EMP - EIA - Sentula Mining

EIA/EMP Report: Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited 

PART 1: BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION 

1.1 CONTACT DETAILS 

Mine Address : Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited 

P.O. Box 4 

Komatipoort 

1340 

Tel: 082 572 3469 

Fax: 082 570 8433 

Contact: Mr. Gideon van Heerden 

Mine Owner : Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited 

P.O. Box 4 

Komatipoort 

1340 

Tel: 082 572 3469 

Fax: 082 570 8433 

Mine Manager : Mr. S.J. Pieterse 

EIA/EMP Compilation 

Specialist soil survey 

Vegetation Survey 

Determination of 

floodlines 

Geohydrological 

survey 

: 

: 

: 

: 

: 

Geovicon cc 

P.O. Box 4050 

MIDDELBURG, 1050 

Tel: (013) 243 0486 

Fax: (013) 243 0487 

Contact: Mr. G. Pretorius 

Geo Pollution Technologies 

PO Box 38384 

Garsfontein East 

PRETORIA, 0060 

Contact: Dr. G. du Toit 

Page 1


1.2 NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MINERAL RIGHTS 

HOLDER 

Mineral Holder : Kangwane Mineral Exploration (Pty) Ltd (lessee) and Nkomati 

Anthracite (Pty) Ltd (sub-lessee) by virtue of mineral lease with 

protocol No 531. 

Address : P.O. Box 4 

Komatipoort 

1340 

Tel: 082 572 3469 

Fax: 082 570 8433 

Contact: Mr. Gideon van Heerden 

1.3 NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MINING RIGHT 

APPLICANT 

Mining Authorisation 

Holder 

: 

Address : P.O. Box 4 

Komatipoort 

1340 

Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited 

1.4 NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE LAND OWNERS 

Table 1 indicates the surface owners and coal right holders on and surrounding the proposed 

Nkomati Anthracite extension project. 

Table 1: Schedule of properties listing minerals rights holders and surface ownership on and 

surrounding the proposed Nkomati Anthracite Mine extension project area. 

FARM NAME AND 

NUMBER 

Grobler 479 JU 

Guillaume 480 JU 

Wildebeest 494 JU 

Rusplek 495 JU 

Sweet Home 496 JU 

Bonnie Vale 497 JU 

Excelsior 498 JU 

Murray 502 JU 

Fig Tree 503 JU 

Beginsel 504 JU 

Portion of Un-surveyed 

State Land 

SURFACE OWNER 

South African 

Development Trust 

(State) 

MINERAL TITLE 

HOLDER 

South African 

Development Trust 

(State) 

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1.5 REGIONAL SETTING 

Refer to Figure 1 for the regional setting of Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 

1.5.1 Magisterial District 

Kamhlushwa, Mpumalanga 

District Municipality: Ehlanzeni District Municipality 

Local Municipality: Nkomazi Local Municipality 

1.5.2 Direction and Distance to Nearest Towns 

Komatipoort - 50 km south 

Mozambique border - 10 km west 

Tonga - 6.5 km north 

1.5.3 Surface Infrastructure 

Roads: 

Tarred road access exists to within 3 km of the existing opencast workings. From Nelspruit 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine can be accessed either via Komatipoort and the Swaziland border 

tarred road, a distance of approximately 170 km or via Malelane and the Jeppes Reef Road 

through Tonga, a distance of approximately 150 km. Several minor farm roads exist on the 

proposed mining area. 

Railway lines: 

The Komatipoort/Swaziland rail link traverses the eastern portion of the mineral lease area, 

some 8 km from the existing mining operations. 

Towns: 

The towns of Mangweni, Kwa Mandulu, Masibekela and Madadeni and its related 

infrastructure are situated on the proposed mining area. The infrastructure includes schools, 

police station, clinics, churches etc. 

Powerlines: 

Powerlines servicing the above mentioned towns and the existing mining operations exist on 

the mining area. 

1.5.4 Presence of Servitudes 

• Eskom powerline servitude. 

• The R571 provincial road servitude. 

• Secondary gravel road servitudes. 

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Figure 1: Regional setting. 


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1.5.5 Land Tenure and Use of Immediate Adjacent Land 

The Matsamo Tribal Authority owns the immediately adjacent land. Land on the eastern side 

of the Komati River is used for extensive sugarcane farming. Land on the western side is 

used for low level grazing. 

1.5.6 Name of River Catchments 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine falls within the Komati River Catchment Area 

1.6 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 

1.6.1 Mineral Deposit 

Anthracite and anthracite coal. 

Inland 

1.6.2 Mine Products 

Duff 0.0 tons 

Peas 6,506 tons per month – Steel industries – X-strata 

Nuts 9, 006 tons per month – Steel industries – X-strata 

Export 

Duff 12, 008 tons per month - Glencore 

Peas 2,500 tons per month – Glencore 

Nuts 0.0 

1.6.3 Estimated Reserves 

Tons in situ 

Proven 6 300 000 

Indicated 

North Block 39 871 945 

Southern Block 10 927 840 

Total 57 099 785 

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1.6.4 Mining Method 

Mining method: Opencast: Lateral rollover technique 

Underground: Bord and Pillar 

Mining at Nkomati Anthracite Mine currently uses a “roll-over” opencast mining method typical 

of small-scale opencast operations in the province. The proposed mining entails both 

opencast and underground methods. The opencast reserves will be mined by conventional 

truck and shovel mining methods using the lateral rollover technique. The underground 

operations will utilise mechanised mining in conjunction with the bord and pillar mining 

method. 

Bord and pillar mining will be conducted by use of continuous miners. 

The primary mining height will be 2.5 meters. The pillar widths will be 7,5 meters and pillar 

centres 14 meters. This will give a FOS (primary) of 2.5 - 2.9. 

Bottom coaling will be conducted on retreat. Bottom coaling will extract the lower 3.5 meters. 

This will reduce the FOS to between 1.6 and 1.4. 

Mining will be conducted down dip. 

Support requirements. 

The coal seam at Nkomati Anthracite Mine has a varied roof and this becomes more 

complicated when the select cut and bottom coaling is added to the possible mining 

scenarios. 

The coal left in the roof should not be less than 0,5 meters. 

Bolting system: 

• 20 mm diameter bolts installed in a 25.6 mm diameter hole. 

• 1x 23 mm diameter x 500mm fast resin (red or purple) and 1 x 23 mm diameter x 500 

mm slow resin (yellow). 

• Bolt length of 1.5 meter. 

If the roof consists of 0,5 m coal overlain by 0,2 m mudstone, the bolt will be anchored in the 

shales higher up (0,8 m encapsulated in the shales) 

If the mudstone roof is exposed, the 1,5 meter bolt is more than sufficient to support the week 

0,2 m mud roof. 

If massive shales are exposed in the roof the 4 x 1.5 m bolts in a row with a row spacing of 

1.5 m will effectively reinforce the 1.5 m beam in the immediate roof. 

In terms of the suspension mechanism of support, the 4 x 1,5 m bolts in a row with a row 

spacing of 1.5 m. 

1.6.5 Planned Production Rate 

The planned production rate for Nkomati Anthracite Mine is in the order of 30 000 tons per 

month. 

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1.6.6 Planned duration of the Nkomati Anthracite Mine 

extension project 

Based on the quantity of coal within the Nkomati Anthracite Mine project area and the 

production rate, the life of mine is estimated to be twenty years. 

1.6.7 Surface infrastructure 

The following infrastructure is available on the existing mine: 

All haul roads are in place 

Access road is in place 

Electrical supply – Escom 

Topsoil and overburden stockpiling areas at plant area 

Water management facilities 

Telephone lines 

Workshop 

Washing plant 

Mine office 

Substation 

Roads, railways and powerlines 

All roads are gravel roads. All roads on the mining area are indicated on the surface layout 

plan. 

The existing power supply grid will be utilised for the electricity supply. 

No railway lines exist on the property. 

Solid Waste Management 

Industrial waste arising from the mine (classified as hazardous waste) will be collected in a 

different waste collection system and disposed of by a contractor in a registered hazardous 

waste site. Old oil and grease will be stored in 44-gallon drums and returned to suppliers for 

recycling. 

Domestic waste disposal: 

Chemical toilets are supplied for the current opencast and plant employees. 

A septic tank has been installed for the office complex. This septic tank has a 10 000 litre 

capacity. The septic tank has a maximum recommended daily use of 12 persons. 

Water Pollution Management Facilities 

No sewage treatment plant exists on Nkomati Anthracite Mine site. 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine will operate on the strategy of maximising the utilisation of “dirty 

water” in the mining area and on a policy of zero discharge of contaminated water. In order to 

achieve this, surface water drainage measures will be implemented. Water drainage is 

undertaken by diverting clean runoff water around the mining operations and all other 

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contaminated areas. Dirty water from contaminated areas will be collected via drains and 

diverted to a return water dam. This water will be utilised for dust suppression. 

No polluted water treatment plant exists at Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 

Water made in the opencast and underground mining area will be pumped to a return water 

dam. The return water dam has a surface area of 11 000 m 2 and an average depth of 2,0 

meters with a 0,5-meter freeboard. Thus the system has a maximum capacity of 23 827 m 3 . 

Slurry from the plant is gravitated to three slurry dams. These slurry dams are used in 

series. Full dams are laid dry to allow for cleaning and sale of the slurry. 

All water from the slurry dams is captured in a return water dam and recycled to the plant. 

The slurry and return water dams are not lined. 

The following water use activities in terms of Section 21 of the National Water Act of 1998 

have been identified: 

• 21(a): Taking water from a water resource – abstraction of borehole water. 

• 21(f): Discharging water containing waste through a French drain – usage septic 

tank. 

• 21(g): Disposing of waste in a manner that may detrimentally impact on a water 

resource – disposal of coal discard on a discard dump and disposal of mine affected 

water in a return water dam and slurry dams. 

• 21(j): Removing and disposal of water found underground to necessitate for 

efficient continuation of mining activities – pumping and disposing of seepage water 

from opencast and underground workings. 

Applications for the identified Water Use Licenses activities will be made and submitted to the 

Mpumalanga Regional offices of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. 

Potable Water Plant 

Water for office and general use is obtained from a borehole next to the offices. The borehole 

is 24 meters deep and apparently yields water with a poor taste (typical of water from Dwyka 

Tillite formations). Water for drinking purposes is carted to the mining area. 

Process water supply 

Process water is obtained from the old worked out mining pits. The mining pits are indicated 

on the surface layout plan. 

Mineral Processing Plant 

The existing coal beneficiation plant and its related structures will be used. 

Mineral processing is conducted in the coal washing plant. 

This plant consists of two stages: 

A crushing plant. 

A coal preparation plant. 

The crushing plant consists of a double roll crusher and a double deck-vibrating screen. No 

water is used in this stage of the washing plant. 

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The preparation plant is a dense medium plant consisting of a cyclone and a two-stage spiral 

plant. Magnetite is used to obtain the required density. 

Coal flow through the plant: 

ROM coal is brought from the opencast mining pit using articulated dump trucks. 

ROM coal is tipped on a tip that feeds the double roll crusher. 

The coal is crushed to approximately 120-mm nominal top size. 

The crushed coal is fed from the crusher via a conveyor belt to the double deck-vibrating 

screen. The vibrating screen separates the coal into the following fractions: 

120 x 60 mm 

60 x 30 mm 

30 x 0 mm 

(Note: 120 x 60 mm indicates the size fraction between 120 mm and 60 mm.) 

The 120 x 60 mm (large nuts) and 60 x 30 mm (medium nuts) is fed by conveyor belts to 

product stockpiles. 

The 30 x 0 mm coal is fed to the preparation plant via a vibrating feeder. A feed preparation 

screen separates the –3,0 mm from the +3,0 x 30 mm fractions. 

The –3,0 mm is fed to the two-stage spiral plant. The spiral plant separates the economical 

fraction (duff) from the tailings. Both the duff and the tailings are dewatered using DEMAG 

dewatering screens. The duff is fed to the duff stockpile via a duff conveyor belt whilst the 

tailings report to the discard conveyor. 

The +3,0 x 30 mm coal; is fed to a D.S.M cyclone. The discard material is separated from the 

product material by flotation in a dense medium. Magnetite is used to regulate the density. 

The discard material is fed to the discard conveyor, whilst the product is fed to a double decksizing 

screen. The double-deck sizing screen separates the coal into the following fractions: 

+30 mm (Small nuts) 

+10 x 30 mm (Peas) 

+3,0 x 10 mm (Duff) 

Each fraction is fed to its respective stockpiling area. 

Water consumption in the plant is at a rate of 0,8 m 3 per ton of coal washed. Approximately 

80% of this water is recovered from the slurry (tailings) and returned to the plant as process 

water. 

Slurry from the plant consists of approximately 40% solids. This water to solid ratio is 

necessary to transport the solids to the slurry dams. 

Areas of water use: 

Cyclone and spiral plants 

Areas of noise generation: 

Double roll crusher, 

Vibrating screens, 

Cyclone plant. 

Page 9


Areas of dust generation: 

The ROM coal is in a moist state and thus does not produce dust at the feed or crusher stage 

(dry stages). Limited dust is produced within the wet stages. Thus the processing plant does 

not produce excessive dust. 

The mineral processing plant layout is indicated in Figure 2. 

Page 10

Large 

nuts 


Spiral 

plant 

Tip 

Double 

roll crusher 

Vibrating 

screen 

Duff 

Fine tailings 

To slurry dam 

Meduim 

nuts 

vibrating feeder 

DMS 

Cyclone 

course tailings 

Small 

nuts 

Peas 

Figure 2: Schematic diagram of Mineral processing plant – Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 

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Plant residue disposal. 

Course tailings: 

Course tailings are fed to a tailing bin and loaded by articulated trucks. The tailings are 

stockpiled on the tailings stockpile. The rate of tailings generation is approximately 9 000 

tons per month (based on a 30 000 ton ROM rate). Due to the high quality of the ROM coal 

and the market quality demand for anthracitic coal the tailings are rewashed at a lower 

density and sold on the local market. Washing of the tailings gives an 85% yield suitable for 

the local markets. After washing the discard material is reduced to approximately 1 350 tons 

per month. This material will be disposed of on a discard dump. The design of the discard 

dump will be submitted to the Department of Minerals and Energy on completion. 

The position of the discard dump is indicated on the surface layout plan. 

Slurry: 

Slurry is pumped to the slurry dams at a ratio of 40% solids and 60% water. The solids are 

settled out of the slurry and the water captured in a return water dam. 

The rate of slurry production is approximately 7% of the ROM feed. This equates to 

approximately 2 100 tons per month (30 000 t ROM). Dried slurry is removed from the slurry 

dams and sold to the local brickworks. The average slurry sales per month are between 2 

000 – 3 000 tons per month. This gives rise to a total use of all slurry produced by the mine. 

Workshops and Buildings 

No new workshops will be constructed for the purpose of the proposed Nkomati Anthracite 

Mine extension project. 

Transport 

Employees use their own transport to and from the mine. 

Articulated trucks transport the ROM from the workings to the plant. Contractors are used to 

transport the product from the stockpile areas to the siding. 

Coal handling 

Washed coal is transported to the rail siding by contracted coal trucks. 

Water Balance Diagrams 

A water balance for Nkomati Anthracite Mine is indicated in Figure 3. 

Disturbance of Water Courses 

No disturbance of watercourses will result from the proposed Nkomati Anthracite Mine 

extension project. No mining will be undertaken within one hundred meters or within a 1:50 

year flood line; hence no watercourses will be undermined. 

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Storm Water 

Storm water measures will be necessary for the proposed extension project. Nkomati 

Anthracite Mine practices a policy of clean and dirty water separation where dirty water is 

contained and stored in the return water dam for re-use on the haul roads and material 

stockpiles. 

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Figure 3: Water Balance diagram. 

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PART 2: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 

REPORT 

2.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT LIKELY TO BE 

AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED MINING 

General: 

2.1.1 Geology 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine falls within the Lebombo Coalfield. 

The Lebombo coalfield stretches from a point some 35 km south of Komatipoort up to the 

Swaziland border and consists of a fairly narrow north/south elongated development of coalbearing 

Vryheid Formation sediments, which have been warped by the Lebombo Monocline 

and are overlain by the Upper Ecca and Cave Sandstone formation sediments. The 

Drakensberg formation Volcanics caps the entire succession. This volcanic formation forms 

the prominent topographic feature that constitutes the border between Kangwane and 

Mozambique. Nkomati Anthracite mine is situated in the middle of this coalfield in the area 

commonly known as the Komatipoort sector. 

Lebombo coalfield – Komatipoort sector 

Exploration boreholes drilled in the southern portion of the Komatipoort sector indicate the 

following succession: 

The upper 34 meters consists of fine-grained sandstone – Cave Sandstone Stage. 

The cave sandstone Stage is underlain by a 21 Meter package of Red Beds Stage that 

consists of red mudstone that goes over to a bluish mudstone in the lower third of the 

succession. 

The Molteno Stage underlies the Red Beds Stage. This stage consists of a 47 meter thick 

succession of white medium to course grained sandstone with subordinate shale and 

mudstone layers. 

A 98-meter thick zone of the Upper Ecca Stage consisting of carbonaceous shale, sandstone 

and coal layers. 

Three relatively thick layers of carbonaceous shale occur at the top middle and bottom of the 

zone with the lower layers each containing a thin layer of coal and the upper containing a 

cluster of coal seams near the top. Seamlets of coal also occur within the sandstone layers. 

As seen above, numerous coal horizons are developed within the micaceous sediments of 

the Vryheid Formation. However, only three of these seam units appear to be laterally 

persistent and therefore of economic significance. 

Regionally the coal horizons thicken from south to north, whilst thinning from west to east. On 

the western margin, depositation and contemporaneous erosion occurred. The shape of the 

pre-Karoo floor also influences the depositation of the coal seams. This depositional 

influence is due to mainly gully (or trough) infilling giving rise to areas devoid of coal. 

The break-up of the Gondwanaland during the Jurassic period has left the greatest in print on 

both the structure and rank of the coal horizon in the Lebombo Coalfield. The vast outpouring 

of basaltic and ryolitic lavas that preceded the continental break-up gave rise to the regional 

anthracitization of the coal horizons. 

Page 15


North-south tensional faults occurred sub-parallel to the main rift valley due to movement of 

the “new” continents. These tension faults were intruded and filled with dolerite intrusions. 

Vertical displacements exceeding 50 meters are also associated with these dolerite 

intrusions. 

Late stage east-west trending faults occurred post-continental break-up. 

Regionally the strata dip eastwards at angles that vary from 5-12 o . A pronounced steepening 

of the dip to + 20 0 takes place further to the east as the Lebombo monocline, which formed as 

a response to the isostatic re-adjustment in the newly formed continental margin. 

These structural features from the natural demarcation of the reserve blocks within the 

Nkomati Mineral lease area. 

Local geology: 

The Komati Anthracite Mine mineral lease area is situated in the north-eastern portion of the 

former KaNgwane National State (Now Mpumalanga) within the central portion of the 

Komatipoort sector of the Lebombo coalfield. The reserve is situated approximately 50 km 

from Komatipoort and 10km west of the Mozambique border. 

155 boreholes were sited and drilled on the mining lease area to determine the potential coal 

reserves on the mining lease area. Representative borehole logs of the geological boreholes 

are indicated in Figure 4, whilst north-south and east-west cross-sections are indicated in 

Figure 5. 

Review of the borehole cores indicates that the upper 4-5 meters consists of a thick reddish 

alluvium. The thickness of the soil layer varies from hole to hole and is mostly controlled by 

the presence of up thrown or downthrown blocks and the proximity to the Komati River. 

The upper coal horizon (C3) occurs with in a coarse sandstone package that has an average 

thickness of 20 meters. 

A medium to fine grained sandstone layer with an average of 11 meters separates the upper 

and middle seam horizons. The middle seal horizon (C2) consists of two coal seams with an 

average seam width of 1,5 and 2,0 meters respectively. These seams are separated by a 

sandstone parting with a average width of 1,0 meters. 

A medium grained sandstone layer with an average width of 8,0 meters separates the middle 

and lower horizons. The lower coal horizon (C1) consists of an upper coal marker seam 

(average thickness 0,5 meters) and a 6,5 meter (average basal seam. The marker seam is 

separated from the basal seam by a 2,7 meter thick layer of carbonaceous sandy shale. 

The basal seam of the lower coal horizon rests conformably on a course to medium grained 

sandstone layer with and average thickness of 20 meters. Occasional coal stringers occur 

within this sandstone layer. 

A second carbonaceous layer occurs below the sandstone layer, which is again underlain by 

a course grained sandstone layer. These layers have average widths of 4,5 meters. 

The Ecca formation lies unconformaly on a dwyka tillite layer. This has an average of 2 

meters. 

The dwyka tillite layer rests unconformaly on a paleio-erosional granite floor. 

Page 16


Figure 4: Representative borehole log. 

Page 17


Figure 5: Geological cross-section. 

Page 18


Coal seams (see profile): 

The three major coal horizons intersected during drilling are: 

1. The C1 (lower), which varies in width from less than one metre up to a maximum of 

8,25 metres. This unit is distinctly zoned into three roughly equal leaves, namely CIAI, 

CIBI and CICI, the basal unit (CIAI) of which contains the highest quality coal with the 

best washability characteristics. 

2. The C2 (middle) can be sub-divided into a lower unit (C2B) and an upper unit (C2A) 

separated by up to three metres of sandstone and shale. The C2A seam exhibits the 

better quality characteristics. Both units vary from a stringer, centimetres in width, up 

to a maximum of 2,50 metres. 

3. C3 (upper) where fully developed also consists of an upper unit (C3A) and a lower 

unit (C3B), The lower unit is more persistently developed reaching a maximum 

thickness of 2 metres. This lower unit also exhibits the better washability 

characteristics when compared to the upper. 

Presence of dykes, sills and faults: 

All known dolerite structures and faults that occur on the mining area are indicated on Figure 

6. A score of north-south trending en-echelon dolerite dykes transept the mining area. These 

dolerite dykes represent lava infilling of a sub-parallel fault system. The dykes are not regular 

tabular bodies; down dip as well as along strike these dykes pinch and swell at random. 

The depth of weathering in the dolerite dykes is extensive. Where mining has occurred at 

depths in excess of 40 meters the dolerite still appears as khaki coloured stack of cubic 

blocks. Near vertical shearing is also present in the dolerite. 

The shearing and the dolerite occupied fault zones appear to have a high degree of porosity 

and thus a high permeability. 

North-south trending fault zone occur throughout the mining area, which is represented by a 

score of dolerite dykes. These dykes, as mentioned earlier represent doleritic lava infilling. 

Due to the weathering of the dykes, these faults have a high permeability. 

A second set of faults also occurs on the mining area. These faults have a general east-west 

strike. The east-west trending faults are not dolerite filled. 

2.1.2 Climate 

2.1.2.1 Regional Climate 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine falls within the summer rainfall region of South Africa, in which more 

than 80% of the annual rainfall occurs from October to March. 85% of the rainfall falls during 

summer thunderstorms. Such thunderstorms generally occur every 3-4 days in the summer. 

They occur as conventional thunderstorms and are usually accompanied by lightning, strong 

winds and sometimes hail. The thunderstorms are usually scattered and of short duration 

and intensity. The rainfall events are highly localised and can vary markedly over short 

distances. The gross annual “A” pan evaporation for the region, measured at Barberton, is 1 

635 mm. During the months of from September to March the mean evaporation is 157 mm 

per month. This equated to 67% of the total mean annual evaporation. Evaporation is the 

lowest between the months of May to July when an average mean monthly evaporation of 90 

mm occurs. 

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Figure 6: Presence of dykes and faults on Nkomati Anthracite mining area. 

Page 20


Temperatures in this climate zone are generally moderate to high, although low minima can 

be experienced during the winter months due to clear night skies. Temperatures can vary 

between 39°C (maximum) to 4°C (minimum) in summer and 36°C (maximum) to -2°C 

(minimum) in winter. 

Fog can occur throughout the year although the highest tendency occurs during November to 

December. 

The annual prevailing wind direction, during the day, summer and winter months, is northeasterly. 

Climatic data were obtained from the South African Weather Bureau recording stations in the 

vicinity of the site. 

2.1.2.2 Mean Annual Rainfall 

Average monthly rainfall and the number of days experiencing rainfall are presented in Table 

2. The average rainfall per year is 768 mm, with the wetter months occurring from November 

to February. 

Table 2: Average rainfall records for Nkomati Anthracite Mine recorded at Barberton weather 

station. 

MONTH MM NO. OF DAYS > 10 MM 

January 104 3.4 

February 105 3.5 

March 77 2.3 

April 64 2.2 

May 22 0.6 

June 9 0.3 

July 8 0.1 

August 15 0.4 

September 31 0.8 

October 77 2.6 

November 122 4.1 

December 134 4.1 

Total 768 24.4 

From the table above it can be seen that 60.5% of the MAP occur during November to 

February. The maximum monthly rainfall recorded also occurs within this period. The mean 

annual rainfall is approximately 65% of the maximum monthly precipitation recorded for the 

twelve months of the year. 

