring special services.


3.11 Concurrent Rehabilitation

Information in this section is obtained from the Environmental Rehabilitation Programme for Life of Mine

Phase 1 (Appendix G).

Mined-out areas are being re-vegetated concurrently with mining. This is done by confining any traffic to

defined access roads and scarifying the remainder to allow the re-establishment of dune grasses and

bushes. Should vegetation not spread naturally, expert advice would have to be taken as to the correct

seeds to be used, but currently vegetation is already recovering. To assist this process, the top few

centimetres stripped from the surface of the dune, which contain grass seeds and roots, are now being

spread over some of the worked-out areas. Initial growth can be assisted by occasional watering with a

water cart, but this must be done very sparingly in order to ensure that only those natural dune grasses

than can resist dry conditions become established.

Due to mining of the sand dunes as primary source of sand since 1980 the area was changed to a flat

topography with raised island where the exploration boreholes was encountered. The total sand mining

area was also lowered by approximately 1,000mm to 2,000mm in relation to the neighbouring land.

Previously rehabilitation of the sand dune mining area consisted of levelling the mined out area, ripping

the soil and allowing natural vegetation to establish over time. This has led to the “natural” rehabilitation of

the old mining areas. Rehabilitation practices during 2008 and 2009 included the spreading of topsoil on

the worked out areas to facilitate the establishment of vegetation from the natural seed bank.

Rehabilitation of the work out areas consists of the following steps:

Surveying of surrounding slopes to ensure that correct profile is established. This will allow for

natural drainage patterns and prevent the creation of ponds of water in the works. Any unnatural mounds

created by sand mining activities will be levelled.

Screened material will be spread over the new rehabilitation area.

Compacted soils will be ripped to enable easier root establishment.

Top soil stripped to a depth of 300mm from the new mining area will be spread over the newly

ripped worked out area to facilitate vegetation establishment and prevent seed bank loss due to

sterilisation in topsoil heaps.

To facilitate grass establishment in the event of vegetation growth from the topsoil seed bed not

taking, seed of the following grass species will be seeded before the rain:

- Scmiditia kalihariensis (pioneer grass)

- Stipagrostis obtusa

- Stripagrostis ciliata


3.12 Closure and Decommissioning

Information in this section is taken/extracted from BMM Closure Plan Report (2010).

MPRDA Regulation 56 defines closure as “a process, which starts at the commencement of an operation

and continues throughout the life of that operation”. The MPRDA and applicable regulations further

endorse the principle of systematic rehabilitation of mining induced impacts throughout the life of that

operation, managing and mitigating environmental risks and impacts proactively. The areas of

environmental concern are (in order of priority) in terms of closure Plaatjiesvlei; Tailings dam; Rock

dumps; Reedbed; Swartberg and the Sand dunes.

3.12.1 Closure objectives

The aim of Black Mountain Closure Plan is to ensure that the area transformed by mining, processing and

other operational activities is either returned to as natural a state as possible or facilities remaining at the

end of the life of BMM are utilised for other economically viable and sustainable activities. The closure

objectives should be achieved in as cost effective a manner as possible, and the closure solution should

be sustainable in the long term.

Four Key Objectives are identified

To secure the effective and sustainable transfer of the municipal services of the town, Aggeneys,

and the Pella-drift Water Board to the Khai Ma municipality.

To ensure that the biodiversity and environment on the site is protected.

To make sure that the following commitments will be achieved as a minimum:

The site will be made safe for both humans and animals,

The site will be rehabilitated to be physically, chemically and biologically stable

The residual impacts will be managed to acceptable levels and will not

deteriorate over time, and

Closure will be achieved with minimal socio-economic upheaval.

To provide sufficient funds at the end of life of mine, to properly implement the closure plan, and

also to make provision for possible premature closure, and post closure monitoring requirements.

3.12.2 Closure framework

The following framework will provide the basis from which detailed, site specific closure plans; aimed at

obtaining progressive systematic closure of the Black Mountain surface area will be prepared. Integral to

this closure plan framework will be the following requirements which will require incorporation into the

detailed site specific plans prepared.

Public consultation and liaison with stakeholders and interested and affected parties (I&AP‟s)

Integration of land and/or infrastructure, upon the issuing of a closure certificate, into the Local

Economic Development Plan of the local authority (where relevant and applicable).

Alignment of the closure plan(s) with the National Waste Policy and the applicable BMM Waste

Policy and Waste Management Plan.

Preparation of detailed site specific plans for closure activities planned, strictly in accordance with

the requirements of MPRDA 2002 regulations 55(8) and (9), 60 and 62

Integration of the requirements of MPRDA 2002 regulations 63 to 73, where applicable into the

closure plan(s)

Integration of all DWAE and Mine Health and Safety requirements, cognizant of the fact that no

closure certificate will be issued unless endorsed in writing by both DWAE and the Directorate: Mine

Health and Safety (MPRDA 2002, section 43(5).


Application and integration of DMR rehabilitation guidelines and generally accepted closure

principles

Examining and listing of existing servitudes and surface right permits over areas for which closure

is contemplated

3.12.3 Rehabilitation Methodology proposed for the infrastructure on site

3.12.3.1 Shafts and associated infrastructure

In formulating a conceptual strategy for the rehabilitation and closure of the shafts at BMM, it has been

assumed that steelwork will be cut up and reclaimed and that rubble generated by demolition activities

will be disposed of via the shafts and adits, following which, shafts and adits will be capped and sealed.

The following strategy will be implemented:

Demarcate area earmarked for demolition/rehabilitation

Conduct a detailed site assessment/survey aimed at identifying scope of demolition and

rehabilitation required

Identify and quantity all wastes and waste arisings

Perform waste categorization to determine waste disposal options

Identify scope and extent of surface contamination as well as identify contaminants

Determine decontamination options

Decontaminate contaminated areas in accordance with commensurate waste disposal options

identified

Remove and dismantle all saleable equipment (winders, fans etc)

Dismantle, demolish super structures (concrete and steel as per safe work procedure)

Demolish and remove foundations to one metre below natural ground level

Backfill with subsoil/topsoil and contour

Remove remaining alien/invasive plant species

Establish vegetation or alternative depending upon final land use determined

3.12.3.2 Capping and sealing of shafts

The following requirements, as per the applicable Mine Health and Safety Guideline will be applied:

The final level of the cap construction will be on natural ground level

A beacon will be erected in the centre of the shaft and registered with a local survey authority

A plate containing the details of the shaft, shaft coordinates etc will be fixed on the beacon

The bottom edges of the shaft cap (a concrete slab) will rest on competent ground or on pile

foundation, which reaches competent ground

Competent ground means the ground with a bearing capacity sufficient ton support the shaft cap

and additional load that may be imposed on this cap

The strength of the slab will be such that the slab will support its own weight, weight of material

above and any additional load of 20 kPa (2 tonne per square meter)

The design of the plug/cap will be certified by a professional engineer. Steel reinforcement will be

purchased from recognized suppliers whose stocks comply in all respects within SANS (SABS)

standards.

3.12.3.3 Slimes dam

There is only one (1) slimes dam associated with the Black Mountain operation. The dam covers an

extent of 61 hectares and the associated ageing pond, which is lined, covers a further 7,5 hectares.


The following rehabilitation methodology is proposed for the slimes dam:

Rock cladding of the side slopes of the tailings dam, no topsoil (300mm thickness)

Limited rock cladding on the surface, approximately 100mm thickness with cluster vegetation

established (no topsoil)

This methodology is proposed for the following reasons:

Although the rock material that is proposed is sulphidic by nature, due to the arid nature of the

area, sulphide oxidation is extremely slow as has been confirmed by prior tests done by Envirogreen

(Fraser Alexander Technical) on the slimes dam fines material.

The slimes dam will remain an unnatural feature where sustainable vegetation establishment will

be extremely difficult. The impact of creating and having to rehabilitate the borrow pit created to provide

topsoil for rehabilitation is also considered to be of a further prohibitive factor.

Rock cladding and limited cluster vegetation is proposed and has been costed into the quantum

assessment.

3.12.3.4 Rock Dumps

There are four rock dumps associated with the Black Mountain operation that will require rehabilitation.

The rock dump at Deeps shaft is currently being rehabilitated as part of the concurrent rehabilitation

programme. The rock dumps are:

Broken Hill rock dump (the main rock dump)

Gamsberg rock dumps (associated with the adits)

Swartberg rock dump

The Deeps rock dump

It is not anticipated that there will be a long term use for the rock dumps. Although a portion is currently

being exploited for aggregate production, this activity will only extend for the current life of mine.

In-situ rehabilitation of the rock dumps is therefore proposed. A methodology similar than for the slimes

dam is proposed in the draft closure plan although additional provision will need to be made for slope

flattening, especially at the Broken Hill and Swartberg dumps to mitigate the potential for erosion of which

clear signs are evident, particularly at Broken Hill. The following methodology is proposed:

Broken Hill rock dump

This will be the principal source of rock for rock cladding of the slimes dam. Concurrent with slope

flattening, which is considered essential for the dump; material can be sourced for rock cladding. After

slope flattening the surface will be scarified and cluster vegetation established.

Gamsberg and Deeps

No slope flattening, scarify and establish cluster vegetation.

Swartberg

This dump is situated in a natural drainage line and in the resulting seepage, signs of acid rock drainage

are evident that will impact on the surrounding environment. For this dump, topsoil and vegetation is

proposed.

3.12.3.5 Process plants

There are two process plants that will require demolition and associated rehabilitation of the surface area,

namely the Concentrator Plant, and the backfill plant at Broken Hill. In line with the Black Mountain draft

closure plan and the “DMR generally accepted closure methods”, the following methodology is proposed.

Conduct a detailed site assessment/survey aimed at identifying and quantifying all waste and

waste arisings


Determine waste disposal options i.e. borrow pits, disposal of material down redundant shafts,

etc

Dismantling and removal of saleable plant infrastructure

Demolition of redundant steelwork

Identification and quantification of extent of surface contamination (concrete and soil) and

demarcation of such

Planned demolition of concrete foundations and removal of contaminated soil in a phased and

structured manner as to prevent „cross-contamination‟ (i.e. contamination of clean areas)

Disposal of all waste and waste material with accurate, detailed waste accounting records

Removal of concrete foundations to one metre below natural ground level

Backfilling with subsoil/topsoil and contouring

Removal of alien/invasive plant species

Vegetation establishment or alternative depending upon final land use

Final performance assessment and application for closure

In accordance with the requirements of the Mine Health and Safety Act 1996, the following will be

required:

- Application of Mandatory Codes of Practice, (COP‟s) including mobile trackless machinery,

minimum standards of fitness, noise induced hearing loss, occupational health surveillance, exposure to

airborne pollutants, cyanide management and mine residue deposits

- Safe work procedures (COP‟s) based upon baseline risk assessments for each activity

associated with demolition/rehabilitation activities planned

- Appointment of contractor(s) as subordinate managers in accordance with regulation 2.6.1 of the

Mines and Works Act.

3.12.3.6 Evaporation/storage dams

The Plaatjiesvlei area covers an extent of 52 hectares, which has been severely impacted upon as a

result of its utilization over the life of mine as an evaporation dam. In assessing the rehabilitation

requirements for this area, it has been assumed that contaminated soil to a minimum depth of one metre

will have to be removed over an area of 28,6 hectares in the area of worst impact, transported to the top

of the tailings dam, with topsoil from the dune sand reclamation area introduced to enhance vegetation

establishment. For the remainder of the area, (approximately 23,4 hectares), due to the low rainfall in the

area, leaching of sulphides and heavy metals which could improve natural vegetation succession over

time is expected to extend in excess of thirty years and hence, provision has been made for amelioration

of the area to promote natural vegetation establishment. The following is proposed:

Application of compost at 100 tonnes/hectare

Liming if the substrate proves to be acidic

3.12.3.7 Landfill sites

As a minimum, the minimum standards for landfill will need to be applied for the rehabilitation process,

which essentially, will entail the following as summarized below.

Description of closure objectives

Summary of regulatory requirements and conditions for closure

Summary of identified residual and latent impacts as captured in an environmental risk report

Phase 1: The permitting requirements, i.e. registering the sites for closure


Phase II: Rehabilitation of the landfill site (a step by step process) to be implemented to obtain

closure

Management and maintenance

Monitoring

Consultation with I & AP‟s

Closure

3.12.3.8 Dune sand reclamation area at Swartberg

The dune sand reclamation area at Swartberg, is the source of feed material for the backfill plant. The

area has to a large extent been rehabilitated concurrent with reclamation activities. However, in the

absence of periodic ongoing monitoring and performance assessments compliant with regulation 55(8)

and (9) of the MPRDA 2002, the effectiveness and sustainability of the rehabilitation effected to date,

cannot be substantiated. It is therefore imperative that this activity be incorporated into a structured and

documented closure plan and the regular performance assessments be scheduled to assess the

effectiveness of rehabilitation completed to date.

3.12.3.9 Concentrate pads

Concentrate storage pads are situated immediately south west of the concentrator plant and cover an

area of approximately 1,6 hectares. Rehabilitation of the concentrate pads particularly at Gamsberg and

outside the concentrator plant, is currently in progress. The total area of impact, inclusive of the above,

extends to 2 hectares. A methodology similar to that for the Plaatjiesvlei area, which includes removal of

contaminated soil and amelioration of the substrate, is recommended.

3.12.3.10 Overland conveyors

Overland conveyor structures have been installed to feed ore from Deeps/Broken Hill shafts to the

concentrator plant. The strategy as expounded in Section 3.12.3.5 above to be applied for the requisite

demolition and rehabilitation requirements.

3.12.3.11 Hostel complexes and training centre

There are two hostel complexes on the property, the partially demolished hostel No 1 (North West of

Broken Hill shaft) currently utilized as a contractors camp, and the No 2 hostel complex east of Broken

Hill shaft. The training centre is situated to the north east of No 2 hostel. In the closure plan it has been

assumed that both hostels and the training centre will be demolished.

3.12.3.12 Workshops/stores/salvage yard

This area essentially comprises the following infrastructure:

The main mine workshop complex

The mine store area

The associated salvage yard

A small shopping complex


Contractor office/workshop areas for:

Jowels Transport (concentrate transporting contractor)

SPH (materials haulage contractor)

Sandvic/Tamrock (drilling contractors)

Estac

Steinweld

Transcape Steel

This infrastructure is considered to be so closely related to mining operations so as to negate any

potential future sustainable utilization post-closure. The only exception could be the main workshop

complex/store area and contractor workshops/offices which could potentially be integrated into a

sustainable social development plan for the area. Demolition of all of the structures and final rehabilitation

is recommended within the following parameters.

Conduct detailed assessment to confirm status quo in respect of state and condition of buildings

and infrastructure

Assess/evaluate options

For structures to be demolished the following procedure will be followed:

Undertake survey to determine scope and extent of demolition and rehabilitating required

Identify and quantify all waste and waste arisings

Perform waste categorization to determine disposal options

List and describe disposal option

Demolish superstructures and remove foundations to one metre below natural ground level

Backfill with subsoil/topsoil and contour

Remove alien/invasive plant species

Establish vegetation or alternative depending upon final land use determined

Quarries and open pits in the mining area have essentially been divided into the following main two

components:

Quarries for whom the rehabilitation and closure liabilities are vested with Black Mountain in

terms of its Environmental Management Programme/Closure Plan.

Quarries within the mining area, on Black Mountain freehold but which are deemed to be the

liability of the National Roads Department. (Quarries at Lemoenplaas). Only the quarries deemed to be

the responsibility of Black Mountain have been incorporated into the quantum assessment. These include

the following:

Quarries 1, 2 and 3 east of Aggeneys Village

Quarry north-east of the slimes dam

For the quarries at Lemoenplaas it is recommended that Black Mountain as landowner engage with the

National Roads Department and formalize a contractual agreement with them to either rehabilitate the

quarries, or alternatively, should they require them in future, accepting the liability transfer provided for in

MPRDA section 43(2).

For quarries which are the responsibility of BMM the following is proposed:

Quarries to be backfilled with rubble generated from the demolition of mining infrastructure

Quarries to be filled with 300mm topsoil and contoured

3.12.3.13 Explosive magazines

The explosive magazine area at Black Mountain is situated north of the mine security complex and east

of Deeps shaft. Additionally, there is also a designated explosives destruction area south-west of the

slimes dam. The following strategy should be followed for the demolition and rehabilitation activities

associated with explosive magazine and incorporated into a detailed closure plan:


Explosive magazines should be made safe prior to commencing demolition activities in

accordance with applicable requirements of the Explosives Act 2003 and regulations as well as

regulations published in terms of the Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996

Subsequent to making safe, a detailed site assessment should be conducted to identify and

quantify all wastes and waste arisings as well as disposal options for re-usable infrastructure

Dismantling and removal of saleable infrastructure

Demolition of buildings and foundations and removal of rubble to identified designated disposal

site

Backfilling with subsoil/topsoil and contouring

Vegetation establishment or alternative depending upon land use

3.12.3.14 Rehabilitation of open surface areas

A detailed report “Estimated closure costs for effective biodiversity rehabilitation at Black Mountain Mine”

was prepared by Chrizette Kleynhans, Biodiversity Manager, in 2007. This report aims to address the

surface rehabilitation of a total of 920 hectares of disturbed areas, within three definitive biodiversity

priority zones, determined on the basis of specific biophysical priority criteria. Depending upon whether

this area has a high, medium or low biodiversity priority, different re-seeding rates per hectare are

applied, and the use of topsoil is integrated in most instances; R19,00/m³ for Black Mountain and

R32,00/m³ for Gamsberg, extracted from the current dune reclamation area. Applying the above criteria,

as well as additional rates as per the rate schedule, the total cost for the rehabilitation has been

calculated at R67 414 649 at an average rate of R73 277,00/hectare. This is considered to be an

accurate estimate taking into account environmental sensitivity of the area as well as other factors.

The estimate takes into account, that with the exception of access roads, the Gamsberg and Big Syncline

prospecting areas, the slimes dam, Deeps shaft and the explosive magazines, the following areas will

require topsoil:

Swartberg areas affected by mining (18 hectares)

Aggregate quarries (3 hectares)

Tony‟s dam (5 hectares)

Gamsberg areas affected by mining (220 hectares)

Plaatjiesvlei, (40 hectares)

Concentrate pads (2 hectares)

Broken Hill areas affected by mining (384 hectares)

Security (6 hectares)

Hostels and training centre (10 hectares)

The total cost associated with providing topsoil over this area has been calculated at R60 457 000 to

rehabilitate a total surface area of 688 hectares. The total topsoil requirement will be in the region of 2

617 500m³ at an average of R23,09 per m³. However, taking account of the fact that MPRDA 2002 and

regulations make provision for efficient and cost-effective closure, applying topsoil over the surface area

in extent of 688 hectares will not be feasible for the following reasons:

Sourcing 2 617 500m³ of topsoil to remediate disturbed areas will result in disturbance of as yet,

undisturbed areas as it is not deemed possible to source all of the material from the dune sand

reclamation area, taking into account backfill requirements over life of mine.

It is therefore recommended that the use of topsoil be limited to and/or optimized within the following

areas where pollution of the surface is considered to be most significant

Contaminated areas within the Concentrator Plant

Plaatjiesvlei – estimated 28,6 hectares


The concentrate pads

Tony‟s dam

Aggregate quarries

With respect to rehabilitation of open surface areas, the closure plan also takes account of the following

rehabilitation activities although limited, associated with open surface areas.

Removal of alien/invasive plant species

Removal of redundant water pipes and power lines including concrete plinths

Leveling of man made stormwater walls

River diversions at the Concentrator Plant and Tony‟s dam

3.12.3.15 Prospecting areas

Prospecting areas that require final rehabilitation are essentially the Big Syncline and Gamsberg areas.

Historical prospecting activities at Big Syncline are however included in this quantum assessment.

Prospecting activities cover an extent of approximately 3 135 hectares of which approximately 32

hectares will require rehabilitation.

3.12.3.16 Residential areas

The main residential complex is the Aggeneys Village with associated amenities and recreation facilities.

The village complex is situated outside of the current mining area and it can be debated whether as such,

financial provision will need to be made in terms of MPRDA requirements for demolition and final

rehabilitation. Nonetheless, and irrespective of potential MPRDA 2002 encumbrances, a vested liability

for the complex remains with Black Mountain in terms of the National Environmental Management Act

1998, Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA 98). For this reason it has been considered expedient to reflect this

potential liability as a component of the quantum assessment. Two options are proposed for the village

complex.

Option 1

Given the remote location, the current total dependence of the community on continued mining activity for

sustaining the village complex, the continued sustainable utilization of the village post mining is

questionable. Option 1, by no means the preferred option, even negating financial considerations, is for

the entire village complex to be demolished.

