Madadeni Opencast EMP - Sentula Mining

Environmental Management Programme (EMP): Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited, Nkomati Anthracite 

Mine (Madadeni Opencast) 

Environmental Management 

Programme 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine: 

Madadeni Opencast Project 

Proponent: Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited 

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 

PROGRAMME 

March 2011 

Page i 

NKOMATI ANTHRACITE (PTY) LIMITED COMPILED BY GEOVICON ENVIRONMENTAL



CONTENTS PAGE 

Page ii 

1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... 4 

1.1 Implementation of the EMP ...................................................................................................... 4 

1.1.1 Responsibility of Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited ................................................ 4 

1.1.2 Responsibility of Contractors ................................................................................... 5 

2. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME .......................................................................... 7 

2.1 Mitigation Measures for Significant Impacts ............................................................................ 7 

2.2 Construction Phase................................................................................................................... 7 

2.2.1 Geology .................................................................................................................... 7 

2.2.2 Topography .............................................................................................................. 7 

2.2.3 Soil ............................................................................................................................ 9 

2.2.4 Land Capability ...................................................................................................... 10 

2.2.5 Land Use ................................................................................................................ 10 

2.2.6 Natural Vegetation ................................................................................................. 11 

2.2.7 Animal Life .............................................................................................................. 11 

2.2.8 Surface Water ........................................................................................................ 12 

2.2.9 Groundwater .......................................................................................................... 15 

2.2.10 Air Quality ............................................................................................................... 15 

2.2.11 Sensitive Landscapes ............................................................................................ 16 

2.2.12 Noise and Vibration ............................................................................................... 17 

2.2.13 Visual Aspects ........................................................................................................ 18 

2.2.14 Socio-Economic Impacts ....................................................................................... 19 

2.2.15 Interested and Affected Parties ............................................................................. 19 

2.2.16 Historical and Cultural Aspects ............................................................................. 20 

2.3 Operational Phase .................................................................................................................. 21 

2.3.1 Geology .................................................................................................................. 21 

2.3.2 Topography ............................................................................................................ 21 

2.3.3 Soil .......................................................................................................................... 22 


2.3.5 Land Use ................................................................................................................ 24 


2.3.7 Animal Life .............................................................................................................. 24 

2.3.8 Surface Water ........................................................................................................ 24 

2.3.9 Groundwater .......................................................................................................... 28 

2.3.10 Air Quality ............................................................................................................... 30 

2.3.11 Sensitive Landscapes ............................................................................................ 31 

2.3.12 Noise and Vibration ............................................................................................... 32 

2.3.13 Visual Aspects ........................................................................................................ 32 

2.3.14 Socio-Economic Impacts ....................................................................................... 33 


2.3.16 Historical and Cultural Aspects ............................................................................. 34 




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2.4 Decommissioning Phase ........................................................................................................ 35 

2.4.1 Geology .................................................................................................................. 35 

2.4.2 Topography. ........................................................................................................... 35 

2.4.3 Soils ........................................................................................................................ 35 


2.4.5 Land use ................................................................................................................. 36 


2.4.7 Animal life ............................................................................................................... 37 

2.4.8 Surface water ......................................................................................................... 37 

2.4.9 Groundwater .......................................................................................................... 38 

2.4.10 Air quality ................................................................................................................ 38 

2.4.11 Sensitive landscapes ............................................................................................. 38 

2.4.12 Noise ....................................................................................................................... 38 

2.4.13 Visual aspects. ....................................................................................................... 39 

2.4.14 Socio-economic aspects. ...................................................................................... 39 

2.4.15 Interested and affected parties. ............................................................................. 39 

2.4.16 Sites of archaeological or cultural interest. ........................................................... 39 

2.5 Mine Closure ........................................................................................................................... 39 

2.5.1 Infrastructure Areas ............................................................................................... 40 

2.5.2 Ongoing Seepage Control ..................................................................................... 40 

2.5.3 General Groundwater Management ..................................................................... 40 

2.5.4 Long Term Stability ................................................................................................ 41 

2.5.5 Final Rehabilitation (Erosion and Dust Control) ................................................... 41 

2.5.6 Final Rehabilitation (Roads and Final Voids) ....................................................... 41 

2.5.7 Final Land Use ....................................................................................................... 41 

2.6 Monitoring Environmental Impacts ......................................................................................... 42 

2.7 Environmental Monitoring Programme .................................................................................. 42 

2.7.1 Geology .................................................................................................................. 42 

2.7.2 Soil .......................................................................................................................... 43 

2.7.3 Topography ............................................................................................................ 43 



2.7.6 Land Use ................................................................................................................ 44 

2.7.7 Surface Water ........................................................................................................ 44 

2.7.8 Groundwater .......................................................................................................... 44 

2.7.9 Air Quality ............................................................................................................... 45 

2.7.10 Noise & Vibration ................................................................................................... 45 


3. FINANCIAL PROVISION ...................................................................................................................... 50 

3.1 Determination of the Quantum ............................................................................................... 50 

3.2 Method of Providing for the Financial Provision .................................................................... 51 




Page iv 

4. ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES/REMEDIATION PROCEDURES AND ENVIRONMENTAL 

AWARENESS PLAN ............................................................................................................................ 53 

4.1 Procedure for Environmental Related Emergencies and Remediation Background .......... 53 

4.1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 53 

4.1.2 Responsibilities ...................................................................................................... 54 

4.1.3 Notification process ................................................................................................ 55 

4.1.4 Emergency equipment and supplies .................................................................... 55 

4.1.5 Communication systems ....................................................................................... 55 

4.1.6 Training ................................................................................................................... 56 

4.1.7 Monitoring and activity procedure ......................................................................... 56 

4.1.8 Emergency Response flowchart for Nkomati Anthracite Mine. ........................... 57 

4.2 Environmental Awareness Plan ............................................................................................. 58 

4.2.1 Objectives and Legal Requirements ..................................................................... 58 

4.2.2 Manner of informing employees of risks to avoid pollution and degradation of the 

environment ........................................................................................................... 59 

4.2.3 Training records ..................................................................................................... 61 

4.2.4 Review of awareness and training material .......................................................... 61 

4.2.5 Roles and responsibilities ...................................................................................... 61 

5. TECHNICAL & SUPPORTING INFORMATION ................................................................................. 63 

6. UNDERTAKING TO COMPLY ............................................................................................................ 65 




Attachments 

# Figure Attachment 

1 16 Mine Surface Infrastructure and Mining Layout Plan for Nkomati Anthracite 

Mine Area 

Page v 




APPENDICES 

# Appendix 

6 Determination of the quantum of Closure-related Financial Provision for Nkomati Anthracite 

(Pty) Limited (Nkomati Anthracite Mine’s Madadeni Opencast) 

Page vi 




Executive Summary 

Page 1 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine owned by Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited is an operational mine situated 

approximately 50 kilometers south of Komatipoort. The mining operation is undertaken on the farms 

Gobbler 479 JU, Guillaume 480 JU, Wildebeest 494 JU, Rusplek 495 JU, Sweet Home 495 JU, 

Bonnie Vale 497 JU, Excelsior 498 JU, Murray 502 JU, Fig Tree 503 JU, Beginsel 504 JU and a 

Portion of Unsurveyed State Land. These farms are several farms within the Nkomazi Local 

municipality, which forms part of the Mpumalanga Province. Nkomati Anthracite Mine has an existing 

mining right and an approved Environmental Management Programme (DMR Ref.: MP 

30/5/1/1/2/89MR) issued under sections 22 and 39 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Act (Act 

28 of 2004) to mine coal on the above-mentioned farms. The Environmental Management 

Programme was however approved for Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited’s operations of the opencast 

mining on the land adjacent to the Skhwahlane community and for underground operation on land 

adjacent to the Mangweni community. 

In view of the extension of the mining operations to the area adjacent to the Madadeni community, 

which did not form part of the approved EMP, it was necessary for the approved EMP to be amended 

to include the changes from the proposed opencast mining area. This document is therefore the 

amendment of the approved Environmental Management Programme, which details the management 

measures for Nkomati Anthracite Mine including the management of impacts at the proposed Nkomati 

Anthracite Mine’s Madadeni Opencast mining area. These impacts have been detailed in the 

Environmental Impact Assessment Report attached with this document. This document is compiled to 

comply with the requirements of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 

28 of 2002) and the Regulations under the Act. 

The impacts that may arise during and after the proposed project were determined and ranked 

according to their significance under the Environmental Impact Assessment Report. Based on the 

impact assessment and recommendations made, management measures for all the negative 

environmental impacts were determined in terms of their objectives, specific goals, action plans and 

technical/management options. These management measures relates to the four phases of the 

proposed mining operation i.e. construction, operational, decommissioning and closure phases. 

A monitoring system for all environmental components that may be affected by the proposed project 

has been formulated for the project. This monitoring system will ensure that all actions resulting in 

negative impacts and mitigation measures undertaken to minimise such impacts are properly 

monitored. Note that the monitoring programme for both the new and existing opencast will be 

integrated into one programme for Nkomati Anthracite Mine hence only one programme will be 

undertaken at the mine. Results of this monitoring system will be utilized in the compilation of the 

performance assessment report that will be used to assess the continued appropriateness and 

adequacy of the environmental management programme. In addition to the above, procedures for 

environmental related emergencies and an environmental awareness plan was drafted to describe the 

process to be followed in reporting and dealing with emergencies and to describe the manner in which 

Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited will inform its employees at Nkomati Anthracite Mine Madadeni 

Opencast of any environmental risk which may result from their work and the manner in which such 

risks must be managed to avoid pollution or/and degradation of the environment. This plan and 

procedures, which are similar to the ones in the approved EMP, will be stated in this report. 




Page 2 

The proponent (Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited) will furthermore, make provision for rehabilitation of 

the area to be mined. The financial for the proposed has been calculated and will be incorporated to 

the current liability, which is in the process of being finalized. This provision will be sufficient to cover 

the estimated cost of rehabilitation. Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited has the financial means to 

comply with the determined cost to rehabilitate the mining area, as well as provide for the monitoring 

and maintenance at the proposed Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 




SECTION ONE 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

Introduction 

Page 3 




1. INTRODUCTION 

Page 4 

This Environmental Management Programme (EMP) is a management tool for the impacts predicted 

during the impact assessment of a project. Hence this EMP incorporates management of impacts 

predicted from the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) undertaken for the proposed project. 

This EMP brings the environmental management measures identified in the impact assessment 

together into a single document, which addresses management and mitigation of environmental 

impacts resulting from the proposed mining operation. 

1.1 I MP LEMEN TATION OF THE EMP 

A number of activities must take place before commencement of the proposed mining operation. 

Certain of these activities are not directly related to physical work on site, but are presented below, as 

they should be addressed before commencement of, or during the early phases of, construction 

phase of the proposed project. 

