AE01305V
A report on a cultural heritage impact assessment for the proposed Brakfontein 264 IR Colliery extension, close to Delmas, Mpumalanga Province
Summary
Archaetnos cc was requested by Cabanga Concepts to conduct a cultural heritage
impact assessment for the proposed Brakfontein 264 IR Colliery Extension. This is
on various portions of the farm Brakfontein close to Delmas in the Mpumalanga
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 four sites of cultural heritage significance were located in the
mining right area. These sites are discussed in the report and are of high cultural
significance. Two of these will be impacted on by mining activities and the other two
not. The necessary mitigation measures are discussed. The development may
continue after implementation thereof.
It should be noted however that the subterranean presence of archaeological and/or
historical sites, features or artifacts is always a distinct possibility. In this particular
case there indeed is a fair chance of sites like graveyards being found later on as the
vegetation cover was extremely high, making archaeological visibility extremely
difficult. Care should therefore be taken when the development commences further
that if any of these are discovered, a qualified archaeologist be called in to
investigate.
It should be noted 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
.
Report by
Dr. A.C. van Vollenhoven (L.AKAD.SA.)