pprust - SRK Consulting

BOEN/MOTF Report No 305804/1 June 2002Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Mining Expansionsat Potgietersrust Platinums Limited (PPRust)Socio-Economic Study1 INTRODUCTIONPotgietersrust Platinums Limited (PPRust) is proposing to expand its current Sandslootmining operation to include two further open pit areas and associated overburden dumps, aprocessing plant and a tailings dam on the farms Overysel (815LR), Zwartfontein (818LR)and Blinkwater (820LR). The proposed mining expansion is part of Anglo Platinum’s R12.6billion plan to increase production to 3.5 million ounces from the current 2 million ounces bythe year 2006.The proposed mining expansion, known as the PPRust North Mine, falls within PPRust’scurrent surface lease area. The neighbouring villages of Ga-Sekhaolelo, Ga-Puka, Ga-Tshaba and Sekuruwe are likely to be impacted by the proposed expansion. The extent ofimpacts on Ga-Puka and Ga-Sekhaolelo (i.e. blasting, vibrations, noise and, primarily,overburden disposal) will probably result in these two villages being relocated. In addition,current planning for the new tailings dam on the farm Blinkwater, as well as newoverburden dumps and/or infrastructure, will impact on the settlements of Ga-Tshaba andSekuruwe and may, in time, result in further population resettlement.