1. 1.1 Respon s ibilit y of Nkoma ti An t h racite (Pty) Li mi t e d 

• Responsibility for implementation of the EMP rests with Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited 

and in particular with the Mine Manager at Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 

• The Environmental Control Officer (ECO) for Nkomati Anthracite Mine will report directly 

to the Mine Manager, and will: 

• ensure that all environmental activities delegated to contractors 

operating on site are implemented. 

• ensure that all conditions of the EMP are implemented. 

• resolve any conflicts that may arise between the mine and 

contracting parties regarding implementation of the EMP. 

• ensure that alterations with environmental implications are 

communicated to the Department of Mineral Resources. 

• Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited will ensure that all contracting companies tendering for 

work, receive a copy of the EMP and understand their responsibility to operate within the 

framework of the measures defined in the EMP. 

• Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited will ensure that contractor SHE induction on site 

includes environmental and social issues and awareness training to build capacity of staff 

and contract staff regarding management of the environment. 




Page 5 

• Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited will ensure that the responsibility for implementing and 

adhering to the conditions of the EMP will form part of the conditions of appointment of all 

contractors. 

• The ECO will brief contractors about no development / no go areas, including but not 

exclusively, access to neighboring properties without prior approval from the mine 

management, who will inform landowners of the need for access and will secure approval 

to access such sites. 

• Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited will appoint a responsible person to audit the 

implementation of, and adherence to, the EMP. This party will be an independent 

environmental practitioner. 

1. 1.2 Respon s ibilit y of Contra c tors 

• All contracting companies will receive a copy of the EMP at time of tender. Each 

contractor is to familiarise himself with the environmental management framework for the 

site and ensure that contracting prices allow for environmental costs. 

• On appointment, the appointed contractor will receive a copy of the EMP. It is the 

responsibility of the contractor to ensure that all staff are aware of the measures 

applicable to their area of work on site. 

• It is the responsibility of the contractor to bring to the attention of the Nkomati Anthracite 

Mine ECO any environmental incident or breach of the conditions of the EMP. 




SECTION TWO 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

Environmental Management Programme 

Page 6 




2. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME 

2.1 MI TI G ATI ON ME AS URES FOR SIGNIFI C ANT IMPAC TS 

Page 7 

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 were 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 minimise the identified impacts on the social, cultural and environmental aspects. 

For each significant impact identified, several mitigation measures were specified. The specified 

mitigation measures are therefore described in more detail in the environmental management 

programme. 

For more information on the mitigation measures selected for each impact refer to section 6 of the 

environmental impact assessment report. 

2.2 S ECTI ON 39(3)(D) AN D REGULATI ON 50(E)(F) AND (I) AND 

R EGUL ATI ON 51(B)(I)(II) AN D (III):CONS TR UCTI ON PH AS E 

2. 2.1 Geology 

No impacts were predicted. No mitigation measures will be undertaken during the construction 

phase. Note however that backfilling with all hards (carbonaceous material at the bottom of the pit) 

and subsoil will be undertaken. This will ensure that the impacts the geology can have on the 

groundwater quality later during mining is minimised. 

2. 2.2 Topogr a phy 

Objective : To minimise the impacts of infrastructure, stockpiles and voids on the 

topography 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that stockpile construction has minimum impact on topography. 

2. Ensure that the construction of the pollution control dam has minimum 

impact on topography. 

3. Ensure that storm water diversion trenches are constructed to have 

minimum impact on topography. 

4. Ensure that excavation of the initial box cuts have minimum impact on 

topography. 

5. Ensure that the construction of the mine infrastructure has minimum 

impact on the topography. 




Technical / Management Options 

Page 8 

Services of a qualified civil engineer will be used by Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited to design the 

pollution control dam and associated storm water trenches/berms. A qualified surveyor and mine 

planner were used to size and position all stockpiles and mine infrastructure. They will be used to 

ensure that these structures are constructed to be within the maximum allowable heights. The 

Environmental Co-ordinator will ensure that the mine infrastructure, box cuts and diversion trenches 

are constructed as specified in the surface layout plan. 

Action Plans Time Schedule 

1. Ensure that stockpile construction has minimum impact on topography 

Design the dimension of the stockpiles. During drafting of EMP. 

Identify and familiarise mine personnel with design specifications of 

the mine surface layout plan i.e. positions, heights etc. 

Prior to commencement of 

physical work of the mining 

operation. 

Topsoil stockpiled to a height of no more than four metres. During the excavation of initial 

box cuts and formation of topsoil 

stockpile areas. 

Subsoil and hard overburden stockpiled to appropriate height. During the excavation of initial 

box cuts and formation of 

overburden stockpile areas. 

2. Ensure that the construction of the pollution control dam has minimum impact on 

topography 

Pollution control dam designed by suitably qualified person. During drafting of EMP. 


the pollution control dam. 



operation. 

Position and dimensions of the pollution control dam surveyed. Prior to commencement of 


operation. 

Pollution control dam constructed to design specifications. The 

construction will be approved by a Civil engineer. 

During construction phase. 

3. Ensure that clean and dirty water diversion trenches and berms are constructed to have 

minimum impact on topography 

Storm water diversion trenches and berms designed by a suitably 

qualified person. 


the storm water diversion trenches and berms. 

Positions and dimensions of the storm water diversion trenches 

surveyed. 

During drafting of EMP. 



operation. 


physical mining operation. 

Storm water diversion trenches constructed to design specifications. During construction phase 




before generation of mine 

affected water. 

4. Ensure that excavation of the initial box cuts have minimum impact on topography 

Designed position and dimensions of initial box cuts surveyed. Prior to construction phase. 

Excavate the initial box cuts to design specifications within surveyed 

area. 

Page 9 

During construction phase of 

mining operation. 

5. Ensure that the construction of the mine infrastructure has minimum impact on the 

topography 

Plan positions and dimensions of all mine infrastructures. As far as 

possible areas of degraded natural environmental conditions will be 

used for infrastructure areas. In this case the maize field. 

Identify and familiarise mine personnel with design specifications and 

positions of the mine infrastructure. 

Construct the mine infrastructure to design specifications within 

surveyed area. 

2. 2.3 S oil 

During drafting of EMP. 

During drafting of EMP for the 

proposed mining operation. 

During construction phase of 

mining operation 

Objective : To minimise the impacts on soils due to the disruption and movement of top and 

subsoil. The objective of this is that the land must, after mining, be returned to 

agricultural land use. 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that removal of soil profiles do not detrimentally reduce the 

fertility of the topsoil. 

Technical / Management Options: 

2. Ensure that movement and stockpiling of soils do not detrimentally 

reduce the fertility of the topsoil. 

Services of a suitably qualified person will be used for the plan and construction of all mine 

infrastructure, stockpile areas, water management structures and initial box cuts. A suitably qualified 

surveyor will ensure that the above-mentioned structures are constructed on surveyed areas. The 

Mine manager will ensure that the above-mentioned action plan is complied with. A Soil specialist 

was used to determine a soil utilisation guide for the stripping and stockpiling of removed soil. This 

was undertaken such that the land after mining would be returned to agricultural use. 

Action Time Schedule 

1. Ensure that removal of soil profiles do not detrimentally reduce the fertility of the 

topsoil. 

Plan the position of the stockpiling areas and infrastructures areas. Prior to construction phase. 

Identify and familiarise mine personnel with design specifications and 

positions of the mine infrastructure and stockpile areas. 



operation. 

Remove a layer of topsoil as per the soil utilisation guide, which During construction phase. 




forms part of the Soil report, from the infrastructure areas, stockpile 

areas and initial box cut areas before removing the remaining soil 

profile (subsoil) and hard overburden material. 

Page 10 

2. Ensure that movement and stockpiling of soils do not detrimentally reduce the fertility 

of the topsoil. 

Soil movement and stockpiling must be undertaken as per the soil 

utilisation guide detailed in soil report. 

2. 2.4 L an d Ca pabilit y 

When stockpiling soil material 

during construction phase. 

Objective : To minimise impacts of soil movement on land capability. The objective of this is 

that the land must, after mining, be returned to agricultural land use. 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that soil stripping and stockpiling is conducted as per the soil 

utilisation guide detailed in the soil report. 


The mine manager will ensure that the movement of soil is conducted according to the action plan. A 

Soil specialist was used to determine a soil utilisation guide for the stripping and stockpiling of 

removed soils. 


1. Ensure that soil movement is conducted to have minimum impact on the viability of the 

soils. 



2. 2.5 L an d Us e 



Objective : To minimise impacts of soil movement on land use. The objective of this is that 

the land must, after mining, be returned to agricultural land use. 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that soil stripping and stockpiling is conducted in accordance 

with the soil utilisation programme. 


The mine manager or responsible personnel will ensure that the movement of soil is conducted 

according to the action plan. This will be done to ensure that the mine, as far as possible, reinstate 

the area to its pre-mining land use. A Soil specialist was used to determine a soil utilisation guide for 

the stripping and stockpiling of removed soils. 


1. Ensure that soil movement is conducted to have minimum impact on the viability of 

the soils. 






2. 2.6 Natural Ve get ation 

Page 11 

When stockpiling soil 

material during construction 

phase. 

Objective : To minimise the long-term impacts on the area’s potential to maintain a natural 

vegetation cover. 

Specific Goals : 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. 


2. Ensure that stockpiling of topsoil and overburden material is conducted 

in a manner that will not impact on the ability of the area to maintain 


The mine manager will ensure that the topsoil is removed and stockpiled according to the soil 

utilisation guide. This will ensure that the soil maintains its ability to maintain a good 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 





2. Ensure that stockpiling of topsoil is conducted in a manner that will not impact on the 

ability of the area to maintain vegetation cover 

All topsoil removed will be stockpiled separately on the designated 

topsoil stockpile area. 

2. 2.7 An i mal Life 


Objective : To minimise the long-term impacts on the animal life within and around the 

proposed mining area. 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that the faunal displacement and loss of habitat is minimised. 

2. Ensure that poaching is prevented 


1. Ensure that the faunal displacement and loss of habitat is minimised. 

All construction activities must be limited to the foot print of the 

opencast/adit and surface infrastructure areas. 

All activities on site must comply with the relevant animal protection 

legislation. 


During construction phase 

and through out the life of 

mine. 




The environmental awareness plan must be implemented to make 

employees aware of the danger mining can have on animal life within 

and around the mine. 

2. Ensure that poaching is prevented 

All construction workers must be informed that the intentional killing of 

any animal is not permitted as faunal species are a benefit to the society 

and that poaching and is punishable by law. 

2. 2.8 S urface Wa t e r 

2 . 2 . 8 . 1 S u r f ac e W at e r Q u a n t i t y 

Page 12 


and throughout the life of 

mine. 


and throughout the life of 

mine. 

