Case Decision - 186821

Interim CommentSAHRA is unable to provide a Final Comment on the proposed development on Vaalbult Mine as insufficient information has been provided to SAHRA regarding the likelihood of impact to significant palaeontological heritage. As such, SAHRA requires that;- A field-based palaeontological assessment be completed prior to development in order to determine if any fossiliferous surface exposures will be impacted by the proposed mining activities. This assessment must include a protocol for finds as well as a system for the ongoing monitoring of the fossiliferous fine-grained partings of siltstone and mudstone between the coal layers, and in the sequences above and below the seams. This assessment must satisfy SAHRA's minimum requirements and must be submitted to SAHRA for comment in terms of Section 38(8) of the NHRA.- The sites identified in the submitted heritage assessment must be conserved in situ and may not be impacted by the proposed development. A 20m buffer zone of no development is required around the identified resources. A Conservation Management Plan must be drafted for the continued management and conservation of these resources throughout the Life of the Mine.SAHRA looks forward to receiving the required palaeontological report before commenting further.