Case Decision - 195041

Interim Comment
SAHRA notes that the HMP has sufficient management protocols regarding the management and protection of the Stone Age sites within the BRMO area. However, this has still resulting in damage to a Stone Age site.
SAHRA must remind the applicant that damage to an archaeological site without a permit is an offense in terms of section 51(1)b of the National Heritage Resources Act, Act 25 of 1999 (NHRA). The schedule for penalties for section 51(1)b notes that a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years or to both such fine and imprisonment.
The following conditions must be adhered to:

SAHRA notes the Permit Application SAHRIS Case ID 14749 (https://sahris.sahra.org.za/cases/brmo-stone-age-site) for Site 1;
SAHRA requests that the damaged Stone Age site be cornered off with a 10 m buffer. SAHRA further requests a report on the damaged Stone Age site be compiled by a qualified archaeologist with photographs of the damage, noting any artefacts that are found out of context. This report must be submitted to SAHRA for further comment before any further work may commence within the area.

If any further damage occurs to any heritage resources under the control of BRMO, SAHRA will follow the legal proceedings as detailed in section 51 of the NHRA.
With regards to the nomination of the Black Rock Mine as a Grade 1 Heritage Site, the applicant is recommended to follow the nomination procedure that can be found at the following link:  https://sahris.sahra.org.za/sites/default/files/website/articledocs/Sit…. Any queries regarding nomination for declaration can be forwarded to Heidi Weldon ([email protected]).