On average 24.4 days of the year receive more than 10 mm of precipitation. 

2.1.2.3 Maximum Rainfall Intensities 

Maximum rainfall intensities have been calculated for selected intervals on a monthly basis 

and are presented in Table 3 

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Table 3: Maximum recorded precipitation for selected intervals. 

MONTH 15 MIN 30 MIN 45 MIN 60 MIN 24 HOURS 

January 37.0 53.0 55.0 59.0 88.4 

February 30.5 40.0 48.0 52.0 62.9 

March 33 52.0 57.3 57.3 75.6 

April 30.0 54.0 61.0 65.1 72.7 

May 12.0 19.7 21.2 21.5 36.6 

June 16.0 20.5 23.0 25.5 45.8 

July 6.0 7.6 7.7 7.9 21.4 

August 13.0 15.2 15.4 15.5 19.3 

September 13.3 14.6 14.9 15.6 41.6 

October 19.0 28.5 29.5 29.5 50.6 

November 24.0 41.0 42.2 43.0 65.6 

December 22.2 27.5 37.0 44.5 65.1 

The highest maximum rainfall intensities were recorded during January of the 15 min, 30 min 

and 24-hour periods, whilst the highest intensities for the 45 and 60-minute periods were 

recorded during April. 

The expected maximum rainfall intensities for selected duration and return periods are 

indicated in Table 4. 

Table 4: Maximum rainfall intensities for Nkomati Anthracite Mine calculated over 22 years. 

1:50 YEARS 1:100 YEARS 

MONTH 60 MIN 24 HRS 60 MIN 24HRS 

January 65 110.4 69.8 125.1 

February 56.5 89.2 63.5 99.6 

March 51.0 122.0 57.7 139.9 

April 31.2 66.5 35.5 75.8 

May 22.6 45.4 25.8 52.0 

June 17.7 51.5 20.5 60.1 

July 12.0 18.3 13.8 21.0 

August 18.1 28.5 21.1 32.9 

September 26.1 40.0 30.1 46.1 

October 38.3 61.1 43.4 67.7 

November 62.8 88.6 70.8 99.1 

December 49.1 80.3 54.4 89.3 

The maximum expected precipitation from a 1:50 year 60 minute storm event is 65 mm and is 

likely to occur during January. 

The maximum expected precipitation from a 1:50 year 24-hour storm event is 122 mm and is 

likely to occur during March. 

The maximum expected precipitation from a 1:100 year 60 minute storm event is 69.8 mm 

and is likely to occur during January. 

The maximum expected precipitation from a 1:100 year 24-hour storm event is 139.9 mm and 

is likely to occur during March. 

2.1.2.4 Mean Monthly Maximum and Minimum Temperatures 

The area has a temperature climate with warm summers and moderate to cold winters. 

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Table 5: The mean maximum and minimum temperatures. 

MONTH DAILY MAX. °C DAILY MIN. °C HIGHEST. °C LOWEST. °C 

January 28.9 18.3 38.6 11.4 

February 28.8 18.1 37.7 10.2 

March 28.1 16.7 37.0 7.0 

April 26.5 14.1 36.6 4.3 

May 24.9 9.5 33.8 1.1 

June 22.5 5.9 30.5 -1.5 

July 23.1 6.0 30.6 -0.6 

August 24.9 8.2 34.3 -2.7 

September 26.9 11.5 38.4 2.8 

October 27.3 14.6 39.2 4.3 

November 27.1 16.3 38.0 6.6 

December 28.4 17.7 38.0 8.8 

2.1.2.5 Wind Direction and Speed 

The nearest wind recording station for which data is available is situated at Nelspruit. 

Records have been kept for the period 1959 to 1988 regarding direction, frequency and 

velocity for each of the eight main directions. This is indicated in Table 6. 

Table 6: Average wind speed and direction. 

MONTH 

Page 23 

N NE E SE S SW W NW 

N V N V N V N V N V N V N V N V 

Jan 17 2.6 160 3.6 66 3.7 84 4.3 5 3.7 26 3.8 23 3.0 38 3.6 

Feb 16 2.4 142 3.4 76 3.6 92 4.1 7 2.9 34 3.5 27 2.7 33 3.1 

Mar 18 2.7 123 3.4 60 3.5 93 3.9 4 3.2 27 3.6 30 2.7 42 3.0 

Apr 15 2.4 112 3.3 45 3.0 69 3.9 4 2.9 31 3.7 39 2.8 51 3.3 

May 17 2.7 96 3.3 45 3.4 68 4.0 3 2.8 37 3.8 63 3.2 93 3.4 

Jun 16 2.7 86 3.2 43 3.0 60 3.8 6 3.4 60 4.2 51 3.2 102 3.2 

Jul 17 3.0 102 3.5 45 3.1 70 4.2 5 3.2 49 3.6 47 3.0 81 3.3 

Aug 18 3.3 146 3.7 75 3.9 70 4.3 5 4.0 39 4.0 47 3.1 78 3.3 

Sept 25 3.3 226 3.9 79 3.8 70 4.5 3 4.6 37 3.8 37 2.9 50 3.2 

Oct 25 3.6 207 4.0 76 4.1 84 4.5 6 3.7 22 3.4 19 3.6 28 3.2 

Nov 18 2.9 191 3.7 78 3.9 89 4.0 9 3.5 29 3.9 17 3.5 25 3.5 

Dec 16 2.7 172 3.6 81 3.7 86 4.3 10 3.0 29 3.8 20 2.9 28 3.5 

Avg 18 2.9 147 3.6 64 3.6 78 4.1 6 3.4 35 3.8 35 3.1 54 3.3 

Wind directions are predominantely southeasterly during the summer months and 

northwesterly during the winter months. The greatest mean wind velocity occurs during the 

period August to October. 

2.1.2.6 Mean Monthly Evaporation 

The gross annual “A” pan evaporation recorded at Piet Retief is 1 635 mm. It is evident that 

there is a monthly moisture deficit throughout the year; this results in an average annual 

deficit of 870 mm. Furthermore it is also observed that the maximum potential water loss 

occurs during August, September and October.


Table 7: Mean monthly evaporation for the region. 

MONTH EVAPORATION (MM) RAINFALL (MM) DEFICIENCY 

January 182 104 78 

February 156 105 51 

March 151 77 74 

April 117 64 53 

May 97 22 75 

June 82 9 73 

July 92 8 84 

August 119 15 104 

September 150 31 121 

October 162 77 85 

November 169 122 47 

December 181 134 47 

TOTAL 1 635 768 

During the seven summer months from September to March the mean monthly evaporation 

totals 1 100 mm, representing 67% of the mean annual evaporation. 

2.1.2.7 Extreme weather conditions 

Hail: Occurs 4 to 7 times per year 

Drought: ± every 6 years 

Frost: Can occur from end of April to September 

Wind: Winds with a velocity > 8m/s occur on average for 18 days per year. 

2.1.3 Topography 

The local topography can be seen in Figure 7. 

The Nkomati Anthracite Mine falls on the 2531 DB (Tonga) and 2531 DD (Fig Tree) topocadastral 

sheets. 

The Lebombo Mountain range to the east and the Mananga Mountains to the south dominate 

the regional topography within the vicinity of the mine. 

The mine falls within the area occupied by the plains of the Lebombo mountains range. This 

area consists of a gently undulating surface with a general westerly to north-westerly slope. 

The Komati River meanders through the area, and forms an important topgraphical feature. 

Topographical highs occur to the south east of the mining area. These topographical highs 

form part of the Lebombo Mountain range, with KU-Hluhlu peak obtaining an elevation of 

1810 mamsl. The surface elevation over the proposed mining areas ranges from 240 to 250 

mamsl. The apparent dip is towards the northeast. 

Page 24

Figure 7: Local topography. 


Page 25


2.1.4 Soil 

2.1.4.1 Introduction 

The complete soil report is attached as Appendix 1. 

The assessment of the present (pre-mining) soil environment is an integral part of the 

compilation of an Environmental Management Programme Report (EMPR) for the 

development of mining activities. 

In order to comply with legislation and EMPR requirements, Geovicon cc soils division was 

commissioned by Nkomati Anthracite Mine to conduct a soil survey over the new reserve 

area. The farms surveyed are: Wildebeest 494 JU, Rusplek 495 JU, Sweet Home 496 JU 

and Bonnie Vale 497 JU. 

2.1.4.2 Survey area 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine is an existing operational mine, situated about 50 kilometres south of 

Komatipoort within the Mpumalanga province. 

The topography of the area is characterised by the Lebombo Mountain range to the east and 

the Mananga Mountains to the south. The mine falls within the area occupied by the plains of 

the Lebombo Mountain range. This area consists of a gently undulating surface with a 

general westerly to northwesterly slope. The Komati River meanders through the area and 

forms an important topographical feature. Topographical highs occur to the south east of the 

mining area. These topographical highs form part of the Lebombo Mountain range, with Ku- 

Hluhlu peak obtaining an elevation of 1810 mamsl. 

The surface elevation over the proposed mining areas ranges from 240 to 250 mamsl. The 

apparent dip is towards the northeast. 

The pre-mining land capability over the proposed mining area is arable land (sugar cane) to 

east of the Komati River and grazing or wilderness land on the western side. 

The current land use over the areas under consideration is arable land and grazing land. 

2.1.4.3 Procedure 

A desktop study and terrain analysis was conducted on available 1:50 000 topocadastral 

maps and mining layout plans to preliminarily delineate soil units. This terrain analysis was 

followed up by field observations and auger test holes. A 120mm diameter bucket auger was 

used during the drilling of the test holes. 

All test holes were drilled to a maximum depth of 2.0 meters. Where hard rock was 

encountered, the test hole depth was drilled to refusal. 27 auger test holes were drilled over 

the property based on the terrain analysis study. 

Vertical profiles of the test holes were described and samples of the different horizons 

selected for chemical analysis. 

The identification and classification of soil forms was carried out in terms of the A Taxonomic 

System for South Africa (Soil classification work group, 1991). Agri Enviro Lab in Bethal did 

the chemical analyses of the soil samples. 

Page 26


2.1.4.4 Results: 

Soils 

A total of 27 augured holes were drilled in the survey area. Soils identified during the survey 

are summarised in Table 8 and the distribution thereof illustrated in Figure 8. 

Table 8: Soil forms identified in the Nkomati Anthracite Mine study area. 

SOIL FORM A-HORIZON B1-HORIZON B2-HORIZON 

Shortlands Orthic Red Structured B 

Bainsvlei Orthic Red apedal B Soft plinthic B 

Rensburg Vertic G-Horizon 

Dundee Orthic Stratified Alluvium 

Katspruit Orthic G-Horizon 

Hutton Orthic Red apedal Unspecified. 

Soils of the Shortlands soil form consist of reddish brown, apedal topsoil with a depth of 30 

cm and a reddish dark brown structured sub surface soil with a depth of 50 cm. 

Soils of the Bainsvlei soil form consist of light greyish brown, apedal topsoil with a vertical 

depth of 30 cm on top of a reddish brown apedal sub surface layer with a depth of 40 cm. 

The underlying layer is soft plinthite with iron and manganese concretions. 

The Rensburg soil form consists of a strongly structured topsoil layer with high clay content 

with a capacity to swell and shrink markedly in response to moisture changes. The depth of 

the A-horizon is approximately 50 cm. This overlies a dark greyish-brown non-calcareous 

sandy-loam G Horizon with a depth of 60 cm. 

The Dundee soil form is unconsolidated and contains stratification’s caused by alluvial or 

colluvial deposition. Unlike soil horizons that have developed by pedogenetic processes, 

stratified alluvium owes its distinguishing features to a depositional process and is thus not a 

sequence of so-called genetic horizons. 

Soils of the Katspruit soil form consist of a very dark-greyish unstructured sandy-loam Orthic 

A Horizon with a vertical thickness of 25 cm. The Orthic A Horizon overlies a dark greyishbrown 

non-calcareous sandy-loam G Horizon. The G horizon has a vertical thickness of 30 

cm. 

Soils of the Hutton form consist of a non-structural dark reddish-brown fine sandy-loam Orthic 

A-horizon. This horizon has an average vertical thickness of 15 cm. The Orthic A-horizon 

overlies a Red Apedal B horizon. This horizon is a dark red eutrophic (highly leached), luvic, 

slightly structured (in wet state) sandy-clay loam horizon with a minimum vertical thickness of 

100 cm. 

Page 27

Figure 8: Soil types. 


Page 28


Chemical analyses 

Soils from representative holes were sampled and sent to the laboratory for analyses. The 

results of analyses of soil samples taken are summarised in Table 9. 

Table 9: Chemical properties of the different soil forms on the study area. 

Soil form Horizon 

PH P K CA MG NA 

KCI ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm 

Rensburg Vertic A 7.2 7 220 4936 2135 555 

G-Horizon 7.3 3 236 4670 2080 614 

Bainsvlei Orthic A 6.0 38 521 1314 542 15 

Red Apedal B 5.1 3 199 686 624 15 

Dundee Orthic A 5.6 24 259 1136 541 21 

Stratified alluvium 5.8 4 37 1522 457 10 

Soil Potential 

The soil potential of the different soil forms within the study area is presented in Table 10. 

Table 10: Soil potential of the soil forms occurring on the study area. 

SOIL FORM SOIL POTENTIAL 

CROP PRODUCTION 

DRYLAND IRRIGATION 

GRAZING 

Shortlands Moderate Moderate Moderate 

Bainsvlei Moderate-High Moderate Moderate 

Rensburg Low None to Very Low Moderate 

Dundee Low Moderate Moderate 

Katspruit None None Moderate 

Hutton High High High 

Of all the soil forms that occur on the study area only the Hutton, Bainsvlei and Shortlands 

soil forms are suitable for dryland and irrigated crop production. 

All soils encountered in the survey area have a moderate to high grazing potential. The soils 

are however sensitive to overgrazing. 

Page 29


Soil Erodibility 

The erodibility of the soils occurring in the study area is presented in Table 11. 

Table 11: Erodibility of the soils occurring in the study area. 

SOIL FORM EROSION SUSCEPTIBILITY INDEX 

WATER EROSION WIND EROSION 

Shortlands Moderate Moderate 

Bainsvlei Moderate - Low Moderate - Low 

Rensburg Moderate Low 

Dundee Moderate - Low Moderate - Low 

Katspruit Moderate Low 

Hutton Very low Moderate to High 

2.1.5 Pre-mining land capability 

Crops generally grown in the area are sugarcane and citrus fruits. These crops grow well 

within the area due to the absence of frost and the relatively warm winters. The limiting factor 

is water supply. Farms situated along the banks of the Komati River have surface extraction 

quotas and rights from the river. The land has an arable land capability. The land capability 

of the area is indicated in Figure 9. 

2.1.6 Land use 

Pre-mining land use is arable land (sugarcane), housing and town infrastructure and grazing. 

The areas occupied by riverbanks have a pre-mining wilderness land use. 

Land use on a part of the property can be characterised as mining due to previous and 

present mining practises. 

Page 30

Figure 9: Land capability. 


Page 31


2.1.7 Natural vegetation/plant life 

According to the “Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland” (1998) Nkomati 

Anthracite Mine is situated in the Savannah Biome of South Africa. The savannah biome is 

the largest biome in South Africa occupying 46% of its area. Characteristically it exists of a 

grassy ground layer and a distinct upper layer of woody plants. Where the upper layer exists 

near the ground the vegetation is referred to as shrubveld. The intermediate stages as well 

as where it is as dense as woodland, are known as Bushveld. 

The environmental factors demarcating the biome are complex. Altitude ranges from sea 

level to 2 000 meters above sea level. Rainfall varies from 235 to 1 000 mm per year and 

frost may occur from 0 to 120 days per year. Almost every major soil type occurs within the 

biome and geological types also vary a lot. A major factor delimiting the biome is the lack of 

sufficient rainfall that prevents the upper layer from dominating. Fires and grazing coupled 

with the low rainfall keep the grass layer dominant. Summer rainfall is essential for the grass 

dominance, which, with its fine material, fuels annual fires. Almost all species are adapted to 

survive fires. Approximately 10 % of plants, both in the grass and tree layer, are killed by fire. 

Even with severe burning most species can resprout from the stem bases. 

The height of the shrub-tree layer varies from 1 t0 20 meters, except for the Bushveld where it 

varies from 3 t0 7 meters. The shrub-tree element may dominate in overgrazed areas. 

Savannah vegetation types are mainly used for grazing purposes. In some types crops and 

sub-tropical fruit are cultivated. 

Regional vegetation 

According to the “Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland” (1998) Nkomati 

Anthracite Mine is situated in the Mixed Lowveld Bushveld veld type of the Savannah Biome 

of South Africa. This vegetation type can be described as variously dense bush on the 

uplands, open tree savannah in the bottomlands and dense riverine woodland on riverbanks. 

General species in the area are listed below in Table 12. 

Table 12: Vegetation distribution within the Nkomati Anthracite Mine extension area. 

COMMON NAME: LATIN NAME: 

TREE LAYER - UPLANDS 

Red bushwillow Combretum apiculatum 

Largefruit bushwillow Combretum Zeyheri 

Silver clusterleaf Terminalia sericea 

Black monkey orab\nge Strychnos madagascariensis 

Maroela Sclerocarya birrea 

False maroela Lannea stuhlmannii 

Weeping wattle Peltophoram africanum 

Tree layer – bottomlands 

Knobthorn Acacia nigrescens 

Scented thorn Acacia nilotica 

Common falsethorn Albizia harveyi 

Magic guarri Euclea divinorum 

SHRUB LAYER 

Page 32


Hairy corkwood Commiphora africana 

Wild grape Cissus cornifolia 

Sickle bush Dichrostachys cinerea 

Flaky thorn Acacia exuvialis 

Zebrawood Dalbergia melanxylon 

Round leaf teak Pterocarpus rotundifolia 

GRASS LAYER 

Herringbone grass Pogonarthria sqarrosa 

Blueseed grass Tricholaena monachane 

Culyleaf lovegrass Eragrostis rigidior 

Natal red top Melinus repens 

Black-footed signal grass Brachiaria nigropedata 

Guinea grass Panicum maximum 

Finger grass Digitara eriantha 

Spear grass Heteropogon contottus 

OTHER GRASSES 

Kalahari sand quick Schmidtia pappophoroides 

Spreading bristle grass Aristida congesta 

Bushvels signalgrass Urochloa mosambicensis 

Nine-awned grass Enneapogon cenchroides 

This type of bushveld is confined to a frost-free area, with frequent fires and general grazing 

by cattle and game. The economic uses of this veld type are cattle and game farming, 

ecotourism and the cultivation of subtropical fruit, vegetables and sugarcane. 

2.1.8 Animal life 

Commonly Occurring Species 

Man has literally decimated the mammalian population. Of the antelope, only steenbok and 

duiker remain within the broader area and might visit the cultivated areas sporadically. 

The bird population in the area has a narrow range comprising mainly of terrestrial birds and 

waterfowl. Bird habitats occur along the fringes of the Komati River and properties to the 

west of the river. No major habitats for birds occur on the eastern side of the Komati River 

within the vicinity of the mining area although it is possible that some bird species inhabit the 

un-rehabilitated areas. During a site visit the following birds were identified in the vicinity of 

the mining area (Table 13). 

Page 33


Table 13: Birds identified in the area of Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME 

TERRESTRIAL/WATER 

HABITAT 

Streptopelia snegalenis Laughing dove Terrestrial habitat 

Oena capensis Namaqua dove Terrestrial habitat 

Streptopelia capensis Cape turtle dove Terrestrial habitat 

Columba guinea Rock pigeon Terrestrial habitat 

Numida meleagris Helmeted guineafowl Terrestrial habitat 

Vanellus armatus Blacksmith plover Water habitat 

Passer domesticus House sparrow Terrestrial habitat 

Bostychia hagedash Hadeda ibis Terrestrial habitat 

Francolinus swainsonii Swainson’s Francolin Terrestrial habitat 

Estrilda astrild Common waxbill Water/terrestrial habitat 

Ploceus velatus Masked weaver Water/terrestrial habitat 

Elanus caeruleus Blackshouldered kite Terrestrial habitat 

Ardea cinerea Grey heron Water habitat 

The list is sparse since no attempt was made to identify the “little brown bird” component – 

larks, pipits, warblers and cisticolas nor the swallow and swifts. 

Endangered or rare species 

None of the birds are endangered nor are their habitats within the area to be disturbed. 

According to the department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism no endangered species 

occur within the area. 

2.1.9 Surface water 

2.1.9.1 Surface Water Quantity 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine falls within the Komati River catchment. This catchment area covers 

11 209 km 2 extending from the Transvaal Plateau west of Carolina to the Lebombo Mountain 

range at Komatipoort in the east. The total average mean annual runoff of the Komati River is 

1420 million m 3 . The Komati River catchment is divided into three sub-catchments (excludes 

Mozambique). These sub-catchments are namely the upstream, Swaziland and the 

downstream catchment. The Nkomati Anthracite Mine falls within the downstream catchment 

of the Komati River. This catchment area extends from the Swaziland border to 4 km inside 

Mozambique in the east. This catchment consists of 15% (1 672 km 2 ) of the total Komati 

River catchment area. Table 14 indicates the MAR of the respective sub-catchments of the 

Komati River catchments. Figure 10 shows the respective sub-catchments of the Komati 

River. 

Page 34


Table 14: MAR of Komati River Sub-catchments. 

PROPERTY UNIT 

KOMATI 

U/S Swazi 

SUB-CATCHMENT 

LOMATI 

D/S U/S Swazi D/S 

TOTAL 

Catchment Area km 2 6049 1995 1672 228 566 699 11209 

% of area 

MAR: 

% 54 18 15 2 5 6 100 

Natural X 10 6 m 3 703 360 44 77 149 87 1420 

Afforested X 10 6 m 3 640 336 44 64 127 66 1277 

% Contribution % 50 26 4 5 10 5 100 

Livestock, game and crop production are the most important farming practices within the 

lower Komati sub-catchment. No afforestation occurs within this sub-catchment. Developed 

irrigation by far exceeds the water use of any other water users within the sub-catchment. 

Catchment boundaries. 

The general drainage pattern of the area in which the mine is situated flows towards the 

north. The Komati River forms the main drainage channel. Four tributaries drain across the 

mineral rights area towards the Komati River; namely: 

Nhlenga River 

Mgobode River 

Mdzabi River 

Mbiteni River 

The Mdzabi River and the Mditeni River converge shortly before flowing into the mining area. 

The boundaries of these catchments are indicated on Figure 11 and tabulated in Table 15. 

Table 15. Catchments that occur on the mineral lease area of Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 

CATCHMENT AREA (KM 2 ) MAR (M 3 .A -1 ) X1000 

Nhlenga River (A) 113 5 198 

Mgobode River (B) 75 3 450 

Mdzabi River ( C) 71 3 266 

Mditeni River (D) 67 3 082 

Mambane River (E) 21 966 

Subcatchment of Komati River (F) 86 3 956 

Mean annual runoff. 

The mean annual runoff for each of the catchments is indicated in Table 15. 

The size of the southern mining surface rights area is approximately 95 ha. This area is 

situated within the Nhlenga River catchment which has a MAR of 5 198 000 m 3 a -1 . The 

contribution to the MAR of the Nhlenga River catchment generated y the southern mining 

surface rights area is 43 700 m 3 a -1 which equates to 0,84%. The actual disturbed area 

(area disturbed by mining) has a size of approximately 44 ha. A MAR of 20 300 m 3 a -1 will be 

generated from this area, which constitutes 0,39% of the MAR from the Nhlenga river 

catchment. 

Page 35


The northern mining area occupies a surface area of approximately 12 ha and is situated 

within the Komati River sub-catchment (F) which has a MAR of 3 956 000 m 3 a -1 . The 

disturbed area will generate a MAR of 5 520 m 3 a -1 which constitutes 0,14% of the subcatchment. 

Page 36


Figure 10: Sub catchments of Komati River. 

Page 37


Figure 11: Local catchments. 

Page 38


Normal dry weather flow. 

The Nhlenga, Mgobode, Mdzabi, Mbiteni and Mambane rivers are seasonal rivers and thus 

have no dry weather flow. 

The Komati River is a perennial river. Monthly flow volumes have been recorded by the 

Department of Water Affairs & Forestry during the period 1939 – 1997 at the Tonga. This 

data was used to determine the mean monthly flow of the Komati River downstream of the 

mining area and is indicated in Table 16. 

Table 16. Mean monthly flow volumes of the Komati River downstream of Nkomati 

Anthracite Mine. 

