Interim Comment
The SAHRA Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites (APM) Unit requests that an assessment of the impact to heritage resources and requests that the assessment comply with section 38(3) of the National Heritage Resources Act, Act 25 of 1999 (NHRA). Additionally, the assessment of the impact to archaeological resources must be conducted by a qualified archaeologist and comply with the 2007 SAHRA Minimum Standards: Archaeological and Palaeontological Components of Impact Assessments.
As the prospecting rights application area is located in an area of low, moderate and very high sensitivity for palaeontological resources as per the SAHRIS PalaeoSensitivity map, a field-based Palaeontological Impact Assessment (PIA) must be required to be undertaken by a qualified palaeontologist. (See https://www.palaeosa.org/heritage-practitioners.html for a list of qualified palaeontologists). The report must comply with the 2012 Minimum Standards: Palaeontological Components of Heritage Impact Assessments.
The applicant must provide clarity on the current EA application process.
Further comments will be issued upon receipt of the above requested reports.
CaseReference
Applicable legislation
38(3)
38(8)
Decision Date
Committee
Decision Status
Case Decision