Option 2

Is for the village to be integrated into the applicable local/area economic development plan and for such

then to be utilized in a sustainable manner beyond life of mine. The challenge is for the village to be

successfully integrated into the social development plan for Black Mountain probably including the No 2

hostel and training centre. Demolition and rehabilitation costs will then be zero, but, to protect itself, it is

imperative that Black Mountain apply the liability transfer mechanism (MPRDA Section 43(2)) and

sell/cede the village and probably the associated freehold to a competent third party who will then have

the obligation to ensure sustainable future utilization.

3.12.3.17 Loop Ten siding

Although outside of the mining area and probably also outside the ambit of the MPRDA, Black Mountain

will have the responsibility to rehabilitate Loop 10 siding.


3.12.3.18 Saldanha Transfer complex

The same as for Loop Ten siding will apply although there is opportunity to sell the infrastructure at the

complex, belonging to Black Mountain to Portnet as the infrastructure is situated on Portnet property and

may be of continued use to them.

3.12.3.19 Water Pumping infrastructure

Integral to the continued existence of Aggeneys Village is the retention of the current water pumping

infrastructure. It is however the property of the Pella Water Board and where situated within the Black

Mountain mining area, the liability transfer mechanism should be deployed to transfer the liability to the

Pella Water Board.

3.12.3.20 Conservation area south of the mine

This area is to a large extent totally undisturbed with limited rehabilitation required in some areas.

Rehabilitation activities required are confined to the removal of concrete slabs and foundations over an

area of approximately 1 hectare.

3.12.3.21 Rehabilitation of gravel access roads on mine property

A total of 33km of gravel roads will require rehabilitation which in essence will be confined to ripping up

the compacted surfaces to enhance vegetation establishment. This excludes the gravel road along the

Pella Water Board line which will in all probability be required “post-closure”.

3.12.3.22 Post-closure monitoring and management

Provision is made in this closure plan, for post closure monitoring and management of all disturbed but

rehabilitated areas. Post closure monitoring and management will essentially involve the following:

Vegetation succession monitoring and management

Erosion monitoring and management

Groundwater quality monitoring

Surface run-off monitoring

Monitoring and management of pollution control facilities, i.e. slimes dam paddocks, cut-off

trenches etc.

3.12.3.23 LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

Potential latent liabilities that may manifest themselves well beyond closure are extremely difficult to

predict and or quantify in terms of financial implications. It could however, be safely assumed that most

latent liabilities will be associated with the decommissioned and closed tailings dam, the Black Mountain

rock dumps and the Plaatjiesvlei evaporation dam.

For assessing the financial impact a risk assessment methodology is proposed and it is also

recommended that such will be incorporated into the company risk profile and provided for by means of

insurance cover, or other appropriate methods of risk financing.


4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

As this is an existing operation where an existing EMPR is being amended, the Interested and Affected

Parties (I&APs) have already been identified and consulted with regarding the original project. Instead,

this section will provide a description of the ongoing consultation with the public, including reference to

any recent comments / concerns received by the mine and an indication as where they are addressed in

this report.

Please note that no public meetings will be held as the mine has on-going communication with the

neighbouring communities as described below.

4.1 Consultation Process

4.1.1 Background Information Document

The Department of Minerals Resources (DMR) was consulted regarding the expansion of the plant and

BMM was directed to carry out the public participation process.

The Background Information Documents (BID) were produced and provided to the IAPs on the existing

database (Appendix H). The BID was in English and Afrikaans. The purpose of a BID document was to

provide IAPs with basic background information pertaining to the expansion of the plant and the

amendment of the existing EMPR. It further provided members of the public interested in the project with

the opportunity to register as I&APs, by completing the registration sheet included in the BID. This

ensured that their names and contact details would be captured on the database and that they would

receive all project-related information and invitations to forum meetings. A comment sheet was also

provided to enable I&APs to furnish the consultants with written comments.

4.1.2 Key Issues Identified

Even though reminders were send to I&APs, only comments from the Department of Water Affairs (DWA)

were received indicating areas of interests as being listed water use activities. These included the

following:

Taking water from a river;

Storing of water (storage dams);

Disposal of waste water (sludge, pollution dams); and

River crossings.

Their area of concern was on water retention system that should be checked for capacity if necessary.

More information was requested for the upgrade of the plant. A letter was sent to Department of Water

Affairs (DWA) clarifying all the above.

4.2 Ongoing Communication

Black Mountain mine management will be responsible for ensuring that the I&APs are kept informed of

environmental developments on the mine property. Regular (recommended to be twice yearly) meetings

will be held with I&APs at the mine.

These meetings will permit mine management to report back on environmental issues, answer queries,

and identify possible areas of concern.

4.2.1 Complaints

The mine maintains a record of all complaints received from I&APs, recording the following information:

The complaint;

The corrective action implemented (if any) and ;

Appropriate dates.


4.2.2 List of Interested and Affected Parties

The following I&APs categories were identified for Black Mountain Mine:

Conservation bodies and NGOs;

Community Forums and community;

Companies;

Farmers; and

Government Departments and Municipalities.

A list of I&APs identified and consulted with during the public participation process is provided in

Appendix I.

Black Mountain mine management will be responsible for ensuring that the I&APs are kept informed of

environmental developments on the mine property. Regular (recommended to be twice yearly) meetings

will be held with I&APs at the mine. These meetings will permit mine management to report back on

environmental issues, answer queries, and identify possible areas of concern.


5 METHODS USED TO UNDERTAKE THE IMPACT ASSESSMENT

5.1 Legal Requirements

The ranking system developed to identify the significance of the impacts created as a result of the mining

operations has been developed to take cognisance of the requirements of the Mineral and Petroleum

Resources Act (MPRDA). For the purpose of this report, the significance of impacts will be determined

through the implementation of the following impact assessment model:

This system procedure assesses the impact potential of current activities, products and/or services and

also takes into account the possibility of previous practices causing impact now, or in the future. Impact

on the environment comprises pollution and the use of resources, legal and regulatory requirements,

material damage, reputation / social / community (RSC) impacts.

Environmental risk can change considerably under different operating conditions and circumstances.

Therefore, to provide control at all times this system procedure considers the significance of

environmental aspects under:

Normal operating conditions;

Abnormal situations involving some change from normal conditions (start up / close off); and

Potential emergency situations.

This procedure produces a list of the high risks to manage and indicate significant aspects to indicate

their relative importance to the environment and the organization. The significant aspects identified are

used to update operating procedures and to establish objectives and targets for environmental

improvement during annual review.

5.2 Definitions

The terms environment, activity, aspect and impact, will be used technically throughout this document,

and so it is important to explain what is meant by each term in the context of the EIA.

Environment (as defined in NEMA): The surroundings within which humans exist and that are

made up of:

o the land, water and atmosphere of the earth;

o micro-organisms, plant and animal life;

o any part or combination of the above, and the interrelationships among and between them;

and

o the physical, chemical, aesthetic and cultural properties and conditions of the foregoing that

influence human health and wellbeing;

Activity: A specific deed, action or function, that takes place at the BMM (as described in Section

1 of this report), such as;

o Drilling and blasting.

o Flotation.

o Waste management.

Environmental Aspect: Element of an organization‟s activities, products or services that can

interact with the environment.

Significant environmental aspect: An environmental aspect that has or can have a significant

environmental impact on the environment.

Environmental Impact: Any change to the environment, whether adverse or beneficial, wholly or

partially resulting from an organization‟s activities, products or services.

Risk: Risk is defined as the uncertainty or expectation of an event‟s outcome that could impact on

business objectives.

Risk Management: Risk Management is a management system designed to help line managers

identify, understand and manage risks, for the purpose of improving decisions and ensuring

business objectives are achieved.

Review Cycle: AAWR: “As and when required”.


5.2.1 Criteria to Consider when Determining Severity of impacts

The ranking of impacts / determination of significance is estimated using two criteria, namely

Consequence and Probability. These consider the contributing factors / criteria listed in the legislation.

The definitions of each are provided below.

The Consequence of an impact resulting from an aspect is expressed as a combination of:

Nature of impact: An indication of the extent of the damage (negative impacts) or benefit (positive

impacts) the impact inflicts on natural, cultural, and/or social functions (environment).

Extent of impact: A spatial indication of the area impacted (i.e. how far from activity the impact is

realised).

Duration of impact: A temporal indication of the how long the effects of the impact will persist,

assuming the activity creating the impact ceases. For example, the impact of noise is short lived (impact

ceases when activity ceases) whereas the impact of removing topsoil exists for a much longer period of

time.

Frequency of the impact occurring: An indication of how often an aspect, as a result of a particular

activity, is likely to occur. Note that this does not assess how often the impact occurs. It applies only to

the aspect. For example blasting takes place monthly and haulage daily while the resultant frequency of

the impacts occurring will vary based on a number of factors.

5.3 Explanation of Impact Rating

5.3.1 Probability and Likelihood

The Probability of an impact resulting from an aspect is expressed as:

Probability of impact occurring: An estimated indication of the potential for an impact to occur.

Scores are assigned to each the criteria, as outlined in Table 5-1. The scoring range in Table 5-2 has

been selected to represent the scale in which varying impacts can occur.

The combination of scores is then used to determine the Consequence and Probability, as shown

below.


Table 5-1: Scoring for environment impact assessment criteria.


The Significance of an impact: Significance is an indication of how serious a negative impact is

anticipated to be and how beneficial a positive impact may be. Significance is considered to be Extremely

High, High, Medium, or Low (as in the Impact Significance in Table Error! Reference source not found.

below). The actions are allocated for each classification below and focus on the need for mitigation or

management.

Table 5-2: Impact Significance

Significance:

Colour Descriptor Action Sign-off

Ex – Extremely High Eliminate, avoid, immediate

action GM – Risk Owner

H – High Proactively manage HOD – Risk Manager

M – Medium Actively manage Section manager – Team

member

L – Low Ensure levels of controls Supervisor – Team member


6 IMPACT ASSESSMENT

This section provides a summary of the impacts evaluated for each of the various activities presented in

Section 1. When considering the impact assessment in this section, it must be stressed that the

significance ranking is calculated assuming NO management measures have been implemented.

6.1 Impact Assessment of Mining Process

The impact assessment is presented in tabular format per impact of concern.


6.1.1 Impact assessment during Exploration drilling surface

ACTIVITY or PROCESS or

SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input

(Normal – Abnormal – Emergency) Output Impact

Severi

ty

Pro

ba

bilit

y

Raw

Im

pa

ct

esti

mati

on

Site identification Vehicles driving in veld to access the

proposed drill site

Biodiversity Physical disturbance of natural veld and damage to

vegetation

B G H

Site identification Carbon emissions due to internal combustion

of fuel

Air Contribution to climate change D J H

Site establishment Vehicles driving in veld to access the

proposed drill site

Land Extended Footprint B H H

Site establishment Vehicles driving in veld to access the

proposed drill site

Biodiversity Biodiversity Loss B I Ex

Site establishment Vehicles having to cross undisturbed veld

area due to emergency evacuation

Biodiversity Biodiversity loss B F M

Site establishment Sudden abnormal high rain event cause

erosion of road

Soil and land Potential erosions B G H

Site establishment Sudden abnormal high rain event cause

flooding of sumps

Land (P) Drilling sludge isolated from natural system B F M

Site establishment Clearing of vegetation to establish drill site Biodiversity Biodiversity loss C J H

Site establishment Topsoil removed from sump area is replaced Soil and land (P) Topsoil replaced for rehabilitation D F L

Site establishment and Drilling Drill mud is lost to ground water during Ground water Ground Water Contamination B G H



SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

ba

bilit

y

Raw

Im

pa

ct

esti

mati

on

drilling

Site establishment People work and operate in area for

prolonged periods

Environment Environmental pollution D H M

Site access and drilling

operation

Materials such as drilling mud etc. is used Environment Environmental pollution D G L

Drilling Use of drilling mud during drilling operations Water Under ground water pollution B H H

Storage of fuel and lubricants

for drill rigs

Holing of oil, grease and fuel drums/cans Water Water Contamination B I Ex

Operation of drill rigs Mechanical failure of equipment Water Water Contamination B G H

Refuelling and applying

lubricants

Spills during refueling operations Soil and land Residual impact on soil due to hydrocarbons when

water is pumped to Plaatjiesvlei

C H H

Operation of drill rigs Resource use Use of resource B H H

Combustion of fuel in internal

combustion engine and drill

drives

Emission of combustion gasses Air Air pollution D j M

Combustion of fuel in internal

combustion engine and drill

drives

Combustion cause heat release Air Air pollution D J M



SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

ba

bilit

y

Raw

Im

pa

ct

esti

mati

on

Drilling Generation of noise during drilling Air Air pollution C J H

Drilling Operation Use of water during drilling Consumption of resource B H H

Drilling Drill cores removed during drilling Exposure of mineralised rock to oxygen with potential

for heavy metal release

B H H

Operation of drill rigs Oil mix with water during drilling Water Contamination of water reticulation B H H

Storage of fuel and lubricants

for drill rigs

Failure of storage capacity Water Water Contamination B I Ex

Pumping drilling water to

sump

Water Environment Contamination of surrounding environment B H H

Pumping drilling water to

sump

water Soil and land Erosion of topsoil due to water flow C H H

Failure of drill sludge

isolation system (cement

furrows and dams)

sludge Environment Contamination of surrounding environment B I Ex

Failure of drill sludge

isolation system (cement

furrows and dams)

sludge Soil and land Chemical and structural changes to ground B I Ex

Decommissioning of Drill Site drill Biodiversity Disturbance of animal life D J H

6.1.2 Impact Assessment for Underground Mining



SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

ba

bilit

y

Raw

Im

pa

ct

esti

mati

on

Face Preparations Use of machinery Noise Environmental nuisance C F M

Face Preparations Use of machinery Carbon emissions Air pollution C J H

Face Preparations Use of machinery Heat Fossil fuel consumption D J H

Face Preparations Breakdown of machinery Oil spills Water contamination D J H

Face Preparations Use of machinery Dust Air pollution D I M

Face Preparations Washing of face Waste Water Water contamination D J H

Face Preparations Face marking Waste brushes /

containers General waste accumulation C J H

Face Preparations Face marking Paint spillage Water contamination D J H

Face Preparations Use or transport vehicles Oil spills Water contamination D J H

Face Preparations Use of transport vehicles Carbon emissions Air pollution D J H

Face Preparations Use of transport vehicles Noise Environmental nuisance D J H

Drilling Use of drilling machines Noise Environmental nuisance C F M

Drilling Breakdown of machinery Oil spills Water contamination D J H

Drilling Use of drilling machines Dust Air pollution D J H

Drilling Drilling of face Waste drill bits Waste accumulation D J H

Drilling Drilling of face Old drill steel Waste accumulation D J H

Drilling Drilling of face Drill steel Salvageable materials D J H

Drilling Use of drilling machines Old hoses Waste accumulation D J H

Drilling Drilling operation Waste water Water contamination D J H

Drilling Use of compressed air Noise Environmental nuisance C F M

Drilling Use of compressed air Dust Air pollution D J H

Raise bore Drilling of raise bore holes Oil spills Water contamination D J H

Charging up and Blasting Charging operations Explosive

Packaging Waste accumulation D J H

Charging up and Blasting Washing of old explosives to remove

ammonium nitrate with diesel base.

Redundant

Explosives Water contamination D J H

Charging up and Blasting Misfires and/or old stock underground. Redundant

Explosives

Accumulation of redundant explosives out of

procedure and in areas not demarcated for it. D G L



SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

ba

bilit

y

Raw

Im

pa

ct

esti

mati

on

Charging up and Blasting Charging and blasting operations Contaminated

groundwater

Underground water enter mine workings and

becomes contaminated with exposed ore. C F M

Charging up and Blasting Blasting operations Shock and

vibrations Earth tremors. D F L

Charging up and Blasting Blasting operations Dust Air and Water contamination D J H

Charging up and Blasting Blasting operations release nitrous fumes Gases & Fumes Air pollution D J H

Charging up and Blasting Use of machinery Fumes Air pollution D J H

Charging up and Blasting Use of machinery Heat Fossil fuel consumption D J H

Charging up and Blasting Breakdown of machinery Oil spills Water contamination D J H

Charging up and Blasting Use of machinery Dust Air pollution D J H

Charging up and Blasting Blasting Operations Ore Ore Generation A J Ex

Making Safe and Loading Use of machinery Oil spills Water contamination D J H

Making Safe and Loading Use of machinery Noise Environmental nuisance D J H

Making Safe and Loading Use of machinery Heat and Resource

use Fossil fuel consumption D J H

Making Safe and Loading Use of machinery Dust Air pollution D J H

Making Safe and Loading Use of machinery Carbon Emissions Air pollution D J H

Making Safe and Loading Loading and tipping operations Ore Dust Air and soil pollution D J H

Making Safe and Loading Breakdown of machinery

Malfunction of equipment Ore Spills

Loss of natural resource not used for processing

and product. D F L

Making Safe and Loading Waste packing and handling operations Waste Rock Piles Waste material underground D H M

Making Safe and Loading Waste packing and handling operations Waste Air pollution affecting third party passing by D J H

Cleaning Use of tools and equipment Scrap Waste Waste accumulation at Black Mountain. D F L

Cleaning Face cleaning result in waste produced. Waste Rock Piles Water and Water contamination. D H M

Cleaning Waste packing and handling operations Dust Air pollution affecting third party passing by. D J H

Cleaning Ore faces cleaned / loaded and ore is

released for tipping Ore

Water and Water contamination.

Natural resource not used for processing and product. A J Ex

Cleaning Breakdown of machinery



and product. D F L



SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

ba

bilit

y

Raw

Im

pa

ct

esti

mati

on

Cleaning Use of electricity Heat Fossil fuel consumption D J H

Cleaning Use of machinery Noise Environmental nuisance D J H

Cleaning Use of machinery Carbon emissions Air pollution D J H

Cleaning Use of machinery Heat and Resource

use Fossil fuel consumption D J H

Cleaning Breakdown of machinery Oil spills Water contamination D J H

Cleaning Use of machinery Dust Air pollution D J H

Tipping Use of machinery Carbon emissions Air pollution D J H

Tramming Use of machinery Resource Use Resource consumption D J H

Tramming Use of machinery Noise Environmental Nuisance D J H

Tramming Use of machinery Heat Environmental nuisance D J H

Tramming Storage of fuel underground Diesel Spill Soil & water contamination B J Ex

Tramming Refuelling of equipment Diesel Spill Soil & water contamination C J H

Tramming Equipment failure Oil spills Soil & water contamination C J H

Tramming Breakdown of machinery



and product. D F L

Tipping Use of machinery

Tipping operations Ore dust Air pollution D J H

Tipping Tipping operations Ore Water and Water contamination. Natural resource not

used for processing and product. D F L

Tipping Breakdown of machinery Ore Spills Water and Water contamination. Natural resource

not used for processing and product. D F L

Tipping Waste packing and handling operations Waste Rock Piles Water and Water contamination. D F L

Tipping Use of machinery

Tipping operations Dust Air pollution D J H

Tipping Use of electricity for fans Heat Fossil fuel consumption D J H

Tipping Use of machinery Noise Environmental nuisance D J H

Tipping Use of machinery Dust Air pollution. Environmental nuisance. D J H


6.1.3 Impact assessment during ore handling Deeps Underground, Surface Conveyors, Waste Rock Dump & Tony’s dam


SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS Impact Assessment

Rating

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

ba

bilit

y

Raw

Im

pa

ct

esti

mati

on

Rock Breaking Use of Machinery Heat and resource

consumption Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat released. D J H

Rock Breaking Generation of noise with machines operating Noise Environmental Nuisance D F L

Rock Breaking Oil Spills during transporting Oil spills Contaminated Soil D F L

Rock Breaking Oil Spills cleaned up as detected during

normal use of transport vehicle Hazardous waste Soil and Water contamination D H M

Rock Breaking Generation of dust with rock breaking Dust Third party impact D J H

Rock Breaking Generation of dust with rock breaking Dust Air pollution and environmental nuisance D J H

Rock Breaking ore rock generated with rock breaking from

blasted stopes Ore Rock

ore rock underground has limited impact except for

possible acidification of water if groundwater interacts

with exposed ore rock with high sulphate composition.

C G M

Rock Breaking ore rock generated with rock breaking from

blasted stopes Ore Rock Possible housekeeping incidents C H H

Crushing Use of Machinery Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat released. D J H

Crushing Generation of noise with machines operating Noise Environmental Nuisance D F L

Crushing Oil Spills during crushing Oil spills Contaminated Soil D J H

Crushing Oil Spills cleaned up as detected during

normal use of crusher Hazardous waste Contaminated Waste on site D J H

Crushing Generation of dust with rock breaking Dust Third party impact D J H

Crushing Generation of dust with rock breaking Dust Air pollution and environmental nuisance D J H

Crushing ore rock generated with rock breaking from

blasted stopes Ore Rock

ore rock underground has limited impact except for

possible acidification of water if groundwater interacts

with exposed ore rock with high sulphate composition.

