PROPOSED EXTENSION OF HLUHLUWE QUARRY ON THE … · KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE Reference number:...

Basic Assessment Report

_____________________________________________________________________ “Leading the attainment of inclusive growth for job creation and economic sustenance”

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PROPOSED EXTENSION OF HLUHLUWE QUARRY ON THE REMAINDER OF LOT H 62

NO 13793, HLUHLUWE DISTRICT, KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE

Reference number:

DC27/0019/2014

KZN/EIA/0001711/2014

Draft Basic Assessment Report

March 2015



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(For official use only)

EIA File Reference Number: DC/

NEAS Reference Number: KZN/EIA/

Waste Management Licence Number: (if applicable)

Date Received:

BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT Submitted in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010 promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998)

This template may be used for the following applications:

Environmental Authorization subject to basic assessment for an activity that is listed in Listing Notices 1or 3, 2010 (Government Notices No. R 544 or No. R 546 dated 18 June 2010); or

Waste Management Licence for an activity that is listed in terms of section 20(b) of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008) for which a basic assessment process as stipulated in the EIA Regulations must be conducted as part of the application (refer to the schedule of waste management activities in Category A of Government Notice No. 718 dated 03 July 2009).

Kindly note that: 1. This basic assessment report meets the requirements of the EIA Regulations, 2010 and is meant to

streamline applications. This report is the format prescribed by the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs. Please make sure that this is the latest version.

2. The report must be typed within the spaces provided in the form. The size of the spaces provided is not indicative of the amount of information to be provided. The report is in the form of a table that can extend itself as each space is filled with text.

3. Where required, place a cross in the box you select. 4. An incomplete report will be returned to the applicant for revision. 5. The use of “not applicable” in the report must be done with circumspection because if it is used in respect of

material information that is required by the competent authority for assessing the application, it will result in the rejection of the application as provided for in the regulations.

6. No faxed or e-mailed reports will be accepted. 7. The report must be compiled by an independent environmental assessment practitioner (“EAP”). 8. Unless protected by law, all information in the report will become public information on receipt by the

competent authority. Any interested and affected party should be provided with the information contained in this report on request, during any stage of the application process.

9. The KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs may require that for specified types of activities in defined situations only parts of this report need to be completed.

10. The EAP must submit this basic assessment report for comment to all relevant State departments that administer a law relating to a matter affecting the environment. This provision is in accordance with Section 24 O (2) of the National Environmental Management Act 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) and such comments must be submitted within 40 days of such a request.

11. Please note that this report must be handed in or posted to the District Office of the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs to which the application has been allocated (please refer to the details provided in the letter of acknowledgement for this application).



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DEPARTMENTAL REFERENCE NUMBER(S)

File reference number (EIA): DC27/0019/2014: KZN/EIA/0001711/2014

File reference number (Waste Management Licence):

SECTION A: DETAILS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER AND SPECIALISTS 1. NAME AND CONTACT DETAILS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER (EAP) Name and contact details of the EAP who prepared this report:

Business name of EAP:

Greenmined Environmental

Physical address:

201 Hibernian Towers, c/o Beach Rd & Sarel Cilliers, Strand

Postal address: Suite 62, Private Bag X15, Somerset West

Postal code: 7129 Cell: 082 811 8514

Telephone: 021 850 8875 Fax: 086 546 0579

E-mail: [email protected]

2. NAMES AND EXPERTISE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EAP Names and details of the expertise of each representative of the EAP involved in the preparation of this report:

Name of representative of the EAP

Education qualifications

Professional affiliations

Experience at environmental assessments (yrs)

Christine Fouche B.Sc Botany and Zoology

- 9 years

mailto:[email protected]



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3. NAMES AND EXPERTISE OF SPECIALISTS Names and details of the expertise of each specialist that has contributed to this report:

Name of specialist Education qualifications

Field of expertise Section/ s contributed to in this basic assessment report

Title of specialist report/ s as attached in Appendix D

Gerhard Botha

B.Sc Botany and Zoology B.Sc Honours degree majoring in Botany M.Sc degree in Botany (Currently completing)

Botany Section C Point 3 & 4

Vegetation Report: Proposed extension of existing Afrimat Quarry near Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal.

SECTION B: ACTIVITY INFORMATION 1. PROJECT TITLE Describe the project title as provided on the application form for environmental authorization:

Proposed extension of the basalt quarry on the Remainder of Lot H 62 No 13793,

Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal Province.

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Provide a detailed description of the project:

Afrimat Aggregates (Pty) Ltd currently mine the basalt quarry approximately 15 km

northwest of Hluhluwe in KwaZulu-Natal and will applied for extension of the existing

mining right area as captured by DMR with 14.74 ha. The site has been operational

as a basalt quarry since 1998. The intend to expand the mining area over regions

with natural vegetation triggers Listing 3 Activity 14 of the NEMA EIA regulations as

more than 5 hectares of indigenous vegetation will be removed.



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As indicated by the above sketch plan the proposed extension area (outlined in blue)

entails the enlargement of the existing quarry pit in a northerly direction. Due to an

administrative error occurring at DMR with the granting of the original right it appears

as if mining was conducted outside the boundaries of the previously approved mining

right area. DMR are however aware of this matter and are in the process of rectifying

the matter in order to notarially execute the converted mining right and finalize the

outstanding issues.

The proposed extension of the quarry will allow the applicant to continue mining the

basalt source on the property. The basalt is mined by an open cast mining method.

This method consists of blasting of the hard rock followed by excavation of the

loosened rock by excavators, loading of it onto tipper trucks which then transport the

rock out of the quarry pit to the crushing plant where it is crushed into desirable sizes

depending on orders or end-uses. A portion of the proposed extension area will also

be used for the stockpiling of overburden. The mining of the extension will make use



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of existing facilities, plant and access road with only haul roads extended into the

new area.

A botanist investigated the earmarked extension area and identified three main

vegetation units. The proposed extension area were found to be predominantly

natural veld with only a small portion of transformed (cleared area) land north-east of

the existing quarry. The grass component was found to have a high accumulation of

dead leaf material due to underutilization. As the surrounding properties are mainly

used for game farming, a few game paths were noted within the proposed extension

area probably used by antelope species moving across the property from the

surrounding game farms. Two protected tree species were found to be present in the

proposed extension area. No vegetation was found in the surveyed area indicating

wetland conditions or the presence of drainage lines. (See Appendix D for a copy of

the full specialist report)

Pre-Construction phase:

As stipulated in the botanical study a pre-construction walk-through investigation

should be done of the final footprint area to fully inform the applicant, site manager

and responsible conservation authority about:

the location and number of protected species that will be affected by the

extension,

Avoidance, protection or relocation of protected species from the footprint area,

Location and nature of the alien invasive species to be cleared prior to topsoil

removal.

Once the above mentioned study has been completed the applicant needs to follow

the recommendations of the specialist and apply for removal permits from KZN

Wildlife for the relocation of the protected species prior to commencing with the

clearance of the site.

Site Establishment / Construction phase:

During the site establishment phase the applicant have to clear the topsoil and

overburden from the extension area to open it for drilling and blasting.

Upon stripping, the topsoil and overburden will be stockpiled along the boundaries of

the quarry pit to be used during the rehabilitation phase. Topsoil stripping will be

restricted to the areas to be mined. The complete A-horizon (topsoil – the top 100 –

200 mm of soil which is generally darker coloured due to high organic matter content)



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will be removed. If it is unclear where the topsoil layer ends the top 300 mm of soil

has to be stripped. The topsoil will be stockpiled in the form of a berm alongside the

boundary of the quarry where it will not be driven over, contaminated, flooded or

moved during the operational phase. The topsoil berm will measure a maximum of

1.5m high and should be planted with indigenous grass species to prevent soil

erosion and to discourage growth of weeds. The roots of the grass will also improve

the viability of the soil for rehabilitation purposes. The stripped overburden will be

stockpiled on a designated area after the topsoil has been removed.

The existing fence surrounding the mining area will be extended to enclose the

proposed extension area.

Operational phase:

The quarrying process includes drilling to set charges; detonation; loading and short

haul; and stockpiling. The mining is conducted by blasting benches from the rock

face. These benches measure between 9 m and 12 m high and are about 10 m

deep. They extend along the length of the area to be blasted. Approximately 4 000

m³ is loosened in a single blast. The larger rocks are broken into smaller pieces by

hydraulic hammer, and manageable pieces are then transported by tipper trucks to

the crusher in the plant area (existing on site). The rocks are run through several

crushers to produce the end product, in various grades of stone. (There is no

secondary blasting to reduce the size of detached material.)

The machinery used in the operation is serviced at the existing workshop area. The

machinery consists of a tracked hydraulic hammer, tracked excavators, tipper trucks,

crusher plants, conveyer belts and trucks to deliver the product. A well-equipped

workshop is located within the plant area. Maintenance and fuelling are conducted in

the workshop area, except for the tracked vehicles, which, for logistical reasons, are

fuelled in the quarry. Diesel is stored in a tank which is surrounded by a suitable

containment wall at the plant area. The proposed extension will increase the lifespan

of the mine with approximately 30 years at the present rate of extraction of ±15 000

tons per month.

The employees have ablution facilities at the processing area adjacent to the crusher

plants. The existing access road will be used to access the extension area with only

the haul road having to be extended as mining proceeds. The haul roads will form

part of the mining area and will be incorporated into the rehabilitation of the quarry



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upon closure of the site.

Decommissioning phase:

The closure objectives detailed in the approved Environmental Management

Programme are for the quarried pit to be made safe and the remainder of the site to

be returned to livestock agriculture which is being practised through the region. The

proposed extension area has been included into these objectives and will entail the

benching of the site that will be built with overburden top-dressed with topsoil and

vegetated with an appropriate grass mix.

A contractor that is familiar with hydroseeding principles needs to be appointed to do

the seeding of the rehabilitated areas. It is proposed that cellulose pulp at 250 kg/ha

and compost at 5 m³/ha (100 x 50 kg bag/ha) should be added to the seed mix.

Once the hydroseeding has occurred, the rehabilitated area must be covered with a

50 mm layer of rough mulch made from the dominant local grass. The mulch can be

made by mowing and raking a nearby grass field with permission from neighbouring

residents once the seed has set (usually late summer) and can be stored for

approximately 12 months for later use. The mulch layer will contribute to the seed

bank and will protect the hydroseeded area from desiccation, reducing the need for

irrigation and improving germination.

Following the hydroseeding of the site, close monitoring of the plants on site is

required during the initial 12 months, since water during this period is essential to

ensure good establishment. During irrigation, the soil must be wetted as deep as the

plant roots. Water application must be applied at a rate that will be low enough not to

cause run-off as this will cause erosion.

Control of weeds and alien invasive plant species is an important aspect after

seeding has been done in an area. The alien invasive plant management plan

attached to the EMPr needs to be implemented during the 12 months aftercare

period to address germination of problem plants in the area

3. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION Describe each listed activity in Listing Notice 1 (GNR 544, 18 June2010), Listing Notice 3 (GNR 546, 18June 2010) or Category A of GN 718, 3 July 2009 (Waste Management Activities) which is being applied for as per the project description:



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The proposed project triggers GN R.544 Listing Notice 1 Activity 23: The

transformation of undeveloped, vacant or derelict land to commercial outside an

urban area and where the total area to be transformed is bigger than 1 hectare but

less than 20 hectares. The proposed extension of the mining area will entail the

mining of basalt from a footprint area of 14.74 ha that will be crushed to produce

aggregate. According to the Department of Environmental Affairs, land used for

agricultural purposes is deemed to be undeveloped land, the change in the use of the

land therefore triggers Activity 23 as aggregate will be mined for commercial

purposes.

GN R.546 Listing Notice 3 Activity 14: The extension of the mining area over regions

with natural vegetation will trigger Activity 14 as more than 5 ha of vegetation where

75% or more of the vegetation cover constitutes indigenous vegetation will be

removed. As mentioned earlier the botanist identified three main vegetation units in

the study area that were found to be dominated by natural vegetation with only a

small portion of the area previously disturbed. Should the extension application be

approved, it would entail the removal of most of the vegetation within the footprint

area (14.74ha).

