NKOMATI ANTHRACITE (PTY) LIMITED - Sentula Mining

NKOMATI ANTHRACITE 

(PTY) LIMITED 

AMENDED 

Environmental Impact Assessment 

and Environmental Management 

Programme Report 

March 2011 

Submitted as contemplated in Section 39 and Regulation 50 of the 

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 

(Act No. 28 of 2002) 

For the Amendment of the Approved Environmental 

Impact Assessment and Environmental Management 

Programme for Nkomati Anthracite mine 

DMR Mining Right Reference No.: MP 30/5/1/2/2/89 MR

Environmental Impact Assessment Report: Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited, Madadeni 

Opencast Mining Project Page i 

Environmental Impact Assessment 

Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited: 

Madadeni Opencast Mining Project 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT 

ASSESSMENT REPORT 

Including the summary on Interested & Affected 

Parties Consultation 

March 2011 

NKOMATI ANTHRACITE (PTY) LIMITED COMPILED BY GEOVICON ENVIRONMENTAL (PTY) LTD


Opencast Mining Project Page ii 

CONTENTS PAGE 

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

1.1 Who is Developing the EMPR Amendment? .......................................................................... 4 

1.2 Who will Evaluate the EIA Report? .......................................................................................... 4 

1.3 Legal Requirements .................................................................................................................. 5 

1.4 Purpose of the EIA/EMP Report .............................................................................................. 5 

2. PROJECT BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT ....................................................................................... 8 

2.1 Overview of the Project ............................................................................................................. 8 

2.2 Name of the Mine ...................................................................................................................... 8 

2.2.1 Name of the Proposed Project ................................................................................ 8 

2.2.2 Address of Mine........................................................................................................ 8 

2.2.3 Mine Owner and Mining Right Holder ..................................................................... 8 

2.2.4 Mine Manager........................................................................................................... 8 

2.2.5 Contact Person ......................................................................................................... 8 

2.3 Location ..................................................................................................................................... 8 

2.3.1 Magisterial District & Regional Services Council .................................................... 8 

2.3.2 Direction and Distance to Nearest Towns .............................................................. 9 

2.3.3 Surface Infrastructure ............................................................................................... 9 

2.3.4 Presence of Servitudes ............................................................................................ 9 

2.3.5 Land Tenure and Use .............................................................................................. 9 

2.3.6 Name of River Catchments ..................................................................................... 9 

2.4 Name and Address of Land Owner & Farm Description ........................................................ 9 

2.5 Brief Proposed Project Overview ........................................................................................... 10 

2.5.1 Mineral Deposit ....................................................................................................... 10 

2.5.2 Mine Product........................................................................................................... 10 

2.5.3 Estimated Reserves ............................................................................................... 10 

2.5.4 Mining Method ........................................................................................................ 10 

2.5.5 Production Rate ...................................................................................................... 10 

2.5.6 Planned Life of Mine............................................................................................... 10 

3. BASELINE INFORMATION ................................................................................................................. 12 

3.1 Section 39(3)(a) of MPRDA, Regulation 50 (a) and Regulation 51 (a) of Regulations under 

the MPRDA: Description of the Environment Likely to be Affected by the Proposed 

Mining .................................................................................................................................... 12 

3.1.1 Geology ................................................................................................................... 12 

3.1.2 Climate .................................................................................................................... 13 

3.1.3 Topography............................................................................................................. 16 

3.1.4 Soils ..................................................................................................................... 16 

3.1.5 Pre-Mining Land Capability .................................................................................... 18 

3.1.6 Land Use................................................................................................................. 19 

3.1.7 Natural Vegetation / Plant Life ............................................................................... 19 

3.1.8 Surface Water ......................................................................................................... 23 

3.1.9 Groundwater ........................................................................................................... 27 

3.1.10 Presence of Water Boreholes and Springs/Fountains ......................................... 27 

3.1.11 Ground Water Quality ............................................................................................ 27 

3.1.12 Groundwater Zone ................................................................................................. 30 

3.1.13 Numerical Modelling ............................................................................................... 30 

3.1.14 Air Quality................................................................................................................ 30 

3.1.15 Noise & Vibration .................................................................................................... 31 

3.1.16 Sites of Archaeological and Cultural Interest ........................................................ 31 

3.1.17 Sensitive Landscapes ............................................................................................ 31 



Opencast Mining Project Page iii 

3.1.18 Visual Aspects ........................................................................................................ 31 

3.1.19 Regional Socio-Economic Structure ..................................................................... 31 

3.1.20 Interested and Affected Parties ............................................................................. 33 

4. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT .................................................................................................... 35 

4.1 Detail Description of the Project ............................................................................................. 35 

4.1.1 Surface Infrastructure ............................................................................................. 35 

4.2 Consideration of Alternatives.................................................................................................. 36 

4.2.1 Land Use Alternatives ............................................................................................ 36 

4.2.2 Project Alternatives................................................................................................. 36 

5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS................................................................. 39 

5.1 Approach to Environmental Impact Assessment .................................................................. 39 

5.2 EIA Technical Process............................................................................................................ 39 

5.2.1 Consultation with Lead Authority ........................................................................... 39 

5.2.2 Application for Authorisation .................................................................................. 39 

5.2.3 Scoping Report ....................................................................................................... 39 

5.2.4 Information Gathering ............................................................................................ 40 

5.2.5 Specialist studies .................................................................................................... 40 

5.2.6 Integration of Findings into a Final EIA Report ..................................................... 40 

5.3 Public participation process .................................................................................................... 41 

5.3.1 Objectives of public participation ........................................................................... 41 

5.3.2 Stakeholders Consulted ......................................................................................... 41 

5.3.3 Announcing the Opportunity to Contribute ............................................................ 46 

5.3.4 Final EIA/EMP Report ............................................................................................ 46 

6. IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...................................................................................................................... 48 

6.1 Section 39(b) (i) and Section 39(b)(ii) of the MPRDA and Regulation 50(c) of the 

Regulations Under the MPRDA: Assessment Methodology ............................................. 48 

6.2 Section 39(3)(b)(i), Section 39 (3) (d) (1) and Section 39(4)(a)(iii) of the MPRDA: 

Identification Of Actions, Activities And Processes Of The Mining Operation ................... 49 

6.2.1 Construction Phase ................................................................................................ 49 

6.2.2 Operational Phase.................................................................................................. 51 

6.2.3 Decommissioning and Closure Phase .................................................................. 52 

6.3 Section 39(b) (i), Section 39(b)(ii), Section (39)(4)(a)(iii), Section 37(2) of the MPRDA and 

Regulations 11(1)(g)(iv) and 50(c) of the Regulations Under the MPRDA: Impact 

Assessment and Determination of the Cost of Mitigation Measures ................................. 53 

6.3.1 Section 39(b) (i), Section 39(b)(ii), Section (39)(4)(a)(iii), Section 37(2) of the 

MPRDA and Regulations 11(1)(g)(iv) and 50(c) of the Regulations Under 

the MPRDA: Impact Assessment and Determination of the Cost of 

Mitigation Measures ................................................................................... 54 

6.3.2 CONSTRUCTION PHASE .................................................................................... 54 

6.3.3 OPERATIONAL PHASE ........................................................................................ 58 

6.3.4 DECOMMISSIONING PHASE .............................................................................. 66 

6.4 Residual Impacts Post mining ................................................................................................ 69 

6.4.1 Geology ................................................................................................................... 69 

6.4.2 Topography............................................................................................................. 69 

6.4.3 Soils ..................................................................................................................... 69 

6.4.4 Land Use and Capability ........................................................................................ 69 

6.4.5 Natural Vegetation .................................................................................................. 69 

6.4.6 Animal Life .............................................................................................................. 70 

6.4.7 Surface Water ......................................................................................................... 70 

6.4.8 Groundwater ........................................................................................................... 70 



Opencast Mining Project Page iv 

6.5 Section 39(b) (1) of the MPRDA and Regulation 50(c) of the Regulations Under the 

MPRDA: Assessment Methodology: Cumulative Impacts ............................................... 73 

6.5.1 Geology ................................................................................................................... 73 

6.5.2 Topography............................................................................................................. 73 

6.5.3 Soil, Land Use and Capability................................................................................ 73 

6.5.4 Natural Vegetation .................................................................................................. 74 

6.5.5 Surface water.......................................................................................................... 74 

6.5.6 Groundwater ........................................................................................................... 74 

6.5.7 Air Quality................................................................................................................ 74 

7. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................... 77 

7.1 Key recommendations ............................................................................................................ 77 

7.1.1 Recommendations Relating to Impacts on Soils .................................................. 77 

7.1.2 Recommendations Relating to Impacts on vegetation and fauna (biodiversity) . 77 

7.1.3 Recommendations Relating to Impacts on surface water ................................... 77 

7.1.4 Recommendations Relating to Impacts on groundwater ..................................... 78 

7.1.5 Recommendations Relating to Interested and Affected Parties .......................... 78 

7.2 Environmental Feasibility of the Proposed Project................................................................ 78 

7.3 Section 39(3)(b) (i) of the MPRDA and Regulation 50(g) of the Regulations Under the 

MPRDA: Completeness of Information ............................................................................... 79 

8. STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................................... 81 

9. REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................... 83 



Opencast Mining Project Page v 

TABLES 

Table 1: Direction and Distance to Nearest Towns. 9 

Table 2: Description of immediate and adjacent landowners and their property 9 

Table 3: Planned Production Rate 10 

Table 4: Rainfall Records Measured at the Komatipoort Weather Station 14 

Table 5: The mean maximum and minimum temperatures as recorded at Barberton Weather Station 14 

Table 6: Average wind speed and direction 15 

Table 7: Mean monthly evaporation for the region 15 

Table 8: Soil types identified on the proposed Madadeni Opencast Survey Area 18 

Table 9: Land Capability over Madadeni Opencast Mining Area 19 

Table 10: Catchment Mean Annual Runoff (MAR) for Catchments Within and Around the Proposed Madadeni 

Opencast Mining Area 24 

Table 11: Description of Surface Water Monitoring Points On and Surrounding Madadeni Opencast mining 

area 25 

Table 12: Surface Water Quality in the Vicinity of the Proposed Mining Project. 25 

Table 13: Results of major cation and anion analyses 29 

Table 14: List of meetings held with the community leaders and members for the Madadeni Opencast mining 

project 41 



Opencast Mining Project Page vi 

FIGURES 

Figure Attachment 

1 Regional Setting 

2 Location Of The Proposed Madadeni Opencast Mining Project In Relation To The Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) 

Limited Mining Right Area 

3 Location Of Madadeni Opencast mining area Within The Dwea Komati River Catchment Drainage Regions 

4 General Stratigraphic Column 

5 Local Topography of the proposed Madadeni Opencast Mining Project 

6 Soil Map For The Madadeni Opencast Mining Project Area 

7 Land Capability Over Madadeni Soil Study Area 

8 Madadeni Opencast mining area ’s Surface Water Catchments 

9 The Location Of The Surface Monitoring Points 

10 Correlation Graph Including All Boreholes 

11 Static Water Level Contour Map 

12 Groundwater Flow Direction Map 

13 Unsaturated Aquifer Thickness Map 

14 Locations Of The Boreholes Used In The Investigation 

15 Aquifer Boundaries 

16 Mine And Surface Infrastructure Layout Plan For The Proposed Madadeni Opencast Mining Project 

17 Diagrammatic Representation Of The Rollover Opencast Mining 

18 Groundwater Drawdown During Mining 

19 Change In Groundwater Levels After Mining 

20 Plume Migration After 10 Years 






Opencast Mining Project Page viii 

APPENDICES 

# Appendix 

1 Soil Survey Report Over the Proposed Madadeni Opencast Mining Area and Surrounds 

2 Fauna and Flora Survey Report Over the Proposed Madadeni Opencast Mining Area and Surrounds 

3 Geohydrological Study Over the Madadeni Opencast Mining Area 

4 Proof of Interested and Affected Parties Consultation 

5 Annual budget for Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited showing money put aside for the 

management of environmental impacts as determined under the impact assessment 

6 Quantum for Financial Provision 


Environmental Impact Assessment Report: Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited, 