C G M

Crushing ore rock generated with rock breaking from

blasted stopes Ore Rock Possible housekeeping incidents C H H

Conveying Dust from conveying and ore rock fall-out at

conveyor. Dust Third party impact D J H

Conveying Dust from conveying and ore rock fall-out at Dust Air pollution and environmental nuisance D J H



SERVICE


Rating

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

ba

bilit

y

Raw

Im

pa

ct

esti

mati

on

conveyor.

Conveying Waste conveyor belts from belt repairs

and maintenance Waste belt

Land capability reduced with equipment waste

material and accumulation on site C G M

Conveying Waste parts from belt repairs and

maintenance Scrap Metal


material and accumulation on site C F M

Conveying Dust from conveying and ore rock fall-out at

conveyor. ore Rock Spillage

Housekeeping issues that can result in other safety,

health, environmental incidents D J H

Conveying ore rock spillage from conveyor

breakdown ore Rock Spillage

Housekeeping issues that can result in other

safety, health, environmental incidents D J H

Conveying Electricity used for conveying Heat and resource

consumption Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat released. D J H

Conveying Generation of noise with conveyor operating Noise Environmental Nuisance D F H

Conveying Spills or leaks from conveyor running and

grease heating up and spilling. Oil spills

Continual small spills resulting in accumulated

soil contamination underground D J H

Conveying Spills from conveyor drive motor

breakdown, repairs and maintenance Oil spills Soil contamination D J H

Hoisting Dust generated from hoisting Dust

Underground staff could have increased dust levels

underground if windblown dust from hoisting enters

ventilation shafts.

C I H

Hoisting Dust generated from hoisting Dust Third parties could be affected by dust on Deeps

platform and office area. D H M

Hoisting Waste dust from hauling ore by winder Dust Dust mixing with topsoil causing change in soil quality C H H

Hoisting Generation of noise with Hoisting ore rock Noise Environmental Nuisance D F H

Hoisting Ore spills occur during hauling and tipping. ore Rock Spillage Ore spills on surface, mixing with topsoil and causing

change in soil quality C J H

Hoisting Noise from winder operating Noise Environmental Nuisance D F L

Hoisting Rope grease spills with normal operating of

winder Grease spills Contaminated Soil D G L

Hoisting Transformer oil leakage from transformers. Oil spills Contaminated Soil D F L

Hoisting Transformer oil leakage from transformers. Oil spills Hazardous waste produced on site. C H H



SERVICE


Rating

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

ba

bilit

y

Raw

Im

pa

ct

esti

mati

on

Hoisting Transformer oil leakage from transformers. Oil spills Hazardous waste produced on site. D H M

Hoisting Resource Consumption Resource

consumption

Consumption of electricity causing greenhouse gas

emissions at Eskom C J H

Overland

Conveying

Dust from conveying and ore rock fall-out at

conveyor. Fine ore

Soil structure and composition changes with impact

on future rehabilitation and land capability C J H

Overland

Conveying


conveyor. ore Rock fall-out

Soil structure and composition changes with impact

on future rehabilitation and land capability C G M

Overland

Conveying

Waste conveyor belts from belt repairs

and maintenance Waste belt



Overland

Conveying

Waste parts from belt repairs and

maintenance Scrap Metal


material and accumulation on site D J H

Overland

Conveying


conveyor. ore Rock Spillage



Overland

Conveying Electricity used for conveying Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat released. D J H

Overland

Conveying Generation of noise with conveyor operating Noise Environmental Nuisance D J H

Overland

Conveying

Spills or leaks from conveyor running and

grease heating up and spilling. Oil spills

Continual small spills resulting in accumulated

soil contamination underground D J H

Overland

Conveying

Spills from conveyor drive motor

breakdown, repairs and maintenance Oil spills Soil contamination D J H

Ore Stock piling ore Rock dump wall failure Stockpiled ore Impact on road infrastructure and extension of ore

rock footprint B F M

Ore Stock piling Ore stockpiled for production of concentrate Ore Rock Ore for plant to process B J Ex

Ore Stock piling Ore rock used for construction outside

demarcated ore rock areas. Ore Rock

Legal non compliance of MPDRA which does not

allow any material with acid rock drainage

potential to be used for construction

B J Ex

Ore Stock piling Oil Spills during operating of machines

on ore rock dump Oil spills

Contaminated ore rock with possible seepage to

surface and ground water D J H



SERVICE


Rating

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

ba

bilit

y

Raw

Im

pa

ct

esti

mati

on

Ore Stock piling Oil Spills during operating of machines

on waste rock dump Oil spills

Ore rock beyond minimum hydrocarbon standard

will prevent its use as rock cladding of tailings

dam at closure.

C H H

Ore Stock piling Oil Spills cleaned up as detected during

normal use of crusher Oil spills Contaminated ore on site D J H

Ore Stock piling Use of Machinery Carbon emissions Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat released. D J H

Ore Stock piling Generation of noise with machines operating Noise Environmental Nuisance D J H

Ore Stock piling Generation of dust with rock breaking Dust Third party impact D J H

Ore Stock piling Generation of dust with rock breaking Dust Air pollution and environmental nuisance D J H

Ore Stock piling Scrap metal lost from machinery with

breakdown on ore rock dump. Scrap metal

Land capability reduced with equipment ore


Ore Stock piling Rain water running over ore rock dump

surface. Dirty water

Surface water pollution and soil acidification that

could affect land capability. Local public concern by

landowners affected.

B H H

Ore Stock piling Rain water running over ore rock dump

surface and seepage to groundwater. Dirty water

Ground water pollution because of acidification. Local

to regional public concern where more than one

landowner could be affected.

B H H

Ore Stock piling Windblown dust from ore rock dump Dust Soil contamination C G M

Ore Stock piling Establishment and extension of ore rock

dump Ore rock on surface Biodiversity loss B J Ex

Ore Stock piling Establishment and extension of ore rock

dump Ore rock on surface Footprint extension B J Ex

Ore Stock piling ore delivered to ore rock dump by

contracting or permanent staff Mixed waste



Ore Stock piling Building rubble delivered to waste rock dump Waste Cement Reduced acid rock drainage from rainwater mixing

with building rubble. D F L

Dewatering Water contain suspended solids Process water Siltation of dams D J H

Dewatering Overflow water from UG dams flow down

decline and erode decline. Silt & Mud Silting of dams C H H

6.2 Impact Assessment for Crushing



SERVICE

Impact Analysis

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input

(Normal – Abnormal – Emergency) Output IMPACT

Severi

ty

Pro

ba

bilit

y

Raw

Im

pa

ct

esti

mati

on

Receiving ore tripper car and

conveyor Use of Electricity Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat released. D J H


conveyor Generation of noise with machines operating Noise Environmental Nuisance D G L


conveyor

Waste equipment generated with

maintenance of machines Equipment waste




conveyor

Ore dust from handling, transporting ,

processing ore Ore Dust

Air pollution because of air borne particles. by 9%

lead, 4% zinc, 0.5% Copper of random sample taken

and environmental nuisance. Soil Contamination

B H H

Receiving ore tripper car

and conveyor

Breakdown of machinery, Malfunction of

equipment Ore Spillage Soil Contamination, Housekeeping D F L


and conveyor

Used lubricating oil generated during

maintenance Used oil

Land capability reduced with hazardous waste

material on site C H H


and conveyor

Used lubricating oil generated during

maintenance Used oil Depletion of non-renewable natural resources D I M


and conveyor

Oil contaminated Waste generated during

removal and application of oil/grease with

maintenance

Oil contaminated

Waste


material on site C G M


and conveyor Conveyor Belt Break down

Waste Conveyor

Belts

Land capability reduced with waste material on

site D I M


conveyor Scrap imported from underground mining Scrap in ore

Ore contaminated with mixed waste (plastic, wood,

PPE, steel) C J H

Coarse ore storage Use of Electricity for level indicators Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat released. D J H

Coarse ore storage Ore dust from ore dumping into the silo Ore Dust

Air pollution by 9% lead, 4% zinc, 0.5% Copper of

random sample taken and environmental nuisance.

Soil Contamination

B G H

Ore conveying Conveyor Belt Break down Waste Conveyor

Belts

Land capability reduced with waste material on

site D I M



SERVICE

Impact Analysis

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


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Ore conveying Use of Electricity for level indicators Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat released. D J H

Ore conveying Ore dust from conveying Ore Dust



Soil Contamination

B G H

Ore conveying Generation of noise with machines operating Noise Environmental Nuisance D G L

Ore conveying Waste equipment generated with




Ore conveying



maintenance

Oil contaminated

Waste



Ore conveying Used lubricating oil generated during




Ore conveying Used lubricating oil generated during


Ore conveying



maintenance

Oil contaminated

Waste



Ore conveying Scrap imported from underground mining Scrap in ore Ore contaminated with mixed waste (plastic, wood,

PPE, steel) C J H

Crushing & Lubricating Use of Electricity Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat released. D J H

Crushing & Lubricating Generation of noise with machines operating Noise Environmental Nuisance D G L

Crushing & Lubricating Waste equipment generated with




Crushing & Lubricating Ore dust from handling, transporting,

processing ore Ore Dust


random sample taken and environmental

nuisance. Soil Contamination

B H H

Crushing & Lubricating Breakdown of machinery, Malfunction of

equipment Ore Spillage Soil Contamination, Housekeeping D F L



SERVICE

Impact Analysis

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


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ty

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Crushing & Lubricating Used lubricating oil generated during






Crushing & Lubricating



maintenance

Oil contaminated

Waste



Crushing & Lubricating

Oil spillage on ore due to lubrication

pump flow rates too high, oil leaks or

equipment damage

Oil Spillage Ore contamination in closed system. Only

affecting float results D F L

Crushing & Lubricating Scrap imported from underground mining Scrap in ore Ore contaminated with mixed waste (plastic, wood,

PPE, steel) C J H


maintenance put through oil separator Recycled oil Depletion of non-renewable natural resources D I M

Crushing & Lubricating Produced with oil separator functioning at

workshop Hazardous Waste


material and accumulation on site. D G L


workshop Separated water Polluted water D G L


workshop Contaminated Silt

Soil pollution. Loss of topsoil. Increased

hazardous waste on site D F L

Crushing & Lubricating Degreasers used in cleaning workshop

equipment Hazardous Waste


material on site D F L

Fine ore storage Use of Electricity for level indicators Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat released. D J H

Fine ore storage Ore dust from ore dumping into the silo Ore Dust



Soil Contamination

B I Ex


6.3 Impact Assessment for Milling and Aeration


SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Se

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rity

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Raw

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Fine Ore Conveying Use of Electricity Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat released. D J H

Fine Ore Conveying Ore dust from transferring and conveying Ore dust Air pollution and environmental nuisance. Soil

Contamination B H H

Fine Ore Conveying Breakdown of machinery, Malfunction of

equipment Ore Spillage Housekeeping D H M

Fine Ore Conveying Breakdown of machinery, Malfunction of

equipment Ore Spillage Soil Contamination, C F M

Fine Ore Conveying Waste Water released during cleaning Waste water Water resources use. D J H

Fine Ore Conveying Oil Spills during transport of oil and

application Oil spills Contaminated Soil D F L

Fine Ore Conveying



maintenance

Oil contaminated

Waste



Fine Ore Conveying Generation of noise with machines operating Noise Environmental Nuisance D G L

Fine Ore Conveying Waste equipment generated with




Fine Ore Conveying Waste equipment generated with

maintenance of machines Scrap Waste



Milling and Lubrication Use of Electricity Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat released. D J H

Milling and Lubrication Hazardous Waste Generated with lime

handling and processing Chemical Waste


material on site D F L

Milling and Lubrication



maintenance

Oil contaminated

Waste



Milling and Lubrication Waste Water Release during Milling and

Gland Service Waste water Reduced water quality of available water D J H

Milling and Lubrication Waste Water Release during Milling and Waste water Waste Water accumulation on site D F L



SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


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Pro

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Raw

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on

Gland Service

Milling and Lubrication Used lubricating oil generated during



material on site D G L

Milling and Lubrication Used lubricating oil generated during


Milling and Lubrication Girth gear dressing waste generated

while lubricating gears. Grease


material on site D G L

Milling and Lubrication Waste equipment generated with




Milling and Lubrication Generation of noise with machines operating Noise Environmental Nuisance D G L

Milling and Lubrication Ore dust from transferring and conveying Ore dust Air pollution and environmental nuisance. Soil

Contamination B H H

Milling and Lubrication Breakdown of machinery, Malfunction of


Milling and Lubrication Breakdown of machinery, Malfunction of

equipment Ore Spillage Soil Contamination, C F M

Milling and Lubrication Cyclone feed produced after Milling Cyclone feed Slurry spillage causing contaminated soil / water /

biodiversity loss. D F L

Milling and Lubrication Normal operating of mass flow meters Radioactive Source Localised radiation impact on third parties B G H

Cycloning Waste equipment generated with




Cycloning Waste water produced with washing work

areas. Waste water Reduced water quality of available water D J H

Cycloning Flotation feed from cyclone overflow Flotation feed Slurry spillage causing contaminated soil / water /


Cycloning Breakdown of machinery, Malfunction of


Cycloning Breakdown of machinery, Malfunction of Ore Spillage Soil Contamination, C F M



SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Se

ve

rity

Pro

ba

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ity

Raw

Im

pa

ct

es

tim

ati

on

equipment

Cycloning Normal operating of mass flow meters Radioactive Source Localised radiation impact on third parties B G H

Cycloning Use of Electricity Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat released. D J H

Magnetic Separation Use of Electricity Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat released. D J H

Magnetic Separation Flotation feed from cyclone overflow Flotation feed Slurry spillage causing contaminated soil / water /


Magnetic Separation Normal operating of mass flow meters Radioactive Source Localised radiation impact on third parties B G H

Magnetic Separation Waste Water Release as part of process Waste water Water quality reduced. D F L

Magnetic Separation Waste Water Release as part of process Waste water Waste Water accumulation on site B F M

Magnetic Separation Waste equipment generated with




Magnetic Separation Slurry spillage due to pipeline failure &

flotation process Slurry Slurry contaminated clean storm water area B F M


flotation process Slurry

Biodiversity Loss, Topsoil loss / Soil

contamination. B F M


flotation process Slurry Slurry seepage to ground water A F H

Magnetic Separation Noise from compressed air Noise Environmental Nuisance D J H

Magnetic Separation Replacement of covered steel during

maintenance

Polyurethane

covered steel

Unsalvageable equipment waste. Accumulation

on site D J H

Aeration Noise from compressed air Noise Environmental Nuisance D J H

Aeration Use of Electricity Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat released. D J H

Aeration Replacement of covered steel during

maintenance

Polyurethane

covered steel

Unsalvageable equipment waste. Accumulation

on site D J H

Aeration Normal operating of mass flow meters Radioactive Source Localised radiation impact on third parties B G H


6.4 Impact Assessment for Flotation, Thickening and Filtration


SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

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Flotation Use of Electricity Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat released. D J H

Flotation Radiation generated when courier analyser

is used Radiation (X-Ray) Radiation on ecosystem functioning and people B G H

Flotation Noise from compressed air. Noise Environmental Nuisance D F L

Flotation Breakage of air piping. Noise Environmental Nuisance B F M

Flotation Slurry from processing Slurry

Slurry spillage resulting in biodiversity loss,

contaminated soil, topsoil loss, storm water mixing,

seepage to ground water

B F M

Flotation Waste water from washing floors and dilution

/ spray water use. Waste Water Water quality reduced C I H

Flotation Waste water from washing floors and dilution

/ spray water use. Waste Water Waste Water accumulation on site C H H

Flotation Oil contaminated Waste generated during

application

Oil contaminated

Waste



Flotation Waste equipment generated with

maintenance of machines Equipment Waste



Flotation Spills generated during servicing and/or

failure of courier analyser

Petrochemical

Spills Contaminated Soil & Waste D J H

Flotation Waste Water spillage due to pipeline

failure Waste Water Contaminated clean storm water area B F M

Flotation Waste Water spillage due to pipeline

failure Waste Water Biodiversity Loss B F M

Flotation Oil Spills during transport of oil and

application Oil Spills Contaminated Soil D F L

Flotation Environmental Emergency due to

operational or system failure Reagent Spills Toxic material release to ecosystem and people A F H

Flotation Slurry spillage due to pipeline failure Slurry Slurry contaminated clean storm water area B F M



SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

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Flotation Slurry spillage due to pipeline failure Slurry Biodiversity Loss B F M

Flotation Slurry spillage due to pipeline failure Slurry Slurry seepage to ground water A F H

Thickening Use of Electricity Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat released. D J H

Thickening Oil contaminated Waste generated during

application

Oil contaminated

Waste



Thickening Waste equipment generated with




Thickening Oil Spills during transport of oil and


Thickening Waste Water Release as part of process Thickener overflow

water Reduced water quality of available water C F M

Thickening Waste Water Release as part of process Thickener overflow

water Waste Water accumulation on site C J H

Thickening Product to filters. Concentrate liquid Soil contamination as a result of spillage D H M

Filtration Use of Electricity Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat released. D J H

Filtration Compressed Air & Air release. Noise Environmental nuisance D F L

Filtration During processing & concentrate

handling

Concentrate

Spillage Soil contamination D J H

Filtration Waste equipment generated with




Filtration Breaking of cones valves and pipelines

and strainer boxes.

Concentrate

Spillage Soil contamination B F M

Filtration Oil Spills during transport of oil and


Filtration Oil contaminated Waste generated during

application

Oil contaminated

Waste



Filtration Used lubricating oil generated during




Filtration Used lubricating oil generated during Used oil Depletion of non-renewable natural resources D J H



SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

ba

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Raw

Im

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ct

esti

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on

maintenance

6.5 Impact Assessment for Tailings Dam


SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS IMPACT ASSESSMENT RATING

Input


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Slurry deposition Slurry spillage due to pipeline failure Slurry spills Slurry contaminated clean storm water area B H H

Slurry deposition Slurry spillage due to pipeline failure Slurry spills Biodiversity Loss B H H

Slurry deposition Slurry spillage due to pipeline failure Slurry spills Slurry seepage to ground water A H Ex

Slurry deposition Slurry and clean topsoil mixed during

spillage Contaminated Soil

Soil contamination and reduced land capability for

future use by plants C H H

Slurry deposition Windblown slurry dust from tailings dam Slurry dust when dry Air pollution. D J H

Slurry deposition Windblown slurry dust from tailings dam Slurry dust when dry Dust as environmental nuisance D J H

Slurry deposition Windblown slurry dust from tailings dam Slurry dust when dry Third party passing by persons affected B J Ex

Slurry deposition Windblown slurry dust from tailings dam Slurry dust when dry Natural veldt outside tailings dam area dust laden

causing soil contamination B J Ex

Slurry deposition Generation of dust with machines operating Slurry dust when dry Air pollution and environmental nuisance D G L

Slurry deposition Windblown slurry dust from old spillages Contaminated Soil Natural veldt outside tailings dam area dust laden

causing soil contamination C J H

Slurry deposition Tailings dam facility is unlined Seepage to

Groundwater Ground water pollution A G H

Slurry deposition Supply pipelines, pizometers and fittings

redundant during use. Scrap Waste Salvageable materials on site D J H

Slurry deposition Supply pipelines, pizometers and fittings

redundant during use. Scrap Waste

Unsalvageable equipment waste. Accumulation on

site D J H

Slurry deposition Oil Spills during transporting Oil spills Contaminated Soil D I M



SERVICE


Input


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Slurry deposition Fumes from vehicles Carbon emissions Air pollution by greenhouse gasses D J H

Slurry deposition Process water collected on top of tailings

dam at penstock Process water

Overflow of collection water on tailings dam run off

outside tailings dam. A F H

Slurry deposition Process water deposited at wall of tailings

dam Process water Process water causing erosion B F M

Slurry deposition Site spills at Tailings dam Contaminated Soil Soil contamination and reduced land capability for

future use by plants C I H

Slurry to Backfill Slurry spillage due to pipeline failure Slurry spills Slurry contaminated clean storm water area B G H

Slurry to Backfill Slurry spillage due to pipeline failure Slurry spills Biodiversity Loss B G H

Slurry to Backfill Slurry spillage due to pipeline failure Slurry spills Slurry seepage to ground water A G H

Slurry to Backfill Slurry and clean topsoil mixed during

spillage Contaminated Soil

Soil contamination and reduced land capability for

future use by plants B H H

Slurry deposition Windblown slurry dust from old spillages Contaminated Soil Natural veldt outside tailings dam area dust laden

causing soil contamination B H H

Slurry deposition Slurry spillage left and filtered into

natural storm water system

Seepage to

Groundwater Ground water pollution B H H

Slurry to Backfill Supply pipelines, pizometers and fittings

redundant during use. Scrap Waste Salvageable materials on site D J H

Slurry to Backfill Supply pipelines, pizometers and fittings

redundant during use. Scrap Waste

Unsalvageable equipment waste. Accumulation on

site D J H

Tailings dam Drainage Mixing with fresh water system with

overflow of trenches

Drained process

water Storm water contamination B F M

Tailings dam Drainage Drainage to ground water from unlined

trenches

Drained process

water Ground water pollution A G H

Tailings dam Drainage Cleaning of trenches Contaminated Soil Contaminated soil outside tailings dam D J H

