Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd. Notification of Intent to Develop.

Transcription

1 Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd Notification of Intent to Develop Project Number: COP2428 Prepared for: Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd Digby Wells and Associates (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd (Subsidiary of Digby Wells & Associates (Pty) Ltd). Co. Reg. No. 2010/008577/07. Fern Isle, Section 10, 359 Pretoria Ave Randburg Private Bag X10046, Randburg, 2125, South Africa Tel: , Fax: , Directors: A Sing*, AR Wilke, DJ Otto, GB Beringer, LF Koeslag, AJ Reynolds (Chairman) (British)*, J Leaver*, GE Trusler (C.E.O) *Non-Executive

2 This document has been prepared by Digby Wells Environmental. Report Type: Project Name: Project Code: Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 Name Responsibility Signature Date Justin du Piesanie HRM Consultant: Archaeologist Research Report Compilation March 2014 Johan Nel HRM Unit Manager Report Reviewer March 2014 Duncan Pettit Project Manager Report Reviewer March 2014 This report is provided solely for the purposes set out in it and may not, in whole or in part, be used for any other purpose without Digby Wells Environmental prior written consent. Digby Wells Environmental i

3 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 Introduction Notification of Intent to Develop Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd (Copper Sunset) intend to expand their current sand mining operations to a neighbouring farm that is owned by Anglo American Thermal Coal (AATC). This expansion of the mining areas requires the existing EMP to be amended and the impacts associated with the mining of the new area to be assessed. Digby Wells Environmental s services were enlisted by Copper Sunset for the Section 102 Amendment to their existing EMP as required by the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No 28 of 2002) (MPRDA). Project Location Name of property/ies Street address or location (e.g.: Off R44) Bankfontein Off the R716 toward Viljoensdorp Erf or farm number/s 9 Coordinates of approximate centre of project area Town or District Responsible Municipality S E Fezile Dabi District Municipality Metsimaholo Local Municipality Extent of property Maximum extent of proposed development Current use Predominant land use/s of surrounding properties ha Mining Mining / Industry Registered Owner/s of Property/ies ITEM Title Deed Owner Contact person CONTACT DETAILS Anglo American Operations (Pty) Ltd Dawie Smit Tel no Cell no Postal address House 105, Landau Colliery, Emalahleni, 1034 Digby Wells Environmental ii

4 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 Project / Development Details Current mining operation involves the strip mining of general sand for supply to the construction industry in the Free State and Gauteng Provinces. In order to expand the current mining operation on Bankfontein 9 and extend the Life of Mine (LoM) by a further 12 to 28 months, consent must be obtained from the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR). NHRA Section 38 Triggers The following aspects of Section 38 of the NHRA may be triggered by the proposed project. a b NHRA Section 38 (1) Activities / Triggers Any linear development or barrier >300 m Any bridge or similar structure >50 m Summary description (e.g. 500 m conveyor belt, open cast pit, etc.) c d e Activities Any development or activity that will change the character of a site: i ii iii 5 000m 2 in extent Involving 3 existing erven/ subdivisions Involving 3 or more erven/ divisions consolidated within past 5 years. Rezoning of a site m 2 in extent. Other triggers, e.g.: in terms of other legislation, (i.e.: National Environment Management Act, etc.) Strip mining of the project area that covers ha MPRDA Section 102 Amendment The following activities will take place during the lifespan of the proposed project. NEMA Activity No. NHRA Trigger Description Expected duration/phase s. 38(8) Strip mining s. 38(8) Stockpiling Operational Phase Additional Impact Assessment Process The following impact assessment process/es are currently being undertaken for the proposed project. Legislation, i.e. NEMA, MPRDA, etc. Consenting Authority that has/will receive information Present phase of process at Authority, e.g. Draft Scoping Report MPRDA DMR Section 102 Amendment of EMP Digby Wells Environmental iii

5 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 Identified / Known Heritage Resources and Potential Impacts The following categories of heritage resources as defined in Section 3 of the NHRA are known to occur within the proposed project area. Places, buildings, structures and equipment of cultural significance 3(2)(a) Description of resource: None Potential impact: None Places to which oral traditions are attached or which are associated with living heritage 3(2)(b) Description of resource: None Potential impact: None Historical settlements and townscapes 3(2)(c) Description of resource: None Potential impact: None Landscapes and natural features of cultural significance 3(2)(d) Description of resource: None Potential impact: None Geological resources of scientific or cultural importance 3(2)(e) Description of resource: Madzaringwe Formation Potential impact: None 3(2)(f) Archaeology and/or palaeontology (Including archaeological sites and material, fossils, rock art, battlefields & wrecks) Description of resource: None Potential impact: None 3(2)(g) Graves and burial grounds (eg: ancestral graves, graves of victims of conflict, historical graves & cemeteries) Description of resource: None Potential impact: None Digby Wells Environmental iv

6 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 Other human remains 3(2)(a) Description of resource: None Potential impact: None Sites of significance relating to the history of slavery in South Africa 3(2)(h) Description of resource: None Potential impact: None Movable objects 3(2)(i) Description of resource: None Illustrative Material Potential impact: None Recommendation Is a Heritage Impact Assessment required? Yes No If NO, provide motivation: Findings from the literature review and historical layering has indicated that some heritage resources are known to occur within the study area. These are predominantly associated with the Stone Age and historical period. From the aerial imagery, it is evident that historical impacts from the plantation would have potentially destroyed any heritage resources on the surface and to a certain depth below Digby Wells Environmental v

7 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 the surface. A brief review of the specialist findings from various biophysical studies also indicated that the study area is reasonably unfavourable for settlement in terms of soil fertility and climate, which would account for the absence of any significant Iron Age finds. Besides the identified Leeuwkuil Rock Engraving Site some 6 km from the project area, identified heritage resources have been limited to historic structures and burial grounds and graves. As such, it is recommended that Copper Sunset be exempt from conducting any further heritage studies for the Section 102 Amendment, provided that a Chance Finds Procedure (CFP) is developed and integrated into the revised EMP. The CFP Framework must clearly define the required tasks in the event of exposure of heritage resources, including the ceasing of operations and notification of required HRA and/or specialist to assess the finds. If YES, provide suggested components that may be required or undertaken during HIA. Archaeology Built Environment Palaeontology Townscapes Architecture Burial Grounds and Graves Public Participation Visual Impact Other: Recommendation made by: Name: Justin du Piesanie Capacity: Heritage Management Consultant: Archaeologist Digby Wells Environmental vi

8 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Introduction Terms of Reference Scope of Work Project Background Information Project Description Location Data Location Maps Relevant Contact Details Legal Framework MPRDA NHRA Methodology Background Information / Data Collection Published Literature Reviewed Heritage Reports Databases Historical layering Site Naming Discussion Natural Environment Cultural Environment Stone Age Iron Age Historical Period Sources of Risk Construction Phase Operational Phase Decommissioning Phase Digby Wells Environmental vii

9 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP Cumulative Impacts Conclusion and Recommendations Bibliography LIST OF FIGURES Figure 5-1: Depiction of identified sites in relation to the Project Area. Distances summarise in Table Figure 5-2: Extract from Jeppes 1899 Map of the Transvaal Figure 5-3: Aerial imagery from 1942 indicating a large tree plantation to the east, train station in the centre, and possible workers compound (Project area in red) Figure 5-4: Aerial images depicting the plantation and possible worker compound (See green circles in Figure 4-3) Figure 5-5: Historical map of the region dated to Not the plantation in the northeast corner, and native location adjacent to the Cornelia Coal Mine (van der Walt, 2005) Figure 5-6: Aerial imagery of the study area in Note the extensive coverage of the plantation and urbanisation on the opposite banks of the Vaal River Figure 5-7: Historical layering of aerial imagery from 1989 with Project Area Figure 5-8: Recent aerial imagery of the affected environment LIST OF TABLES Table 2-1: Location details of the project... 2 Table 2-2: Client contact details... 3 Table 2-3: Consultant contact details... 3 Table 2-4: Land owner contact details... 3 Table 4-1: Aerial imagery reviewed for historical layering... 6 Table 5-1: Identified sites within the Study Area in close proximity to the Project Area... 8 Table 5-2: Identified structures in the region older than 60 years or of historical significance Digby Wells Environmental viii

10 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 Appendix A: Curriculum Vitae Appendix B: Location and Site Maps Appendix C: Previously Completed HIA LIST OF APPENDICES Digby Wells Environmental ix

11 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMS AATC BCM CFP Copper Sunset Digby Wells DMR EAP EMP ESA ESIA GSSA HIA HRA kya LoM LSA Anglo American Thermal Coal Bulk Cubic Meters Chance Find Procedure Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd Digby Wells Environmental Department of Mineral Resources Environmental Practitioner Environmental Management Plan Early Stone Age Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Genealogical Society of South Africa Heritage Impact Assessment Heritage Resources Authority Thousand Year Ago Life of Mine Late Stone Age MPRDA Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No 28 of 2002) MRA MSA Mining Right Application Middle Stone Age NHRA National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No 25 of 1999) NID PAC SAHRIS ZAR Notification of Intent to Develop Pan Africanist Congress South African Heritage Resources Information System Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek Digby Wells Environmental x

12 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP Introduction Digby Wells Environmental (Digby Wells) was appointed in 2007 as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a Mining Rights Application (MRA) for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd (Copper Sunset) (formerly known as Vaal Sands) to mine sand on the farm Bankfontein 9 near the town of Vereeniging. A Mining Right (FS 30/5/1/2/2/164 MR) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) were approved for this operation. Digby Wells completed a Section 102 Amendment in 2010, on behalf of Copper Sunset for the inclusion of a washing plant, return water dam, settling dam and brick building used to house electrical components at their Bankfontein operations. Copper Sunset intends to expand their current sand mining operations to a neighbouring farm that is owned by Anglo American Thermal Coal (AATC). This expansion of the mining areas requires the existing EMP to be amended and the impacts associated with the mining of the new area to be assessed. 1.1 Terms of Reference Digby Wells services were enlisted by Copper Sunset to undertake specialist studies required for a Section 102 Amendment to their existing EMP in accordance with the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No 28 of 2002) (MPRDA). 1.2 Scope of Work In order to comply with the requirements of the Section 102 Amendment, a heritage study for the project inclusive of a Notification of Intent to Develop (NID) for submission to the relevant Heritage Resources Authority (HRA) was required. This included: Reviewing relevant previous heritage studies in the study area; Conducting historical layering for the project area; Contextualising the study area; Reporting; and Providing recommendations for further heritage assessment. 2 Project Background Information Copper Sunset has been mining general sand from the farm Bankfontein 9. General sand comprises 90% plaster and 10% building sand. The sand deposit extends over approximately 600 ha and contains around 5 million bulk cubic meters (BCMs). The mining method involves strip mining of 30 m wide and 900 m long strips. The product is temporarily stockpiled and subsequently collected by trucks. Digby Wells Environmental 1