Madadeni Opencast Mining Project Page 1 

Executive Summary 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine is an operational mine located south east of Komatipoort in the Mpumalanga 

Province (See Figure 1). Nkomati Anthracite Mine undertakes its mining operations by means of both 

opencast and underground mining methods. The current opencast mining area is near its completion 

and is being rehabilitated. The underground operation is recent and includes an access adit with 

associated underground workings and surface infrastructure. Nkomati Anthracite intends to open 

another mining area a few kilometres from the current opencast mining area. The proposed mining 

operation will be an opencast operation. Nkomati Anthracite mine has an existing mining right and an 

approved Environmental Management Programme (DMR Ref.: MP 30/5/1/1/2/ 89 MR) issued under 

sections 22 and 39 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Act (Act 28 of 2004) to mine coal on a 

portion of unsurveyed land in close proximity to the Madadeni and Sibange Communities. 

The proposed project will be undertaken on a portion of unsurveyed land near in close proximity to the 

Madadeni and Sibange Communities. The proposed Nkomati Anthracite Madadeni Opencast Mining 

Project will entail the removal of the No. 1 and the No. 2 coal seams by means of opencast mining 

methods. The opencast mining will use the conventional truck and shovel roll over mining technique. 

Access to the opencast workings will be via an initial box cut and an access ramp. 

The new opencast area will be equipped with the necessary infrastructure and will depend on the 

current opencast operation. The infrastructure to be constructed on the new opencast area includes 

the access and haul roads, overburden stockpiles, and water management facilities (dams and 

diversion drains/pumps and pipelines). 

The target mineral for the proposed project is the No. 1 and No. 2 coal seams. Approximately 1.44 

Million tons of coal will be mined as R.O.M coal at the proposed Madadeni Opencast Mining Project 

area. The mining method to be employed is the opencast mining method, using the truck and shovel 

mining technique with concurrent rehabilitation. Access to the mining area will be via an existing 

secondary road (south of Madadeni) and a new access road to be built. Access to the target coal 

seams will be via an access pit ramp and initial box cut. The run of mine (R.O.M. coal) removed from 

the mining area will not be beneficiated on site. The proposed project has an estimated life of six years 

based on the proposed 20 000 tonnes per month production rate. 

The proposed mining operation will most likely have different resultant environmental impacts, which 

were not considered in the approved Nkomati Anthracite mine Environmental Management 

Programme (EMP). In view of this, Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited is required to amend their 

approved EMP before commencement of the above-mentioned activities. In terms of section 39(6) of 

the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) and the Regulations 

under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) a Scoping 

Report was compiled, which will be followed by the undertaking of an Environmental Impact 

Assessment (EIA) and the compilation of the Environmental Management Programme. This 

document, supplemented by the Environmental Management Programme Report and Interested and 

Affected Party Report, must then be submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources as an 

amendment to the approved Nkomati Anthracite mine Environmental Management Programme in 

compliance with section 39 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2004 (Act 28 

of 2004). 

The process for the amendment of the approved Environmental Management Programme was 

initiated by the compilation and submission of the Scoping Report, which introduces the proposed 

project. Subsequent to the compilation and submission of the Scoping Report, environmental baseline 

data has been obtained through various agencies, pertaining to surface water quantities and qualities, 

NKOMATI ANTHRACITE (PTY) LIMITED 

COMPILED BY GEOVICON ENVIRONMENTAL (PTY) LTD



geohydrological data and modelling, topographical analyses, soil surveys, vegetation surveys, wetland 

survey and aquatic life assessment. Weather data was acquired from the Agricultural Research 

Council rainfall station situated in close proximity to the Nkomati Anthracite mine. Historic land use 

was determined through available data and by visual observations made during various field studies. 

Collection of concerns from the interested and affected Parties was also initiated during the Scoping 

phase of the amendment process and will be continued during the environmental impact assessment 

phase (current phase). The data accumulated and analysed is sufficient to gain a baseline indication 

of the present state of the environment. The use of this baseline study for impact assessments is thus 

justified, and reliable conclusions could be made. The impacts that may arise during and after the 

proposed project were determined and ranked according to their significance. Based on the impact 

assessment, recommendations were made for the mitigation of significant negative environmental 

impacts that will result from the proposed project. 



SECTION ONE 



_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Introduction 





1. INTRODUCTION 

1.1 WH O I S DEVELO P I N G T H E EMPR AM E N D M E N T ? 

EIA / EMP Compilation : 


Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited 

P.O. Box 4050 

MIDDELBURG, 1050 

Tel: (013) 243 0542 

Fax: (086) 632 4936 

Contact: Mr. O.T. Shakwane 

Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited is a geological and environmental consulting company. The 

company was formed in 1996, and currently has thirteen years experience in the geological and 

environmental consulting field. During the past ten years, Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited has 

successfully completed consulting projects in the Mining sector (coal, gold, base metal and diamond), 

Quarrying sector (sand, aggregate and dimension stone), Industrial sector and housing sector. 

Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited has undertaken contracts within all the provinces of South 

Africa, Swaziland, Botswana and Zambia. During 2001 Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited 

entered the field of mine environmental management and water monitoring. 

Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited is a Black Economically Empowered Company with the BEE 

component owning 60% of the company. Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited has three 

shareholders i.e. O.T. Shakwane, J.M Bate and T.G. Tefu. 

Mr. O.T Shakwane obtained his BSc (Microbiology and Biochemistry) from the University of Durban 

Westville in 1994, and completed his honours degree in Microbiology in 1995. 

Mr. T.G. Tefu is a geologist. He obtained his BSc. in geology at the University of Witwatersrand. He 

worked with several mining companies and was also employed by the Department of Mineral 

Resources’ Environmental Management directorate. 

Mr. Bate, founder of Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited, is used by the company on an ad hoc 

(consultancy) basis. He is also a qualified geologist. He obtained his BSc (geology) from the 

Potchefstroom University for CHE in 1993, and completed his honours degree (cum Laude) in 

geology in 1994. He obtained his MSC (cum Laude) in 1995. 

Over the past years Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited has formalised working relationships with 

companies that offer expertise in the following fields i.e. Geohydrology, Civil and Geotechnical 

Engineering, Geotechnical Consultancy, Survey and Mine Planning and Soil & Land Use 

Consultancy. 

1.2 WH O W I L L EVAL U A T E T H E EIA REPO R T? 

Before the proposed Madadeni Opencast Mining project can proceed, the environmental impacts that 

may result from the proposed project must be assessed. Based on the information provided in this 

EIA, DMR (Witbank) will decide whether or not to authorise the proposed Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) 

Limited Madadeni Opencast mining project. 

In the spirit of co-operative governance, the DMR will consult with other commenting authorities 

before making a decision. These could include: 

Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture and Land Administration (MDALA) 

Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) 




Department of Water and Environmental Affairs (DWEA) 

National Department of Agriculture (NDA) 

1.3 L E G AL R E Q U I R E M E N T S 

The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) (MPRDA) requires 

that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) be conducted and that the Environmental 

Management Programme (EMP) be compiled for any new mining operation. 

In addition to the MPRDA, the following key legislation is also relevant to the EMPR Amendment: 

Environment Conservation Act (ECA), No 73 of 1989 

The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), No 107 of 1998 

The Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA), No 29 of 1996, as amended 

The National Water Act (NWA), No 36 of 1998, as amended 

National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), No 10 of 2004 

Air Quality Act (AQA), No 39 of 2004. 

Scoping is the first phase of the EIA. This defines the nature and extent of the impact assessment 

required. Preliminary environmental screening indicates that there are no potentially major 

environmental issues associated with development and operation of the proposed Madadeni 

Opencast Mining Project. 

A Scoping Report was circulated in March 2010 to the relevant authorities for comments. 

The EIA/EMP Report (this report) will be evaluated by the public before being finalised based on the 

comments received from interested and affected parties. On finalisation, the report will further be 

evaluated by the relevant authorities including DMR before DMR can make a decision on granting or 

refusal of the report. 

1.4 P U R P O S E O F T H E EI A/EMP REPO R T 

The EIA/EMP report addresses the requirements of the Scoping and Impact Assessment Phases as 

outlined in the EIA regulations. This report documents the issues and concerns raised during the 

Scoping phase, and includes the findings of the specialist assessments for issues that have been 

raised. 

The aim of this EIA Report is to: 

Provide information on the proposed project and present the findings of the EIA to the authorities 

Provide information regarding alternatives that have been considered 

Show how authorities and interested and affected parties were afforded the opportunity to contribute 

to the project, and to indicate the issues raised and the responses to those issues 

Describe the baseline receiving environment 

Describe the extent of environmental consequences for the construction and operating phases of the 

proposed project 

Propose mitigation measures for impacts that are considered significant 

Describe the environmental feasibility of the proposed project 

Present findings of the EIA in a manner that facilitates decision-making by the relevant authorities 







SECTION TWO 



_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Project Background & Context 





2. PROJECT BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT 

2.1 O V E R V I E W O F T H E PROJECT 

2.2 N AM E O F T H E M I N E 

Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited 

2.2.1 Na m e o f t h e P r o p o se d P r o j e c t 

Nkomati Anthracite Madadeni Opencast Mining Project 

2.2.2 Ad d r e s s o f M i n e 

Nkomati Anthracite mine 

P.O. Box 4 

Komatipoort 

1430 

2.2.3 M i n e O w n er an d M i n i n g R i g h t H o l d e r 

Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited 

P.O. Box 4 

Komatipoort 

Tel: 082 494 9499 

Fax: 082 570 8433 

Contact Person: Mr. R. Hugo 

2.2.4 M i n e M a n a g e r 

Mr P. Masekela 

2.2.5 Co n t a c t P e r s o n 

Mr P. Masekela 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine 

P.O. Box 4 

Komatipoort 

1340 

Tel: 076 8981830 

2.3 L O C AT I O N 

Refer to Figure 1 for the regional setting of the proposed Madadeni Opencast Mining Project. The 

proposed Madadeni Opencast Mining Project is situated on a portion of unsurveyed state land south 

of the Madadeni Village which lies south of Komatipoort, Mpumalanga. See Figure 2 for the location of 

the mine in relation to the Mining Right area. 

2.3.1 M a g i s t e r i a l D i st r i c t & R e g i o n a l S er vi c e s Co u n c i l 

Kamhlushwa, Mpumalanga 

District Municipality: Ehlanzeni District Municipality 





Local Municipality: Nkomazi Local Municipality 

2.3.2 Di r e c t i o n a n d D i st an c e t o Ne a r e s t T ow n s 


Table 1: Direction and Distance to Nearest Towns. 

