AE01457V
A report on a cultural heritage impact assessment for a proposed opencast mining right application on the farm Middelkraal 50 IS, close to Bethal, Mpumalanga Province
Summary
Archaetnos cc was requested by Geovicon to conduct a cultural heritage impact
assessment (HIA) for an opencast mining right application on the farm Middelkraal
50 IS. This is close to Bethal 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.
During the survey two sites of cultural heritage significance was located. The area is
disturbed to a large extent and therefore this is no surprise. 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 and that the HIA be
amended if necessary.
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.) Accredited member of ASAPA Accredited member of SASCH & Zurethe Collins BA, BA (Hons)