Tailings dam Drainage Dumping trench residue on topsoil Contaminated Soil Soil contamination D J H

Tailings dam Drainage Dumping trench residue on topsoil Contaminated Soil Biodiversity loss D J H

Ageing Pond Seepage from Ageing pond Seepage to Ground

Water Ground water pollution. D I M

Ageing Pond Seepage from Ageing pond Seepage to Ground

Water Reduced re-use and capability of groundwater source D I M



SERVICE


Input


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Ageing Pond Overflow of ageing pond Process water Overflow into natural system B H H

Ageing Pond Illegal access of persons to ageing pond -

health risk Process water Third party affected B F M

Re-used water to plant Process water collected on top of tailings

dam at penstock Process Water Overflow of collection water on tailings dam B F M

Re-used water to plant Process water deposited at wall of tailings

dam Process Water

Process water causing erosion and runoff on outside

of tailings dam D H M

Re-used water to plant Spillage due to pipeline or pump failure Process Water Reduced water quality of available water B F M

Re-used water to plant Spillage due to pipeline or pump failure Process Water Waste Water accumulation on site B F M

Re-used water to plant Spillage due to pipeline or pump failure Process Water Waste Water accumulation on site B F M

Re-used water to plant Spillage due to pipeline or pump failure Process Water Contaminated clean storm water area B F M

Re-used water to plant Spillage due to pipeline or pump failure Process Water Biodiversity Loss B F M

Re-used water to Backfill Process water collected on top of tailings

dam at penstock Process Water Overflow of collection water on tailings dam B F M

Re-used water to Backfill Process water deposited at wall of tailings

dam Process Water

Process water causing erosion and runoff on outside

of tailings dam D H M

Re-used water to Backfill Spillage due to pipeline or pump failure Process Water Reduced water quality of available water B F M

Re-used water to Backfill Spillage due to pipeline or pump failure Process Water Waste Water accumulation on site B F M

Re-used water to Backfill Spillage due to pipeline or pump failure Process Water Waste Water accumulation on site B F M

Re-used water to Backfill Spillage due to pipeline or pump failure Process Water Contaminated clean storm water area B H H

Re-used water to Backfill Spillage due to pipeline or pump failure Process Water Soil contamination and reduced land capability for

future use by plants B G H


6.6 Impact Assessment for Backfill


SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

ba

bilit

y

Raw

im

pa

ct

esti

mati

on

Stope Preparation &

construction Dust created with machines preparing stopes Dust Air pollution, Environmental nuisance D J H

Stope Preparation &

construction Generation of noise with machines operating Noise Environmental Nuisance D G L

Stope Preparation &

construction

Oil Spills cleaned up as detected during

normal use of machines underground Contaminated soil Contaminated Waste D J H

Stope Preparation &

construction Oil Spills during machine operating Oil spills Contaminated Soil D J H

Stope Preparation &

construction Heat released with machine operating Heat Localised release of heat D J H

Stope Preparation &

construction

Construction of bulkhead& Draintower

require materials on site. Backfilled Materials

Accumulation of materials on site. Housekeeping

issues can result because of poor storage. D J H

Stope Preparation &

construction Leaking pipes Slurry Spillage Possible ground water pollution B J Ex

Stope Preparation &

construction Unused scrap material

Used Fill line supply

pipes & ropes



Stope Preparation &

construction Unused scrap material Backfilled Materials



Stope Preparation &

construction Buried under waste ramp

Used Drain line

pipes



Cement Storage & Transfer Cement transfer from machine that could

have accidental oil spills on site. Oil spills

Soil contamination, Water contamination &Loss of

bio-diversity D J H

Cement Storage & Transfer Fumes from vehicles Carbon emissions Air pollution by greenhouse gasses D J H

Cement Storage & Transfer Cement storage procedure Cement dust Air pollution, Loss of biodiversity C J H

Cement Storage & Transfer Cement transfer Raw cement

spillage Air pollution, Loss of biodiversity C J H

Cement Storage & Transfer Tipping points Raw cement Air pollution, Loss of bio diversity D J H



SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

ba

bilit

y

Raw

im

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ct

esti

mati

on

spillage

Cement Storage & Transfer Transporting via conveyor belts Raw cement

spillage Air pollution, Loss of bio diversity D J H

Cement Storage & Transfer Compressed air used during transfer Noise Environmental nuisance B G H

Cement Storage & Transfer Cement transfer Cement dust Air pollution, Loss of bio diversity D J H

Cement Storage & Transfer Tipping points Cement dust Air pollution, Loss of bio diversity D J H

Cement Storage & Transfer Damaged belts Waste conveyor

belts

Accumulation of waste material, Loss of bio-

diversity C G M

Slurry Storage & Transfer Pipe failure Waste pipelines Accumulation of waste material D J H

Slurry Storage & Transfer Pipe failure Slurry Spillage Soil contamination, Water contamination &Loss of

bio-diversity B J Ex

Slurry Storage & Transfer Leaking tank or pipe failure Slurry Spillage Soil contamination, Water contamination &Loss of

bio-diversity D J H

Slurry Storage & Transfer Damaged meters Radioactive source Radiation. Nuclear waste. Localised radiation on 3rd

parties B F M

Slurry Storage & Transfer

Instrumentation used with nuclear sources

(density meters / mass flow meters) used to

inspect

Radio- active

release Radiation on ecosystem functioning and people B G H

Slurry Storage & Transfer Breakage of nuclear source

instrumentation

Radio- active

release Radio-active waste on site A F H


instrumentation

Radio- active

release Third party impact by radio-active release A F H


instrumentation

Radio- active

release Radio-active release on ecosytem functioning A F H

Sand Storage & Transfer Accidental oil spillage from sand

transporting vehicles Oil spills


bio-diversity D J H

Sand Storage & Transfer Fumes from vehicles Carbon emissions Air pollution by greenhouse gasses D J H

Sand Storage & Transfer Overfilled conveyor belts at transfer

points Raw Sand Spillage Environmental nuisance D J H



SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

ba

bilit

y

Raw

im

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ct

esti

mati

on

Sand Storage & Transfer overfilled conveyor belts at transfer points Sand dust Environmental nuisance D J H

Sand Storage & Transfer Damaged belts Radioactive

source


diversity C G M

Sand Storage & Transfer Overfilled conveyor belts Raw Sand Spillage Environmental nuisance D J H

Sand Storage & Transfer Damaged belts Waste parts Accumulation of waste material C G M

Slurry Storage & Transfer Damaged meters Radioactive source Radiation. Nuclear waste. Localised radiation on 3rd

parties B F M

Sand Storage & Transfer Trucks tipping at bunker Sand dust Environmental nuisance D J H

Sand Storage& Transfer Trucks tipping at bunker Sand Spillage Environmental nuisance D J H

Sand Storage & Transfer Compacted sand diverted Sand Waste

Screened Accumulation of compacted sand D J H

Sand Storage & Transfer Vibrating screen motor Noise Environmental nuisance D J H

Sand Storage & Transfer Tipping onto conveyor belt Sand dust Environmental nuisance D J H

Sand Storage & Transfer Tipping onto conveyor belt Sand Spillage Accumulation of sand D J H

Profil 5000 Storage &

Transfer

Accidental oil spillage from profil

transporting vehicles Oil spills


bio-diversity D G L

Profil 5000 Storage & Transfer Normal use of machinery Carbon emissions Environmental nuisance D J H


Transfer Leaking tanks, Improper filling Profil spillage


bio-diversity D J H


Transfer Broken/ damaged pipes Waste pipelines


diversity D J H


Transfer Damaged pipe or valves Profil spillage


bio-diversity D J H


Transfer Damaged pump Profil spillage


bio-diversity D J H


Transfer Damaged pipe or valves Equipment waste


diversity D J H



SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

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Raw

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esti

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on

Reclaim Water Transfer

& Storage

Reclaim water is used for backfill but excess

water is discharged to Plaatjiesvlei Reclaim water Re-use of water C J H


& Storage Damaged pipe or valves

Reclaim Water

Spillage


bio-diversity D J H


& Storage Leaking tank

Reclaim Water

Spillage


bio-diversity D J H

First Stage Mixing Damaged pipes or valves First Stage Backfill

Mix Spillage


bio-diversity D J H

First Stage Mixing Damaged seals First Stage Backfill

Mix Spillage


bio-diversity D J H

First Stage Mixing Leaking pumps First Stage Backfill

Mix Spillage


bio-diversity D J H

First Stage Mixing Normal running of pumps Noise Environmental nuisance D J H

First Stage Mixing Damaged pipes or valves Equipment waste Soil contamination, Water contamination &Loss of

bio-diversity D H M

First Stage Mixing Damaged pipes Waste pipelines Soil contamination, Water contamination &Loss of

bio-diversity D J H

First Stage Mixing Leaking pumps or seals on tank First stage backfill

mix spillage


bio-diversity D J H

First Stage Mixing Cleaning of strainer boxes First stage backfill

mix spillage Contaminated organic waste D J H

First Stage Mixing Cleaning of strainer boxes Contaminated

organic waste Contaminated organic waste D J H

First Stage Mixing Maintenance and cleaning of boxes Equipment waste Accumulation of waste material, Loss of bio-

diversity D J H

Second Stage Mixing & Buffer

Tank Transfer point of cement into 2nd stage tank Final backfill Air pollution, Loss of bio diversity, soil contamination C J H



SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

ba

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Raw

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ct

esti

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on


Tank Cleaning of 2nd stage tank

Solidified Backfill

Mix Contaminated cement aggregate. Contaminated soil D J H


Tank Leaking tank or pipe failure Backfill Slurry


bio-diversity D J H


Tank Pipe failure or leaking pump

First stage backfill

mix spillage


bio-diversity D J H


Tank Cleaning of strainer boxes

Contaminated

organic waste Contaminated organic waste D J H


Tank Maintenance and cleaning of boxes Equipment waste Accumulation of waste material, Loss of bio-diversity D J H


Tank Leaking tank, pumps or pipe failure Backfill Spillage


bio-diversity D J H


Tank Normal running of pumps Heat Environmental nuisance D J H


Tank Maintenance and cleaning of Pumps Equipment waste Accumulation of waste material, Loss of bio-diversity D J H


Tank Damaged pipe lines Waste pipelines


bio-diversity D J H


Tank Pipe failure Backfill Spillage


bio-diversity D J H

Overland Pumping Pump not working Backfill Spillage Soil contamination, Water contamination &Loss of

bio-diversity D H M

Overland Pumping Pump not working Reclaim Water Soil contamination, Water contamination &Loss of

bio-diversity D H M

Overland Pumping Pipe failure Waste pipelines Soil contamination, Water contamination &Loss of

bio-diversity B H H

Overland Pumping Pipe failure Backfil spillage Soil contamination, Water contamination &Loss of

bio-diversity B H H



SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

ba

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y

Raw

im

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ct

esti

mati

on

Overland Pumping Blockage resulting in pipe failure Backfil spillage Soil contamination, Water contamination &Loss of

bio-diversity B G H

Overland Pumping Normal running of pumps Noise Environmental nuisance D J H

Overland Pumping Maintenance and cleaning of Pumps Equipment waste Accumulation of waste material, Loss of bio-diversity D J H

Overland Pumping Normal traffic Compaction Approved route D G L

Overland Pumping Replacement of plinths due to wear Waste Plinths Accumulation of waste material, Loss of bio-diversity D J H

Overland Pumping Normal vehicle operations Heat Environmental nuisance D J H

Overland Pumping Fumes from vehicles Carbon emissions Air pollution by greenhouse gasses D J H

Overland Pumping Normal vehicle operations Noise Environmental nuisance D J H

Overland Pumping Machine breakdown Oil spills Soil contamination, Water contamination &Loss of

bio-diversity D H M

Overland Pumping Normal vehicle operations Dust Environmental nuisance D J H

Underground Transfer Pipe failures Waste pipelines Accumulation of waste material underground D J H

Underground Transfer Pipe failures Backfil spillage Soil contamination & water contamination D J H

Underground Transfer Improper sealing of bulkhead Backfil spillage Soil contamination & water contamination D J H

Underground Transfer Pipe failures Waste pipelines Accumulation of waste material underground D J H

Stope Drainage Installed in area to be backfilled in order to

drain water from fill

Backfiled drain

tower Accumulation of waste material underground D J H

Stope Drainage Pipe failures Waste pipelines Accumulation of waste material underground D J H

Stope Drainage Improper sealing of drain tower Backfil spillage Soil contamination & water contamination D J H

Stope Drainage Pipes left behind after completion of fill Backfilled Pipes Accumulation of waste material underground D G L

Stope Drainage Draining process Backfill water Soil contamination & water contamination C J H

Waste water back to Backfill

plant Damaged pipe lines Waste pipelines


bio-diversity D J H

Waste water back to Backfill

plant Damaged pipe lines

Waste water

spillage


bio-diversity D J H

Waste water back to Backfill Damaged pipe lines from backfill plant to Waste pipelines Soil contamination, Water contamination &Loss of B J Ex



SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

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plant outlet position into Plaatjies vlei drain bio-diversity

Excess Water Overflow and

Storage Damaged pipe lines Waste pipelines Ground Water pollution D G L

Excess Water Overflow and

Storage Normal pumping operations to Plaatjies vlei Waste water


bio-diversity A J Ex


6.7 Impact Assessment for Storage of finished products


SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS IMPACT ASSESSMENT

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Concentrate Conveying Use of Electricity Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat

released. D J H

Concentrate Conveying Waste equipment generated with


Land capability reduced with equipment

waste material and accumulation on site D J H

Concentrate Conveying Spillage during conveyance Concentrate Spillage Soil contamination. D H M

Concentrate Conveying

Concentrate has high percentage

water when stockpiled. Dust from

handling concentrate.

Concentrate dust Third party impact of air polluted with

concentrate dust D G L


maintenance of machines Waste conveyor belts




maintenance of machines Waste parts



Concentrate Loading Front end loader operating. Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat

released. D J H

Concentrate Loading Spillage during loading of

concentrate. Concentrate Spillage Soil contamination. D F L

Concentrate Loading

Concentrate has high percentage

water when stockpiled. Dust from

handling concentrate.


concentrate dust D G L

Concentrate Loading Front-end loader and truck

spillage with operating. Oil spills Contaminated Soil D F L

Concentrate Loading Fumes from vehicles Carbon emissions Air pollution by greenhouse gasses D J H

Concentrate Storage Use of Electricity Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat

released. D J H

Concentrate Storage Waste equipment generated with




Concentrate Storage Stored in shed only. Lead Concentrate

Stockpile

Soil contamination. Surface water and

possible ground water pollution. A F H



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Concentrate Storage When moisture content is below 5%

dust can be released. Lead Concentrate dust Air pollution by lead concentrate D F L

Concentrate Storage Stored in shed Zinc Concentrate

Stockpile



Concentrate Storage Stored in storage pad Zinc Concentrate

Stockpile



Concentrate Storage

Storage pad in Tony's dam when

plant capacity is exceeded to

store in demarcated plant area.

Zinc Concentrate

Stockpile Soil contamination. D F L

Concentrate Storage




Zinc Concentrate

Stockpile Surface water D F L

Concentrate Storage




Zinc Concentrate

Stockpile Possible ground water pollution. D F L


dust can be released.

Zinc Concentrate

Stockpile Air pollution by lead concentrate D F L


dust can be released. Zinc Concentrate dust Air pollution by lead concentrate D F L


dust can be released. Copper Concentrate dust Air pollution by lead concentrate D F L

Concentrate Storage Stored in shed Copper Concentrate

Stockpile



Concentrate Storage

Stored in storage pad when

Gamsberg processing takes place

and shed capacity is limited.

Copper Concentrate

Stockpile



Concentrate Storage

Stored in storage pad when

communication and capacity for

transporting is not coordinated.

Copper Concentrate

Stockpile

Greater exposure of copper stockpile

outside than inside shed. D H M

Concentrate Storage Front-end loader and truck Oil spills Contaminated Soil D F L



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spillage with operating.

Concentrate Storage Fumes from vehicles Carbon emissions Air pollution by greenhouse gasses D J H

6.8 Impact Assessment for Dispatch of Products from Site


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Concentrate Transporting Use of Electricity by train to transport

to Saldanha Heat

Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat

released B F M

Concentrate Transporting Salveable waste from tyre burst of

truck Salvageable waste

Scrap Waste generation on site and on

road D H M

Concentrate Transporting Spillage during transporting of

concentrate by truck. Concentrate Spillage

Third party impact of soil pollution with

concentrate. B G H


concentrate by train. Concentrate Spillage

Third party impact of soil polluted with

concentrate. B G H


concentrate by ship. Concentrate Spillage

Third party impact of sea water polluted

with concentrate. B F M

Concentrate Transporting

Spillage during transportation of

concentrate. Specifically when wind

blows while transporting of

concentrate by trucks.


concentrate dust B G H

Concentrate Transporting

Spillage during transportation of

concentrate. Specifically when

wind blows while transporting of

concentrate by rail wagons.



Concentrate Transporting Truck and train spillage with Oil spills Contamination of soil B G H



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operating.

Concentrate Transporting Ship spillage with operating. Oil spills Contamination of water B F M

Concentrate Transporting Fumes from vehicles, trucks and

ships Carbon emissions Air pollution by greenhouse gasses B G H

Concentrate Off Loading Generation of noise with machines

operating Noise Environmental Nuisance D G L

Concentrate Off Loading Locomotive and Scraper operating. Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat

released. B F M

Concentrate Off Loading Spillage during off loading of

concentrate. Concentrate Spillage Soil contamination. B F M

Concentrate Off Loading

Spillage during off loading of


blows while off loading trucks.


concentrate dust B F M

Concentrate Off Loading

Spillage during loading of


blows while loading train trucks.


concentrate dust B F M

Concentrate Off Loading Front-end loader, truck and

Scraper spillage while operating. Oil spills Contaminated Soil B F M

Concentrate Off Loading Locomotive Hydrocarbon spills Contaminated Soil D H M

Concentrate Off Loading Fumes from Trucks, Locomotives and

Front end loader Carbon emissions Air pollution by greenhouse gasses B F M

Concentrate Storage Electricity for lighting Heat Localised heat released. D J H

Concentrate Storage Vehicles and machines running. Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat

released. B F M

Concentrate Storage Waste equipment generated with



waste material and accumulation on site C H H

Concentrate Storage Stored in shed only. Lead Concentrate

Stockpile


possible ground water pollution. B F M

Concentrate Storage Stored in shed Zinc Concentrate Stockpile Soil contamination. Surface water and




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Concentrate Storage Stored in shed Copper Concentrate

Stockpile



Concentrate Storage

Exposure of third party to asbestos

particles when sheets replace or

maintenance takes place

Asbestos Health risk to third party B G H

Concentrate Storage Exposure of third party to asbestos

particles of shed. Asbestos Health risk to third party B G H

Concentrate Loading Generation of noise with machines

operating Noise Environmental Nuisance D G L

Concentrate Loading Front end loader and Funky

operating. Heat


released. B F M

Concentrate Loading Spillage during loading of

concentrate. Concentrate Spillage Soil contamination. B F M

Concentrate Loading



blows while loading train trucks.

Concentrate Dust Third party impact of air polluted with


Concentrate Loading



blows while loading train wagons.

Concentrate Dust Soil contamination. B G H

Concentrate Loading Front-end loader and Funky

spillage with operating. Oil Spills Contaminated Soil B F M

Concentrate Loading Locomotive Hydrocarbon Spills Contaminated Soil B F M

Concentrate Loading Fumes from front-end loader, funky,

trucks Carbon emissions Air pollution by greenhouse gasses B H H


6.9 Impact Assessment for Waste Rock


SERVICE


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Rock Breaking Use of Machinery Heat and resource

consumption


released. D J H

Rock Breaking Generation of noise with machines

operating Noise Environmental Nuisance D J H

Rock Breaking Oil Spills during transporting Oil spills Water Contamination D J H

Rock Breaking

Oil Spills cleaned up as detected

during normal use of transport

vehicle

Hazardous waste Soil and Water contamination D H M

Rock Breaking Generation of dust with rock breaking Dust Third party impact D J H

Rock Breaking Generation of dust with rock breaking Dust Air pollution and environmental nuisance D J H

Rock Breaking Waste rock generated with rock

breaking from blasted stopes Waste Rock

Waste rock underground has limited impact

except for possible acidification of water if

groundwater interacts with exposed waste

rock with high sulphate composition.

C G M

Rock Breaking Waste rock generated with rock

breaking from blasted stopes Waste Rock Possible housekeeping incidents C H H

Crushing Use of Machinery Heat and resource

consumption


released. D J H

Crushing Generation of noise with machines

operating Noise Environmental Nuisance D J H

Crushing Oil Spills during crushing Oil spills Contaminated Soil D J H

Crushing Oil Spills cleaned up as detected

during normal use of crusher Oil spills Contaminated Waste on site D J H

Crushing Generation of dust with rock breaking Dust Third party impact D J H

Crushing Generation of dust with rock breaking Dust Air pollution and environmental nuisance D J H


6.10 Supporting Services and Activities

6.10.1 Impact assessment during maintenance


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Planned maintenance inspections Use of Electricity for light & starting Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat

released.

