AE01255V
A report on a cultural heritage impact assessment for a proposed new tailings storage facility at the Two Rivers Platinum Mine, close to Steelpoort, Limpopo Province
Summary
Archaetnos cc was requested by GCS to conduct a cultural heritage impact assessment for a proposed new Tailings Storage Facility at the Two Rivers Platinum Mine. This is close to Steelpoort in the Limpopo Province.
A survey of the available literature was undertaken in order to obtain background information regarding the area. This was followed by the field survey which was conducted according to generally accepted HIA practices, aimed at locating all possible objects, sites and features of cultural significance in the area of the proposed development.
All sites, objects features and structures identified were to be documented according to the general minimum standards accepted by the archaeological profession. Co-ordinates of individual localities were determined by means of a Global Positioning System (GPS). The information was added to photographs and the description in order to facilitate the identification of each locality.
During the survey no sites of cultural heritage significance was located in the area to be developed. A few stone tools and a single potsherd were however found. The development may therefore continue.
It should be noted however that the subterranean presence of archaeological and/or historical sites, features or artifacts is always a distinct possibility. Care should therefore be taken when the development commences that if any of these are discovered, a qualified archaeologist be called in to investigate.
Report by
Dr. A.C. van Vollenhoven (L.AKAD.SA.)