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PROPOSED EXPANSION OF THE 

SEKOKO WATERBERG COLLIERY 

LEPHALALE, LIMPOPO 

SCOPING PHASE 

LANDOWNER FOCUS GROUP 

MEETING 

Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd 

Contact: 

Gabriele Wood 

Address: PO Box 148 

Sunninghill, 2157 

Tel: 011 656 3237 

Fax: 086 684 0547 

E-mail: gabriele@savannahsa.com 

NOTES OF MEETING 

HELD ON 

WEDNESDAY13 MARCH 2013 

VENUE 

FARM ELANDSBOSCH 

LEPHALALE 

Notes for the Record prepared by: 

Savannah Environmental 

Please address any comments to Gabriele Wood at the above address.

IMPACTED LAND OWNER MEETING: 

PROPOSED EXPANSION OF THE SEKOKO WATERBERG COLLIERY 

Venue: Farm Elandsbosch, Lephalale 

Date: Wednesday 13 March 2013 

Time: 15h00 

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION 

Ms Gabriele Wood of Savannah Environmental welcomed all presented and introduced 

herself as the facilitator of the meeting. She noted that the Sekoko Resources are 

proposing the expansion of the Sekoko Waterberg Colliery and that Savannah 

Environmental has been appointed as the independent environmental consultancy to 

undertake the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project. 

Ms Wood thanked Mr Hardus Steenekamp for the opportunity to brief him about the 

proposed expansion of the Sekoko Waterberg Colliery. She noted that the purpose of the 

meeting was to present: i) an update on the proposed expansion of the coal mine; ii) the 

application requirements in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 

of 1998) and the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (No. 28 of 2002) and 

iii) the findings of the Scoping Phase of the EIA. She said that Mr Steenekamp would be 

provided with the opportunity to seek clarity on the proposed expansion of the coal mine 

and that all comments made would be recorded and submitted to the Limpopo Department 

of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LDEDET) as part of the Final Scoping 

Report. 

Ms Wood requested the members of the meeting to introduce themselves (refer to the 

attendance register below). 

MEETING ATTENDEES 

Name 

Hardus Steenekamp (HS) 

Ig Steenekamp (IS) 

Jo-Anne Thomas (JT) 

Gabriele Wood (GW) 

Christo Pieterse (CP) 

Mathews Masemola (MMa) 

Organisation & Position 

Farm Owner (Minnasvlakte and Duikerfontein) 

Farm Owner (Minnasvlakte and Duikerfontein) 

Savannah Environmental – Environmental Assessment 

Practitioner (EAP) 

Savannah Environmental – Public Participation and 

Social Consultant 

Sekoko Resources 


1

Name 

Rethabile Mboya (RM) 

Nthabeleng Ledwaba (NL) 


Sekoko Resources – Legal Services 

Sekoko Resources – Mining Engineer 

APOLOGIES 

None 

BACKGROUND & TECHNICAL ASPECTS REGARDING THE PROPOSED 

PROJECT 

Nthabeleng Lewaba of Sekoko Resources presented the background and introduction to the 

project and Jo-Anne Thomas of Savannah Environmental provided an overview of the 

potential environmental impacts of the project identified in the draft Scoping Report. (Please 

refer to the attached presentation). 

DISCUSSION SESSION 

Question / Comment 

HS: Are you aware that we have lodged an 

appeal on the mining right for Minnasvlakte 

and the prospecting right for Duikerfontein? 

New mining rights must be obtained if the 

additional three farms are included. 

HS: It is important that a detailed socioeconomic 

impact assessment be 

undertaken to determine the impact on our 

farming, breeding, eco-tourism and hunting 

businesses. The expansion of the mine will 

have a major impact on our livelihoods 

since the impacts will be greater. 

HS: Wildlife experts must be appointed to 

determine the impact the proposed mine 

would have on the game, particularly the 

Cape Buffalo. Specialists such as 

veterinarians and experts from Wild Life 

South Africa would need to be consulted. 

Response 

JT: The existing mining rights will be 

amended as Sekoko aim to expand the 

mining right area. 

JT: The need for a detailed socio-economic 

impact assessment has been addressed in 

the Draft Scoping Report. The socioeconomic 

impact assessment will be 

undertaken in the Environmental Impact 

Assessment phase of the project. At this 

stage we only want to record your issues. 

JT: This will be considered in the EIA phase. 

I would recommend that you contact Dr 

Louis Greef to assist with this assessment. 

2


HS: The key role-players in Lephalale, 

namely, Sasol Mining, Exxaro Resources, 

and Sekoko Mine amongst others, must 

establish the exact amount of pollution 

which will occur as a result of the 

developments. 

HS: How can you assess the potential 

impacts on air pollution when no mining 

activity is taking place as yet? 

HS: Is this EIA going to have a different 

outcome than the one that was previously 

undertaken? 

HS: Is there enough water to sustain the 

mine? 

HS: Is the Sekoko Mine still undertaking 

water monitoring in the area? 

HS: Why has the mine discontinued water 

monitoring in the area? 

Mr Steenekamp referred to a letter from his 

attorney, Mr Kobus de Villiers. He read out 

the questions and comments regarding the 

proposed expansion of the Sekoko 

Waterberg Colliery (Refer to Appendix A). 

IS: How long will it take to finalize the 

Scoping Report once the comment period 

has ended? 

Response 

JT: Direct and indirect cumulative impacts 

will be assessed in the EIA. 

JT: International modeling standards are 

used by specialists to predict impacts on air 

quality. The monitoring of air quality has 

already commenced. White buckets have 

been placed in and around the identified 

surrounding area. The buckets are used to 

determine the amount of dust in the air. 

Information on expected emissions is also 

used within the model. In addition, the 

climate and topography of the area are taken 

into account when determining impacts on 

air quality. 