D J H

Planned maintenance inspections General Waste produced as part of

administration at offices

General Waste General waste accumulation on site

causing reduced land capability, extending

D J H

Crushing Waste rock generated with rock

breaking from blasted stopes Waste Rock

Waste rock underground has limited impact

except for possible acidification of water if

groundwater interacts with exposed waste

rock with high sulphate composition.

C G M

Crushing Waste rock generated with rock

breaking from blasted stopes Waste Rock Possible housekeeping incidents C H H

Conveying Dust from conveying and waste rock

fall-out at conveyor. Dust Third party impact D J H

Trucking Dust from conveying and waste rock

fall-out at conveyor. Waste Rock Spillage

Housekeeping issues that can result in other

safety, health, environmental incidents D G L

Trucking Waste rock spillage from conveyor

breakdown Waste Rock Spillage

Housekeeping issues that can result in

other safety, health, environmental

incidents

D G H

Trucking Fuel consumption Carbon emissions Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat

released. D J H

Trucking Truck noise Noise Environmental Nuisance D J H

Trucking

Spills or leaks from conveyor

running and grease heating up and

spilling.

Oil spills

Continual small spills resulting in

accumulated water contamination

underground

D J H

Trucking

Spills from conveyor drive motor

breakdown, repairs and

maintenance

Oil spills Water Contamination D J H



SERVICE


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footprint of waste site

Planned maintenance inspections Paper Waste produced as part of

checklist

Paper General waste accumulation on site



D I M

Planned maintenance

inspections

Electronic Waste produced with

maintenance, replacement of

laptops used by technicians

e-Waste Land capability reduced with

unsalvageable electronic waste material

on site

D I M

Planned maintenance

inspections

Oil Spills during transporting of

persons to site.

Oil Spills Contaminated Soil D G L

Planned maintenance inspections Fumes from transport vehicles Fumes Air pollution by greenhouse gasses D J H

Planned maintenance inspections Scrap waste generated when

inspection materials become

redundant

Scrap Waste Waste accumulation on site. Affecting land

capability.

D H M

Planned maintenance inspections Rope inspections require cleaning of

ropes with paraffin.

Hyrdocarbons Greased ropes are running winder system,

causing possible soil and water

contamination.

C J H

Planned maintenance

inspections

Possible oil spillage if paraiffin

container is overturned.

Hydrocarbon spills Soil pollution and surface water

pollution.

C J H

Planned maintenance

inspections

Possible fire from spillage of

flammable substance ignited.

Fire Air pollution, waste generated because

of burnt infrastructure.

B F M

Planned maintenance inspections Compressed air used to dry and clean

ropes for inspections

Noise Environmental nuisance D J H

Planned maintenance inspections Cylinder gas used to cut off bolts to

inspect certain areas difficult to

access.


Planned maintenance inspections Cylinder gas used to cut off bolts to

inspect certain areas difficult to

access.

Heat Localised heat released. D J H

Planned maintenance inspections Cleaning of platforms to gain access

and inspect them.

Waste Water Waste water accumulation underground,.

Possible ground water polllution.

D J H



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Underground waste water pumped to

surface evaporation dam with possible

seepage to ground water.

Planned maintenance

inspections

Florescent tubes that become

redundant is replaced and waste

tubes generated.

Waste tubes Hazardous waste on site, reduced land

capability.

C F M

Planned maintenance

inspections

Bursting of flourescent tubes. Waste Tubes Air pollution. Third party impact. C F M

Planned maintenance

inspections

Salvageable waste generated with

instrumentation breakdown and

redundant equipment.

Salvageable waste Accumulated waste on site of possible

recycable materials.

D J H

Planned maintenance

inspections




E Waste Accumulated hazardous waste on site

of possible recyclable materials.

C J H

Planned maintenance

inspections




Equipment Waste Accumulated waste on site of possible

recyclable materials.

D J H

Planned maintenance

inspections

Rags contaminated by oil & grease Hazardous Waste Soil & water pollution D G L

Planned maintenance

inspections

Batteries become redundant with

use to inspect areas for

maintenance

Hazardous Waste Accumulated hazardous waste on site

of possible recyclable materials.

C J H

Planned maintenance inspections Instrumentation used with nuclear

sources (density meters / mass flow

meters) used to inspect

Radio- active release Radiation on ecosystem functioning and

people

B G H

Planned maintenance

inspections

Breakage of nuclear source

instrumentation

Radio- active release Radio active waste on site A F H

Planned maintenance

inspections


instrumentation

Radio- active release Third party impact by radio active

release.

A F H



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Planned maintenance

inspections

Redundant nuclear instrumentation

stored on site until disposal can

take place.

Radio- active release Third party impact by radio active

release.

A F H

Planned maintenance

inspections


instrumentation

Radio- active release Radio active release on ecosytem

functioning.

A F H

Create work order Paper Waste produced as part of

checklist




D I M

Investigation & Planning Paper Waste produced as part of

checklist




D I M

Investigation & Planning Electronic Waste produced with

maintenance, replacement of IT

equipment

Waste - Electronic Land capability reduced with


on site

D I M

Investigation & Planning Hazardous Waste produced as part of


Empty Ink Cartridges Land capability reduced with hazardous

waste material and accumulation on site.

C I H

Material on site Oil Spills during transporting of

persons to site.

Oil Spills Contaminated Soil D G L

Material on site Fumes from transport vehicles Fumes Air pollution by greenhouse gasses D J H

Material on site Vehicles access natural veldt for

turning points or to reach

maintenance area.

Compaction Footprint extension, soil compaction and

possible biodiversity loss.

D J H

Material on site Preparation for maintenance.

Materials brought on site.

Materials and Tools on site Footprint extension of materials packed in

areas in recovery.

D J H



Hydrocarbon materials on

site

Footprint extension of hazardous materials

packed in areas in recovery.

D J H

Material on site Spillage from hydrocarbon materials

overturned on site

Oil Spills Soil contamination. Surface water

contamination

D J M

Material on site Gas on site for maintenance can Gas Acetylene causing air pollution. C F M



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leak on site

Material on site Gas bottle explode due to handling /

storage at maintenance

Explosion Ecosystem disturbance B F M

Material on site Defunct gas bottle because of wear

and tear resulting in gas leakage.

Gas Acetylene causing air pollution. C F M



Chemicals on site Footprint extension of hazardous materials

packed in areas in recovery.

B F M

Material on site Spillage from chemical materials

overturned on site

Chemical Spills Soil contamination. Surface water

contamination

D H M

Complete HIRA Paper Waste produced as part of

checklist




D I M

Complete HIRA Electronic Waste produced with


equipment

Waste - Electronic Land capability reduced with


on site

D I M

Complete HIRA Hazardous Waste produced as part of




C I H

Execute Maintenance Used oil generated during

breakdown

Used Oil Land capability reduced with hazardous

waste material on site

B H H

Execute Maintenance Used oil generated during

breakdown

Used Oil Depletion of non-renewable natural

resources

B H H

Execute Maintenance Oil Spillage on unbunded areas

during breakdown

Contaminated Soil Soil pollution. Loss of topsoil.

Increased hazardous waste on site

B H H



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Execute Maintenance Oil contaminated Waste generated

during removal and application of

oil/grease with breakdown

Waste - Oil

contaminated

Land capability reduced with hazardous

waste material on site

B H H

Execute Maintenance Waste equipment generated with

breakdown of compressors

Scrap Waste Land capability reduced with equipment

waste material and accumulation on site

C H H

Execute Maintenance Waste equipment generated with

breakdown of compressors

Scrap Waste Land capability reduced with equipment

waste material and accumulation on site

C H H

Execute Maintenance Use of Electricity for light, test starting

& operation of tools

Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat

released.

D J H

Execute Maintenance Cylinder gas used to cut off bolts &

steel for maintenance.

Heat Localised heat released. D J H

Execute Maintenance Waste generated during

maintenance

General Waste General waste accumulation on site



D I M

Execute Maintenance Paper waste as part of job cards

(maintenance)




D I M

Execute Maintenance Hazardous Waste produced as part of




C I H

Execute Maintenance Electronic Waste produced with


equipment

e-Waste Land capability reduced with


on site

D I M

Execute Maintenance Oil Spills during transporting of

persons to machines to do

maintenance.

Oil Spills Contaminated Soil B I M

Execute Maintenance Driver error or poor road

conditions causing damage to

vehicle and oil spill

Oil Spills Contaminated Soil B I M

Execute Maintenance Oil spills during draining & filling

of oil compartments of equipment.

Oil Spills Contaminated Soil B G H



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Execute Maintenance Fumes from transport vehicles Fumes Air pollution by greenhouse gasses D J H

Execute Maintenance Material waste produced as part of

maintenance.

Material Waste Material waste accumulation on site


footprint of waste site & possible ground

water & soil pollution

D J H

Execute Maintenance Spillage from chemical materials

overturned on site

Chemical Spills Soil contamination. Surface water

contamination

D I M

Execute Maintenance Possible oil spills and pollution Empty Containers Contaminated Soil C H H

Execute Maintenance Compressed air used to dry and clean

ropes & drive tools for maintenance


Execute Maintenance Cylinder gas used to cut off bolts &

steels to maintain certain areas

difficult to access.


Execute Maintenance Cleaning of platforms to gain access

and inspect them.

Waste Water Waste water accumulation underground,.

Possible ground water pollution.

Underground waste water pumped to

surface evaporation dam with possible

seepage to ground water.

D J H

Execute Maintenance Florescent tubes that become

redundant is replaced and waste

tubes generated.

Waste tubes Hazardous waste on site, reduced land

capability.

C F M

Execute Maintenance Scrap compressor parts generating

during maintenance

Scrap compressor parts Possible pollution of soil and water due to

contaminated parts

D J H

Execute Maintenance Scrap generator parts generating

during maintenance

Scrap generator parts Possible pollution of soil and water due to

contaminated parts

D J H

Execute Maintenance Scrap winder parts generating during

maintenance

Scrap winder parts Possible pollution of soil and water due to

contaminated parts

D J H

Execute Maintenance Scrap crusher parts generating during

maintenance

Scrap Crusher parts Possible pollution of soil and water due to

contaminated parts

D J H



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Execute Maintenance Scrap conveyor belt parts generating

during maintenance

Broken Conveyor belts Possible pollution of soil and water due to

contaminated parts

D J H

Execute Maintenance Scrap fan parts generating during

maintenance

Scrap fan parts Possible pollution of soil and water due to

contaminated parts

D J H

Execute Maintenance Salvageable waste generated

during maintenance.

Salvageable waste Accumulated waste on site of possible


D J H

Execute Maintenance Salvageable waste generated

during maintenance.

Equipment Waste Accumulated waste on site of possible


D J H

Execute Maintenance Hazardous Waste produced as part of

maintenance activity.

Hazardous Waste Land capability reduced with hazardous


C I H

Site Clearance Leaving Salvageable waste on site Salvageable waste Accumulated waste on site of possible

recyclable materials reduce land

capability

C H H

Site Clearance Leaving Equipment Waste on site Equipment Waste Accumulated equipment waste on site

reduce land capability

C H H

Site Clearance Leaving hazardous Waste on site Hazardous Waste Land capability reduced with hazardous

waste material and accumulation on

site.

C H H

Site Clearance Leaving General Waste on Site General Waste General waste accumulation on site

causing reduced land capability,

extending footprint of waste site

C H H


6.10.2 Impact Assessment for Office Operations


SERVICE


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Office

operation

Use of electricity to power equipment

& lights Illumination Carbon emissions from electricity supplier C J H

Office Cleaning Used up and/or redundant office

equipment from office cleaning. Scrap Waste

Accumulation of waste on site and reduced

land capability. D J H

Office Cleaning Equipment breakdown. Scrap Waste Accumulation of waste on site and

reduced land capability. D J H

Office Cleaning Illegal dumping of scrap waste Domestic Waste Biodiversity loss C G M

Office Cleaning Illegal dumping of scrap waste Domestic Waste Ecological disturbance C G M

Office Cleaning Spilling of cleaning chemicals Hazardous Waste

Third party health impact by uninformed

persons slipping or touching hazardous

chemicals

D J H

Office Cleaning Spilling of cleaning chemicals Hazardous Waste Soil contamination D J H

Office Cleaning Used up and/or redundant kitchen

equipment from office cleaning. Domestic Waste

General waste accumulation on site



D J H

Office Cleaning Cleaning out of dust bins in office

block Domestic Waste

Waste Accumulation on site reducing land

capability. C J H

Office Cleaning Use of electricity Heat Resource Consumption D J H

Equipment Start up Used up fluorescent tubes needs

replacement Waste tubes

Hazardous material on site affecting

land capability D H M

Equipment Start up



equipment

e-Waste

Land capability reduced with


on site

C F M

Data Processing Incorrect Waste separation General Waste

Re-use of resources not done.

Accumulation of waste on waste site

affecting land capability

C J H

Data Processing Waste paper from unwanted printouts Paper Re-use of resources not done.

Accumulation of waste on waste site D J H



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Data Processing Incorrect disposal of cartridges Empty Ink Cartridges

Soil Contamination by leaching of

hazardous materials in domestic waste

site

D H M

Data Processing Incorrect disposal of cartridges Empty Ink Cartridges

Air pollution by toxic fumes from ink

cartridges burned in domestic waste

site.

D H M

Data Processing



equipment

e-Waste

Land capability reduced with


on site

C F M

Data Processing Used up and/or redundant office

equipment from data processing Scrap Waste

Accumulation of waste on site and

reduced land capability. C I H

Data Processing

Used up batteries from battery

powered tools & equipment in

domestic waste

Waste Batteries Soil Contamination B G H

Data Processing Used up batteries from battery

powered tools & equipment Waste Batteries

Accumulation of hazardous waste on site

and reduced land capability. B G H

Data Processing Spilling of Ammonium Hydroxide

solution

Ammonium Hydroxide

Vapours

Harmful contamination of air on

evaporation D F L

Data Processing Sewage Pipe burst Sewage Water contamination D J H

Filing Incorrect Waste seperation General Waste




C J H

Filing Waste paper from unwanted printouts Paper Waste




D J H


6.10.3 Impact Assessment for Water Supply and Storm Water


SERVICE


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Check pumps Paper Waste produced as part of

checklist Paper

General waste accumulation on site causing

reduced land capability, extending footprint

of waste site

D I M

Check pumps Oil Spills during transporting of

persons to pumps to do pre-check Oil Contaminated Soil D G L

Check pumps

Driver error or poor road

conditions causing damage to

vehicle and oil spill

Oil spills Contaminated Soil D H M

Check pumps Fumes from transport vehicles Oil spills Air pollution by greenhouse gasses D J H

Run pumps Use of Electricity for pumps Carbon emissions Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat

released. D J H

Run pumps Gland service packing burns. Waste Water Large volumes of waste water released,

more than gland service normal use. C F M

Run pumps Waste Water Release from gland

service Waste Water Reduced water quality of available water D J H


service Waste Water Waste Water accumulation on site D J H


service Waste Water Natural resource use D J H

Run pumps Noise from pump running Noise Environmental Nuisance D F L

Run pumps Rainwater entering pump bund wall

area Dirty Run-off storm water

Surface water pollution. Overflow of bund

wall water in uncontained area. C F M

Run pumps Rainwater entering pump bund wall

area Dirty Run-off storm water

Surface water pollution. Overflow of bund

wall water in uncontained area. C F M

Run pumps Oil Spill / Grease spills with barrel

seals leaking Oil spills Contaminated Soil D F L

Run pumps Oily sludge and materials collecting in Oil contaminated waste Land capability reduced with hazardous D G L



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bund wall of pumps waste material on site

Inspections Paper Waste produced as part of

checklist Paper

General waste accumulation on site causing

reduced land capability, extending footprint

of waste site

D I M

Inspections Use of Electricity for light Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat

released. D J H

Inspections


persons to compressor to do pre-

check

Oil spills Contaminated Soil D G L

Inspections Fumes from transport vehicles Carbon emissions Air pollution by greenhouse gasses D J H

Inspections


persons to pumps to do

inspections

Oil spills Contaminated Soil D G L

Flow meters

Resource use risks and allocations

not managed. Incorrect water

balance.

Resource use data Wrong data collected because flow meter

not maintained D H M

Flow meters



balance.

Resource use data Wrong data collected because flow meter

not calibrated C J H

Flow meters



balance.

Resource use data Data not collected because persons not

available D F L

Flow meters



balance.

Resource use data Data not collected because flow meter not

installed C J H


6.10.4 Power / Electricity; Use of Generators


SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENTAL

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

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Pre-check Generators Paper Waste produced as part of

checklist Paper




D I M

Pre-check Generators Use of Electricity for light & starting Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat

released. D J H

Run Generators Use of Electricity for pre-heating

generators Heat


released. D J H

Run Generators Use of diesel for generation of

electricity Heat


released. D J H

Run Generators Noise from Generators operating Noise Environmental Nuisance D G L

Run Generators Oil Spills with normal operating of

Generators Oil Spills Contaminated Soil D F L

Run Generators Diesel exhaust gas Gasses Gasses released to atmosphere. NOX

pollution of air. C H H

Inspections Paper Waste produced as part of

checklist Paper




D I M

Inspections Use of Electricity for light Heat Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat

released. D J H


6.10.5 Impact Assessment for Hazardous waste

ACTIVITY or PROCESS

or SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

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on

Supply waste

infrastructure and Goods

Overheating of vehicles that transmit heat into

environment through convection and radiation Heat Air pollution by greenhouse gasses D G L

Supply waste

infrastructure and Goods Fumes from vehicles Carbon Emissions Air pollution by greenhouse gasses D J H

Supply waste

infrastructure and Goods Noise pollution from transportation Noise Disturbance on animals D J H

Supply waste


Oil spill from vehicles due to poor

maintenance Oil Spills during transporting Contaminated Soil & Waste C I M

Supply waste


Honey sucker spillage on collecting sewage

from septic tanks Sewage Spills

Overflow of sewage water into natural veldt.

Environmental nuisance from smells. E. coli

impact on third parties

C H H

Supply waste

infrastructure and Goods Vehicle movement on sites Compaction Compaction of soils D J H

Supply waste

infrastructure and Goods Dust from vehicle Dust Air pollution by dust E I M

Supply waste


Oil Spills during normal use of transport

vehicle Oil Spills Contaminated Soil & Waste D H M

Supply waste

infrastructure and Goods Affecting people and nature Carbon Emissions Air pollution by greenhouse gasses D I M

Supply waste


Generation of salvageable waste from

Township engineering Scrap Waste Rust on ground- Soil Contamination C G M

Supply waste


Windblown littering from domestic waste site

into veldt. Windblown Waste

Littering accumulated in veldt, reduced land

capability and quality of life, affecting third

parties - farmer next door.

B F M

Supply waste


Overflowing or spillage of liquids e.g. Waste

water or Oil Seepage to Ground water Ground water contamination B H H


ACTIVITY or PROCESS

or SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

ba

bilit

y

Raw

im

pa

ct

esti

mati

on

Supply waste


Combustion form materials in organic waste

site Smoke

Air pollution by fire smoke drawn down into

underground mine affecting employees

underground

A H Ex

Supply waste


General waste generated by town and mining

area Compacted General Waste

Land capability reduced. Expansion of

waste area footprint. A J Ex

Supply waste

infrastructure and

Goods

Hazardous waste generated by town and

mining area. Hazardous waste on

domestic waste site.

Compacted Hazardous Waste


waste area footprint. Hazardous material

lost to waste site. Hazardous material

leaching to ground water over time.

B H H

Supply waste


General building rubble generated by town

and mining area Compacted Building Rubble


waste area footprint. C G M

Supply waste



Township engineering Compacted Salvageable Waste Salvageable materials on site E I M

Supply waste


Waste pipes generated by town and mining

area Waste pipelines


waste area footprint. E G L

Supply waste

infrastructure and Goods Water Spillage because of poor management Water Spill

Salination of soils. Biodiversity loss over

time. Soil structure affected. D H M

Supply waste


Solid waste sewage spillage in natural veld

because of poor management Sewage Spill

Solid waste too superficially buried coming

to surface. E. coli waste on surface. B H H

Supply waste


Waste water pumped out with swimming pool

maintenance. Waste Water Spill

Waste water to sewage pond. Fresh water

wasted B H H

Supply waste



water or Oil Seepage to Ground water Ground water contamination D H M

Supply waste

infrastructure and Goods Financial losses due to spilling Overflow of Dams Overflow of sewage water into natural veld C G M

Supply waste

infrastructure and Goods General waste pollution Waste Spillage

Littering accumulated in streets, parks

recreation areas and veld, reduced land


parties

C J H


ACTIVITY or PROCESS

or SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

ba

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Raw

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pa

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esti

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on

Supply waste


Garden waste into domestic waste because

residence mix organic waste with domestic

waste bags.