4. FEASIBLE AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES “alternatives”, in relation to a proposed activity, means different means of meeting the general purpose and requirements of the activity, which may include alternatives to— (a) the property on which or location where it is proposed to undertake the activity; (b) the type of activity to be undertaken; (c) the design or layout of the activity; (d) the technology to be used in the activity; (e) the operational aspects of the activity; and (f) the option of not implementing the activity. Describe alternatives that are considered in this report. Alternatives should include a consideration of all possible means by which the purpose and need of the proposed activity could be accomplished in the specific instance taking account of the interest of the applicant in the activity. The no-go alternative must in all cases be included in the assessment phase as the baseline against which the impacts of the other alternatives are assessed. The determination of whether site or activity (including different processes etc.) or both is appropriate needs to be informed by the specific circumstances of the activity and its environment. After receipt of this report the competent authority may also request the applicant to assess additional alternatives that could possibly accomplish the purpose and need of the



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proposed activity if it is clear that realistic alternatives have not been considered to a reasonable extent. Site Alternative 1 (S1) (Preferred Alternative)

Site alternative 1 entails the extension of the existing mining area to allow the

winning of basalt within the boundaries of the following coordinates, over an area of

14.74 ha:

-27˚54’58.34”S 32˚12’59.49”E

-27˚55’04.36”S 32˚13’04.22”E

-27˚55’06.34”S 32˚13’05.61”E

-27˚55’08.94”S 32˚13’01.56”E

-27˚55’17.32”S 32˚13’04.27”E

-27˚55’11.29”S 32˚12’48.71”E

-27˚55’09.46”S 32˚12’51.45”E

-27˚55’06.73”S 32˚12’51.45”E

-27˚55’04.50”S 32˚12’51.22”E

-27˚55’02.63”S 32˚12’50.86”E

-27˚55’01.10”S 32˚12’53.47”E

This alternative entails the extension of the existing pit along the smallest possible

footprint area. The mining of the extension will make use of existing facilities, plant

and access road with haul roads being extended into the new area.



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Site alternative 1 was selected as the preferred alternative due to the following

reasons:

The potential to expand the quarry has been identified in the light of regional

development based on sound ecological planning. The quarry is the only

operational quarry in the Hluhluwe/Mkuze/Pongola area, and most of the

construction aggregate is sourced from the quarry which makes it an important

source of material for any developments in North KwaZulu-Natal.

The proposed extension will increase the lifespan of the mine with approximately

30 years at the present rate of extraction of ±15 000 tons per month and will allow

the applicant the opportunity to utilize the additional basalt source.

No new mining infrastructure need to be established at the mining area as the

infrastructure of the existing site camp will be used.

The smallest possible footprint area needed for the extension of the quarry has

been identified. This has a direct positive effect on the amount of disturbance

with regard to vegetation removal and visual impact as a result of the proposed

extension. The proposed layout also follows the position of the existing farm

fence.

Negative aspects associated with activity alternative 1 include:

The proposed extension will slightly increase the visibility of the quarry.

Although less than that proposed for site alternative 2, the proposed extension

will entail the removal of indigenous vegetation from the footprint area, destroying

an area that is in a largely undisturbed state.

Should the mitigation measures and monitoring programmes proposed in this

document be implemented on site, no fatal flaws could be identified that were

deemed as severe as to prevent the activity continuing.

Site Alternative 2 (S2)

Site alternative 2 entails the extension of the existing mining area to allow the

winning of basalt within the boundaries of the following coordinates:

-27˚55’11.29”S 32˚12’48.71”E

-27˚55’17.32”S 32˚13’04.27”E

-27˚54’59.82”S 32˚13’07.82”E

-27˚54’55.69”S 32˚12’52.05”E



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This alternative entails the extension of the existing pit with 23.42 ha. The mining of

the extension will also make use of existing facilities, plant and access road with haul

roads being extended into the new area but will have a larger footprint area than the

area proposed for S1.

Positive aspects associated with activity alternative 2 include:

The potential to expand the quarry has been identified in the light of regional

development based on sound ecological planning. The quarry is the only

operational quarry in the Hluhluwe/Mkuze/Pongola area, and most of the

construction aggregate is sourced from the quarry which makes it an important

source of material for any developments in North KwaZulu-Natal.

The proposed extension will increase the lifespan of the mine with approximately

30 years at the present rate of extraction of ±15 000 tons per month and will allow

the applicant the opportunity to utilize the additional basalt source.

No new mining infrastructure need to be established at the mining area as the

infrastructure of the existing site camp will be used.

During the planning phase of the proposed extension, S2 as illustrated above was

considered as a possible alternative. Upon assessment of the area it was however

found that the area proposed for S1 followed the existing farm fence and the

additional footprint areas to the East and West of the quarry would not be needed.

Management then decided to exclude these areas from the extension application in

order to minimize the impact on the environment.



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In the light of the above and the review of the potential impacts associated with S1,

site alternative 2 is deemed not to be the preferred option as the impacts

associated with a larger footprint area is believed to have a higher significance

without the need or motivation justifying it.

No-Go Alternative

The no-go alternative entails no change to the status quo and is therefore a real

alternative that needs to be considered. The basalt to be mined at the site will be

used for road and construction industries, if however the no-go alternative is

implemented the applicant will not be able to expand the existing quarry, not being

able to utilize the mineral present in the area.

The quarry is the only operational quarry in the Hluhluwe/Mkuze/Pongola area and

most of the construction aggregate is sourced from it. Should the quarry close down

aggregated will have to be obtained from another source outside the business unit

area. This will have major impacts on aspects such as transporting of material, cost

effectiveness, impact on roads and road users due to long distance hauling of

aggregate and loss of income to the Hluhluwe business area.

The no-go alternative was not deemed to be the preferred alternative as:

The applicant will not be able to supply in the demand of road or construction

contractors,

The application, if approved, would allow the applicant to utilize the available

basalt as well as provide the current employees with job security for

approximately thirty years. Should the no-go alternative be followed the

operations at the existing quarry will have to cease when the existing quarry area

is mined-out. This will result in the applicant having to retrench the existing

employees.

Sections B 5 – 15 below should be completed for each alternative.

5. ACTIVITY POSITION



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Indicate the position of the activity using the latitude and longitude of the centre point of the site for each alternative site. The co-ordinates should be in degrees, minutes and seconds. List alternative sites were applicable. Alternative:

Nr. Latitude (S): Longitude (E):

Alternative S11 (preferred or only site alternative)

A -27˚ 54’ 58.34” 32˚ 12’ 59.49”

B -27˚ 55’ 04.36” 32˚ 13’ 04.22”

C -27˚ 55’ 06.34” 32˚ 13’ 05.61”

D -27˚ 55’ 08.94” 32˚ 13’ 01.56”

E -27˚ 55’ 17.32” 32˚ 13’ 04.27”

Q -27˚ 55’ 11.29” 32˚ 12’ 48.71”

R -27˚ 55’ 09.46” 32˚ 12’ 51.45”

S -27˚ 55’ 06.73” 32˚ 12’ 51.45”

T -27˚ 55’ 04.50” 32˚ 12’ 51.22”

U -27˚ 55’ 02.63” 32˚ 12’ 50.86”

V -27˚ 55’ 01.10” 32˚ 12’ 53.47”

Alternative S2 (if any) A -27˚ 55’ 11.29” 32˚ 12’ 48.71”

B -27˚ 55’ 17.32” 32˚ 13’ 04.27”

C -27˚ 54’ 59.82” 32˚ 13’ 07.82”

D -27˚ 54’ 55.69” 32˚ 12’ 52.05”

Alternative S3 (if any) o ‘ “ o ‘ “

In the case of linear activities: Alternative: Latitude (S): Longitude (E): Alternative S1 (preferred or only route alternative)

Starting point of the activity o ‘ “ o ‘ “

Middle point of the activity o ‘ “ o ‘ “

End point of the activity o ‘ “ o ‘ “

Alternative S2 (if any) “ “




Alternative S3 (if any) “ “




For route alternatives that are longer than 500m, please provide an addendum with co-ordinates taken every 500m along the route for each alternative alignment.

1 “Alternative S..” refer to site alternatives.



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6. PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY Indicate the physical size of the preferred activity/technology as well as alternative activities/technologies (footprints): Alternative: Size of the activity:

Alternative A12 (preferred activity alternative) 147 400m2

Alternative A2 (if any) 234 150 m2

Alternative A3 (if any) m2

or, for linear activities: Alternative: Length of the

activity:

Alternative A1 (preferred activity alternative) ±486 m

Alternative A2 (if any) ±525 m

Alternative A3 (if any) m

Indicate the size of the alternative sites or servitudes (within which the above footprints will occur): Alternative: Size of the

site/servitude:

Alternative A1 (preferred activity alternative) 147 400m2

Alternative A2 (if any) 234 150 m2

Alternative A3 (if any) m2

7. SITE ACCESS

Does ready access to the site exist? YES

If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built m

Describe the type of access road planned:

Include the position of the access road on the site plan and required map, as well as an indication of the road in relation to the site. 8. SITE OR ROUTE PLAN

A detailed site or route plan(s) must be prepared for each alternative site or alternative activity. It must be attached as Appendix A to this report. The site or route plans must indicate the following:

8.1. the scale of the plan which must be at least a scale of 1:500; 8.2. the property boundaries and numbers/ erf/ farm numbers of all adjoining properties of

the site; 8.3. the current land use as well as the land use zoning of each of the properties adjoining

the site or sites; 8.4. the exact position of each element of the application as well as any other structures

on the site;

2 “Alternative A..” refer to activity, process, technology or other alternatives.



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8.5. the position of services, including electricity supply cables (indicate above or underground), water supply pipelines, boreholes, street lights, sewage pipelines, storm water infrastructure and telecommunication infrastructure;

8.6. walls and fencing including details of the height and construction material; 8.7. servitudes indicating the purpose of the servitude; 8.8. sensitive environmental elements within 100 metres of the site or sites including (but

not limited thereto): rivers, streams, drainage lines or wetlands; the 1:100 year flood line (where available or where it is required by DWA); ridges; cultural and historical features; areas with indigenous vegetation including protected plant species (even if it is

degraded or infested with alien species); 8.9. for gentle slopes the 1 metre contour intervals must be indicated on the plan and

whenever the slope of the site exceeds 1:10, the 500mm contours must be indicated on the plan; and

8.10. the positions from where photographs of the site were taken. 9. SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Colour photographs from the centre of the site must be taken in at least the eight major compass directions with a description of each photograph. Photographs must be attached under Appendix B to this report. It must be supplemented with additional photographs of relevant features on the site, if applicable. 10. FACILITY ILLUSTRATION A detailed illustration of the facility must be provided at a scale of 1:200 and attached to this report as Appendix C. The illustrations must be to scale and must represent a realistic image of the planned activity/ies. 11. ACTIVITY MOTIVATION

11.1. Socio-economic value of the activity

What is the expected capital value of the activity on completion? The application is for the

extension of the existing

mining area to allow future

mining, and does not have a

capital value as a standalone

project.

The project will not create

new jobs as the existing

employees will be used.

What is the expected yearly income that will be generated by or as a result of the activity?

Will the activity contribute to service infrastructure?

Is the activity a public amenity?

How many new employment opportunities will be created in the development phase of the activity?

What is the expected value of the employment opportunities during the development phase?

What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals?

How many permanent new employment opportunities will be created during the operational phase of the activity?

What is the expected current value of the employment opportunities during the first 10 years?



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What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals?

The proposed extension will

increase the lifespan of the

quarry with ±30 years.

11.2. Need and desirability of the activity Motivate and explain the need and desirability of the activity (including demand for the activity):

The current activities at the site comprise an existing quarry, crushing plant and

distribution network. The potential to expand the quarry has been identified in the

light of regional development based on sound ecological planning. The quarry was

specifically opened to supply material for the upgrading and surfacing of the Coastal

Road from Hluhluwe to Kosi Bay, and has subsequently been supplying aggregate to

the many smaller road and housing projects in the area. The motivation for the

extension of the quarry is to keep the quarry operational to produce aggregate for

the construction industry in the area. As the quarry is the only operational quarry in

the Hluhluwe/Mkuze/Pongola area most of the construction aggregate is sourced

from it which makes it an important source of material for any developments in the

Northern KwaZulu-Natal.

The proposed extension will increase the lifespan of the mine with approximately 30

years at the present rate of extraction of ±15 000 tons per month and will allow the

applicant the opportunity to utilize the additional basalt source.