PRECIPITATION MEASURED FLOW VOLUME (10 6 M 3 ) 

MONTH MMP (MM) MEAN MIN MAX 

January 104 103.47 5.29 440.73 

February 105 122.07 3.66 401.51 

March 77 105.68 1.08 380.87 

April 64 66.79 0.88 315.72 

May 22 42.68 0.06 331.94 

June 9 32.64 0.05 143.24 

July 8 30.48 0.00 222.83 

August 15 26.82 0.00 198.65 

September 33 30.69 0.00 542.57 

October 77 33.87 0.18 175.13 

November 122 64.68 0.58 388.48 

December 134 89.41 3.50 440.73 

Shaded area indicates dry weather flow. 

150 

100 

50 

0 

January 

February 

March 

April 

May 

June 

July 

August 

September 

October 

November 

December 

Figure 12: Comparison between mean monthly flow of the Komati River and MMP. 

MMP 

Mean Monthly Flow 

MMP in mm 

MMF in mil. cub. m. 

Page 39


From table 16 and Figure 12 it can be seen that the Komati River flows throughout the year. 

The driest period of the year occurs between May to September whilst the low flow conditions 

occur during May to October. 

Flood peaks and volumes. 

Data was obtained from DWAF on the peak flows of the Komati River. 660 recorded cases 

were obtained and statistically analysed to obtain the 1:20 1:50 and 1:100 year flood peaks as 

indicated in Table 17. 

Table 17: Flood peaks for the Komati River. 

RECURRENCE INTERVALS YEARS FLOW (CUMEC) 

1:20 180 

1:50 300 

1:100 420 

Flood Lines of the Komati River. 

Due to the close location of present and previous mining activities at Nkomati Anthracite Mine 

the 1:100 year flood lines of the Komati River need to be determined over the property. 

Four sections were surveyed over the Komati River at 1-meter height intervals. The sections 

extended for at least 150 meters either side of the Komati River. 

The 1:100 year flood event flow velocity, stream width and elevation through each section 

were calculated and are presented in Table 18 and graphically indicated on the survey 

sections (Figure 13). 

Table 18: 1:100 year flood event data for the portion of the Komati River that Flows 

through the Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 

Page 40 

SECTION FLOW VLOCITY (M.S -1 ) WIDTH OF STREAM (M) ELEVATION OF WATER LEVEL 

(MAMSL) 

A 1,49 74,5 236,2 

B 1,37 82,25 235,8 

C 1,25 82,75 234,9 

D 1,31 83,55 233,4 

River diversions. 

No river diversions will occur on the mine property.


Figure 13: Cross-section over Komati River: Floodline determination. 

Page 41


2.1.9.2 Surface water quality. 

Surface water quality of the Komati River. 

Surface water quality is currently monitored on a monthly basis at three localities (Table 19) in 

the Komati River. The latest results from the samples obtained are indicated in Table 20. 

Table 19. Monitoring localities in the Komati River. 

SAMPLE NUMBER LOCALITY 

NK 1 Komati River upstream of Nkomati Anthracite Mine 

NK 2 Komati River at bridge near Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 

NK 3 Komati River downstream of Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 

Table 20. Water analysis of the Komati River in the vicinity of Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 

SAMPLE NO: NK 1 NK 2 NK 3 

pH: 7.0 7.1 7.1 mS/m 

Electrical conductivity: 40.4 39.2 40.8 mg/l 

Total dissolved solids: 216 213 219 mg/l 

Nitrate: [N] 0.1 0.1 0.1 mg/l 

Total alkalinity: [CaCO3] 104 102 110 mg/l 

Chloride: [Cl] 25 18 17 mg/l 

Sulphate: [SO4] 8.3 9.1 8.5 mg/l 

Fluoride [F] 0.09 0.01 0.09 mg/l 

Calcium: [Ca] 12.1 12.7 12.4 mg/l 

Magnesium: [Mg] 14.2 14.6 14.7 mg/l 

Sodium: [Na] 40.9 40.2 41.1 mg/l 

Potassium: [K] 1.4 1.7 1.9 mg/l 

Iron: [Fe] 0.13 0.11 0.09 mg/l 

Manganese: [Mn] 0.01 0.01 0.01 mg/l 

Total Hardness: [CaCO3] 89 92 91 mg/l 

From the above it is evident that Nkomati Anthracite Mine does not adversely affect the water 

quality of the Komati River. 

2.1.9.3 Drainage density of area to be disturbed. 

The drainage area to be disturbed (including previously disturbed areas) was determined to 

be 0.6 km/km 2 . 

2.1.9.4 Surface water use. 

Surface water use in close proximity of the mine is for aquatic life, stock watering and 

irrigation. The local inhabitants residing on the mining area use the water for domestic 

purposes. Ground water is also used for domestic consumption. 

Page 42


2.1.9.5 Water Authority. 

Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. 

2.1.9.6 Wetlands. 

The area of land adjacent to a stream or river that is at least periodically, influenced by 

fluctuations of water level is the riparian zone. This zone is primarily defined by the 

geomorphology of the river valley, the nature of the valley substratum and the hydrological 

regime of the river, but is manifest in a distinct zone of vegetation that forms the riparian 

wetland. 

Thus a riparian wetland can be defined as: 

“ Riparian wetlands are open ended (exoreic) systems which occur adjacent to river and 

stream channels where plant species distribution and growth is determined by, at least 

intermittent, soil (root zone) saturation or inundation as a consequence of fluctuations in flow.” 

From the above definition and the biological survey conducted on the property it is obvious 

that the fringe Forrest along he banks of the Komati River constitutes a riparian wetland. The 

biological survey indicated a forest width of between 10 – 15 meters wide. This width is 

supported by the hydrological survey of the river and the1: 100-year flood line determination. 

Three major features separate riparian ecosystems from other wetland ecosystem types: 

They have a linear form as a consequence of their proximity to rivers and they form a 

boundary between the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems 

Energy and materials from the surrounding landscape converge and pass through 

riparian ecosystems in greater amounts per unit area than with any other system. 

Riparian ecosystems are connected hydrologically to both upstream and downstream 

ecosystems, at least intermittently. 

The narrow spatial dimension of the riparian wetland on the property and the open endedness 

makes it extremely sensitive to landscape change. 

2.1.10 Groundwater 

Since mining activities can potentially impact on the groundwater, a description of the current 

groundwater conditions is required. The purpose of this section is, therefore to describe the 

current prevailing groundwater conditions. This will serve as a reference baseline for 

quantifying potential mining impacts on the existing groundwater regime. Geo Pollution 

Technologies (Pty.) Ltd. (GPT) was appointed to conduct a geohydrological study of the 

proposed Nkomati Anthracite Mine extension project area of the Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 

The report is attached as Appendix 2. 

Local Geohydrology 

At least four aquifer types may be inferred from knowledge of the geology of the area: 

• A shallow aquifer formed in the weathered zone, perched on the fresh bedrock. 

• A deeper aquifer formed by fracturing of the Karoo sediments. 

• Aquifers associated with the contact zones of the intrusives. 

• Aquifers formed within the more permeable coal seams and sandstone layers. 

Page 43


Shallow perched aquifer 

The near surface weathered zone varies across the area. It can be expected that this 

weathered zone will be shallower on higher lying areas and areas with steeper slopes 

and deeper in lower lying areas. 

From exploration boreholes drilled in the area the average thickness of the weathered 

zone can be estimated at 7m below ground level. This unit is comprised of 

transported colluvium and in-situ weathered sediments. Groundwater flow patterns 

usually follow the topography, often coming very close to surface in topographic lows, 

sometimes even forming natural springs as found in the surrounding area. 

Experience of Karoo geohydrology indicates that recharge to the perched 

groundwater aquifer is relatively high, up to 3% of the Mean Annual Precipitation 

(MAP). 

Aquifers associated with coal seams 

There are two coal seams present in the area name the No3 and No2 Lower Seam. 

The position of the bottom of the coal seams below ground level varies between 35 

and 80 meters below surface for seam 3 and between 40 and 105 meters below 

surface for the no2 lower seam. This forms a layered sequence within the hard rock 

sedimentary units. The margins of coal seams or plastic partings within coal seams 

are often associated with groundwater. The coal itself tends to act as an aquitard 

allowing the flow of groundwater at the margins. 

Fractured Karoo rock aquifers 

Dolerite intrusions in the form of dykes and sills are common in the Karoo 

Supergroup. These intrusions can serve both as aquifers and aquifuges. Thick, 

unbroken dykes inhibit the flow of water, while the baked and cracked contact zones 

can be highly conductive. These conductive zones effectively interconnect the strata 

of the Ecca sediments both vertically and horizontally into a single, but highly 

heterogeneous and an-isotropic unit on the scale of mining. These structures thus 

tend to dominate the flow of groundwater. Unfortunately, their location and properties 

are rather unpredictable. Their influence on the flow of groundwater is thus 

incorporated by using higher than usual flow parameters for the sedimentary rocks of 

the aquifer. 

Typical primary permeability of the sandstone is 1 x 10 -3 m/d, increasing up to 1 x 10 -2 

m/s in the cleaner, coarser-grained sandstones. However, for the Karoo rocks, the 

secondary permeability is generally believed to have greater significance in the 

hydrological character of these rocks 1 . Typical effective conductivity values for Karoo 

fractured aquifers are between 1 x 10 -2 m/d and 1 x 10 2 m/d. A rule-of-thumb is that 

the vertical permeability is generally in the order of 10% of the horizontal permeability. 

Unsaturated zone 

Although a detailed characterization of the unsaturated zone is beyond the scope of 

this study, a brief description thereof is supplied. 

Page 44


Based on measurements taken during the hydrocensus, it was determined that the 

unsaturated zone varies between 2 and 20 meters thick. The reason for the great 

variations in water levels can be ascribed to large topographical differences between 

high and low lying areas. 

The unsaturated zone is represented graphically in Figure 14. 

2.1.10.1 Depth of groundwater table 

The borehole parameters of the hydrocensus boreholes are summarized in Table 21. 

Borehole X Y 

SWL 

(mbgl) 

SWL 

(mamsl) 

Elev 

(mamsl) 

BH1 31.8632 -25.7259 4.99 266.01 271 

BH3 31.79107 -25.9095 17 267 284 

BH5 31.7983 -25.7729 5.6 244.4 250 

BH6 31.7983 -25.7729 5.5 244.5 250 

BH7 31.81108 -25.7509 2.41 246.59 249 

Table 21: Borehole information. 

From the data it is evident that the groundwater depth varies across the site, mainly due 

to topography and heterogeneity of the secondary structures in the bedrock. This 

heterogeneity of the fractured rock aquifer on such a small scale can be ascribed to the 

presence of structures such as dykes, fractures, fissures, joints and faults creating 

secondary pathways for flow. Groundwater levels varying between 2m and 20m below 

ground level were measured during this survey. At the site itself, groundwater levels are 

between 5 and 10 metres below ground level. 

There is a good correlation between static water level and topography as illustrated in 

Figure 15. Using these values it is possible to extrapolate the average depth to the 

groundwater level using Bayes Extrapolation technique. 

A map of the static groundwater level of the area (Figure 16) was constructed using 

these extrapolated groundwater levels. These calculated groundwater levels were also 

used to calculate the thickness of the unsaturated zone (= depth from the surface to the 

groundwater level) by subtracting groundwater levels from the topography. Contours of 

the unsaturated zone thickness are depicted in Figure 14. 

Page 45


Figure 14: Unsaturated zone. 

Page 46

Static Water Level (mamsl) 


275 

270 

265 

260 

255 

250 

245 

240 

245 250 255 260 265 270 275 280 285 290 

Elevation (mamsl) 

Figure 15: Correlation between surface and groundwater level. 

2.1.10.2 Presence of water boreholes and springs 

Boreholes identified during the hydrocensus are indicated on Figure 17. 

Page 47


Figure 16: Static groundwater level. 

Page 48


Figure 17: Locations of the hydrocensus boreholes. 

Page 49


2.1.10.3 Groundwater quality 

Water was sampled from the boreholes identified during the hydrocensus. Samples from 5 of 

the boreholes were submitted for major cation and anion determination to determine 

background water quality standards. The results from these analyses are contained in Table 

22. These chemistry analyses should serve as baseline water quality throughout the life of the 

proposed mining operations. 

The results from these analyses were plotted as Pie diagrams and are shown on Figure 18 

below. The groundwater in the area is exceptionally poor, and can generally be classified as 

Class 2 that is the maximum allowable values for human consumption according to the SABS 

Guidelines for Drinking Water. Boreholes 1 & 2 are even worse, with values for certain cations 

and anions (especially sodium, chloride and nitrate) above the maximum allowable value and 

thus unsuitable for human consumption. 

Sulphate is probably the most reliable indicator of coalmine pollution. It is noticeable that none 

of the boreholes in the area contains any significant sulphate, and that the pH is above 7. This 

includes the boreholes BH5 that is very close to the current opencast mine. 

The reactions of acid and sulphate generation from sulphide minerals are discussed 

according to the three stage stoichiometric example of pyrite oxidation in which one mole of 

pyrite oxidizes forms two moles of sulphide: 

Reaction (2.1) represents the oxidation of pyrite to form dissolved ferrous iron, sulphate and 

hydrogen. This reaction can occur abiotically or can be bacterially catalysed by Thiobacillus 

ferro-oxidans. 

FeS2 +7/2 O2 + H2O Fe 2+ 2- + 

+ 2SO4 + 2H (2.1) 

The ferrous iron, (Fe2+) may be oxidised to ferric iron, (Fe3+) if the conditions are sufficiently 

oxidising, as illustrated by reaction (2.2). Hydrolysis and precipitation of Fe3+ may also 

occur, shown by reaction (2.3). Reactions (2.1), (2.2) and (2.3) predominates at pH > 4,5. 

Fe 2+ + 1/4O2 + H + Fe 3+ + 1/2H2O (2.2) 

Fe 3+ + 3H2O Fe(OH)3 (s) +3H + (2.3) 

Reactions (2.1) to (2.3) are relatively slow and represent the initial stage in the three-stage 

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) formation process. Stage 1 will persist as long as the pH 

surrounding the waste particles is only moderately acidic (pH > 4,5). A transitional stage 2 

occurs as the pH decreases and the rate of Fe hydrolyses (reaction 2.3) slows, providing 

ferric iron oxidant. Stage 3 consists of rapid acid production by the ferric iron oxidant pathway 

and becomes dominant at low pH, where the Fe2+ (ferric iron) is more soluble (reaction 4): 

Page 50


Figure 18: Cation and anion concentrations in boreholes. 

Page 51


FeS2 + 14 Fe 3+ + 8H2O 15Fe 2+ 2- + 

+ 2SO4 + 16H (2.4) 

Without the catalytic influence of the bacteria, the rate of ferrous iron oxidation in an acid 

medium would be too slow to provide significant AMD generation. As such the final stage in 

the AMD generation process occurs when the catalytic bacteria Thiobacillus ferrooxidans 

have become established. Reactions (2.2) and (2.4) then combine to form the cyclic, rapid 

oxidation pathway mainly responsible for the high contamination loads observed in mining 

environments. 

Piper diagrams of the data have also been compiled and are shown in Figure 19. Most of the 

groundwater samples plot within the (Ca,Mg)(Cl) field of the Piper diagram, and are 

representative of older groundwater that has been in contact with the bedrock for a 

considerable time. BH1 and BH2 even plot in the right quadrant (sodium chloride type) that 

can be classified as brackish. 

Page 52 

Sample Nr. BH 1 BH 2 BH 3 BH 5 BH 6 Class 0 Class I Class II 

Ca 187.00 97.90 104.00 72.50 140.00 80 150 300 

Mg 189.00 84.30 71.80 98.88 98.10 30 70 100 

Na 1666.00 594.00 93.00 172.00 173.00 100 200 400 

K 2.25 5.00 17.10 28.10 13.80 25 50 100 

Cl 2770.00 848.00 200.00 277.00 558.00 100 200 600 

SO 4 130.00 78.40 32.40 63.50 29.60 100 400 600 

N 61.40 40.20 46.60 6.24 11.40 6 10 20 

F 0.20 0.51 0.32 0.27 0.20 0.7 1 1.5 

CaCO3 315.00 417.00 285.00 496.00 231.00 - - - 

Fe 0.02 0.03 0.10 0.15 0.21 0.01 0.2 2 

Mn 0.41 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.1 1 

TDS 5606.00 2322.00 924.00 1072.00 1318.00 450 1000 2400 

EC 963.00 393.00 152.40 188.70 244.00 70 150 370 

pH 7.18 7.45 8.00 7.53 7.08 6.0 - 9.0 5.0 - 9.5 38087 

Cat/An Bal. 3.12 1.34 0.73 1.15 2.59 

Table 22: Results of major cation and anion analyses. 

> maximum allowable 

domestic

Figure 19: Piper Diagrams. 


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2.1.10.4 Groundwater zone 

Aquifer parameters 

The aquifer, within which the pollution due to the proposed mining is likely to be contained, is 

bounded on all sides by topographical highs. In the west, the prominent water divide 

separating the drainage of the Mzinti River and the Komati River was used as a no-flow 

boundary; while in the east the Lebombo Mountains water divide were used as boundary. In 

all other areas the boundaries have been selected perpendicular to the topographical 

contours where the groundwater flow is expected to be parallel to the boundary. It can be 

assumed that no groundwater flow will occur across any of these boundaries. These 

boundaries are depicted in Figure 20. 

Due to the relatively few boreholes identified during the hydrocensus and their unsuitability for 

slug tests because of construction (submersible pumps), no slug tests were performed. 

During calibration of the numerical model it was found that a value of 0.08 m/d fits the 

observed groundwater levels best. The value is considered reasonably representative of the 

average conductivity of the Vryheid Formation in this area. 

Numerical modelling 

Numerical modelling was used to predict the behaviour of groundwater in the mining area 

during and after mining, thus the results of the model was used to anticipate the impacts that 

mining activity might have on the groundwater. The model construction and the predicted 

impacts in terms of groundwater quality and quantity are described in detail in Appendix 2. 

Using the model, the potential impacts on the receiving water were estimated. The migration 

of contaminated water from the mining area over a number of years i.e. 10, 20 40 and 80 

years has been modelled. 

Page 54


Figure 20: Aquifer boundaries. 

Page 55


2.1.11 Air quality 

Air quality within the region is mainly affected by the generation of dust during the windy 

season. Veld fires and the practical burning of sugar cane fields also give rise to the 

deterioration of air quality on a local scale. 

Due to the lack of industrial development within the area the air quality is generally of a high 

standard. 

2.1.12 Noise 

Noise generation in the immediate proximity to the mine property is limited to agricultural 

activities. Noise related to agricultural practice is confined mainly to the planting and 

harvesting periods. Plowing and harvesting machinery mainly give rise to this noise. Noise 

generation by these instruments seldom exceeds 60dB for any length of time. 

2.1.13 Sites of archaeological and cultural interest 

No sites of archaeological and cultural interest were identified at the Nkomati Anthracite 

extension area. 

2.1.14 Sensitive landscapes 

The Komati River and its associated riparian fringe forest are considered a sensitive 

landscape. No sensitive landscapes under national conservation occur within close proximity 

to the mine. 

2.1.15 Visual aspects 

The proposed extension area is situated within a sugar cane growing area. The Komati River 

flows through the property. The western side of the River is utilised by low level grazing and 

thus in a relatively pristine state. 

Topographically the area is characterised by a low-lying area gently undulating towards the 

river. In the distance, the mountain ranges form prominent landmarks and dominate the 

horizon. 

Infrastructure in the area is confined to small towns. Farmhouses and related buildings occur 

sporadically throughout the area. 

Due to the limited infrastructure and semi-natural state of the environment the area is deemed 

visually pleasing. 

The current mining area is not visible from the Mzinti-Madadeni tar road or from the 

neighbouring towns. 

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2.1.16 Regional socio-economic structure 

2.1.16.1 Population density, growth and location 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine is situated in the Nkomazi Local Municipality part of the Ehlanzeni 

District Municipality, which is one of the three districts in Mpumalanga province. The district 

has four local municipalities i.e. Thaba Chweu, Mbombela, Umjindi and Nkomazi Local 

Municipalities. For the purpose of this document the Nkomazi municipal area is divided into 

the southern and northern sections. The southern section is mainly underdeveloped and 

consists of informal settlements. The northern section is more developed and includes formal 

towns such as Malelane, Komatipoort, Marloth Park, Hectorspruit and surrounding areas. 

The area between the southern and northern sections is an intensively cultivated agricultural 

land. 

Nkomazi Local Municipality has, according to the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan, 

a total population of about 396 467 people and most of the population is concentrated 

primarily in the underdeveloped southern section. Nkomazi has an estimated population 

growth rate of 4.8 per annum. A substantial number of foreigners (Mozambique and other 

parts of Africa) are believed to be present in Nkomazi local municipality area. 

2.1.16.2 Major Economic Activities and Sources of Employment 

Approximately 55% of the population in the southern section is under the age of 19, 39% of 

the population is between ages 20 – 64 and the rest (6%) of the population is above 65 years 

of age. On the northern section approximately 36% of the population is under the age of 19, 

58% of the population is between ages 20 – 64 and the rest (6%) of the population is above 

65 years of age. The relative young southern population and older northern population are 

indicative of the pressures associated with resource provision and services in the two areas. 

Approximately 88% of the households in Nkomazi (northern section) earn less than R 

1500.00 per month and only 5% of the population in Nkomazi earn an excess of R 3 500.00 

per month. 

2.1.16.3 Unemployment Estimate for the Area 

The unemployment under the economically active population is rated at 50%, with 38% being 

formally employed and 12% active in the informal sector. The dependency ration is 6.8. 

Approximately 35% of the labour force in Nkomazi has no education, 24% attended primary 

school, 31% attended secondary school and 5% obtained a diploma or certificate at a tertiary 

institution. Only 0.06% of the population in Nkomazi has obtained a university degree and 

24% of the economically active population is illiterate. 

2.1.16.4 Housing 

Due to the high degree of unemployment in this area the demand for housing is low. At 

present the housing availability exceeds or at least is equivalent to the demand. This 

situation is not expected to change drastically within the foreseeable future. 

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2.1.16.5 Social Infrastructure 

Schools, clinics, churches, police stations and other social infrastructures are located in the 

towns of Mangweni, Madadeni, Kwa Mandulu and Masibekela that are situated in the 

proposed mining area. Larger hospitals and government offices are located in Nelspruit. 

2.1.16.6 Water Supply 

Domestic water supply within the vicinity of the proposed Nkomati Anthracite Mine is mainly 

from groundwater and the Komati River. 

2.1.16.7 Power Supply 

The Escom power grid adequately supplies the area of electricity. 

No further power supply will be necessary for the proposed Nkomati Anthracite extension 

project. 

2.1.17 Interested and affected parties 

The interested and affected parties identified by the mine are as follows: 

Department of Water Affairs and Forestry 

Department of Minerals and Energy 

Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism 

Department of Agriculture and Land Administration 

Mpumalanga Parks Board 

Residents of the homesteads situated adjacent to the proposed mining area 

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2.2 ENVIRONMENT LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY THE 

IDENTIFIED ALTERNATIVE LAND USES AND 

DEVELOPMENTS 

Current land use will not change during mining, as this will be an extension of the existing 

mine workings into an underground section. No additional surface infrastructure will be 

constructed on the area for the proposed new underground sections. 

2.3 ASSESSMENT OF IDENTIFIED POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF 

THE PROPOSED MINING 

2.3.1 Method for assessment of identified impacts 

The following prediction and evaluation of impacts is based on the proposed extraction of the 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine extension area coal reserves by Nkomati Anthracite Mine using 

opencast and underground mining methods. 

It should be noted that although no surface subsidence is expected to occur over the Nkomati 

Anthracite Mine extension area, the possible impacts that may result from surface subsidence 

have been determined in this chapter. The reason for determining the impacts of surface 

subsidence is as follows: 

To ensure that Nkomati Anthracite Mine has a pro-active plan in place should 

surface subsidence occur. 

The evaluation distinguishes between significantly adverse and beneficial impacts and 

allocates significance against national regulations, standards and quality objectives 

governing: 

Health & Safety 

Protection of Environmentally Sensitive Areas 

Land use 

Pollution levels 

Irreversible impacts are also identified. 

The significance of the impacts is determined through the consideration of the following 

criteria: 

Probability - Likelihood of the impact occurring 

Area - the extent over which the impact will be experienced. 

Duration - the period over which the impact will be experienced. 

Intensity - the degree to which the impact affects the health and welfare of 

humans and the environment (includes the consideration of unknown risks, 

reversibility of the impact, violation of laws, precedents for future actions and 

cumulative effects). 

The above criteria are expressed for each impact in tabular form according to the 

following definitions: 

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PROBABILITY DEFINITION 

Low There is a slight possibility (0 – 30%) that the impact will occur. 

Medium There is a 30 –70% possibility that the impact will occur. 

High The impact is definitely expected to occur (70% +) or is already occurring. 

