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

periods of high activity or increased ambient noise levels. Drilling and blasting contractors will monitor the blast
noise, shock and vibration felt at the boundary of the mine.
In terms of Regulation 67 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (Act 28 of 2002)
Regulations GN R527, a holder of a permit or right in terms of the Act must comply with the provisions of the
Mine Health and Safety Act (Act 29 of 1996) as well as other applicable legislation relating to blasting, vibration
and shock control and management.
The repetitive operation of machinery also creates a range of noise levels. Although of low intensity these have
an impact due to long periods of operation at the crushing plant and mills. The Mineral and Petroleum Resources
Development Act (Act 28 of 2002) requires these areas be effectively screened to reduce or deflect noise and
stipulates that cladding on structures be adequately fastened and separated with soft spacers and washers.
Vehicle engines or loading noise and even reverse warning alarms on trucks and loaders can impact
communities near and around the mine. Machinery such as compressors, generators, metal workshops tools
such as angle grinders, pneumatic drills and jackhammers create high noise levels that are difficult to screen.
8.1.12 Air quality
Dust originating from disturbed areas and mining operations as well as vehicle emissions may contribute to poor
air quality.
Air quality monitoring and modelling should for future activities concentrate on dust fallout and ambient PM10 and
sulphur dioxide monitoring. Dust fallout monitoring will be undertaken to assess compliancy with dust fallout limits
and will be reviewed annually.
Monitoring will also be undertaken during the mining phase to assess sulphur dioxide compliancy with the
ambient air quality guidelines and standards. The monitoring is conducted according to the main impact zone of
the mine operations.
Current sources of pollution (predominantly in the form of dust) in the vicinity of the site include the following:
EIA-REP-325d-11
October 2012
• Dust from mining;
• The handling of ore,
• Ore processing operations;
• Stockpiled materials;
• Disturbed land or land denuded of any vegetation;
• Vehicle movements on un-surfaced roads; and
• Disposal facilities.
Mining activities in the general region as well as burning of wood and coal by the residents of many of the local
communities (due to there being no formal electricity infrastructure), are primary contributors to the air pollution
experienced in the region.
91