AE01451V
A cultural heritage management plan and impact assessment for the proposed Umsobomvu Coal Mine close to Dundee, Kwazulu-Natal Province
Summary
Archaetnos cc was appointed by Umsobomvu Coal (Pty) Ltd to write a cultural heritage resources management plan for the proposed mining area of the Umsobomvu Coal Mine, close to Dundee in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. Thirty sites of cultural heritage importance were identified during an earlier heritage study in the area. These are discussed and heritage management guidelines are given. As impacts could not be determined during the first study, it is also addressed in this management document.
Some basic principles for heritage management which are applicable will also be discussed. These are the basic conservation and preservation principles to be used in managing cultural resources. Recommendations made in the document are done within the parameters of the National Heritage Resources Act (25 of 1999).
The management plan is an open document meaning that it should be adapted and reassessed from time to time. A continuation period of at least five years is given. However any developments done before the expiry of the five year period should be used to re-evaluate the impact on cultural resources and to make the necessary adaptations to the document. The five year period ends in 2019.
Mitigation measures are also proposed. The development may only continue after implementation of the mitigation measures.
The developer also needs to take note that all archaeological and historical sites may not have been identified. Apart from natural factors this is also due to certain farms not being accessible. It also is possible that subterranean archaeological sites may be found later on. On identification of these it needs to be dealt with by an archaeologist.
Report by
Dr. A.C. van Vollenhoven (L.AKAD.SA.)