Town Direction Distance (km) 

Mozambique Border 

Komatipoort 

Tonga 

West 

South 

North 

2.3.3 S u r f ac e I n f r a s t r u c t u r e 

11 km 

50 km 

6.5 km 

There are various existing main and minor roads passes in close proximity to the proposed mining 

area. These roads will be used to connect to the proposed mining area. A new haul road will 

however be constructed for the haulage of the run of mine coal from the opencast workings to the 

existing Nkomati Anthracite Mine beneficiation plant. 

The existing power grids will be utilised for supply of electricity if necessity arises. 

No railway lines will be required for the proposed project. 

2.3.4 P r e s e n c e o f S e r vi t u d e s 

No servitudes exist within the proposed mining area. 

2.3.5 L a n d T e n u r e a n d Us e 

Land tenure in relation to the proposed Madadeni Opencast Mining area is indicated in Table 2. The 

surface of land within and adjacent to the proposed Madadeni Opencast Mining Project area is 

extensively used for agricultural purposes i.e. crop production (sugar cane), low level grazing and 

mining (current) and bush. 

2.3.6 Na m e o f R i ve r C a t c h m e n t s 

According to DWAF’s water management area delineations, Nkomati Anthracite Mine occurs within 

the Inkomati River water management area, delineated as X Primary drainage area. The Inkomati 

water management area is divided into four major river catchments i.e. the Nwanedzi River, Sabie 

River, Crocodile River (East) and Komati River catchments. Nkomati Anthracite Mine is situated within 

the Komati River catchment. Within the Komati River catchment, Nkomati Anthracite Mine occurs 

within the X13 and X13J tertiary and quaternary drainage regions respectively, which is drained by the 

Komati River. See Figure 3 for the location of the mine in relation to the DWEA tertiary and 

quaternary drainage regions. 

The Mgobode River, which drains the proposed mining area, confluence downstream of the proposed 

mining area and drains into the Komati River. 

2.4 N AM E A N D AD D R E S S O F LAN D OWNER & FA R M DESCRIPT I O N 

Table 2 indicates the surface owners on and surrounding the proposed Madadeni Opencast mining 

project area. 

Table 2: Description of immediate and adjacent landowners and their property 

FARM PORTION SURFACE RIGHT OWNERS 

Unsurveyed Stateland* RE Republic of South Africa 




* Indicate farm portions on which the proposed Madadeni Opencast mining project will be undertaken. 

2.5 B R I E F PRO P O S E D PR O J E C T OVERVIEW 

2.5.1 M i n e r al D e p o s i t 

Anthracite found in the No. 1 and No. 2 coal seams of the Lebombo Coal field. See Figure 4 for the 

general Stratigraphy of the proposed mining project. 

2.5.2 M i n e P r o d u ct 

Coal from the No. 1 and No. 2 coal seam horizon will be mined, crushed/screened and sold as R.O.M 

coal. The buyer will transport the coal from the mine for processing at an existing coal beneficiating 

plant. 

2.5.3 E s t i m a t e d Re s e r ve s 

The estimated reserves within the No. 1 and No 2 coal seam reserves over the proposed project area 

is in the order of 1 000 000 R.O.M. tons. 

2.5.4 M i n i n g M et h o d 

The proposed mining project will use the opencast mining methods for exploitation of the target coal 

reserves. The opencast mining will use ‘’rollover’’ opencast mining method typical of small- scale 

open cast operations in the province. The open cast reserves will be mined by conventional truck and 

shovel mining method using the lateral rollover technique 

2.5.5 P r o d u ct i o n R a t e 

The planned production rate for the proposed Madadeni Opencast Mining Project is tabulated below. 

2.5.6 P l a n n e d L i f e o f M i n e 


Table 3: Planned Production Rate 

Year of production Production rate (R.O.M) 

1 st year 240 000 tons/year 

2 nd year 240 000 tons/year 

3 rd year 240 000 tons/year 

4 th year 240 000 tons/year 



Based on the quantity of coal within the Madadeni Opencast Mining Project area and the production 

rate, the life of mine for the proposed project is estimated to be approximately six years. Note: Since 

the proposed mining operation will be undertaken simultaneously with the current mining operation, 

the life of mine of the current mining operation will neither be extended nor reduced. 




SECTION THREE 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Baseline Information 





3. BASELINE INFORMATION 

3.1 S E C T I O N 39(3)( A) O F MP RDA, R E G U L A T I O N 50 ( A) A N D 

R E G U L AT I O N 51 ( A) O F R E G U L AT I O N S U N D E R T H E M PRDA: 

D E S C R I P T I O N O F T H E E N V I R O N M E N T L I K E L Y T O B E AF F E C T E D B Y T H E 

P R O P O S E D M I N I N G 

3.1.1 G e o l o g y 

3 . 1 . 1 . 1 R e g i o n a l G e o l o g y 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine falls within the Lebombo Coalfield. 

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

border and consists of a fairly narrow north/south elongated development of coal-bearing Vryheid 

Formation sediments, which have been warped by the Lebombo Monocline and are overlain by the 

Upper Ecca and Cave Sandstone formation sediments. The Drakensberg formation Volcanics caps 

the entire succession. This volcanic formation forms the prominent topographic feature that 

constitutes the border between Kangwane and Mozambique. Nkomati Anthracite mine is situated in 

the middle of this coalfield in the area commonly known as the Komatipoort sector. 

Lebombo coalfield – Komatipoort sector 

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

succession: 

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

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

mudstone that goes over to a bluish mudstone in the lower third of the succession. 

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

of white medium to course grained sandstone with subordinate shale and mudstone layers. 

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

coal layers. 

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

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

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

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

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

therefore of economic significance. 

