AE01812V

A REPORT ON A CULTURAL HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR A PROPOSED MINING RIGHTS APPLICATION ON THE FARM KANAKIES 332, CLOSE TO LOERIESFONTEIN, NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE

Purpose:

Archaetnos cc was requested by Cabanga Environmental to conduct a cultural heritage impact assessment (HIA) for a proposed mining right application on the farm Kanakies 332. This is close to the town of Loeriesfontein in the Northern Cape Province. Loeriesfontein falls within the Hantam Local Municipality of the Namaqua District.

The heritage study forms part of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This report is the result of the HIA study.

Project description:

The applicable mineral related to the project is gypsum. Witkop Fluorspar Mine (Pty) Ltd has submitted an application for a mining right in terms of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002 (MPRDA) over Portion 0 (the Remaining Extent), Kanakies 332, Calvinia Rd.

Methodology:

The methodology for the study includes a survey of literature followed by a field assessment. The latter was conducted according to generally accepted HIA practices and was aimed at locating all possible objects, sites and features of cultural significance in the area of proposed development.

If required, the location/position of any site was determined by means of a Global Positioning System (GPS), while photographs were also taken where needed.  The survey was undertaken by doing a physical survey via off-road vehicle and on foot and covered as much as possible of the area to be studied. Certain factors, such as accessibility, density of vegetation, etc. may however influence the coverage.

All sites, objects, features and structures identified were documented according to the general minimum standards accepted by the archaeological profession. Co-ordinates of individual localities were determined by means of the Global Positioning System (GPS). The information was added to the description in order to facilitate the identification of each locality.

Public consultation:

Public consultation is done by the Environmental Practitioner.

Findings:

During the survey no sites of cultural heritage significance were identified within the immediate project area.

Recommendations:

  • This report is seen as ample mitigation and the proposed development may thus continue, but only after the report had been approved by SAHRA.

 

  • It should be noted that the subterranean presence of archaeological and/or historical sites, features or artifacts is always a distinct possibility. Due to the density of vegetation it also is possible that some sites may only become known later on. Operating controls and monitoring should therefore be aimed at the possible unearthing of such features. Care should therefore be taken when development commences that if any of these are discovered, a qualified archaeologist be called in to investigate the occurrence.

It is also important to take cognizance that it is the client’s responsibility to do the submission of this report via the SAHRIS System on the SAHRA website.  No work on site may commence before receiving the necessary comments from SAHRA.

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