JT: The EIA will look at socio-economic 

impacts and cumulative impacts in more 

detail. 

JT: A number of water sources, which include 

groundwater, are being investigated. 

However, the report is not available as yet. 

We are consulting the Department of Water 

Affairs (DWA) in this regard. 

MMa: Water monitoring is no longer being 

undertaken. The DWA requested that water 

monitoring be done for a year. 

JT: Water monitoring was undertaken as part 

of the first mining right application. It is 

likely that the DWA will require us to conduct 

additional water monitoring. 

It was noted that Mr De Villiers’ questions 

will be responded to in writing by Savannah 

Environmental and the Sekoko Mine. The 

response will be attached to the minutes of 

the meeting. 

JT: The 30-day comment period is from 26 

February 2013 – 28 March 2013. The 

Scoping Report will be finalized by the 2 nd 

week of April 2013. I&APs may request an 

3


HS: The Draft Scoping Report indicated that 

the farm Massenberg is owned by me, this 

is incorrect. 

Response 

extension of the comment period if 

necessary. 

JT: The error will be rectified in the final 

Scoping Report. 

WAY FORWARD AND CLOSURE 

In closing Ms Wood noted that the project was currently in the public review period of the 

Scoping Phase which would close on 28 March 2013. She stated that the comments received 

would be responded to and added to the Final Scoping Report that would be submitted to 

LEDET. Ms Wood thanked everyone for availing themselves for the meeting and for the 

inputs which were provided. 

4




SCOPING PHASE 

FOCUS GROUP MEETING 


Contact: 

Gabriele Wood 



Tel: 011 656 3237 

Fax: 086 684 0547 


NOTES OF FOCUS GROUP MEETING 

HELD ON 

MONDAY 15 APRIL 2013 

VENUE 

LIMPOPO DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC 

DEVELOPMENT, ENVIRONMENT AND TOURISM 

CNR. SUID AND DORP STREET, 

POLOKWANE 




FOCUS GROUP MEETING: 


Venue: Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism. 

Cnr. Suid and Dorp Street, Polokwane 

Date: Monday 15 April 2013 

Time: 11:00 


Mr Moss Radingoana of Sekoko Resources welcomed all presented and thanked the 

representatives of the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and 

Tourism (LDEDET) for availing themselves for the meeting. He noted that the Sekoko 

Resources are proposing the expansion of the Sekoko Waterberg Colliery and that Savannah 



Mr Radingoana noted that the purpose of the meeting was to present: i) an update on the 

proposed expansion of the coal mine; ii) the application requirements in terms of the 

National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998) and the Mineral and Petroleum 

Resources Development Act (No. 28 of 2002) and iii) the findings of the Scoping Phase of 

the EIA. 

Mr Radingoana requested the members of the meeting to introduce themselves (refer to the 



Name 


Ravisha Ajodhapersadh 

(RA) 

Foster Babyi (FB) 

Mokgadi Mogashoa (MM) 

Tinijiko Malungani (TM) 

Moss Radingoana (MR) 




Savannah Environmental – Environmental Consultant 

LDEDET – Deputy Manager: Environmental Impact 

LDEDET – Deputy Manager: Environmental Impact 

LDEDET – Manager: Environmental Impact 

Sekoko Resources – Chief Operating Officer 

1

APOLOGIES 

None 


PROJECT 

Mr Radingoana presented the background to the project and Ms Jo-Anne Thomas of 

Savannah Environmental provided an overview of the potential environmental impacts of 

the project identified in the draft Scoping Report. (Please refer to the attached 

presentation). 



TM: LDEDET would like further information 

on the railway line application. What 

discussions has Sekoko Resources had with 

Transnet in this regard? 

TM: Transnet’s proposal does not 

necessarily address the needs of the people 

in the area. 

FB: Will the infrastructure required for the 

railway line change? 

Response 

MR: Transnet has outlined their plans in 

terms of rail infrastructure and capacity in 

the area. The consultants will work closely 

with Sekoko Resources, LDEDET and 

Savannah Environmental in determining the 

area where the rail-loop will be constructed. 

It is clear that the area requires rail 

infrastructure. Each role-player will need to 

define their individual needs in terms of rail 

capacity. Eskom and Transnet Freight Rail 

will need to reach an agreement regarding 

who would be responsible for funding the 

construction of the railway line. Sekoko 

Resources’ railway link is approximately 

7km. The railway line would need to be 

36km in order for Transnet to join. 

MR: The process that Savannah 

Environmental is undertaking has changed in 

terms of the railway line. The mine 

infrastructure was initially planned to be 

located on the farm Hooikraal. However, due 

to the expansion of the mine, the 

infrastructure is planned to be located on the 

farm Minnasvlakte. 

MR: Yes. 

2


FB: Are these amendments contained in the 

new application? 

TM: LDEDET will convene a meeting with 

the role-players in terms of the railway line 

applications. Railway links which have been 

approved will be investigated again and the 

authorisation would be withdrawn if 

necessary. 

TM: Have activities outlined in the first 

authorisation commenced? 

Response 

JT: Yes, Minnasvlakte is identified as the 

preferred site for the infrastructure. The 

railway line will traverse all the properties 

from Hooikraal to Minnasvlakte. 

MR: Noted. 

JT: Mining activities have not commenced. 

Technical investigations have been 

undertaken on the properties which have 

been authorized. 

TM: What progress has been made in 

securing water from the Mokolo Crocodile 

Water Augmentation Project (MCWAP)? 

TM: There is a concern that there will be 

insufficient water supply to support the 

expansion of the mine. 

TM: Is the Mining Right in place? 

TM: LDEDT will provide comments on the 

Draft Scoping Report. 