Indicate any benefits that the activity will have for society in general:

The mining of the area will benefit the general society in that it will:

Contribute to the upgrading of road infrastructure of the area, thereby enabling

road users to safely travel through the area. The upgrading and maintenance of

roads is an important priority in order to improve the infrastructure network of

South Africa.

The mine contributes to the education levels of the society through compulsory

programmes managing and improving skills development, career progression,

and mentorship. A bursary and internship plan is also in operation at the mine

with the employment equity plan promoting equal opportunity, fair treatment and

implementation of affirmative action measures in order to ensure equitable

representation in all occupational categories and levels in the workforce in

accordance with the Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No 55 of 1998).



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Indicate any benefits that the activity will have for the local communities where the activity will be located:

The present labour complement of Hluhluwe quarry is 20 employees excluding top

and senior management based in the head office of the company in Vryheid. The

operation contributes significantly to the local economy in the area, both directly and

through the multiplier effect that their presence creates. Equipment and supplies are

purchased locally, and wages are spent at local businesses, generating both jobs

and income in the area. Although the employees are not resident on the site, they

have been selected from the surrounding community.

The company is committed to participate in the Hluhluwe market stalls up-grade

project meant to empower the informal traders or street venders while improving the

landscape of the town itself, creating a synergy between tourism and SMME’s

improving the market stalls and attracting tourists. The project is aimed at creating

70 self-employment jobs, and was identified in consultation with The Big 5 False Bay

Municipality as a poverty eradication project.

Hluhluwe Quarry also ensures that the housing and living conditions of employees

are up to standard, with the current employees accommodated in the Mzinene area.

12. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES List all legislation, policies and/or guidelines of any sphere of government that are relevant to the application as contemplated in the EIA regulations, if applicable: Title of legislation, policy or guideline: Administering authority: Date:

National Environmental Management Act,1998

(Act No. 107 of 1998) and the Environmental

Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010.

Listing No 1 Activity 23 and Listing No 3

Activity 14

Department of

Economic

Development, Tourism

and Environmental

Affairs – KwaZulu-

Natal Province

18 June

2010

National Environmental Management Act:

Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004)

and amendments

Department of

Economic


and Environmental


Natal Province

2004



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National Forest Act, 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998)

Department of

Agriculture, Forestry

and Fisheries

1998

National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act

No. 101 of 1998)

Department of


and Fisheries

1998

Mineral and Petroleum Resources

Development Act, 2002, (Act No. 28 of 2002)

Department of Mineral

Resources – KwaZulu-

Natal Province

2002

Afrimat Aggregates (Pty) Ltd is in the process of correcting the administrative error

made by DMR (as described earlier) with regard to the boundaries of the existing

mining area. Once the conversion has been executed an application will be

submitted for the extension of the mining area.

See attached as Appendix G proof of correspondence between the applicant and

DMR.

Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996, (Act No. 29

of 1996)

Department of Mineral

Resources – KwaZulu-

Natal Province

1996

National Heritage Resources Act No 25 of

1999 and the KwaZulu-Natal Heritage Act No.

4 of 2008.

South African Heritage

Resources Agency

(SAHRA)

1999 and

2008

Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act,

1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983)

Department of


and Fisheries

1983

KwaZulu Nature Conservation Act, 1992 (Act

29 of 1992), Schedule 9, 10 and 11

Department of

Economic


and Environmental


Natal Province

1992



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13. WASTE, EFFLUENT, EMISSION AND NOISE MANAGEMENT

13.1. Solid waste management

Will the activity produce solid construction waste during the construction/initiation phase?

NO

The nature of the proposed project entails the extension of the quarry pit. It is

proposed that the activity will not produce any waste that has to be disposed off-site

as the construction phase will mainly entail the removal of vegetation, topsoil and

overburden in order to allow the applicant access to the hard rock.

If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? m3

How will the construction solid waste be disposed of? (describe)

Where will the construction solid waste be disposed of? (provide details of landfill site)

Will the activity produce solid waste during its operational phase? NO

The mining of the proposed extension area will not produce solid waste that has to

be disposed off-site.


How will the solid waste be disposed of? (provide details of landfill site)

Where will the solid waste be disposed if it does not feed into a municipal waste stream (describe)?

If the solid waste (construction or operational phases) will not be disposed of in a registered landfill site or be taken up in a municipal waste stream, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine the further requirements of the application.

Can any part of the solid waste be classified as hazardous in terms of the relevant legislation?

NO

Although it is not anticipated that the proposed extension will generate hazardous

waste, the nature of the activity requires the presence of heavy machinery on site.

Any spillage that may occur due to unforeseen breakage of pipes or dripping of

refuelling equipment will generate hazardous waste that needs to be disposed of. In

the event of a spillage it is proposed that the applicant make use of oil spill kits to

remove and contain contaminated soil until it is collected by a hazardous waste

handling contractor. The amount of soil contaminated with hydrocarbons is

anticipated to be minimal if the mitigation measures proposed in this document is

implemented and managed on site. All hazardous waste should be removed by a



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licenced hazardous waste handling contractor to an approved hazardous waste site.

The site manager should keep record of the removal receipts. None of the

hazardous waste products may be disposed of with the general waste. Due to the

small amount of hazardous waste products anticipated to be produced on site, the

activity does not trigger the National Waste Act or Listing 2 of NEMA.

If yes, contact the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs to obtain clarity regarding the process requirements for your application.

Is the activity that is being applied for a solid waste handling or treatment facility?

NO


13.2. Liquid effluent

Will the activity produce effluent, other than normal sewage, that will be disposed of in a municipal sewage system?

NO


Will the activity produce any effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of on site?

NO


Will the activity produce effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of at another facility?

NO

If yes, provide the particulars of the facility:

Facility name:

Contact person:

Postal address:

Postal code:

Telephone: Cell:

E-mail: Fax:

Describe the measures that will be taken to ensure the optimal reuse or recycling of waste water, if any:

13.3. Emissions into the atmosphere

Will the activity release emissions into the atmosphere? YES

If yes, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? NO


If no, describe the emissions in terms of type and concentration:



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Emission into the atmosphere is controlled by the National Management: Air Quality

Act, 2004. The proposed activity at the site will however not trigger an application in

terms of the Air Quality Act as the emissions to be produced at the mining site will

only entail dust generation due to the disturbance of the soil. Dust will be generated

by the movement of earthmoving equipment, the loading of material and the

transporting of the material from the site. The highest risk posed by dust generation

is to people working on site.

The trucks driving on site has to comply with the speed limit and since the material is

coarse and heavy, minimal dust is generated during the transportation of material

from the quarry. Loads will be flattened to ensure that minimal spillage of the

material takes place during transportation. Should dust from trucks become a

problem, measures such as covering the loads or dampening the surface of the load

will be taken. Topsoil stockpiles will be planted with indigenous grass species to

ensure that exposed surface areas are minimised, reducing windblown dust from the

site. The vegetation will also assist in capturing wind born dust and minimising the

spread of dust from the site.

Blasting needs to be done at the site to loosen the hard material for recovery. During

a blasting event the dust generation of the site increases dramatically for a very short

period of time. Although dust suppression measures can be implemented on the

roads and rest of the working area, it cannot curb dust generation during a blast.

Blasting is anticipated to occur on average once every two to three months. Due to

the short amount of time dust is airborne after a blast (±10min), and the distance of

residents from the site (±1 km) dust nuisance is not anticipated to have a negative

impact on the surrounding occupants.

Dust generation on the access and haul roads can be managed through the

implementation of dust suppression measures via water carts.

The applicant has a contractor conducting formal dust monitoring on site to provide

management with an effective management tool for mitigating the impact of the

mining activity on the surrounding environment.



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13.4. Generation of noise

Will the activity generate noise? YES

If yes, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? NO

If yes, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA.

If no, describe the noise in terms of type and level:

Due to the nature of the proposed activity, noise will be generated as a result of

blasting and mechanical excavation including activities such as drilling.

When detonated, the explosives used in a blast release huge amounts of energy in

the form of shock waves and high gas pressures. The energy confined in the rock

shatters the surrounding rock but a small percentage of the gas pressure escapes

into the atmosphere which produces the noise and air concussion. The limit for the

air blast or “noise” generated by a blasting event is 134dB. Blasting noise is

instantaneous and of short duration. If the blast is designed so that the maximum

amount of energy released by the explosive goes into breaking and displacing the

rock, the air blast is limited.

It is anticipated that blasting will occur on average once every two to three months.

The mine currently notifies the surrounding landowners prior to blasting occasions.

All access roads around the quarry are blocked to a safe distance prior to and during

the blast. Blasting has to occur between 8:00 and 15:00 Monday – Fridays.

As this application is for the extension of the mining area the proposed project will not

have a cumulative impact on the noise levels currently produced at the quarry, in that

the current mining activities will gradually move into the extension area as the basalt

at the existing quarry is mined out. Currently the work hours of the site are weekdays

from 7:00 to 16:30 with occasional afterhours work needed depending on market

demand. Mining activity after hours if demand should warrant it may isolate the

noise, increasing its impact thereby increasing the significance thereof. Should work

be considered outside normal work hours, the surrounding residents have to be

informed prior to the intended extension of work hours.

All mining vehicles to operate at the site need to be equipped with silencers and

maintained in a road worthy condition in terms of the Road Transport Act.



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14. WATER USE Please indicate the source(s) of water that will be used for the activity by ticking the appropriate box(es):

Municipal

water board

groundwater river, stream, dam or lake

Other Quarry Pit

X

the activity will not use water

The rainwater accumulating in the quarry pit is used for process water and dust

suppression. The quarry water is also purified with an onsite water purification plant

and used as potable water.

If water is to be extracted from groundwater, river, stream, dam, lake or any other natural feature, please indicate the volume that will be extracted per month:

±450 000 litres

Does the activity require a water use permit from the Department of Water Affairs?

YES

If YES, please submit the necessary application to the Department of Water Affairs and attach proof thereof to this report.

The applicant is in the process of applying for the water use application.

15. ENERGY EFFICIENCY Describe the design measures, if any, that have been taken to ensure that the activity is energy efficient:

The proposed mining at the site will not require electricity as the machinery makes

use of diesel as energy source.

Describe how alternative energy sources have been taken into account or been built into the design of the activity, if any:

The proposed mining at the site will not require electricity as the machinery makes

use of diesel as energy source.

SECTION C: SITE/ AREA/ PROPERTY DESCRIPTION Important notes:

For linear activities (pipelines, etc) as well as activities that cover very large sites, it may be necessary to complete this section for each part of the site that has a significantly different environment. In such cases please complete copies of Section C and indicate the area, which is covered by each copy No. on the Site Plan.



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Section C Copy No. (e.g. A):

Subsections 1 - 6 below must be completed for each alternative. 1. GRADIENT OF THE SITE Indicate the general gradient of the site. Alternative S1:

Flat 1:50 – 1:20 X

1:20 – 1:15

1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5

1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5

Alternative S2 (if any):

Flat 1:50 – 1:20 X

1:20 – 1:15

1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5

1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5


Flat 1:50 – 1:20

1:20 – 1:15

1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5

1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5

2. LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE Indicate the landform(s) that best describes the site (Please cross the appropriate box). Alternative S1 (preferred site):

Ridgeline Plateau Side slope of hill/mountain

Closed valley

Open valley

Plain Undulating plain/low

hills X

Dune Sea-front



Closed valley

Open valley

Plain Undulating plain/low

hills X

Dune Sea- front



Closed valley

Open valley

Plain Undulating plain/low hills

Dune Sea-front

3. GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE Has a specialist been consulted for the completion of this section? NO

If YES, please complete the following:

Name of the specialist:

Qualification(s) of the specialist:

Postal address:

Postal code:

Telephone: Cell:

E-mail: Fax:

Are there any rare or endangered flora or fauna species (including red data species) present on any of the alternative sites?

YES



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If YES, specify and explain:

The botanist identified two protected tree species present in the

proposed footprint area, namely the Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra

(Maroela) and Boscia albitrunca (Shepherd’s Tree). Both these species

are protected according to Schedule A of the National Forest Act of

1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998).

Are there any special or sensitive habitats or other natural features present on any of the alternative sites?

