Case Decision - 192915

Interim CommentA previous SAHRIS application regarding the previous EMPr revision (SAHRIS Case ID 807 -http://sahra.org.za/sahris/cases/nchwaning-emp-203) has reference. A letter issued on the 13/03/2013 notesthe following outstanding matters:
Given the historical significance of the site, the original Black Rock Mine, it should not be disturbed bythe development and the mining. An application may be presented to apply for declaring the siteNational Heritage and the boundaries of this explored during the declaration process;No development or mining may occur within 100 m distance from the centre of the Go-Mogara river. Ifthis is absolutely necessary, then a complete Phase II must be carried out. Mitigation in the form ofsystematic excavation and sampling must be undertaken before trenching and any other earth-movingactivity resulting from this proposed project. A photographic record must be established immediatelybefore, during and after mitigation. The archaeologist will require a mitigation permit from SAHRA interms of s. 35 of the National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999). On receipt of a satisfactorymitigation (Phase 2) permit report from the archaeologist, SAHRA will make further recommendationsin terms of the report such as its final destruction or additional sampling;Site 6 must be properly mapped and recorded; SAHRA requires that, in terms of s. 38(4)(b&c) of theNational Heritage Resources Act, the provisions of s. 35 apply as appropriate and a collection permitbe submitted;It is noted that two grave sites were identified. The SAHRA Burial Grounds and Graves Unit supportsthe continued protection and management of the two graveyards and notes that any proposeddeclaration of the mine as a heritage site at any level should include the protection, management andinterpretation of the two graveyards (especially the mineworkers' cemetery);A Palaeontological Study must be undertaken to assess whether or not the development will impactupon palaeontological resources - or at least a letter of exemption from a Palaeontologist is needed toindicate that this is unnecessary.
It must also be noted that the recommended Heritage Management Plan (HMP) is also outstanding as per therecommendations of the 2009 report.
Therefore, SAHRA awaits the requested information and studies as noted as part of the previous EMPrrevision to be completed before further comments can be issued.Should you have any further queries, please contact the designated official using the case number quotedabove in the case header.