13 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 Copper Sunset established that with the inclusion of a washing plant, the rinsed sand could be utilised as industrial sand and sold to the appropriate client base. For this reason a Section 102 Amendment of the EMP was completed in Project Description Current mining operation involves the strip mining of general sand for supply to the construction industry in the Free State and Gauteng Provinces. In order to expand the current mining operation on Bankfontein 9 and extend the Life of Mine (LoM) by a further 12 to 28 months, approval must be obtained from the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR). 2.2 Location Data Locational data is for the project area is summarised in Table 2-1 below. Table 2-1: Location details of the project Province District municipality Local municipality Nearest town Free State Province Fezile Dabi District Municipality Metsimaholo Local Municipality Vereeniging / Vanderbijlpark / Sharpeville 1: topographical map 2627DB Relative centre coordinates of project area South: East: Recording method ArcGIS 10.2 Rezoning requirements None, property is currently zoned for mining 2.3 Location Maps Location maps are provided in Appendix B. 2.4 Relevant Contact Details The contact details of the developer, consultant and landowners are provided in Table 2-2, Table 2-3 and Table 2-4 respectively. Digby Wells Environmental 2

14 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 Table 2-2: Client contact details ITEM Company Contact person COMPANY CONTACT DETAILS Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd Rudi Wolter Tel no Fax no Cell no address Postal address P.O. Box , Craighall, 2024 Table 2-3: Consultant contact details ITEM Company Contact person COMPANY CONTACT DETAILS Digby Wells Environmental Duncan Pettit Tel no Fax no Cell no address Postal address Private Bag X10046, Randburg, 2125 Table 2-4: Land owner contact details ITEM Title Deed Owner Contact person CONTACT DETAILS Anglo American Operations (Pty) Ltd Dawie Smit Tel no Cell no Postal address House 105, Landau Colliery, Emalahleni, Legal Framework This NID has been completed within a legal framework that includes the MPRDA and the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999) (NHRA). The application these Acts are discussed below. Digby Wells Environmental 3

15 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP MPRDA A Section 102 Amendment does not explicitly require a heritage study and therefore does not trigger a NHRA section 38(8) application (see below). However, a Section 102 Amendment does require that an existing EMP required in terms of section 39 of the MPRDA must be revised. Such revision must be made commensurate with requirements stipulated in section 22(4)(a) of the MPRDA that require the applicant to conduct an EIA and submit an EMP for approval. The EIA must therefore be conducted in accordance with section 38 of the MPRDA that give effect to the general objectives of integrated environmental management encapsulated in Chapter 5 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1999) (NEMA). The EIA must furthermore speak to impacts that the mining will have on the environment in accordance with section 24(7) of the NEMA. The EIA consequently informs the EMP. Any subsequent revision of an EMP must then also consider and integrate possible management of environmental impacts on heritage resources. 3.2 NHRA Section 38(8) of the NHRA is triggered taking into account the requirements for a Section 102 Amendment outlined above, with specific reference to section 38 of the MRPDA. The consenting authority in this case the DMR must ensure that Section 102 Amendment fulfils the requirements of the relevant heritage resources authority (HRA) in accordance with section 38(3) of the NHRA. The DMR must further consider any comments and recommendations made by the HRA, prior to granting consent. In order to give effect to section 38(3) of the NHRA, the responsible HRA must be notified of the proposed project in order to specify information to be included in a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) report, should it consider that project development will affect heritage resources. In accordance with Section 38(2), the HRA must respond within 14 days of receiving notification whether or not HIA is required. The responsible HRAs that will be notified of this Section 102 Amendment are the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and Heritage Free State (HFS). 4 Methodology The research methodology followed a qualitative (text-based) approach to update the HIA compiled for the EMP by Matakoma-ARM in Information was collected through brief literature review, review of relevant impact assessments, databases and historical aerial imagery and topographic maps to characterise the cultural landscape within which the project is located. These are discussed separately below. Digby Wells Environmental 4

16 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP Background Information / Data Collection Background information was identified and review (analysed) to obtain the salient information summarised in this NID to provide the necessary background. Information sources that were consulted are summarised and listed in the Bibliography. It included textbased and cartographic sources, and database information Published Literature Published literature that was found relevant to this study included: Deacon & Deacon, 1999 and Mucina & Rutherford, Reviewed Heritage Reports Previously completed heritage studies were reviewed to inform the cultural context of the project area. The findings provide for evidence based inferences to be made with regards to the potential for and description of heritage resources that are likely to occur in the region. The following reports were found to be relevant: Fourie, 2007; Hollmann, 1999; Pistorius, 2007; van Vollenhoven, 2008; and van der Walt, Databases Databases that provided relevant information included: The Genealogical Society of South Africa (GSSA); The University of the Witwatersrand Archaeological Site Database; and The South African Heritage Resources Information System (SAHRIS). 4.2 Historical layering A review of historical maps was undertaken. Aerial imagery was overlaid to assess the changes in the receiving environment over time. This included: Jeppes 1899 Map of the Transvaal; Aerial imagery was overlaid to assess the changes in the receiving environment over time. Digby Wells Environmental 5

17 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 Table 4-1: Aerial imagery reviewed for historical layering Job no. Flight plan Aerial photographs Photo no. Map ref. Area Date Reference / Vereeniging / Johannesburg / Vereeniging / Vereeniging / / /258/ Site Naming Sites may be identified based on previous relevant reports. The site names and / or numbering that were used in the original reports will be used, but prefixed with the relevant SAHRA report number or CaseID if available. For example, a heritage resource identified by Pistorius (2007) described as a heritage site and numbered HH01 in that report will be: 2007-SAHRA-358/HH01 If the relevant report does not have a SAHRA report number, then the site names and / or numbering that were used in the original reports will be used, but prefixed with the relevant author. For example, a heritage resources identified by Fourie (2007) described as an archaeological site and numbered MHC001 in that report will be: Fourie-2007/MHC001 Potential sites not previously identified, but noted as a result of historical layering, desktop studies or through indicators such as vegetation, were named using the SAHRIS Case ID number, followed by the map sheet number and reference to the relevant NHRA section suffixed with the site number: 5220/2627DB/S Digby Wells Environmental 6

18 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP Discussion 5.1 Natural Environment The project area is situated within the Grassland Biome with a relatively flat topography (Mucina, et al., 2006). Destruction of the natural habitat, Cymbopogon plurinodis Cynodon dactylon veld, has already dominated the study area through old ploughed areas, plantation, illegal dumping, and mining. The closest watercourse to the project area is the Vaal River. Climatically, the study area falls within the Northern Free State climatic zone typified by warm summer and cool dry winters with temperatures ranging from 28 C in the summer to below zero in the winter (Digby Wells, 2007). Geologically the project area is underlain by the Madzaringwe Formation of the Karoo Supergroup. The formation consists of fluvial sandstones, siltstones, shales and coals. Palaeontologically this formation has a very high significance rating containing glossopterid coal flora fossils (Lavin, 2013). As mentioned the study area is generally flat and the soils are derived from Aeolian sand moved in over local colluvium derived from Ecca Sandstone. In general, the soils within the study area are highly leached and have a low base and fertility status (Digby Wells, 2007). 5.2 Cultural Environment Information pertaining to the cultural landscape of the project area is primarily based on the findings of the HIA (Fourie, 2007) completed in support of the EIA / EMP conducted in The information contained within has been supplemented through a review of other relevant studies conducted in the surrounding environs Stone Age Archaeologically, sites associated with the Stone Age have been identified in the study area. Pistorius (2007) notes the numerous Stone Age sites discovered along the ancient banks of the Vaal and Klip Rivers at localities such as Klipplaatdrift, the Klip River Quarry site and the Duncanville Archaeological Reserve. Van Schalkwyk (1998) makes reference to the Vaal River basin and its association with the Early Stone Age (ESA). Here it is noted that the Vaal River gravels remain an important source of information on the ESA which is associated with the Oldowan and Acheulian industries. These industries are typified by large core tools such as choppers, bi-facial handaxes and cleavers (Deacon & Deacon, 1999). Van Vollenhoven (2008) notes the presence of Middle Stone Age (MSA) artefacts within the region. These stone tools commonly date to between years ago (kya) and 20 kya consisting primarily of blade technologies. In Fourie (2007) open scatters associated with the Late Stone Age (LSA) (Fourie 2007/MHC001) were identified. The LSA is typically associated with the transition from the MSA some 20 kya in which a series of technological innovations in the form of microliths were introduced. These tools were often shaped through secondary retouch into a variety of formal tools suited to hafting. These finds made by Fourie (2007) occurred in secondary contexts and were deemed to have negligible to low heritage value. Digby Wells Environmental 7

19 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 Table 5-1: Identified sites within the Study Area in close proximity to the Project Area Site Number Description Approximate Distances 1998-SAHRA-0036/D2627DB8 Old water furrow, built with cement 5.64km 1998-SAHRA-0036/D2627DB9 Section of stone wall 7.99km 1999-SAHRA-0014/Leeuwkuil Leeuwkuil Rock Engraving Site 5.16km 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site1 Main shaft complex older than 60 years 3.40km 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site2 Remnants of a large brick structure older than 60 years 3.47m 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site3 Rubbish dump younger than 100 years 4.5km 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site4 Water stand 2.92km 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site5 Informal cemetery with approximately 500 graves 3.49km 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site6 Ash midden in vicinity of 'native housing' 3.11km 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site7 Foundations younger than 60 years 4.06km 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site8 Informal cemetery with approximately 14 graves 4.09km 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site9 Stone foundations younger than 60 years 3.91km 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site10 Informal cemetery with approximately 60 graves 3.96km 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site11 Foundations younger than 60 years 3.93km 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site12 Foundations younger than 60 years 3.23km 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site13 Foundations older than 60 years 2.33km 2008-SAHRA-0380/Site 1 Rand Water Pump Station 4.96km 2008-SAHRA-0380/Site 2 Multi-room brick house 4.03km Fourie-2007/MHC001 Open scatter - LSA 2.65km Fourie-2007/MHC002 Historic stone structure 1.31km Fourie-2007/MHC003 Possible cemetery 2.94km Included in the LSA package of tools is rock art (Deacon & Deacon, 1999). Directly northwest of current operations, the rock engraving site of Leeuwkuil is located. Hollmann (1999) described the sites as being located on a small island in the Vaal River where engravings are concentrated on the south-eastern part of the peninsula. Eland and other antelope dominated the images depicted, which appeared to be in the San hunter-gatherer engraving tradition (Hollmann, 1999). Pistorius (2007) discusses the Redan rock engraving site which Digby Wells Environmental 8