YES


The vegetation type of the study area, Zululand Lowveld (SVI 23), is

regarded as vulnerable and falls within the Black Rhino Range

Ecosystem (KZN41) which is also listed as Vulnerable in the threatened

terrestrial ecosystems for South Africa (2011).

The botanical report identified three vegetation units within the

proposed footprint area namely:

1. Acacia tortilis subsp. heterocantha – Hyperrhenia flipendula Unit

2. Dichrostachys cinerea – Acacia tortilis subsp. heterocantha Unit

3. Acacia nilotica – Hyparrhenia flipendula Unit

Due to the small size of the proposed development, the uniformity of

habitat and vegetation structure as well as the underutilization of the

area by game, livestock and human the conservation value and

ecosystem function of the study site can be regarded as Medium.

Furthermore according to the Biodiversity Sensitivity Rating, the study

area is regarded as a Medium – High Sensitive Area.

No vegetation was found in the surveyed area indicating wetland

conditions or the presence of drainage lines.

Are any further specialist studies recommended by the specialist? YES

If YES, specify:

A pre-construction walk-through investigation for protected flora and

alien invasive species has been recommended by the specialist to be

conducted prior to commencement of the activities.

If YES, is such a report(s) attached in Appendix D? YES NO



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Signature of specialist: Date:

Is the site(s) located on any of the following (cross the appropriate boxes)? Alternative S1: Alternative S2 (if

any): Alternative S3 (if

any):

Shallow water table (less than 1.5m deep)

NO

NO

YES NO

Dolomite, sinkhole or doline areas

NO

NO

YES NO

Seasonally wet soils (often close to water bodies)

NO

NO

YES NO

Unstable rocky slopes or steep slopes with loose soil

NO

NO

YES NO

Dispersive soils (soils that dissolve in water)

NO

NO

YES NO

Soils with high clay content (clay fraction more than 40%)

NO

NO

YES NO

Any other unstable soil or geological feature

NO

NO

YES NO

An area sensitive to erosion

NO

NO

YES NO

If you are unsure about any of the above or if you are concerned that any of the above aspects may be an issue of concern in the application, an appropriate specialist should be appointed to assist in the completion of this section. (Information in respect of the above will often be available as part of the project information or at the planning sections of local authorities. Where it exists, the 1:50 000 scale Regional Geotechnical Maps prepared by the Council for Geo Science may also be consulted). 4. GROUNDCOVER Has a specialist been consulted for the completion of this section? YES

If YES, please complete the following:

Name of the specialist: Mr. Gerhard Botha Qualification(s) of the specialist: B.Sc Honours degree (Botany) Postal address: P.O. Box 12500, Brandhof Postal code: 9324 Telephone: - Cell: 084 207 3454 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: - Are there any rare or endangered flora or fauna species (including red data species) present on any of the alternative sites?

YES


The botanist identified two protected tree species present in the

proposed footprint area, namely the Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra

(Maroela) and Boscia albitrunca (Shepherd’s Tree). Both these species

are protected according to Schedule A of the National Forest Act of

1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998).

Are there any special or sensitive habitats or other natural features present on any of the alternative sites?

YES

mailto:[email protected]



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The vegetation type of the study area, Zululand Lowveld (SVI 23), is

regarded as vulnerable and falls within the Black Rhino Range

Ecosystem (KZN41) which is also listed as Vulnerable in the threatened

terrestrial ecosystems for South Africa (2011).

The vegetation of the study area is in a natural, mostly undisturbed

state. The dense, tall grass cover consist predominantly out of class

one increasing, climax species, which is indicative of underutilization

(undergrazing).

The botanist identified three vegetation units within the proposed

footprint area namely:

1. Acacia tortilis subsp. heterocantha – Hyperrhenia flipendula

(Unit 1)

Vegetation unit 1 is mostly located on the higher crest and shoulder part

of the study area where the soil is loamier and sometimes gravelly. This

unit has a more open thornveld structure when compared with unit 2.

Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra (protected species) and Category 1

invasive alien Chromolaena odorata are present in the unit area.

2. Dichrostachys cinerea – Acacia tortilis subsp. heterocantha

(Unit 2)

This unit is located along the middle and foot slope and as in vegetation

unit 1 is characterized by loamy soils with some gravelly sections. The

vegetation has a denser thicket type of structure dominated by more

shrubby growth forms of D. cinerea and A. tortilis subsp. heterocantha.

Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra (protected species) and Category 1

invasive alien Chromolaena odorata are present in the unit area.

3. Acacia nilotica – Hyparrhenia flipendula (Unit 3)

Moving from the foot slope into the flatter valley, the vegetation again

becomes a bit more open dominated by medium sized Acacia trees,

and especially A. nilotica which thrive in the more clayey soils of this

section. Two protected trees were found in this unit namely; Sclerocarya

birrea subsp. caffra and Boscia albitrunca The Category 1 alien

invasive; Chromolaena odorata are more troublesome in this unit than



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in the other two units as here it forms dense patches in certain areas.

Due to the small size of the proposed development, the uniformity of

habitat and vegetation structure as well as the underutilization of the

area by game, livestock and human the conservation value and

ecosystem function of the study site can be regarded as Medium.

Furthermore according to the Biodiversity Sensitivity Rating, the study

area is regarded as a Medium – High Sensitive Area.

No vegetation was found in the surveyed area indicating wetland

conditions or the presence of drainage lines.

Are any further specialist studies recommended by the specialist? YES

If YES, specify:

A pre-construction walk-through investigation for protected flora and

alien invasive species has been recommended by the specialist to be

conducted prior to commencement of the activities.

If YES, is such a report(s) attached in Appendix D? NO

Signature of specialist:

Date:

18 February 2015

The location of all identified rare or endangered species or other elements should be accurately indicated on the site plan(s).

Natural veld - good conditionE

Natural veld with scattered

aliensE X

Natural veld with heavy alien infestationE

Veld dominated by alien speciesE

Gardens

Sport field Cultivated land Paved surface Building or other structure

Bare soil

If any of the boxes marked with an “E “is ticked, please consult an appropriate specialist to assist in the completion of this section if the environmental assessment practitioner doesn’t have the necessary expertise. 5. LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA Cross the land uses and/or prominent features that currently occur within a 500m radius of the site and give a description of how this influences the application or may be impacted upon by the application:



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Land use character Description

Natural area YES

The mining area is surrounded by natural areas used for game farming purposes. The proposed mining area will entail the extension of the existing quarry towards and over a section of these natural areas.

Low density residential NO

Medium density residential NO

High density residential NO

Informal residential NO

Retail commercial & warehousing NO

Light industrial NO

Medium industrial NO

Heavy industrial NO

Power station NO

Office/consulting room NO

Military or police base/station/compound NO

Spoil heap or slimes dam YES

The overburden and spoil heaps of the existing quarry borders the proposed mining area.

Quarry, sand or borrow pit YES

The existing quarry borders the proposed mining area to the Southwest.

Dam or reservoir NO

Hospital/medical centre NO

School/ creche NO

Tertiary education facility NO

Church NO

Old age home NO

Sewage treatment plant NO

Train station or shunting yard NO

Railway line NO

Major road (4 lanes or more)

YES

The N2 passes the quarry ±500 m to the West-Southwest. The proposed extension is not anticipated to have an impact on the N2 or road users thereof, as the bulk of the extension will be in an easterly direction away from the N2.

Airport NO

Harbour NO

Sport facilities NO



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Golf course NO

Polo fields NO

Filling station NO

Landfill or waste treatment site NO

Plantation NO

Agriculture YES

As mentioned above the proposed mining area is bordered by areas used for agricultural purposes, in particular game farming. The proposed mining area will entail the extension of the existing quarry towards and over a section of this area.

River, stream or wetland YES

A number of drainage lines with denser vegetation cover are present within 500m of the proposed extension area. These drainage lines all run into a north-easterly direction ultimately draining into a large channelled valley bottom wetland system which is listed as a NFEPA wetland (±550m from the site). The proposed activities at the site are not expected to affect the drainage lines or wetland as all activities will be contained within the boundaries of the site.

Nature conservation area NO

No nature conservation areas are present within 500 m from the site. The Isimangaliso Wetland Park lies ±14.6 km to the East with the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve ±15 km to the Southwest.

Mountain, hill or ridge YES

The topography in the area can be described as undulating with low hills and shallow valleys.

Museum NO

Historical building NO

Protected Area NO

Graveyard NO

Archaeological site NO

Other land uses (describe) NO



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6. CULTURAL/ HISTORICAL FEATURES

Are there any signs of culturally or historically significant elements, as defined in section 2 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, (Act No. 25 of 1999), including archaeological or paleontological sites, on or within 20m of the site?

NO

If YES, contact a specialist recommended by AMAFA to conduct a heritage impact assessment. The heritage impact assessment must be attached as an appendix to this report.

Briefly explain the recommendations of the specialist:

Will any building or structure older than 60 years be affected in any way? NO

Is it necessary to apply for a permit in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999)?

NO

Should any historical or archaeological sites be uncovered during the mining

operations, the operation will stop immediately and the relevant authority (SAHRA

and/or AMAFA) will be contacted. Mining will only commence once the area has

been cleared for work by the authorities.

A Needs and Desirability Application Form was submitted to AMAFA (9 January

2015) for their perusal. Feedback is still awaited.

If YES, please submit the necessary application to AMAFA and attach proof thereof to this report.

SECTION D: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 1. ADVERTISEMENT The person conducting a public participation process must take into account any guidelines applicable to public participation as contemplated in section 24J of the Act and must give notice to all potential interested and affected parties of the application which is subjected to public participation by— (a) fixing a notice board (of a size at least 60cm by 42cm; and must display the required

information in lettering and in a format as may be determined by the competent authority) at a place conspicuous to the public at the boundary or on the fence of— (i) the site where the activity to which the application relates is or is to be

undertaken; and (ii) any alternative site mentioned in the application; (b) giving written notice to—

(i) the owner or person in control of that land if the applicant is not the owner or person in control of the land;

(ii) the occupiers of the site where the activity is or is to be undertaken or to any alternative site where the activity is to be undertaken;



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(iii) owners and occupiers of land adjacent to the site where the activity is or is to be undertaken or to any alternative site where the activity is to be undertaken;

(iv) the municipal councillor of the ward in which the site or alternative site is situated and any organisation of ratepayers that represent the community in the area;

(v) the local and district municipality which has jurisdiction in the area; (vi) any organ of state having jurisdiction in respect of any aspect of the activity (as

identified in the application form for the environmental authorization of this project); and

(vii) any other party as required by the competent authority; (c) placing an advertisement in— (i) one local newspaper; or

(ii) any official Gazette that is published specifically for the purpose of providing public notice of applications or other submissions made in terms of these Regulations;

(d) placing an advertisement in at least one provincial newspaper or national newspaper, if the activity has or may have an impact that extends beyond the boundaries of the metropolitan or district municipality in which it is or will be undertaken: Provided that this paragraph need not be complied with if an advertisement has been placed in an official Gazette referred to in subregulation 54(c)(ii); and

(e) using reasonable alternative methods, as agreed to by the competent authority, in those instances where a person is desiring of but unable to participate in the process due to— (i) illiteracy; (ii) disability; or (iii) any other disadvantage.

2. CONTENT OF ADVERTISEMENTS AND NOTICES A notice board, advertisement or notices must: (a) indicate the details of the application which is subjected to public participation; and (b) state—

(i) that an application for environmental authorization has been submitted to the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs in terms of the EIA Regulations, 2010;(ii)

(iii) a brief project description that includes the nature and location of the activity to which the application relates;

(iv) where further information on the application can be obtained; and (iv) the manner in which and the person to whom representations in respect of the

application may be made. 3. PLACEMENT OF ADVERTISEMENTS AND NOTICES Where the proposed activity may have impacts that extend beyond the municipal area where it is located, a notice must be placed in at least one provincial newspaper or national newspaper, indicating that an application will be submitted to the competent authority in terms of these regulations, the nature and location of the activity, where further information on the proposed activity can be obtained and the manner in which representations in respect of the application can be made, unless a notice has been placed in any Gazette that is published specifically for



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the purpose of providing notice to the public of applications made in terms of the EIA regulations. Advertisements and notices must make provision for all alternatives. 4. DETERMINATION OF APPROPRIATE PROCESS The EAP must ensure that the public participation process is according to that prescribed in regulation 54 of the EIA Regulations, 2010, but may deviate from the requirements of subregulation 54(2) in the manner agreed by the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs as appropriate for this application. Special attention should be given to the involvement of local community structures such as Ward Committees, ratepayers associations and traditional authorities where appropriate. Please note that public concerns that emerge at a later stage that should have been addressed may cause the competent authority to withdraw any authorisation it may have issued if it becomes apparent that the public participation process was inadequate. 5. COMMENTS AND RESPONSE REPORT The practitioner must record all comments and respond to each comment of the public before this application is submitted. The comments and responses must be captured in a comments and response report as prescribed in the EIA regulations (regulation 57 in the EIA Regulations, 2010) and be attached as Appendix E to this report. 6. PARTICIPATION BY DISTRICT, LOCAL AND TRADITIONAL AUTHORITIES District, local and traditional authorities (where applicable) are all key interested and affected parties in each application and no decision on any application will be made before the relevant local authority is provided with the opportunity to give input. The planning and the environmental sections of the local authority must be informed of this application and provided with an opportunity to comment.