MR: When is the Final EIA Report being 

submitted? 

MR: Sekoko Resources will notify the 

Department of Mineral Resources as well as 

LDEDET once mining activities commence. 

MR: Sekoko Resources are in the first phase 

of the signing process. 

MR: Comment noted. 

JT: The Mining Right is in place for the farms 

Minnasvlakte, Smitspan, Massenberg and 

Hooikraal. However, the Mining Right will be 

amended in terms of the mine worker 

programme as well as the placement of the 

mining infrastructure. 

JT: Comment noted. 

JT: The final EIA report will be submitted in 

mid-July 2013. 


Mr Radingoana thanked everyone for availing themselves for the meeting and for the inputs 

which were provided. 

3

PROPOSED EXPANSION OF SEKOKO WATERBERG 

COLLIERY NEAR LEPHALALE, LIMPOPO PROVINCE 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS 

FOR AMENDMENT OF THE EXISTING MINING 

RIGHT AND ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION 

Public Meeting – Scoping Phase 

6 March 2013

MEETING AGENDA 

• Welcome, Introduction & Apologies 

• Purpose of the meeting 

• Project Update by Sekoko 

• EIA & EMPR amendment Process by 


• Discussion 

• Way Forward & Closure

PURPOSE OF THE MEETING 

• Update regarding the proposed expansion of 

the coal mine by Sekoko 

• NEMA & MPRDA requirements for the 

expansion application 

• Scoping Phase of EIA 

• Opportunity for I&APs to seek clarity on the 

proposed expansion of the coal mine 

• To record comments from I&APs

BACKGROUND 

• Mining Right and Environmental Authorisation for the 

Sekoko Waterberg Colliery obtained in August 2011 

and March 2012 respectively. 

• In terms of this Mining Right, the mine would produce 

up to 5 Million tons per annum (Mtpa) of coal. 

• Authorised properties: Minnasvlakte 258 LQ, Smitspan 

306 LQ, Massenberg 305 LQ and Remainder of 

Hooikraal 315 LQ 

• Sekoko holds valid new order Prospecting Rights on 8 

properties in the area

• Sekoko has determined in consultation with 

Eskom that the annual output of coal from the 

mine can be increased from 5 Mtpa to 10Mtpa. 

• In order to accommodate this requirement, 

Sekoko Coal is proposing to include additional 

properties in the mining right area (EMPR and EIA 

process in terms of the MRPDA) 

• Swanepoel Pan 262 LQ 

• Olieboomsfontein 220 LQ 

• Duikerfontein 263 LQ 

BACKGROUND

PROJECT OVERVIEW 

• Opencast mining will initiate on the Farm Smitspan 

and expand southwards on to Massenberg 

• Mine life of 30 years is proposed, ramping up 

progressively over six years to produce 10Mtpa of 

washed coal for Eskom 

• Modular coal processing plant to be constructed, 

which at full capacity will comprise 4 modules – 

proposed on Hooikraal or Minaasvlakte 

• Sekoko Coal will evaluate opportunities for opencast 

and possibly underground mining on other authorised 

areas within the mining right boundary as well as on 

the new farm portions

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS 

LEGISLATION PERMIT AUTHORITY 

NEMA 

EA 

Limpopo DEDET 

MPRDA 

AMENDMENT TO 

MINING RIGHT 

Limpopo DMR 

NWA 

WATER USE 

LICENCE 

Limpopo DWA

PROJECT PROCESS 

• Amendments being applied for: 

Additional farms: Swanepoel Pan 262 LQ, 

Olieboomsfontein 220 LQ; Duikerfontein 263 LQ 

Additional 2500 hectares to the mining right area 

The main infrastructure on the new farm portions is 

the development of a spoil stockpile, development 

of a railway line, water supply pipeline and access 

roads. 

New location for the main mine processing plant

EIA PROCESS & PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT 

PHASE 1 

Notification of 

EIA Process 

1. Application form to 

LDEDET 

2. Advertise - local & 

regional papers 

3. Site notices 

4. Written notification – 

I&APs 

PHASE 2 

Environmental 

Scoping Phase 

1. Consultation - 

Stakeholders & I&APs 

2. Flyers & BID 

3. Focus Group Meetings 

4. Stakeholder meetings 

5. Public Review - Draft 

Scoping Report 

PHASE 3 

Environmental Impact 

Assessment/EMPR 

amendment Phase 

We are here 

1. On-going consultation 

2. Public feedback 

meetings 

3. Public Review - draft 

EIA Report & EMPr 

PHASE 4 

Decision Making 

1. Authority Review - 

Final EIA/EMP Report 

2. Inform I&APs of 

decision 

3. Appeals Process

EVALUATION OF PROJECT 

• Majority of impacts associated with activities on 

already authorised properties 

• Impacts associated with the planned expansion 

expected to be associated with: 

• the potential establishment of an overburden stockpile on 

the farm Swanepoel Pan 262 LQ, 

• the construction of a railway line, 

• water supply pipeline and access roads, and 

• underground mining activities (if considered as an option 

in future) 

• Impacts associated with relocation of mine infrastructure

CONCLUSIONS OF SCOPING STUDY 

• Potential impacts to be assessed in EIA/EMP phase 

through specialist studies: 

Soils 

Geology 

Topography 

Ground water & surface water 

Biodiversity 

Air quality 

Noise 

Traffic 

Heritage sites 

Visual/aesthetics 

Socio-Economics


• No fatal flaws identified for the site at this stage (more 

detailed assessment required) 

• Plan of Study for EIA/EMP (contained in Scoping Report) 

• Detailed specialist studies to be undertaken to assess 

impacts 

• Make recommendations for avoidance, minimisation and 

mitigation of impacts 

• Assess direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of the 

proposed mine expansion 

• Existing EMPr to be updated during EIA phase

• Draft Scoping Report public comments period: 26 

February 2013 to 28 March 2013 

• Report available at: 

