EIA-REP-325d-12 _BB_ - 201.09.14.pdf - SAHRA

There are increased demands for coal, as an energy source, both locally and internationally. Until alternative
energy sources are dependable and financially viable, coal will remain in high demand. South Africa is in a
position where the labour costs makes the mining of coal a cheaper financial option. In the current world
economic situation, the proposed open cast and underground mine at Leeuwenburg 137 IT, Roodewal 270 IT,
Holbank 265 IT, Vlakfontein 266 IT, Vlakfontein 269 IT, Mooiplaats 290 IT, Witpunt 267 IT, Transutu 257 IT and
Jan Hendriksfontein 263 IT, in the Msukaligwa Local Municipality; will be mined at an ideal time as the Northern
Hemisphere is experiencing economic down scaling and recessions.
The motivation for the project is based on the financial feasibility and Geological Assessment Report that was
undertaken by the proponent, i.e. Vunene Mining (Pty) Ltd. Through geological assessments and a feasibility
study it have been determined that the coal reserves on the above-mentioned farms (the proposed mining area)
have an economic value and can be mined optimally via opencast and underground mining methods. Based on
the proposed production rate of 3 000 000 tonnes per year, the life of mine (LOM) is estimated to be
approximately 30 years.
Furthermore, Vunene Mining (Pty) Ltd. identified that with the proposed Usutu open cast mine the proponent will
be supplying economic stimuli which will eventually result in an economic boost and financial stability and growth
in the Mpumalanga Province.
The original delineation of the coal reserve in the area was identified during earlier exploration phases. It has
however been established that the coal layer on Leeuwenburg 137 IT, Roodewal 270 IT, Holbank 265 IT,
Vlakfontein 266 IT, Vlakfontein 269 IT, Mooiplaats 290 IT, Witpunt 267 IT, Transutu 257 IT and Jan
Hendriksfontein 263 IT, in the Msukaligwa Local Municipality is located at a relatively shallow position (between 6
– 26 meters); which makes open cast mining a financially viable option. The coal reserves located deeper will be
mined using the underground mining method.
Underground mining
The B and C coal seams reserve at the proposed mining area extends over an area of approximately 13 540
hectares. The seam thicknesses varies between 1.20 metres and less than 3 metres at the depth of 55 to 90
metres. It is estimated that the B and C coal Seam is 84 Million In-Situ Tonnes; as a result the mine is expected
to remain in production for thirty years (30 years).
The seam thickness varies between 1.20 to 3.00 meters in thickness, which lends itself to bord and pillar mining
using continuous miners. It is planned to take the maximum extraction allowed in primary mining to a safety
factor of 1.6, which will give a 65% yield. There is no plan to extract any pillars at this stage. It is expected that
there will be some dolerite intrusions, thus a dyke development section will be deployed for the purpose of
mining through these and to prepare new mining sections.
The underground production is planned to commence on the West Underground Main high wall and will produce
at a rate of 90,000 ROM tons per month from a single production section.
The underground mining equipment in each section will comprise the following, namely:
• Conventional mining (Continuous miners);
EIA-REP-325d-11
October 2012
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