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

western margin, deposition and contemporaneous erosion occurred. The shape of the pre-Karoo 

floor also influences the deposition of the coal seams. This depositional influence is due to mainly 

gully (or trough) infilling giving rise to areas devoid of coal. 

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

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

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

coal horizons. 





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

continents. These tension faults were intruded and filled with dolerite intrusions. 

Vertical displacements exceeding 50 meters are also associated with these dolerite intrusions. 

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

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

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

the isostatic re-adjustment in the newly formed continental margin. 

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

Mineral lease area. 

3 . 1 . 1 . 2 L o c a l g e o l o g y 

A number of boreholes were drilled over the Nkomati Anthracite Mine to determine the potential coal 

reserves. The results of the exploration revealed that the mining area has three major coal horizons 

i.e. C1 (lower), C2 (middle) and C3 (upper). 

The C1 (lower), varies in width from less than one meter up to a maximum of 8.25 meters. This unit is 

distinctly zoned into three roughly equal leaves, namely C1A1, C1B1 and C1C1, the basal unit (C1A1) 

of which contains the highest quality coal with the best washability characteristics. 

The C2 (middle) can be sub-divided into a lower unit (C2B) and an upper unit (C2A) separated by up 

to three sandstones and shale. The C2A seam exhibits the better quality characteristics. Both units 

vary in width from a stringer, centimetres in width, up to a maximum of 2, 50 meters. 

C3 (upper) consists of an upper unit (C3A) and a lower (C3B). The lower unit is more persistently 

developed reaching a maximum thickness of two meters. This lower unit also exhibits the better 

washability characteristics when compared to the upper. 

The No. 1 and No. 2 coal seams are the target coal seams that will be mined at the proposed mining 

area. Figure 4 indicates the typical stratigraphic column of boreholes drilled over the proposed mining 

area. 

3.1.2 Cl i m a t e 

3 . 1 . 2 . 1 R e g i o n a l C l i m a t e 

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

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

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

conventional thunderstorms and are usually scattered and of short duration and intensity. The rainfall 

events are highly localised and can vary markedly over short distances. The gross annual “A” pan 

evaporation for the region, measured at Barberton, is 1635 mm. During the seven summer months 

from September to March the mean monthly evaporation is 157 mm. This equates to 67% of the total 

mean annual evaporation. Evaporation is lowest between the months of May to July when the 

average monthly evaporation of 90 mm occurs. 





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

experienced during the winter months due to clear night skies. Temperature can vary between 39 0 C 

(maximum) to 4 0 C (minimum) in summer and 36 0 C (maximum) to -2 0 C in winter. 

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

December. 

The annual prevailing wind direction, during the day, summer and winter months, is north-easterly. 

3 . 1 . 2 . 2 M e a n M o n t h l y Ra i n f a l l 

The mean annual rainfall is tabulated in Table 4 as measured at the Komatipoort Weather Station. 

This station was selected from other stations due to it being situated the closest to the proposed 

Madadeni Opencast mining area. 

Table 4: Rainfall Records Measured at the Komatipoort Weather Station 

MONTH MM No. of days >10mm 

January 124 3.3 

February 111 2.9 

March 107 3.0 

April 42 1.4 

May 19 0.6 

June 7 0.2 

July 10 0.2 

August 9 0.4 

September 24 0.6 

October 46 1.9 

November 85 2.7 

December 89 3.1 

Annual Average 56.08 1.69 

3 . 1 . 2 . 3 M e a n M o n t h l y M a x i m u m a n d M i n i mu m T e m p e r a t u r e s 

The temperatures recorded at Komatipoort Weather Station are depicted in Table 5. The mean daily 

maximum exceeds 28°C between December and March, the hottest months. Average maximum 

temperatures in the winter months (May – August) vary between 9.5 °C and 5.9 °C. 

Table 5: The mean maximum and minimum temperatures as recorded at Barberton Weather 

Station 

MONTH Mean 


Mean 

Daily 

Max. 

Mean Daily 

Min. 

Extreme 

Max. 

Extreme 

Min. 

January 26.9 32.9 20.8 43.9 27.2 

February 26.8 32.6 21.0 43.8 25.6 

March 25.8 31.8 19.8 43.3 24.8 

April 23.8 30.8 16.9 39.9 23.9 

May 20.5 28.9 11.9 40.5 20.8 

June 17.4 26.4 8.3 36.1 18.3 

July 17.5 26.5 8.4 35.0 17.8 




August 19.6 28.3 11.0 39.3 20.1 

September 21.9 29.6 14.2 46.7 22.8 

October 24.4 31.6 17.2 44.8 27.5 

November 25.3 31.9 18.9 44.8 27.8 

December 26.7 33.2 21.2 47.7 27.8 

Average 23.1 30.4 15.8 47.7 27.8 

3 . 1 . 2 . 4 W i n d D i r e c t i o n a n d S p e e d a t t h e M i n e 

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

been kept for the period 1959 to 1988 regarding direction, frequency and velocity for each of the eight 

main directions. This is indicated in Table 6. 

Month 


Table 6: Average wind speed and direction 

N NE E SE S SW W NW 

n v n v n v n V n v n v n v n v 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3 . 1 . 2 . 5 M e a n M o n t h l y E va p o r at i o n 

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

monthly moisture deficit throughout the year; this results in an average annual deficit of 870 mm. 

Furthermore it is also observed that the maximum potential water loss occurs during August, 

September and October. 

