AE01363V
A report on a cultural heritage impact assessment for a proposed opencast mining operation at Elandspruit portion 31, close to Middelburg, Mpumalanga Province
Summary
Archaetnos cc was requested by Cabanga Concepts to conduct a cultural heritage
impact assessment for a proposed mining project on portion 31 of the farm
Elandspruit 291 JS. This is close to the town of Middelburg 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 three sites of cultural heritage significance were located. These
are discussed in the report and mitigation measures are proposed. After
implementation of these, the proposed development may 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 further that if any of these are
discovered, a qualified archaeologist be called in to investigate.
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.
Report by
Dr. A.C. van Vollenhoven (L.AKAD.SA.)