AREA DEFINITION 

Small 0 – 50 ha 

Medium 51 – 200 ha 

Large 200 + ha 

DURATION DEFINITION 

Short 0 – 5 years 

Medium 5 – 50 years 

Long 51 – 200 years 

Permanent 200 + years 

INTENSITY DEFINITION 

Low • Does not contravene any laws, 

• Is within environmental standards or objectives, 

• Will not constitute a precedent for future actions, 

• Is reversible 

• Will have a slight impact on the health and welfare of humans or the environment. 

Medium • Does not contravene any laws, 

• Will not constitute a precedent for future actions, 

• Is not within environmental standards or objectives, 

• Is not irreversible 

Page 60 

• Will have a moderate impact on the health and welfare of humans or the environment. 

High • Contravene laws, 

• May constitute a precedent for future actions, 

• Is not within environmental standards or objectives, 

• Is irreversible 

• Will have a significant impact on the health and welfare of humans or the environment. 

SIGNIFICANCE DEFINITION 

Negligible The impact is insubstantial and does not require management 

Low The impact is of little importance, but requires management 

Medium 

High 

Positive 

The impact is important; management is required to reduce negative impacts to acceptable 

levels 

The impact is of great importance, negative impacts could render options or the entire project 

unacceptable if they cannot be reduced or counteracted by significantly positive impacts, and 

management of these impacts is essential 

The impact, although having no significant negative impacts, may in fact contribute to 

environmental or economical health


2.3.2 Assessment of identified impacts 

2.3.2.1 Construction phase 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine is currently an operational opencast mine. The existing plant 

infrastructure will be used for coal beneficiation during the new mining phase. 

During the construction phase, the following activities, which may impact detrimentally on the 

health of people or the environment, will be conducted: 

• Construction of haul roads, 

• Preparation of the subsoil and overburden stockpiling area: 

• Construction of the storm water diversion trenches; 

• Construction of a discard dump; 

• Excavation of the initial box-cut; and 

• Formation of the topsoil, subsoil and overburden stockpiles. 

Construction of haul roads: 

Access roads already exist, however haul roads will be constructed to link with existing haul 

roads to transport coal from the opencast and underground workings to the plant at the 

existing operation. The haul roads will be 6 m wide and cover a distance of approximately 1 

000 m. The topsoil stripped from the construction of these haul roads will be utilized to form 

berms alongside these roads. The haul roads will cover a total area of approximately 0.6 ha. 

Preparation of subsoil and overburden stockpiling areas; 

Topsoil from the subsoil and overburden-stockpiling area will be stripped to a depth of 

300mm, and stockpiled on the topsoil stockpile. The subsoil and overburden stockpiling 

areas will cover a total area of approximately 15.5 ha, thus 46 500m 3 of topsoil will be 

stripped and removed. The positions of the subsoil and overburden stockpiling areas are 

indicated in the Mine surface infrastructure layout plan. 

Construction of the Storm water diversion trenches: 

The Storm water diversion trench will have a basal width of 1,0m, to a maximum depth of 

1,0m. The upslope batter of the trench will be sloped at 1:4 and the downslope batter at 1:1. 

All material excavated during the construction of the trench will be used to construct a 1,0m 

high berm on the downslope side of the trench. This trench will divert all surface water runoff 

around the opencast area and stockpiling area. 

Construction of the discard dump. 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine will appoint a civil engineer to oversee the construction of the 

discard dump. The civil engineer will approve and confirm the construction of the discard 

dump to design specifications. Geotechnical survey will be conducted on the soil and the 

results of the survey will be utilised to select appropriate material to be used during 

rehabilitation and construction. The surface area of the discard dump will be approximately 

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2.0 ha. All the design specifications and plans will be submitted to the Department of 

Minerals and Energy on completion thereof. 

Excavation of the initial box-cut: 

An initial box-cut will be constructed on the western section of the reserve (A section). The 

box-cut will be approximately 40m wide and 300m long. Topsoil will be stripped to a depth of 

300mm, thus approximately 3 600m 3 will be removed to the topsoil stockpile. Subsoil will be 

stripped from the box-cut, and stockpiled separately. Approximately 8 400m 3 of subsoil will 

be removed from the box-cut. 

Hard overburden material will be drilled, blasted and removed to the overburden stockpile. 

Approximately 588 000 m 3 of overburden material will be stockpiled on the overburden 

stockpile. Finally all coal material will be drilled, blasted and removed to the processing 

facilities. 

Formation of the topsoil, subsoil and overburden stockpiles 

Note that topsoil will be removed from all stockpiling areas prior to formation of soft and hard 

overburden stockpiles. 

All topsoil, subsoil and overburden material will be removed during the construction phase. 

These will be stockpiled separately, to the west of the proposed operation (refer to Mining 

Layout Plan). 

The Topsoil stockpile, which will contain approximately 84 500m 3 of topsoil, will have a 

footprint of approximately 2.3 ha and will not exceed a height of 4m (to reduce leaching 

impacts). The subsoil stockpile will contain approximately 88 500 m 3 of subsoil to a maximum 

height of 7m. This stockpile will have a footprint of approximately 1.5 ha. Finally, the 

overburden stockpile will contain 822 400 m 3 of blasted overburden material to a maximum 

height of 7m. The footprint of the stockpile will be approximately 14ha. 

Geology 

Action: Construction of haul roads, water management facilities, preparation and formation of 

topsoil, sub-soil and overburden stockpiles. 

Nature of the impact: The construction of the abovementioned activities will have no impact 

on the geology 

Action: Excavation of the initial box-cut 

Nature of the impact: Disturbance of the geological profile 

PROBABILITY AREA DURATION INTENSITY SIGNIFICANCE 

High Large Permanent High High 

Mitigation measures: 

Removal of coal is the core function of this operation hence this impact cannot be avoided or 

minimised. Systematic replacement of overburden and sub-soil material will minimise the 

impact on geology. 

Page 62


Topography 

Action: Construction of haul roads, water management facilities, construction of discard 

dump, preparation and formation of topsoil, sub-soil, overburden stockpiles and the 

excavation of the initial box-cut. 

Nature of the impact: Formation of voids and highpoints. 


Medium Small Short Low Medium 


The Mine Surveyor will survey the opencast pit on a monthly basis. 

Storm water trenches and discard dump will be constructed according to design 

specification. 

Topsoil, sub-soil and overburden stockpiles will not exceed 3m, 6m and 8m respectively. 

Soils 




Nature of the impacts: 

• Disturbance of the soil profile within the mining area 

• Contamination of soil by chemical spillages 


Medium Small Short Low Medium 

Mitigation measures 

• The top 300mm of soil (topsoil) will be stripped first and put aside, together with any 

vegetation cover present (only large bushes to be removed prior to stripping) 

• The topsoil and sub-soil material must be stockpiled separately 

• No waste material will be placed on the soil stockpiles 

• Equipment movement on the stockpiles will be limited 

• Collect waste oil and grease in suitable containers at designated collection points. 

• Ensure that diesel tanks are bunded and underlain by impervious materials to ensure that 

any spills are contained. 

• Erect notices at each waste oil collection point giving instructions on the procedure for 

waste oil discharge and collection. 

• Encourage waste contractors to take spent oil and grease to organisations that will 

process these for re-use. 

Page 63


Note if large spills occur and soils become contaminated, the appropriate remedial measures 

will be identified in consultation with an appropriate qualified specialist. If necessary, the 

polluted soils will be classified as waste and will be discarded at an appropriate permitted 

waste site. After removal of the contaminated soils, the affected areas will be landscaped and 

rehabilitated. 

Land Capability 




Nature of the impact: Loss of agricultural land at certain places within the mining area. 


Medium Small Medium Low Medium 


All sites will be landscaped so that the slope gradient is as gentle as possible and minimal 

erosion control measures are required. Refer to soil mitigation measures. 

Land Use 




Nature of the impact: Loss of agricultural land at certain places within the mining area. 




All sites will be landscaped so that the slope gradient is as gentle as possible and minimal 

erosion control measures are required. Refer to soil mitigation measures. 

Natural Vegetation 




Nature of the impact: Loss of biodiversity and ecological function of certain places within 


Page 64





• Areas of vegetation clearing will be kept to a minimum 

• Invasive plants will be removed before topsoil is stripped 

• Activities will be concentrated in disturbed areas as far as is possible 

• Human and vehicular activity will be restricted to constructed and operational sites 

Animal Life 




Nature of the impact: Loss of biodiversity and ecological functions of certain places within 



Medium Small Medium Low Low 


• Education of staff members not to kill animals, including those perceived to be 

dangerous such as snakes. 

Surface Water 




Nature of the impact: 

Formation of voids will decrease surface water run-off within the Komati River 

catchment. 

Alteration of drainage patterns. 

Disturbance of soils will lead to increased silt load in surface water runoff. 

Chemical spillages will impact on the quality of surface water runoff. 

Water captured in the pit will be exposed to carbonaceous material, resulting 

in elevated coal mining related contaminants. 

Page 65



Medium Small Short Medium Medium 


Minimise the area of disturbance. 

Divert clean runoff water around mining voids and contaminated areas. 

Ensure that proper measures are in place to contain any chemical spillages. 

Ensure that mine equipment is properly maintained. 

Install silt trap in all storm water diversion trenches. 

Containment of affected water. 

Flood events: 

Action: Increased runoff water may flood the initial box-cut and increased silt load may 

report to watercourses 


Medium Small Short Medium Medium 


Storm water management infrastructure must be constructed prior to construction. 

Groundwater 




Nature of the impact: As no mining has started yet, this phase is not expected to influence 

the groundwater levels. With the exception of oil and diesel spills, there are also no activities 

expected that could impact on regional groundwater quality. 


Low Small Short Low Low 


This phase should cause very little impacts on the groundwater and it is expected that the 

current status quo will be maintained. 

Air Quality 




Page 66


Nature of impact: Machinery and wind blowing over exposed surfaces will generate dust 

and diesel fumes. 

The dust generated may increase the dust concentration within and around the mining area, 

which will settle on the surrounding vegetation cover. 

Blasting and movement of mine machinery over exposed areas will result in the generation of 

dust and diesel fumes. The dust generated may increase the dust concentration within and 

around the mining area. The dust will also settle on the surrounding vegetation cover. 


High Medium Short Low High 


Conduct dust suppression on a daily basis. 

Use of dust asides to prevent the generation of dust on access roads. 

Ensure that mine machinery is maintained in good working order. 

Ensure that minimum amount of explosives are used during blasting. 

Noise and vibrations 




Nature of impact: Machine operators in close proximity to machinery will be exposed to 

noise levels in excess of 85dB. These noise levels will attenuate to acceptable levels within a 

short distance (500m). Note that no significant noise increases are expected within a 500m 

radius of the activities. 

During blasting noise levels may reach in excess of 130dB. The noise and vibration of the 

blast may be audible/felt within a 5km and 1km radius of the mine respectively. Note, 

however, that the duration of the blast will be less than 0,1s, thus duration is short. 


High Small Short Medium Medium 


Use of muffles for soundproofing of the machinery used at the mine. 

Develop and implement a noise reduction plan that will ensure noise impacts on 

employees and residence are minimised. 

Use of minimum explosives to decrease vibrations and noise when blasting. 

Sites of archaeological and cultural interest 

No sites of archaeological and cultural interest exist within the Nkomati Anthracite Mine 

extension area. No impact predicted. 

Page 67


Sensitive Landscapes 

No sensitive landscapes exits within the Nkomati Anthracite Mine extension area. No 

impacts predicted. 

Visual Aspects 




Nature of impact: Machinery and infrastructure related to the construction phase will be 

visible from the nearby villages. Due to the flat nature of the topography of the area this will 

only be visible from close by. 


High Small Short Medium Low 


Use topsoil and subsoil to construct a berm that will act as visual screen around the 

visible parts of the mine. 

Vegetate the topsoil/subsoil berms. 

Covering of all overburden stockpiles with a soil layer and revegetating them. 

Regional Socio-Economic Structure 




Nature of impact: 

Commencement of mining activities will result in the creation of jobs in the area, development 

of mine employees in terms of skills and career development, injection of capital into the 

local/regional economy, contribute in the establishment of small businesses and will support 

infrastructure development, community development and poverty eradication projects. 


Interested and Affected Parties 

Positive 




Page 68



Adjacent landowners may be impacted on by dust and noise generated during the 

construction phase. Note, however, that due to the short duration of the construction phase, 

the significance of this is deemed low. 


Medium Medium Short Low Low 

Mitigation Measures: 



Use of minimum amount of explosive during blasting. 



Page 69


2.3.2.2 Operational phase 

During the operational phase opencast and underground mining will commence. Access to 

the underground workings will be via the initial box-cut, which will be used as an adit. 

The following activities may impact on the health of people and the environment during the 

operational phase. 

Systematic removal of the C1, C1-lower and C2 coal seams by both underground and 

opencast mining methods; 

Stockpiling of ROM material and transportation to the beneficiation plant; 

Disposal of discard on the discard dump; 

Systematic removal of the C1, C1-lower and C2 coal seams: 

Following the opening of the initial box-cut, the opencast pit will migrate forward as per the 

mining plan. Successive cuts will be 40m wide. Following removal of the extractable coal 

reserves, material from successive cuts will be used to backfill preceding cuts (Refer to 

Rehabilitation Plan.). Each cut will be systematically filled with discard (discard will be 

deposited to the worked out opencast sections) first, overburden, subsoil and topsoil last viz. 

(Overburden from cut 1 will be drilled, blasted and used to fill the box-cut, subsoil from cut 2 

will be used to cover the overburden placed in the box-cut, and topsoil from cut 3 will be 

placed over the subsoil in the box-cut area at a minimum thickness of 300 mm). 

Only three successive cuts will thus be open at any time, and rehabilitation of the opencast pit 

will be ongoing during the operational phase. 

The underground operations will utilise mechanised mining in conjunction with the bord and 

pillar mining method. 

Bord and pillar mining will be conducted by use of continuous miners. 

The primary mining height will be 2.5 meters. The pillar widths will be 7,5 meters and pillar 

centres 14 meters. This will give a FOS (primary) of 2.5 - 2.9. 

Bottom coaling will be conducted on retreat. Bottom coaling will extract the lower 3.5 meters. 

This will reduce the FOS to between 1.6 and 1.4. 

Mining will be conducted down dip. 

Disposal of discard on the discard dump: 

The rate of discard generation is approximately 9 000 tons per month (based on a 30 000 ton 

ROM rate). Due to the high quality of the ROM coal and the market quality demand for 

anthracitic coal the discard are rewashed at a lower density and sold on the local market. 

Washing of the discard gives an 85% yield suitable for the local markets. After washing the 

discard material is reduced to approximately 1 350 tons per month. This material will be 

disposed of on a discard dump. 

Transport of coal products to local/regional markets: 

Trucks will transport ROM from the opencast and underground workings to the existing 

beneficiation plant. 

All washed coal products will be transported from Nkomati Anthracite Mine by trucks to local 

markets. All trucks will utilise existing roads. 

Page 70

Geology 


Action: Systematic removal of the C1, C1-lower and C2 coal seams by both underground 

and opencast mining methods; 


Underground mining 

• The coal left underground in the form of underground pillars will be potentially lost as 

an economic resource. This sterilization is necessary to ensure a long-term stability 

of the surface. 

• Failure of the underground pillars will result in the disturbance of the overlying strata 

and ultimately the formation of subsidence areas. 

Opencast mining 

• Disturbance of the geological profile 


High Large Permanent High High 


Underground mining 

The only mitigation to be undertaken is to comply with the recommended safety 

factors for the underground pillars. It must be noted that removal of coal is the core 

function of coal mining. The underground pillars will be designed with a Solomon’s 

safety factor of more than 1.6. As such they will be designed to ensure a long-term 

stability of the overlying geological sequence. This sterilization is necessary to ensure 

a long-term stability of the surface. 


Replacement of the removed overburden material according to the sequence of the 

disturbed geological layers. 

Topography 

Action: Systematic removal of overburden material and coal from the targeted coal seams, 

stockpiling and transportation of ROM coal and disposal of discard on the discard dump. 



Continuous opening of box-cuts as mining progress will result in the formation of a 

void. 

Formation of a topographical highpoint from stockpiles. 

Page 71


The ROM stockpile will not have a height exceeding 4m and will contain coal of no more than 

5 days production. 


High Small Short Low Medium 


Replacement of the removed overburden material according to the sequence of the 

disturbed geological layers. 

Utilise a minimum thickness of 7,0 meter soft overburden/ subsoil over the replaced 

hard overburden to ensure that there is sufficient soft material covering. Cover with a 

minimum of 300 mm topsoil. 

Place pit ramps and access roads over replaced material during replacement of 

overburden to increase the compaction. 

Lateral sequential replacement of overburden material to ensure that the rehabilitated 

area is always a maximum of 3 cuts behind the operating face. 

Final rehabilitation to be one meter above original ground level. 

Design and construct the ROM stockpile so that it has minimum impact on the 

topography. 

Maintain the stockpiling area within the designed parameters. 

Underground mining: 

The area where underground mining is located will have no impact on the topography 

based on the long-term surface stability by utilization of pillar widths designed to ensure that 

the overlying strata remain stable. 

Soils 

Action: All operational phase activities. 


Opencast mining: 

Removal of top- and subsoil layers will result in disruption of the soil profile. 

The stockpiling of ROM will result in the removal of the topsoil layer. 

Hydrocarbon fluids from the mine machinery may result in the contamination of the 

soils. 


High Small Short Low Medium 

Page 72



• Maintain the topsoil stockpile to a height that will reduce leaching of the soil. Note 

that topsoil stockpiles will only be for the first three cuts. 

• Ensure that subsoil and topsoil replacement takes place during the concurrent 

rehabilitation. 

• Samples of stripped soils will be analysed to determine the nutrient status. Fertilisers 

will be applied if /as required. 

• Erosion control measures will be implemented to ensure that the topsoil is not 

washed away. 

• No waste material will be placed on the soil stockpiles. 

• Equipment movement on the stockpiles will be limited. 

• Ensure that the re-vegetation of areas backfilled and covered with topsoil takes place. 

• All haul and loading trucks will be covered with tarpaulins to prevent the coal from 

being spilled over to the soils during transportation. 

• The trucks will be maintained in clean condition to prevent the coal debris from 

spilling into the soils during transportation. 

• Remediation of the soils within any diesel and oil spillage must be conducted to 

ensure that hydrocarbon contamination does not enter the soils. 


The area where the proposed underground mining will be conducted will have no impact on 

the soils. 

Land Capability and use 




• Land capability will be reduced as a result of disruption of soil profiles, and it should 

be noted that this impact would arise during the construction phase and continue 

through the life of the mine. 

• Note that most of the land to be impacted on is being used for livestock grazing. 

Ongoing rehabilitation during the operational phase will ensure that the grazing land 

capability is achieved. 


High Medium Short Low Medium 


Ensure that the rehabilitated area is always a maximum of 3 cuts behind the 

operating face thus minimising the disturbed area. 

Page 73


Replace overburden, subsoil and topsoil in correct order. Utilise a minimum of 7meter 

soft overburden/subsoil to cover hard overburden. Cover with minimum 300 

mm topsoil. 

Backfill in accordance with rehabilitation design plan to provide a free draining 

surface. 


The proposed mining method is underground mining conducted in such a manner as to 

ensure a long-term surface stability. No impact on the land capability and use is 

predicted. 





The opencast mining will result in the removal of the topsoil layer, which will result in 

the loss of natural vegetation cover. 

Surrounding vegetation may be impacted on by formation of dust and alteration of 

surface run-off patterns. 

Groundwater lowering may have a localised impact on the water volumes of the 

aquifer within and surrounding the mining area hence affecting some vegetation. 

Vegetation from the stockpiling areas, haul roads and mine infrastructure areas will 

be removed during the construction phase, hence these impacts will continue through 

the operational phase. 


High Medium Short Low Medium 


Ensure that the rehabilitated area is always a maximum of 3 cuts behind the 

operating face thus minimising the disturbed area. 

Replace overburden, subsoil and topsoil in correct order. Utilise a minimum of 7meter 

soft overburden/subsoil to cover hard overburden. Cover with minimum 300 

mm topsoil. 

Backfill in accordance with rehabilitation design plan to provide a free draining 

surface approximating pre-mining conditions. 

• A mixture of commercially available seeds of indigenous species that germinate 

reliably will be used 

Maintain seeded area for better vegetation distribution. 

Use measures to minimise dust generation. 

Page 74



Over the proposed underground mining area no impact on natural vegetation is predicted 

as mining is conducted in such a manner as to ensure a long-term surface stability. 

Animal Life 




Loss of animal burrows/microhabitats and migration of animals may occur due to 

disruption of soil profile and stripping of vegetation cover. 

Microhabitats will be disturbed during the opencast phase of the mining operation. 

Most animals that may occur, however, will migrate away from the area during the 

construction phase. 

Killing of animals that are perceived to be dangerous 

Disturbance by noise and vibrations from blasting, vehicle movements and plant 

operations 

Illumination, which will impact on nocturnal animals 


High Small Short Low Negligible 


• Education of staff members not to kill animals, including those perceived to be 

dangerous such as snakes 

• Introduce speed limits within the mining area 

• Ensure that mine machineries are maintained in good working order. 


The underground section will have no impact on animal life. 

Surface Water 

Surface water quantity 

Action: Systematic removal of the overburden material and the target coal seams by 

underground and opencast mining methods, stockpiling and transportation of ROM coal, 

disposal of mine-affected water into the slurry dam. 

Nature of action: 


Formation of voids will decrease surface water run-off within the Komati River 

catchment. 

Page 75


Due to compaction of access and haul roads the velocity of runoff water may 

cause erosion. 


High Small Short Low Low 







Containment of mine affected water. 



ensure a long-term surface stability. No impact on the surface water quantity is 

predicted. 

Surface water quality 


Nature of action: 


Water captured in the pit will be exposed to carbonaceous material, resulting 

in elevated coal mining related contaminants. 

Seepage from wet stockpile areas may contain elevated coal mining related 

contaminants. 

Spillage of material during transportation may contain elevated chemicals 

concentrations. 

Water contained in the return water dam may contain carbonaceous 

materials as well as chemical substances. 


High Small Short Low High 







Containment of mine affected water. 

Page 76




ensure a long-term surface stability. No impact on the surface water quantity is 

predicted. 

Storm water runoff 

The 1:100 year flood lines were determined for the entire affected length of the Komati River. 

Sections through the river and the mining area are indicated in previous sections of this 

document. From these determinations it is concluded that the mining area and all associated 

mining infrastructure are not within the bounds of the 1:100 year flood line of the Komati 

River. Thus a flood in the Komati River will have no affect on the mining operations. No 

impact on the surface water quantity is predicted. 

River diversions 

No river diversions are planned or will be necessary for this project. 

Groundwater 

In order to predict the behaviour of the groundwater levels during and after mining, a 

numerical model was created using the Visual MODFLOW 3.1 software developed by 

Waterloo Geohydrological Inc. For more details with regard to the set-up, calibration and 

limitations of the numerical model, refer to appendix 2. 

Groundwater quantity 


During the operational phase, it is expected that the main impact on the groundwater 

environment will be de-watering of the surrounding aquifer. Water entering the mining pit will 

have to be pumped out to enable mining activities. This will cause a lowering in the 

groundwater table in and adjacent to the mine. 

The dewatering of the aquifer has been calculated for the mine using the calibrated numerical 

model as described above. The calculated additional drawdown is depicted in Figure 21 as 

contours of drawdown, and it follows from this figure that: 

• Maximum drawdown is expected to be in the order of 15 metres, which is high and 

could decrease the yield of boreholes. 

• However, due to the very low hydraulic conductivity, the affected area is not expected 

to be large. Assuming that a drawdown of 5 metres and more can affect the yield of 

boreholes, the affected area is predicted to be in the order of 1000 metres on the 

eastern (upstream) side of the colliery. Drawdown to the west in the direction of the 

Komati River is almost negligent. 

• The total area of the cone of depression could extend about 2 kilometres to the east 

of the mining area at most on the worst-case scenario. In the west the affected zone 

is predicted to be less than 500 metres. 

Page 77


Only two boreholes exist within or in close proximity of the potential affected area. In 

particular only the privately owned borehole BH7 could be affected. The prediction is that the 

groundwater level could decrease by about 5 metres in this borehole. 

Despite the modelled predictions, it must again be stressed that structures of preferred 

groundwater flow have not been modelled. Although the presence of such a structure is 

expected, it has not been confirmed and no information concerning the water bearing 

characteristics is thus available. If such a structure is dewatered through mining, boreholes 

drilled into the structure might be affected. Such effects cannot be predicted with the current 

knowledge, and can only be established through continuous groundwater level monitoring. 

a) Inflow into an underground mine can be calculated as the infiltration/recharge of 

groundwater through the area directly above the colliery, plus the inflow from the 

sides that will also infiltrate mainly through the roof. If one takes the recharge through 

the 300 ha roof as 3% of mean annual precipitation, the inflow due to direct rainfall 

recharge was estimated to be in the order of 300 m 3 /d (0.75/365x0.03x3000000). 

b) It is also possible to calculate the inflow into the colliery from the flow budget of the 

MODFLOW model. In the case of model prepared for this project, the computed 

inflow was calculated to be approximately 150 m 3 /d (about 1.5 l/s). This correlates 

well with the intuitive hand calculation. 