Has any comment been received from the district municipality? NO

If “YES”, briefly describe the feedback below (also attach any correspondence to and from this authority with regard to this application):

Has any comment been received from the local municipality? NO


Has any comment been received from a traditional authority? NO




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7. CONSULTATION WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS Any stakeholder that has a direct interest in the site or property, such as servitude holders and service providers, should be informed of the application and be provided with the opportunity to comment.

Has any comment been received from stakeholders? YES

If “YES”, briefly describe the feedback below (also attach copies of any correspondence to and from the stakeholders to this application):

SANRAL responded that they do not have an objection to the extension of the quarry

provided that no access will be taken off the National Road (N2).

SECTION E: IMPACT ASSESSMENT The assessment of impacts must adhere to the requirements in the EIA Regulations, 2010, and should take applicable official guidelines into account. The issues raised by interested and affected parties should also be addressed in the assessment of impacts. 1. ISSUES RAISED BY INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES List the main issues raised by interested and affected parties.

No issues or concerns were raised during the initial public participation process

conducted with regard to the project.

Response from the practitioner to the issues raised by the interested and affected parties (A full response must be given in the Comments and Response Report that must be attached as Appendix E to this report):

N/A



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2. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE PLANNING AND DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATIONAL, DECOMMISSIONING AND CLOSURE PHASES AS WELL AS PROPOSED MANAGEMENT OF IDENTIFIED IMPACTS AND PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES

2.1. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE PLANNING AND DESIGN PHASE

a. Site alternatives List the potential impacts associated with site alternatives that are likely to occur during the planning and design phase: Alternative S1 (preferred alternative)

DIRECT IMPACTS:

Commencement of mining activities prior to receipt of Environmental

Authorisation.

o Impact – Non-compliance with national legislation

Extension of mining area prior to walk-trough investigation

o Impact – Loss or damage to protected plant species

INDIRECT IMPACTS:

Mining of an area without authorization.

Loss of sensitive vegetation

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS:

Compliance notice issued to applicant due to unlawful commencement of

activities.

Alternative S2 (if any)

DIRECT IMPACTS:


Authorisation.

o Impact – Non-compliance with national legislation


o Impact – Loss or damage to protected plant species

INDIRECT IMPACTS:

Mining of an area without authorization.

Loss of sensitive vegetation



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CUMULATIVE IMPACTS:

Compliance notice issued to applicant due to unlawful commencement of

activities.

No-go alternative (compulsory)

DIRECT IMPACTS:

The only operational quarry in the Hluhluwe/Mkuze/Pongola area will have to

close down.

Upon closure of the quarry the current employees will need to be retrenched.

INDIRECT IMPACTS:

Less work opportunities to the local residence.

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS:

Economic loss to the area.

Indicate mitigation measures to manage the potential impacts listed above: Alternative S1 Alternative S2

Commencement of mining activities

prior to receipt of Environmental

Authorization:

An application for environmental

authorization has been submitted to

EDTEA-KZN (30th of October 2014).

No commencement of any mining

activities may start prior to receipt of the

EA and DMR approval for the

extension.

Ensure that mining activities takes place

within the approved mining area.

Extension of mining area prior to walk-

trough investigation:

The final footprint should be

investigated by a botanist to fully inform

the applicant about the:

Commencement of mining activities

prior to receipt of Environmental

Authorization:

An application for environmental

authorization has been submitted to

EDTEA-KZN (30th of October 2014).

No commencement of any mining

activities may start prior to receipt of

the EA and DMR approval for the

extension.

Ensure that mining activities takes

place within the approved mining

area.

Extension of mining area prior to

walk-trough investigation:

The final footprint should be

investigated by a botanist to fully



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o location and number of protected

species that will be affected by the

extension,

o avoidance, protection or relocation

of protected species from the

footprint area,

o location and nature of the alien

invasive species to be cleared prior

to topsoil removal.

inform the applicant about the:

o location and number of

protected species that will be

affected by the extension,

o avoidance, protection or

relocation of protected species

from the footprint area,

o location and nature of the alien

invasive species to be cleared

prior to topsoil removal.

b. Process, technology, layout or other alternatives

List the impacts associated with any process, technology, layout or other alternatives that are likely to occur during the planning and design phase (please list impacts associated with each alternative separately): Alternative A1 (preferred alternative)

Direct impacts: Indirect impacts: Cumulative impacts:

Alternative A2 (if any)




Indicate mitigation measures to manage the potential impacts listed above: Alternative A1: Alternative A2:

2.2. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE

a. Site alternatives

List the potential impacts associated with site alternatives that are likely to occur during the construction phase:

Alternative S1 (preferred site)

During the site establishment phase the applicant will have to clear the topsoil and

overburden from the extension area to open it for drilling and blasting. The most

important impacts of the quarry operation are the generation of noise and dust on the



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site as well as the obvious impact on topography.

DIRECT IMPACTS:

Visual intrusion associated with the establishment of the extension

The proposed extension of the mining area will increase the visual impact of

the mining activities on the surrounding environment.

Dust nuisance caused by the disturbance of soil

The air quality of the area is generally good. The current operations at the mine

generate dust which is suppressed by water sprayers. This is a direct result of

the crushing plant and trucks driving on the dirt access road. The removal of the

topsoil and overburden during the site establishment of the proposed extension

will temporarily contribute to the dust levels of the mining area.

Noise nuisance caused by machinery stripping and stockpiling of topsoil and

overburden

The existing quarry is the cause of high noise levels. Despite being electrically

powered, the crusher plant generates a large amount of noise. Additional noise

emanates from the trucks and tractors, and the hydraulic rock-breaking hammer.

The noise of the hammer and the excavators is screened by the quarry walls,

being situated within the quarry and is thus a localised impact. However, the

trucks and crusher plant can be heard over a larger area. The site establishment

of the proposed extension will temporarily generate noise during the stripping

and stockpiling of the topsoil and overburden. The noise to be generated by the

machinery is anticipated to be representative of the noise currently generated at

the mining area.

Potential negative impact on the fauna and flora of the area

Should the pre-construction walk-through investigation be done prior to topsoil

stripping the impact on protected flora in the footprint area will be mitigated. The

extension will however still impact the flora as it will entail the removal of it to

allow for drilling and stockpiling.

The botanist noted a few game paths crisscrossing the study area probably used

by Impala, Duiker and Kudu moving across the property from the surrounding

game farms. No Red Data fauna species were found on site. The proposed

extension will not have a negative impact on the fauna of the area as the fauna

will still be able to move through or away from the work area.

INDIRECT IMPACTS:



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Visual impact on the surrounding environment

Negative impact on the air quality of the area

Impact on the ambient noise of the area

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS:

The additional area to be opened will have an additional visual impact on the

surrounding area.

As the mining of the proposed area will only commence once the existing quarry has

been mined out, the activities at the new site will not create other cumulative impacts

as the mining impact will shift from the existing quarry to the new area.


The impacts associated with S2 during the construction phase resemble those

identified for S1 as the activity to be carried out is the same. The significance of the

impacts however differs from that proposed for S1 as S2 will have a larger footprint

area and therefore a higher impact on the natural areas.

DIRECT IMPACTS:

Visual intrusion associated with the establishment of the extension


Noise nuisance caused by machinery stripping and stockpiling of topsoil and

overburden


INDIRECT IMPACTS:

Visual impact on the surrounding environment

Negative impact on the air quality of the area

Impact on the ambient noise of the area

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS:


surrounding area.


The no-go alternative entails no change to the status quo and therefore no

construction phase.



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Indicate mitigation measures to manage the potential impacts listed above: Alternative S1 & Alternative S2

Visual Mitigation:

This is an application to increase an existing quarry and the visual impact is localised.

The floor of the quarry and associated working area are well hidden from the view of

the public.

The site needs to have a neat appearance and be kept in good condition at all

times.

Upon closure the site needs to be rehabilitated and sloped to ensure that the

visual impact on the aesthetic value of the area is kept to a minimum.

All temporary infrastructure needs to be removed from site upon closure of the

mining area.

Dust Handling:

The liberation of dust into the surrounding environment should be effectively

controlled by the use of, inter alia, water spraying and/or other dust allaying

agents. Roads must be sprayed with water or an environmentally friendly dust-

allaying agent that contains no PCB’s (e.g. DAS products) if dust is generated

above acceptable limits.

The site manager should ensure continuous assessment of all dust suppression

equipment to confirm its effectiveness in addressing dust suppression.

Speed on the access roads should be limited to 40 km/h to prevent the generation

of excess dust.

Noise Handling:

The applicant should ensure that employees and staff conduct themselves in an

acceptable manner while on site.

All mining vehicles should be equipped with silencers and maintained in a road

worthy condition in terms of the Road Transport Act.

Protection of fauna and flora:

It is recommended that, if possible, an offset-agreement between Afrimat and

Ezemvelo KZN be put in place where an alternative site, of equivalent size, is

rehabilitated and preserved according to recommendations and specifications of



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Ezemvelo KZN in order to mitigate the impact of the proposed extension over a

natural area.

All activities have to stay within the approved boundaries of the mining area and

traffic should be contained to established roads.

No plants or trees may be removed without the approval of the ECO.

The site manager should ensure that no fauna is caught, killed, harmed, sold or

played with.

Workers should be instructed to report any animals that may be trapped in the

working area.

No snares may be set or nests raided for eggs or young.

b. Process, technology, layout or other alternatives List the impacts associated with process, technology, layout or other alternatives that are likely to occur during the construction phase (please list impacts associated with each alternative separately): Alternative A1 (preferred alternative)


Alternative A2




Indicate mitigation measures to manage the potential impacts listed above: Alternative A1: Alternative A2:

2.3. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE OPERATIONAL PHASE


List the potential impacts associated with site alternatives that are likely to occur during the operational phase:

Alternative S1 (preferred alternative)

The removal of material from the extension area will commence from the Southern

side, linking the extension area with the existing quarry pit, working gradually towards



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the Northern boundary of the site. The floor of the pit will slope towards the South

allowing rainwater to drain from the extension area towards the sump in the existing

quarry pit. The slope will be gradual and even. The existing entrance/exist of the

existing quarry will be used by vehicles/machinery accessing the extension area.

This entrance/exist also allows an escape route to people or animals that may

accidentally enter the quarry without unnecessary difficulty.

DIRECT IMPACTS:

Blasting:

Health and safety risk posed by blasting activities

Dust nuisance caused by blasting activities

Noise nuisance caused by blasting activities

Excavation:

Dust nuisance due to excavation activities

Noise nuisance generated by excavation equipment

Erosion and loss of topsoil

Infestation of mining area and soil heaps with weeds/invader plants

Contamination of surface or groundwater due to hazardous spills not being

cleaned

Unsafe working conditions for employees

Negative impact on the fauna that may enter the area

Transportation of material to crushing and stockpile area:

Dust nuisance from vehicles transporting the material

Degradation of access roads

Noise nuisance caused by vehicles

INDIRECT IMPACTS:

Negative impact on the air quality, noise ambiance and aesthetic value of the

surrounding area,

Contamination of water due to incorrect handling of hazardous spills



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CUMULATIVE IMPACTS:


surrounding area.

As the mining of the proposed area will only commence once the existing quarry has

been mined out, the activities at the new site will not create other cumulative impacts

as the mining impact will shift from the existing quarry to the new area.