Objective : To reduce impacts on surface water runoff patterns, and thus loss of MAR within 

all catchments (surface water quantity). 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that construction of the pollution control dam has the least possible 

impact on the surface water runoff patterns, and thus loss of MAR within 

the affected sub-catchment. 


2. 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 affected sub-catchment. 

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 

the affected sub-catchment. 

A qualified civil engineer must be used to design the pollution control dam. The design will ensure the 

minimum space is used to construct the dam and that the dam meet the regulatory requirements. A 

surveyor will ensure that the pollution control dam, diversion trenches and initial box cuts are 

positioned and constructed according to design specifications. The mine manager will ensure that the 

pollution control dam, diversion trenches and initial box cut are constructed according to the action 

plan. 


1. Ensure that construction of the pollution control dam has the least possible impact on 

the surface water runoff patterns, and thus loss of MAR within all catchments. 

Pollution control dam designed by civil engineer. During the drafting of the 

EMP. 

Construct the pollution control dam according to design 

specifications. 


Maintain and monitor condition of the pollution control dam. During construction phase 

and throughout life of mine. 




Page 13 

Structural defaults to be reported and repaired timeously. Within two weeks of reporting. 

2. 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. 

Design storm water diversion trenches to separate clean and dirty 

water on the mine. 

Storm water diversion trenches constructed to separate clean and 

dirty water on the mine. 

Storm water diversion trenches used to separate clean and dirty 

water on the mine. 




and continued throughout life 

of mine. 

Storm water trenches maintained and monitored on a regular basis. During construction phase 

and continued throughout life 

of mine. 

Structural defaults to be reported and repaired timeously. Within two weeks of reporting. 

3. Ensure that the excavation of the initial box cuts 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 include the 

initial box cuts. 


Excavation of the initial box cuts as per mining plan. During construction phase. 

Storm water diverted away from the initial box cuts by means of a 

diversion berm or trench on the upslope of the initial box cuts. 

2 . 2 . 8 . 2 S u r f ac e W at e r Q u a l i t y 


Objective : To minimise all potential impacts on surface water quality on, and within the 

vicinity of the proposed Nkomati Anthracite Mine Madadeni Opencast mining 

area. 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that impacts from cement mixing, diesel spills, siltation from the 

construction sites on surface water quality are minimised. 


2. Ensure that impacts from dirty water captured within the mine, on 

surface water quality are minimised. 

The mine infrastructure will be constructed in a manner that will reduce chances of contamination of 

the surface water with diesel spills and other related leakages. 


1. Ensure that impacts from cement mixing and diesel spills on surface water quality are 

minimised. 

No concrete will be poured within 100m from the Komati River. During construction phase. 




Building material must be pre-mixed before arrival on site, or mixed 

on a suitable plastic liner. 


No dry concrete mix will be stored on site. During construction phase. 

All haul and access roads will be constructed to have diversion 

berms, which will be use to divert runoff water. 

All construction sites must be contained by use of berms and 

trenches. Runoff from these areas must be diverted to the pollution 

control dam. 

Dirty water from the mine infrastructure area will undergo water and 

diesel separation. None of this water will be released to the clean 

water environment. 



Throughout life of mine. 

Page 14 

2. Ensure that impacts from dirty water captured within the mine, on surface water quality 

are minimised. 

Storm water diversion trenches constructed to separate clean and 

dirty water on the mine. 

Any dirty water captured within the mine will be diverted or pumped 

to the pollution control dam. 

The water quality monitoring program will be initiated and surface 

and ground water monitoring points will be sampled. 

2 . 2 . 8 . 3 F l o o d e vents 

During the construction phase. 


Surface water on a monthly 

basis and ground water on a 

quarterly basis. 

Objective : To minimise all potential impacts of flood events on surface water. 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that diversion trenches/berms, the pollution control dam and 

initial box cuts are designed and constructed to minimise impacts on 

surface water. 


2. Ensure that no dirty water is discharge to the watercourses during flood 

events. 

3. Ensure that proper measures are put in place to contain silt load on the 

clean storm water diversion berms. 

The mine infrastructure i.e. the dirty water dam, diversion trenches, will be constructed in a manner 

that will reduce chances of contamination of the surface water with mine affected water. The Mine 

Manager or any appointed responsible person will ensure that these structures are maintained and 

checked after flood events. If it is found that a watercourse or wetland will be mined a water use 

licence application will be submitted for authorization of the activities. 





1. Ensure that diversion trenches/berms, the pollution control dam and initial box cuts 

are designed and constructed/excavated to minimise impacts on surface water. 

Pollution control dam and storm water trenches and berms to be 

designed by a civil engineer. The design must be such that the 

pollution control dam and storm water trenches and berms can 

handle a 1:50 year 24-hour flood event. 

Construct the pollution control dam and storm water trenches and 

berms according to design specifications. These must be approved 

by a qualified civil engineer before use. 

Maintain and monitor condition of the pollution control dam and 

storm water trenches and berms. 

Construct the initial box cuts and conduct any other mining activities 

more than one hundred metres away from the Komati River. 

2. Ensure that no dirty water is discharged to the watercourses. 

Pollution control dam and storm water trenches and berms to be 

designed by a civil engineer. The design must be such that the 

pollution control dam and storm water trenches and berms can 

collect all dirty water from the mine during a 1:50 year 24 hour flood 

event. 


berms according to design specifications. Qualified civil engineer to 

approve the constructed dam, trenches and berms. 

Maintain and monitor conditions of the pollution control dam and 

storm water trenches and berms. 

Prior to construction phase. 


Page 15 

During construction phase and 

throughout life of mine. 







3. Ensure that proper measures are put in place to contain silt load on the clean storm 

water diversion berms. 

Clean water trenches and berms to be designed by a civil engineer. 

The design must be such that the trenches and berms have 

measures to collect silt from a 1:50 year 24-hour flood event. 


berms according to design specifications. 

Maintain and monitor condition of the storm water trenches and 

berms. 

2. 2.9 Groundw ater 





No significant impacts were predicted. No mitigation measures will be undertaken during the 

construction phase. 

2. 2.10 Ai r Qualit y 

Objective : To minimise the potential impacts on local air quality. 

Specific Goals : 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. 

Page 16 

3. Ensure that impacts from dust generated by blasting, on local air quality is 

minimised. 

4. Ensure that impacts on dust generated by traffic on secondary road is 

minimised. 

The Mine Manager will ensure that all machinery is maintained and in good repair and that dust 

suppression is undertaken as per the prescribed stipulations. 


1. 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 condition, and well 

maintained. 

All machinery will be fitted with the correct exhaust systems, which 

will be maintained and in good repair. 





2. Ensure that impacts from dust generated by blowing wind on local air quality 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 

pollution control dam. 

Twice daily throughout life of 

mine and if necessary 

frequency will increase. 



Speed on access and haul roads will be limited to 40km/hour. During construction phase 


Apply other approved material on haul and access roads in case 

there is shortage of water or dust suppression not yielding 

satisfactory results. 



3. Ensure that impacts from dust generated by blasting on local air quality is minimised 

Blasting holes will be stemmed and minimal explosives used to 

ensure that minimal dust is produced. 

Blasting will be conducted according to Mine Health and Safety Act 

requirements. 

2. 2.11 S e nsiti ve Landscap es 

Objective : To minimise the potential impacts on sensitive landscapes. 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that impacts on air quality is minimised 





2. Ensure that impacts on air quality associated with mining activities are 

minimised 





1. Ensure that impacts on air quality is minimised. 

See mitigation measures under air quality 

2. Ensure that impacts on air quality associated with mining activities are minimised 

All mining activities will be limited to the edge of the opencast mining 

area. 

All access and haul roads will be limited to the mining area and only 

where connection to the existing Nkomati Anthracite Mine area is 

required. 

2. 2.12 Noi se an d Vi b rat io n 

Page 17 





Objective : To minimise the impacts of noise and vibration on the health of people and the 

environment. 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that noise impacts on machine operators and/or residences are 

minimised. 


2. Ensure impacts from noise and vibration generated during blasting are 

minimized. 

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 landowners, and 

collect the photographic record. The Mine Manager and the Environmental Control Officer will, in 

conjunction with the Blaster, inform Interested and Affected Parties prior to blasting time, and see that 

all blasting is conducted correctly. 


1. 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. 

Mine machinery will be installed with mufflers for the reduction of 

noise generation. 

2. 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 pre-mining condition. 

All such structures will also be inspected for signs of vibration or 

blasting damage. 

Mine Management will repair any damage, which arises as a result of 

blasting or activities at the mine, at the mine’s expense. 





On a 6-monthly basis (or at 

public request). 


and throughout life of mine 




A seismic monitor with a continuous recorder will be placed about 

one kilometre from the mine during blasting activities. Such 

recordings will be kept and made available to any interested or 

affected party on request. 

All lawful land occupiers within a 1km radius of the pits 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. 

2. 2.13 V isual As pe cts 

Page 18 









Objective : To reduce the impacts on the overall visual aesthetic of the proposed Nkomati 

Anthracite Mine project to residences and landowners in the vicinity of the 

mining area. 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that visual impacts from dust generated during blasting are 

minimized. 


2. Ensure that dust generated by wind and movement of machinery is 

minimised to have minimum visual impacts. 

3. Ensure that visual impacts from the mining activities are minimized. 

The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will ensure that the dust suppression programme 

is initiated and kept up to date. The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will also ensure 

that the backfilled workings are revegetated, and that the transport companies obey the speed limits, 

and that the clean-house policy is maintained. The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will 

also ensure that the visual screen is established as stated in this EMP. 


1. Ensure that visual impacts from dust generated during blasting is minimised 

Blasting holes will be stemmed and minimal explosives will be used 

during blasting. 

Whenever there is blasting on 

the mine during construction 

phase of mine. 

2. 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 and stockpiling 

areas where movement of machinery may generate dust. 

The rehabilitated workings will be seeded with a recommended seed 

mix. 

Twice a day. 

As soon as mined out open pits 

are filled and rehabilitated. 

All trucks transporting material on the proposed mining area will be At any time during the 




Page 19 

required to obey a maximum 40km/h speed limit. construction phase of the mine. 

The mine will adopt a clean-house policy. All stockpiles will be 

maintained at specified heights to reduce visual impact. 

3. Ensure that visual impacts from the mining activities are minimised 

A soil visual berm will be constructed on the parts of the mine visible to 

the nearby farm houses. This will help shield the mine from the 

landowners located on the east and western side of the mine and on 

road users on the southern side of the mine. Note that the mine will 

be in continual communication with the affected parties hence new 

visual berms will be constructed if new impact sites are reported. 

During the construction phase 



Maintenance of the constructed topsoil/subsoil stockpiles and berms. Throughout life of mine. 

2. 2.14 S ocio- Ec onomi c Impacts 

Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited has reached a favourable agreement with the community leaders of 

the area on which the mine will be undertaken. 

2. 2.15 I nterest ed an d Af f e ct e d Part i e s 

Objective : To minimise the impacts on all Interested and Affected Parties 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that noise impacts on surrounding landowners are minimised. 


2. Ensure that Influx of labourers seeking employment is reduced. 

3. Ensure that increase in traffic due to the mine does not impact on 

residents along the roads and any other road users. 

The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will ensure that all machinery is maintained in 

good working order. The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will ensure that no labourers 

are housed legally or illegally on the Nkomati Anthracite Mine area. The Mine Manager and an 

appointed responsible person will ensure that an open door policy with all interested and affected 

parties is implemented at the mine and that the initiated environmental monitoring programme is kept 

up to date. The Mine Manager or an appointed responsible person will ensure that mine employees 

and any other contractor employees are made aware of the dangers of open fires, which will form part 

of the implementation of the environmental awareness plan. 


1. Ensure that noise impacts on surrounding landowners is minimised. 

Noise levels will be reduced by maintaining all machinery in good 

condition. Mine machinery will be installed with mufflers for the 

reduction of noise generation. 

2. Ensure that Influx of labourers seeking employment is reduced 






The Mine will as far as possible utilise people from the surrounding 

areas, to minimise the influx of illegal labourers. 

No squatters will be allowed on the property. The mine will in liaison 

with the adjacent landowners help with the reduction of illegal 

squatters with the adjacent properties. 

Page 20 





3. Ensure that increase in traffic due to the mine does not impact on residents along the 

roads and any other road users. 

Mine vehicles will be instructed to obey legal speed limits when using 

the above-mentioned road. 

An access road connecting the existing Nkomati Anthracite Mine site 

with the proposed Madadeni Opencast area will be used as much as 

possible to limit the increase in traffic on the secondary road. 


The mine will on an ongoing basis liase with the affected landowners. During construction phase 

Any complaints received will be recorded and addressed promptly. During construction phase 

2. 2.16 Hist oric al and Cultural As p e c ts 

No sites with important historical and cultural aspects were identified hence no impacts were predicted. No 

management will hence be undertaken. 





R EGUL ATI ON 51(B)(I)(II) AN D (III): OPERATI ONAL PH AS E 


Page 21 

Note that the removal of the target coal seams is a core function of the mine. No mitigation measures 

can be undertaken to minimise the impacts. However a rollover mining technique will be utilised 

during the mining of the target coal seams. See measures under the construction phase. 


Objective : To minimise the impacts of mining on the topography. 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that the opening of successive cuts has a minimum impact on 

the topography of the area. 


2. Ensure that the stockpiling of R.O.M coal has minimum impacts on the 

topography. 

The Mine surveyor will conduct all surveys, and plot all data, timeously, and will, in conjunction with 

the Mine Manager or his appointed representative, ensure that the opencast pit and stockpile 

dimensions remain within specified limits. The Environmental Control Officer will ensure that the 

action plan is properly implemented. 


1. Ensure that the opening of six cuts has a minimum impact on the topography of the 

area 

The Mine Surveyor will survey the opencast pit areas. This will 

ensure that the operation does not encroach into the sensitive areas 

and that mining is conducted within the demarcated areas. 

Monthly for the entire 

operational phase. 

Mine surveyor will also survey successive cuts to be constructed. Prior to the construction of a 

new cut. 

Rehabilitation of the pit will be conducted concurrently with mining. 

Only three cuts for each mining area will be open at any given time 

with successive cuts used to systematically backfill preceding cuts. 

This will minimise the size of the voids. This will also ensure that the 

rehabilitation progress is measured on a regular basis. 

The Mine Surveyor will survey backfilled cuts to ensure that these are 

filled and rehabilitated to surface and conform to natural runoff 

patterns. Steep slopes will be reshaped to grades below 4 degrees. 

No ponding will occur. 

All pit ramps and haul roads will as far as possible be placed on 

backfilled areas. This will contribute to the improvement of the 

During the operational phase 

of the mine. 

After backfilling of each cut 

during the operational phase 

of mine. 

After backfilling of each cut 





compaction on backfilled areas. 

of mine. 

2. Ensure that the stockpiling of ROM coal has minimum impacts on the topography. 

The Mine Surveyor will survey the R.O.M. coal stockpiles. This will 

ensure that the operation does not encroach into the sensitive areas 

and that stockpiling is conducted within the demarcated areas and 

specified heights. 

Twice per month for the 

entire operational phase. 

The R.O.M. coal stockpile will not exceed the height of 5 metres During operational phase of 

the mine 

The R.O.M. coal stockpile will have a foot print that will enable it to 

contain a maximum of approximately 40 000 tonnes of coal at any 

given time of mining. 

Any deviation to this must be addressed promptly and the 

incompliance must be recorded and addressed. 

2. 3.3 S oil 

Page 22 

During operational phase of 

mine 

Immediately after reporting of 

non-compliance. 

Objective : To minimise the impacts of mining on soil. The objective of this is that the land 

must, after mining, be returned to a suitable agricultural land use. 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that the removal of topsoil and subsoil layers have minimum 

impact on soils. 


2. Ensure that the transportation of R.O.M coal does not impact on the 

soils along the haul roads. 

3. Ensure that the operation of the mine surface infrastructure has 

minimum impact on the soils. 

The Mine manager or his appointed representative will ensure the following: That the mining plan is 

followed and topsoil and subsoil is utilised as stipulated in the mining plan and that the haul road is 

well maintained. 


1. 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. Topsoil will be placed to a 

minimum depth of 300mm. Areas were soil are deeper than 30mm, 

prep-mining depth will as far as possible be attained on rehabilitated 

areas. 

Rehabilitated workings will be seeded in accordance with identified 

suitable seed mixture. This will reduce loss of topsoil to wind and 

water erosion. 

Depending on the available topsoil, whenever necessity arises topsoil 

stockpiled during the construction phase will be used as cover on 

As soon as a new cut is 

constructed during the 

operational phase of mining. 

As soon as the cuts are 

backfilled and covered with 

topsoil. 

As necessity arises during 

operational phase of the mine. 




backfilled workings. This will ensure that soils are not leached out 

and that soil forms are reinstated to be comparable to pre-mining soil 

from distribution. 

Page 23 

2. Ensure that the transportation of R.O.M coal does not impact on the soils along the haul 

roads. 

Subsoil berms will be constructed along the access and haul roads. 

No trucks or mine vehicles will be allowed to drive outside the haul 

route. 

All coal spillages identified on the haul and access roads will be 

removed as soon as possible. 

The haul and access roads will be regularly inspected and graded or 

cleaned regularly for the removal of the coal and hydrocarbon spills. 


Once every week. 

Within three days after 

identification of spillage. 

Once every week 

Objective : To minimise impacts of mining on land capability. The objective of this is that the 

land must, after mining, be returned to agricultural land use. 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that soil movement does not result in severe reduction of land 

capability. 


The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will ensure that the mining plan is followed, and 

that the preceding cuts are filled as specified and that topsoil is replaced to conform to the pre-mining 

soil distribution. 


1. Ensure that soil movement does not result in severe reduction of land capability 

Loss of topsoil will be minimised by filling the cuts with overburden, 

then subsoil and finally topsoil. 

To ensure rehabilitated land approximate the pre-mining land 

capability, topsoil covering will be conducted to approximate premining 

soil form distribution. 

The rehabilitated workings will be seeded with an appropriate seed 

mixture. 

Rehabilitated areas maintained to ensure that as far as possible the 

rehabilitated areas are reverted back to arable or grazing land. Note 

that this will depend on the ability of the soils to maintain a stable 

biological activity that will ensure fertility of the soil for arable and 

grazing land use. 

As coal is removed from 

mined workings and new cuts 

constructed during 


As mined out workings are 

backfilled and rehabilitated 

during operational phase of 

mining. 

After rehabilitated workings 

are covered with topsoil. 

During and after operational 

phase of the mining 

operation. 

Soil stripping and stockpiling must be undertaken as per the soil During the operational phase 




utilisation guide detailed in the soil report for the Madadeni Opencast 

mining area. 

2. 3.5 L an d Us e 

Page 24 

Note that land use changes from agriculture to mining when the construction phase is initiated. No 

mitigation measures will be undertaken during operational phase. However through the land 

capability mitigation measures the impacted land will be rehabilitated to approximate the pre-mining 

land use. The objective of this is that the land must, after mining, be returned to agricultural land use. 


Objective : To minimise impacts of mining on natural vegetation. 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that removal of soil during the mining operation has minimum 

impact on natural vegetation. 


The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will ensure that an appropriate seed mix is 

applied. The Mine Manager will ensure that a suitably qualified person is employed to conduct 

vegetation surveys on rehabilitated areas. A suitably qualified person will be employed to compile a 

programme that will help reduce the spreading of the black wattle trees and any other declared 

invaders within the mining area. 


1. Ensure that removal of soil during mining operation has minimum impact on natural 

vegetation 

Backfilled and rehabilitated workings will be seeded with an 

appropriate seed mixture. 

As soon as mined cuts are 

rehabilitated. 

Vegetation cover inspections on rehabilitated land will be conducted. Annually during operational 

phase of mining. 

Maintain the vegetation cover by reseeding or applying fertilizers or 

conducting any other measures recommended by suitably qualified 

persons on areas showing sparse or unsatisfactory vegetation cover. 

Undertake the invader infestation reduction plan to be compiled by a 

suitable qualified person. 

2. 3.7 An i mal Life 

See mitigation measures under the construction phase. 


2 . 3 . 8 . 1 S u r f ac e W at e r Q u a n t i t y 

Annually during operational 

phase of mining. 

As per programme time 

frames. 

Objective : To reduce impacts of mining on surface water runoff patterns, and thus loss of 




MAR within all catchments (surface water quantity). 

Page 25 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that minimum rainfall water is captured within the opencast pits 

at the mine. 


2. Ensure that runoff reporting into the opencast pits is minimized. 

The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will ensure that the mining plan is followed, and 

that rehabilitated areas conform to the proposed rehabilitation design. The Mine Manager or his 

appointed representative will ensure that the push-up berms are constructed around the open cuts to 

divert clean runoff water around the workings. 


1. Ensure that minimum rainfall water is captured within opencast pits at the mine 

The mining will be conducted according to the mining plan i.e. 

preceding cuts are filled and rehabilitated. This will reduce the 

size of the voids resulting in less rainfall water being captured in 

the open cuts. Only three cuts per each opencast area will be 

open at any given time. 

2. Ensure that runoff reporting into the opencast pit is minimised 

All clean water will be diverted around the mining area. The 

mine will maintain these diversion trenches to ensure that no 

blockage occurs. 

A push-up berm or a trench will be constructed upslope of the 

open cuts to divert water around the pits. This berm/trench will 

migrate forward with the opencast pits. 

All rehabilitated areas will conform to the proposed rehabilitation 

model and will be free draining. No ponding will occur on 

rehabilitated areas. 

All rehabilitated areas will be monitored for erosion gullies and 

ponding due to settlement. Identified erosion gullies and 

ponding areas will be rehabilitated accordingly. 

2 . 3 . 8 . 2 S u r f ac e W at e r Q u a l i t y 

As per mining plan during the 


On a weekly basis during 


Constructed with construction of 

new mining cut. 

Survey done after backfilling and 

rehabilitation of mined out cuts. 

Twice every tear i.e. before and 

after rainy seasons. 

Objective : To minimise all potential impacts on surface water quality on, and within the 

vicinity of the Nkomati Anthracite Mine area. 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that water captured within the opencast pit do not impact on 

clean surface water quality. 

2. Ensure that water runoff from the rehabilitated opencast areas must not 

negatively impact the clean surface water quality 

3. Ensure that water contained within the pollution control dam do not 

impact on the clean surface water quality. 





Page 26 

4. Ensure that runoff from the stockpiling areas does not impact on the 

clean surface water quality. 

5. Ensure that impacts caused by hydrocarbon spillages do not impact the 

surface water quality. 

6. Ensure that spillages from the haul and access roads do not impact 

detrimentally on the surface water quality. 

The pollution control dam will be designed and constructed to ensure that it will comply with the 

relevant legislation. The pollution control dam will contain all water from the dirty area of the mine i.e. 

the opencast pit, R.O.M. coal stockpile and any other source of mine affected water. The pollution 

control dam will always be operated 0.8 meter below spillway level. The Mine Manager or his 

appointed representative will ensure that no water is discharged from the pollution control dam and 

that the pollution control dam is maintained at operating levels. The Mine Manager or his appointed 

representative will ensure that the maintenance checks on the structures are carried out. 


1. Ensure that water captured within the pits does not impact on surface water quality. 

Water within the opencast pit will not be discharged into the 

natural environment unless legally so. 

Water accumulating within the opencast pit will be pumped to the 


The dam will be reconstructed to Department of Water and 

Environmental Affairs approved design specifications. 

Regular water quality monitoring will be conducted at the 


At any time during the operational 

phase. 

All the time during the operational 

phase of mining operation. 

On approval of designs by 

Department of Water and 

Environmental Affairs 

On a monthly basis. 

2. Ensure that water runoff from the rehabilitated opencast areas must not negatively 

impact the clean surface water quality 

Reduce the velocity of the water runoff entering the rehabilitated 

areas. The diversion contours on the rehabilitated areas to 

reduce the velocity of the water is recommended 

Design and construct the contours to have sufficient capacity of 

handling high storm events. 

Contours must be checked, repaired and upgraded (if damaged) 

after each storm water event. 

During the operational phase of 

the mining operation 


the mining operation 

After every storm water event 


3. Ensure that water contained within the pollution control dam does not impact on the 

surface water quality 

The operation of the pollution control dam will be maintained at 

0.8 meter below spillway level. 


the mine. 




Regular checks will be conducted on the maintenance and 

operation of the pollution control dams. 

Regular water quality monitoring will be conducted at the 


On a weekly basis. 

On monthly basis. 

4. Ensure that runoff from the stockpiling and rehabilitated areas does not impact on the 

surface water quality 

All runoff water from the R.O.M coal stockpiles will be pumped or 

diverted by a dirty water trench to the pollution control dam. 

Opencast workings will be rehabilitated and seeded to reduce silt 

load from the mining area. 

Page 27 

Throughout the operational phase 

life of the mine. 

As soon as open cuts are mined 

out, throughout life of mine. 

All dirty water structures will be checked on a regular basis. On a weekly basis during wet 

season and on a monthly basis 

during dry season. 

All damages, blockages and erosion will be repaired. Within 24 hours after discovery. 

5. Ensure that hydrocarbon fluid spillages do not occur. 

All mine machinery and vehicles should be regularly maintained 

at the existing Nkomati Anthracite Mine workshop area in order 

to avoid any hydrocarbon fluid spillages. 

Throughout the life of mine 

6. Ensure that spillages from the haul and access roads do not impact detrimentally on 

the surface water quality. 

All spillages along the access and haul roads will be collected 

either by removal along the roads (grading) or will be allowed to 

accumulate in the river crossing silt traps. 

All collected silt and coal material will be either placed at the 

R.O.M coal area or at the bottom of the opencast voids. 


of the mine. 


of the mine. 

The silt traps will be cleaned on a regular basis Once every month in winter and 

once every week or after a storm 

event in summer. 

2 . 3 . 8 . 3 F l o o d E ven t s 

Objective : To minimise impacts of floods on water pollution control structures. 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that all pollution control structures do not impact on surface 

water during flood events. 


2. Ensure that clean storm water control measures do not impact on the 

dirty water control structures. 

3. Ensure that spillages from the haul and access roads do not impact 

detrimentally on the surface water quality. 

The pollution control dam will be designed to cater for a 1:50 year 24-hour rainfall event. The 

diversion trenches will be constructed to channel water from a 1:50 year rainfall event. The Mine 




Page 28 

Manager or his appointed representative will ensure that all pollution control structures maintenance 

checks and repairs are conducted timeously. The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will 

ensure that no mining activity is undertaken within the 1:100 year flood line of the Komati River. 


1. Ensure that all pollution control structures do not impact on surface water during flood 

events. 

All pollution control structures will be inspected after a flood event for 

signs of structural damage. Water levels will be checked to ensure 

that the operational capacities are maintained. 

24 hours after a flood event. 

All structural damages will be rectified. Within 24 hours of discovery. 

2. Ensure that clean storm water control measures do not impact on the dirty water 

control structures. 

All storm water control structures will be inspected after a flood event 

for signs of erosion, blockages and breakages. 


All identified damages will be rectified. Within 24 hours of discovery. 

Rehabilitated areas will be inspected after a flood event for erosion 

gullies and ponding areas. 


Areas with erosion gullies and ponding will be rectified. Within one week of discovery. 

3. Ensure that spillages from the haul and access roads do not impact detrimentally on 

the surface water quality. 

All spillages along the access and haul roads will be collected 

either by removal along the roads (grading) or will be allowed to 

accumulate in the river crossing silt traps. 

All collected silt and coal material will be either placed at the 

R.O.M coal stockpile area or at the bottom of the opencast voids. 

Throughout the operational 

phase of the mine. 

Throughout the operational 

phase of the mine. 

The silt traps will be cleaned on a regular basis Once every month in winter 

and once every week or after a 

storm event in summer. 


Objective : To minimise impacts of mining on groundwater. 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that a sound database is established on effects of groundwater 

drawdown within the vicinity if the mine. 

2. Ensure that impacts from the seepage from the rehabilitated workings 

on groundwater is minimised. 

3. Ensure mining is undertaken in a manner that reduce the probability of 

acid mine drainage 

4. Ensure that impacts from seepage from the pollution control dam is 

minimised. 





Page 29 

The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will ensure that water within the pit is not 

discharged but pumped into the pollution control dams. The Mine Manger or his appointed 

representative will ensure that the groundwater monitoring programme is implemented. 


1. Ensure that the effects of groundwater drawdown within the vicinity of the mine is 

minimised. 

Static ground water levels of boreholes within the zone of two 

kilometres around the current and proposed mining area will be 

measured. This will ensure that a sound database is established. 

If proven that the mining operation is indeed affecting the quantity of 

the groundwater available to users the affected parties should be 

compensated. 

On a quarterly basis. 

Whenever it can be proven that 

drying of the boreholes was 

caused by the mine. 

2. Ensure that impacts of seepage from the rehabilitated workings on groundwater is 

minimised. 

Preceding cuts will be filled and rehabilitated to reduce void size. 

Only three cuts will be open at any given time. 

All clean water runoff diversion systems will be maintained and a 

push up berm will be constructed upslope of the pit. This berm will 

divert runoff water from the pit area. 

To reduce contamination of groundwater, replacement of material will 

be as follows: overburden covered by subsoil and finally covered by 

minimum 300mm topsoil. 

Groundwater monitoring will be conducted on the proposed mining 

area. The monitoring will detect any groundwater contamination 

from the proposed mining activity. 

As per mining plan during the 


As per storm water diversion 

plan during operational phase of 

the mine. 

As open cuts are mined out. 

On a quarterly basis. 

3. Ensure that impacts from the seepage from the rehabilitated workings on groundwater is 

minimised. 

Excavation of the initial box cuts to be undertaken such that as much 

coal as possible is removed from the opencast pits. Any remaining 

coal and carbonaceous material to be placed at the bottom of the 

opencast pit, backfilled and allowed to flood as soon as possible. 

This will reduce the availability of free oxygen and hence acid mine 

drainage cannot take place. 

During the construction phase 

and through out the life of mine. 

4. Ensure that impacts from seepage from the pollution control dams is minimised 

The pollution control dams will be lined with appropriate material. 

This will ensure that the water in the dam will not enter the 

groundwater table. The pollution control dam will comply with 

regulation GN704. 

The pollution control dams will be checked for damages and 

seepage due to cracks or any other faults. 

Before initiation of construction 

phase. 

On a weekly basis for the first 

six months and then every 




Groundwater monitoring will be conducted on the proposed mining 

area. A monitoring borehole will be specifically drilled downstream of 

the pollution control dams. This monitoring will detect any 

groundwater contamination from the pollution control dams. 


Objective : To minimise the impacts of mining on local air quality. 

month. 

Page 30 

Monitoring will be conducted on 

a quarterly basis. 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that impacts from dust and diesel fumes generated by 

machinery on employees and on the 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. 

4. Ensure impacts from spontaneous combustion are minimised 

The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will ensure that all machinery are maintained and 

in good repair. The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will ensure that dust suppression is 

undertaken as per the prescribed stipulations. The Mine manager will ensure that a suitably qualified 

person is employed to monitor the ambient air quality. Monitoring results will be made available to the 

public on their request. 


1. 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. 

The mine will maintain the surfaces of the roads in good condition. 

This will ensure that damaged roads are rehabilitated during the 

operational phase of the mine, which will in turn reduce dust 

generation on the roads. 

Employees working within areas known to generate excessive dust 

will be issued with dust masks and instructed to use them. 

Throughout operational phase 

and life of mine. 









2. 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 

access/haul roads and stockpiling areas where movement of 

machinery may generate dust. 

The rehabilitated workings and soil/overburden stockpiles will be 

seeded with a recommended seed mix. This will reduce dust 

generation. 

Water for dust suppression purposes will be obtained from the 


Apply dust suppressants or similar approved material if water dust 

suppression is insufficient. 

Page 31 

Twice daily throughout life of 

mine and if necessary 

frequency will increase. 

As soon as open cuts are 


During operational phase and 




3. Ensure that impacts from dust generated by blasting on local air quality is minimised 

Blasting holes will be stemmed prior to blasting. Minimum explosives 

will be used during blasting. 

The air quality within and around the mining area will be monitored 

regularly. 

4. Ensure impacts from spontaneous combustion are minimised 

All exposed coal on the high wall and stockpiling areas will be mined 

as soon as possible. 

Coal reserves that will not be mined for any reason will not be 

exposed to free oxygen and if so the exposed coal will be closely 

monitored for any signs of spontaneous combustion. 

Any areas with spontaneous combustion will be covered with soil to 

smother the fire and the coal will be removed or mined as soon as 

possible 

2. 3.11 S e nsiti ve Landscap es 



Twice monthly. 


of the mining operation 





Objective : To minimise the impacts of mining on local sensitive landscapes. 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that the adjacent sensitive areas are protected. 


The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will ensure that a suitably qualified person 

monitors all sensitive landscapes. 


1. Ensure that the affected sensitive areas are protected and those disturbed are 

restored. 

All identified sensitive landscapes will be monitored. Annually during the 

operational phase of the 

mine. 

If it is found that a sensitive landscape is disturbed, a rehabilitation 

programme must be compiled and implemented. This must be done 

in consultation with the Department of Water and Environmental 

Affairs. 

When necessity arises. 




2. 3.12 Noi se an d Vi b rat io n 

Page 32 

Objective : To minimise the impacts of noise and vibrations on the health of people and the 

environment. 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that noise impacts on machine operators and/or residences are 

minimised. 


2. Ensure impacts from noise and vibration generated during blasting are 

minimized. 

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. The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will, in 

conjunction with the Blaster, inform Interested and Affected Parties of blasting time, and see that all 

blasting is conducted correctly. 


1. 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. 

2. 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 pre-mining condition. 

The vibration monitoring initiated during the construction phase on 

the structures situated close to the mine will be continued during the 


All such structures will also be inspected for signs of vibration or 

blasting damage. 

Mine Management will repair any damage, which arises as a result of 

blasting or activities at the mine, at the mine’s expense. 

The Blaster employed, who will be certified in terms of the Mine 

Health and 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. 

Noise and vibration levels will be recorded within and around the 

mining area especially at residents of the nearby farmers’ house. 

2. 3.13 V isual As pe cts 







On a 6-monthly basis (or at 

public request). 









Objective : To reduce the impacts on the overall visual aesthetic of the proposed Nkomati 




Page 33 

Anthracite Mine project to residences and landowners in the vicinity of the 

proposed mining area. 

Specific Goals : 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. 


1. Ensure that visual impacts from dust generated during blasting is minimised 

Blasting holes will be stemmed and use of minimal explosives during 

blasting. 

Whenever there will be 

blasting on the mine during 


2. 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/vehicles may generate dust. 

The rehabilitated workings will be seeded with the seed mix 

recommended in this document. 

Perimeter berms will be constructed on the visible parts of the mine. 

These berms will be seeded with recommended seed mix. 

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. 

2. 3.14 S ocio- Ec onomi c Impacts 

See under construction phase. 

Management: 

Twice a day. 

As soon as mined out cuts 

are backfilled and 



of the mining operation. 

At any time during the 

operational phase of the 

mine. 



• As far as practically possible, all supplies will be obtained from the Greater Komatipoort 

areas. 

• As far as practically possible, mine employees will be recruited from the greater 

Komatipoort (more specifically on the surrounding communities) area as outlined in the 

Social and Labour Plan for Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 





Objective : To minimise the impacts on all Interested and Affected Parties. 

Page 34 

Specific Goals : 1. Maintain cordial relationships with all identified Interested and Affected 

Parties. 


2. Ensure that issues raised by the interested and affected parties are 

addressed in the EMP 

The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will be responsible for maintaining good 

housekeeping policies, and that the mine follows the Environmental Management Programme. The 

Mine Manager or his appointed representative will ensure that all monitoring programmes 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. 


1. Maintain cordial relationships with all identified Interested and Affected Parties 

Adjacent landowners showing decreased borehole yields resulting 

from this mining venture, will be compensated for by the drilling of 

new/additional boreholes to replace/supplement existing boreholes. 

Groundwater levels will be 

monitored quarterly. 

Residents that are close to the mine will be notified prior to blasting Within One (1) hour of 

Blasting. 

No squatters will be allowed on the property. During operational phase and 

throughout life of mine 

Mine management will maintain an open-door policy with all 

Interested and Affected Parties. Minutes of all meetings will be kept, 

and made available on request. 



2. Ensure that issues raised by the interested and affected parties are addressed in the 

EMP 

Issues raised by the interested and affected parties has as far as 

possible been addressed under the relevant environmental 

components of the EMP. 

Any issues that the interested and affected parties will still have 

concerns over will be addressed during the public meeting/s to be 

held later. 

2. 3.16 Hist oric al and Cultural As p e c ts 

No impacts on sites of archaeological or cultural interest are predicted. 

No mitigation measures will be undertaken during the operational phase. 

Prior to mining 

Prior to mining 





R EGUL ATI ON 51(B)(I)(II) AN D (III):DEC OMMI SSIONIN G 

P H AS E AND CLOS URE PHASE 


No impacts predicted on the geology. 


Objective : To minimise the impacts of mining on topography. 

Specific Goals : 1. To ensure that all areas are kept free of erosion. 


Page 35 

The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will oversee the rehabilitation of the area. The 

mine surveyor will confirm the final contours of the rehabilitated areas. The topography will be made 

to be free draining. 


1. Ensure that all areas are kept free of erosion 

Surface ripping of compacted areas will be at right angles to the 

inherent slope. 

Ensure that the rehabilitated areas maintain safe slopes and that the 

area is free draining. 

During decommissioning 

phase 


phase 

Steep slopes will be reshaped to grades below four degrees. During decommissioning 

phase 

Monthly inspection and maintenance (erosion combating) will be 

conducted on all rehabilitated surfaces until it is proved to be no 

longer necessary. 

2. 4.3 S oil s 

Objective : To minimise the impacts of mining on soils. 

Monthly during 

decommissioning phase 

Specific Goals : 1. To ensure that erosion is kept to a minimum on all rehabilitated areas. 


The Mine Manager or his appointed representative will oversee the rehabilitation of the area. The 

mine surveyor will confirm the final contours of the rehabilitated areas. Analysis and 

recommendations will be kept for scrutiny by the respective State Departments. Where necessary, 

the Department of Agriculture will be consulted as to the suitability of soils for rehabilitation. 





1. Ensure that all areas are kept free of erosion 

Ripping will be conducted at right angles to the natural slope. During decommissioning 

phase 

Storm water diversion channels will be kept in place. During decommissioning 

phase 

All stockpiled soils will be analysed prior to use. Depending on the 

analysis obtained, fertiliser will be added as per analysis 

recommendation report prior to use for rehabilitation 



phase 

Page 36 

Actions to be conducted under section 2.4.3 will be sufficient to minimise the impacts on land 

capability. Note that the above must be undertaken in conjunction with the operational phase 

mitigation measures. 

2. 4.5 L an d use 

Objective : To minimise the impacts of mining on land use. 

Specific Goals : 1. To ensure that the vegetation has sufficient time to colonise the area. 


An independent botanist will conduct a floristic survey to determine the status of the rehabilitated land. 


1. Ensure that the vegetation has sufficient time to colonise the area 

No grazing/cultivation will be allowed on the rehabilitated areas for a 

period of at least 2 to four years after final rehabilitation. 

After this initial period, the rehabilitated areas will be assessed to 

determine the colonisation of the area and recommendations 

obtained as to when grazing/cultivation can commence. 


Objective : To minimise the impacts of mining on natural vegetation. 


phase 


phase 

Specific Goals : 1. To ensure that invader species do not colonise and suppress natural 

species growth. 


The Mine Manager will oversee the rehabilitation of the area. 






Invader species will be eradicated by plant removal on an annual 

basis prior to seed formation on the rehabilitated areas to minimise 

the formation of a seed bank. 

Rehabilitated areas will be seeded after the first rain. This will 

ensure that the desired vegetation cover will be achieved. 

2. 4.7 An i mal lif e 

Impact negligible – no management. 

2. 4.8 S urface w at e r 

2 . 4 . 8 . 1 W a t e r q u a n t i t y 

Impact low to negligible – no management required. 


phase 


phase 

Page 37 

Note that all surface water diversion structures will be kept in place and maintained during this phase. 

2 . 4 . 8 . 2 W a t e r q u a l i t y 

Objective : To minimise the impacts of mining on surface water quality. 

Specific Goals : 1. To minimise the impact on the surrounding water quality. 


The Mine Manager will ensure that the below stated stipulations are adhered to. 



All carbonaceous layer build up at the R.O.M. coal stockpile, haul 

and access roads will be removed and disposed of at the bottom of 

the final void. 

Contours will be constructed on the rehabilitated areas. This will 

ensure that the velocity of water at the rehabilitated areas is reduced 

hence preventing the occurrence of soil erosion, which will in turn 

minimise the amount of silt generated. 

The storm water diversion trenches will be kept intact and maintained 

until such time as they can be proved to be maintenance free and 

self sustaining. 

Dirty water diversion trenches will be kept in place until all dirty areas 

are rehabilitated. 


phase 


phase 


phase 


phase 

Once the dirty areas are rehabilitated, the dirty water diversion During decommissioning 




trenches will be cleaned out and rehabilitated. phase 

All haul roads and stockpiling areas will be graded and ripped. 

Ripping to be at right angles to the natural slope. 


phase 

Surface water monitoring will continue during this phase. During decommissioning 

phase 


No management measures necessary – water levels will begin to rise after mining has ceased. 

Page 38 

2 . 4 . 9 . 1 I m p a c t o f i n f i l t r a t i o n t h ro u g h r e h ab i l i t a t ed a r e a o n g r o u n d w at e r 

Groundwater migration will be towards the rehabilitated areas and therefore rather enter the pits than 

migrate out of it into the surrounding aquifer. 

2. 4.10 Ai r q ualit y 

Objective : To minimise the impacts of mining on air quality. 

Specific Goals : 1. To minimise the impact on the air quality of the region. 





Dust suppression will continue during this phase. Dust suppression 

will be a minimum of 2 times per working day. Water will be obtained 

from the pollution control dams. 


phase 

All machines will be fitted with the correct exhaust systems. During decommissioning 

phase 

2. 4.11 S e nsiti ve landscap es 

Mitigation under operational phase will be continued during this phase of the mining operation. 

2. 4.12 Noi se 

Objective : To minimise the impacts of noise by the mining operation. 

Specific Goals : 1. To ensure that the rehabilitation personnel’s health is not adversely 

affected by noise generation. 

2. To minimise the noise impact on any third party. 







1. To ensure that the rehabilitation personnel’s health is not adversely affected by noise 

generation and to minimise the noise impact on any third party. 

All vehicles will be fitted with the correct factory specified exhaust 

systems. 

Vehicles will be serviced regularly. Broken exhaust systems will be 

replaced. 

All personnel working in high noise areas will be supplied with 

earplugs and instructed to use them. 

All rehabilitation activities will cease at 18h00 to ensure that no third 

party is impacted on during the night-time hours. 

2. 4.13 V isual asp e c ts 

No management required. 

2. 4.14 S ocio- economi c aspect s 


phase 


phase 


phase 


phase 

Page 39 

As far as possible, employees will be re-deployed to new projects. Where employees are to be 

retrenched, the processes for downscaling and retrenchments as stipulated in the Social and Labour 

Plan will be implemented. 

2. 4.15 I nterest ed an d affecte d p a rt i es 

All actions indicated under operational phase will continue during this phase. 

2. 4.16 S it e s of a rc haeologi cal or cultura l interest 

No impact will occur – no management required. 

2.5 MINE CL OSU RE 

Objective : To minimise all impacts of mining on the environment during and after closure. 

The objective of this is that the land must, after mining, be returned to 

agricultural land use. 

Specific Goals : 1. Ensure that surface water exiting the property will not have a significant 

increase in water born pollutants measured against the incoming 

surface water. 

2. Maintain post mining land use as grazing land. 

3. Ensure that the area is free of erosion and have a sustainable 





2. 5.1 I nfrastru ct ur e Areas 

Page 40 

4. Ensure that the groundwater within the surrounding areas is fit for use. 

All mining infrastructure will be removed. All uncontaminated foundations will be removed, the area 

removed, the area ripped, and the rubble placed in the final cut prior to backfilling. Contaminated 

foundations will be lifted, and rubble will be disposed of at a registered hazardous waste disposal site. 

All haul roads will be ripped, at 90° to the inherent slope, covered with topsoil and seeded with the 

recommended seed mix. 

No mining infrastructure will remain on the Nkomati Anthracite Mine Madadeni Opencast surface 

area. However if it is requested by the landowners that some of the structures remain at the proposed 

mining area the Department of Mineral Resources will be consulted for their approval before doing so. 

2. 5.2 Ongoing Se ep ag e Control 

After closure, the water table will rise in the rehabilitated pit to re-instate equilibrium with the 

surrounding groundwater systems. However the backfilled opencast will have a large hydraulic 

conductivity compared to the pre-mining situation. This will result in the flattening of the groundwater 

table over the extent of the rehabilitated opencast, 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. These changes in groundwater levels 

are predicted to be small. 

Inspection of the predicted groundwater levels indicates that the post mining groundwater levels will 

not be above surface, hence it is thus unlikely that decanting from this rehabilitated opencast will 

occur. 

2. 5.3 General Gro undw at e r Manag e ment 

Static groundwater levels and ground water quality on at least a quarterly basis will be monitored in all 

boreholes within a zone of one to two kilometres surrounding the mine 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 and/or 

quality of groundwater available to certain users, the affected parties should be compensated. This 

may be done through the installation of additional boreholes for water supply purposes, or an 

alternative water supply. The mine will ensure that new monitoring boreholes are located upstream of 

the opencast for background monitoring. 

Although the expansion of the pollution plume is predicted to be very slow due to the low hydraulic 

conductivity, some degradation of groundwater could occur. This can be prevented to a large extent if 

as much coal and discard as feasible is removed from the opencast and it is allowed to flood once 

mining has been completed. 

Water samples will be taken from all the monitoring boreholes by using approved sampling techniques 

and adhering to recognised sampling procedures. Samples will be analysed for mining related 

pollutants. At least the following water quality parameters will be analysed for i.e. Major ions (Ca, K, 

Mg, Na, SO4, NO3, Cl, F), pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Total Alkalinity. 




Page 41 

These results will be recorded on a data sheet and will be entered into an appropriate computer 

database and reported to the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry quarterly. 

2. 5.4 L ong Term St a bility 

Rehabilitation will be ongoing during the operational phase. Volumetric modelling indicates that the 

opencast pit will be rehabilitated to surface. Subsequent shaping of the pits will allow for the reestablishment 

of natural runoff patterns. All settlement cracks will be identified and rehabilitated. 

No surface subsidence is expected, and the area will be free draining. 

2. 5.5 Fi nal Rehabilitation (Ero sion a nd Du s t Co ntrol) 

All rehabilitated areas will have been seeded with a recommended seed mix recommended. With the 

constructed contours, no erosion is expected to occur following vegetation establishment, thus no 

dust control will be necessary. 

2. 5.6 Fi nal Rehabilitation (Road s and Final Voids) 

No roads will remain in place after the decommissioning/closure phase. Note that the roads will have 

been graded during the decommissioning/closure phase, which will remove any fine carbonaceous 

material build-up from the roads. These will then be ripped to 150 mm, at 90° to the inherent slope, 

and seeded with a recommended seed mix. 

2. 5.7 Fi nal Land Use 

Rehabilitation will be ongoing during the operational phase. All topsoil material removed from the 

mining area will be replaced during the concurrent rehabilitation of the area. It is not normally 

immediately possible to restore arable land to its former capability. However, it is possible to upgrade 

disturbed land to grazing land. Given sufficient time under a grass cover, it is anticipated that land, 

which has been opencast mined, could become stable enough to allow cultivation. In view of the 

above, the final land use for both of the Nkomati Anthracite Mine Opencast mining areas will be 

grazing land until such time that the land is stable enough for cultivation. 




2.6 S ECTI ON 39(3) (D) OF THE MPRDA AND REGULATI ON 

50(H) AND REGUL ATI ON 51( B) OF THE RE GUL ATIONS 

UNDER THE MPRDA: MONI TORI NG ENVIRON ME NTAL 

I M PAC TS 

Page 42 

During the 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 will describe how the mine intends to ensure that the 

Mitigation Measures are being undertaken and that their effectiveness is proven. 

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 (Pty) Limited will: 

• Conduct monitoring on a continuous basis. 

• Conduct performance assessments of the environmental management programme once 

in two years. 

• Compile and submit a performance assessment report to the minister in which 

compliance with this 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. 

2.7 E NVI RONME NTAL MONI TORING PROGRAM M E 

A monitoring programme will 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 manager will ensure that all monitoring is 

conducted according to the approved Environmental Management Programme. Note that this 

monitoring programme although similar to that in the approved Environmental Management 

Programme is solely determined for the proposed opencast mining area only. It will however be 

integrated to the existing monitoring programme, which will result in the mine having one programme. 


The geological layers will be disturbed permanently and the coal seams will be removed. As a 

mitigatory measure all exposed coal will be removed and disturbed geological layers will be replaced 




Page 43 

in accordance with a rehabilitation programme for the mine. Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited will 

develop a monitoring programme that will monitor the rehabilitation progress and in turn monitor the 

impacts and mitigatory measures on the geology. Nkomati Anthracite Mine will keep monthly records 

on the status of the rehabilitation progress. 

2. 7.2 S oil 

The soil profile will be disturbed during the construction and operational phases of the mining 

operation. As a mitigatory measure the stripping, stockpiling and replacement of the soil layers must 

be conducted such that all topsoil removed are replaced during the concurrent rehabilitation of the 

mined areas. The rehabilitated areas must be monitored for the type and depth of soil cover used. 

Records of soil placement and package thickness will be kept on a monthly basis during the mining 

phase. 


The topography of the Nkomati Anthracite Mine Madadeni Opencast area will be altered during the 

construction and operational phases of the mining operation. Mitigation of the impacts on topography 

will require that all voids and topographic highs be surveyed regularly by a mine surveyor. Since a 

rollover mining method will be used the mine surveyor will survey all rehabilitated voids and 

topographical high points. The regular surveying of the topography will be in essence the monitoring 

of the topography. The mine surveyor will therefore be responsible for the monitoring of impacts and 

mitigatory measures for topography at the Nkomati Anthracite Mine Madadeni Opencast project area. 


A list of all vegetation species identified prior to mining is provided in section 3 of the Environmental 

Impact Assessment Report. Note however that the mining area has been impacted by cultivation and 

grazing, hence limited natural vegetation may occur at the proposed mining area. These vegetation 

species will be lost during the construction and operational phases of the mining operation. In the 

process of rehabilitating the opencast pit, re-vegetation of the rehabilitated area must be carried out. 

A botanist has recommended a seed mix and this will be used to revegetate the mined areas. 

Services of a suitably qualified person will therefore be used to monitor the re-vegetation of the 

rehabilitated areas. Records of the monitoring must be kept for future reference. 


The ability of the soil to enable establishment and maintain a vegetation cover over an area can be 

used to describe the land capability of an area. During the mining of the coal reserve at Nkomati 

Anthracite Mine Madadeni Opencast, the land capability of the mining area will be impacted upon. As 

mitigation measure the opencast area will be rehabilitated and made comparable to the grazing land 

use. For the monitoring of the impacts and mitigation on land capability at the Nkomati Anthracite 

Mine Madadeni Opencast area, the establishment and ability to maintain the established vegetation 

cover will be monitored. A botanist will be contracted to undertake the vegetation monitoring on the 

revegetated areas twice every year. This information will be used to determine the effectiveness of 

the Revegetation programme to be instituted at the proposed mining area. 




2. 7.6 L an d Us e 

Page 44 

Mining of the coal reserve will impact on the land use. Since after mining the area will be rehabilitated 

to be grazing land use, this impact will be limited to the duration of the mining of the coal reserve. To 

ensure that the impacts are kept minimal and the mitigation measures applied are acceptable, the 

distribution of the vegetation species and soil types cover within the rehabilitated area during and after 

mining will be closely monitored. A soil and vegetation specialist will be contracted to audit the above, 

once every year. 


Nkomati Anthracite Mine has already initiated and implemented a surface-water monitoring 

programme consisting of strategically placed surface water monitoring points to monitor water quality 

within the affected catchment. With the exception that a new upstream monitoring point will be 

added, the current surface water monitoring programme includes areas to be disturbed by the 

proposed mining operation. The current monitoring and the new monitoring point will therefore be 

continued. In view of this, only the dirty water at the pollution control dam will be sampled for the 

Madadeni Opencast mining operation. Water monitoring samples will be taken 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. 

A water quality report will be compiled on quarterly basis. This report will show all risk areas and 

areas showing diversion to the current background water quality. Recommendations will also be 

included in this water quality report. 


During mining 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 groundwater pollution plume migrating 

away from the mine towards the surrounding areas. 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 

is occurring, the following constituents: (pH, Total dissolved solids, Electrical conductivity, Alkalinity, 

Suspended solids, Ca, Na, Mg, K, Cl, SO4, Fe, Mn, and Al) will be measured. To determine if 

groundwater level lowering is taking place, static groundwater levels will be monitored. Monitoring of 

both the groundwater quality and static water levels will be conducted on a quarterly basis. 

Note also, that Nkomati Anthracite Mine has initiated and is implementing a groundwater monitoring 

programme, which covers some of the areas to be potentially affected by the proposed mining 

operation. In view of the above, only two boreholes at the opencast will be added, which will monitor 

the background water quality and static levels of the mining area. 

The above 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, the mine will 

compensate the affected parties. 





Page 45 

During the construction and operational phases the machinery and blasting will generate dust. Air 

quality is currently being monitored at the existing opencast. Since the current monitoring does not 

include the proposed mining area, sampling points will be identified and samples taken to determine 

the ambient dust fall out and concentration at the proposed Nkomati Anthracite Mine Madadeni 

Opencast. The services of an air quality specialist will be used to monitor the overall dust generated 

at the proposed Nkomati Anthracite Mine Madadeni Opencast. Records of the results from the 

monitoring will be kept at the mine’s offices. 

2. 7.10 Noi se & Vibrat i on 

Noise will be generated during blasting. A monitoring programme for the purpose of monitoring the 

noise and vibration levels during blasting and machinery movements from the proposed mining area 

will be developed. This will be integrated to the current noise monitoring undertaken at the existing 

opencast mining area. A specialist in the field of blasting vibration and noise will develop this 

monitoring programme. Records of all the results of the monitoring programme will be kept at the 

mine offices. 


Nkomati Anthracite Mine will continue to apply an open-door policy with all interested and affected 

parties. This will allow the mine to pro-actively react to any perceived complaint from its neighbours 

thus ensuring that the situation is resolved timeously. A complaints register is currently kept at the 

mine’s offices. All complaints and responses to the complaints, will continue to be kept in the mine’s 

complaints register. 




SECTION THREE 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

Financial Provision 

Page 49 




3. FINANCIAL PROVISION 

3.1 S ECTI ON 39(4) (A) (I I) AND SEC TION 41(II) OF TH E 

MPRDA: FI N AN CIAL PROVISI ON 

Page 50 

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 (Pty) 

Limited must make financial provision for the rehabilitation of the negative environmental impacts from 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine, which include both the current and proposed mining operations. In terms of 

the above-mentioned sections Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited is 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. 

In view of the above and for the purpose of the amendment environmental management programme, 

Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited has determined the quantum of the financial provision for the 

proposed Nkomati Anthracite Mine Madadeni Opencast project area (see Appendix 6). The quantum 

determination was determined for the pre-mature closure of the mining operation. Premature closure 

will constitute the closure of the mine before the estimated end of life of mine due to the unforeseen 

reasons that could range from economic, environmental or any other reasons. Due to this, the 

premature closure cost must be determined and the provision made for it by the mining right 

applicant. In view of the above, a premature closure was determined for Nkomati Anthracite Mine 

Madadeni Opencast, which includes the cost for decommissioning, final rehabilitation and post 

closure maintenance of the mine. The determined quantum will then be integrated to the quantum for 

the existing mining operation, which is in the process of being finalized. The quantum for the entire 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine (existing and proposed mining operations) will be updated on an annual 

basis and the determined quantum will then be used to adjust the quantum determined in this EMP. 

As described above, due to the fact that Nkomati Anthracite Mine is an existing mine, the quantum 

determined for the Madadeni Opencast operation will be added to the existing guarantee that was 

given by Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited on approval of the Environmental Management 

Programme. 

3.2 DETER MI N ATI ON OF THE QUANTU M 

The financial provision for the proposed Nkomati Anthracite Mine Madadeni Opencast 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, DMR. Attached herewith please refer to Appendix 6. The quantum for the 

proposed Madadeni Opencast mining area was calculated to be R 4 370 574.24. 




3.3 METHOD OF PR OVIDI NG F OR THE FINANCI AL PROVISION 

Page 51 

In view of the above, and for the purpose of the required quantum for Nkomati Anthracite Mine, 

Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited will provide the Department of Mineral Resources with a new Bank 

Guarantee, which will ensure that the quantum for both the proposed Madadeni Opencast and the 

current mining area are provided for. 

As described before, Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited will annually review the quantum for the 

financial provision of Nkomati Anthracite Mine. Depending on the outcomes of the review adjusted 

Bank Guarantees will be submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources to ensure that sufficient 

funds are available for rehabilitation of Nkomati Anthracite Mine mining and infrastructure area. 




SECTION FOUR 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

Environmental Emergencies, Remediation and 

Awareness Procedures/Plan 

Page 52 




4. ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES/REMEDIATION 

PROCEDURES AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS 

PLAN 

4.1 S ECTI ON 39(3)(C) OF THE MPRDA AND REGULATION 

51( B) (VI) OF THE REGUL ATI ONS UNDER THE MPRDA: 

E NVIR ONMENTAL EMERGENCI ES/RE M EDI ATI ON 

P ROCEDURES AND AWARENESS PL AN 

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 (Pty) Limited 

in terms of environmental legislation requirements. The following define most likely potential 

environmental emergencies: 

- Hydrocarbon spills or leaks 

- Surface fires (including veld fires) and Explosions 

- Flooding and Burst/Overflowing Dams 

- Burst pipelines 

- A chemical spill 

- Transportation accident 

- Fall of ground 

Other environmental emergencies requiring special services 

Page 53 

Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited has developed procedures for environmental related emergencies 

for the proposed Nkomati Anthracite Mine, which is explained in more detail below. 

Note that these procedures will be revised by the responsible person. The date of commencement of 

the revised procedures will always be indicated to prevent confusion. 

4. 1.1 I ntroduction 

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. 

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. 




Page 54 

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. 

4 . 1 . 1 . 1 P u r p o s e o f t h e p r o c e d u r e 

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. 

4 . 1 . 1 . 2 L e g al r e q u i r e m e n t s 

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 

4. 1.2 Respon s ibilit i e s 

4 . 1 . 2 . 1 M i n e M a n a g e m e n t 

Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited 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 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. 




4 . 1 . 2 . 2 M i n e M a n a g e r 

Page 55 

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. 

4 . 1 . 2 . 3 L o c al G o ve r n m e n t 

Local governments have the responsibility to warn residents of a hazardous situation, these warnings 

must be based on information provided by the mine. 

4 . 1 . 2 . 4 Al l e m p l o ye e s , c o n t r a c t o r s a n d o t h e r re l e va n t p a rt i e s 

All employees, contractors and other relevant parties should ensure that they are familiar with this 

procedure. 

4. 1.3 Notif i c ati on pro c ess 

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 

4. 1.4 E mergency equi pment a nd su pplies 

There will be a directory of emergency equipment and other supplies on site as well as person/s 

responsible for the equipment. 

4. 1.5 Communicati on sys te ms 

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 

4. 1.6 Training 

The mine management will ensure that employees are trained on emergencies that might occur at 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 

4. 1.7 M o ni t or in g an d activity p roce du re 

4 . 1 . 7 . 1 M e t h o d o f e m e r g e n c y a c t i vi t y i d e n t i f i c a t i o n 

Page 56 

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. 

4 . 1 . 7 . 2 R e vi ew a n d r e vi s i o n 

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. 




4. 1.8 E mergency R esponse fl ow chart f o r N k o mat i Ant h racite Mi ne. 

The emergency response at Nkomati Anthracite Mine will be undertaken as shown 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 

Notify appropriate person(s) 

e.g., Environmental Control 

Officer etc. 

Take appropriate action 

Emergency Response flowchart for Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited at Nkomati Anthracite 

Mine 

Page 57 

Report as required Investigate 

Initiate corrective action 

Monitor as required 

NKOMATI ANTHRACITE (PTY) LIMITED COMPILED BY GEOVICON ENVIRONMENTAL 

No



4.2 E NVI RONME NTAL AWARENESS PLAN 

Page 58 

In terms of section 39(3)(c) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 

of 2002), Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited 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 (Pty) Limited at 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 (Pty) Limited 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 (Pty) Limited. 

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. 

4. 2.1 Obj ecti ves a nd Leg al Re qui reme nt s 

4 . 2 . 1 . 1 O b je ct i ve s 

The following are the objectives of the environmental awareness plan 

To identify the necessary training needs for different categories in the mine 

To train all employees on environmental issues on the mine 

4 . 2 . 1 . 2 L e g al r e q u i r e m e n t s 

The following legislation apply to this environmental awareness plan 

Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act 55 of 1998) 

National Environmental Management Act, 198 (Act 77 of 1998) 

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002). 




4. 2.2 M a nner o f informing emplo y e es of ri s ks to avoi d pollution 

a nd degrad ation of the envi ronme nt 

4 . 2 . 2 . 1 I n d u c t i o n P r o g r a mme 

Page 59 

An Induction Programme (Nkomati Anthracite Mine 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 Mine induction. 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine Mine induction includes training and awareness on environmental issues on 

the mine and is compulsory for all new employees. The induction programme 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: 

Significant environmental impacts as identified in the EMP 

Procedures: environmental awareness and emergency procedures 

Trends in incidents 

Trends in audit findings 

4 . 2 . 2 . 2 T r a i n e e n e e d s 

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 have different responsibilities and therefore have different knowledge 

requirements and environmental awareness training needs, to obtain that knowledge. 

4 . 2 . 2 . 3 T r a i n i n g P l an n i n g 

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. 




4 . 2 . 2 . 4 G e n e r a l e n vi r o n mental aw ar en e s s t r a i n i n g 

Page 60 

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. 

4 . 2 . 2 . 5 J o b s p e c i f i c e n vi r o n m e n t a l aw areness t r a i n i n g 

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 

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. 

4 . 2 . 2 . 6 C o m p et en c y t r a i n i n g 

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 




Page 61 

Trend analysis of monthly incidents (or zero tolerance if available) as recorded per mine 

sections. 

4. 2.3 Training re c or ds 

Environmental awareness and training records will be kept at a safe and accessible place on site. 

4. 2.4 Review of aw a reness an d traini ng m a te ri a l 

The content of all awareness and training material will be updated at least once on an annual basis. 

4. 2.5 Rol es an d re sp onsi bilities 

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. 




SECTION FIVE 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

Technical & Supporting Information 

Page 62 




5. TECHNICAL & SUPPORTING INFORMATION 

Page 63 

The following information i.e. Determination of Quantum for Financial Provision for Nkomati Anthracite 

Mine Area is attached as Appendix 6. 




SECTION SIX 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

Undertaking 

Page 64 




6. UNDERTAKING TO COMPLY 

Page 65 

I,................................................................................................................................................................ 

.......................................................................................................................................,the undersigned 

and duly authorised thereto by Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited (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…………...................2011 

....................................... ....................................... 

Signature of applicant Designation 

Agency declaration: This document was compiled by Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited on 

behalf of Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited (Nkomati Anthracite Mine).

Madadeni Opencast EMP - Sentula Mining

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