It must be cautioned that these calculations have been done using simplified assumptions of 

homogeneous aquifer conditions. The reality could deviate substantially from this and the 

model should thus be updated as more information becomes available. Furthermore it must 

be noted that there are no data to substantiate the vertical conductance of the mine roof. The 

chosen value of 1 x 10 -6 m -2 /day/m -2 is purely based on past experience and judgement. 



Medium Large Medium Low Low 

Continuous measuring of static levels of surrounding boreholes 

Any major structures with preferred groundwater flow must be grouted 

Affected groundwater users must be compensated 

Page 78


Figure 21: Groundwater contours during mining. 

Page 79


Groundwater quality 

The flow in the aquifer will be directed towards the colliery during this stage of mining as 

illustrated in the depression cone in Figure 21. Very little groundwater pollution is thus 

expected. 

Surrounding boreholes 






Medium Large Medium Low Medium 

It is recommended that the static groundwater levels of boreholes around the 

proposed mining operation be measured on a quarterly basis. 

All boreholes within a zone of two kilometres surrounding the proposed mine should 

also be monitored similarly to ensure that any deviation of the groundwater flow from 

the idealised predictions is detected in time and can be reacted on appropriately. 

If it can be proven that the mining operation is indeed affecting the quantity of 

groundwater available to certain users, the affected parties should be compensated. 

Although little or no groundwater contamination is expected during this stage due to 

the cone of depression, it is nevertheless also recommended that groundwater quality 

be monitored on a quarterly basis. This is essential to provide a necessary database 

for future disputes. 

Groundwater users 






Medium Large Medium Low Medium 

It is recommended that the static groundwater levels of boreholes around the 

proposed mining operation be measured on a quarterly basis 

All boreholes within a zone of two kilometres surrounding the proposed mine should 

also be monitored similarly to ensure that any deviation of the groundwater flow from 

the idealised predictions is detected in time and can be reacted on appropriately. 

If it can be proven that the mining operation is indeed affecting the quantity of 

groundwater available to certain users, the affected parties should be compensated. 

Page 80


Although little or no groundwater contamination is expected during this stage due to 

the cone of depression, it is nevertheless also recommended that groundwater quality 

be monitored on a quarterly basis. This is essential to provide a necessary database 

for future disputes. 

No other significant impacts are expected. 

Air Quality 

Action: Systematic removal of the overburden material and target coal seams by opencast 

mining methods, stockpiling and transportation of ROM coal and use of mine infrastructure 

during mining. 



Machinery and wind blowing over exposed surfaces will generate dust and diesel 

fumes. 

Any dust clouds generated from the mining area will migrate towards the predominant 

wind. The dust generated may increase the dust concentration within and around the 

mining area, which will settle on the surrounding vegetation cover. 

Blasting will result in the generation of dust. The dust generated may increase the 

dust concentration within and around the mining area. The dust will also settle on the 

surrounding vegetation cover. 


High Small Short Low High 




Ensure that mine machinery is maintained in good working order. 

Ensure that minimum amount of explosives are used during blasting. 

Consult with residents in close proximity to the mine a few hours before any blasting. 


During mining, fine coal or coal dust may accumulate in the workings. This may have 

health impacts on the employees working underground. 


Use of seepage water to suppress dust generated underground 


Action: All operational phase activities 

Page 81




Machine operators in close proximity to machinery will be exposed to noise levels in 

excess of 85dBA. 

These noise levels will attenuate to acceptable levels within a short distance (500m). 

Note that no significant noise increases are expected within a 500m radius of the 

activities. 

During blasting, noise levels may reach in excess of 130dBA. The noise and vibration 

of the blast may be audible/felt within a 5km and 1km radius of the mine respectively. 

Note, however, that the duration of the blast will be less than 0,1s, thus duration is short. 


High Small Short Medium Medium 





Issue earplugs must be issued to all affected employees. 


Machine operators in close proximity to machinery will be exposed to noise levels in 

excess of 85dBA. 





Issue earplugs must be issued to all affected employees. 


No sites of archaeological and cultural interest exist within the Nkomati Anthracite Mine 

extension area. No impact predicted. 


No sensitive landscapes exits within the Nkomati Anthracite Mine extension area. No 

impacts predicted. 


Action: All operational phase activities 

Page 82




Visual impacts will result from the proposed opencast extension of the Nkomati Anthracite 

Mine. The proposed mining activities will be visible for a short distance. 


High Large Medium Medium High 


Use topsoil and subsoil to construct a berm that will act as visual screen around the 

visible parts of the mine. 

Vegetate the topsoil/subsoil berms. 

Covering of all overburden stockpiles with a soil layer and re-vegetate them. 



ensure a long-term surface stability. No impact is predicted. 


The impact on the socio-economic structures of the region will be slight but positive. The 

granting of work opportunities to approximately 80 persons will help decrease the 

unemployment rate in the area. 

Note that although the project will entail the use of a certain number of personnel, no new 

employment opportunities will be generated by this project. 


Medium Medium Medium Medium Positive 


The following interested and affected parties will be impacted on during the operational 

phase: 

Department of Minerals and Energy. 

Department of water Affairs and Forestry. 

Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. 

Department of Agriculture. 

People of neighbouring villages. 

Page 83


2.3.2.3 Decommissioning phase 

The decommissioning phase is taken to begin once all economically exploitable coal reserves 

have been extracted. This section then attempts to identify all possible impacts that may 

arise as a result of activities to be conducted during the decommissioning phase. 

These include: 

• Removal of all mine infrastructure; 

• Ripping of all infrastructure areas; 

• Filling of the final void and final shaping of the rehabilitated opencast pit; 

• Removal of the carbonaceous layer from the product stockpiling area; 

• Ripping and rehabilitating of all haul roads; and 

• Seeding of ripped and rehabilitated surfaces. 

Removal of all infrastructures: 

Structures such as the weighbridge, diesel tank, septic tank, workshop, administration 

buildings, toilets, change rooms and any associated structures will be dismantled, and 

removed. 

Ripping of infrastructure areas: 

All concrete foundations will be broken up, and the rubble removed and placed at the base of 

the shaft. These areas will then be ripped, to a depth of 250mm to reduce compaction and 

covered with a minimum 300mm layer of topsoil and seeded. 

Sealing, filling and final shaping of the adit used for access to the underground workings: 

The access adit will be sealed according to the requirement of relevant sections of the Mine, 

Health and Safety Act, No 29 of 1996 and the plans submitted to the Principal Inspector of 

Mines at the DME’s Regional office in Witbank for approval before said action takes place. 

Backfilling and rehabilitation of the area will be completed once the access is sealed, final 

shaping will be done to ensure that the area conforms to pre-mining topography. Stockpiled 

overburden, subsoil and topsoil will be used to backfill the shaft. Method of material 

placement will be placement of overburden, followed by subsoil followed by a minimum 

300mm layer of topsoil. The first one-meter of soft overburden material will be compacted 

and then covered with a two-meter layer of soft overburden material, before covering with a 

300mm topsoil layer. The area will be filled to surface and shaped to ensure that the area is 

free draining. No ponding will occur on the final rehabilitated surface. 

Removal of the carbonaceous layer from the product stockpiling area: 

The ROM stockpiling area will be graded to remove the carbonaceous material build-up. In 

addition to this, the subsoil layer below this will be removed to a depth of 150mm to remove 

contaminated soils. This material will be placed in the bottom of the final cut prior to 

backfilling. 

The stockpiling area will then be covered with a minimum 300mm layer from the topsoil 

stockpile, and shaped to conform to the pre-mining topography. 

Page 84


Ripping and rehabilitating of all haul roads 

All haul roads will be ripped to depth of 250mm. A 300mm topsoil layer will then be covered 

over the ripped area. The covered ripped haul roads will then be seeded. 

Seeding of ripped and rehabilitated surfaces: 

Following mechanical rehabilitation of the area, a seed mix will be applied to the rehabilitated 

areas to accelerate vegetation establishment. The following species have been identified as 

being suitable for rehabilitation: 

Chloris gayana (Rhodes grass) (8kg/ha) 

Eragrostis curvula (Weeping love grass) (10kg/ha) 

Eragrostis tef (Tef) (18kg/ha) 

Digitaria eriantha (Common finger grass) (15kg/ha) 

Cynodon dactylon (Cough grass) (3kg/ha) 

During this phase of mining it is assumed that dewatering of the colliery will be ceased, and 

that the groundwater level will be allowed to return to rest levels while the surface 

infrastructure is rehabilitated. The groundwater regime will tend to return to a state of 

equilibrium once mining has stopped and the removal of water from the mining void has been 

discontinued. 

No additional impacts on the groundwater of the study area other than the impacts discussed 

in paragraph 2.3.2.2 are expected during the decommissioning phase of the project. 

Partial Closure 

No partial closure will be applied for in respect of this project. 

2.3.2.4 Residual impacts after closure 

This phase of the mining process is assumed to be the period following the complete 

extraction of the underground reserves. It is assumed for the purpose of this EIAR that mining 

will be discontinued after the current reserves have been depleted and the groundwater level 

returned to rest levels. 

Residual impacts after decommissioning, in context of this document, is taken as all potential 

impacts, which may arise as a result of the mining activities at Nkomati Anthracite Mine 

following the decommissioning phases. 

Geology 

During the life of the mine, approximately 5.7 x 10 6 tons of coal will be removed from the 

underground reserves. Mining will have permanently disturbed the geological profile. Note, 

however, that a core function of any mine is to remove geological material. No surface 

subsidence is expected. 

The residual impact of mining on the geology will therefore be a permanent disturbance of the 

geological profile. 

Page 85


Topography 

Rehabilitation of the open pit will be ongoing during the operational phase until the position of 

the adit is reached. The opencast pit will be filled to one meter above surface and shaped to 

approximate pre-mining topographical patterns. The adit will be sealed according to the 

requirement of relevant sections of the Mine, Health and Safety Act, No 29 of 1996 and the 

plans submitted to the Principal Inspector of Mines at the DME’s Regional office in Witbank 

for approval before said action takes place. Rehabilitation of this area will then be done. The 

area will be filled to one meter above surface and shaped to approximate pre-mining 

topographical patterns. 

No additional residual impacts on topography will therefore occur. 

Soils 

All soils from the subsoil and topsoil stockpiles will be utilised during the decommissioning 

phase such that the minimum topsoil depth over the area is 300mm. The area will then be 

seeded with a suitable seed mix, to prevent soil loss and erosion. Since the topsoil stockpile 

will not exceed 4m high, no significant loss of soil chemical properties are expected 

No significant residual impacts on soil will therefore occur. 

Land Capability 

Due to the placement of a minimum 300mm layer of topsoil over the rehabilitated areas and 

the re-vegetation of the affected areas as well as the proposed correction of the fertility of 

topsoil stockpile prior to use, the resulting soil fertility will be suitable for grazing land. 

No significant residual impacts on land capability will therefore occur. 

Land Use 

Land use will revert to grazing. No significant residual impacts on land use are anticipated. 


Seeding of all rehabilitated areas during the decommissioning phase will ensure vegetation 

cover on the mining area within 2 – 4 years. Natural vegetation establishment will therefore 

be accelerated to occur within 5 – 10 years. 

No significant residual impacts on vegetation will therefore occur. 

Animal Life 

Following cessation of the mining operation in the area, animals will begin to migrate back 

into the area within 2 – three years. 

No significant residual impacts are expected to occur on animal life. 

Surface Water 

Surface water quantity 

Following re-establishment of natural run-off patterns by rehabilitation and shaping of the 

area, and removing of the diversion trenches and berms, surface water run-off will begin to reestablish. 

No significant residual impacts are expected to occur on water quantity. 

Page 86


Water quality 

Following re-instatement of the groundwater regimes, a groundwater pollution plume is 

expected to form. This pollution plume may migrate in a westerly direction towards the 

Komati River. This polluted water is predicted to decant into the Komati River and will affect 

the surface water quality. 


High Large Long term Low Medium 


The acid base accounting indicated that the potential for acid mine drainage from the 

proposed colliery in this mining area is slight. Groundwater emanating from this mine is 

expected to be neutral. 

Groundwater 

Groundwater quantity 

After closure, the water table will rise in the aquifer to reinstate equilibrium with the 

surrounding groundwater systems. However, the mined areas will have a large hydraulic 

conductive compared to the pre-mining situation. This will result in a relative flattening of the 

groundwater table over the extent of the mined areas, in contrast to the gradient that existed 

previously. 

The end result of thus will be a permanent lowering of the groundwater level in the higher 

topographical area and a corresponding rise in lower areas. As illustrated in Figure 22 below, 

it is predicted that the groundwater will be lowered up to six metres over the western part of 

defunct colliery, and rise by an estimated three metres in the eastern parts. 

It is not expected that the lowering of the groundwater will have any widespread impact on the 

groundwater quantity. Only boreholes BH2 and BH7 are in close vicinity of the predicted 

impact zone, and the drawdown is expected to be very little at worst. 

However, the raise in groundwater in the eastern section could result in decanting of the 

colliery. The areas where the model predicts the groundwater level above the surface 

topography, is depicted in Figure 23 below. If any adits or ventilation shafts exists in this area, 

groundwater will decant from the openings. If not, some seepage of groundwater can be 

expected in this area. As can be expected from the groundwater flow directions (Figure 24), 

the likely decanting area skirts the south-western border of the mine. Even if surface 

decanting can be avoided, it is very likely that sub-surface decanting (seepage to the surface) 

will result. This issue will be further discussed in the next paragraph. 


High Medium Permanent Medium Medium 

Page 87



• The static level of groundwater in all boreholes within a distance of less than 

two kilometres must be measured regularly to establish a database against 

which future groundwater levels can be compared. 

• Such measurements must be made preferably quarterly, but at least twice 

annually, following the dry and rainy seasons. 

• In the event of an unacceptable decrease of the yield of any affected 

boreholes, alternative water supply should be supplied to the affected parties 

until such time that the groundwater recovers following closure of the mine. 

Page 88


Figure 22: Groundwater levels after mining. 

Page 89


Figure 23: Possible decanting positions. 

Page 90


Groundwater Quality 

Once the normal groundwater flow conditions have been re-instated, polluted water can 

migrate away from the defunct colliery. Groundwater flow will be towards the mine from the 

east, and away in a westerly direction. As some exposed coal and pillars normally remain in 

the colliery, this outflow will most likely be contaminated. Estimating the potential impacts on 

the receiving environment through modelling of the solute transport was therefore important 

and the results are described in this paragraph. 

The migration of contaminated water from the mining area has been modelled as described, 

and the results are presented in Figure 25 to Figure 28 in terms of the extent of the pollution 

plume 10, 20, 40 and 80 years after the colliery has been closed. Experience has shown that 

the plume stagnates after about 80 years, and no further movement after such time is 

expected. 

As stated previously, the results must be viewed with caution as a homogeneous aquifer has 

been assumed. Heterogeneities in the aquifer are unknown and the effect of this cannot be 

predicted. Furthermore, no chemical interaction of the sulphate with the minerals in the 

surrounding bedrock has been assumed. As there must be some interaction and retardation 

of the plume, it is hoped that this prediction will represent a worst-case scenario. 

Within the limitations of the abovementioned assumptions, it can be estimated from these 

figures that: 

• Movement of the plume will be mostly westerly towards the Komati River. 

• However, movement will very slow due to the medium-low hydraulic conductivity and 

low gradients. 

• From the results of the modelling, the plume is predicted to move about 1000 metres in 

the 80 year period before the plume is expected to stagnate. 

• For comparison, the rate of movement can also be calculated directly from the Darcy 

equation as: 

Conductivity 

v = xGradient = 0.08/0.05x0.001 ≈ 0.002 m/d 

Porosity 

≈ 6 metres/year or ≈ 500 metres in 80 year 

• This lower calculated rate of flow is due to the effect of dispersion that has been 

modelled but not included in the above calculation. 

From the results of the modelling it is thus not expected that the groundwater pollution will 

ever impact negatively on any current groundwater users, but that it might impact negatively 

on the Komati River through decanting and/or groundwater seepage. 


High Large Permanent Low Medium 

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It is important that groundwater quality be monitored regularly at strategic locations to 

distinguish between the contributions of the different mining areas. This should be done at 

least on a quarterly basis to provide a reliable database to facilitate eventual closure of the 

mining operation. The sampling methods and substances to be sampled for are similar to 

those recommended in the previous paragraph. 

In conclusion, the following measures are recommended: 

• Mined areas should be flooded as soon as practical to reduce the exposure of 

remaining pyrite to the atmospheric oxygen. Progressive mining from lower to higher 

floor elevations will aid in accomplishing this goal. 

• Mining wastes must be placed in the lowest practical areas and flooded as soon as 

possible for similar reasons. 

• Quarterly groundwater sampling must be done to establish a database of plume 

movement trends, to aid eventual mine closure. 

Potential for the Generation of Acid Mine Drainage or Poor Quality Leachate 

The acid generation capacity of the coal seam was determined by acid-base accounting. One 

composite sample was collected from the nearby operating opencast mining in the same coal 

seam. Waterlab Research, Pretoria, performed these analyses and the results are presented 

in Table 23. 

Table 23: Results of acid-base tests on C coal seam. 

Sample 

taken from 

borehole 

NKAB 01 

Type of 

Sample 

Composite 

Coal 

Total S 

(%) 

Acid 

Generation 

Potential as 

CaCO3 

(kg/t) 

Table 24: Rock type classification 

Gross Neutr. 

Potential as 

CaCO3 

(kg/t) 

Netto Neutr. 

Potential as 

CaCO3 

(kg/t) 

0.300 9.38 37.50 28.13 II 

Type I Potentially acid forming Total Sulphur > 0,25 % and AP:NP ratio 1:1 or less 

Type II Intermediate Total Sulphur > 0,25 % and AP:NP ratio 1:3 or less 

Type III Non acid forming Total Sulphur < 0,25 % and AP:NP ratio 1:3 or greater 

Rock 

Type 

AP = Acid generation potential and NP = Acid neutralisation potential 

From Table 23 & Table 24 it is clear that the coal seam has a low potential for acid generation 

due to the large net neutralisation capacity. This is confirmed by the chemical analyses that 

indicated no increased sulphate levels in the boreholes close to the current opencasts, and 

acidity of all groundwater sampled are above 7 in general. There are thus no indications of 

acid mine drainage from the current mining operations in the area. 

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It is thus concluded that the potential for acid mine drainage from the proposed colliery in this 

mining area is slight. Groundwater emanating from this mine is expected to be neutral, but 

could have elevated sulphate concentrations depending on the rate of pyrite oxidation. 

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Figure 25: Plume after 10 years. 

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Air Quality 

Following cessation of all activities and seeding of the rehabilitated areas, dust generation will 

be reduced. No residual impacts on air quality are therefore expected. 


Formation of free draining over the mining area and the reinstatement of natural run-off 

patterns will minimise reduction of surface run-off towards the wetlands. No residual impacts 

are therefore expected. 


No sites of archaeological and cultural interest exist within the area of Nkomati Anthracite 

Mine. No impact predicted. 


Following cessation of all activities no further noise generation will occur at Nkomati 

Anthracite Mine. No residual impacts are expected. 


Following cessation of all activities, rehabilitation of the area and seeding of rehabilitated 

areas, the visual aesthetic of the area will approximate pre-mining conditions compared to 

operational and decommissioning phase impacts. 

No negative residual visual impacts are therefore predicted. 


Following cessation of all activities, all regional socio-economic impacts, which will arise 

during the construction, operational and decommissioning phases will no longer apply. All 

economically viable coal reserves will have been exploited. Depending on the viability of the 

company’s future projects, some of the mine’s employees will be employed by the company in 

their future projects. Retrenched employees will receive retraining in skills that will help them 

to re-enter the job market. By now the community projects initiated by the mine must be selfsustaining, 

hence the community will continue to run the projects. 

No residual impacts are expected. 


All visual, noise and groundwater impacts, which may arise during the operational and 

decommissioning phase, will cease. No residual impacts on interested and affected 

parties are expected to occur. 

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2.3.3 Cumulative impacts 

This section of the environmental impact assessment will attempt to determine if the proposed 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine extension project will contribute towards any cumulative impacts. 

For the purpose of this document cumulative impacts will be described as those impacts that 

has been assessed as being insignificant but would be significant when combined with the 

same impact arising from other activities within the area of the proposed Nkomati Anthracite 

Mine extension project. 

It must however be mentioned that the assessment of the cumulative impacts requires a 

combined effort from the different industries or mines that will contribute to the cumulative 

impacts identified. Data from the contributing parties will be required for a thorough and 

accurate impact assessment. 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine extension project is an extension of an already operating opencast 

mine. As described in the impact assessment and environmental management programme, 

no surface infrastructure will be constructed on the proposed extension area, thus no impacts 

on the surface will occur. With respect to the underground workings, if pillar failure takes 

place, surface subsidence may take place. The impact assessment and environmental 

management programme has adequately addressed this impact hence it is not regarded as 

cumulative impact. 

The proposed extension of the Nkomati Anthracite Mine operation is situated in an area that 

is dominated by farming activities, mainly sugar cane production. The only similar impacts 

that crop production and mining will have on the environment will include the reduction in land 

capability, loss of natural vegetation cover and generation of dust/smoke. Since this will be 

an underground extension of the current mining operations no cumulative impact on the 

environment will be felt. 

2.3.3.1 Groundwater pollution 

During the impact assessment it was identified that groundwater will not be polluted during 

the operational phase since water will be pumped out of the groundwater aquifer. It is only 

after closure, when groundwater flow conditions have been re-instated that the polluted water 

can migrate away from the rehabilitated areas. Through the use of a numerical model, it was 

shown that the groundwater plume migrations would be towards the Komati River to the west. 

The expansion of the plume is predicted to be very slow due to the low hydraulic conductivity 

and the low gradients in the area. From the results of the modelling, the plume is predicted to 

move about 1000 metres in the 80-year period before the plume is expected to stagnate. 

It can be concluded from the acid base accounting that the potential for acid mine drainage 

from the proposed colliery in this mining area is slight. Groundwater emanating from this mine 

is expected to be neutral 

From the results of the modelling it is thus not expected that the groundwater pollution will 

ever impact negatively on any current groundwater users, but that it might impact negatively 

on the Komati River through decanting and/or groundwater seepage. However, based on the 

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acid base accounting and the current sulphate levels at the existing opencast, the levels of 

sulphate pollution are expected to be low. 

2.4 A COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF IDENTIFIED 

ALTERNATIVE LAND USES AND IMPACTS THEREOF 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine before deciding to mine the said area has considered several land 

use alternatives to mining. A range of alternative land uses was put on the table for 

evaluation, which included mining, housing, grazing, arable land, wilderness and tourism. 

Based on the relevancy, basic requirements and limitations of the land uses, only three 

alternatives were selected from the identified alternatives i.e. mining, grazing and arable land. 

The following were used to compare the three alternatives i.e. matching with present land 

use, estimation of benefits and inputs and assessment of environmental impacts. 

2.4.1 MATCHING WITH PRESENT LAND USE 

Arable land use 

As described before, the study area is extensively used for the cultivation of sugar cane. The 

land use alternative in question i.e. cultivated land matches with the present land use. 

Grazing 

Since cultivated land can be easily turned into grazing land, it was decided that the land use 

alternative in question matches with the present land use. 

Mining 

Although the immediate area is used for crop production and grazing purposes it must be 

noted that on a local scale the area is also used for mining purposes. An opencast mine is 

currently in operation ~1km southwest of the site. In view of this it can be stated that on a 

current local status the mine will, to some extent, match the present land use. Note that the 

area can be rehabilitated to be comparable to the present land use after mining. 

2.4.2 ESTIMATION OF BENEFITS AND INPUTS REQUIRED 

Arable land use 

If it is decided that the present land use activity be continued, the benefits from the decision 

will be continued crop production. A number of jobs will be created when this activity is 

continued, since it is labour intensive. Crop production can be conducted for a long period 

resulting in sustainable job opportunities. It must however be mentioned that this activity is 

only labour intensive for one season per year, hence some of the jobs cannot be sustained. 

Crop production is also dependent on the environmental factors, such as rain, chemical 

characteristics of the soil etc. 

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Grazing 

If it were decided to use the study area for grazing purposes benefits for the land use would 

be the production of pastures and use of land for grazing. The use of land for grazing 

purposes will also result in limited job creation. 

Mining 

The commencement of the mining operation will result in the creation of approximately 80 

employment opportunities. The mine will as far as practically possible ensure that employees 

are recruited from the local community. In view of the unemployment and poverty situation 

within the area the commencement of the mining operation will have a significant impact on 

the employment and poverty situation. 