Mixed waste

Unnecessary use of domestic waste site for

organic material. Mine has organic waste

site.

C H H

Waste collection and

handling




handling Fumes from vehicles Carbon Emissions Air pollution by greenhouse gasses D J H


handling Noise pollution from transportation Noise Disturbance on animals D J H


handling

Oil spill from vehicles due to poor

maintenance Oil Spills during transporting Soil and groundwater contamination D H H


handling

Honey sucker spillage on collecting sewage

from septic tanks Sewage Spills

Overflow of sewage water into natural veldt.

Environmental nuisance from smells. E. coli

impact on third parties

C H H


handling Vehicle movement on sites Compaction Compaction of soils D J H


handling Dust from vehicle Dust Air pollution by dust E I M


handling Oil spill from vehicles Oil Spills Contaminated Soil & Waste D H M


handling Odours from vehicles while collecting waste Fumes Air pollution due to noxious smells D I M


handling




handling Noise pollution from transportation Noise Disturbance on animals D J H

Waste Disposal General waste blown off or falling of from

transport vehicle Domestic Waste Spills

Littering accumulated in veld, reduced land


parties

C I H


ACTIVITY or PROCESS

or SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

ba

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Raw

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pa

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esti

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Waste Disposal Fumes from transporting vehicles Carbon Emissions Air pollution by greenhouse gasses D J H

Waste Disposal Domestic Waste generated by town and

mining area Domestic Waste on site



Waste Disposal

Electronic waste generated by town and

mining area. Electronic waste on domestic

waste site.

Electronic Waste


waste area footprint. Salvageable material

lost to waste site.

B G H

Waste Disposal Hazardous waste generated by town and

mining area. Hazardous Waste Poisoning of humans C J H

Waste Disposal Generation of organic waste from mine and

town gardens Organic Waste Natural resource available for re-use. C J H

Waste Disposal Windblown littering from domestic waste site

into veld Domestic Waste into veldt




B F M

Waste Disposal Combustion from materials in organic waste

site Garden Waste Fire



underground

A H Ex

Waste Disposal Waste water pumped out with swimming pool



wasted B H H

Waste Disposal Overflowing or spillage of liquids e.g. Waste


Waste Site

Management



Waste Site

Management Noise pollution from transportation Noise Disturbance on animals D J H

Waste Site

Management Oil spill from vehicles Oil Spills during transporting Contaminated Soil & Waste D H M

Waste Site

Management

Honey sucker spillage due to vehicle

accident Sewage Spills

Overflow of sewage water into natural

veldt. Environmental nuisance from

smells. E. coli impact on third parties

C H H


ACTIVITY or PROCESS

or SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

ba

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Raw

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pa

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esti

mati

on

Waste Site

Management Vehicle movement on sites Compaction Compaction of soils D J H

Waste Site

Management Dust from vehicle Dust Air pollution by dust E I M

Waste Site

Management Oil spill from vehicles Oil Spills Contaminated Soil & Waste D H M

Waste Site

Management Fumes from transporting vehicles Carbon Emissions Air pollution by greenhouse gasses D J H

Waste Site

Management



Waste Site

Management

Windblown littering from domestic waste site

into veldt. Windblown Waste




B F M

Waste Site

Management



Waste Site

Management

Combustion form materials in organic waste

site Smoke



underground

A H Ex

Waste Site

Management

General waste generated by town and mining

area Compacted General Waste



Waste Site

Management


mining area. Hazardous waste on domestic

waste site.






B H H

Waste Site

Management

General building rubble generated by town

and mining area Compacted Building Rubble


waste area footprint. C G M

Waste Site

Management


Township engineering Compacted Salvageable Waste Salvageable materials on site E I M

Waste Site Overflowing or spillage of liquids eg. Waste Seepage to Ground water Ground water contamination D H M


ACTIVITY or PROCESS

or SERVICE

IMPACT ANALYSIS

IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

RATING

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

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Raw

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esti

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Management water or Oil

Waste Site

Management


mining area. Hazardous waste on domestic

waste site.






B H H

Waste Site

Management

Waste pipes generated by town and mining

area Waste pipelines


waste area footprint. E G L

Waste Site

Management Water Spillage because of poor management Water Spill

Salination of soils. Biodiversity loss over

time. Soil structure affected. D H M

Waste Site

Management

Solid waste sewage spillage in natural veld

because of poor management Sewage Spill

Solid waste too superficially buried coming

to surface. E. coli waste on surface. B H H

Waste Site

Management

Waste water pumped out with swimming pool



wasted B H H

Waste Site

Management

Spillage because of poor supervision from

contractor Overflow of Dams Overflow of sewage water into natural veldt C G M

Waste Site

Management

Waste dumped by residents in streets, parks,

recreation areas and veld Waste Spillage

Littering accumulated in streets, parks

recreation areas and veld, reduced land


parties

C J H

Waste Site

Management

Garden waste into domestic waste because

residence mix organic waste with domestic

waste bags.

Mixed waste

Unnecessary use of domestic waste site for

organic material. Mine has organic waste

site.

C H H


6.11 Impact Assessment for concurrent rehabilitation

ACTIVITY or PROCESS

or SERVICE

IMPACT IMPACT ASSESSMENT RATING:

Input


Severi

ty

Pro

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on

Geological Survey Oil Spills during normal use of transport

vehicle Hydrocarbon spills Contaminated Soil D H M

Geological Survey Fumes from vehicles Carbon emissions Air pollution D F L

Geological Survey Generation of dust with transport vehicles in

veld Dust Air pollution and environmental nuisance D J H

Geological Survey Generation of noise with machines operating

and vehicles driving Noise Environmental Nuisance D J H

Geological Survey Wind during windy season on exposed soil Carbon emissions Environmental nuisance. D J H

Geological Survey Wind during windy season on exposed soil Windblown sand Loss of sand on surface C H H

Geological Survey Wind during windy season on exposed soil Windblown sand Loss of topsoil B H H

Topsoil Removal Fossil fuel consumption. Localised heat

released. Use of machinery Emissions to atmosphere D J H

Topsoil Removal Environmental Nuisance Noise Generation of noise with machines

operating D J H

Topsoil Removal Air pollution and environmental nuisance Dust Generation of dust with machines

operating D J H

Topsoil Removal Contaminated Soil Compactions Oil Spills with machine breakdown or

leakage D H M

Topsoil Removal Soil structure breakdown, ecological

processes interrupted, Loss of biodiversity. Compaction

Machine Working areas, driving in veldt,

gravel roads B J Ex

Topsoil Removal Air pollution Scarred landscape Fumes from machines D F L

Topsoil Removal Soil structure breakdown Scarred landscape Topsoil removed and area mined B J Ex

Topsoil Removal Ecological processes interrupted, Scarred landscape Topsoil removed and area mined B J Ex

Topsoil Removal Loss of biodiversity. Topsoil Stockpile Topsoil removed and area mined A J Ex

Topsoil Removal Soil structure breakdown, ecological Scarred landscape Topsoil removed and area mined D J H


processes interrupted, Loss of biodiversity.

Topsoil Removal Soil structure breakdown, ecological

processes interrupted, Loss of biodiversity. Diesel Topsoil removed and area mined D J H

Establish Mining Face Earth moving machines operating Heat Resource consumption D J H

Establish Mining Face Earth moving machines operating Carbon emissions Localised heat from machines D J H

Establish Mining Face Earth moving machines operating Oil spills Air pollution D J H

Establish Mining Face Earth moving machines operating Noise Nuisance D J H

Establish Mining Face E Machine Breakdown Oil spills Soil contamination D J H

Establish Mining Face Repeated driving of machines over working

area. Compactions

Soil structure breakdown, ecological

processes interrupted, Loss of biodiversity. D J H

Establish Mining Face Earth moving machines operating Dust Nuisance D J H

Excavating Earth moving machines operating Diesel Resource consumption D J H

Excavating Earth moving machines operating Heat Localised heat from machines D J H

Excavating Earth moving machines operating Carbon emissions Air pollution D J H

Excavating Earth moving machines operating Noise Nuisance D J H

Excavating E Machine Breakdown Oil spills Soil contamination D J H

Excavating Machine Working areas, Driving in veld,

Gravel roads Compactions Soil contamination D J H

Excavating Earth moving machines operating Dust Nuisance D J H

Excavating Excavation of sand resource for backfilling Mined Sand Natural Resource removed / depletion out

of natural system D J H

Excavating Excavation of sand resource for backfilling Mined Sand Biodiversity loss C J H

Excavating Excavation of sand resource for backfilling Mined Sand Exposed earth result in excessive dust and

runoff. B J Ex

Excavating Excavation with major rain event. Mined Sand Soil erosion. A J Ex

Screening Use of electricity Heat Nuisance/Fossil fuel D J H

Screening Use of vibrating screens Carbon emissions Air pollution D J H

Screening Use of vibrating screens Noise Nuisance D J H

Screening E Machine Breakdown Oil spills Soil contamination D J H

Screening Machine Working areas, Driving in veldt,

Gravel roads Compactions



Screening Use of vibrating screens Dust Nuisance D J H

Screening Use of vibrating screens Heat Nuisance/Fossil fuel D J H

Screening Use of vibrating screens Carbon emissions Air pollution D J H

Screening Use of vibrating screens Noise Nuisance D J H

Screening E Machine Breakdown Oil spills Soil contamination D J H


Screening Use of vibrating screens Dust Nuisance D J H

Screening Backfill sand is put underground Backfill Sand Loss of sand resource C G M

Screening Wind during windy season on exposed soil Waste sand Soil structure breakdown, ecological


Loading & Trucking Operating of trucks and excavator / loader Heat Localised heat from machines D J H

Loading & Trucking Operating of trucks and excavator / loader Carbon emissions Air pollution D J H

Loading & Trucking Operating of trucks and excavator / loader Noise Nuisance D J H

Loading & Trucking Machine Breakdown Oil spills Soil contamination D J H

Loading & Trucking Machine Working areas, Driving in veld,




Loading & Trucking Operating of trucks and excavator / loader Sand Spillage Loss of sand resource D J H

Stockpiling E Machine Breakdown Oil spills Soil contamination D J H

Stockpiling Operating of trucks and excavator / loader Carbon emissions Air pollution D J H

Stockpiling Operating of trucks and excavator / loader Dust Air pollution & environmental nuisance D J H

Landscaping Earth moving machines operating Heat Localised heat from machines D J H

Landscaping Earth moving machines operating Carbon emissions Air pollution D J H

Landscaping Earth moving machines operating Noise Nuisance D J H

Landscaping E Machine Breakdown Oil spills Soil contamination D J H

Landscaping Machine Working areas, Driving in veld,




Landscaping Earth moving machines operating Dust Nuisance D J H

Landscaping Earth moving machines operating Profiled Landscape Soil structure breakdown, ecological


Rehabilitation Use of electricity Heat Nuisance/Fossil fuel D J H

Rehabilitation Use of vehicles Carbon emissions Air pollution D J H

Rehabilitation Use of vehicles Noise Nuisance D J H

Rehabilitation Machine Breakdown Oil spills Soil contamination D J H

Rehabilitation Machine Working areas, Driving in veldt,




Rehabilitation Use of vehicles Dust Nuisance D J H

Rehabilitation Use of earth moving vehicles Replaced top soil Soil structure breakdown, ecological


Rehabilitation Use of earth moving vehicles Rehabilitated Soil structure breakdown, ecological

processes interrupted, Loss of biodiversity. D H M


6.12 Impacts Associated with Decommissioning and Closure

ACTIVITY or PROCESS

or SERVICE


RATING:

Input


Severi

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Desktop review of

closure liabilities Inaccurate closure liability Updated closure quantum Quantified closure cost C G M

In-depth review of

current closure quantum Accurate closure quantum Updated closure quantum Quantified closure cost D F L

Survey current

infrastructure, quarries,

sand mining area, waste

rock dumps, ponds &

tailings dam.

Increased liability funding gap

Complete listing of

infrastructure, impoundments,

roads and surface mining with

quantified areas

Updated closure liability to include all

new infrastructure and surface

developments

B H H

Rehabilitation planning Reduction in projected closure quantum Concurrent rehabilitation plan Reduced pollution impacts from defunct

areas D F L

Review estimated

closure cost per item

against infrastructure

register

More accurate closure liability

Complete listing of

infrastructure, impoundments,

roads and surface mining with

quantified areas

Updated closure liability to include all

new infrastructure and surface

developments

D F L

Obtain Approval for

quantum

DMR does not accept closure quantum as

correct

Approved/refused closure

quantum B H H

Funding Overshot funding figure due to incorrect

estimates Increased funds in trust fund Availability of funds for closure B H H

Ensure closure funding

is managed correctly

Significant contribution necessary close to

mine closure Mismanagement of closure fund Insufficient closure funding at closure B I Ex

Deciding on bank

guarantee quantum and

Trust fund

Funds available for final rehabilitation &

closure

Established closure Trust fund

registered and Bank guarantee

obtained

Closure funds available for final

rehabilitation B I Ex

Annual closure fund

budgeting

Funds available for final rehabilitation &

closure

Funding within requirements as

per annual review Sufficient funding available D I M


7 ALTERNATIVE LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENTS CONSIDERED

In determining land use alternatives for the site, it must be noted that this is an already existing mine with

the remaining life expectancy estimated to be five (5) years.

Black Mountain Mine has an approved mining license and an approved EMPR. This environmental

impact assessment report has been compiled for the amendment to the existing EMPR. As the intent of

this section of the report is to determine if there are alternatives, for proposed operations, and not

existing operation, it is not applicable for Black Mountain Mine.

Additional motivations of why alternatives to mining have not been considered are presented below:

7.1 Land-use / development Alternatives Considered

This environmental impact assessment report has been developed for an existing mine, which will make

use of existing infrastructure. To date the mine has proved to be economically profitable with

approximately 804 direct employment opportunities and 577 opportunities for contractors. No other land-

use alternatives have been considered for this existing mine.

7.2 Alternative Mining Methods

The current mining method as described in Section 3 has been developed over the years. No other

mining method is being considered.

7.3 Consequences of Not Continuing with the Mine

Should this existing mine stop the consequences would be:

Loss of over 804 direct employment positions.

Loss of over 577 indirect employment positions through the employment of sub-contractors.

Loss of revenue for local goods and services

Loss of revenue for numerous suppliers.

Loss of community development projects supported by Black Mountain Mine.


8 ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of any mining operation is to make a profit. Without a profit, it is not possible for

the mine to continue operating or have the funds available to meet the environmental or socio-economic

goals and objectives set out in this section of the report.

8.1 Environmental Goals and Objectives

The following section details the overarching goals and objectives that Black Mountain Mine will aim to

achieve. It includes both a commitment to ensure legal compliance and then highlights the goals and

objective for those impacts which are deemed most significant for the mine.

8.1.1 Environmental Legislation

For the mining operation as a whole, the mine‟s goal is to comply with all environmental legislation.

Specific aspects to be adhered to from environmental legislation include;

National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA)

As the NEMA is the cornerstone of all environmental legislation, the management measures implemented

by the mine will strive to adhere to the principles of NEMA. The specific principles which Black Mountain

Mine feels are most relevant to their environmental goals and objectives have been listed below (the

reference numbers provided are the same as those in the legislation):

(4)(a) Sustainable development requires the consideration of all relevant factors including the

following:

I. That the disturbance of ecosystems and loss of biological diversity are avoided, or, where

they cannot be altogether avoided, are minimised and remedied;

II. that pollution and degradation of the environment are avoided, or, where they cannot be

altogether avoided, are minimised and remedied;

III. that the disturbance of landscapes and sites that constitute the nations cultural heritage is

avoided, or where it cannot be altogether avoided, is minimised and remedied;

IV. that waste is avoided, or where it cannot be altogether avoided, minimised and reused or

recycled where possible and otherwise disposed of in a responsible manner;

V. that the use and exploitation of non-renewable natural resources is responsible and

equitable, and takes into account the consequences of the depletion of the resource;

VI. that a risk averse and cautious approach is applied, which takes into account the limits of

current knowledge about the consequences of decisions and actions; and

VII. that negative impacts on the environment and on people’s environmental rights be

anticipated and prevented, and where they cannot be altogether prevented, are minimised

and remedied.

(b) Environmental management must be integrated, acknowledging that all elements of the

environment are linked and interrelated, and it must take into account the effects of decisions on all

aspects of the environment and all people in the environment by pursuing the selection of the best

practicable environmental option.

(c) Environmental justice must be pursued so that adverse environmental impacts shall not be

distributed in such a manner as to unfairly discriminate against any person, particularly vulnerable and

disadvantaged persons.

(d) Equitable access to environmental resources, benefits and services to meet basic human needs

and ensure human wellbeing must be pursued and special measures may be taken to ensure access

thereto by categories of persons disadvantaged by unfair discrimination.


(e) Responsibility for the environmental health and safety consequences of a policy, programme,

project, product, process, service or activity exists throughout its life cycle.

(f) The participation of all interested and affected parties in environmental governance must be

promoted, and all people must have the opportunity to develop the understanding, skills and capacity

necessary for achieving equitable and effective participation, and participation by vulnerable and

disadvantaged persons must be ensured.

(g) Decisions must take into account the interests, needs and values of all interested and affected

parties, and this includes recognising all forms of knowledge, including traditional and ordinary

knowledge.

(h) Community wellbeing and empowerment must be promoted through environmental education, the

raising of environmental awareness, the sharing of knowledge and experience and other appropriate

means.

(i) The social, economic and environmental impacts of activities, including disadvantages and benefits,

must be considered, assessed and evaluated, and decisions must be appropriate in the light of such

consideration and assessment.

(k) Decisions must be taken in an open and transparent manner, and access to information must be

provided in accordance with the law.

(o) The environment is held in public trust for the people, the beneficial use of environmental

resources must serve the public interest and the environment must be protected as the people’s

common heritage.

(p) The costs of remedying pollution, environmental degradation and consequent adverse health

effects and of preventing, controlling or minimising further pollution, environmental damage or adverse

health effects must be paid for by those responsible for harming the environment.

All of the above principles have been considered when developing the environmental management

measures for the Black Mountain Mine, documented in Section 9.

Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002 (MPRDA)

In the spirit of the MPRDA, the mine‟s objective is to change their attitude from one of compliance with

environmental legislation to one of maximising the benefits of compliance. This will not be an

instantaneous change and will only be realised through the commitment of all staff members. It is hoped

that over time, personnel will be able to take the environmental concepts learned in the work place to their

place of residence and /or home.

National Water Act, Act36 of 1998 (NWA)

Given that water is such a precious resource in South Africa, it is the mines objective to comply with the

requirements and spirit of the NWA, through ensuring legal compliance.

8.2 Water Pollution

The potential impact associated with water pollution has been considered for different activities of the

operation hence compliance with the NWA is of particular importance. As the mine recognises the

potential negative impacts associated with polluted water, it is their objective that no water polluted by

mining activities will be used for domestic purposes or flow off the site. Using the water quality monitoring

results and adhering to water use license (WULA), the mine will be able to determine if they are meeting

their goal regarding water quality (i.e. compliance with the DWAF Water Quality Guidelines), viz.

Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, Act No. 43 of 1983 (CARA)

Although many aspects of CARA are not applicable to mining operations, there are two aspects that are

very applicable for which goals and objectives have been established, viz.:

Erosion control:


- It is the mine‟s objective to minimise the loss of the topsoil resource in order to ensure an

adequate supply of natural site soil for use in reclamation after mining operations have

ceased.

- In order to meet this objective, it is the mine‟s goal to ensure that areas where erosion has

occurred in the past are managed in such a way that future erosion is prevented.

Alien vegetation control:

- It is the mine‟s objective to prevent the spread of alien vegetation.

- In order to meet this objective, it is the mine‟s goal to remove alien vegetation from the

mining site and re-vegetate the cleared areas with indigenous vegetation.

8.3 Dust

It is the mine‟s objective to control dust emissions from the activities of the operation through the

implementation of management measures. In order to ensure that the management measures being

implemented are successful (in order to achieve the objective), the mine will monitor dust fallout rates and

compare the results with the SANS 19293. Using the results of this monitoring, the mine will be able to

determine if they are meeting their goals regarding dust fallout (i.e. compliance with the SANS 19293),

viz.

Source Based Goals:

- Crushing operation: The absence of a visible dust plume from the crushers and screening

operations.

Receptor Based Goals:

- Off-site dustfall rates of <600mg/m2/day.

- Boundary dustfall rates of <1 200 mg/m2/day.

8.4 Noise

The mine‟s objective is to control noise emissions from the activities of the operation through the

implementation of management measures. In order to determine if the mine is meeting their objective (by

successfully implementing the management measures), boundary and off-site noise monitoring will be

undertaken. Monitoring will aid in determining if the mine is achieving their goal - ensuring that boundary

and off-site noise levels comply with the SANS 10103.