The impacts associated with S2 during the operational phase resemble those




DIRECT IMPACTS:

Blasting:




Excavation:





Contamination of surface or groundwater due to hazardous spills not being

cleaned



Transportation of material to crushing and stockpile area:






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INDIRECT IMPACTS:


surrounding area,

Contamination of water due to incorrect handling of hazardous spills

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS:


surrounding area.


The no-go alternative entails no change to the status quo and therefore no

operational phase.

Indicate mitigation measures to manage the potential impacts listed above: Alternative S1 & Alternative S2

Management of Health and Safety Risks:

The type, duration and timing of the blasting procedures should be planned with

due cognisance of other land users and structures in the vicinity.

The surrounding landowners and land users should be informed in writing, ahead

of any blasting event.

Measures to limit flyrock should be taken. Audible warning of a pending blast

should be given at least 3 minutes in advance of the blast.

All flyrock (of diameter 150mm and larger) which falls beyond the working area,

together with the rock spill should be collected and removed.

Workers should have access to the correct personal protection equipment (PPE)

as required by law.

All operations should comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Dust Management:


controlled by the use of, inter alia, water spraying and/or other dust-allaying






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Speed on the access roads should be limited to 40km/h to prevent the generation

of excess dust.

Noise Management:





Noise zones needs to be demarcated on site and personnel should not be allowed

to enter high risk areas without hearing protection.

The type, duration and timing of the blasting procedures needs to be planned with

due cognisance of other land users and structures in the vicinity. Surrounding land

owners should be notified in writing prior blasting occasions.

Storm water Handling:

Storm water should be diverted around the mining area and access road to

prevent erosion.

Mining should be conducted only in accordance with the Best Practice Guideline

for small scale mining that relates to storm water management, erosion and

sediment control and waste management, developed by the Department of Water

and Sanitation (DWS):

o Clean water (e.g. rainwater) must be kept clean and be routed to a natural

watercourse by a system separate from the dirty water system.

o Dirty water must be collected and contained in a system separate from the

clean water system.

o Dirty water must be prevented from spilling or seeping into clean water

systems.

o The storm water management plan must apply for the entire life cycle of the

mine and over different hydrological cycles (rainfall patterns).

o The statutory requirements of various regulatory agencies and the interests of

stakeholders must be considered and incorporated into the storm water

management plan.

Site management has to comply with all the requirements stipulated in the Water



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Use Authorisation issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation for the water

uses on site.

Weed/Invader Plant Control:

The topsoil heaps needs to be vegetated to minimize the potential of weed

infestation.

Weed / invader plant clearing have to be done in a sporadic manner during the life

of the mining activities. Species regarded as Category 1 weeds according to

CARA (Conservation of Agricultural Recourses Act, 1983 – Act 43; Regulations 15

& 16 (as amended in March 2001) need to be eradicated from the site.

Removal of weeds should be manual or through the application of approved

herbicides.

The alien invader plant management plan as attached to the EMPr has to be

implemented at the site.

Waste Management:

Vehicle repairs may only take place within the service bay area at the existing site

camp.

Hydrocarbon spills should be cleaned up immediately by removing the spillage

together with the polluted soil and disposing of it at the site camp from where it

needs to be removed to an appropriate disposal facility.

Any contaminated soil containing oil, grease or other industrial substances must

be collected in a suitable receptacle and immediately removed to the site camp for

appropriate disposal at a recognized facility.

Protection of fauna:


played with.


working area.


Management of Access Roads:

Storm water should be diverted around the access roads to prevent erosion.



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Vehicular movement must be restricted to existing access routes to prevent

crisscrossing of tracks through undisturbed areas.

All access roads used during the operational phase of the mining activities should

be maintained and rutting should be repaired.


List the impacts associated with process, technology, layout or other alternatives that are likely to occur during the operational phase (please list impacts associated with each alternative separately): Alternative A1 (preferred alternative)


Alternative A2




Indicate mitigation measures to manage the potential impacts listed above: Alternative A1 Alternative A2

2.4. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE DECOMMISSIONING OR CLOSURE

PHASE


List the potential impacts associated with site alternatives that are likely to occur during the decommissioning or closure phase: Alternative S1 (preferred alternative)

Mining will be conducted in such a way as to level existing depressions, pits and

banks and to ensure that the topography during mining and after closure will be

evenly terraced. The edges of the mining area will be blasted to ensure that no steep

“steps” are left between the quarry site and any unmined portion of the property

which would cause channels for erosion. The benches that will be blasted will

reduce the danger of unstable vertical slopes on the site, as well as allow for an area

to be vegetated in order to control the runoff from the quarry walls. The rehabilitation

of the disturbed areas will be undertaken at the completion of all blasting. The areas

that remain exposed and without surface cover will be revegetated. Topsoil berms



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will be decommissioned and the soil in these berms will be redistributed over the

rehabilitated area. This phase will ensure that the rehabilitation of the surface is

complete and that closure can be applied for in terms of section 43 of the MPRDA.

DIRECT IMPACTS:

Dust nuisance caused during sloping and landscaping activities

Noise nuisance caused by machinery

Visual intrusion if rehabilitation is not done

Health and safety risk posed by un-sloped areas

INDIRECT IMPACTS:


surrounding area.

Alternative S2

The impacts associated with S2 during the decommissioning phase resemble those




DIRECT IMPACTS:





INDIRECT IMPACTS:


surrounding area.


The no-go alternative entails no change to the status quo and therefore will not have

a decommissioning phase.

Indicate mitigation measures to manage the potential impacts listed above:



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Alternative S1 & Alternative S2

Dust handling:


controlled by the use of, inter alia, water spraying and/or other dust-allaying






Speed on the access roads should be limited to 40km/h to prevent the generation

of excess dust.

Noise Handling:





Visual Mitigation:

Upon closure the site needs to be rehabilitated and sloped according to the

rehabilitation objectives approved by DMR in the mining EMPR to ensure that the


Rehabilitation of excavation areas:

The excavated area must serve as a final depositing area for the placement of

overburden.

Rocks and coarse material removed from the excavation must be dumped into the

excavation.

No waste will be permitted to be deposited in the excavation.

Once the overburden, rocks and coarse natural materials has been dumped into

the excavation and the area has been profiled with acceptable contours and

erosion control measures, the available topsoil previously stored shall be returned

over the area.

The area shall be fertilized if necessary to allow vegetation to establish rapidly.

The site shall be seeded with a local or adapted indigenous seed mix in order to

propagate the locally or regionally occurring flora as prescribed in the EMPr.



of 91

All infrastructure, equipment and other items used during the mining period has to

be removed from the site (section 44 of the MPRDA).

Final rehabilitation shall be completed within a period specified by the Regional

Manager of DMR.


List the impacts associated with process, technology, layout or other alternatives that are likely to occur during the decommissioning or closure phase (please list impacts associated with each alternative separately): Alternative A1 (preferred alternative)


Alternative A2




Indicate mitigation measures to manage the potential impacts listed above: Alternative A1 Alternative A2

2.5. PROPOSED MONITORING AND AUDITING

For each phase of the project and for each alternative, please indicate how identified impacts and mitigation will be monitored and/or audited.

S1 (preferred site) & S2

MONITORING ASPECT ROLE RESPONSIBILITY

Compliance with legislation

Applicant to ensure compliance

with national legislation.

Compliance to be monitored by

the Environmental Control

Officer.

Obtain EA and DMR

approval prior to

commencement of mining

activities.

Ensure that mining activities

takes place within the

approved mining area.



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Identification and

management of protected

plant species

Applicant to ensure compliance

with the guidelines as stipulated

in the BA and EMPr.



Officer.

Appoint a botanist to

conduct a walk-through of

the final footprint area.

Apply for removal permits

from Ezemvelo KZN prior to.

Comply with the

recommendations of the

specialist.

Visual Aspects

Site Manager to ensure

compliance with the guidelines

as stipulated in the BA and

EMPr.



Officer.

Ensure the site has a neat

appearance and is kept in

good condition at all times.

Upon closure rehabilitate

and slope the site to ensure

the visual impact on the

aesthetic value of the area is

kept to a minimum.

Remove all temporary

infrastructure from site upon

closure of the mining area.

Ensure rehabilitation is done

according to the

rehabilitation objectives

approved by DMR in the

mining EMPR.

Topsoil Handling




EMPr.



Officer.

Restrict topsoil stripping to area

that has to be mined.

Remove the top 100 – 200 mm

of topsoil. If unclear where the

topsoil layer ends remove the

top 300 mm of soil.

Stockpile the topsoil in the form

of a berm alongside the

boundary of the quarry where it

will not be driven over,



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contaminated, flooded or

moved during the operational

phase.

Place the topsoil stockpiles on

a levelled area and implement

measures to safeguard the

piles from being washed away

in the event of heavy

rains/storm water.

Topsoil heaps should not

exceed 1.5 m in height in order

to preserve micro-organisms

within the topsoil, which can be

lost due to compaction and lack

of oxygen.

Plant the topsoil berm with

indigenous grass species, to

help the soil remain viable.

Keep the topsoil stockpiles free

of weeds and invader plants.

Dust Handling




EMPr.



Officer.

Effectively control the

liberation of dust into the

surrounding environment by

the use of, inter alia, water

spraying and/or other dust

allaying agents. Spray

roads with water or an

environmentally friendly

dust-allaying agent that

contains no PCB’s (e.g. DAS

products) if dust is

generated above acceptable

limits.

Ensure continuous

assessment of all dust

suppression equipment to



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confirm its effectiveness in

addressing dust

suppression.

Limit speed on the access

roads to 40 km/h to prevent

the generation of excess

dust.

Noise Management




EMPr.



Officer.

Ensure that employees and

staff conduct themselves in

an acceptable manner while

on site.

Ensure all mining vehicles

are equipped with silencers

and maintained in a road

worthy condition in terms of

the Road Transport Act.

Demarcate noise zones on

site and do not allow

personnel to enter high risk

areas without hearing

protection.

Plan type, duration and

timing of blasting procedures

with due cognisance of other

land users and structures in

the vicinity. Notify

surrounding land owners in

writing prior to blasting

occasions.

Fauna and Flora




EMPr.

Contact Ezemvelo KZN to

investigate the possibility of

establishing an off-set area

of equivalent size in order to

mitigate the impact of the



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Officer.

proposed extension over a

natural area.

Do not remove any plants or

trees without the approval of

the ECO.

Ensure that no fauna is

caught, killed, harmed, sold

or played with.

Instruct workers to report

any animals that may be

trapped in the working area.

Ensure no snares are set or

nests raided for eggs or

young.

Contain all activities within

the approved boundaries of

the mining area and contain

traffic on the established

roads.

Management of health and

safety risks




EMPr.



Officer.

Plan the type, duration and

timing of the blasting

procedures with due

cognisance of other land

users and structures in the

vicinity.

Inform the surrounding

landowners and land users

in writing, ahead of any

blasting event.

Limit flyrock. Give audible

warning of a pending blast at

least 3 minutes in advance

of the blast.

Collect and remove all

flyrock (of diameter 150mm



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and larger) which falls

beyond the working area.

Ensure workers have access

to the correct personal

protection equipment (PPE)

as required by law.

Ensure all operations comply

with the Occupational Health

and Safety Act.

Storm water handling




EMPr.



Officer.

Divert storm water around

the mining area and access

road to prevent erosion.

Conduct mining only in

accordance with the Best

Practice Guideline for small

scale mining that relates to

storm water management,

erosion and sediment control

and waste management,

developed by the

Department of Water and

Sanitation (DWS):

o Clean water (e.g.

rainwater) must be kept

clean and be routed to a

natural watercourse by a

system separate from

the dirty water system.

o Dirty water must be

collected and contained

in a system separate

from the clean water

system.

o Dirty water must be

prevented from spilling



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or seeping into clean

water systems.

o The storm water

management plan must

apply for the entire life

cycle of the mine and

over different

hydrological cycles

(rainfall patterns).

Consider and incorporate

the statutory requirements of

various regulatory agencies

and the interests of

stakeholders into the storm

water management plan.

Comply with all the

requirements stipulated in

the Water Use Authorisation

issued by the DWS for the

water uses on site.

Management of weed/invader

plants




EMPr.



Officer

Vegetate the topsoil heaps

to minimize the potential of

weed infestation.