As described in the environmental management programme, the mining operation will 

undertaken to ensure that negative environmental impacts are minimised and positive 

impacts are maximised. The mine will also ensure that rehabilitation is conducted during the 

operational phase of the mine. The rehabilitation will ensure that the land is made 

comparable to grazing land. 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine has all the skills (technical) and financial means to optimally mine 

coal at the said area and also has a financial means (financial provision) to rehabilitate the 

said area, after mining has ceased, to be comparable to the present land use. The 

rehabilitation will ensure that the land is made comparable to arable and grazing land as per 

the soil survey findings. 

2.4.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 

The table below demonstrate the comparative assessment of the impacts that will result from 

the three considered alternatives. The comparison shows the mining alternative to have a 

slightly higher impact on the environmental aspects of the area. It must however be 

mentioned that although the mining option have slightly higher impacts, there are mitigatory 

measures that will be put in place to ensure that the impacts on the environmental aspects 

are minimised. As described before, after the mining ceases, the area will be rehabilitated to 

be comparable to the arable and grazing land use. 

Environmental aspects Impacts assessment as per the land use alternatives 

Mining Grazing Arable Land 

Geology High Low Low 

Topography Medium Low Low 

Soil High Medium High 

Land capability High High High 

Natural vegetation High High High 

Animal life High Medium Low 

Surface water High Medium Low 

Ground water Medium Low Low 

Noise Medium Low Low 

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Air quality Medium Low Medium 

Social aspects Land use alternatives 


Visual impacts Medium Low Low 

Regional socio-economic structure Positive Positive Positive 

Cultural aspects Land use alternatives 


Sites of archaeological interest None None None 

Sites of cultural interest None None None 

2.5 MITIGATORY MEASURES FOR SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS 

From the project actions the potential impacts on the social, cultural and environmental 

aspects were identified. These impacts were assessed for their effect on the social, cultural 

and environmental aspects. The significance of the impacts was also determined. 

Mitigation measures are aimed at lessening negative consequences of the proposed mining 

operation. The mitigation measures include designs and management practices that will be 

embarked on, to prevent the identified impacts on the social, cultural and environmental 

aspects. For each significant impact identified several mitigation measures were specified. 

From the specified mitigation measures a few were chosen, which were described in more 

detail in the environmental management programme. 

For more information on the mitigation measures selected for each impact refer to section 2.3 

of the environmental impact assessment report. 

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2.6 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCESS USED FOR 

ENGAGEMENT WITH INTERESTED AND AFFECTED 

PARTIES 

2.6.1 Interested and Affected parties 

The following have been identified as the interested and affected parties: 

• Department of Minerals and Energy (Mpumalanga Regional Office) 

• Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (Mpumalanga Regional Office) 

• Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism 

• Department of Agriculture and Land Administration 

• National Department of Agriculture 

• Mpumalanga Parks Boards 

• The residents of the homestead situated adjacent to the proposed mining area 

2.6.2 Results of Engagement with Interested and Affected Parties 

Consultations 

As described in the Scoping Report submitted to the Department of Minerals and Energy and 

in accordance with section 22 of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 

2002 (Act 28 of 2002) the landowners and neighbouring residents were notified in writing of 

the acceptance of the application by the Department of Minerals and Energy (Mpumalanga 

Regional Office). 

Minutes of meetings held between Benicon and the community representatives are attached 

in Appendix 4. Minutes of a meeting held between community representatives regarding the 

proposed mining extension are also attached. 

A public meeting took place on 4 November 2005 at Komatipoort. All community 

representatives of the area were invited to attend the meeting. The minutes and attendance 

register of this meeting is attached in Appendix 4. 

None of the State Departments submitted requests for a site inspection on the proposed 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine extension project area. It must however be stated that the State 

Departments will be forwarded with the EIA/EMP report for their comments, hence their nonresponse 

is not considered serious. Further to this Nkomati Anthracite Mine will accept 

requests from the State Departments for site inspections. 

Addressing of concerns raised 

The following concerns were raised during the public meeting: 

• The poor quality of the groundwater in the area must be communicated to the public. 

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• Issues regarding the community and Nkomati Anthracite Mine must be resolved as 

soon as possible. 

2.7 IDENTIFIED KNOWLEDGE GAPS AND ADEQUACY OF 

PREDICTIVE METHODS APPLIED 

The environment that is likely to be affected by the proposed Nkomati Anthracite Mine 

extension project was detailed in section 2.1. Specialists were commissioned to conduct 

detailed surveys and studies on the environment. These studies include soil survey, 

vegetation study, geological reports, geohydrological study and surface water studies etc. 

These studies have covered all prevailing conditions of the environmental aspects that were 

studied. Hence no knowledge gap exists in terms of the current state of the environment. 

During the assessment of the prevailing geohyrological conditions of the Nkomati Anthracite 

Mine extension area several limitations were encountered. It is a well-known fact that coal 

mining has an impact on the groundwater. These impacts are substantial after the mined 

area has been rehabilitated i.e. post mining phase. These impacts are the result of the 

chemical interactions and migration of the groundwater from the mined area. 

Determination of the extent of the impact in the post closure phase cannot be conducted due 

to the limited amount of data. Modelling (predictive methods) was, in this case, therefore 

used to estimate the groundwater behaviour after mining. The modelling was done within the 

limitations of the scope of work of the study and the limited amount of monitoring data 

available. Although all efforts have been made to base the model on sound assumptions and 

has been calibrated to observed data, the results obtained from this exercise should be 

considered in accordance with the assumptions made. Especially the assumption that a 

fractured aquifer will behave as a homogeneous porous medium, can lead to errors. 

However, on a large enough scale (bigger than the Representative Elemental Volume) this 

assumption should hold with reasonable certainty. 

It is also important to add that the modelling exercise could be repeated with a more 

extensive data acquisition phase in order to obtain improved estimates of the groundwater 

flow and thus narrowing the existing uncertainties. 

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2.8 DESCRIPTION OF THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR 

MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 

During the environmental impact assessment, potential impacts on the environment were 

identified. Mitigation measures were also specified for prevention and management of the 

impact so as to minimise their effect on the environment. This section of the environmental 

impact assessment will describe how the mine intends to ensure that the mitigation measures 

are being undertaken and that their effectiveness is proven. 

A monitoring programme will thus be developed for the identified impacts and their mitigation 

measures. This monitoring programme will be undertaken and results thereof used to 

determine the effectiveness of the mitigation measures. The mine manger or his 

representative will ensure that the monitoring is conducted according to the approved 

Environmental Management Programme. Records of the monitoring programme will be kept 

for future reference. 

2.8.1 Environmental management programme monitoring 

programme 

2.8.1.1 Geology 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine will be utilising opencast and underground mining methods for the 

removal of the C1, C1 (lower) and C2 coal seams. This will result in the disturbance of the 

coal seam, which form part of the geology. This impact is also permanent. As a mitigatory 

measure some coal will be left as underground pillars. The pillars will be used to support the 

remaining strata. A safety factor of more than 1.6 on areas where undermining will be 

conducted will be applied. It must be borne in mind that this activity is a key mining activity 

and that the impact can thus not be minimised. On the other hand, it is realised that if any 

economically viable coal is left behind during the mining programme this coal will not have an 

economical value for future generations due to the diminishment of the reserve. 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine will develop a monitoring programme that will monitor the sizes of 

coal pillars that will remain in the underground workings. This will ensure that the 

recommended safety factor, which is of utmost importance to comply with especially on areas 

where the slimes dams are undermined, is adhered to. In this way the impacts and mitigatory 

measures on the geology will be monitored. The undermined surface will also be inspected 

for surface subsidence on monthly basis. 

2.8.1.2 Soil 

No impact is expected on the environment, hence monitoring will not be undertaken. 

2.8.1.3 Topography 


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2.8.1.4 Natural vegetation 


2.8.1.5 Land capability 


2.8.1.6 Land use 


2.8.1.6 Surface water 

The current surface water-monitoring programme will be maintained during the proposed 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine extension area. Figure 29 indicates the monitoring positions. This 

monitoring programme will ensure that the Komati River and other surface water bodies that 

might occur around the proposed mining area are monitored on a monthly basis. The 

following constituents i.e. pH, Total dissolved solids, Electrical conductivity, Alkalinity, 

Suspended solids, Ca, Na, Mg, K, Cl, SO 4, Fe, Mn, and Al will be monitored at the different 

points. 

2.8.1.7 Groundwater 

During mining an impact on groundwater will occur as a result of drawdown of groundwater 

and after mining the impact on groundwater will occur as a result of the underground water 

pollution plume migrating away from the mine towards the Komati River. Although the lateral 

extent might be limited, preferential flow paths in the form of dykes, sills and fault zones can 

transport contamination over longer distances and in unexpected directions. To determine if 

any groundwater quality deterioration and groundwater level lowering occurs, the 

groundwater quality and static water levels will be monitored on a quarterly basis for the 

following constituents: (pH, Total dissolved solids, Electrical conductivity, Alkalinity, 

Suspended solids, Ca, Na, Mg, K, Cl, SO4, Fe, Mn, and Al). The positions of the monitoring 

positions are indicated on Figure 29. 

This will ensure that any decline in the quality and yield of groundwater of legitimate 

groundwater users in the area is detected in time, while also providing a necessary database 

for future disputes. If it can be proven that the quality of groundwater available to certain 

users is being adversely affected to a point where it is no longer suitable for the intended use, 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine will compensate the affected parties. This will be done through the 

installation of additional boreholes for water supply purposes, or an alternative water supply. 

2.8.1.8 Air quality 


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Figure 29: Position of water monitoring positions. 

Page 107


2.8.1.9 Noise 


2.8.1.10 Interested and affected parties 

A list of all identified interested and affected parties is attached in section 2.1 of the 

environmental impact assessment report. Any additional or new parties that has an interest in 

being registered, as an interested or affected party will be added to this list. 

The mine uses an open door approach with its surrounding inhabitants and landowners. This 

allows the mine to pro-actively react to any perceived complaint from its neighbours thus 

ensuring that the situation is resolved timeously. 

2.8.2 Recording and submission of monitoring results 

Complaints register 

Copies of the complaints register will be submitted on a yearly basis to the Department of 

Minerals and Energy. If there are no complaints registered, a note/letter to this affect will be 

tabled. 

Minutes of meetings 

Minutes of all Interested and Affected parties meetings will be submitted to the Department of 

Minerals and Energy on a yearly basis. 

Mining plan 

An updated mining plan will be submitted to the Department of Minerals and Energy on an 

annual basis, indicating extent of the workings, reserves mined and the total extent of the 

underground workings. The updated mine plan will also indicate existing areas of surface 

subsidence, as well as potential subsidence. 

Water quality monitoring reports 

The current water-monitoring program requires monthly water quality testing. Surface and 

groundwater monitoring points are indicated in Figure 29. It should be noted that the surface 

and groundwater-monitoring programme is assessed on a yearly basis. Based on these 

assessments, new monitoring sites may be included in the monitoring programme. Chemical 

analyses to be conducted include: 

TDS, pH, EC, Alkalinity, SO 4, Ca, Mg, K, Cl, Na, Fe, Mn and Al. 

An annual report will be generated detailing water quality trends experienced during the 

operational year, and highlighting areas of concern. This report will be submitted to the 

Department of Water Affairs & Forestry, Mpumalanga Parks Board and the Department of 

Minerals and Energy. 

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Environmental audit reports 

See section 3.3 for the compilation and submission of the performance assessment report 

with regard to compliance with the approved environmental management programme. 

2.9 TECHNICAL AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION 

All supporting and technical information are attached as appendices (Appendix 1 to Appendix 

4). Please refer to the list of appendices for detail on the attached information. 

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PART 3: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 

PROGRAMME 

3.1 DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES, 

THEIR SPECIFIC GOALS, MANAGEMENT OPTIONS 

AND ACTION PLANS 

3.1.1 Mine closure 

Objectives: To minimise all impacts of mining on the environment during and after 

closure 

Specific goals: 

1. To return the area to as close as possible to its pre-mining environment upon 

closure. 

2. Maintain post mining land use as arable, wilderness and grazing land use. 

3. To ensure that surface water exiting the property should not have a 

significant increase in water borne pollutants measured against the incoming 

surface water. 

4. To ensure that the rehabilitated areas are free of erosion and have a 

sustainable vegetation cover. 

5. Ensure that the ground water within the surrounding areas is fit for use. 

Action plan: 

Infrastructure areas 

All mining infrastructure will be removed. All foundations will be ripped, and the rubble placed 

in the final cut prior to backfilling. All haul roads that will not be used after closure will be 

ripped, at 90° to the inherent slope, and seeded with the seed mix recommended in this 

document. Any contaminated soils will be remediated by fertilizing, topsoiling and grassing. 

If badly contaminated the spoil will be removed to a suitable disposal site. 

Ongoing seepage control 

After closure, the water table will rise in the aquifer to reinstate equilibrium with the 

surrounding groundwater systems. However, the mined out areas will have a large hydraulic 

conductivity compared to the pre-mining situation. This will result in a relative flattening of the 

groundwater table over the extent of the mined out areas, in contrast to the gradient that 

existed previously. 

The end result of this will be a permanent lowering of the groundwater level in the higher 

topographical area and a corresponding rise in lower areas. 

It is not expected that the lowering of the groundwater will have any widespread impact on the 

groundwater quantity. This drawdown is not expected to have a significant impact on the 

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borehole yields, and it will only be affecting the boreholes that have not been drilled deep 

enough. 

However, the raise in groundwater in the western section could result in decanting of the 

groundwater. If any unsealed adits or ventilation shafts exist in this area, groundwater will 

decant from the openings. As can be visualised from the groundwater flow directions, the 

likely decanting area skirts the western portion of proposed extension area of the Nkomati 

Anthracite Mine. Even if surface decanting can be avoided, it is very likely that sub-surface 

decanting (seepage to the surface) will result. 

It can be concluded from the acid base accounting that the potential for acid mine drainage 

from the proposed colliery in this mining area is slight. Groundwater emanating from this mine 

is expected to be neutral. 

Sealing of underground workings and rehabilitation of dangerous 

excavations 

Note that a safety factor of more than 1.6 will be used for underground pillars on the proposed 

underground mining area. This will ensure long-term stability of the undermined surface. The 

access adit will be sealed according to the requirement of relevant sections of the Mine, 

Health and Safety Act, No 29 of 1996 and the plans submitted to the Principal Inspector of 

Mines at the DME’s Regional office in Witbank for approval before said action takes place. 

Rehabilitation of Opencast workings 

Rehabilitation of the opencast will be ongoing during the life of the operation, only entrance to 

the underground workings will be left open, however the adits will be rehabilitated during 

decommissioning phase as specified above. 

Submission of information 

Complaints register 

The complaints register will be maintained during the decommissioning phase, and submitted 

at the end of the decommissioning phase (expected to take approximately 2 years) to the 

Department of Minerals and Energy. 

Mining plan 

The final mining plan, indicating the total extent of the underground workings, will be 

submitted to the Department of Minerals and Energy within 1 year after decommissioning. 

Water quality monitoring reports 

The current water monitoring program will continue through the decommissioning phase. An 

annual report will be generated detailing water quality trends experienced during the 

operational phase, and highlighting areas of concern. This report will be submitted to the 

Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. 

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Environmental audit reports 

The performance assessment report will be submitted to the Department of Mineral and 

Energy for onward transmission to other interested government departments. This 

performance assessment will continue until closure is gained. The frequency and basis on 

which the report will be submitted will be determined by the Department of Minerals and 

Energy. 

Maintenance 

Water Monitoring 

The existing water quality monitoring program will be continued, until it can be shown that 

water quality (surface and groundwater) is both stable and within acceptable guidelines and 

limits, as determined by the relevant State Departments. Frequency of monitoring will remain 

monthly for the surface water monitoring points and three monthly for groundwater monitoring 

points for the first three years after closure. There after, the frequency for surface water 

monitoring points will decrease to 3-monthly and the groundwater monitoring points to 6monthly. 

This will again be reviewed after a further 2 years. 

Surface Subsidence 

No surface subsidence will occur. 

3.1.2 Construction phase 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine is currently an operational opencast mine. During the proposed 

extension project mining will be conducted by means of opencast and underground mining 

methods. The existing surface infrastructure will be used for coal beneficiation during the 

underground mining phase. Access to the underground reserves will be through an adit 

constructed from the opencast workings. 

Geology 

Objective: To minimise the impacts of mining on geological profile 


1. Ensure that the impacts on the sequence of the strata of the geology area are 

minimised. 

Technical/management options: 

A surveyor will be employed to ensure that the initial box-cut is constructed at the correct 

position. The Mine Engineer, Surveyor and Environmental Co-ordinator will ensure that the 

box-cut is constructed as specified in the surface layout plan. A geotechnical analysis of the 

soils at the mining area will be conducted before commencement of mining to determine the 

required compaction and permeability requirements for the future rehabilitated areas. 

Action plan: 

Action plans Time schedule 

Ensure that the impacts on the sequence of the strata of the geology area are minimised. 

Topsoil will be removed first and stockpiled separately on existing 

topsoil stockpiling area. 

During construction phase 

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Subsoil and hard overburden will then be removed and stockpiled 

separately on the existing stockpiling area. 

During rehabilitation hard, softs and topsoil material will be 

replaced in the order of its removal. 

Topography 



Objective: To minimise the impacts of stockpiles and voids on the topography 


1. Ensure that stockpile construction have minimum impact on topography. 

2. Ensure that storm water diversion trenches are constructed to have minimum 

impact on topography. 

3. Ensure that excavation of the initial box-cut has minimum impact on 

topography. 


Before a box cut can be excavated, trenches must have been constructed. If follows from the 

above that the following actions will be undertaken before initial box cut excavation i.e. a 

geotechnical survey will be conducted on the soil at the mining area, results of the survey will 

be utilised to select appropriate material to be used during rehabilitation. A qualified surveyor 

will ensure that all stockpiles are constructed to the maximum allowable heights and that the 

box-cut are surveyed prior to construction. The Mine Engineer, Surveyor and Environmental 

Co-ordinator will ensure that the box-cut and diversion trenches are constructed as specified 

in the surface layout plan. 

A civil engineer will be appointed to oversee the construction of the discard dump. The civil 

engineer will approve and confirm the construction of the discard dump to design 

specifications. 

Action plan: 


Ensure that stockpile construction have minimum impact on topography 

Topsoil stockpiled to a height of four meters. 

Subsoil and hard overburden stockpiled to seven meters. 

Page 113 

During the excavation of initial 

box-cut. 

During the excavation of initial 

box-cut. 

Ensure that storm water diversion trenches are constructed to have minimum impact on 

topography 

Positions and dimensions of storm water diversion trenches 

surveyed. 

Storm water diversion trenches constructed to specified size and 

depth. 

During the construction phase. 


before generation of mine 

affected water. 

Ensure that excavation of the initial box-cut has minimum impact on topography 

Designed position and dimensions of initial box-cut to be 

surveyed, first. 

Excavate the initial box-cut to design specifications within 

surveyed area. 

Prior to construction phase 

During construction phase of 

mini-pit operation 

Ensure that the construction of the discard dump has minimum impact on topography


Page 114 

Designed by suitably qualified person 

Position and dimensions of the evaporation dam surveyed. Prior to construction phase 

Constructed to design specifications 


before generation of discard. 

Soil 

Objective: To minimise the impacts of mining on soils 


1. Ensure that the disturbance of the soil profile have a minimal impact on 

the soils 

2. Ensure that the compaction of soils has less impact on fertility of the 

soils. 


The Mine manager or his appointed representative will ensure that the mining plan is followed 

and topsoil and subsoil is utilised as required within the mining area. 

Action plan: 

Action Time schedule 

Ensure that the disturbance of the soil profile have a minimal impact on the soils 

All removed topsoil stockpiled at topsoil stockpile to appropriate During construction phase 

height 

The subsoil and overburden will be stockpiled separately to During construction phase 

appropriate height. 

The soil from the topsoil stockpile will be fertilized to restore its Before re-using soil. 

fertility before re-use 

Land capability and Land use 

Objective: To minimise impacts of soil movement on land capability and land use 


1. Ensure that the disturbance of the soil profile have a minimal 

impact on the soils 

2. Ensure that the compaction of soils has less impact on fertility of 

the soils. 




Action plan: 


Ensure that the disturbance of the soil profile have a minimal impact on the soils 

All removed topsoil stockpiled at topsoil stockpile to appropriate During construction phase 

height 

The subsoil and overburden will be stockpiled separately to During construction phase 

appropriate height. 

The soil from the topsoil stockpile will be fertilized to restore its 

fertility before re-use 

During construction phase


Natural vegetation 

Objective: To minimise the long-term impacts on the area’s potential to maintain a natural 

vegetation cover. 


1. Ensure that the removal of topsoil is conducted such that the impacts 

on the area’s ability to maintain natural vegetation cover is minimised. 

Technical/management option: 

The Mine Manager or the environmental co-ordinator will ensure that an appropriate seed mix 

is applied. A suitably qualified person will be employed to conduct vegetation survey on 

rehabilitated areas. 

Action plan: 

Page 115 


Ensure that removal of soil during mining construction has minimum impact on natural vegetation 

Areas of soil and vegetation clearing will be kept to a minimum During Construction phase 

Activities will be concentrated in disturbed areas as far as possible During construction phase 

Human and vehicle activity will be restricted to construction and 

operational sites 

Animal life 


Note that due to the previous grazing, crop production and mining land use, only a few animal 

populations occur on the proposed mining area, thus no significant impacts were predicted. 

Animals will migrate back into the mining area once healthy vegetation cover has been 

established. 

Action: 

All employees will be instructed that poaching will not be tolerated on the mining area and 

adjacent farms. Employees transgressing this will be subject to disciplinary action and 

possible dismissal (within Labour regulations). 

Management: 

The Mine Manager will ensure that employees are aware and educated regarding the 

protection of animals including those perceived to be dangerous. 

Surface water 

Objective: To reduce impacts on surface water runoff patterns, and thus loss of MAR 

within the catchment (surface water quantity). 


1. Ensure that the construction of storm water diversion trenches have the 

least possible impact on the surface water runoff patterns, and thus loss 

of MAR within the catchment.


2. Ensure that construction of discard dump has the least possible impact 

on the surface water runoff patterns, and thus loss of MAR within all 

catchments. 

3. Ensure that the excavation of the initial box-cut has the least possible 

impact on the surface water runoff patterns, and thus loss of MAR within 

all catchments. 


Services of a qualified civil engineer will be used by Nkomati Anthracite Mine to design the 

discard dump. A civil engineer will be appointed to oversee the construction of the discard 

dump. The civil engineer will approve and confirm the construction of the discard dump to 

design specifications. 

Before the initial box-cut can be excavated the storm water berms and trenches must have 

been constructed. If follows from the above that the following actions will be undertaken 

before the box-cut excavation i.e. a geotechnical survey will be conducted on the soil at the 

mining area, results of the survey will be utilised to select appropriate material to be used 

during rehabilitation. A surveyor will ensure that the diversion berms/trenches and box-cut 

are positioned and constructed according to design specifications. The mine manager or 

environmental co-ordinator will ensure that the diversion trenches and box-cut are 

constructed and maintained during the construction phase. 

Action plan: 


Ensure that the construction of storm water diversion trenches have the least possible 

impact on the surface water runoff patterns, and thus loss of MAR within all 

catchments. 

Storm water diversion trenches/berms designed to separate During construction phase. 

clean and dirty water on the mine. 

Storm water trenches maintained and monitored on regular 

basis. 

During construction phase and 

continued throughout life of 

mine. 

Ensure that the excavation of the initial box-cut has the least possible impact on the 

surface water runoff patterns, and thus loss of MAR within all catchments. 

Development of a comprehensive mining plan, which will During construction phase. 

include the box-cut area. 

Construction of the box-cut as per mining plan . During construction phase. 

Storm water diverted away from the box-cut. During construction phase. 

Ensure that construction of the discard dump has the least possible impact on the 


Discard dump designed by civil engineer Prior to construction phase 

Construct the discard dump according to design 


specifications 

Maintain and monitor structure of the discard dump During construction phase and 

throughout life of mine 

Objective: To minimise all potential impacts on surface water quality. 


1. Ensure that impacts from cement and leakages on surface water quality 

are minimised. 

2. Ensure that impacts from dirty water captured within the construction 

area, on surface water quality are minimised. 

Page 116



A Geotechnical survey will be conducted on the soil at the mining area. Results of the survey 

will be utilised to select appropriate material to be used during construction storm water 

trenches and berms. The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will ensure that the 

diversion trenches and foundation slabs are constructed timeously, and that the water quality, 

monitoring program is initiated. 

Action plan: 


Ensure that impacts from cement and leakages on surface water quality are minimised. 

No concrete will be poured within 100m of any watercourse During construction phase 

All building material will be pre-mixed before arrival on site, During construction phase 

or mixed on a suitable plastic liner 

No dry concrete mix will be stored on site During construction phase and 


Ensure that impacts from dirty water captured within the construction area, on surface 

water quality are minimised. 