20 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 contains as many as 244 rock engravings depicting animals, geometric designs and in some instances San weapons. Figure 5-1: Depiction of identified sites in relation to the Project Area. Distances summarise in Table Iron Age No sites associated with the southern African Iron Age have been identified in the region in any of the reports reviewed for this project. This can be attributed to the reasonably unfavourable natural environment as described in Section 5.1 above. Much of the Iron Age settlement on the Highveld has been precluded by these factors in which settlement was unfavourable. Taking this into consideration, it is a fair assumption that any significant Iron Age sites would not have occurred in the study area, and if any heritage resources associated with the Iron Age were to have existed in the project area, they would have been destroyed by the various activities that have taken place over time Historical Period The affected environment has been heavily altered through time as is evident in recent aerial imagery. To the west of the project area, the landscape is dominated by urban development associated with Vanderbijlpark and Sharpville. To the north of the proposed project, the Digby Wells Environmental 9

21 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 landscape is utilised for industrial purposes which has resulted in a high disturbance which has ultimately resulted in the transformation of the landscape from its natural state. Historically, the town of Vereeniging, just north of Viljoensdrift, was established in 1882 and proclaimed in 1889 and is significant as it played host to several prominent figures and events. Prior to the Anglo-Boer War, President Kruger of the Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek (ZAR) and President Reitz of the Orange Free State met for the official opening of the first railway crossing of the Vaal River in This is seen in the Jeppes 1899 Map of the Transvaal in which the station at Viljoensdrift and railway is clearly depicted (See Figure 5-2). The town also hosted Boer Generals Botha, Hertzog, Smuts, de la Rey and Lord Milner and General Kitchener in May 1902 to negotiate the Peace Treaty with Great Britain after the Anglo-Boer War (Fourie, 2007). The site is indicated today by a sawn-off tree trunk near the Vereeniging Refactories Recreation Hall. Subsequent to this, the region has been dominated by mining activities which has left the landscape heavily disturbed. Figure 5-2: Extract from Jeppes 1899 Map of the Transvaal. Coal was discovered in the region as early as 1879 by George William Stow (Pistorius, 2007). In 1903, a report compiled by Dr. Hatch identified a coal formation that extended over 151 square miles. In reaction to this two collieries were opened, the Cornelia Colliery situated on the Free State side of the Vaal River, and the Camp Colliery situated on the then Transvaal side of the Vaal River (Fourie, 2007). These collieries were left with large quantities of waste coal from their production, which Senator Sammy Marks believed could be exploited to generate electricity for the gold mines of the Witwatersrand. The Vereeniging Power Station was completed in 1912 and extended four times between 1923 and Power demands from the Witwatersrand resulted in the establishment of the Klip Power Station in the early 1930s and the Vaal Power Station commencing operations in 1945 (Fourie, 2007). Digby Wells Environmental 10

22 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 Fourie (2007) noted the remains of built structures that could possibly have been associated with the Vaal Power Station, which was decommissioned in 1989 and demolished by One stone structure (Fourie 2007/MHC002) with low heritage significance was recorded in the report. Van der Walt (2005) also notes that large areas where historic structures once stood have been demolished and rubble litters the area. Other structures identified in the region relating to the historical period are summarised in Table 5-2 below. Table 5-2: Identified structures in the region older than 60 years or of historical significance Site Name Description Significance 1998-SAHRA-0036/D2627DB8 Old water furrow, built with cement Low 1998-SAHRA-0036/D2627DB9 Section of stone wall Low 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site1 Partially destroyed structure constructed of red fire brick and stone Low 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site2 Remnants of large brick structure linked to main shaft complex Low 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site4 Water Stand Low 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site7 Sandstone, brick and cement foundations Low 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site13 Cement foundations of a square structure Low 2007-SAHRA-0358/HH01 Historical house associated with shed and other outbuildings Med High 2007-SAHRA-0358/HH02 Historical house associated with rondavel Med High 2007-SAHRA-0358/HH03 Historical house severely dilapidated Med High 2007-SAHRA-0358/HH04 Historical house with south Sotho wall decoration Med High 2007-SAHRA-0358/HH05 Historical house disintegrated Med High 2007-SAHRA-0358/HH06 Historical house in relatively good condition Med High 2007-SAHRA-0358/HH07 Historical house in relatively good condition Med High 2008-SAHRA-0331/Site2 Farm buildings including shed Medium 2008-SAHRA-0380/Site1 Rand Water pump station Med High 2008-SAHRA-0380/Site2 Main buildings of the South African Navy League and multi-room brick house Med - High The one heritage resource type recorded in all reviewed reports is burial grounds and graves. These sites are typically spread throughout the landscape and are assigned with a Digby Wells Environmental 11

23 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 high, local, significance rating. Only one cemetery within the area was identified on the GSSA database. Refer to Appendix B for the locations of identified burial grounds and graves. Figure 5-3: Aerial imagery from 1942 indicating a large tree plantation to the east, train station in the centre, and possible workers compound (Project area in red). Figure 5-4: Aerial images depicting the plantation and possible worker compound (See green circles in Figure 5-3) Aerial imagery from 1942 (See Figure 5-3 and Figure 5-4) indicated that the area was utilised as a plantation, remnants of which are still visible on satellite imagery. Historical maps of Viljoensdrift in van der Walt (2005) clearly display these plantations. In addition to this, native locations associated with the Cornelia Coal Mine are also indicated. Digby Wells Environmental 12

24 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 Figure 5-5: Historical map of the region dated to Not the plantation in the northeast corner, and native location adjacent to the Cornelia Coal Mine (van der Walt, 2005) In 1958, it is evident that the project area and to the north is primarily utilised for plantations, completely altering the landscape in this area from an open grassland. On the opposite sides of the Vaal River, urbanisation dominated by this time as towns and suburbs are established (See Figure 5-6). Some 10 km to the north-west is the township of Sharpeville, when in 1960 the events that took place would change the liberation struggle. On 21 March 1960, local Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) leaders and supporters gathered in a field not far from the Sharpeville police station to take part in a non-violent Anti-Pass Campaign demonstration, to offer themselves for surrender and arrest. Aware of the demonstration, an approximate 300 armed police officers lined up outside the Sharpeville police stations. While initially a success, at 13h15 a scuffle began near the entrance to the police station in which a police officer was pushed over. According to police, the crowd began stoning the police officers at which point one of the police officers on top of an armoured vehicle opened fire on the crowd without warning. His colleagues followed suit the result of which would leave 69 people killed and 180 people seriously wounded (Anonymous, n.d.). The Sharpeville Massacre has been noted as the turning point in the liberation struggle to move away from non-violent opposition to Apartheid. Digby Wells Environmental 13

25 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 Figure 5-6: Aerial imagery of the study area in Note the extensive coverage of the plantation and urbanisation on the opposite banks of the Vaal River. Figure 5-7: Historical layering of aerial imagery from 1989 with Project Area Based on the aerial imagery from 1989, it is evident that mining activities had commenced on the surface and Eskom s Lethabo Power Station was operational. At present, mining operations are associated with open-cast strip mining of the AATC New Vaal Colliery (See Digby Wells Environmental 14

26 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 Figure 5-8) that was established in the early 1980s to exploit the remaining reserves in the area for the supply of low grade coal to Lethabo Power Station (Anonymous, 2014). The impact of this is evident in the recent satellite imagery shown in Figure 5-8. Figure 5-8: Recent aerial imagery of the affected environment 6 Sources of Risk Potential sources of risk on heritage resources are primarily associated with activities during the construction phase of projects. In the case of this Section 102 amendment however, no construction is envisaged for the new project area. Potential sources of risk in this case are limited to the operation phase of the project. Sources of risk may be categorised as: Direct, for example vandalism of a heritage resource; Indirect, for example the effects of increased dust on heritage resources; Cumulative, for example the effects of the increased dust over time. The potential sources of risk that have been identified are discussed separately below. 6.1 Construction Phase No construction is envisaged for the proposed sand mining activities. No risk is posed to heritage resources. 6.2 Operational Phase Mining operations will entail the removal of sand utilising strip mining methodologies. Strips of 30 m by 900 m will mined where sand will be washed and stockpiled. As no screening survey was conducted for this study, information is based on the background research conducted. Based on the findings from the background research, there is very little likelihood Digby Wells Environmental 15

27 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 that heritage resources are to occur on the surface within the project area. This suggests that the activities associated with mining operations pose a low risk to heritage resources. The potential impacts from mining activities on heritage resources that may occur at subsurface levels is unknown, but appropriate mitigation measures described under section 7 will mitigate this. 6.3 Decommissioning Phase No activities associated with the decommissioning phase of the project are envisaged as potential sources of risk to heritage resources. 6.4 Cumulative Impacts No cumulative impacts have been identified. 7 Conclusion and Recommendations Findings from the literature review and historical layering has indicated that some heritage resources are known to occur within the study area. These are predominantly associated with the Stone Age and historical period. From the aerial imagery, it is evident that historical impacts from the plantation would have potentially destroyed any heritage resources on the surface and to a certain depth below the surface. A brief review of the specialist findings from various biophysical studies also indicated that the study area is reasonably unfavourable for settlement in terms of soil fertility and climate, which would account for the absence of any significant Iron Age finds. Besides the identified Leeuwkuil Rock Engraving Site some 6 km from the project area, identified heritage resources have been limited to historic structures and burial grounds and graves. As such, it is recommended that Copper Sunset be exempt from conducting any further heritage studies for the Section 102 Amendment, provided that a Chance Finds Procedure (CFP) is developed and integrated into the revised EMP. The CFP Framework must clearly define the required tasks in the event of exposure of heritage resources, including the ceasing of operations and notification of required HRA and/or specialist to assess the finds. Digby Wells Environmental 16

