OVERVIEW OF THE IMPACT OF MINING ON THE ... - IIED pubs

3.5.1.2 Geology
The Upper Karoo Batoka Basalt Formation underlies the lower reaches of the sub-catchment, covered by
Kalahari Sands. Archaean rocks of the Central African Craton underlie the headwaters of the sub-catchment.
3.5.1.3 Pedology, agriculture and land use
The soils are in two groups: the deeper ferralitic soils of the upper headwaters of the catchment, and Kalahari
Sands over most of the lower reaches of the sub-catchment. The predominance of Kalahari Sands makes the
area generally unsuitable for commercial agriculture, though subsistence agriculture occurs on floodplain levees
along the rivers.
3.5.1.4 Surface water users
The only settlements are small villages scattered throughout the sub-catchment, as well as anecdotal evidence
for the presence of UNITA army camps in the headwaters region of the sub-catchment. Prospecting teams in
the sub-catchment uses small volumes of water.
3.5.1.5 Water management systems
This area falls under the management of the Angolan Department of Water Affairs.
3.5.1.6 Human impacts on water resources (excluding mining)
The following could be expected to have an impact on water resources:
• Disposal of domestic and solid waste and UNITA army camps in the headwaters; and
• Minor non-point impact from sparse, subsistence agriculture throughout the sub-catchment.
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