8.5 Blasting

The mine‟s objective will be to ensure that blasting within the mining area does not cause any damage to

off-site structures. In order to ensure that this is achieved, the mine‟s goal will be to ensure that airblast

and vibrations caused by blasting are within the USBM acceptable limits.

8.6 Waste Management

No matter how responsibly waste is disposed; there will always be potential for pollution. The only way to

limit this pollution potential is to either improve the handling and disposal of waste (discussed below) or to

minimise waste generation. In order to achieve this, the mine‟s objective is to minimise the volume of

waste that has to be disposed. In order to achieve this objective, the mine‟s goals will be to:

Minimise the waste generation (in accordance with Waste Act -16(a)).

Reduction, re-use, recycling and recovery of waste where possible (in accordance with Waste Act -

17).

3 SANS 1929: Ambient Air Quality – Limits for Common Pollutants.


Pollution is often associated with the incorrect handling and storage of waste. Therefore, the mine‟s

objective is to avoid the generation of pollution associated with incorrect waste handling and storage. In

order to achieve this, their goals will be to:

Manage waste in accordance with the National Environmental Management: Waste Act 2008.

Dispose of all waste in an environmentally responsible manner.

8.7 Rehabilitation

Black Mountain Mine recognises that there are potential environmental impacts associated with un-

rehabilitated areas, such as defunct and abandoned surface areas. The three main objectives for

conducting concurrent rehabilitation are:

To ensure that the biodiversity and environment on the site is protected.

Reduce the closure rehabilitation liability both work load related and financially.

To make sure that the following commitments will be achieved as a minimum:

- The site will be made safe for both humans and animals,

- The site will be rehabilitated to be physically, chemically and biologically stable

- The residual impacts will be managed to acceptable levels and will not deteriorate over time

8.8 Environmental Awareness Training

The mine recognises that there are potential environmental impacts associated with human ignorance.

Therefore, it is Black Mountain Mine‟s objective to educate their staff with regards to the environmental

impacts associated with their job. The goal is then to reduce the number of environmental incidents as a

result of human error through implementing the site specific environmental awareness training.

8.9 Socio-economic Goals and Objectives

The social economic goals and objectives of the Black Mountain Mine presented in this section are taken

directly from the Social and Labour Plan of Black Mountain Mine as follows:

8.9.1 Skills Development

The primary objective of the Human Resource Development Programme is to ensure the availability of

mining skills and competencies of the workforce, as well as providing employees with portable skills that

can be utilised outside of the mine, should the mine close. The operation therefore commits to fully

implement the requirements of the Skills Development Act, and to the implementation of skills

development programmes in accordance with the standards of the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA).

8.9.2 Local Economic Development

The primary objective of the Company‟s Local Economic Development (LED) programme is to ensure

the mine‟s commitment to the continued implementation and evaluation of an appropriate Local Economic

Development Plan with the focus on sustainable development initiatives in local communities, based on

impacts of the organization. This programme includes sustainable projects that the Company supports

financially or otherwise in conjunction with the local municipality.

Typical examples of projects supported or initiated by the operation in an effort to achieve the above

objectives would be:

Economic growth: Development of local small businesses, including establishment of BEE

businesses

Poverty alleviation: Job opportunities available to local residents through local recruitment program.

Human wellbeing – Community HIV/AIDS Initiatives, provision of Primary Health care providers

and facilities.


Human Resource Development – Additional teachers at the Primary and High Schools, and career

guidance for High School learners.

Ensuring a safe environment – Support of Community Policing Forum.

Donation of land to government for the purposes of building the Police station at Aggeneys.

Conservation of natural environment – Support of the Bushmanland Conservation Initiative and

Succulent Karoo Eco-system Project, and formal participation at forums associated with the

environment and studies associated with conservation.

8.9.3 Black Economic Empowerment and Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises

The company supports the development of small business, especially those from the ranks of previously

disadvantaged South Africans. This goal is driven through the Procurement Department through its

procurement of capital goods, consumables and services, and the outsourcing of non-core activities to

historically disadvantaged employees and assisting with the establishment of companies; to date four

companies have been formed via this method.

Black Mountain Mine – specific HDSA procurement targets (goals) for the last five (5) years were as

follows:

Figure 8-1: The black mountain HDSA/BEE spend targets (BMM SLP, 2009)

YEAR TARGET TARGET ACTUAL/FORECAST

2008 22% of Discretionary Spend 47%

2009 24 % of Discretionary Spend 51%




8.10 Heritage Goals and Objectives

Given that heritage resources have been observed on the property, it is the mines objective to comply

with the requirements of the National Heritage Resources Act, No. 25 of 1999, through ensuring legal

compliance.

8.11 Closure Goals and Objectives

According to current planning, the Mine has five years‟ operational life remaining as closure is expected in

2018. Since the mine only has five years operating, a detailed Social Closure Plan (SCP) has been

formulated in 2009 which will be implemented during closure. However this document should be regarded

as a living document, which will continuously be refined and built upon in order to provide BMM a clear

indication of how sustainable closure will be ensured.

Closure Objectives for BMM are therefore as follows:

to make the area safe;

to stabilise the area against wind and water erosion;

to prevent air and water pollution;

to establish stable vegetation cover; and

to limit the area which may have to be environmentally managed to as small an area as is practical.


9 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING

The potential impacts associated with the proposed mining operation have been outlined and evaluated in

Section 6 of this report. This section of the report provides a description of the management measure to

be implemented to prevent / minimise / mitigate / manage the identified impacts (taking cognisance of the

principals of NEMA).

In order to facilitate the review process and the implementation of the management programme, this

section of the report has been set out in the same sequence as the Process Description in Section 1 and

the Impact Assessment in Section 6, providing management measures for impacts ranked as having a

MEDIUM to Extremely HIGH significance ranking. In some cases, management measures have also been

proposed for impacts of LOW significance, in order to ensure that the significance of these impacts do not

increase with time.

The presentation of the management measures / the Management Programme has been set out

providing the following information in order to meet the requirements of the MPRDA:

The goals and objectives that may be applicable to that activity (if any).

The significance ranking of the impact.

The action plans / management measures that must be implemented.

The time frames for implementation.

9.1 Environmental Management for Topography

Table 9-1: Environmental Management for Topography

IMPACT: MANAGEMENT & MITIGATION TIME FRAME RESPONSIBLE PERSON

Maximise the packing of waste material back in the

stopes and minimise the haulage of waste to the

surface waste dump.

On-going Mining Section Manager

Regular bulletins should be produced to the

Authorities indicating targets and milestones

achieved in this regard. This will necessitate the

detailed scheduling of waste and ore development

as a major component of the mine planning

process.

Six monthly Mining Section Manager

9.2 Environmental Management for Geology

Table 9-2: Environmental Management for Geology


Habitat destruction and disturbance:

Close site supervision must be maintained

during construction of operations upgrades or

maintenance and must adhere to sound

environmental management as advised by BMM

EMPr.

Minimal disturbance to vegetation where such

vegetation does not interfere directly with the

construction or maintenance operations of

BMM.

Severe contractual fines must be imposed and

immediate dismissal on any contract employee

who is found attempting to snare or otherwise

harm wild animals.

No animals should be intentionally killed or

destroyed and poaching and hunting should not

On-going Environmental Manager



be permitted on the site.

Consideration could be given to rescuing the

burrowing animals where there burrows are

found in advance of any mine activity.

Alien Vegetation Clearing; mesquite (Prosopis

spp.):

All alien vegetation should be eradicated.

Invasive species Prosopis spp. and

Gomphocarphus fruiticosus (Asclepias) should

be a priority.

The Department of Water Affairs (DWA)

provides assistance to the private sector for

alien clearance work. It is strongly encouraged

that the DWA should endorse the

implementation programme for alien vegetation

clearance and control.

Plant indigenous tree for every alien removed

Monitor of clearing operation

Follow-up and assessment of quality of work

Five years Environmental Manager

Land Rehabilitation:

Revegetation needs to take place with topsoil

that has the surrounding vegetation seedbanks.

Badly damaged areas shall be fenced in to

enhance rehabilitation.

Areas to be rehabilitated must be planted with a

mixture of local pioneer species indigenous to

the area, as soon as the new growing season

starts.

To get the best results in a specific area, it is a

good idea to consult with a vegetation specialist

or the local extension officer of the Dept of

Agriculture. Seed distributors can also give

valuable advice as to the mixtures and amount

of seed necessary to seed a certain area.

Re-seeding, as well as fencing in of badly

damaged areas, will always be at the discretion

of the Environmental Control Officer and in

compliance with BMM‟s EMPr.

Ongoing Environmental Manager

Stormwater Management, Effluent Discharge

Control:

Integrated water and waste management (IWWMP)

plan be commissioned and a stormwater

management plan by upgraded and updated. This

IWWMP must include an Integrated Water Quality

Management Plan (IWQMP).

Immediately Environmental Manager

9.3 Environmental Management for Ground Water

Table 9-3: Environmental Management for Ground Water


The mine water-balance should be revised and

water should be recycled to minimize disposal of

excess water.


Plant run-off should be managed effectively.

Chemicals gathered in the oil trap system should be

On-going Processing Section Manager


taken to a suitable registered place of disposal.

Further growth of the slimes dam should be vertical

and not lateral. This will minimize groundwater

infiltration from the slimes dam pond. The slimes

are in general 2 – 3 orders less permeable than the

sand.


Liming of plant water should continue. Processing Section Manager

9.4 Environmental management for heritage resources

Table 9-4: Environmental Management for heritage resources


With respect to heritage sites:

should be maintained according to a minimum

standard and procedure prescribed by the

heritage resources authorities; and

to obtain a permit for any alteration to, damage,

destruction, relocation, subdivision or changing

of planning status of such a site;


In relation to protected areas or heritage areas:

to consult the relevant heritage resources

authority before damaging, disfiguring, altering

or in any way developing any part of a protected

area; and

to obtain the consent of the relevant local

authority for any alteration or development

affecting a heritage area

When necessary Environmental Manager

In relation to provisionally protected places or

objects (if such should exist):

to obtain a permit from the relevant heritage

resources authority or local authority before

damaging, disfiguring, altering or in any way

developing any part of a provisionally protected

place or object; and

to obtain the consent of the relevant local

authority for altering or developing or affecting a

place listed on a provincial heritage register


In relation to graves or burial grounds:

to obtain a permit from the relevant heritage

resources authority before destroying,

damaging, altering, exhuming or removing from

its original position or otherwise disturbing, the

grave of a victim of conflict or any burial ground

which contains graves of victims of conflict; and

to obtain a permit before destroying, damaging,

altering, exhuming, or removing from its original

position or otherwise disturbing any grave or

burial ground that is older than 60 and which is

situated outside a formal cemetery

ongoing Environmental Manager

And otherwise:

to notify the heritage resources authority before

undertaking a development of the kind named in

SAHRA, and in certain circumstances submit an

impact assessment report to the heritage

resources authority;





excavating, altering, defacing or otherwise

disturbing or removing from its original position

or dealing with any archaeological or

palaeontological site or meteorite or using any

excavating equipment at an archaeological or

palaeontological site;

to obtain a permit from the provincial resources

authority before altering or demolishing any

structure or part of a structure that is older than

60 years; and

to report the finding of any archaeological or

palaeontological object or material or meteorite

to the relevant heritage resources authority.

In relation to heritage objects:

to inform SAHRA of dealings in respect of such

objects;

to obtain a permit from SAHRA before carrying

out restoration work or repair on a heritage

object listed in Part 2 of the heritage register;

and


disfiguring or altering any heritage object


Internal capacity, organizational structures and

co-operative governance:

It is desirable that environmental management staff

at Black Mountain Mining should be sensitized

concerning heritage resources and be equipped to

exercise basic oversight in this sphere.

Annually Training Manager and

Environmental Manager to

approve training

Compile general procedures and guidelines for

heritage management (refer to Chapter 5 of the

heritage study undertaken in March 2013 for what

needs to go into the guidelines)

Immediately Environmental Manager

Non-spatial heritage management priorities:

Existing environmental management staff need

to be sensitized to the needs of heritage and

heritage site management.

Training for relevant environmental

management personnel is recommended to

enhance their capacity to implement heritage

management.

Making heritage an integral part of the work of

people whose primary responsibility might be in

other spheres of mining and development

activity or nature conservation.

BMM heritage management should focus on

establishing and strengthening stakeholder

engagement in heritage resource management

and that this be focused on proactive

approaches.

There are many ways in which stakeholders can

be engaged in heritage resource management

planning, ranging from providing information,

representation on committees and consultation

through participation, to full engagement

through partnerships and co-management

agreements.

Within five years Training Manager and


approve training



Heritage resources, their significance,

interpretation and management may become

the subjects of dispute and contestation. It is

therefore important to anticipate such potential

disputes in planned approaches to stakeholder

engagement in heritage resource management.

Databases being developed on an ongoing

basis that will need to be integrated into BMM

management include

Developing sustainable relationships and data-

sharing agreements with data suppliers. This

may include universities, research institutes,

museums, and interest groups.

Identifying “orphan” databases and ensuring

that this information is not lost to society: There

are cases where an individual/group may gather

valuable information about a particular resource.

As interest rather than legislation or mandate

drives such processes, it is essential that these

are identified and recorded before being lost. An

example may be a private collection of stories or

oral histories.

It is essential that BMM management should

engage Boswa, SAHRA and other management

bodies developing heritage resource inventories

on the issue of compatibility and integration.

SAHRA has already established and formalized

heritage inventory standards by way of SAHRIS

Engage the relevant interest group/s and jointly

implement a project to research and gather the

information. The following are priorities:

i) Archaeological sites. The known distribution

of archaeological sites in BMM properties is

almost certainly not a true reflection of the

total archaeological resources of BMM.

Further archaeological research/survey must

be undertaken in areas not systematically

investigated thus far. This is imperative in

areas of increased mining and

development, before potential sites are

negatively impacted.

ii) Indigenous knowledge systems. It is not

known to what extent indigenous knowledge

survives in the vicinity of BMM with respect

to sites and natural resources. Research is

needed on this.

iii) Audit of structures older than 60 years old.

Probably very few structures on BMM

property are older than 60 years. Some

might have significance and others not. The

results of such an audit should be captured

on the heritage inventory and used to inform

operational management.

iv) Cultural landscapes. Cultural landscapes are

receiving more attention in heritage

management in South Africa and are

particularly pertinent in BMM in relation to



the history of the last independent Khoisan

people of the area.

9.5 Environmental Management for Visual / aesthetic value

Table 9-5: Environmental Management for visual/aesthetic value


Visual associated with the expansion of the tailings

dam:

The height of the tailings dam should not be

increased beyond 1 ½ times its current height in

order to reduce the potential for visual intrusion,

Similar material to what was previously placed

on the tailings dam should continue to be placed

on it, in order to retain the colour and texture of

the feature, and laterally in order not to create a

new feature in the environment.

Landscape the shaped upper perimeter and

outer slopes of the tailings dam and associated

infrastructure to blend into the surrounding

landscape.

Where applicable, encourage the establishment

of native vegetation to „soften‟ the created

landform.

Material or vegetation should not be imported

onto the ash dam if it were to provide a

significant visual contrast with the surroundings

(i.e. more so than that of the current tailings

dam), as this would counteract the aim of

blending the tailings dam in with the natural

surroundings. As such vegetation indigenous to

the area, and rock of a similar colour to the hills

in the surrounds should be used for this

purpose.

Ongoing Processing Section Manager and

Environmental unit

Expansion Swartberg Waste Rock Dump and

Broken Hill waste rock dump:

The waste rock should continue to be dumped

on the lower western slopes of the Swartberg

Mountain and not be vertically raised.

If building rubble is dumped on this waste rock

dump, at closure (mine decommissioning) the

mine operators should ensure that natural rock

is placed on the outer surface of the dump to

ensure that the dump appears similar in colour

to the surrounding mountainside. Building

rubble could create a visual contrast and thus

should not be left visible.

ongoing Mining Section Manager

9.6 Environmental Management during Underground Mining

Table 9-6: Environmental Management during underground mining


Use of P.P.E. in noisy areas On-going Section Manager

Carry out scheduled planned maintenance On-going Engineering Section Manager



Undertake energy use monitoring and keep records Monthly Environmental Manager and

Engineering Section Manager

Use pre-use checklist during oil spills inspections ongoing Section Manager

Planned maintenance Ongoing Mining Section Manager and

TMM Engineering Section

Manager

Construct settling systems Once off and as needed Engineering Section Manager

Construct oil separation system and ensure it is well

maintained

Once of and as needed Engineering Section Manager

Implement waste management procedure On-going Mining Section Manager

Use only water based paint for face marking On-going Mining Section Manager

Waste drill bits, old drill steel and old hoses:

Implement the waste management procedure and

ensure waste is disposed of appropriately

Keep records of proof of disposal

Ongoing Environmental Manager and

Commercial Section Manager

Oil spills:

Maintenance of raise bore

Ongoing Mining Section Manager

Explosive Packaging:

Implement explosives procedure andrefer to

explosive risk assessment form safety


Redundant Explosives:

Implement the procedure for storage and

destruction of old explosives


Contaminated groundwater:

Drilling contractor shall pickup ground water

sources before blasting. Geological model of ore

body is used to determine high potential areas.

Apply plugging procedure to avoid groundwater

pollution.

Ongoing Chief Geologist

Shock and vibrations:

Explosive volumes should be predetermined and

loading accurately for stope only

.On-going Mining section Manager

Gasses & Fumes:

Maintain ventilation system

On-going Ventilation and Occupational

Health Manager

Carbon Emissions and Fumes:

Planned maintenance

Ongoing as per schedule Engineering Section Manager

Heat:

Monitor energy use and report any drastic changes

Monthly Engineering Section Manager and

Environmental Manager

Ore Spills:

Cover the ore during collection and avoid

overloading.

Daily Mining Section Manager

Dust suppression by watering around the ore and

waste rock piles. PPE required for all persons

underground.


9.7 Environmental Management for Waste Management

Table 9-7: Environmental Management for waste management

IMPACT: MANAGEMENT & MITIGATION TIME FRAMES RESPONSIBLE PERSON

Domestic Waste: Waste sorting:

Maintain and update waste stream

Annually


There should be a dedicated waste management

contractor on site.

On-going Environmental Manager and

Commercial Manager

Investigate options of using different colour bags for

household recycling



Provide to household and co-ordinate waste

sorting site in town and notify residents of process


Separate waste at end use to the following

waste streams:

- Tins

- Paper

- Glass

- Plastics

- Electronic Waste

Ong-going

Commercial Manager and waste

recycling company

Reduce volumes of hazardous waste disposed Ongoing Environmental Manager

Store scrap wastes in the salvage yard. Dedicated

contractor should be appointed for the salvage yard

maintenance.


Evaluate alternative cost and effective ways of

dealing with hazardous waste (e.g. reducing

volumes of oily rags; reducing volumes of

contaminated soils)

Once off


9.8 Environmental Management during Ore handling Deeps Underground, Surface Conveyors,

Waste Rock Dump & Tony’s dam

Table 9-8: Environmental Management for Ore handling


Energy monitoring and reporting Monthly Engineering Section Manager and


Carry out scheduled planned maintenance On-going Mining Section Manager

Pre-use checklists during inspections On-going Mining Section Manager

Hazardous Waste Management Procedure &

Incident Management Procedure


All persons underground must wear PPE for dust.

There should be limited access to rock breaker by

third parties.


Install underground ventilation system On-going Ventilation and Occupational

Health Manager

Ore rock is temporarily stored at rock breaking and

then transported for re-used for backfilling

purposes.


Undertake noise measurements. Monthly Ventilation and Occupational

Health Section Manager for noise

measurements.

Undertake regular servicing of machines Monthly Engineering Section Manager for

servicing of machines

Salvaging or re-use of conveyor belts by dedicated

contractor if possible or removal off site.

When necessary Mining Section Manager

Regular servicing of machines On-going Engineering Section Manager

Implement waste management procedure and avail

spill kits.


Down cast shaft dust is pulled into mine On-going Mining Section Manager

Extended impact when wind conditions move dust.

PPE not worn when dust not obviously visible or

nuisance.

When required Mining Section Manager

Mining cleaning team should be notified of spillages

when required.

During spillage Employees


Rope grease on Deeps platform. Picked up when

required. Implement hazardous waste Management

Procedure & Incident Management Procedure

Ongoing Engineering Section Manager

Place hazardous waste and hydrocarbons in

bunded area with gravel pit.


Undertake regular maintenance and planned

inspections.

On-going for Planned

maintenance

Engineering Section Manager and

Mining Section Manager

Transformer oil should not be mixed with used oil

tanks at main workshop. Used oil collecting

company to take transformer oil for recycling.

When required Engineering Section Manager and


Transformers should be placed in bunded area and

spill kits should be in place

Ongoing Engineering Section Manager and


Salvaging or re-use of parts and sale of scrap metal

by dedicated contractor.

When necessary Waste recycling contractor and

Commercial Manager


Incident Management Procedure

On-going Engineering Section Manager and


Clean dirty water management at Broken hill only.