28 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP Bibliography Anonymous, AngloAmerican Thermal Coal Operations. [Online] Available at: [Accessed ]. Anonymous, n.d. Sharpeville Massacre, 21 March [Online] Available at: [Accessed ]. Deacon, H. & Deacon, J., Human Beginnings in South Africa. Cape Town: David Phillip. Digby Wells, Environmental Impact Assessment / Environmental Management Plan for the Vaal Sand Bankfontein Operation, Johannesburg: Digby Wells Environmental. Fourie, W., Vaalsands Heritage Impact Assessment: Proposed sand mining on poertions of the farm Bankfontein 9, Viljoensdrif, Free State Province, Johannesburg: Unpublished report by Matakoma-ARM Heritage Contracts Unit. Hollmann, J., Report on the Leeuwkuil engraving site, Vereeniging, Gauteng, South Africa, Johannesburg: Unpublished report by Wits Rock Art Research Centre on file at SAHRA as 1999-SAHRA Lavin, J., SAHRIS Fossil Heritage Layers: Madzaringwe Formation. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 13 March 2014]. Mucina, L., Rutherford, M. & Powrie, L., Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Pretoria: SANBI. Pistorius, J. C., A Phase 1 Heritage Impact Assessment Study for water and sewage pipeline corridors near Vanderbijlpark in the Gauteng Province of South Africa, Pretoria: Unpublished report by JCC Pistorius on file at SAHRA as 2007-SAHRA van der Walt, J., Archaeological Scoping Assessment New Vaal Colliery near Vereeniging, Pretoria: Unpublished report by Professional Grave Solutions on file at SAHRA as 2005-SAHRA Van Schalkwyk, J., A survey of cultural resources in the Emfuleni Development Area, Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, Pretoria: Unpublished report on file at SAHRA as 1998-SAHRA van Vollenhoven, A. C., A report on a cultural heritage impact Assessment for two proposed water pipe lines in the Midvaal Municipal Area, Gauteng Province, Pretoria: Unpublished report by Archaetnos Culture and Cultural Resources Consultants on file at SAHRA as 2008-SAHRA Digby Wells Environmental 17

29 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 Appendix A: Curriculum Vitae

30 JUSTIN DU PIESANIE Mr. Justin du Piesanie Heritage Management Consultant Social Sciences Department Digby Wells Environmental 1 EDUCATION University of the Witwatersrand BA Degree (2004) BA Honours Degree (2005) - Archaeology Title of Dissertation - Seal Skeletal Distribution of Herder and Forager Sites at Kasteelberg, Western Cape Province of South Africa. Master of Science (MSc) Degree (2008) Archaeology Title of Dissertation Understanding the Socio-Political Complexity of Leokwe Society during the Middle Iron Age in the Shashe-Limpopo Basin through a Landscape Approach University of Cape Town Continued Professional Development Programme, Architectural and Urban Conservation: Researching and Assessing Local Environments (2013) 2 LANGUAGE SKILLS English First Language Afrikaans Second Language 3 EMPLOYMENT 2011 to Present: Heritage Management Consultant at Digby Wells Environmental 2009 to 2011: Archaeology Collections Manager at the University of the Witwatersrand to 2011: Freelance Archaeologist for Archaeology Resource Management (ARM), Matakoma Heritage Consultants, Wits Heritage Contracts Unit & Umlando Heritage Consultants to 2007: Tour Guide at Sterkfontein Caves World Heritage Site. Digby Wells and Associates (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd (Subsidiary of Digby Wells & Associates (Pty) Ltd). Co. Reg. No. 2010/008577/07. Fern Isle, Section 10, 359 Pretoria Ave Randburg Private Bag X10046, Randburg, 2125, South Africa Tel: , Fax: , info@digbywells.com, Directors: A Sing*, AR Wilke, DJ Otto, GB Beringer, LF Koeslag, AJ Reynolds (Chairman) (British)*, J Leaver*, GE Trusler (C.E.O) *Non-Executive p:\company_info\staff_cvs_and_bios\cvs\7_heritage\j_du_piesanie.docx

31 4 EXPERIENCE I have 5 years experiences in the field of heritage resources management (HRM) including archaeological and heritage assessments, grave relocation, social consultation and mitigation of archaeological sites. During my studies I was involved in academic research projects associated with the Stone Age, Iron Age, and Rock Art. These are summarised below: Wits Fieldschool - Excavation at Meyersdal, Klipriviersberg Johannesburg (Late Iron Age Settlement). Wits Fieldschool - Phase 1 Survey of Prentjiesberg in Ugie / Maclear area, Eastern Cape. Wits Fieldschool Excavation at Kudu Kopje, Mapungubwe National Park Limpopo Province. Wits Fieldschool Excavation of Weipe 508 (2229 AB 508) on farm Weipe, Limpopo Province. Survey at Meyerdal, Klipriviersberg Johannesburg. Mapping of Rock Art Engravings at Klipbak 1 & 2, Kalahari. Survey at Sonop Mines, Windsorton Northern Cape (Vaal Archaeological Research Unit). Excavation of Kudu Kopje, Mapungubwe National Park Limpopo Province. Excavation of KK (2229 AD 110), VK (2229 AD 109), VK2 (2229 AD 108) & Weipe 508 (2229 AB 508) (Origins of Mapungubwe Project) Phase 1 Survey of farms Venetia, Hamilton, Den Staat and Little Muck, Limpopo Province (Origins of Mapungubwe Project) Excavation of Canteen Kopje Stone Age site, Barkley West, Northern Cape Excavation of Khami Period site AB32 (2229 AB 32), Den Staat Farm, Limpopo Province Since 2011 I have been actively involved in environmental management throughout Africa, focusing on heritage assessments incompliance with International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards and other World Bank Standards and Equator Principles. This exposure to environmental, and specifically heritage management has allowed me to work to international best practice standards in accordance with international conservation bodies such as UNESCO and ICOMOS. in In addition, I have also been involved in the collection of quantitative data for a Relocation Action Plan (RAP) in Burkina Faso. The exposure to this aspect of environmental management has afforded me the opportunity to understand the significance of integration of various studies in the assessment of heritage resources and recommendations for feasible mitigation measures. I have work throughout South Africa, as well as Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia and Mali. 5 PROJECT EXPERIENCE Assistant Archaeologist conducting Phase 1 Surveys and Phase 2 Archaeological Mitigations. Archaeological Resources Management (ARM). 2

32 Phase 2 Mitigation at Meyersdal, Klipriviersberg Johannesburg; Phase 1 Mitigation Mapping of Late Iron Age Site in Pilansberg, Sun City; Phase 1 Mitigation Survey of Witbank dam development; Freelance Consulting Archaeologist. Matakoma, Matakoma-ARM, Heritage Contracts Unit, Umlando Consulting, Strategic Environmental Focus. Phase 1 Mitigation Survey of Glen Austin AH, Johannesburg; Phase 1 Mitigation Survey of Modderfontein AH Holding 34, Johannesburg; Phase 1 Mitigation Survey of Modderfontein AH Holding 38, Johannesburg; Phase 1 Mitigation Survey of Modderfontein AH Holding 44, Johannesburg; Phase 1 Mitigation Survey of Modderfontein AH Holding 46, Johannesburg; Phase 1 Mitigation Survey of Modderfontein AH Holding 47, Johannesburg; Phase 1 Mitigation Survey of Modderfontein AH Holding 48, Johannesburg; Phase 1 Mitigation Survey of Modderfontein AH Holding 49, Johannesburg; Phase 1 Mitigation Survey of Modderfontein AH Holding 50, Johannesburg; Phase 1 Mitigation Survey of Modderfontein AH Holding 61, Johannesburg; Phase 1 Mitigation Survey of Modderfontein AH Holding 62, Johannesburg; Phase 1 Mitigation Survey of Modderfontein AH Holding 71, Johannesburg; Phase 1 Mitigation Survey of Modderfontein AH Holding 72, Johannesburg; Phase 1 Mitigation Survey of Modderfontein 35IR Portion 40, Johannesburg; Phase 1 Mitigation Survey of Rhino Mines, Thabazimbi Limpopo Province; Phase 1 Mitigation Survey of Moddergat 389KQ, Schilpadnest 385KQ, Swartkop 369KQ, Cronimet Project, Thabazimbi Limpopo Province; Desktop Study Desktop study for the Eskom Thohoyandou SEA Project, Limpopo Province; Phase 2 Mitigation Excavation of Iron Age site on Wenzelrust, Shoshanguve Gauteng; Phase 1 Mitigation Mapping of Late Stone Age shelter, Parys, Free State; Phase 1 Mitigation Survey of Vaalkrans Battlefield for the Transnet NMPP Line; Phase 1 Mitigation Survey of Portion 222 of Mindale Ext 7 Witpoortjie 254 IQ & Portion 14 of Nooitgedacht 534 IQ, Johannesburg; Phase 2 Mitigation Excavation of Site 19 for the Anglo Platinum Mines Der Brochen & Booysendal, Steelpoort, Mpumalanga; Phase 1 Mitigation Mapping of sites 23, 26, 27, 28a & b for the Anglo Platinum Mines Der Brochen & Booysendal, Steelpoort, Mpumalanga; 3

33 Desktop Study - Desktop study for the inclusion into the Thohoyandou Electricity Master Network for Eskom, Limpopo Province; Phase 1 Mitigation Mapping of historical sites as part of the mitigation for the expansion of the Bathlako Mine s impact area; 2011-Present. Heritage Management Consultant, Digby Wells Environmental. Kibali Grave Relocation Project (KGRP) for the Kibali Gold Project, Randgold Resources, Democratic Republic of Congo; Heritage Assessment and Survey for the proposed Kibali Hydro Power Stations, Randgold Resources, Democratic Republic of Congo; Heritage Impact Assessment & Survey of the farm Vygenhoek for the Everest North Mining Project, Aquarius Resources, Steelpoort, Mpumalanga; Heritage Impact Assessment for the Proposed Geluksdal Tailings Storage Facility and Pipeline Infrastructure, Gold One International Ltd, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province; Burial Grounds and Graves Survey (BGGS) for Platreef Resources, Mokopane, Limpopo Province; Archaeological Impact Assessment and mitigation of sites for the Boikarabelo Coal Mine, Resource Generation, Steenbokpan, Limpopo Province; Watching Brief for Bokoni Platinum Mines (Pty) Ltd, Burgersfort, Limpopo Province; Heritage Statement for Kennedy s Vale Platinum Operations on the Farm Kennedy s Vale 361 KT, Rhodium Reefs Limited, Steelpoort, Mpumalanga Province; Socio-Economic and Asset Survey, SEGA Gold Mining Project, Cluff Gold PLC, Burkina Faso; Specialist review of Heritage Impact Assessment report for the SEGA Gold Mining Project, Cluff Gold PLC, Burkina Faso; Heritage Impact Assessment for the Consbrey and Hawar Collieries, Msobo, Breyton and Chrissiesmeer, Mpumalanga Province; Initiation of the Grave Relocation Process, including social consultation for the New Liberty Mining Project, Aureus, Liberia; Heritage Scoping Report for the Falea Uranium Mine, Rockgate Capital, Mali; Heritage Impact Assessment for the Putu Iron Ore Mine, Road, Railway and Port, Atkins Limited, Liberia; Heritage Statement for the Sasol Twistdraai Fine Coal Disposal Project, ERM South Africa, Mpumalanga Province; Project Management of the Heritage Assessment for the proposed Daleside Acetylene Gas Production Facility, ERM South Africa, Gauteng Province; 4

