Interim Comment
The SAHRA Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites (APM) Unit requests that an assessment of the impact to palaeontological resources be completed as part of the EA application process. The proposed mining footprint is located in an area of very high sensitivity as per the SAHRIS PalaeoSensitivity Map. Therefore, a field-based Palaeontological Impact Assessment must 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 is advised to extend the EA process in terms of section 23(1)b of the NEMA EIA Regulations in order to comply with this comment. A revised EIA with the results of the above requested specialist studies must be completed.
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