Table 7: Mean monthly evaporation for the region 

MONTH Evaporation (mm) 

January 182 

February 156 

March 151 

April 117 

May 97 

June 82 

July 92 

August 119 





September 150 

October 162 

November 169 

December 181 

TOTAL 1 635 

3 . 1 . 2 . 6 E x t r e m e w e at h e r c o n d i t i o n s 

Hail: Occurs 4 to 7 times per year 

Drought: ± every 6 years 

Frost: Can occur from end of April to September 

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

3.1.3 T o p o g r a p h y 

3 . 1 . 3 . 1 R e g i o n a l t o p o g r a p h y 

The proposed Madadeni opencast mining project falls within the area occupied by the plains of the 

Lebombo mountains range. This area consists of a gently undulating surface with a general westerly 

to north-westerly slope. The general elevation of the area ranges between 240 mamsl and 260 

mamsl. 

3 . 1 . 3 . 2 L o c a l t o p o g r ap h y 

The local topography can be seen in Figure 5. 

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

sheets, although the proposed Madadeni opencast mining project falls within the 2531 DD (Fig Tree) 

topo-cadastral sheet 

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

regional topography within the vicinity of the mine. 

The proposed Madadeni opencast mining project falls within the area occupied by the plains of the 

Lebombo mountains range. This area consists of a gently undulating surface with a general westerly 

to north-westerly slope. 

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

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

of the Lebombo Mountain range, with KU-Hluhlu peak obtaining an elevation of 1810 mamsl. The 

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

towards the northeast. 

3.1.4 S o i l s 

The proposed mining at the Madadeni Opencast area has a potential to impact on the soils of the 

area. In order to determine the present state of the soil environment, PedoPlan International 

Consultants cc was appointed to conduct a soil survey at the proposed mining area. A copy of the 

report from the study is attached as Appendix 1. 




3 . 1 . 4 . 1 S t u d y Ai m s a n d O b j e c t i ve s 

The study was conducted to provide input to the EIA amendment as required in terms of the Mineral 

and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002. The study has also been used to fulfil 

requirements of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002 for the 

amendment of the approved EIA/EMP for Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited’s Nkomati Anthracite Mine. 

Further to the above, the objectives of the soil survey were to provide baseline soil information in 

order to determine possible impacts by the proposed activities and to identify sensitive areas which 

should be treated accordingly during the proposed operation. 

3 . 1 . 4 . 2 S t u d y Ar e a 

The area, approximately 200 ha in extent, was selectively traversed on foot and the soils were 

examined at designated sites (to comply with semi-detailed survey intensity) by means of auger 

observations. Fewer observations were made on the old Komati River terrace due to poor 

accessibility of the terrain. 

The project area forms part of a level plain with slight relief (local relief less than 50 m) west of the 

north-south striking Lebombo Range. Through this plain the Komati River meanders northwards. On a 

meso-scale, the plain consists of crests, midslopes, footslopes and valley bottoms. Parent materials 

for the present-day soils were probably derived from Vryheid shale, sandstone and mudstone 

(Geological Survey, 1986) as well as alluvium. 

3 . 1 . 4 . 3 S u r ve y R e s u l t s 

3 . 1 . 4 . 3 . 1 . S o i l T yp e s 

A total of seven soil types, based on the dominant soil form, effective soil depth, terrain unit and slope 

percentage were identified during the field observation and were symbolised as follows: Sd1, Sw1, 

Se1, Ar1, Rg1, Oa1, and Oa2. The extent of these soil types are shown on the soil map attached as 

Figure 6. 

3 . 1 . 4 . 3 . 2 . Do m i n a n t S o i l T yp e s 

The dominant soil types identified over the area were Shortlands (Sd1), Swartlands (Sw1), Sepane 

(Se1), Arcadia (Ar1), Rensburg (Rg 1), Oakleaf (Oa1 and Oa2) 

The Sd1 soil type is dominated by the Shortlands soil form and covers 22.34 % of the survey area. 

This soil type occurs on gently sloping (2-4% slope) midslope; smooth ground roughness. The soils 

consist of shallow to moderately deep (40-90 cm), well-drained, dark reddish: moderately structured, 

sandy clay to clay topsoil on strongly structured, clay subsoil of the Shortlands form; overlying slightly 

weathered rock; many small stones throughout profile 

The Sw1 soil type is also dominated by the Swartlands soil form and covers 3.32 % of the survey 

area. This soil type occurs on gently sloping (2-4% slope) mid-and footslope; smooth ground 

roughness. The soils consist of mainly shallow (30-50 cm), moderately well-drained: dark greyish 

brown, weakly structured, coarse sandy loam to sandy clay loam topsoil with clear transition on dark 

greyish, mottled, strongly structured, sandy clay loam subsoil of the Swartland form; overlying slightly 

weathered rock; many small stones throughout profile 

The Se1 soil type is dominated by the Sepane soil form and covers 5.74 % of the survey area. This 

soil type occurs on occurs on gently sloped midslopes with a slope of 2-3%. The soils consist of 

mainly moderately deep (60-100 cm), moderately well-drained: dark greyish brown, weakly 





structured, sandy clay loam to sandy clay topsoil with clear transition on dark greyish, strongly 

structured, sandy clay subsoil overlying mottled, structured, sandy clay deep subsoil of the Sepane 

form 

The Ar1 soil type is dominated by the Arcadia soil form and covers 15.32% of the survey area. This 

soil type occurs on level (0-1% slope) valley bottom; smooth ground roughness. The soils consist of 

very deep (>120 cm), slowly permeable: black, strongly structured, vertic, calcareous, clay of the 

Arcadia form; associated with similar soil but with gleyed, deep subsoil of the Rensburg form. 

The Rg1 soil type is dominated by the Rensburg soil form and covers 22.59% of the survey area. 

This soil type occurs on level (0-1% slope) valley bottom; smooth ground roughness. The soils consist 

of very deep (>120 cm), somewhat poorly drained, slowly permeable: black, vertic, calcareous, clay 

topsoil on dark greyish, gleyed and mottled, vertic, clay deep subsoil of the Rensburg form. 