34 Social consultation for the Nzoro 2 Hydro-Power Station Relocation Action Plan Project, Randgold Resources, Democratic Republic of Congo; Fatal Flaw Analysis for the AMD Eastern Basin Project, Aecom, Gauteng Province; Heritage Statement for the Soweto Cluster Reclamation Project, Ergo, Gauteng Province 6 PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS Society for Africanist Archaeologists (SAfA) Member International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) South Africa Member 7 PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists (ASAPA): Professional & CRM Member 8 PUBLICATIONS Huffman, T.N. & du Piesanie, J.J Khami and the Venda in the Mapungubwe Landscape. Journal of African Archaeology 9(2):

35 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 Appendix B: Location and Site Maps

36 Site Number NHRA Sections Descriptions Y X 1998-SAHRA-0036/D2627DB8 S.34 Old water furrow, built with cement SAHRA-0036/D2627DB9 S.34 Section of stone wall SAHRA-0014/Leeuwkuil S.35 Leeuwkuil Rock Engraving Site SAHRA-0319/Site1 S.34 Main shaft complex older than 60 years SAHRA-0319/Site2 S.34 Remnants of a large brick structure older than 60 years SAHRA-0319/Site3 - Rubbish dump younger than 100 years SAHRA-0319/Site4 S.34 Water stand SAHRA-0319/Site5 S.36 Informal cemetery with approximately 500 graves SAHRA-0319/Site6 - Ash midden in vicinity of 'native housing' SAHRA-0319/Site7 - Foundations younger than 60 years SAHRA-0319/Site8 S.36 Informal cemetery with approximately 14 graves SAHRA-0319/Site9 - Stone foundations younger than 60 years SAHRA-0319/Site10 S.36 Informal cemetery with approximately 60 graves SAHRA-0319/Site11 - Foundations younger than 60 years SAHRA-0319/Site12 - Foundations younger than 60 years SAHRA-0319/Site13 S.34 Foundations older than 60 years SAHRA-0358/GY01 S.36 Large historic graveyard SAHRA-0358/GY02 S.36 Large historic graveyard Co-ordinates provided incorrect

37 Site Number NHRA Sections Descriptions Y X 2007-SAHRA-0358/HH01 S.34 Associated with shed and outbuildings SAHRA-0358/HH02 S.34 Associated with rondavel SAHRA-0358/HH03 S.34 Severely dilapidated SAHRA-0358/HH04 S.34 South Sotho wall decoration SAHRA-0358/HH05 S.34 Disintegrated SAHRA-0358/HH06 S.34 Good condition SAHRA-0358/HH07 S.34 Good condition SAHRA-0331/Site1 - Old exploration site SAHRA-0331/Site2 S.34 Old farmstead SAHRA-0331/Site3 - Structures younger than 60 years SAHRA-0380/Site 1 S.34 Rand Water Pump Station SAHRA-0380/Site 2 S.34 Multi-room brick house Fourie-2007/MHC001 S.35 Open scatter - LSA Fourie-2007/MHC002 S.34 Historic stone structure Fourie-2007/MHC003 S.36 Possible cemetery

38 26 0'0"E 26 15'0"E 26 30'0"E 26 45'0"E 27 0'0"E 27 15'0"E 27 30'0"E 27 45'0"E 28 0'0"E 25 45'0"S 25 45'0"S Plan 1 Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd Regional Setting 1: Legend Project Area 26 0'0"S 26 0'0"S 26 15'0"S 26 15'0"S 26 30'0"S 26 30'0"S Project Area 26 45'0"S 26 45'0"S 2626 Wes-Rand 27 0'0"S 27 0'0"S Sustainability Service Positive Change Professionalism Future Focused Integrity 27 15'0"S 27 15'0"S Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: Hartebeesthoek 1994 Central Meridian: 27 E Ref #: sdp.cop Revision Number: 1 Date: 20/03/ Kilometres 1: '0"E 26 15'0"E 26 30'0"E 26 45'0"E 27 0'0"E 27 15'0"E 27 30'0"E 27 45'0"E 28 0'0"E Digby Wells Environmental

39 27 45'0"E 27 50'0"E 27 55'0"E 28 0'0"E 26 30'0"S 26 30'0"S Plan 2 Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd Regional Setting 1: Legend Project Area 26 35'0"S 26 35'0"S 26 40'0"S 26 40'0"S 2627DB Vereeniging Sustainability Service Positive Change Professionalism Future Focused Integrity Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: Hartebeesthoek 1994 Central Meridian: 27 E Ref #: sdp.cop Revision Number: 1 Date: 20/03/ '0"S 26 45'0"S Kilometres 1: '0"E 27 50'0"E 27 55'0"E 28 0'0"E Digby Wells Environmental

40 27 45'0"E 27 50'0"E 27 55'0"E 28 0'0"E 26 30'0"S 26 30'0"S Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd Regional Setting 1: Legend Project Area Plan '0"S 26 35'0"S 26 40'0"S 26 40'0"S 2627DB Sustainability Service Positive Change Professionalism Future Focused Integrity Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: Hartebeesthoek 1994 Central Meridian: 27 E Ref #: sdp.cop Revision Number: 1 Date: 20/03/ '0"S 26 45'0"S Kilometres 1: '0"E 27 50'0"E 27 55'0"E 28 0'0"E Digby Wells Environmental

41 27 55'0"E 27 56'0"E 27 57'0"E 27 58'0"E 27 59'0"E Q Pv Plan 4 Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd 26 43'0"S 26 43'0"S Regional Geology Legend Project Area Main Road Q Minor Road Railway Line Q Non-Perennial Stream Perennial Stream 26 44'0"S Pv 26 44'0"S Dam Wall Dam / Lake Jd Non - Perennial Pan Q Perennial Pan Wetlands Lithology Karoo Dolerite, Jd Quaternary, Q Vryheid, Pv 26 45'0"S 26 45'0"S Jd Q 26 46'0"S 26 46'0"S Sustainability Service Positive Change Professionalism Future Focused Integrity Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: Hartebeesthoek 1994 Central Meridian: 27 E Ref #: sdp.cop Revision Number: 1 Date: 20/03/ Kilometres 1: '0"E 27 56'0"E 27 57'0"E 27 58'0"E 27 59'0"E Digby Wells Environmental

42 27 51'0"E 27 52'0"E 27 53'0"E 27 54'0"E 27 55'0"E 27 56'0"E 27 57'0"E 27 58'0"E 27 59'0"E 28 0'0"E 26 37'0"S 26 38'0"S 26 39'0"S 26 40'0"S Frikkie Meyer Blvd Frikkie Meyer Blvd Houtkop Rd 2007-SAHRA-0358/HH SAHRA-0358/HH SAHRA-0358/HH SAHRA-0358/HH SAHRA-0358/HH06 Houtkop Rd (R54) R54 R54 R42 R42 Springbok La Van Riebeeck St (M61) Leeuwkuil Rd (M61) Ring Rd (M61) R42 R59 Klip R SAHRA-0358/HH SAHRA-0358/HH04 M SAHRA-0358/HH SAHRA-0358/HH06 R54 Brockett St R54 Donald Rd Gen.Hertzog Rd 2007-SAHRA-0358/HH SAHRA-0331/Site1 Su ikerb osrant R '0"S 26 38'0"S 26 39'0"S 26 40'0"S Copper Sunset Trading (Pty) Ltd Heritage Sites Legend Project Area Heritage Points Lethabo Power Station Major Town Secondary Town Other Town Settlement Plan 5 Boy Louw R28 Vereeniging R82 Main Road National Road 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site11 Railway Line 26 41'0"S 26 42'0"S Playfair Blvd Sharpeville R42 Leeukuil Dam Barrage Rd Barrage Rd 2008-SAHRA-0380/Site SAHRA-0380/Site SAHRA-0319/Site SAHRA-0319/Site SAHRA-0319/Site SAHRA-0319/Site5 R '0"S 26 42'0"S River Dam Edison Blvd R SAHRA-0319/Site SAHRA-0319/Site SAHRA-0319/Site SAHRA-0319/Site5 Vaal 26 43'0"S Piet Retief Blvd 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site SAHRA-0014/Leeuwkuil 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site SAHRA-0319/Site '0"S 2005-SAHRA-0319/Site '0"S Hendrik van Eck Blvd R59 Ascot on Vaal Rd 1998-SAHRA-0036/D2627DB SAHRA-0319/Site13 Viljoensdrif 26 44'0"S 1998-SAHRA-0036/D2627DB9 Lethabo Power Station Sustainability Service Positive Change Professionalism Future Focused Integrity 26 45'0"S Taaibosspruit R716 Fourie-2007/MHC '0"S Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: Hartebeesthoek 1994 Central Meridian: 27 E Ref #: sdp.cop Revision Number: 1 Date: 24/03/ Kilometres 1: '0"E 27 52'0"E 27 53'0"E 27 54'0"E 27 55'0"E 27 56'0"E 27 57'0"E 27 58'0"E 27 59'0"E 28 0'0"E 28 1'0"E Digby Wells Environmental

43 Notification of Intent to Develop Section 102 Amendment to the Environmental Management Plan for Copper Sunset Sand (Pty) Ltd COP2428 Appendix C: Previously Completed HIA

