Proposed Limpopo West Mine Concept Study ... - SRK Consulting

SRK Consulting: 447493: Limpopo West Geochem Page 121 IntroductionSasol Mining (Pty) Ltd (Sasol) has identified nine properties in Lephalale area for the development ofopen cast coal mine, referred to as the Proposed Limpopo West mine (PLWM).These propertiesformed part of a previous environmental study, Mafutha Environmental Authorisation Programme(MEAP), undertaken by SRK. An application for environmental authorization is required to securemining rights for the development of mining activities in these farms.In terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (No. 28 of 2002) (MPRDA), anEnvironmental Management Programme (EMP) is required to support an environmentalauthorisation decision that will be made by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR).Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations developed in terms of the NationalEnvironmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998) came into effect in April 20061. These weresucceeded by the June 2010 NEMA EIA Regulations 2. Under the above NEMA EIA Regulations, allmining related activities (e.g. internal roads, power lines, vegetation clearance, radio masts, etc.) thatare considered listed activities could require environmental authorisation from the NationalDepartment of Environmental Affairs (DEA) or provincial equivalent. Thus a separate application interms of NEMA could be required for all mines (new and existing, irrespective if they have anapproved EMP and/or mining right).This report documents the findings of the geochemical assessment and will be used to support theapplications for environmental authorisations as well as to support applications for a Water UseLicense and waste license.2 Project Description2.1 LocalityThe Limpopo West prospecting area is located approximately 45 km West of Lephalale, Limpopoprovince. The prospecting area covers nine identified farms and extends approximately 19 kmnorth/south and 12.5 km east/west, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Lephalale Municipalitywhich is located in the north western part of the Waterberg District in Limpopo. The municipality islocated approximately 40 km from the border of Botswana.The land use in the vicinity of the PLWM area includes mainly game farming, cattle grazing, powergeneration and coal mining, with the Grootegeluk situated 22 km of PLWM area. The location ofPLWM study area is presented in Figure 2-1.1 Listing Notices GN R386 and GN R387 dated April 2006.2 Listing Notices GN R544, GN R545 and GN R546 dated June 2010.GOGP/LAKJ Report_April2013_19April2013 (1)_Final_Ludi_22052013 April 2013