Case Decision - 194050

Final CommentThe SAHRA Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites (APM) Unit accepts the submitted PIA report and the HIA report prior to it. The recommendations for a Fossil Chance Finds Procedure and the development of a Cultural Management Plan (CMP) for the entire mine right area must be complied with. SAHRA has no objections to the proposed establishment of the mine if the above recommendations are adhered to. The following additional conditions must also be included in the EMPr:

In the event that fossils are uncovered during construction then construction must cease within the immediate vicinity, a buffer of 30 m must be established, and a palaeontologist called in to inspect the finds. The palaeontologist must obtain a section 35(4) permit in terms of NHRA and Chapter IV NHRA Regulations, before any fossils are collected.
If there are any new heritages resources are discovered during construction and operation phases of the proposed development, then a professional archaeologist or palaeontologist, depending on the nature of the finds, must be contracted as soon as possible to inspect the findings at the expense of the developer.
If the newly discovered heritage resources prove to be of archaeological or palaeontological significance, a Phase 2 rescue operation may be required at the expense of the developer. Mitigation will only be carried out after the archaeologist or palaeontologist obtains a permit in terms of section 35 of the NHRA (Act 25 of 1999). You may contact SAHRA APM Unit for further details: (Nokukhanya Khumalo/Phillip Hine 021 202 8654).
If any unmarked human burials are uncovered and the archaeologist called in to inspect the finds and/or the police find them to be heritage graves, then mitigation may be necessary and the SAHRA Burial Grounds and Graves (BGG) Unit must be contacted for processes to follow (Thingahangwi Tshivase/Mimi Seetelo 072 802 1251).

The Final EIA report and its appendices must be uploaded to the case once they are available for public review. Once a decision from the competent authority is reached, the record of decision must be submitted to the case.