44 DIGBY WELLS & ASSOCIATES VAALSANDS HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT Wits Commercial Enterprise (Pty) Limited (Registration No: 2002/008461/07) 5 th floor, Senate House, Jorissen Street, 2001 Braamfontein Private Bag 3, 2050 Wits South Africa Proposed sand mining on portions of the farm Bankfontein 9, Viljoensdrif, Free State Province Version June 2007 Service provider MATAKOMA - ARM HERITAGE CONTRACTS UNIT UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND SCHOOL OF GEOGRAPHY, ARCHAEOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PRIVATE BAG 3, P O WITS 2050 TEL: / , INFO@MATAKOMA.CO.ZA

45 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT CLIENT: Digby Wells & Associates (Pty) Ltd CONTACT PERSON: Ms Marike Fourie, Digby Wells & Associates, Tel: (011) , Fax: (011) SIGNATURE: LEADING CONSULTANT: MATAKOMA-ARM Heritage Contracts Unit for Wits Commercial Enterprise (Pty) Ltd CONTACT PERSON: Wouter Fourie SIGNATURE: Copyright Copyright in all documents, drawings and records whether manually or electronically produced, which form part of the submission and any subsequent report or project document shall vest in Matakoma Heritage Consultants (Pty) Ltd. None of the documents, drawings or records may be used or applied in any manner, nor may they be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever for or to any other person, without the prior written consent of Matakoma Heritage Consultants (Pty) Ltd. The Client, on acceptance of any submission by Matakoma Heritage Consultants (Pty) Ltd and on condition that the Client pays to Matakoma Heritage Consultants (Pty) Ltd the full price for the work as agreed, shall be entitled to use for its own benefit and for the specified project only: The results of the project; The technology described in any report Recommendations delivered to the Client.

46 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY As we know from legislation the surveying, capturing and management of heritage resources is an integral part of the greater management plan laid down for any major development or historic existing operation. With the proclamation of the National Heritage Resources Act 1999 (Act 25 of 1999) this process has been lain down clearly. This legislation aims to under pin the existing legislation, which only addresses this issue at a glance, and gives guidance to developers and existing industries to the management of their Heritage Resources. The importance of working with and following the guidelines lain down by the South African Heritage Resources Agency cannot be overemphasised. This document forms part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed Vaal Sands mining operation on portions of the farm Bankfontein 9, Viljoensdrif, Free State Province. The following outline the findings of the report: During the survey three sites of heritage value were found within the footprint of the proposed mining area, of these only MHC003 will require further work in the form of further evaluation in low vegetation conditions. MHC003 It is recommended that the site be re-evaluated when vegetation conditions makes it possible for better visibility of the area. If it is identified that the area is a cemetery it is recommended that the site be preserved and fenced. In the event that the mining plan does not allow for the preservation of the site, the graves must be relocated following a full social consultation process and after the issuing of all the relevant permits by the Local, Provincial and National Departments involved. II

47 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT If these recommendations are adhered by there is from a Heritage point of view no reason why the development can not commence. General If during construction any possible finds are made, the operations must be stopped and a qualified archaeologist be contacted for an assessment of the find. A heritage resources management plan must be developed for managing the heritage resources in the study area during construction and operation of the development. This includes basic training for construction staff on possible finds, action steps for mitigation measures, surface collections, excavations and communication routes to follow in the case of a discovery. III

48 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. INTRODUCTION APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY PHYSICAL SURVEYING WORKING WITH LEGISLATION ASSESSMENT CRITERIA IMPACT Nature and existing mitigation EVALUATION Site Significance Impact Rating Certainty Duration HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF AREA Information available on area SITES OF SIGNIFICANCE DD-MHC DD -MHC DD-MHC ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS LEGAL AND POLICY REQUIREMENTS ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS LIST OF PREPARES REFERENCES ARCHAEOLOGICAL PAPERS CULTURAL HERITAGE PAPERS...28 ANNEXURE Annexure A Locality Map Annexure B Map of Heritage Sites IV

49 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT FIGURES Figure 1: Vereeniging Estates Map...10 Figure 2: Cornelia Colliery...11 Figure 3: Cornelia Colliery - Loading areas...11 Figure 4: Camp Colliery...12 Figure 5: Vaal Power Station...14 Figure 6: General view of eastern section of study area...16 Figure 7: Central area with some debrish...17 Figure 8: Western section of study area...17 Figure 9: Exposed fine pebble layer...19 Figure 10: Collection of lithics...19 Figure 11: Square structure...21 Figure 12: Tree lined area...23 V

50 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT 1. INTRODUCTION Matakoma - ARM Heritage Contract Unit (Pty) Ltd was contracted by Digby Wells & Associates (DWA) to conduct a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) of the proposed Vaalsands mining operation on portions of the farm Bankfontein 9, Viljoensdrif, Free State Province. The aim of the study is to identify all heritage sites, document, and assess their importance within Local, Provincial and national context. From this we aim to assist the developer in managing the discovered heritage resources in a responsible manner, in order to protect, preserve, and develop them within the framework provided by the National Heritage Resources Act of 1999 (Act 25 of 1999). The report outlines the approach and methodology utilised before and during the survey, which includes in Phase 1: Information collection from various sources and public consultations; Phase 2: Physical surveying of the area on foot and by vehicle; and Phase 3: Reporting the outcome of the study. During the survey, three sites associated with historical mining activities were identified. General site conditions and features on sites were recorded by means of photos, GPS location, and description. Possible impacts were identified and mitigation measures are proposed in the following report. This report must also be submitted to SAHRA provincial office for scrutiny. 2. APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY The aim of the study is to extensively cover all data available to compile a background history of the study area; this was accomplished by means of the following phases.

51 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT 2.1 PHYSICAL SURVEYING Due to the nature of cultural remains, the majority that occur below surface, a physical walk through of the study area was conducted. Matakoma - ARM Heritage Contract Unit were appointed to conduct a survey of the footprint of the proposed development. The study area was surveyed over four days, by means of vehicle and extensive surveys on foot. Aerial photographs and 1: maps of the area were consulted and literature of the area were studied before undertaking the survey. The purpose of this was to identify topographical areas of possible historic and pre-historic activity. All sites discovered both inside and bordering the proposed development area was plotted on 1: maps and their GPS co-ordinates noted. 35mm photographs on digital film were taken at all the sites. 3. WORKING WITH LEGISLATION It is very important that cultural resources be evaluated according to the National Heritage Recourse Act (No 25 of 1999). In accordance with the Act, we have found the following: These sites are classified as important based on evaluation of the National Heritage Recourses Act 1999 (section 3 (3)). A place or object is to be considered part of the national estate if it has cultural significance or other special value because of- (a) its importance in the community, or pattern of South Africa's history; (b) its possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of South Africa's natural or cultural heritage; (c) its potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of South Africa's natural or cultural heritage; 2

52 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT (d) its importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of South Africa's natural or cultural places or objects; (e) its importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics valued by a community or cultural group; (f) its importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative or technical achievement at a particular period; (g) its strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons; (h) its strong or special association with the life or work of a person, group or organisation of importance in the history of South Africa; and (i) sites of significance relating to the history of slavery in South Africa. (Refer to Section 9 of this document for assessment) These sites should be managed through using the National Heritage Recourses Act 1999 (Act No 25 of 1999) sections 4, 5 and 6 and sections (Please refer to Section 9 for Management Guidelines) 4. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA This chapter describes the evaluation criteria used for the sites listed below. The significance of archaeological sites was based on four main criteria: site integrity (i.e. primary vs. secondary context), amount of deposit, range of features (e.g., stonewalling, stone tools and enclosures), uniqueness and potential to answer present research questions. Management actions and recommended mitigation, which will result in a reduction in the impact on the sites, will be expressed as follows: 3

53 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT A - No further action necessary; B - Mapping of the site and controlled sampling required; C - Preserve site, or extensive data collection and mapping of the site; and D - Preserve site 4.1 IMPACT Impacts on these sites by the development will be evaluated as follows: Impact can be classified as the potential environmental impacts that may result from the proposed development activities Nature and existing mitigation Nature and existing mitigation include the natural conditions and conditions inherent in the project design that alleviate (control, moderate, curb) impacts. All management actions, which are presently implemented, are considered part of the project design and therefore mitigate against impacts. 4.2 EVALUATION Site Significance Site significance classification standards prescribed by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (2006) and approved by the Association for Southern African Professional Archaeologists (ASAPA) for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, were used for the purpose of this report. FIELD RATING GRADE SIGNIFICANCE RECOMMENDED MITIGATION National Significance (NS) Grade 1 - Conservation; National Site nomination Provincial Grade 2 - Conservation; 4

54 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT Significance (PS) Provincial Site nomination Local Significance Grade 3A High Significance Conservation; (LS) Mitigation not advised Local Significance Grade 3B High Significance Mitigation (Part of site (LS) should be retained) Generally Protected - High / Medium Mitigation before A (GP.A) Significance destruction Generally Protected - Medium Recording before B (GP.B) Significance destruction Generally Protected - Low Significance Destruction C (GP.C) Impact Rating VERY HIGH These impacts would be considered by society as constituting a major and usually permanent change to the (natural and/or social) environment, and usually result in severe or very severe effects, or beneficial or very beneficial effects. Example: The loss of a species would be viewed by informed society as being of VERY HIGH significance. Example: The establishment of a large amount of infrastructure in a rural area, which previously had very few services, would be regarded by the affected parties as resulting in benefits with VERY HIGH significance. HIGH These impacts will usually result in long term effects on the social and/or natural environment. Impacts rated as HIGH will need to be considered by society as constituting an important and usually long term change to the (natural and/or social) environment. Society would probably view these impacts in a serious light. Example: The loss of a diverse vegetation type, which is fairly common elsewhere, would have a significance rating of HIGH over the long term, as the area could be rehabilitated. Example: The change to soil conditions will impact the natural system, and the impact on affected parties (in this case people growing crops on the soil) would be HIGH. 5

