AE01409V
A report on a cultural heritage impact assessment for the proposed opencast mining at Msebe Block, Nongoma District, Kwazulu-Natal Province
Summary
Archaetnos cc was appointed by Prime Resources to conduct a cultural heritage impact assessment for the proposed Opencast Mining at Msebe Block. This is in the Nongoma District in the KwaZulu-Natal Province.
The HIA survey was conducted according to generally accepted HIA practices. It was aimed at locating all possible objects, sites and features of cultural significance in the area of proposed development.
In the area impacted upon by the proposed development no sites of cultural heritage significance were identified, but three sites were found nearby. The report gives a short discussion of these. It also indicates how to deal with any archaeological material that may be unearthed during construction activities in the future.
All three of the sites found are grave yards. There is two possible ways of dealing with this, depending on whether the impact thereon is direct or indirect. These may be impacted on indirectly. The necessary recommendations in dealing with these are made.
It is concluded that the proposed development may continue, but only after the indicated mitigation measures have been implemented. It should be noted that the subterranean presence of archaeological and/or historical sites, features or artifacts is always a distinct possibility. 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.
Report by
Dr. A.C. van Vollenhoven (L.AKAD.SA.)