WAY FORWARD 

o Lephalale Local Municipality Public Library 

o Marapong Community Library 

o AgriSA: Lephalale, Albert Street, Lephalale 

o Website - www.savannahSA.com 

• Final Scoping Report to be submitted to Limpopo 

DEDET and DMR for review & acceptance – end-March 

2013 

• EIA phase and feedback meetings – notifications to be 

distributed regarding report review & further meetings

WHO TO CONTACT 

Gabriele Wood 


PO Box 148, Sunninghill, 2157 

Tel: 011 656 3237 

Fax: 086 684 0547 

E-mail: gabriele@savannahsa.com




FOCUS GROUP MEETING 


Contact: 

Gabriele Wood 



Tel: 011 656 3237 

Fax: 086 684 0547 


LEPHALALE LOCAL 

MUNICIPALITY 

NOTES OF MEETING 

HELD ON 

THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2013 

VENUE 

LEPHALALE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY 

CNR. JOE SLOVO AND DOUWATER ROADS, 

LEPHALALE 






Venue: Lephalale Local Municipality Cnr. Joe slovo and Douwater roads, Lephalale 

Date: Thursday 14 March 2013 

Time: 10h30 



herself as the facilitator of the meeting. She noted that Sekoko Resources are proposing 

the expansion of the Sekoko Waterberg Colliery and that Savannah Environmental has been 

appointed as the independent environmental consultancy to undertake the Environmental 

Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project. 

Ms Wood thanked Mr Naidoo for the opportunity to brief him about the proposed expansion 

of the Waterberg Colliery. She noted that the purpose of the meeting was to present: i) an 

update on the proposed expansion of the coal mine; ii) the application requirements in 

terms of the National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998) and the Mineral 

and Petroleum Resources Development Act (No. 28 of 2002) and iii) the findings of the 

Scoping Phase of the EIA. She said that I&APs would be provided with the opportunity to 

seek clarity on the proposed expansion of the coal mine and that all comments made would 

be recorded and submitted to the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, 

Environment and Tourism (LDEDET) as part of the Final Scoping Report. 




Name 




Mathews Masemola 

(MMa) 

Johan Erasmus (JE) 

Nthabeleng Ledwaba 

(NL) 


Savannah Environmental – Public Participation and Social 

Consultant 

Savannah Environmental - EAP 

Sekoko Resources - Finance 

Sekoko Resources – Environmental Geologist 

Sekoko – Sumsare Consulting 


1

Name 

A.S. Naidoo (AN) 


Lephalale Local Municipality – Municipal Manager 

APOLOGIES 

None 


PROJECT 







AN: Is Sekoko Mine included in discussions 

being held regarding the Mokolo Crocodile 

Water Augmentation Project (MCWAP)? 

AN: Does Sekoko intend on commissioning 

the mine in 2015? 

AN: Where does the mine intend to source 

water from? 

AN: Sekoko Mine must inform the 

Department of Water Affairs of their water 

allocation requirements. It is unlikely that 

there will be sufficient water supply for the 

commissioning of the mine in 2015. It is 

recommended that the mine identify 

Response 

JT: Yes, Sekoko Mine have engaged with the 

Department of Water Affairs. Information 

from the previous process has been used and 

the water use license application process has 

been initiated. The water use license 

application will be updated for the expansion 

project. 

NL: Yes. However, water supply needs to be 

secured before cold and hot commissioning 

of the mine commences. 

NL: Groundwater studies are currently being 

conducted to determine whether there is 

sufficient groundwater to supply the mine 

during the construction phase. In addition, 

the mine aims to obtain water for its 

operational phase from MCWAP II. 

NL: Comment noted. Sekoko Resources will 

continue to engage with the Department of 

Water Affairs in this regard. 

2


alternative water sources for the 

commissioning process. 

AN: Sekoko Mine must present the 

expansion project to the council. 

Response 

GW: Savannah Environmental will assist 

Sekoko Mine in arranging this meeting. 







3




SCOPING PHASE 


MEETING 


Contact: 

Gabriele Wood 



Tel: 011 656 3237 

Fax: 086 684 0547 


NOTES OF LANDOWNER FOCUS GROUP 

MEETING 

Held on 

14 March 2013 

VENUE 

Farm Olieboomsfontein 

Lephalale 






Venue: Farm Olieboomsfontien 

Date: Thursday, 14 March 2013 

Time: 9:00 







Ms Wood thanked the members of the meeting for the opportunity to brief them about the 

proposed expansion of the Waterberg Colliery. She noted that the purpose of the meeting 

was to present: i) an update on the proposed expansion of the coal mine; ii) the application 

requirements in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998) 

and the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (No. 28 of 2002) and iii) the 

findings of the Scoping Phase of the EIA. She said that I&APs would be provided with the 

opportunity to seek clarity on the proposed expansion of the coal mine and that all 

comments made would be recorded and submitted to the Limpopo Department of Economic 

Development, Environment and Tourism (LDEDET) as part of the Final Scoping Report. 




Name 




F.W.T. Pistorius (FWT) 

Gideon Erasmus (GE) 

Maryna Pistorius (MP) 



Consultant 




Onschuld Bel (Pty) Ltd (Klippan 224) – Land Owner 

Farm Zaagput 307 – Land Owner 

Olieboomsfontein 220 – Land Owner 

1

Name 


(NL) 


(MMa) 

Johan Erasmus (JE) 



Sekoko Resources- Environmental Geologist 

Sumsare Consulting 

APOLOGIES 

None 


PROJECT 

Nthabeleng Lewaba of Sekoko Resources presented the background and 

introduction to the project and Jo-Anne Thomas of Savannah Environmental 

provided an overview of the potential environmental impacts of the project 

identified in the draft Scoping Report. (Please refer to the attached presentation). 