Do weed / invader plant

clearing in a sporadic

manner during the life of the

mining activities. Eradicate

species regarded as

Category 1 weeds according

to CARA (Conservation of

Agricultural Recourses Act,

1983 – Act 43; Regulations

15 & 16 (as amended in

March 2001).

Remove weeds manually or



of 91

through the application of

approved herbicides.

Implement the alien invader

plant management plan as

attached to the EMP.

Waste management




EMPr.



Officer.

Ensure vehicle repairs only

take place within the service

bay area at the existing site

camp.

Clean hydrocarbon spills

immediately by removing the

spillage together with the

polluted soil and disposing of

it at the site camp from

where it has to be removed

to an appropriate disposal

facility.

Remove any contaminated

soil containing oil, grease or

other industrial substances

and collect it in a suitable

receptacle. Immediately

removed to the site camp for

appropriate disposal at a

recognized facility.

Management of access roads




EMPr.



Officer.

Divert storm water around

the access roads to prevent

erosion.

Restrict vehicular movement

to existing access routes to

prevent crisscrossing of

tracks through undisturbed

areas.

Maintain all access roads



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during the operational phase

of the mining activities and

repair rutting.

Rehabilitation of excavation

area




EMPr.



Officer.

Ensure the excavated area

serve as a final depositing

area for the placement of

overburden.

Dump rocks and coarse

material removed from the

excavation into the

excavation.

Do not permit the deposition

of waste into the excavation.

Once the overburden, rocks

and coarse natural materials

has been dumped into the

excavation and the area has

been profiled with

acceptable contours and

erosion control measures,

the available topsoil

previously stored shall be

returned over the area.

Fertilize the area if

necessary to allow

vegetation to establish

rapidly. Seed the site with a

local or adapted indigenous

seed mix in order to

propagate the locally or

regionally occurring flora as

prescribed in the EMP.

Remove all infrastructure,

equipment and other items

used during the mining



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period from the site (section

44 of the MPRDA).

Complete final rehabilitation

within a period specified by

the Regional Manager of

DMR

Alternative A2

Alternative S1 (preferred alternative)

Alternative S2

3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT Taking the assessment of potential impacts into account, please provide an environmental impact statement that summarises the impact that the proposed activity and its alternatives may have on the environment after the management and mitigation of impacts have been taken into account, with specific reference to types of impact, duration of impacts, likelihood of potential impacts actually occurring and the significance of impacts.

Methodology for the assessment of the potential environmental, social and cultural impacts

DEFINITIONS AND CONCEPTS:

Environmental significance:

The concept of significance is at the core of impact identification, evaluation and

decision-making. The concept remains largely undefined and there is no international

consensus on a single definition. The following common elements are recognized

from the various interpretations:

Environmental significance is a value judgment

The degree of environmental significance depends on the nature of the impact

The importance is rated in terms of both biophysical and socio-economic values

Determining significance involves the amount of change to the environment

perceived to be acceptable to affected communities.

Significance can be differentiated into impact magnitude and impact significance.

Impact magnitude is the measurable change (i.e. intensity, duration and likelihood).



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Impact significance is the value placed on the change by different affected parties

(i.e. level of acceptability) (DEAT (2002) Impact Significance, Integrated

Environmental Management, Information Series 5).

The concept of risk has two dimensions, namely the consequence of an event or set

of circumstances, and the likelihood of particular consequences being realised

(Environment Australia (1999) Environmental Risk Management).

Impact

The positive or negative effects on human well-being and / or the environment.

Consequence

The intermediate or final outcome of an event or situation OR it is the result, on the

environment, of an event.

Likelihood

A qualitative term covering both probability and frequency.

Frequency

The number of occurrences of a defined event in a given time or rate.

Probability

The likelihood of a specific outcome measured by the ratio of a specific outcome to

the total number of possible outcomes.

Environment

Surroundings in which an organization operates, including air, water, land, natural

resources, flora, fauna, humans and their interrelation (ISO 14004, 1996).

Methodology that will be used

The environmental significance assessment methodology is based on the following

determination:

Environmental Significance = Overall Consequence x Overall Likelihood



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Determination of Overall Consequence

Consequence analysis is a mixture of quantitative and qualitative information and the

outcome can be positive or negative. Several factors can be used to determine

consequence. For the purpose of determining the environmental significance in terms

of consequence, the following factors were chosen: Severity/Intensity, Duration

and Extent/Spatial Scale. Each factor is assigned a rating of 1 to 5, as described in

the tables below.

Determination of Severity / Intensity

Severity relates to the nature of the event, aspect or impact to the environment and

describes how severe the aspects impact on the biophysical and socio-economic

environment.

Table 1 will be used to obtain an overall rating for severity, taking into consideration

the various criteria.

Rating of Severity:

Type of criteria

Rating

1 2 3 4 5

Quantitative 0-20% 21-40% 41-60% 61-80% 81-100%

Qualitative Insignifiant / Non-harmful

Small / Potentially harmful

Significant/ Harmful

Great/ Very harmful

Disastrous Extremely harmful

Social/ Community response

Acceptable / I&AP satisfied

Slightly tolerable / Possible objections

Intolerable/ Sporadic complaints

Unacceptable / Widespread complaints

Totally unacceptable / Possible legal action

Irreversibility Very low cost to mitigate/ High potential to mitigate impacts to level of insignificance/ Easily reversible

Low cost to mitigate

Substantial cost to mitigate/ Potential to mitigate impacts/ Potential to reverse impact

High cost to mitigate

Prohibitive cost to mitigate/ Little or no mechanism to mitigate impact Irreversible

Biophysical (Air quality, water quantity and quality, waste production, fauna and flora)

Insignificant change / deterioration or disturbance

Moderate change / deterioration or disturbance

Significant change / deterioration or disturbance

Very significant change / deterioration or disturbance

Disastrous change / deterioration or disturbance



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Determination of Duration

Duration refers to the amount of time that the environment will be affected by the

event, risk or impact, if no intervention e.g. remedial action takes place.

Rating of Duration:

Rating Description

1 Up to ONE MONTH

2 ONE MONTH to THREE MONTHS (QUARTER)

3 THREE MONTHS to ONE YEAR

4 ONE to TEN YEARS

5 Beyond TEN YEARS

Determination of Extent/Spatial Scale

Extent or spatial scale is the area affected by the event, aspect or impact.

Rating of Extent / Spatial Scale:

Rating Description

1 Immediate, fully contained area

2 Surrounding area

3 Within Business Unit area of responsibility

4 Within the farm/neighboring farm area

5 Regional, National, International

Determination of Overall Consequence

Overall consequence is determined by adding the factors determined above and

summarized below, and then dividing the sum by 3.

Example of calculating Overall Consequence

Consequence Rating

Severity Example 4

Duration Example 2

Extent Example 4

SUBTOTAL 10

TOTAL CONSEQUENCE: (Subtotal divided by 3)

3.3

Determination of Likelihood:

The determination of likelihood is a combination of Frequency and Probability. Each

factor is assigned a rating of 1 to 5, as described below and in tables 6 and 7.



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Determination of Frequency

Frequency refers to how often the specific activity, related to the event, aspect or

impact, is undertaken.

Rating of Frequency:

Rating Description

1 Once a year or once/more during operation

2 Once/more in 6 Months

3 Once/more a Month

4 Once/more a Week

5 Daily

Determination of Probability

Probability refers to how often the activity or aspect has an impact on the

environment.

Rating of Probability

Rating Description

1 Almost never / almost impossible

2 Very seldom / highly unlikely

3 Infrequent / unlikely / seldom

4 Often / regularly / likely / possible

5 Daily / highly likely / definitely

Overall Likelihood

Overall likelihood is calculated by adding the factors determined above and

summarized below, and then dividing the sum by 2.

Example of calculating Overall Likelihood

Consequence Rating

Frequency Example 4

Probability Example 2

SUBTOTAL 6

TOTAL LIKELIHOOD (Subtotal divided by 2)

3



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Determination of Overall Environmental Significance:

The multiplication of overall consequence with overall likelihood will provide the

environmental significance, which is a number that will then fall into a range of LOW,

LOW-MEDIUM, MEDIUM, MEDIUM-HIGH or HIGH, as shown in the table below.

Determination of Overall Environmental Significance

Significance or Risk Low Low-

Medium Medium

Medium-High

High

Overall Consequence

X Overall Likelihood

1 - 4.9 5 - 9.9 10 - 14.9 15 – 19.9 20 - 25

Qualitative description or magnitude of Environmental Significance

This description is qualitative and is an indication of the nature or magnitude of the

Environmental Significance. It also guides the prioritizations and decision making

process associated with this event, aspect or impact.

Description of Environmental Significance and related action required

Significance Low Low-

Medium Medium

Medium-High

High

Impact Magnitude

Impact is of very low order and therefore likely to have very little real effect. Acceptable.

Impact is of low order and therefore likely to have little real effect. Acceptable.

Impact is real, and potentially substantial in relation to other impacts. Can pose a risk to company

Impact is real and substantial in relation to other impacts. Pose a risk to the company. Unacceptable

Impact is of the highest order possible. Unacceptable. Fatal flaw.

Action Required

Maintain current management measures. Where possible improve.

Maintain current management measures. Implement monitoring and evaluate to determine potential increase in risk. Where possible improve

Implement monitoring. Investigate mitigation measures and improve management measures to reduce risk, where possible.

Improve management measures to reduce risk.

Implement significant mitigation measures or implement alternatives.



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Based on the above, the significance rating scale has been determined as follows:

High Of the highest order possible within the bounds of impacts

which could occur. In the case of negative impacts, there

would be no possible mitigation and / or remedial activity to

offset the impact at the spatial or time scale for which it was

predicted. In the case of positive impacts, there is no real

alternative to achieving the benefit.

Medium-High Impacts of a substantial order. In the case of negative impacts,

mitigation and / or remedial activity would be feasible but

difficult, expensive, time-consuming or some combination of

these. In the case of positive impacts, other means of

achieving this benefit would be feasible, but these would

be more difficult, expensive, time-consuming or some

combination of these.

Medium Impact would be real but not substantial within the bounds of

those, which could occur. In the case of negative impacts,

mitigation and / or remedial activity would be both feasible and

fairly easily possible, In case of positive impacts; other means

of achieving these benefits would be about equal in time, cost

and effort.

Low - Medium Impact would be of a low order and with little real effect. In the

case of negative impacts, mitigation and / or remedial activity

would be either easily achieved of little would be required, or

both. In case of positive impacts alternative means for

achieving this benefit would likely be easier, cheaper, more

effective, less time-consuming, or some combination of these.