Implement the Integrated water management

project

As per project plan Environmental Manager

Ground water monitoring of Swartberg and Broken

Hill ore rock dump

Quarterly Environmental Manager

9.9 Environmental Management during Crushing

Table 9-9: Environmental Management for crushing




Undertake noise measurements and regular

servicing of machines

On-going for Planned

maintenance

Engineering Section Manager and


Salvaging of equipment waste by dedicated

contractor


Implement dust control measures on the ore Daily Mining Section Manager

The works order schedule should be followed and

planned maintenance schedule be implemented.


On maintenance and breakdown spillage should be

picked up as part of work.


Used oil collected, separated and sent for recycling Ongoing Environmental Manager

Use Hazardous Waste Management Procedures Daily Engineering Section Manager and


Conduct scheduled maintenance. Monthly Engineering Section Manager and


Calibrate instrumentation and supervise the

patrolling of belts

Quarterly Mining Section Manager

Belt picking and communicate with mining section Daily Engineering Section Manager and


Installation of dust suppression system for

treatment of the dust

Daily Engineering Section Manager



Salvaging of equipment waste should be

undertaken by dedicated contractor

Monthly Environmental Manager

Hazardous Waste Management Procedure should Monthly Engineering Section Manager and



be followed Mining Section Manager

Contaminated oil spillage should be contained in

bunded walls



Metal detector, belt picking on crusher discharge

conveyor and chute cleaning should be checked

daily.

Daily Engineering Section Manager and


Polluted water should be cycled in closed system to

tailings dam - not back to other water uses

Daily Engineering Section Manager and


Hazardous Waste Procedure should be

implemented and there should be no hazardous

waste directly in contact with topsoil.



9.10 Environmental Management during during Milling and Aeration

Table 9-10: Environmental Management for milling and aeration

9.11 Environmental Management during flotation64, thickening and filtration

Table 9-11: Environmental Management for flotation, thickening and filtration


Monitor energy use and keep records Monthly Engineering Section Manager and


Maintenance and replacement of pipes should be

undertaken

On-going Plant Engineering Section

Manager

Slurry and waste water to be isolated, contained,

recycled back into process and/or tailings dam.


Waste water should be reused. On-going Processing Section Manager




All spills should be contained on cement flooring

and should be removed as required.

When necessary Processing Section Manager

Waste water used on contained cement area and

should be recycled back to process.

Daily Processing Section Manager


Incident Management Procedure should be

implemented during spills

When necessary Processing Section Manager

Undertake noise measurements and there should

be regular servicing of machines



Salvaging of equipment waste by dedicated

contractor

Monthly Environmental Manager

Lime waste should be re-used in processing as

lime is not hazardous.


Used oil should be collected, separated and sent for

recycling

When necessary Processing Section Manager and


Girth gear oil should be sent away as general

waste.

Monthly Processing Section Manager

All Magnetic separation waste water should be

reused in the process.


Build an isolated cement and sump system at plant

to recycle all slurry spills back to Process


Ear protection is compulsory in noisy areas. Daily Processing Section Manager

Waste disposal procedure should be followed and

registered waste site should be used and proof of

disposal be available on records.

Daily Waste collection contractor to

collect and keep records of waste,

Processing Section Manager to

ensure procedure is followed



Implement Hazardous Waste Management

Procedure


Salvaging of equipment waste should be done by a

dedicated contractor

On-going Waste recycling contractor

Isolated cement and sump system at plant to

recycle all slurry and waste water spills back to

Tailings dam.


Storm water outflows should be contained in Storm

Water Dam.


Hazardous Waste should be contained in bunded /

cement area.


There should be emergency preparedness and

response procedures and staff should be trained.

On-going Environmental Department,

Training department during site

induction, Processing Section

Manager


recycle all slurry spills back to Tailings dam


PPE is required to handle any spills On-going Processing Section Manager

Used oil should be collected, separated and sent for

recycling

On-going Plant Engineering Section

Manager, Processing Section

Manager

9.12 Environmental Management for Tailings

Table 9-12: Environmental Management for tailings


Isolated cement slurry and sump system at plant to

recycle all slurry spills back to Tailings dam


There should be bund walls around pipelines to

tailings dam to contain spillage.

Once off Processing Section Manager

There should be limited exposure and machines to

people on tailings dam.


An additional drain should be installed to prevent

ground water pollution

Ong-going Processing Section Manager and


There should be pre-use checklists during

inspections,

Weekly Processing Section Manager

Ensure there is planned maintenance, Monthly Processing Section Manager

The hazardous Waste Management Procedure for

the tailings should be followed


Incident Management Procedure should be

followed for the tailings.


Freeboard should be maintained, monitored and

deposition controlled according to legislation


Inspection should be undertaken at tailings dam.

Day shift deposition should be in limited areas.

Night shift deposition should be in extended area

and when piping secured.

Daily Operator

Spillage contained in tailings demarcated area

except for pipelines in bund wall. Spillage removed

to tailings dam paddocks.

Processing Section Manager

New tailings dams should be lined Once off Processing Section Manager


Dust monitors should be in place on tailings. Annual

Trenches should be lined Once off Processing Section Manager

Ageing pond should be lined Once off Processing Section Manager

Conduct Inspection schedule is the responsibilities

of the operators, management

Processing Section Manager

Tailings dam should be fenced and locked for

access. No entry signs should be placed


Waste water should be re-used On-going Processing Section Manager


recycle all spills back to Tailings dam except for

certain storm water outflows


9.13 Environmental Management during Backfill

Table 9-13: Environmental Management for backfill


Implement dust control measures. Ong-going Backfill Section Manager

Carry out noise measurements and regular

servicing of machines.

Implement Hazardous Waste Management


Backfill Section Manager

Ensure there are pre-use checklists, planned

maintenance, Hazardous Waste Management



Monitor the backfill & report Backfill Section Manager

Undertake pre-fill checks & constant monitoring Backfill Section Manager

Install filter system Backfill Section Manager

Use PPEs, monitor & report Backfill Section Manager to

enforce this

Undertake planned maintenance. Backfill Section Manager

Undertake ad-hoc monitoring and reporting Backfill Section Manager

Undertake pre-use inspection and constant

monitoring


Undertake planned inspections. Backfill Section Manager

Undertake annual swab tests, Annual

Nuclear waste box emptied by dedicated

contractors

Hazardous waste contractor

Radio-active leakage tests should be done on all

nuclear sources on site and monitoring equipment

should be calibrated annually.

Annual Backfill Section Manager

The instrumentation should be isolated and

encased in lead with a lead shutter to isolate any

release. The casing is designed to be fall proof.

Lead compaction is likely to take place instead of

breakage. Nuclear emergency procedure should be

in place.

Weekly Backfill Section Manager

Nuclear emergency procedure in place. All

technicians trained in radiation and dosy metering

to identify and treat such cases. All new employees

are trained after permanent appointment.

Annual Backfill Section Manager

Backfill should be pushed into bunker by front end

loader

Monthly Backfill Section Manager to

ensure that this is done

Backfill screening should be undertaken at sand

dune mining

On-going Backfill Section Manager

Profil is not a hazardous substance but should be

placed on bunded cement area

Ong-going Backfill Section Manager



Salvaging equipment should be undertaken by

dedicated contractor.

On-going Waste recycling contractor to

collect waste and Backfill Section

Manager to ensure correct

disposal in his/her section

UG water should be recycled for Backfill On-going Backfill Section Manager

Backfill should be stored in bunded area before

disposal by backfill personnel


Pre-use inspections and monitoring during fill

process

On-going Backfill Section Manager to


Backfill waste disposal should be through by means

of a pumping system


Planned maintenance should be undertaken On-going Backfill Section Manager

There should be backfill system monitoring and

reporting

Monthly Backfill Section Manager

Drive on approved roads only On-going Backfill Section Manager to


Load backfill spillage and tipped into old areas On-going Backfill Section Manager

Where possible loaded backfill spillages normally

will be covered with waste rock when constructing

ramp for next lift


Backfill pipes should be removed during next lift

and backfilled in next stope


Back fill waste water should gravitate via drain

holes to dams and pumped to surface


Water drain into sump at Backfill plant and is

pumped to tailings dam

When required Backfill Section Manager

9.14 Environmental Management during Storage of finished products

Table 9-14: Environmental Management for storage of finished products


Carry out energy monitoring and report Environmental Manager and


Ensure there are cement paddocks underneath the

conveyor system. Concentrate paddocks should be

cleaned regularly.

Weekly Processing Section Manager

Stockpile should be enclosed and should have

approximately 10% moisture.

Om-going Processing Section Manager

There should be a dedicated waste management

contractor on site.

Om-going

Where loading takes place, the area should be

cemented and contained

Om-going

PPE should be worn by all third parties passing by

and there should be roll up doors to limit exposure.


When oil mixes with dust on cement areas it should

be washed off into spillage pumps to tailings dam.


There should be pre-use checklists and planned

maintenance


Copper, Zinc and Lead should be contained in

cemented enclosed shed.


Dust should be contained in shed. Om-going Processing Section Manager

Moisture content should be controlled before

stockpiling to ensure high moisture content.


Storage pad should be cemented. Spillage from

cemented area is flushed to spillage sump and

pumped to tailings dam.




There should be periodic planning meetings. As per plan Processing Section Manager

9.15 Environmental Management during Dispatch of products

Table 9-15: Environmental Management for dispatch of products


Energy use should be monitored and reported Monthly Engineering Section Manager and


Ensure there are pre-use checklists, Before vehicle use Logistic Manager and concentrate

transporting contractor

Implement waste management SOP On-going

Check the weight of concentrate load in trucks and

keep records

Logistic Manager and concentrate


Ensure safety chain is in place to avoid flaps falling

open and spill concentrate. Competent drivers

should adhere to speed limits and truck trailers

should be sealed at bottom.

During each trip Logistic Manager and concentrate


Regular maintenance of gravel road and implement

dust control measures

Daily Road maintenance contractor

Concentrate should be sealed in bin. During each trip Logistic Manager and concentrate


Trailer should be closed with tarpaulin and net. During each trip Logistic Manager and concentrate


There should be planned maintenance As per vehicle

maintenance



Undertake regular servicing of machines As per vehicle

maintenance



Where off loading takes place the area should be

contained and cemented

On-going Logistic Manager and concentrate


PPE should be worn by all third parties passing by On-going Logistic Manager

The moisture should be maintaining above 5%.

Wind breaker barriers should be in place and sliding

doors should enclose the area and limit exposure.

On-going Logistic Manager

When oil mixes with dust on cement areas, these

should be disposed of as per waste management

procedure.


Drip trays/pans should be in place below engine

and at diesel tank transfer points.


Salvaging of equipment waste should be the

responsibility of BMM salvage yard personnel

On-going Waste recycling contractor

Copper, Lead and Zinc should be contained in

cemented enclosed shed.


Asbestos sheets should be replaced by cement

sheets and broken edge of asbestos should be

sealed as per Asbestos OSHAS regulations and

Waste handling procedure 40.

On-going Logistic Manager, Engineering

section Manager, Environmental

Manager, Safety Manager

9.16 Envronmental Management for Waste Rock

Table 9-16: Environmental Management for waste rock


Extend the footprint of the waste rock as required Once off Mining Section Manager

External verification of waste rock dump stability Every 2 years Mining Section Manager



should be undertaken.

There should be access control - chain barricade

which is locked and only opened by security posted

at decline entrance. All access is logged in security

book by guard


There should be monitoring checklists for the active

waste rock dumps

Quarterly Mining Section Manager

Soil and Dust baseline and impact monitoring

should be undertaken.

Annual Mining Section Manager

Ensure Stability of the dumps Ongoing Mining Section Manager

Implement dumping management where which

material should be dumped. There should be

designated dumping areas and signage. (Building

rubble, waste rock, quartzite material)

Ong-going Mining Section Manager

Carry out inspections and audits Weekly inspections and

annual audits

Mining Section Manager to carry

out inspections and


conduct audits

Water should be contained on the surface in a

series of small pools to assist in neutralizing

acid released due to pyrite weathering in the dump

and preventing storm water washing directly onto

the off dump area before being neutralized

Place one groundwater monitoring borehole near

the mine property boundary to the west of the waste

dump. The groundwater quality will be monitored

periodically at this site in order to assess the

effectiveness of the mitigation measures

undertaken.

Quarterly Environmental Manager

The size of the waste dump at any one time should

be maintained at a minimum by the scheduling of

mining operations to enable maximum waste

development to be packed underground without

haulage to the surface.

On-going Mining Section Manager and


Update original design with operational progress Annual

Closure report to guide the closure designs Five years before closure Mining Section Manager,

Engineering Section Manager,


9.17 Environmental Management for Hydrocarbon

Table 9-17: Environmental Management for hydrocarbon


Equip 45 Level workshop with adequate oil

separating units

Once off TMM Section Engineer

Install Oil separator at 34 Level workshop Once off TMM Section Engineer

Commission Oil separator at 40 Level Workshop Once off TMM Section Engineer

Change degreaser used underground from solvent

based to water based in order to ensure oil

separation effectiveness.


Monitor effectiveness of 40L oil separator through

sampling and testing.


Reduce transport/material handling for reduced

spillage


Investigate the conveyance of old and new oil via

the shaft.



10 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS PLAN

The information on this section is extracted from BMM‟s Environmental Communication and training

standard operating procedure document. The main objectives of this document are to:

Identify environmental training and development needs as required by section 4.4.2 of the

Environmental Management System standard ISO 14001; and

Ensure

- Perceptual Awareness;

- Knowledge transfer;

- Environmental Ethic and

- Skills and Action to implement environmental management mine wide.

10.1 Environmental Training and communication approach

The Black Mountain environmental training approach is designed to achieve the environmental training

aim and objectives of Black Mountain. The approach is Outcomes based and the outcomes to measure

the effect of the training is:

A decrease and/or limit environmental incidents

Increase management and reaction of environmental incidents and audit results,

Achieve corporate environmental targets in all areas and levels of operation.

Allocating the training according to training needs ensures that the training is proactively aligned with

individual environmental responsibility.

Training is a line management function.

The training and communication syllabus includes, but is not limited to, specific environmental

procedures applicable to Black Mountain mine wide (eSS 031).

10.1.1 Identification of training needs

Environmental training needs for each section should to be identified and addressed to ensure

environmental management is part of day to day operations.

The environmental risk responsibilities guide the training requirements of each individual. The

responsibility for each level of management according to the Integrated Risk Management and

ISO14001 role descriptions are outlined in eSS 035.

Environmental training recommended for the different levels of management as set out in eSS

031 guide the training needs identification process. This is a minimum guideline and any

additional training can be added where section specific issues or high risk items require training

and awareness (for example, the Cyanide COP that is a high environmental risk issue, but only

applicable to a small number of persons at the Plant)

It is the responsibility of the line manager to ensure environmental training needs for individual

staff members are identified, agreed to, facilitated and tracked according to eBMF 051.

10.2 Induction


Black Mountain Mine offers four types of induction: annual general induction, site specific induction,

visitor‟s induction, visitor‟s on-site induction.

General Induction is presented at the Black Mountain training centre, visitor‟s induction is

presented at the Black Mountain security office and on-site induction is facilitated by the section

head and presented at the relevant section.

All employees attend annual induction training when initially employed and upon return from

annual leave. All contractors attend BM induction training before commencing work and, should

they remain on site, annually thereafter.

All employees are required to obtain specific on-site induction before work commence at a

specific section that includes relevant environmental issues. This induction can also be repeated

annually. On-site induction should be signed off and records kept at the section.

All visitors attend visitor‟s induction at security before accessing Black Mountain. The visitor‟s

induction remains valid for the period specified by security. Re-entry by the same visitor will

require attendance of visitor‟s induction if the validity period of the previous induction has expired.

It is the responsibility of the person receiving visitors to ensure the persons have been inducted.

Visitor‟s on-site induction is conducted when and where required depending on the activities and

areas that will be accessed by the visitor (for example, all visitors to Gamsberg receive onsite

induction). The supervisor of the section decides whether or not on-site visitor‟s induction is

required according to the activities and areas that will be accessed.

10.2.1 Environmental Procedure Training

All employees and business partners must be able to understand and apply ISO 14001

procedures relevant to them in their section (as listed in eSS 031)

It is the responsibility of the line manager to facilitate environmental procedure training either by

allowing staff to attend training presented by the environmental unit, getting an external

presenter; or using the procedures to train the staff him-/herself.

Records of training attendance should be kept at the section for tracking purposes

10.2.2 Training material development and review

Environmental Training register will be updated according to training presented by the

environmental department for record keeping purpose.

The Environmental officer is responsible for develop and updating training material when

changes to procedures, policy or legislation occur.

Updated training material should be distributed to Human Resources – training Centre and EMS

members.

10.2.3 Training Assessment

The line managers at the sections are responsible for conducting a personal tasks observation

(PTO) after training has been presented by the environmental officer at the specific sections.

The Environmental officer will verify the completed PTO`s at the specific sections and feedback

will be given to the section line manager.


10.3 Environmental Communication and Awareness

Environmental communication and awareness is a mine wide responsibility that is facilitated by the

environmental unit and line managers. The environmental unit compiles and ensures distribution of the

following communications:

- Daily environmental communication on the Toolbox talk;

- Monthly discussion topics

- Joint SHE presentations

- EMS presentations every second month

- SHE Representative training

- Electronic correspondence to EMS members of specific issues

Line management facilitates knowledge transfer of the above communications to all employees

by means of daily toolbox meetings, communication meetings or any other suitable means.

Line managers that facilitate or provide environmental communication and training should ensure

that it is specific and that records of knowledge transfer can be tracked (for example by

completing and signing eBMF 003).

Communication and awareness also takes place through the display of environmental topics and

issues on display notice boards.

10.4 External Environmental Awareness Courses

As the environmental awareness of employees is often carried out by Black Mountain Mine staff

members, it is important to ensure that these staff members are able to provide employees with the

necessary information and understanding. Therefore, Environmental Unit's personnel have attended the

following courses:

Environmental Law short course at North West University

Water quality monitoring short course at North West University

Implementing ISO 14001 short course at North West University

Environmental Lead Auditor short course at North West University

Environmental Risk Assessment Management based on ISO 31000 short course at North West

University

Carbon footprint analysis short course at Global Exchange


11 FINANCIAL PROVISION ESTIMATION

The financial provision section is divided into 2, namely, the ongoing environmental management costs

associated with the implementing of the management measures documented within this environmental

management programme, and, the financial provision required for the final rehabilitation of the mine.

11.1 Quantum of Financial Provision [Regulation 54(1)]

In order to calculate the Financial Provision, BMM, uses the DMR “Guideline Document for the Evaluation

of the Quantum of Closure Related Financial Provision Provided by a Mine”, Revision 1.6, published in

September 2004 (DME, 2004).

Black Mountain Mine will make financial provision for rehabilitation in the manner envisaged in terms of

Section 9 (5)e of the Minerals Act in order to meet the long-term liability of rehabilitation once the mine

has ceased production.

Black Mountain Mine makes contributions to the trust fund created in terms of Section 10 Para (cH) of the

Income Tax Act No. 58 of 1962. The amount to be invested annually will be dependent on the required

rehabilitation work that will still need to be done at the end of the mine‟s life, taking into account

rehabilitation work completed concurrently while in operation. The extent and cost of this work will be

estimated with reference to the life of mine plans.

The annual contribution will be influenced by the estimated earnings to be made by the fund as well as

the financial position of the mine. Budgets and forecasts will be used to project contributions for future

years over the life of mine.

Consideration also needs to be given to the value of assets available for disposal at the end of the life of

the mine as realisation of these assets clearly would also go towards rehabilitation costs.

All possible rehabilitation will be conducted concurrently with mining operations. Concurrent rehabilitation

will be funded out of current earnings and will be a normal charge against profits.

This year (2013), a bank guarantee of R20,000,000 was submitted to DMR and the trust fund balance is

R85,336,364 (eighty five million three hundred and thirty six thousand, three hundred and sixty four

Rands) has been set aside on BMM rehabilitation trust for the rehabilitation of the mine. This amount is

updated on annual basis based on disturbance on the mine and is submitted to Department of Minerals

Resources for approval.


12 UNDERTAKING

I, [on behalf of Vedanta (Pty) Ltd, Black Mountain Mine]

hereby declare that the above information is true, complete and correct. I undertake to implement the

measures as described in Section 9 of the Environmental Management Programme. In addition to the

implementation of the Environmental Management Programme, Black Mountain Mine will comply with the

provisions indicated in the Minerals and Petroleum Resource Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002),

National Environmental Management Act and the regulation thereto. I understand that this undertaking is

legally binding and that failure to give effect hereto will render me liable for prosecution in terms of

Section 98(b) and 99(1)(g) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of

2002). I am also aware that the Regional Manager may, at any time but after consultation with me, make

such changes to this programme as he/she may deem necessary.

Signed on this day of , 20 at

Signature:


13. Appendices: Supporting documents and reference list


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