55 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT MODERATE These impacts will usually result in medium- to long-term effects on the social and/or natural environment. Impacts rated as MODERATE will need to be considered by society as constituting a fairly important and usually medium term change to the (natural and/or social) environment. These impacts are real but not substantial. Example: The loss of a sparse, open vegetation type of low diversity may be regarded as MODERATELY significant. Example: The provision of a clinic in a rural area would result in a benefit of MODERATE significance. LOW These impacts will usually result in medium to short term effects on the social and/or natural environment. Impacts rated as LOW will need to be considered by the public and/or the specialist as constituting a fairly unimportant and usually short term change to the (natural and/or social) environment. These impacts are not substantial and are likely to have little real effect. Example: The temporary change in the water table of a wetland habitat, as these systems are adapted to fluctuating water levels. Example: The increased earning potential of people employed as a result of a development would only result in benefits of LOW significance to people who live some distance away. NO SIGNIFICANCE There are no primary or secondary effects at all that are important to scientists or the public. Example: A change to the geology of a particular formation may be regarded as severe from a geological perspective, but is of NO significance in the overall context Certainty DEFINITE: More than 90% sure of a particular fact. Substantial supportive data exist to verify the assessment. 6

56 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROBABLE: Over 70% sure of a particular fact, or of the likelihood of impact occurring. POSSIBLE: Only over 40% sure of a particular fact or of the likelihood of an impact occurring. UNSURE: Less than 40% sure of a particular fact or likelihood of an impact occurring Duration SHORT TERM: 0 to 5 years MEDIUM: 6 to 20 years LONG TERM: more than 20 years DEMOLISHED: site will be demolished or is already demolished Example Evaluation Impact Impact Heritage Certainty Duration Mitigation Significance Significance Negative Moderate Grade GP.B Possible Short term B 7

57 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT 5. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF AREA As heritage surveys deal with the locating of heritage resources in a prescribed cartographic landscape, the study of archival and historical data, and especially cartographic material, can represent a very valuable supporting tool in finding and identifying such heritage resources. The historical background and timeframe can be divided into the Stone Age, Iron Age and Historical timeframe. These can be divided as follows: Stone Age The Stone Age is divided in Early; Middle and Later Stone Age and refers to the earliest people of South Africa who mainly relied on stone for their tools. Early Stone Age: The period from ± 2.5 million yrs - ± yrs ago. Acheulean stone tools are dominant. Middle Stone Age: Various lithic industries in SA dating from ± yrs yrs before present. Late Stone Age: The period from ± yrs before present to the period of contact with either Iron Age farmers or European colonists. Iron Age The Iron Age as a whole represents the spread of Bantu speaking people and includes both the Pre-Historic and Historic periods. Similar to the Stone Age it to can be divided into three periods: The Early Iron Age: Most of the first millennium AD. The Middle Iron Age: 10th to 13th centuries AD The Later Iron Age: 14th century to colonial period. 8

58 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT Historic Timeframe 17th Century to present AD ( ) The historic timeframe intermingles with the later parts of the Stone and Iron Age, and can loosely be regarded as times when written and oral recounts of incidents became available 5.1 Information available on area General Vereeniging is of historic interest as it was here in 1892 that President Kruger of the Transvaal, and President Reitz of the Orange Free State, met at the official opening of the first line of railway to cross the Vaal River into the Transvaal. Again at Vereeniging in 1902, President Steyn and Generals Botha, Hertzog, Smuts, De la Rey and De Wet, of the Boer Forces met Lord Milner and General Kitchener and negotiated the Treaty of Peace with Great Britain after the Boer War Mining Coal Deposits The coal formation underlying the Vereeniging Estates, Mine according to the report of Dr F H Hatch, F.G.S., M.Inst.C.E., dated 15th April, 1903, extends over 151 square miles of the total area of the Estates property. There were two Colliery pits opened up. Cornelia Colliery Cornelia Colliery is situated on the Orange Free State side of the Vaal River. The output of this Colliery in tons is: Year Tonnage , , , , , , ,413 9

59 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT , , ,412 The consumption by local industries at Vereeniging, such as the Victoria Falls & Transvaal Power Company Limited, the Union Steel Corporation, the Vereeniging Brick & Tile Company, the Vereeniging Milling Company, the Lime Works, and the Muncipality were steadily increasing. In addition, a substantial trade was done with the Witwatersrand Gold Mines and with Merchants and other industries in Johannesburg and other towns of the Transvaal and Orange Free State. The Colliery employed 130 white employees and 1,800 natives. Figure 1: Vereeniging Estates Map 10

60 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT Figure 2: Cornelia Colliery Figure 3: Cornelia Colliery - Loading areas Camp Colliery Camp Colliery (below) is on the Transvaal side of the Vaal River and was sunk during the years 1912 and A tunnel was driven under the river to connect with the Orange Free State Coalfield. Owing to the unsettled conditions caused by the War, operations at this Colliery were temporarily suspended in The Colliery is equipped with headgear, permanent winding engine, compressed air and rock drilling and boiler plant, with native quarters, etc. 11

61 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT Figure 4: Camp Colliery (Section fromwww.vaaltriangleinfo.co.za) Power Stations George William Star discovered coal in the region, eleven years before President Paul Kruger proclaimed Vereeniging a town in At the end of the nineteenth century, collieries were left with large quantities of waste coal from their production. The main consumers of coal, such as steam engine owners and railway locomotives, could only use lumps of a certain size. Senator Sammy Marks, who owned the Vaal Colliery, believed that waste coal could be used to generate electricity for the gold mines of the Witwatersrand, which were demanding more electricity than the only power plant at Brakpan could provide. In 1906, the reef gold mines were producing roughly one third of the world s total gold output, and they had the potential to produce much more if electricity were to become more readily available. On 17 October that year, the Victoria Falls Power Company Limited (VFP) was founded. The VFP was an undertaking in which a German firm hoped to bring power to South Africa from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), by tapping the great power of the Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls Power Company Limited would change its name to the Victoria Falls and Transvaal Power Company Limited in The VFP bought out the Rand Central Electric Works and the General Electric Power Company. 12

62 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT In 1910, the Transvaal Power Act granted the VFP a license to provide power to the Witwatersrand mines. Sammy Marks had earlier written a letter to the Chamber of Mines trying to forestall agreements with the VFP so that he could pursue his idea of a Vereeniging Power Station, but was unsuccessful. He had written the letter in 1906 when the Transvaal colonial government was hoping that mechanization and electrification would ease labour shortage problems. Under such circumstances, it was believed that one very large power station, at Victoria Falls, would be preferable. On the other hand, the feasibility of such a large project so far from its consumers was difficult to argue. A perfect site was chosen for the Vereeniging Power station. It would be completed by 1912, on the Vaal River by a low dam (the Leslie Weir, commonly referred to as the Sammy Marks Weir) sixty kilometres south of Johannesburg. The dam had been built by Vereeniging Estates after the South African War and would provide all the water necessary for cooling purposes. The site was also near to the Rand and had unlimited coal reserves. Between 1923 and 1933, Vereeniging Power Station was extended four times giving it a generating capacity of 140 MW and making it one of the largest stations in the British Empire at that time. The mines, however, were also expanding quickly, and by 1934 the VFP was nearing the limits of its capacity to supply power to the gold mines of the Rand. In that year, Amalgamated Collieries acquired the rights to mine coal on the property of McKay Estates, where the small Springfield Colliery had gone into liquidation. Amalgamated Collieries was a subsidiary of Vereeniging Estates. The purpose of the move was to induce Sir Bernard Price, chairman of the VFP, to build a second power station in Vereeniging. Vereeniging Estates allowed its new land to become the site for Klip Power Station, which would receive its coal from Springfield Colliery. Mines were requiring more electricity, and more residents in Johannesburg and Vereeniging were applying for electric current. Despite the new Klip Power Station, another extension had to be built onto Vereeniging Power Station in the late 1930 s. 13

63 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT In 1936, the station was connected to the Witwatersrand system by means of 80,000 volt lines, those being lines of the highest voltage in the southern hemisphere at that time. By 1938, Escom was on the scene, having been founded in 1923, and with the VFP decided to build Vereeniging s third power station (Vaal Power Station) next to Vereeniging Power Station, on the opposite bank of the Vaal River (ESKOM, 2003). The Dorman Long Company provided the original structural steel works for the Vaal Power Station, some t of steelwork (DSE, 2003). Figure 5: Vaal Power Station Vaal Power Station commenced operation in January 1945 with an installed plant capacity of 66 MW. It was the first Escom station to be built in the Orange Free State [The name Escom was changed to Eskom in 1987 and the Orange Free State is now known as the Free State]. The power station was well placed to supply the initial requirements of the new gold deposits discovered in the Free State in The station had been planned to have 108 MW of generating plant installed initially, scheduled to be in operation in 1941, and to be extended later to 400 MW, if necessary. However, delivery of equipment was delayed and the construction programme seriously retarded by difficulties arising out of World War II ( ). 14

64 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT Vaal Power Station was in operation for almost 45 years. It was decommissioned during 1989, having reached the end of its economic life. Total net electricity production amounted to 69 thousand GWh (gigawatt-hours) or sixty-nine thousand million units. The total coal consumption was 62 million metric tons. During the 1980's Eskom had been commissioning its new giant six-pack power stations. But due to a decrease in the rate of growth in the demand for electricity, Eskom began to experience a surplus of generation capacity. The older and less efficient stations were thus no longer required. Vaal Power Station was closed down in 1989, having reached the end of its economic life. The four cooling towers were demolished in July 1996 by means of explosives. These were the tallest structures in South Africa when they were built, but were sadly reduced to rubble within seconds when they were demolished. After 1998 the plant was sold as scrap, the power station buildings totally demolished, and the land rehabilitated. (Above provided by Eskom website, 2003) 15

65 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT 6. SITES OF SIGNIFICANCE The area is characterised by old agricultural fields to the east intermingled by old sand mining activities. Figure 6: General view of eastern section of study area The central section comprises sections of open grass land with small sections of demolished rubble possibly from the Vaal Power Station demolition from the late 1990 s. 16

66 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT Figure 7: Central area with some debris The western section is characterised by open grass land with the remains of haul roads evident in the area. Figure 8: Western section of study area 17

67 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT DD-MHC001 Description of Site: Site Number Map reference 2627DD- MHC001 Topo-sheet number 2627DD Number of Map in report Annexure B GPS coordinates: Indicate Model and datum - WGS 84 X Y Garmin 38, WGS 84 E S Site Data Type of site (e.g. open scatter; shell midden, cave /shelter); Site categories (e.g. Earlier Stone Age, Late Iron Age); Context (i.e. primary or secondary); Cultural affinities, approximate age and significant features of the site; Estimation or measurement of the extent (maximum dimensions) and orientation of the site(s); Description Open scatter Later Stone Age Secondary None Low density open air scatter, fine pebble layer exposed by sand removal Depth and stratification of the site (where shovel test permits have been given), both in the text and through photographs of the sections; None visible Possible sources of information about past environments, such as stalactites/ stalagmites, flowstone, dassie middens, peat or organic rich deposits. None 18

