Case Decision - 185444

Interim CommentDespite the great level of detail provided in the submitted HIA, SAHRA is unable to issue a Final Comment for this application as no assessment of the impact to palaeontological resources has yet been submitted.As such, based on the information provided in the above report, SAHRA requires the following;1. A Palaeontological study must be undertaken to assess whether or not the development will impact upon significant palaeontological resources.  Alternatively, a letter of exemption from a Palaeontologist is required to indicate that this is unnecessary. If the area is deemed sensitive or if significant heritage is identified, a full Palaeontological Report may be required.2. The structure identified in the report as Site 13 requires further investigation before demolition is considered. This investigation take the form of a Heritage Statement and a proposed grading of the structure. It must be noted that a permit must be granted in terms of Section 34 of the NHRA by the Mpumalanga Provincial Heritage Resources Agency (B. Moduka, 013 766 5196 or [email protected]) before destruction can take place.3. The recommendation for exhumation and relocation of the graves at Sites 14 and 19 is endorsed. In order to proceed with this, a permit must be granted in terms of Section 36 of the NHRA by the SAHRA Burial Ground and Graves Unit (I. Masiteng, 012 362 2535 or [email protected]).4. The recommendations included in the Noise and Vibration Specialist Study as well as in the Air Quality and Dust Specialist Study with regard to the impacts of the proposed mining on the Rock Art site identified as Site 9 in the report are endorsed.5. A detailed Conservation Management Plan must be established for Site 9 indicating monitoring protocols and reporting requirements for the conservation of the rock art at Site 9.6. A Conservation Management Plan must be established for the remaining heritage identified within the study area (Sites 1 to 8, 10 to 12, 15 to 18 and 20 to 36) in order to manage and conserve these resources for the duration of the proposed mine.SAHRA will await the submission of the above information before issuing a Final Comment for this project. Should it not be possible to adhere to the above conditions, the applicant must consult with SAHRA regarding the reasons for non-compliance. We look forward to hearing from you.