MP: I will not sign the land owner consent 

form or any other documents if I do not 

know what they are for. 

FWT: Where will the waste produced by the 

mine be disposed of? 

FWT: The only feasible solution is if the 

mines purchase the farms for a reasonable 

price. Land owners feel as though there is 

no real commitment from the mine in this 

regard. 

MP: When does Sekoko Mine intend on 

purchasing the land? There are other 

mines and private entities which are 

interested in buying the farm. 

FWT: Does the Sekoko Mine still hold the 

mining rights for Olieboomfsfontein? 

Response 

Comment noted. 

The overburden stockpile is planned to be 

located on the farm Swanepoelpan. 


Response required. 

JE: Sekoko Mine currently holds the 

prospecting rights for Olieboomsfontein. The 

mine is in the process of applying for the 

mining rights for the farms 

2


FWT: Core drilling was undertaken on 

Olieboomsfontein in the past. The machines 

used by the contractor destroyed the roads 

on the farm. The holes were left open and 

the land was not rehabilitated. It is 

unacceptable that we had to tidy up after 

the contractors. 

FWT: We use Klippan and Olieboomsfontein 

for farming. I will not be able to continue 

farming if the mine buys Olieboomsfontein 

as the land used for farming will be 

reduced. The blasting of dynamite will 

further complicate farming activities. 

GE: Why is Olieboomsfontein being 

included in the mining right application 

since it is located far away from the 

proposed mining area? 

MP: There is coal on Klippan, why did 

Sekoko Mine not include Klippan in the 

mining plan? 

GE: Smitspan and Hooikraal have not been 

bought by Sekoko as yet. 

GE: How will the Sekoko Mine operate if 

Massenberg cannot be bought? 

GE: In my opinion, Sekoko does not have 

sufficient funds to buy out the farmers. How 

is Sekoko going to operate a mine if they 

are unable to buy a farm? 

FWT: Is core drilling going to take place on 

Olieboomsfontein again? 

MP: What studies need to be undertaekn on 

Olieboomsfontein as part of the EIA? 

Response 

Olieboomsfontein, Duikerfontein and 

Swanepoelpan. Sekoko Mine holds the 

mining rights for the farms Minnasvlakte, 

Smitspan, Massenberg and Hooikraal. 

JE: The issues and concerns which you have 

raised are noted and will be addressed by the 

relevant parties. 


Response required 

JE: The prospecting rights for Klippan are 

held by Anglo Coal therefore Sekoko Mine 

does not have access to the coal on Klippan. 

JE: Sekoko Mine has purchased Smitspan 

and Hooikraal. The mine does not own 

Massenberg as yet. 

JE: Massenberg has to be bought in order for 

the mine to operate. 

JE: Sekoko Mine is a new mining company 

and has already purchased Smitspan and 

Hooikraal. The mine will expand its assets as 

funds become available. Sekoko are in a 

position to leverage funding from investors 

since coal reserves have been identified on 

the farms during the prospecting process. 

JE: No, the prospecting activities on 

Olieboomsfontein are complete and the 

geology of the farm has been established. 

CP: Savannah Environmental are appointed 

to undertake an Environmental Impact 

Assessment for the proposed expansion of 

3


Response 

the mine. Specialists will require access to 

the farm to undertake environmental studies. 

Environmental studies which will be 

undertaken include studies on: soils, 

geology, topography, ground water and 

surface water, biodiveristy, air quality, noise, 

traffic, heritage sites, visual/aesthetic, socioeconomics 

GE: Are the environmental studies which CP: Studies which were undertaken in the 

were undertaken by the previous previous EIA will be expanded on and include 

environmental consultants going to be done 

again? 

an assessment of the environmental impacts 

on the farms Duikerfontein, Swanepoelpan 

and Olieboomsfontein. 

GE: How will Exxaro Resources’ proposed 

Thabametsi Mine influence these studies? 

JT: An assessment of the cumulative impacts 

will be undertaken. Technical impacts on the 

Thabametsi Mine will be considered by the 

Sekoko Mine. 

GE: Do the various role-players (such as 

Exxaro Resources, Anglo Coal and Sekoko 

Mine) communicate with one another about 

CP: Sekoko Mine will engage with the key 

role-players in the area as part of the public 

participation process. 

their planned developments? 

FWT: How is the coal going to be CP: Mining will commence on Smitspan. The 

transported out of the area once it is coal will be transported via railway, 

mined? 

conveyers and trucks. 

FWT: The trucks are going to destroy the JE: Sekoko will be responsible for 

gravel roads which are already in a state of maintaining the roads. 

disrepair. 

GE: Mining activities will cause increased air CP: Air quality specialists and surface and 

and water pollution. 

ground water specialists will undertake an 

assessment of the significance of the impacts 

that the mine would have on air and water 

quality. Ways in which to mitigate and 

manage these impacts will be addressed in 

the EIA phase of the project. 

GE: Will water samples be taken on a 

regular basis? 

JT: Yes. A baseline study will be undertaken. 

Water monitoring will continue throughout 

the project. 

GE: When will mining activities commence 

on Smitspan? 

NL: Construction is planned to commence in 

2014 and production will start in 2015. 

FWT: Underground blasting will cause the Comment noted. 

farm dams to crack. 

GE: Mining activities will have a negative Response Required. 

4


impact on the hunting industry. Noise from 

the mine will disturb tourists and could 

have an impact on the game. In addition, 

the safety of the mine workers could be 

compromised if they accidently enter a 

hunting area. 

GE: Where will the coal be delivered? 