Storm water diversion trenches/berms will be constructed to During first month of construc- 

separate clean and dirty 

Silt traps will be installed along the clean water berms for 

the collection of resulting from the berms during storm 

event 

Any dirty water captured within the shaft (in pit sump) will 

be pumped to the evaporation dam. 

tion phase 

During first month of construc- 

tion phase 


The water quality, monitoring program will be initiated. Prior to commencement of the 

construction phase 

Surface and ground water monitoring points will be Surface water on a monthly 

sampled. 

basis and ground water on a 

quarterly basis 

Flood events 


within all catchments (surface water quantity). 

To minimise all potential impacts on surface water quality on, and within the 

vicinity of the proposed extension area. 


1. Ensure that construction of storm water trenches/berms has the least 

possible impact on the surface water runoff patterns and surface water 

quantity on surrounding clean water environment. 

2. Ensure that the excavation of the initial box-cut has the least possible 

impact on the surface water runoff patterns and surface water quantity on 

surrounding clean water environment. 


See technical and management options for identified impacts on surface water. 

Page 117

Action plan: 




Development of a comprehensive mining plan, which will 

include the initial box-cut 

Construction of the initial box-cut as per mining plan and 

soil utilisation guide 



Storm water diverted away from the initial box-cut During construction phase 

Groundwater 

No significant impacts were predicted. 

No mitigation measures will be undertaken during the construction phase. 

Air quality 

Objective: To minimise the potential impacts on the atmosphere. 


1. Ensure that impacts from diesel fumes generated by machinery on the 

atmosphere is minimised. 

2. Ensure that impacts from dust generated by blowing wind on the 

atmosphere is minimised. 

3. Ensure that impacts from dust generated by blasting, on atmosphere is 

minimised. 


The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will ensure that all machinery are 

maintained and in good repair. The Environmental Co-ordinator will ensure that dust 

suppression is undertaken as per the prescribed stipulations. A blaster will be appointed to 

make sure that minimum explosives are used during blasting. 

Action plan: 


Ensure that impacts from diesel fumes generated by machinery on the atmosphere is 

minimised 

All machinery employed on site will be in good repair, and 

well maintained 

All machinery will be fitted with the correct exhaust 

systems, which will be maintained in good repair 

Dust suppression will be undertaken during the construction 

phase. 





Twice daily throughout life of 

mine and if necessary 

frequency will increase 

Page 118


Ensure that impacts from dust generated by blowing wind on the atmosphere is 

minimised 

Dust suppression will be undertaken during the construction 

phase. Dust suppression will be undertaken by water cart 

Water for dust suppression purposes will be obtained from 

the evaporation dam 

Twice daily throughout life of 

mine and if necessary 

frequency will increase 



Ensure that impacts from dust generated by blasting on the atmosphere is minimised 

Blasting holes will be stemmed to ensure that minimal dust 

is produced 



Use minimum explosives during blasting During construction phase and 



During the construction phase impacts that will result from the mining on the sensitive 

landscape will be on air quality. 

Implementation of the environmental management programme described for air quality will at 

the same time be used to minimise impacts on sensitive landscape. 


Objective: To reduce the impacts on the overall visual and aesthetics of the area 

surrounding and within the proposed extension area to residences and 

landowners in the vicinity of proposed mine. 


1. Ensure that dust generated by wind and movement of machinery is 

minimised to have minimum visual impacts 

2. Ensure that visual impacts from any mine infrastructure is minimised 


The Mine Manager or the environmental co-ordinator will ensure that the dust suppression 

program is initiated and kept up to date i.e. water carts are used when necessary. The Mine 

Manager or his appointed representative will also ensure that the transport companies obey 

the speed limits and that the clean-house policy is maintained. 

Action plan: 


Ensure that dust generated by wind and movement of machinery is minimised to have 

minimum visual impacts 

Dust suppression will be conducted on all haul roads where 

movement of machinery may generate dust 

Twice a day 

All trucks transporting material on the proposed mining area At any time during the 

will be required to obey a maximum 40km/h speed limit 

The mine will adopt a clean-house policy. All stockpiles will 

be maintained at specified heights to reduce visual impact 

operational phase of the mine 

During operational phase and 


Page 119


Ensure that visual impacts from any mine infrastructure minimised 

Topsoil stockpile to be vegetated During construction phase 

Overburden stockpiles to have soil cover and vegetated During construction phase 

Socio-economic impacts 

During the construction phase impacts that will result from the mining activities on the socioeconomic 

aspects will be on air quality, noise and visual. 

Implementation of the environmental management programme described for air quality, noise 

and visual will at the same time be used to minimise impacts on the socio-economic aspects. 

Interested and affected parties 

Objective: To minimise the impacts on all Interested and Affected Parties 


1. Maintain cordial relationships with all identified Interested and Affected 

Parties 

2. Ensure that noise and dust impacts on surrounding landowners is 

minimised. 

3. Ensure that Influx of labourers seeking employment is reduced. 


The Mine Manager or his appointed representative would ensure that all machineries are 

maintained in good working order. The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will 

ensure that no labourers are housed on the mining area. The Mine Manager or his appointed 

representative will attend all I & AP’s forum Meetings. 

Action plan: 


Ensure that noise impacts on surrounding landowners is minimised. 

Maintaining all machinery in good repair will reduce noise 

levels. 

Ensure that Influx of labourers seeking employment is reduced 

The Mine will utilise people from the surrounding areas as 

far as possible, to minimise the influx of illegal labourers. 

Throughout life of mine 



No squatters will be allowed on the property. During construction phase and 


Maintain cordial relationships with all identified Interested and Affected Parties 

Mine management will maintain an open-door policy, and 

adheres to management measures highlighted in the 

Environmental Management Program. 

The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will 

ensure that all monitoring programs are kept up to date, 

and that reports are submitted regularly and timeously. 


Throughout the life of mine 

An Interested and Affected Parties Forum will be Forum will convene every six 

Page 120


established. Minutes of all meetings will be taken. These 

Minutes will include a record of all parties in attendance. All 

concerns raised during the forum meeting will be recorded 

and addressed. 

Adjacent landowners within the identified potential affected 

boreholes, which show-decreased borehole yields resulting 

from this mining venture, will be compensated. 

3.1.3 Operational phase 

Geology 

months throughout life of mine 

Groundwater levels will be 

monitored quarterly 

Note that the removal of the C1, C1 (lower) and C2 coal seams is a core function of the mine, 

thus the coal seam will be impacted upon. No mitigation measures will be undertaken. Note 

that approximately 70% of the coal within the Nkomati Anthracite extension area will be 

removed. The remainder will be left as underground pillars to ensure that the overlying strata 

remains in tact, and thus the possibility of surface subsidence is minimised. A safety factor of 

more than 1.6 (determined by the Solomon’s formula) will be used to determine the bord and 

pillar widths. 

Topography 

Objective: To minimise the impacts of mining on the topography. 


1 Ensure that removal of the coal seam have minimum impact on topography. 

2 Ensure that stockpiles and discard dump have minimum impact on 

topography. 


A qualified surveyor will ensure that all stockpiles and the discard dump are constructed to the 

maximum allowable heights and that the box-cut are surveyed prior to construction. The Mine 

Engineer, Surveyor and Environmental Co-ordinator will ensure that the box-cut and diversion 

trenches are constructed as specified. 

Action plan: 


Ensure that stockpiles and discard dump have minimum impact on topography 

Topsoil stockpiled to a height of three meters. During operational phase. 

Subsoil and hard overburden stockpiled to 7 meters. During operational phase. 

ROM stockpiles to always be limited in height to four days 

production material. 

During operational phase. 

Ensure that the removal of the coal seams have minimum impact on topography 

The mine Surveyor will survey opencast pit. 

Page 121 

Monthly during operational 

phase. 

Rehabilitation of the pit will be conducted concurrently with During operational phase.


mining. Three cuts will be open at any given time with successive 

cuts used to systematically backfill preceding cuts, hence 

minimise the size of the void. 

Final rehabilitation to be approximately one meter above ground 

level and shape to pre-mining relief. 

Soil 

Objective: To minimise the impacts of mining on soil. 



1. Ensure that the removal of top- and subsoil layers have a minimum 

impact on soil 

2. Ensure that diesel and oil spillages do not impact significantly on soils. 




The Mine Manager will insure that the maximum amount of topsoil is removed from all areas 

to be affected, and that the topsoil is stockpiled separately. 

Action plan: 


Ensure that the removal of top- and subsoil layers have minimum impact on soil 

Topsoil and subsoil removed from successive cuts will be used to 

backfill preceding cuts. Cuts will be filled with overburden material 

first, then subsoil and finally topsoil. This will minimise loss of soil 

and topsoil will be placed to a minimum depth of 300mm. 

Rehabilitated workings will be seeded in accordance with 

identified suitable seed mixture. This will reduce loss of topsoil to 

wind and water erosion. 

Maintain the topsoil stockpile to a height of four meters to reduce 

leaching. 

As soon as a new cut is 

constructed during the 

operational phase of 

mining. 

As soon as a cuts are 

backfilled and covered with 

topsoil. 


Ensure that the re-vegetation of the stockpiles takes place. During operational phase. 

Ensure that the fertility of the soils used during rehabilitation is 

suitable for re-vegetation, if necessary addition of fertilizers will 

occur. 

Ensure that diesel and oil spillages do not impact significantly on soils. 

Vehicles will not be maintained on unprotected ground. 

All oil and diesel fluids will be stored on suitably designed 

protected areas. 

All diesel spillages must be handled as per recommended 

oil/diesel spill remediation protocol. 


All the time during the 


All the time during the 


When ever oil and diesel 

spillages occur. 

Page 122


Land capability and use 

Objective: To minimise impacts of mining on land capability and use. 


1. Ensure that soil movement does not result in severe reduction of land capability and 

use 


The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will ensure that the mining plan is 

followed, and that the preceding cuts are filled as specified. 

Action plan: 


Ensure that soil movement does not result in severe reduction of land capability and 

use 

Loss of topsoil will be minimised by filling the cuts with 

overburden, then subsoil and finally topsoil. 

To ensure rehabilitated land retains its land capability, subsoil 

will be placed to a minimum depth of 3 meter and 

arable topsoil used to backfill preceding cuts will be placed 

to a minimum depth of 300mm. 

The rehabilitated workings will be seeded with an 

appropriate seed mixture. 

As coal is removed from mined 

workings and new cuts 

constructed during operational 

phase of mining. 

As mined workings are 

backfilled and rehabilitated 

during operational phase of 

mining. 

After rehabilitated workings are 

covered with topsoil. 

To ensure that the rehabilitated areas are free draining. After rehabilitated workings are 

covered with topsoil. 

Natural vegetation 

Objective: To minimise impacts of mining on natural vegetation. 


1. Ensure that removal of soil during mining operation has minimum impact on 

natural vegetation. 


The Mine Manager or the environmental co-ordinator will ensure that an appropriate seed mix 

is applied. A suitably qualified person will be employed to conduct vegetation survey on 

rehabilitated areas. The Mine Manager will ensure that the vegetation surveys are conducted 

on rehabilitated areas. 

Action plan: 


Ensure that removal of soil during mining operation has minimum impact on natural 

vegetation 

Page 123


Backfill in accordance with rehabilitation design plan to 

provide a free draining surface approximating pre-mining 

conditions. 

Backfilled and rehabilitated workings will be seeded with a 

appropriate seed mixture. 

Vegetation cover inspection of rehabilitated land will be 

conducted. 

Ensure that the rehabilitated area is always a maximum of 

three cuts behind the operating face thus minimising the 

disturbed area. 

Replace overburden, subsoil and topsoil in correct order. 

Utilise a minimum of 7-meter soft overburden/subsoil to 

cover hard overburden. Cover with minimum 300 mm 

topsoil. 

Animal life 

As soon as all coal is removed 

As soon as mined cuts are 

rehabilitated 

Annually during operational 

phase of mining 

At any given time during 

operational phase 

As soon as the coal has been 

removed from the opencast pit 

Note that due to the previous grazing, crop production and mining land use, only a few animal 

populations occur on the proposed mining, thus no significant impacts were predicted. 

Animal will migrate back into the mining area once healthy vegetation cover has been 

established. 

Action plan: 

All employees will be instructed that poaching will not be tolerated on the mining area and 

adjacent farms. Employees transgressing this will be subject to disciplinary action and 

possible dismissal (within Labour regulations). 

Management option: 

The Mine Manager will ensure that employees are aware and educated regarding the 

protection of animals including those perceived to be dangerous. 

Surface water 

Objective: To minimise impacts of mining on surface water. 


1. Ensure that construction of the storm water diversion trenches have the least possible 

impact on the surface water runoff patterns, and thus loss of MAR within the Komati 

River catchment. 

2. Ensure that the excavation of the initial box-cut has the least possible impact on the 



Nkomati Anthracite Mine will appoint a qualified person to oversee the construction of the 

storm water collection berms and trenches. The person will approve and confirm the 

Page 124


construction the storm water collection berms and trenches to design specifications. Before a 

box-cut can be excavated the storm water berms and trenches must have been constructed. 

A Geotechnical survey will be conducted on the soil and the results of the survey will be 

utilised to select appropriate material to be used during rehabilitation and construction. The 

appointed person will sign off the constructed storm water berms/trenches after completion. 

All the design specifications and plans will be submitted to the Department of Water Affairs 

and Forestry during the applications of water use licences. A surveyor will ensure that the 

diversion berms/trenches and initial box-cut are positioned and constructed according to 

design specifications. The mine manager or environmental contractor will ensure that the 

said structures are constructed and maintained during the construction phase. 

Action plan: 


Ensure that construction of storm water diversion trenches have the least possible 

impact on the surface water runoff patterns, and thus loss of MAR. 

Construction of the said structures are done according to 

design specifications 

Storm water diversion trenches/berms will separate clean 

and dirty water on the mine 

Maintenance and monitoring of the said structures is done 

on a regular basis 




continued throughout life of 

mine 



Development of a comprehensive mining layout plan During construction phase 

Construction of the initial box-cut as per mining layout plan During construction phase 

Storm water diverted away from the initial box-cut During construction phase 

Objective: To minimise all potential impacts on surface water quality. 


1. Ensure that impacts from chemical leakages on surface water quality are minimised. 

2. Ensure that dirty water captured within the mine, does not significantly impact on 

surface water quality. 


The Mine Manager will ensure that services of a suitably qualified person is utilised for the 

installation of the diesel tank and oil separator according to supplier design specifications and 

operated accordingly. The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will ensure that the 

diversion trenches are constructed timeously, and that the water quality, monitoring program 

is initiated. 

Action plan: 


Ensure that impacts from chemical leakages on surface water quality are minimised. 

All filling of machinery will be conducted at the diesel tank Throughout life of mine 

Page 125


area and servicing of all mine equipment will be done on 

designated areas. 

Dirty water from the diesel tank area will be channelled to 

the oil separator 

Inspections will be conducted on the operation of the diesel 

tank and oil separator. 



Ensure that dirty water captured within the mine, does no impact on surface water 

quality. 

Storm water diversion trenches/berms will be constructed to 

separate clean and dirty water on the mine. 

Any dirty water captured within the box-cut (in-pit sump) will 

be pumped to the return water dam for dust suppression. 

During construction phase. 

Throughout life of mine. 

The water quality, monitoring program will be initiated. Prior to commencement of the 

construction phase. 

Surface and ground water monitoring points will be 

sampled. 

Flood events 

Surface water on a monthly 

and ground water on a 

quarterly basis respectively. 


within all catchments (surface water quantity). 


Ensure that construction of the storm water trenches/berms is done prior to 

mining. 


See technical and management options for identified impacts on surface water. 

Action plan: 


Ensure that construction of storm water trenches is done prior to mining. 

Construction of the said structures are done according to 

design specifications 


Maintain and monitor stability of the said structures. During construction phase and 


Storm water diversion trenches/berms designed to separate 

clean and dirty water on the mine 


Page 126


Groundwater 

Objective: To minimise impacts of mining on groundwater. 


1 Ensure that impacts from lowering of groundwater levels during mining 

are minimised. 


The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will ensure that water within the 

underground workings is pumped into the dirty water systems accordingly and that the dirty 

water system is managed properly. The Mine Manger or his appointed representative will 

ensure that the groundwater-monitoring programme is implemented. 

Action plan: 

Page 127 


Ensure that impacts from lowering of groundwater levels during mining are minimised 

The static groundwater levels in all boreholes within a distance of 2 

kilometres must be measured regularly 

On a quarterly basis 

Continuous monitoring of possible major structures of preferred Throughout the operational phase 

groundwater flow during mining 

of mining 

Any major structures of preferred groundwater flow such as dykes As soon as the structures are 

and fault zones should be grouted if excessive groundwater inflow is 

encountered 

identified 

In the event of unacceptable decrease in the yield of any affected One weeks after notice of 

boreholes, alternative water supply will be supplied to the affected 

parties 

decrease of yield of borehole 

Air quality 

Objective: To minimise the impacts of mining on local air quality. 


1. Ensure that impacts from dust and diesel fumes generated by machinery 

on local air quality is minimised. 

2. Ensure that impacts from dust generated by blowing wind on local air 

quality is minimised. 

3. Ensure that impacts from dust generated by blasting on local air quality is 

minimised. 


The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will ensure that all machinery are 

maintained and in good repair. 

The Mine Manager or environmental co-ordinator will ensure that dust suppression is 

undertaken as per the prescribed stipulations.

Action plan: 



Ensure that impacts from dust and diesel fumes generated by machinery on local air 

quality is minimised 

All machinery employed on site will be in good repair, and 

well maintained 

All machinery will be fitted with the correct exhaust 

systems, which will be maintained and in good repair 

All trucks transporting material from the proposed mining 

operation will be required to obey a maximum 40km/h 

speed limit. This will reduce the generation of dust on the 

haul roads 

Throughout operational phase 

and life of mine 





Ensure that impacts from dust generated by blowing wind on local air quality is 

minimised 

Dust suppression will be undertaken during the operational 

phase on haul roads and stockpiling areas where 

movement of machinery may generate dust. 

Water for dust suppression purposes will be obtained from 

the evaporation dam 

The rehabilitated workings will be seeded with a 

recommended seed mix. This will reduce dust generation. 

Use dust asides for dust suppression on gravel roads 

outside the mine property 

Twice daily throughout life of mine 

and if necessary frequency will 

increase 



As soon as open cuts are 

rehabilitated 



Ensure that impacts from dust generated by blasting on local air quality is minimised 

Blasting holes will be stemmed prior to blasting During operational phase and 


Use minimum amount of explosives During operational phase and 



The only sensitive landscapes that occur within close proximity to Nkomati Anthracite Mine 

are the riverine forest and Komati River. No mining activities encroach on these sensitive 

landscapes. 

Objective: 

To ensure that mining activities do not impact on the sensitive landscapes. 

Action: 

Implementation of the environmental programme described for vegetation and surface water 

will at the same time be used to minimise impacts on sensitive landscapes. 

Page 128



Objective: To minimise the impacts of noise and vibrations on the health of 

people and the environment. 


1. Ensure that noise impacts on machine operators and/or residences are 

minimised. 

2. Ensure impacts from noise generated during blasting are minimised 


The Mine Safety officer will ensure that earplugs are issued and used. The Mine Manager or 

his appointed representative will conduct structural surveys, in consultation with the relevant 

landowners, and collect the photographic record of the adjacent houses before mining 

commences. The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will, in conjunction with the 

Blaster, inform Interested and Affected Parties of blasting time, and that all blasting is 

conducted correctly. 

Action plan: 


Ensure that noise impacts on machine operators and/or residences are minimised. 

Machine operators will be issued with earplugs, and 

instructed how to use them 

Ensure impacts from noise generated during blasting are minimised 

All residences and structures within a 1km radius of the 

proposed mining operation will be surveyed and a 

photographic record of these taken to determine a premining 

condition 

All such structures will continuously be inspected for signs 

of any damage. 

Mine Management will repair any damage, which arises as 

a result of blasting or activities at the mine, at the mine’s 

expense. 

All Interested and Affected Parties identified during the 

Interested and Affected Party survey will be notified within 

One (1) hour prior to Blasting. 

The Blaster employed, who will be certified in terms of the 

Mine Safety Act, will utilise the minimum possible 

explosives to achieve maximum affect. 

Blasting will be conducted between the hours of 06H00 and 

18H00 to minimise the impact on persons dwelling within 

close proximity to the mine 



Before Construction Phase 

On a 6-monthly basis (or at 

public request) 









Page 129



Objective: To reduce the impacts on the overall visual and aesthetics of the area surrounding 

and within the proposed extension area of the Nkomati Anthracite Mine to 

residences and landowners. 


1. Ensure that visual impacts from dust generated during blasting is 

minimised 

2. Ensure that dust generated by wind and movement of machinery is 

minimised to have minimum visual impacts 


The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will ensure that the dust suppression 

program is initiated and kept up to date. The Mine Manager or his appointed representative 

will also ensure that the backfilled workings are re-vegetated, that the transport companies 

obey the speed limits, and that the clean-house policy is maintained. All stockpiles will be 

vegetated. 

Action plan: 


Ensure that visual impacts from dust generated during blasting is minimised 

Blasting holes will be stemmed. Whenever there will be blasting 

on the mine during operational 

phase of mining. 

Ensure that dust generated by wind and movement of machinery is minimised 

Dust suppression will be conducted on all haul roads and 

stockpiling areas where movement of machinery takes 

place. 

The rehabilitated workings will be seeded with the seed mix 

recommended in this document. 

All trucks transporting material on the proposed mining area 

will be required to obey a maximum 40km/h speed limit. 

The mine will adopt a clean-house policy. All stockpiles will 

be maintained at specified heights to reduce visual impact. 

Ensure that visual impacts from any mine infrastructure minimised 

Maintenance of topsoil/subsoil visual berms constructed 

around visible areas of the mine. 

Socio-economic impacts 

Whenever is necessary. 

As soon as mined out cuts are 

backfilled and rehabilitated 

At any time during the 

operational phase of the mine. 


throughout life of mine. 


During the operational phase impacts that will result from the mining on the socio-economic 

aspects will be on air quality. 

Implementation of the environmental programme described for air quality will at the same time 

be used to minimise impacts on the socio-economic aspects. 

Page 130


Interested and affected parties 

Objective: To minimise the impacts on all Interested and Affected Parties 



1. Maintain cordial relationships with all identified Interested and Affected 

Parties 

The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will be responsible for maintaining good 

housekeeping policies, and that the mine follows the Environmental Management Program. 

The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will ensure that all monitoring programs 

are kept up to date, and that reports are submitted regularly and timeously. The Mine 

Manager or his appointed representative will maintain copies of the latest reports at his office, 

and will make these available to all Interested and Affected Parties. 

Action plan: 


Maintain cordial relationships with all identified Interested and Affected Parties 

Adjacent landowners within a 2km radius, which show Groundwater levels will be 

decreased borehole yields resulting from this mining 

venture, will be compensated for by the drilling of 

new/additional boreholes to replace/supplement existing 

boreholes. 

monitored quarterly 

No squatters will be allowed on the property During operational phase and 


Mine management will maintain an open-door policy with all During operational phase and 

Interested and Affected Parties. Minutes of all meetings will 

be kept, and made available on request. 


An Interested and Affected Parties Forum has been Forum will convene every six 

established. Minutes of all meetings will be taken. These months during operational 

Minutes will include a record of all parties in attendance. phase and throughout life of 

mine 

Archaeological and cultural aspects 

No impacts on sites of archaeological or cultural interest are predicted. 

No mitigation measures will be undertaken during the operational phase. 