Low Impact would be negligible. In the case of negative impacts,

almost no mitigation and or remedial activity would be needed,

and any minor steps, which might be needed, would be easy,

cheap and simple. In the case of positive impacts, alternative

means would almost all likely be better, in one or a number of

ways, than this means of achieving the benefit



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Insignificant There would be a no impact at all – not even a very low impact on the system or any of its parts

Alternative S1 (preferred site)

IMPACT RATING AFTER THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MITIGATION MEASURES

PLANNING AND DESIGN PHASE

Commencement of mining activities prior to receipt of Environmental Authorisation

Severity

4

Duration 4

Extent 1

Probability

2

Frequency 1

LOW

CONSEQUENCE OF IMPACT LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE SIGNIFICANCE

3 1.5 4.5


Severity

5

Duration 2

Extent 1

Probability 2

Frequency 1

LOW


2.6 1.5 3.9

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Visual intrusion associated with the extension

Severity

2

Duration 4

Extent 2

Probability

4

Frequency 5

MEDIUM


2.6 4.5 11.7


Severity

2

Duration 2

Extent 1

Probability

4

Frequency 1

LOW


1.6 2.5 4

Noise nuisance caused by machinery stripping and stockpiling of topsoil and overburden

Severity

2

Duration 1

Extent 1

Probability

3

Frequency 1

LOW


1.3 2 2.6


Severity

5

Duration 1

Extent 1

Probability

5

Frequency 1

LOW - MEDIUM


2.3 3 6.9

OPERATIONAL PHASE


Severity

4

Duration 4

Extent 1

Probability

2

Frequency 1

LOW


3 1.5 4.5



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Severity

3

Duration 1

Extent 2

Probability

5

Frequency 2

LOW – MEDIUM


2 3.5 7


Severity

3

Duration 1

Extent 3

Probability

5

Frequency 2

LOW – MEDIUM


2.3 3.5 8


Severity

3

Duration 4

Extent 2

Probability

2

Frequency 2

LOW – MEDIUM


3 2 6


Severity

2

Duration

4

Extent

1

Probability 2

Frequency 5

LOW – MEDIUM


2.3 3.5 8


Severity

3

Duration

1

Extent

1

Probability 3

Frequency 2

LOW


1.6 2.5 4


Severity

3

Duration

1

Extent

1

Probability 4

Frequency 2

LOW


1.6 2 3.2

Contamination of surface or groundwater due to hazardous spills not being cleaned

Severity

4

Duration

1

Extent

1

Probability 3

Frequency 1

LOW


2 2 4


Severity

4

Duration

1

Extent

1

Probability 2

Frequency 1

LOW


2 1.5 3


Severity

4

Duration

4

Extent

1

Probability 2

Frequency 1

LOW


3 1.5 4.5


Severity

4

Duration

1

Extent

2

Probability 3

Frequency 3

LOW – MEDIUM


2.3 3 6.9


Severity

4

Duration

1

Extent

1

Probability 2

Frequency 1

LOW


2 1.5 3


Severity

3

Duration

4

Extent

2

Probability 2

Frequency 2

LOW – MEDIUM


3 2 6



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DECOMMISSIONING PHASE


Severity

3

Duration 1

Extent 2

Probability

3

Frequency 1

LOW


2 2 4


Severity

3

Duration 1

Extent 2

Probability

3

Frequency 1

LOW


2 2 4


Severity

4

Duration 5

Extent 2

Probability

2

Frequency 1

LOW – MEDIUM


3.6 1.5 5.4


Severity

4

Duration 5

Extent 1

Probability

2

Frequency 1

LOW


3.3 1.5 4.9

Alternative S2

IMPACT RATING AFTER THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MITIGATION MEASURES

PLANNING AND DESIGN PHASE

Commencement of mining activities prior to receipt of Environmental Authorisation

Severity

4

Duration 4

Extent 1

Probability

2

Frequency 1

LOW


3 1.5 4.5


Severity

5

Duration 2

Extent 1

Probability 2

Frequency 1

LOW


2.6 1.5 3.9

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Visual intrusion associated with the extension

Severity

3

Duration 4

Extent 2

Probability

4

Frequency 5

MEDIUM


3 4.5 13.5


Severity

2

Duration 2

Extent 1

Probability

4

Frequency 1

LOW


1.6 2.5 4

Noise nuisance caused by machinery stripping and stockpiling topsoil and

Severity

2

Duration 1

Extent 1

Probability

3

Frequency 1

LOW


1.3 2 2.6



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overburden


Severity

5

Duration 2

Extent 1

Probability

5

Frequency 1

LOW – MEDIUM


2.6 3 7.8

OPERATIONAL PHASE


Severity

4

Duration 4

Extent 1

Probability

2

Frequency 1

LOW


3 1.5 4.5


Severity

3

Duration 1

Extent 2

Probability

5

Frequency 2

LOW – MEDIUM


2 3.5 7


Severity

3

Duration 1

Extent 3

Probability

5

Frequency 2

LOW – MEDIUM


2.3 3.5 8


Severity

3

Duration 4

Extent 2

Probability

2

Frequency 2

LOW – MEDIUM


3 2 6


Severity

2

Duration

4

Extent

1

Probability 2

Frequency 5

LOW – MEDIUM


2.3 3.5 8


Severity

3

Duration

1

Extent

1

Probability 3

Frequency 2

LOW


1.6 2.5 4


Severity

3

Duration

1

Extent

1

Probability 4

Frequency 2

LOW


1.6 2 3.2

Contamination of surface or groundwater due to hazardous spills not being cleaned

Severity

4

Duration

1

Extent

1

Probability 3

Frequency 1

LOW


2 2 4


Severity

4

Duration

1

Extent

1

Probability 2

Frequency 1

LOW


2 1.5 3


Severity

4

Duration

4

Extent

1

Probability 2

Frequency 1

LOW


3 1.5 4.5



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Severity

4

Duration

1

Extent

2

Probability 3

Frequency 3

LOW – MEDIUM


2.3 3 6.9


Severity

4

Duration

1

Extent

1

Probability 2

Frequency 1

LOW


2 1.5 3


Severity

3

Duration

4

Extent

2

Probability 2

Frequency 2

LOW – MEDIUM


3 2 6

DECOMMISSIONING PHASE


Severity

3

Duration 1

Extent 2

Probability

3

Frequency 1

LOW


2 2 4


Severity

3

Duration 1

Extent 2

Probability

3

Frequency 1

LOW


2 2 4


Severity

4

Duration 5

Extent 3

Probability

2

Frequency 1

LOW – MEDIUM


4 1.5 6


Severity

4

Duration 5

Extent 1

Probability

2

Frequency 1

LOW


3.3 1.5 4.9


The only operational quarry in the Hluhluwe/Mkuze/Pongola area will have to close down

Severity

5

Duration

5

Extent

5

Probability 5

Frequency 5

HIGH


5 5 25

Upon closure of the quarry the current employees will need to be retrenched

Severity

5

Duration

5

Extent

5

Probability 5

Frequency 1

MEDIUM – HIGH


5 3 15

Alternative A1 (preferred alternative)

Alternative A2




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SECTION F. RECOMMENDATION OF EAP

Is the information contained in this report and the documentation attached hereto in the view of the EAPr sufficient to make a decision in respect of this report?

YES

If “NO”, please contact the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs regarding the further requirements for your report.

If “YES”, please attach the draft EMPr as Appendix F to this report and list any recommended conditions, including mitigation measures that should be considered for inclusion in any authorisation that may be granted by the competent authority in respect of the application:


Authorization:

No commencement of any mining activities may start prior to receipt of the EA

and DMR approval for the extension.

Ensure that mining activities takes place within the approved mining area.

Extension of mining area prior to walk-trough investigation:

The final footprint should be investigated by a botanist to fully inform the applicant

about the:

o location and number of protected species that will be affected by the

extension,

o avoidance, protection or relocation of protected species from the footprint

area,

o location and nature of the alien invasive species to be cleared prior to topsoil

removal.

Visual Mitigation:

The site needs to have a neat appearance and be kept in good condition at all

times.

Upon closure the site needs to be rehabilitated and sloped according to the

rehabilitation objectives approved by DMR in the mining EMPR to ensure that the


All temporary infrastructure needs to be removed from site upon closure of the

mining area.



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Dust Handling:


controlled by the use of, inter alia, water spraying and/or other dust allaying






Speed on the access roads should be limited to 40 km/h to prevent the

generation of excess dust.

Noise Handling:





Noise zones needs to be demarcated on site and personnel should not be

allowed to enter high risk areas without hearing protection.

The type, duration and timing of the blasting procedures needs to be planned

with due cognisance of other land users and structures in the vicinity.

Surrounding land owners should be notified in writing prior blasting occasions.

Protection of fauna and flora:

It is recommended that, if possible, an offset-agreement between Afrimat and

Ezemvelo KZN be put in place where an alternative site, of equivalent size, is

rehabilitated and preserved according to recommendations and specifications of

Ezemvelo KZN in order to mitigate the impact of the proposed extension over a

natural area.

All activities have to stay within the approved boundaries of the mining area and

traffic should be contained to established roads.

No plants or trees may be removed without the approval of the ECO.


played with.


working area.



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Management of Health and Safety Risks:

The type, duration and timing of the blasting procedures should be planned with

due cognisance of other land users and structures in the vicinity.

The surrounding landowners and land users should be informed in writing, ahead

of any blasting event.

Measures to limit flyrock should be taken. Audible warning of a pending blast

should be given at least 3 minutes in advance of the blast.

All flyrock (of diameter 150mm and larger) which falls beyond the working area,

together with the rock spill should be collected and removed.

Workers should have access to the correct personal protection equipment (PPE)

as required by law.

All operations should comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Storm water Handling and Erosion Control:

Storm water should be diverted around the mining area and access road to

prevent erosion.

Mining should be conducted only in accordance with the Best Practice Guideline

for small scale mining that relates to storm water management, erosion and

sediment control and waste management, developed by the Department of Water

and Sanitation (DWS):

o Clean water (e.g. rainwater) must be kept clean and be routed to a natural

watercourse by a system separate from the dirty water system.

o Dirty water must be collected and contained in a system separate from the

clean water system.

o Dirty water must be prevented from spilling or seeping into clean water

systems.

o The storm water management plan must apply for the entire life cycle of the

mine and over different hydrological cycles (rainfall patterns).

o The statutory requirements of various regulatory agencies and the interests of

stakeholders must be considered and incorporated into the storm water

management plan.

Site management has to comply with all the requirements stipulated in the Water

Use Authorisation issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation for the water

uses on site.



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Weeds/Invader Plant Control:

The topsoil heaps needs to be vegetated to minimize the potential of weed

infestation.

Weed / invader plant clearing have to be done in a sporadic manner during the

life of the mining activities. Species regarded as Category 1 weeds according to

CARA (Conservation of Agricultural Recourses Act, 1983 – Act 43; Regulations

15 & 16 (as amended in March 2001) need to be eradicated from the site.

Removal of weeds should be manual or through the application of approved

herbicides.

The alien invader plant management plan as attached to the EMPr has to be

implemented at the site.

Waste Management:

Vehicle repairs may only take place within the service bay area at the existing site

camp.

Hydrocarbon spills should be cleaned up immediately by removing the spillage

together with the polluted soil and disposing of it at the site camp from where it

needs to be removed to an appropriate disposal facility.

Any contaminated soil containing oil, grease or other industrial substances must

be collected in a suitable receptacle and immediately removed to the site camp

for appropriate disposal at a recognized facility.

Management of Access Roads:

Storm water should be diverted around the access roads to prevent erosion.

Vehicular movement must be restricted to existing access routes to prevent

crisscrossing of tracks through undisturbed areas.

All access roads used during the operational phase of the mining activities should

be maintained and rutting should be repaired.

Rehabilitation of excavation areas:

The excavated area must serve as a final depositing area for the placement of

overburden.

Rocks and coarse material removed from the excavation must be dumped into

the excavation.

No waste will be permitted to be deposited in the excavation.



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Once the overburden, rocks and coarse natural materials has been dumped into

the excavation and the area has been profiled with acceptable contours and

erosion control measures, the available topsoil previously stored shall be returned

over the area.

The area shall be fertilized if necessary to allow vegetation to establish rapidly.

The site shall be seeded with a local or adapted indigenous seed mix in order to

propagate the locally or regionally occurring flora as prescribed in the EMPr.

All infrastructure, equipment and other items used during the mining period has to

be removed from the site (section 44 of the MPRDA).

Final rehabilitation shall be completed within a period specified by the Regional

Manager of DMR.

SECTION G: APPENDIXES The following appendixes must be attached as appropriate: Appendix A: Site plan(s) Appendix B: Photographs Appendix C: Facility illustration(s) Appendix D: Specialist reports Appendix E: Comments and responses report Appendix F: Draft Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) Appendix G: Other information



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APPENDIX A: SITE PLAN



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APPENDIX B: PHOTOGRAPHS



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VEGETATION OF THE PROPOSED EXTENSION AREA



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EXISTING QUARRY PIT TO BE EXTENDED

EXISTING CRUSHER PLANT AT SITE CAMP EXISTING STOCKPILE AREA



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APPENDIX C: FACILITY ILLUSTRATION



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ILLUSTRATION OF THE CURRENT OPEN CAST MINING CONDUCTED AT HLUHLUWE QUARRY – THE

MINING OF THE EXTENSION AREA WILL BE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CURRENT ACTIVITIES

THE ABOVE SATELLITE IMAGE INDICATES THE CURRENT ACTIVITIES AT

THE MINING AREA AS WELL AS THE PROPOSED EXTENSION AREA



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APPENDIX D: SPECIALIST STUDY

VEGETATION REPORT



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APPENDIX E: COMMENTS AND RESPONSE REPORT



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APPENDIX F: DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME



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APPENDIX G: OTHER

CORRESPONDENCE WITH DMR WITH REGARD TO CORRECTING OF THE

ADMINISTRATIVE ERROR



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PROPOSED EXTENSION OF HLUHLUWE QUARRY ON THE … · KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE Reference number:...

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