MP: Would it be possible for me to rent the 

property after I sell it to Sekoko? 

GE: Where will the mine workers be 

housed? It is important to take this into 

account. 

Response 

JE: Coal will be sold to the Matimba power 

station and power stations in Mpumalanga. 

CP: Yes, you could negotiate a lease 

agreement with Sekoko. 

CP: Mine workers will be sourced from the 

local community and will reside in the towns 

surrounding the mine. No accommodation 

will be provided on the mine. 







5




PUBLIC MEETING 


Contact: 

Gabriele Wood 



Tel: 011 656 3237 

Fax: 086 684 0547 


NOTES OF PUBLIC MEETING 

HELD ON 

WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013 

VENUE 

MOGOL CONFERENCE ROOM, MOGOL CLUB 

CNR. NELSON MANDELA DRIVE AND GEORGE 

WELLS STREET, LEPHALALE 




PUBLIC MEETING: 


Venue: Mogol Conference Room, Mogol Club, Cnr. Nelson Mandela Drive and George 

Wells Street, Lephalale 

Date: Wednesday 6 March 2013 

Time: 17h30 



















Name 

Mathema Makola (MM) 

Astrid Basson (AB) 

Jan Esterhuizen (JE) 

Shalate Thobane (ST) 

Louise van den Berg- 

Nicolai (LvdBN) 



Labonte ‘5 (Pty) Ltd – Community Development Officer 

Lephalale Local Municipality – Councillor 

Mokolo Clay Bricks 

Ntshebele Rural Rhythm – Journalist 

Resgen/Ledjadja Coal – Environmental Officer 



1

Name 



Ahatakali Mulovhedzi 

(AM) 


(MMa) 

Rethabile Mboya (RM) 


(NL) 

Dries Basson (DB) 



Consultant 




Sekoko Resources – Legal Services 


Waterberg District Municipality – Councillor 

APOLOGIES 

None 


PROJECT 







MM: Are members of the public still 

permitted to register as Interested and 

Affected Parties (I&APs) on the project’s 

database? 

MM: Would it be possible to obtain a copy 

of the presentation? 

MM: Can you provide more information on 

the socio-economic study that will be 

undertaken? 

Response 

JT: Yes, members of the public are invited to 

register as I&APs at any stage of the public 

participation process. 

JT: The presentation will be emailed to 

meeting attendees together with a copy of 

the minutes of the meeting. 

JT: During the Scoping Phase of the project it 

was determined that the socio-economic 

impact assessment would need to include a 

detailed assessment of the impacts the coal 

mine would have on the surrounding farms 

2


AB: The properties on which the previous 

mining right applications were undertaken 

are clustered together which is logical from 

a development point of view. However, the 

new mining right application focuses on 

outlying properties which are located far 

away from the original site. What 

development will take place on the outlying 

properties? 

AB: Lephalale is a water scarce area. It will 

be a challenge to provide the mine with 

water. Further, additional water will be 

required for the construction workers that 

will move to Lephalale during the 

construction phase. 

LvdBN: Has the proposed rail-link received 

environmental authorisation? 

LvdBN: What activities are planned for the 

farms Vetleegte and Olieboomsfontein? The 

farm Olieboomsfontein is located far away 

from Minnasvlakte and the remaining 

mining area. From an environmental 

perspective, it does not make sense to 

disturb the area between Minnasvlakte and 

Olieboomsfontein. 

JE: Where will the mine be located in 

relation to the Grootegeluk Coal Mine? 

JE: Is Sekoko Mine affiliated to Exxaro 

Resources? 

JE: Why does Exxaro Resources not hold 

the prospecting rights on the farms 

neighbouring the Grootegeluk mine and the 

proposed Thabametsi mines? 

JE: What will Sekoko Mine’s mining tonnage 

be? 

JE: What succession of processing will be 

undertaken at the mine? 

Response 

and farming activities. 

NL: It is envisaged that all mining activities 

will take place on the farms Smitspan and 

Massenberg. The mine’s infrastructure is 

planned to be located on either the farm 

Minnasvlakte or the farm Hooikraal. The 

farm Swanepoelpan RE/262 will be used for 

the overburden stockpile. 

GW: The comments made on issues 

pertaining to water have been noted and will 

be looked at in detail in the EIA phase of the 

project. 

NL: The EIA for the proposed rail-link is 

under review. I&APs will be informed of the 

outcome of the EIA process for this 

application. 

JT: The farm Vetleegte does not form part of 

the current application. The farm 

Olieboomsfontein is being considered for 

underground mining in the future. 

JT: The Grootegeluk Coal Mine is located east 

of the proposed site. 

NL: Sekoko Mine is a separate entity and is 

not linked to Exxaro Resources. 

JT: Sekoko Mine currently holds mining 

rights on the farms Minnasvlakte, Smitspan, 

Massenberg and Hooikraal as well as the 

prospecting rights for the farms 

Olieboomsfontein, 

Duikerfontein, 

Swanepoelpan and Vetleegte. 

NL: Sekoko Mine aim to mine 10 million tons 

of coal per annum. 

NL: Sekoko will undertake the full succession 

of processing, namely bench mining, 

3


JE: What is Sekoko Mine’s market? 

JE: What is the Sekoko Mine’s envisaged 

Social and Labour Plan (SLP)? 

JE: What specific projects will be 

implemented as part of the SLP? 

Response 

selective mining, crash and screen wash. 

NL: The Sekoko Mine will cater for the 

domestic market. 

NL: Sekoko Mine remains committed to the 

SLP which was submitted to the Lephalale 

Local Municipality and which formed part of 

the initial application. The SLP will however 

be revised due to the expansion of the 

project. 

MMa: The projects which would be 

implemented as part of the SLP would need 

to be work-shopped with the municipality. 

