AE01466V

A report on a cultural heritage impact assessment for the proposed extension of the mining area at the Belfast Silica Mine, close to Belfast, Mpumalanga Province

Summary

Archaetnos cc was requested by Clean Stream Environmental Services to conduct a cultural heritage impact assessment (HIA) for the proposed extension of the mining area at the Belfast Silica Mine. The mine is situated on the remaining extent of portion 1 of the farm Klipfontein 385 JS, approximately 8 km north of Belfast in the Mpumalanga Province.

The HIA survey was conducted according to generally accepted HIA practices and was aimed at locating all possible objects, sites and features of cultural significance in the area of proposed development. One sometimes looks a bit wider than the demarcated area, as the surrounding context needs to be taken into consideration.

If required, the location/position of any site was determined by means of a Global Positioning System (GPS), while photographs were also taken where needed. All sites, objects features and structures identified were documented according to the general minimum standards accepted by the archaeological profession. Co-ordinates of individual localities were determined by means of the Global Positioning System (GPS). The information was added to the description in order to facilitate the identification of each locality.

Two sites of cultural heritage significance were located in the surveyed area. These are of low significance and are discussed in detail in the report. The report is seen as ample documentation and the proposed development may therefore continue.

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.) Accredited member of ASAPA Accredited member of SASCH & Zurethe Collins BA, BA (Hons)