Subsidence management 

Proper measures have been taken to ensure that underground pillar failure which may result 

in surface subsidence does not occur at the mine i.e. a safety factor of more than 1.6 will be 

used for underground pillars. However, although unlikely, in the event of pillar failure and 

subsequent surface subsidence Nkomati Anthracite Mine will undertake the following action 

plan: 

Page 131

Action Plan: 


Page 132 

Action 

Ensure that pillar failure does not re-occur 

Time schedule 

Remaining underground pillars will be monitored regularly, for 

signs of failure and for compliance with required safety factor 

Once every month 

Any pillar failure will be reported to Mine manager/representative On occurrence of pillar failure 

immediately 

occur 

Recommendation on required safety factor to avoid re-occurrence Subsequently after reporting 

of pillar failure requested 

of pillar failure 

Ensure that the surfaces with subsidence, if any, caused by pillar failure are rehabilitated 

accordingly 

A surveyor will survey the surface that is undermined. Monthly for the entire 


Monitoring of the undermined surfaces will be undertaken Monthly for the entire 

In the case of subsidence, topsoil on affected area will be 


One week after noticing of 

stripped to a minimum depth of 300 mm over the affected area. subsidence 

The affected area will be shaped to be free draining Two weeks after noticing of 

subsidence 

The removed topsoil will be replaced over the area (minimum Two weeks after noticing of 

thickness = 300 mm). 

subsidence 

Ensure that any fractures that promulgate to surface after settlement has occurred is 

managed properly 

Fractures will be excavated to a minimum depth of 1.6 meters One week after noticing the 

(stockpiling the upper 300 mm topsoil separately) 

fractures 

Fractures will be backfilled using 150 mm compacted layers to a One week after noticing the 

minimum thickness of 0,6 meters. (Compaction to be 93% MOD 

AASHTO) 

fractures 

Affected areas will be backfilled to 300 mm below surface level One week after noticing the 

fractures 

Finally covered and shaped to conform to the surface 

Two weeks after noticing the 

surroundings using a minimum 300 mm layer of topsoil. 

fractures 

Ensure that the areas with surface water ponding are managed properly 

Conduct visual monitoring of areas being undermined and that Monthly for the entire 

have already been undermined 


Areas with surface water ponding identified and reshaped to free Two weeks after notice of 

draining topography as described in the above action plan water ponds 

Areas reshaped checked for cracks and fractures and if fractures As necessity arises during 

or cracks noticed above-mentioned action plan for fractures will 

be applied 

operational phase of the mine 

Ensure that the areas showing soil erosion are managed properly 

Visual monitoring of areas being undermined, areas that have Monthly for the entire 

already been undermined conducted and areas rehabilitated as 

mentioned in the above action plan 


Areas showing signs of soil erosion identified and reshaped to Two weeks after notice of 

free draining topography as described in the above action plan for 

surface subsidence and surface fractures 

erosion gullies 

Ensure that reshaping and backfilling of fractures, surface subsidence, soil erosion and 

water ponding dose not have detrimental impact on natural vegetation 

Visual monitoring of the backfilled and reshaped areas for re- Monthly after reshaping and 

establishment of natural vegetation 

backfilling of affected areas 

In consultation with the land owners the affected areas will be Annually during operational 

revegetated with appropriate vegetation species 

phase of mining


The Mine Manager or appointed responsible person will conduct proper surface surveys or 

visual monitoring and will, ensure that areas that shows subsidence, fractures, water ponding 

and soil erosion are reshaped and backfilled according to the action plan. 

3.1.4 DECOMMISSIONING PHASE 

Environmental, Social and Cultural Impact Assessment 

Impacts of all aspects identified during the operational phase will continue during the 

decommissioning phase, hence all mitigation and environmental programmes planned for the 

operational phase will be continued throughout the decommissioning phase. 

3.2 PROCEDURE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RELATED 

EMERGENCIES AND REMEDIATION 

An environmental emergency is an unplanned event, which has the potential to result in a 

significant adverse environmental impact and/or could result in legal liability to Nkomati 

Anthracite Mine in terms of environmental legislation requirements. The following define most 

likely potential environmental emergencies: 

- Hydrocarbon spills or leaks 

- Surface fires, including veld fires 

- Explosions 

- Slimes dam failure 

- Spill or leak of process water or slimes 

- Flooding 

- Burst/Overflowing Dams 

- Burst pipelines 

- A chemical spill 

- Transportation accident 

- Fall of ground 

Other environmental emergencies requiring special services 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine has developed procedures for environmental related emergencies 

for the proposed extension area, which is explained in more detail below. 

Note that the responsible person will revise these procedures. The date of commencement of 

the revised procedures will always be indicated to prevent confusion. 

3.2.1 Introduction 

This procedure describes the process to be followed to report and deal with emergencies, 

which may occur on the mine property. An effective, comprehensive, well-considered and 

tested environmental emergency preparedness and response plan has the potential to save 

lives, prevent unnecessary damage to company and other property and to manage 

environmental risk. 

Page 133


This standard procedure aims is to identify potential for and respond to accidents and 

emergency situations, and for preventing and mitigating the environmental impacts that may 

be associated with them. Below are the objectives of the above-mentioned procedure: 

• To ensure quick and controlled response to environmental emergencies through the 

use of correct personnel and equipment. 

• To prevent incidents from becoming more extensive through the timeous contact and 

arrival of trained personnel on site. 

• To establish a management mechanism from which a range of safety, environmental 

and health issues can be dealt with should they arise. 

Purpose of the procedure 

To provide guidance to all mine employees and contractors in the event of an environmental 

emergency at Nkomati Anthracite Mine or related to its activities. 

This procedure is developed so as to provide guidance to ensure that: 

- Danger to the environment, personnel, contractors and the non-employee is 

minimized. 

- Legal liability is managed and minimised. 

- Public relations are effectively managed during and following emergency. 

Reporting is effective and corrective/follow-up actions are implemented. 

This procedure contains information relevant to all employees and contractors of the mine. It 

is the responsibility of all employees to familiarize themselves with the contents of this 

procedure. Furthermore, mine management should ensure that all contractors have access to 

this procedure and the requirements contained herein. 

Legal requirements 

The following below listed legislations were identified for the emergency response activities in 

the mining industry. These legislation requires that governmental department be kept 

informed of incidents and accidents: 

• Regulation 51 of Regulations under the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development 

Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) – PROCEDURE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REALATED 

EMERGENCY AND REMEDIATION 

• Mine Health & Safety Act 29 of 1996 – MANNER OF REPORTING AND KEEPING OF 

INFORMATION REGARDING INCIDENTS & EMERGENCIES 

• Occupational Health & Safety Act 85 of 1993 – EMPLOYEE REQUIREMENTS TO 

REPORT INCIDENTS WHERE ACTIVITY HAS OCCURRED 

3.2.2 Responsibilities 

Mine Management 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine is responsible for the safety and well being of employees working at 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine as well as the protection of the environment from unnecessary 

negative impact. The management of the mine has a responsibility to initiate a warning 

Page 134


process should an emergency occur or should something at the mine site deteriorate in an 

uncontrolled manner presenting a risk to employees, the public or the environment. 

General Mine Manager 

It is the responsibility of the Mine Manager to appoint a person or persons to review and audit 

the activities as covered by the scope of this Procedure. The Mine Manager or his appointed 

representative shall ensure that the audits are being conducted systematically and at regular 

defined intervals. The Mine Manager shall further ensure that the person nominated to 

perform audits of the emergency system, are given all the necessary assistance and facilities 

to conduct the task effectively. 

Local Government 

Local governments have the responsibility to warn residents of a hazardous situation, these 

warnings must be based on information provided by the mine. 

All employees, contractors and other relevant parties 

All employees, contractors and other relevant parties should ensure that they are familiar with 

this procedure. 

3.2.3 Notification process 

There are six main steps in managing an emergency, from the identification of the situation to 

final close off. They are as follows: 

- Find and identify 

- Ensure human safety 

- Reporting 

- Containment and clean-up 

- Corrective action 

- Monitoring 

3.2.4 Emergency equipment and supplies 

There will be a directory of emergency equipment and other supplies on site as well as 

person/s responsible for the equipment. 

3.2.5 Communication systems 

Communication is critical during an emergency on site so that efforts to manage the situation 

are coordinated to produce the desired results. The communication channels that will be 

available on site will include: 

- Internal phone line system 

- Hand held radios 

- Cellular phone 

Page 135


3.2.6 Training 

The mine management will ensure that employees are trained on emergencies that might 

occur at Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 

3.2.7 Monitoring and activity procedure 

Method of emergency activity identification 

The above listed typical environmental emergencies were identified through the compilation of 

the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Programme (This 

document) and from previous mine environmental management experiences. 

During the mining operation at Nkomati Anthracite Mine, the mine management will ensure 

that measures are put in place to ensure that other possible environmental emergency 

activities are identified. 

Review and revision 

During the course of the mining operation a number of emergency response drills will be 

carried out and recorded (minimum of one per section every year). Emergency response drills 

will normally be carried out during operational hours to best evaluate the response and 

involve the highest number of employees. These are at the discretion of the General Manager 

and Site/Section Manager and may involve one or more of the emergency activities listed in 

this standard procedure. Emergency response drills should not be of the same type unless 

significant problems were experienced with the previous drill. 

Regular auditing and questioning of the key personnel involved in emergency response will 

also be conducted. This will take the form of planned task observations (PTO). It is the 

responsibility of the Site/Section Manager to undertake these PTO’s on a regular basis and 

record the response. 

Information from PTO’s and drills will be collated and assessed. Alterations and modifications 

to the Emergency Response Procedure will also be conducted after the response drill 

evaluation. This task will be performed in co-ordination with the Section/Site Manager to 

which the drill applies. 

A report will be generated, which will be distributed to the parties concerned for review and 

remedial action. Any significant problems will be addressed by altering the response plan in 

this procedure. 

Page 136


3.2.8 Emergency Response flowchart for Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 

The emergency response at Nkomati Anthracite Mine will be undertaken as shown in Figure 

29 below. 

Environmental 

issue identified 

Determine if there is a risk of environmental pollution, 

associated legal risk or risk to human health or community 

well being in the short term 

No Yes 

Not an environmental 

emergency: report the 

incident through the 

incident reporting system 

Yes 

Remedy the problem 

Take appropriate action to 

ensure human safety 

Establish if identifier can contain the 

problem without further risk to him/her, 

other people or the environment 

Figure 30: Emergency Response flowchart for Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 

No 

Notify appropriate person(s) 

e.g., Environmental Control 

Officer etc. 

Take appropriate action 

Page 137 

Report as required Investigate 

Initiate corrective action 

Monitor as required


3.3 PLANNED MONITORING AND ENVIRONMENTAL 

MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME PERFORMANCE 

ASSESSMENT 

As part of the general terms and conditions for a mining right, and in order to ensure 

compliance with the environmental management programme and to assess the continued 

appropriateness and adequacy of the environmental management programme Nkomati 

Anthracite Mine will: 

Conduct monitoring on a continuous basis 

Conduct performance assessments of the environmental management programme 

bi-annually 

Compile and submit a performance assessment report to the minister in which 

compliance with the approved environmental management programme is 

demonstrated 

The performance assessment report will as a minimum contain the following: 

Information regarding the period applicable to the performance assessment 

The scope of the assessment 

The procedure used for the assessment 

The interpreted information gained from monitoring the approved environmental 

management programme 

The evaluation criteria used during the assessment 

The results of the assessment 

Recommendations on how and when non compliance and deficiencies will be 

rectified 

FINANCIAL PROVISION FOR EXECUTION OF 

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME 

In terms of section 41 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 

28 of 2002) and Regulations 51(b)(v) and 54 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources 

Development Act (28/2002): Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Regulations, 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine must make financial provision for the rehabilitation of the negative 

environmental impacts. In terms of the above-mentioned sections Nkomati Anthracite Mine is 

further required to determine the quantum of the financial provision, which must include cost 

for premature closure, decommissioning and final closure and post closure management of 

the residual and latent environmental impacts. 

3.4.1 Determination of the quantum 

The financial provision for the Nkomati Anthracite Mine mining operation was determined 

based on the requirements of Chapter 2.4.1 of the Guideline document for the evaluation of 

the quantum of closure-related financial provision provided by a mine, revision 1.6, 

September 2004, DME. Attached herewith please refer to Appendix 3. 

Page 138


3.4.2 Method providing for the financial provision 

The quantum of financial provision necessary to rehabilitate the proposed mine has been 

determined based on the proposed mine infrastructure, stockpile sizes and the proposed 

mining method. The quantum is based on current contractor prices for the year 2005. The 

determination of the quantum is presented in appendix 3. Refer to the mine layout plan for 

the locality of the infrastructure and associated roads and stockpiles. 

The Nkomati Anthracite Mine is wholly owned by Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited. For the 

purpose of providing for the financial provision as determined, Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) 

Limited will submit a bank Guarantee for the value of R 4 017 264.60 to the Department of 

Minerals and Energy (in the prescribed manner) before approval of the EIA/EMP Report and 

subsequent issuing of the mining right. 

Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited will annually review the quantum for the financial provision of 

the mine. The bank guarantee will be adjusted annually depending on the outcome of the 

review. 

3.5 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS PLAN 

In terms of section 39(3)(c) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 

(Act 28 of 2002), Nkomati Anthracite Mine must compile and implement an environmental 

awareness plan. The above-mentioned environmental awareness plan must describe the 

manner in which the mine (in this case Nkomati Anthracite Mine) will inform their employees 

of any environmental risk which may result from their work and the manner in which the 

environmental risks will be addressed to avoid pollution or/and degradation of the 

environment. This document, therefore concerns the details of the environmental awareness 

plan for Nkomati Anthracite Mine as required by the Mineral and Petroleum Resources 

Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002). 

In view of the above, Nkomati Anthracite Mine has developed an environmental awareness 

plan for the proposed Nkomati Anthracite Mine, which is explained in more detail below. 

Note that the responsible person will revise these environmental awareness procedures from 

time to time. The date of commencement of the revised procedure will always be indicated to 

prevent confusion, in this case after the issuing of mining right to Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 

This Environmental Awareness (Standard Training Procedure) sets out the mine’s training 

objectives regarding to environmental awareness. It is a stand-alone procedure, which 

serves to improve awareness, training and competency in the environmental field. It contains 

no detail on the actual training initiatives but rather serves to ensure that a responsible person 

is appointed to deal with and increase environmental awareness on the mine. 

3.5.1 Scope 

This Environmental Training Standard Procedure sets out the mine’s training objectives 

regarding environmental awareness. It is a stand-alone procedure, which serves to improve 

awareness, training and competency in the environmental field. It contains no detail on the 

actual training initiatives but rather serves to ensure that a responsible person is appointed to 

deal with and increase environmental awareness on the mine. 

Page 139


3.5.2 Objectives 

The following are the objectives set for this standard procedure: 

To explain and aid the personnel involved in training with regards EMS; 

To clarify the EMS training and ensure that all employees are correctly instructed with 

regards to the environment. 

3.5.3 Safety risks associated with activity 

There were no hazards identified in applying this standard procedure. 

3.5.4 Responsibilities 

In the case where there is no training department on site, a responsible person should be 

identified (Mine manager, Environmental Officer or Consultant) to ensure that the objective of 

this procedure is met. 

3.5.5 Legal requirements 

The following legislation and standards apply to this Standard Procedure: 

Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 – AREAS WHERE EMPLOYMENT EQUITY ARE 

DEFINED, INCLUDING TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT 

National Environmental Management Act 77 of 1998 – RECOMENDATIONS FOR 

INSTITUTIONAL CO-OPERATION 

Minerals and Petroleum Resources Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) – DEVELOPMENT OF AN 

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS PLAN 

3.5.6 Activity procedures 

Induction Programme 

An Induction Programme (Nkomati Anthracite Mine induction), which will include 

environmental awareness programme will be established for Nkomati Anthracite Mine. During 

the training sessions various topics will be discussed such as, but not limited to: Water 

Pollution Prevention, Good Environmental Housekeeping, etc. Through the Induction 

Programme, the mine manager, safety officer, or any other responsible appointed person 

shall ensure that all staff receives training in: 

• Administrative requirements and procedures, which will include the Environmental 

Emergency Procedures. 

• Resource conservation and environmental reporting and general environmental 

awareness for mine related environmental issues. 

All employees (including contractor employees) will undergo Nkomati Anthracite Mine 

induction. Nkomati Anthracite Mine induction includes training and awareness on 

environmental issues on the mine and is compulsory for all new employees. The induction 

programmes will as mentioned above, have an environmental management component. On 

an annual basis the environmental section of the induction gets updated to ensure that it is up 

to date. Consideration should be given to: 

Page 140


- Significant environmental impacts as identified in the EMP 

- Procedures: environmental awareness and emergency procedures 

- Trends in incidents 

- Trends in audit findings 

Trainee needs 

The identification of environmental training and environmental awareness needs are derived 

from an analysis of the type of role different categories of employees play at Nkomati 

Anthracite Mine. The following categories are considered, viz: 

- Senior Management 

- Middle management (Environmental Officers) 

- Supervisors 

- Operators 

- Visitors and contractors 

Each of these categories has different responsibilities and therefore has different knowledge 

requirements and environmental awareness training needs, to obtain that knowledge. 

Training Planning 

Identified and agreed training needs shall be included in budgets. Course attendance (other 

than at the internal induction courses) shall be scheduled on the basis of the importance of 

task contribution to the maintenance, effectiveness and improvement of the objectives. 

General environmental awareness training 

General awareness training will be offered to operators, processors and the other various 

sections of the mine during the safety toolbox talks. This will be conducted on rotational basis. 

New environmental awareness topics are determined and new topics are introduced after all 

the shifts have received training/awareness on the current topic. The following will be 

undertaken to ensure that the above awareness training is conducted. 

A monthly environmental awareness topic for discussion will be distributed to all mine 

sections. These topics will be discussed at the safety toolbox talks, by SHE (Safety, 

Health and Environmental) reps /Environmental officers if available. 

The topics will also be displayed on the notice boards of all mine sections. 

Ad hoc environmental awareness sessions to various departments/sections will be 

conducted on request. The presentations will focus on the environmental issues 

relevant to individual tasks. 

Job specific environmental awareness training 

Job specific training will be developed to address urgent training needs as identified /required. 

The training material will focus on the following: 

Waste prevention and control (implementation of the waste management 

Page 141


procedure). 

Water management (Leaking pipes and taps) 

Hydrocarbon and chemical spill reporting and clean-up 

Storing and handling of chemicals 

Rehabilitation 

Dust management on the mine 

Supervisory staff within specific mine sections will be equipped with the necessary knowledge 

and information to guide their employees on environmental aspects applicable in performing a 

specific task. 

Competency training 

Management (training official/environmental officer if available) is responsible for the 

environmental competency and awareness training of middle management and supervisors. 

This training will be conducted on both a one to one basis and through workshops. If required, 

external organizations may be requested to provide training to selected employees (e.g. EMP 

auditing). 

Competence and the effectiveness of training and development initiatives, will be determined 

through the following: 

Trend analysis and reporting 

Analysis of work areas during visits and audits 

Trend analysis of monthly incidents (or zero tolerance if available) as recorded per mine 

sections. 

3.5.8 Certification 

Photocopies of certificates issued after completion of a training course shall be maintained in 

the staff member’s file and Training Department’s records. 

3.5.9 Records 

Environmental awareness and training records will be kept at a safe and accessible place on 

site. 

3.6 TECHNICAL AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION 

The following information is attached as appendices: 

1. Determination of quantum for financial provision – Nkomati Anthracite Mine 

Page 142


PART 4: UNDERTAKING 

I,................................................................................................................................................... 

...................................................................................................................................................., 

the undersigned and duly authorised thereto by Nkomati Anthracite Mine have studied and 

understand the contents of this document in it’s entirety and hereby duly undertake to adhere 

to the conditions as set out therein. 

Signed at ........................... this..............................................day of…………...................2005 

....................................... ....................................... 

Signature of applicant Designation 

Agency declaration: This document was completed by Geovicon cc on behalf of 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 

Page 143

TABLE OF CONTENTS 


PART 1: BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................... 1 

1.1 CONTACT DETAILS ................................................................................................ 1 

1.2 NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MINERAL RIGHTS HOLDER .............................. 2 

1.3 NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MINING AUTHORISATION HOLDER ................. 2 

1.4 NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE LAND OWNERS .................................................. 2 

1.5 REGIONAL SETTING .............................................................................................. 3 

1.6 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ......................................................................... 5 

PART 2: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT ............................ 15 

2.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY THE 

PROPOSED MINING ................................................................................................. 15 

2.2 ENVIRONMENT LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY THE IDENTIFIED ALTERNATIVE 

LAND USES AND DEVELOPMENTS ........................................................................ 59 

2.3 ASSESSMENT OF IDENTIFIED POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED 

MINING ....................................................................................................................... 59 

2.4 A COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF IDENTIFIED ALTERNATIVE LAND USES 

AND IMPACTS THEREOF ....................................................................................... 100 

2.5 MITIGATORY MEASURES FOR SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS ................................ 102 

2.6 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCESS USED FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH 

INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES .............................................................. 103 

2.7 IDENTIFIED KNOWLEDGE GAPS AND ADEQUACY OF PREDICTIVE METHODS 

APPLIED ................................................................................................................... 104 

2.8 DESCRIPTION OF THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR MONITORING AND 

MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS................................................. 105 

2.9 TECHNICAL AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION ............................................. 109 

PART 3: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME .............................. 110 

3.1 DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES, THEIR SPECIFIC GOALS, 

MANAGEMENT OPTIONS AND ACTION PLANS .................................................. 110 

3.2 PROCEDURE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RELATED EMERGENCIES AND 

REMEDIATION ......................................................................................................... 133 

3.3 PLANNED MONITORING AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME 

PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT ............................................................................ 138 

3.4 FINANCIAL PROVISION FOR EXECUTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 

PROGRAMME .......................................................................................................... 138 

3.5 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS PLAN ............................................................ 139 

3.6 TECHNICAL AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION ............................................. 142 

PART 4: UNDERTAKING .................................................................................. 143 

Page 144

LIST OF TABLES 


Table 1: Schedule of properties listing minerals rights holders and surface ownership on and 

surrounding the proposed Nkomati Anthracite Mine extension project area. ................... 2 

Table 2: Average rainfall records for Nkomati Anthracite Mine recorded at Barberton 

weather station. ............................................................................................................... 21 

Table 3: Maximum recorded precipitation for selected intervals. .................................... 22 

Table 4: Maximum rainfall intensities for Nkomati Anthracite Mine calculated over 22 

years. 22 

Table 5: The mean maximum and minimum temperatures. ............................................ 23 

Table 6: Average wind speed and direction. .................................................................... 23 

Table 7: Mean monthly evaporation for the region. ......................................................... 24 

Table 8: Soil forms identified in the Nkomati Anthracite Mine study area. ...................... 27 

Table 9: Chemical properties of the different soil forms on the study area. .................... 29 

Table 10: Soil potential of the soil forms occurring on the study area. .......................... 29 

Table 11: Erodibility of the soils occurring in the study area. ........................................ 30 

Table 12: Vegetation distribution within the Nkomati Anthracite Mine extension area. 32 

Table 13: Birds identified in the area of Nkomati Anthracite Mine. ............................... 34 

Table 14: MAR of Komati River Sub-catchments. ......................................................... 34 

Table 15. Catchments that occur on the mineral lease area of Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 35 

Table 16. Mean monthly flow volumes of the Komati River downstream of Nkomati 

Anthracite Mine. .............................................................................................................. 39 

Table 17: Flood peaks for the Komati River. ................................................................. 40 

Table 18: 1:100 year flood event data for the portion of the Komati River that Flows 

through the Nkomati Anthracite Mine. ............................................................................ 40 

Table 19. Monitoring localities in the Komati River. ........................................................... 42 

Table 20. Water analysis of the Komati River in the vicinity of Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 42 

Table 21: Borehole information. .................................................................................... 45 

Table 22: Results of major cation and anion analyses. ........................................................... 52 

Table 23: Results of acid-base tests on C coal seam. ........................................................... 92 

Table 24: Rock type classification .......................................................................................... 92 

Page 145

LIST OF FIGURES 


Figure 1: Regional setting. ......................................................................................................... 4 

Figure 2: Schematic diagram of Mineral processing plant – Nkomati Anthracite Mine. .......... 11 

Figure 3: Water Balance diagram. .......................................................................................... 12 

Figure 4: Representative borehole log. .................................................................................. 17 

Figure 5: Geological cross-section. ........................................................................................ 18 

Figure 6: Dykes and and faults on Nkomati Anthracite mining area. ..................................... 20 

Figure 7: Local topography. .................................................................................................... 25 

Figure 8: Soil types. ................................................................................................................ 28 

Figure 9: Land capability. ....................................................................................................... 31 

Figure 10: Sub catchments of the Komati River. .................................................................... 37 

Figure 11: Local catchments. ................................................................................................. 38 

Figure 12: Comparison between mean monthly flow of the Komati River and MMP. ............ 39 

Figure 13: Cross-section over Komati River: Floodline determination. .................................. 41 

Figure 14: Unsaturated zone. ................................................................................................. 46 

Figure 15: Correlation between surface and groundwater level. ............................................. 47 

Figure 16: Static groundwater level. ....................................................................................... 48 

Figure 17: Locations of the hydrocensus boreholes............................................................... 49 

Figure 18: Cation and anion concentrations in boreholes. ..................................................... 51 

Figure 19: Piper Diagrams. ..................................................................................................... 53 

Figure 20: Aquifer boundaries. ............................................................................................... 55 

Figure 21: Groundwater contours during mining. ................................................................... 79 

Figure 22: Groundwater levels after mining. .......................................................................... 88 

Figure 23: Possible decanting positions. ................................................................................ 90 

Figure 25: Plume after 10 years. ............................................................................................ 98 




Figure 29: Position of water monitoring positions. ................................................................ 107 

Figure 30: Emergency Response flowchart for Nkomati Anthracite Mine. ........................... 137 

Page 146

EMP - EIA - Sentula Mining

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