AB: The mine would be required to identify 

projects in terms of the municipality’s 

Integrated Development Plan (IDP). 

JE: What will the stripping ratio be? NL: The stripping ratio would be 1:1. 

MM: Are you satisfied with the public GW: Due to the numerous developments and 

meeting attendance? 

studies taking place in the area, it is 

understood that community members may 

be experiencing “stakeholder fatigue”. To 

counteract this phenomenon, other 

consultative processes are being put in place 

to ensure that I&APs are informed of and 

participate in the process. Savannah 

Environmental will engage with land owners 

and farmers on a one-on-one basis, a focus 

group meeting will be held with the Lephalale 

Local Municipality and meetings will be 

convened with representatives from the 

Department of Water Affairs, Department of 

Mineral Resources and the Limpopo 

Department of Economic Development, 

Environment and Tourism. In addition, 

public open days will be held during the EIA 

phase of the project. 

4







5

PROPOSED EXPANSION OF SEKOKO WATERBERG 

COLLIERY NEAR LEPHALALE, LIMPOPO PROVINCE 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS 

FOR AMENDMENT OF THE EXISTING MINING 

RIGHT AND ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION 

Public Meeting – Scoping Phase 

6 March 2013

MEETING AGENDA 

• Welcome, Introduction & Apologies 

• Purpose of the meeting 

• Project Update by Sekoko 

• EIA & EMPR amendment Process by 


• Discussion 

• Way Forward & Closure

PURPOSE OF THE MEETING 

• Update regarding the proposed expansion of 

the coal mine by Sekoko 

• NEMA & MPRDA requirements for the 

expansion application 

• Scoping Phase of EIA 

• Opportunity for I&APs to seek clarity on the 

proposed expansion of the coal mine 

• To record comments from I&APs

BACKGROUND 

• Mining Right and Environmental Authorisation for the 

Sekoko Waterberg Colliery obtained in August 2011 

and March 2012 respectively. 

• In terms of this Mining Right, the mine would produce 

up to 5 Million tons per annum (Mtpa) of coal. 

• Authorised properties: Minnasvlakte 258 LQ, Smitspan 

306 LQ, Massenberg 305 LQ and Remainder of 

Hooikraal 315 LQ 

• Sekoko holds valid new order Prospecting Rights on 8 

properties in the area

• Sekoko has determined in consultation with 

Eskom that the annual output of coal from the 

mine can be increased from 5 Mtpa to 10Mtpa. 

• In order to accommodate this requirement, 

Sekoko Coal is proposing to include additional 

properties in the mining right area (EMPR and EIA 

process in terms of the MRPDA) 

• Swanepoel Pan 262 LQ 

• Olieboomsfontein 220 LQ 

• Duikerfontein 263 LQ 

BACKGROUND

PROJECT OVERVIEW 

• Opencast mining will initiate on the Farm Smitspan 

and expand southwards on to Massenberg 

• Mine life of 30 years is proposed, ramping up 

progressively over six years to produce 10Mtpa of 

washed coal for Eskom 

• Modular coal processing plant to be constructed, 

which at full capacity will comprise 4 modules – 

proposed on Hooikraal or Minaasvlakte 

• Sekoko Coal will evaluate opportunities for opencast 

and possibly underground mining on other authorised 

areas within the mining right boundary as well as on 

the new farm portions

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS 

LEGISLATION PERMIT AUTHORITY 

NEMA 

EA 

Limpopo DEDET 

MPRDA 

AMENDMENT TO 

MINING RIGHT 

Limpopo DMR 

NWA 

WATER USE 

LICENCE 

Limpopo DWA

PROJECT PROCESS 

• Amendments being applied for: 

Additional farms: Swanepoel Pan 262 LQ, 

Olieboomsfontein 220 LQ; Duikerfontein 263 LQ 

Additional 2500 hectares to the mining right area 

The main infrastructure on the new farm portions is 

the development of a spoil stockpile, development 

of a railway line, water supply pipeline and access 

roads. 

New location for the main mine processing plant

EIA PROCESS & PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT 

PHASE 1 

Notification of 

EIA Process 

1. Application form to 

LDEDET 

2. Advertise - local & 

regional papers 

3. Site notices 

4. Written notification – 

I&APs 

PHASE 2 

Environmental 

Scoping Phase 

1. Consultation - 

Stakeholders & I&APs 

2. Flyers & BID 

3. Focus Group Meetings 

4. Stakeholder meetings 

5. Public Review - Draft 

Scoping Report 

PHASE 3 

Environmental Impact 

Assessment/EMPR 

amendment Phase 

We are here 

1. On-going consultation 

2. Public feedback 

meetings 

3. Public Review - draft 

EIA Report & EMPr 

PHASE 4 

Decision Making 

1. Authority Review - 

Final EIA/EMP Report 

2. Inform I&APs of 

decision 

3. Appeals Process

EVALUATION OF PROJECT 

• Majority of impacts associated with activities on 

already authorised properties 

• Impacts associated with the planned expansion 

expected to be associated with: 

• the potential establishment of an overburden stockpile on 

the farm Swanepoel Pan 262 LQ, 

• the construction of a railway line, 

• water supply pipeline and access roads, and 

• underground mining activities (if considered as an option 

in future) 

• Impacts associated with relocation of mine infrastructure


• Potential impacts to be assessed in EIA/EMP phase 

through specialist studies: 

Soils 

Geology 

Topography 

Ground water & surface water 

Biodiversity 

Air quality 

Noise 

Traffic 

Heritage sites 

Visual/aesthetics 

Socio-Economics


• No fatal flaws identified for the site at this stage (more 

detailed assessment required) 

• Plan of Study for EIA/EMP (contained in Scoping Report) 