68 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT Photographs diagrams numbers) and (Figure Figure 9: Exposed fine pebble layer Figure 10: Collection of lithics Statement of Significance (Heritage Value) Field Rating (Recommended grading or field significance) of the site: Impact Evaluation of development on site Recommendations including: Summary The site is of low heritage significance Generally protected (GP.C) Impact on site is seen as low negative, through possible destruction of site None needed Field Rating Impact Impact Significance Certainty Duration Mitigation Grade GP.C Negative Low Possible Long term None 19

69 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT DD -MHC002 Description of Site: Site Number Map reference 2627DD-MHC002 Topo-sheet number 2627DD Number of Map in report Annexure B GPS coordinates: Indicate Model and datum - WGS 84 X Garmin 38, WGS 84 E S Y Site Data Type of site (e.g. open scatter; shell midden, cave /shelter); Site categories (e.g. Earlier Stone Age, Late Iron Age); Context (i.e. primary or secondary); Cultural affinities, approximate age and significant features of the site; Estimation or measurement of the extent (maximum dimensions) and orientation of the site(s); Depth and stratification of the site (where shovel test permits have been given), both in the text and through photographs of the sections; Possible sources of information about past environments, such as stalactites/ stalagmites, flowstone, dassie middens, peat or organic rich deposits. Description Historic stone structure Historic Primary Early 1900 Single square stone line foundation. Stone paving in western side of foundation indicates entrance step of structure. None visible None 20

70 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT Photographs diagrams numbers) and (Figure Figure 11: Square structure Statement of Significance (Heritage Value) Field Rating (Recommended grading or field significance) of the site: Impact Evaluation of development on site Recommendations including: Summary The site is of low heritage significance Generally protected (GP.C) Impact on site is seen as low negative, through possible destruction of site None needed Field Rating Impact Impact Significance Certainty Duration Mitigation Grade GP.C Negative Low Possible Long term None 21

71 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT DD-MHC003 Description of Site: Site Number Map reference 2627DD-MHC003 Topo-sheet number 2627DD Number of Map in report Annexure B GPS coordinates: Indicate Model and datum - WGS 84 X Garmin 38, WGS 84 E S Y Site Data Type of site (e.g. open scatter; shell midden, cave /shelter); Site categories (e.g. Earlier Stone Age, Late Iron Age); Context (i.e. primary or secondary); Cultural affinities, approximate age and significant features of the site; Estimation or measurement of the extent (maximum dimensions) and orientation of the site(s); Depth and stratification of the site (where shovel test permits have been given), both in the text and through photographs of the sections; Possible sources of information about past environments, such as stalactites/ stalagmites, flowstone, dassie middens, peat or organic rich deposits. Description Possible cemetery Historic Primary Mid 1900 s The topographical sheet 2627DD indicates the presence of a large tree lined cemetery in the eastern section of the study area. During the field survey the tree lined area was investigated but no indication of graves where found on the site. None visible None 22

72 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT Photographs diagrams numbers) and (Figure Figure 12: Tree lined area Statement of Significance (Heritage Value) Field Rating (Recommended grading or field significance) of the site: Impact Evaluation of development on site Recommendations including: Summary The site is of possible high heritage significance Generally protected (GP.A) Impact on site is seen as possible negative, through possible destruction of site It is recommended that the site be re-evaluated during the stage where vegetation cover has reduced to confirm the presence of graves. Field Rating Impact Impact Significance Certainty Duration Mitigation Grade GP.A Negative High Possible Long term B 7. ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS Due to the nature of cultural remains that occur, in most cases, below surface, the possibility remains that some cultural remains may not have been discovered during the survey. 23

73 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT Although Matakoma-ARM Heritage Contracts Unit (Pty) surveyed the area as thorough as possible, it is incumbent upon the developer to inform the relevant heritage agency should further cultural remains be unearthed or laid open during the process of development. 8. LEGAL AND POLICY REQUIREMENTS In areas where there has not yet been a systematic survey to identify conservation worthy places, a permit is required to alter or demolish any structure older than 60 years. This will apply until a survey has been done and identified heritage resources are formally protected. Archaeological and palaeontological sites, materials, and meteorites are the source of our understanding of the evolution of the earth, life on earth and the history of people. In the new legislation, permits are required to damage, destroy, alter, or disturb them. People who already possess material are required to register it. The management of heritage resources are integrated with environmental resources and this means that before development takes place heritage resources are assessed and, if necessary, rescued. In addition to the formal protection of culturally significant graves, all graves, which are older than 60 years and are not in a cemetery (such as ancestral graves in rural areas), are protected. The legislation protects the interests of communities that have interest in the graves: they may be consulted before any disturbance takes place. The graves of victims of conflict and those associated with the liberation struggle will be identified, cared for, protected and memorials erected in their honour. Anyone who intends to undertake a development must notify the heritage resource authority and if there is reason to believe that heritage resources will be affected, an impact assessment report must be compiled at the developer s cost. Thus developers will be able to proceed without uncertainty about whether work will have to be stopped if a heritage resource is discovered. 24

74 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT According to the National Heritage Act (Act 25 of 1999 section 32) it is stated that: An object or collection of objects, or a type of object or a list of objects, whether specific or generic, that is part of the national estate and the export of which SAHRA deems it necessary to control, may be declared a heritage object, including objects recovered from the soil or waters of South Africa, including archaeological and palaeontological objects, meteorites and rare geological specimens; visual art objects; military objects; numismatic objects; objects of cultural and historical significance; objects to which oral traditions are attached and which are associated with living heritage; objects of scientific or technological interest; books, records, documents, photographic positives and negatives, graphic material, film or video or sound recordings, excluding those that are public records as defined in section 1 (xiv) of the National Archives of South Africa Act, 1996 ( Act No. 43 of 1996), or in a provincial law pertaining to records or archives; and any other prescribed category. If it is necessary to refer to any of the above-mentioned objects, the National Heritage Act (Act 25 of 1999 Sections 31-38) is included in Appendix 2. Under the National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999), provisions are made that deal with, and offer protection, to all historic and pre-historic cultural remains, including graves and human remains. Graves younger than 60 years fall under Section 2(1) of the Removal of Graves and Dead Bodies Ordinance (Ordinance no. 7 of 1925) as well as the Human Tissues Act (Act 65 of 1983) and are the jurisdiction of the National Department of Health and the relevant Provincial Department of Health and must be submitted for final approval to the Office of the relevant Provincial Premier. This function is usually delegated to the Provincial MEC for Local Government and Planning, or in some cases the 25

75 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT MEC for Housing and Welfare. Authorisation for exhumation and reinterment must also be obtained from the relevant local or regional council where the grave is situated, as well as the relevant local or regional council to where the grave is being relocated. All local and regional provisions, laws and by-laws must also be adhered to. In order to handle and transport human remains the institution conducting the relocation should be authorised under Section 24 of Act 65 of 1983 (Human Tissues Act). Graves older than 60 years, but younger than 100 years fall under Section 36 of Act 25 of 1999 (National Heritage Resources Act) as well as the Human Tissues Act (Act 65 of 1983) and are the jurisdiction of the South African Heritage Resource Agency (SAHRA). The procedure for Consultation Regarding Burial Grounds and Graves (Section 36(5) of Act 25 of 1999) is applicable to graves older than 60 years that are situated outside a formal cemetery administrated by a local authority. Graves in the category located inside a formal cemetery administrated by a local authority will also require the same authorisation as set out for graves younger than 60 years over and above SAHRA authorisation. If the grave is not situated inside a formal cemetery but is to be relocated to one, permission from the local authority is required and all regulations, laws and by-laws set by the cemetery authority must be adhered to. 9. ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS A locality map is provided in Annexure A and Heritage Sites in Annexure B A summary of the recommendations for each of the main heritage sites follows: During the survey three sites of heritage value were found within the footprint of the proposed mining area, of these only MHC003 will require further work in the form of further evaluation in low vegetation conditions. MHC003 It is recommended that the site be re-evaluated when vegetation conditions makes it possible for better visibility of the area. 26

76 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT If it is identified that the area is a cemetery it is recommended that the site be preserved and fenced. In the event that the mining plan does not allow for the preservation of the site, the graves must be relocated following a full social consultation process and after the issuing of all the relevant permits by the Local, Provincial and National Departments involved. If these recommendations are adhered by there is from a Heritage point of view no reason why the development can not commence. General If during construction any possible finds are made, the operations must be stopped and a qualified archaeologist be contacted for an assessment of the find. A heritage resources management plan must be developed for managing the heritage resources in the study area during construction and operation of the development. This includes basic training for construction staff on possible finds, action steps for mitigation measures, surface collections, excavations and communication routes to follow in the case of a discovery. 27

77 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT 10. LIST OF PREPARES 11. REFERENCES Wouter Fourie, BA (Hon) Archaeology (UP) 11.1 ARCHAEOLOGICAL PAPERS Bradley, B. & Sampson, C.G Analysis by Replication of Two Acheulean Artefact Assemblages. Bailey, G.N. & Callow, P (eds) Stone Age Prehistory: Cambridge. Cambridge University Press. Clark, J.D The Prehistory of Africa. London. Thames and Hudson. Eskom, Vaal Power Station. eskom.co.za/heritage/vaal/vaal.htm Goodwin, A.J.H Methods in Prehistory. Claremont, Cape Town. South African Archaeological Society. Klein, R.G Southern African Prehistory and Paleoenvironments. A.A. Balkema. Vaaltriangle Info. Vereeniging Estates. Willemse, J Bewaar gister vir die nageslag. Rapport, 16 June S.A CULTURAL HERITAGE PAPERS Australia ICOMOS. The Burra Charter (The Australian ICOMOS charter for places of cultural significance) Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment International Council of Monuments & Site Documents. Conventions, Charters and Guidelines Documents on Cultural Heritage Protection International Council of Monuments & Site Documents. Guidelines to the Burra Charter: Conservation Policy International Council of Monuments & Site Documents. Guidelines to the Burra Charter: Cultural Significance Australian Historic Themes. A Framework for use in Heritage Assessment and Management. Australian Heritage Commission

78 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT ANNEXURE A: Locality Map 29

79 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT

80 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT ANNEXURE B: Heritage Sites

81 VAALSANDS MINING HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT