Case Decision - 187169

SAHRA recommendations 
SAHRA agrees with the specialist that an exemption should be given from undertaking a heritage impact assessment in terms of the archaeological, built environment, visual and burials component. In the light of the high sensitivity of the palaeontology in the area though, SAHRA recommends that a  palaeontologist, that specialises in palaeobotany, draft a letter to SAHRA outlining a proposed way forward to ensure the conservation of significant palaeontological heritage that is likely to be impacted by the proposed mining activities. This letter should contain instructions on the frequency of site inspections, as well as a procedure for chance finds. This letter must be submitted to SAHRA for assessment.Should any new evidence of archaeological sites or remains (e.g., remnants of stone-made structures, indigenous ceramics, bones, stone artefacts, ostrich eggshell fragments, marine shell and charcoal/ash concentrations), rock art, unmarked human burials, fossils or other categories of heritage resources be found during the proposed activities, or in any future activities, SAHRA APM Unit (Tel: 021 462 4502) must be alerted immediately, and a professional archaeologist or palaeontologist, depending on the nature of the finds, must be contacted as soon as possible to inspect the findings. If the newly discovered heritage resources prove to be of archaeological or palaeontological significance a Phase 2 rescue operation might be necessary.