• Detailed specialist studies to be undertaken to assess 

impacts 

• Make recommendations for avoidance, minimisation and 

mitigation of impacts 

• Assess direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of the 

proposed mine expansion 

• Existing EMPr to be updated during EIA phase

• Draft Scoping Report public comments period: 26 

February 2013 to 28 March 2013 

• Report available at: 

WAY FORWARD 

o Lephalale Local Municipality Public Library 

o Marapong Community Library 

o AgriSA: Lephalale, Albert Street, Lephalale 

o Website - www.savannahSA.com 

• Final Scoping Report to be submitted to Limpopo 

DEDET and DMR for review & acceptance – end-March 

2013 

• EIA phase and feedback meetings – notifications to be 

distributed regarding report review & further meetings

WHO TO CONTACT 

Gabriele Wood 


PO Box 148, Sunninghill, 2157 

Tel: 011 656 3237 

Fax: 086 684 0547 

E-mail: gabriele@savannahsa.com



LEPHALALE, LIMPOPO PROVINCE 

SCOPING PHASE 

LAND OWNER FOCUS GROUP 

MEETING 


Contact: 

Gabriele Wood 



Tel: 011 656 3237 

Fax: 086 684 0547 


NOTES OF FOCUS MEETING 

Held on 


THE SPUR RESTAURANT, LEPHALALE 






Venue: Spur Restaurant, Lephalale 


Time: 8h00 







Ms Wood thanked Mr Stoffel Pieterse and Mr Pieter Pieterse for the opportunity to brief them 

about the proposed expansion of the Waterberg Colliery. She noted that the purpose of the 

meeting was to present: i) an update on the proposed expansion of the coal mine; ii) the 

application requirements in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 

of 1998) and the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (No. 28 of 2002) and 

iii) the findings of the Scoping Phase of the EIA. She said that I&APs would be provided 

with the opportunity to seek clarity on the proposed expansion of the coal mine and that all 






Name 


Pieter Pieterse (PP) 

Stoffel Pieterse (SP) 

Johann Erasmus (JE) 





Farm Swanepoelpan 

Farm Swanepoelpan 

Sumsare Consultants 


Sekoko Waterberg Colliery 

1

APOLOGIES 

None 


PROJECT 

Jo-Anne Thomas of Savannah Environmental provided an overview of the potential 

environmental impacts of the project identified in the draft Scoping Report. (Please 




SP: Does the Sekoko Mine have 

prospecting rights for the farm Vetleegte? 

PP: When is the public review period on 

the Draft Scoping Report? 

PP: Where can we obtain a copy of the 

Draft Scoping Report? 

Response 

JT: Sekoko Mine does hold the prospecting 

rights for the farm Vetleegte. However, 

Vetleegte will not be included in the current 

mining right application. 

JT: The Draft Scoping report was released 

into the public domain on 26 February 2013. 

The public review period closes on 28 March 

2013. 

JT: The Draft Scoping report is available at 

the Lephalale Library. The report can also be 

downloaded from www.savannahsa.com. 

SP: I have a 50% share in the farm. Mr 

Japie Nel is the other shareholder. He is 

based in Pretoria. 

SP: Please notify our lawyer, Mr Eloff 

Brink, about the EIA process. 

SP: What mining activities will take place 

on Swanepoelpan in the future? 

CP: Would you be willing to sell the farm if 

the project is finalised? 

Ms Wood provided Mr P Pieterse with an 

electronic version of the Draft Scoping 

report. 

JT: We will arrange a meeting with him in 

Pretoria. 

GW: All correspondence will be sent to Mr 

Brink in future. 

JT: An overburden stockpile is planned to be 

located on Swanepoelpan. The exact location 

of the overburden stockpile is still to be 

determined. No infrastructure will be placed 

on the farm. 

SP: Sekoko Resources are aware that I will 

sell the farm if an acceptable offer of 

2


PP: All negotiations regarding the sale of 

the property must be done through our 

attorney, Mr Brink. 

purchase is made. 


Response 







3




SCOPING PHASE 


MEETING 


Contact: 

Gabriele Wood 



Tel: 011 656 3237 

Fax: 086 684 0547 


HELD ON 


VENUE 

FARM MASSENBERG 

LEPHALALE 




MEETING: 


Venue: Farm Massenberg 


Time: 15h00 



















Name 


P.S. Sauer (PS) 

Farm Vetleegte 

Z. Grobler (ZG) Farm Massenberg 

C. Grobler (CG) Farm Massenberg 

Johan Erasmus (JE) Sekoko Resources 

Jo-Anne Thomas (JT) Savannah Environmental – Environmental Assessment 


Gabriele Wood (GW) Savannah Environmental – Public Participation and Social 

Consultant 

Christo Pieterse (CP) Sekoko Resources 

1

Name 


(MMa) 


(NL) 


Sekoko Resources – Environmental Ecologist 


APOLOGIES 

None 


PROJECT 







PS: Does the current mining right allow for 

5 million tons of coal to be mined per 

annum? 

CG: People from the local community claim 

that their relatives are buried on the farm. 

Response 

JT: Yes. The current mining right permits 

mining of 5 million tons of coal per annum on 

the farms Minnasvlakte, Smitspan, 

Massenberg and Hooikraal. 

GW: The Department of Rural Development 

and Land Reform confirmed that the farms 

are privately owned and that they do not 

object to the mining right application. 

CG: The influx of people during the 

construction and operation of the mine will 

have a negative impact on the area. There 

will be an increase in noise and traffic 

congestion. We found that our fences and 

gravel roads were damaged by drilling 

contractors working on the farm. 

JT: The heritage consultant will investigate 

this issue in the EIA phase of the project. 

JE: Comment noted. The drilling contractor 

has been instructed to repair the broken 

fences. 

2







3

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