Interim Comment
The SAHRA Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites (APM) Unit requests that an application specific HIA be conducted for the proposed prospecting activities.
Additionally, the proposed development footprint is located within an area of moderate Palaeontological Sensitivity as per the SAHRIS PalaeoSensitivity map. As such, a desktop Palaeontological Impact Assessment (PIA) 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.
Any other heritage resources as defined in section 3 of the NHRA that may be impacted, such as built structures over 60 years old, sites of cultural significance associated with oral histories, burial grounds and graves, graves of victims of conflict, and cultural landscapes or viewscapes must also be assessed.
The applicant is advised to extend the EA process in terms of section 19(1)b of the NEMA EIA Regulations in order to comply with this comment. Further comments will be issued upon receipt of the above requested reports and revised DBAR that incorporates the results of the heritage specialist reports.
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