The Oa1 soil type is dominated by the Oakleaf soil form and covers 26.80% of the survey area. This 

soil type occurs on level (1-2%) old river terrace, smooth ground roughness. The soils consist of very 

deep (>150 cm), well-drained: dark brown, weakly structured, loam to clay loam topsoil on dark brown 

to reddish brown, weakly structured, cutanic, clay loam subsoil and deep subsoil of the Oakleaf form; 

in places associated with similar soils of the Valsrivier and Tukulu forms. 

The Oa2 soil type is dominated by the Oakleaf soil form and covers 3.9% of the survey area. This soil 

type occurs on gently sloping (2-5% slope) levee of the Komati River, smooth ground roughness. The 

soils consist of very deep (>150 cm), well-drained, dark brown, weakly structured to massive: loamy 

medium sand topsoil on cutanic, sandy loam subsoil; clay content decreases in deep subsoil. 

Table 8: Soil types identified on the proposed Madadeni Opencast Survey Area 

Soil type Natural fertility Physical Agricultural potential Irrigation Suitability class 

Sd1 Moderate Very low Marginal 

Sw1 Low Very low Marginal 

Se1 Low Very low Marginal 

Ar1 Moderate Very low Conditional 

Rg1 Moderate Very low Conditional 

Oa1 Moderate-Low Low High 

Oa2 Low Low Moderate 

3 . 1 . 4 . 3 . 3 . S o i l c h e m i c a l an a l y s e s 

No soil samples for laboratory analyses had been taken. However, several soil profiles and analyses 

representing land type Dc34 (land type covering the project area) were consulted in order to establish 

the overall physical and chemical properties. They are as follows: profile P899 representing the 

Sepane form; P902 the Swartland form; P904 the Shortlands form; and P910 the Rensburg form 

(Land Type Survey Staff, 1989). 

3.1.5 P r e - M i n in g L a n d C a p a b i l i t y 

Land capability was assessed according to the definitions of the Chamber of Mines of South Africa 

and Coaltech Research Association (Guidelines for the Rehabilitation of Mined Land. 2007, 

Johannesburg). Based on the above, the area was classified into three categories i.e. Class I 

(wetland), Class II (arable land) class III (grazing land).The agricultural potential of the soils was 

based on the soil properties noted during auger observations i.e. effective soil depths, texture, terrain 

unit, slope, soil wetness and disturbances. 





Based on the above the land capability of each soil type was determined. Figure 6 shows the soil 

types grouped into each land capability class, the number of units per land capability class and the 

area and percentage comprised by each land capability class. The extent of the land capability is 

shown on the land capability map attached as Figure 7. The opencast pits, pollution control dam, run 

of mine coal stockpile and haul roads will be located outside the fifty meter buffer from the wetland 

soils. All these structures will be located within the land that has the arable land capability potential. 

Table 9: Land Capability over Madadeni Opencast Mining Area 

Land 

Capability 

Code 

Land 

Capability 

Class 

A Arable 

TW 

3.1.6 L a n d U s e 

Temporary 

Wetland 


Soil Type 

Low agricultural 

potential – dOa1, dOa2 

Temporary wetland – 

Rg1 

Unit 

Count 

Area 

(ha) 

Area 

(%) 

1 45.20 22.59 

4 61.42 30.70 

G Grazing sSd1, sSw1, mSe1, Ar1 5 93.44 46.71 

W Wilderness - 0 0.00 0.00 

The surface of land within and adjacent to the proposed Madadeni Opencast Mining Project area is 

extensively used for agricultural purposes i.e. crop production (sugar cane), low level grazing and 

mining (current) and bush. 

3.1.7 Na t u r a l V e g e t at i o n / P l a n t L i f e 

The proposed Madadeni Opencast mining project has a potential of having negative impacts on the 

natural vegetation within the proposed mining area. In view of the above it is crucial that the state of 

the natural vegetation within the proposed mining are be determined prior to the commencement of 

the proposed mining operation. 

The proposed Madadeni opencast area is situated in the Savanna Biome (Rutherford, 1988). Mucina 

and Rutherford (2006) classify the area within the Zululand Lowveld vegetation unit (SVI 23) of the 

Lowveld Bioregion in the savanna biome. 

This vegetation unit is situated in KwaZulu-Natal, Swaziland and Mpumalanga Province, from around 

Big Bend south to Mkuze, Hluhluwe, Ulundi to just north of the Ongoye Forest. An isolated patch is 

found on the Swaziland-Mpumalanga border. Altitude varies mainly from 50 to 450 mamsl. 

Vegetation and landscape features: the area comprises extensive flat or only slightly undulating 

landscapes supporting a complex of various bushveld units ranging from dense thickets of 

Dichrostachys cinerea and Acacia species, through park-like savanna with flat-topped Acacia tortilis to 

tree-dominated woodland with broad-leaved open bushveld with Sclerocarya birrea and Acacia 

nigrescens. Tall grassveld types with sparsely scattered solitary trees and shrubs form a mosaic with 

typical savanna thornveld, bushveld and thicket patches. A detailed vegetation survey report is 

attached in Appendix 2. 

List of the dominant taxa in the Zululand Lowveld vegetation unit 

Observed Tall trees 

Acacia burkei Black monkey-thorn 

X Acacia nigrescens Knob-thorn 

Sclerocarya birrea Marula 




Small trees 

X Acacia tortilis Umbrella thorn 

Acacia gerrardii Red thorn 

Acacia natalitia Sweet thorn 

X Acacia nilotica Scented thorn 

X Acacia Senegal Three-thorned acacia 

Acacia welwitschii Delagoa thorn 

Boscia albitrunca Shepherd’s tree 

X Combretum apiculatum Red bushwillow 

Combretum molle Velvet-leaved combretum 

Ozoroa paniculosa Resin tree 

Phoenix reclinata Wild date palm 

X Schotia brachypetala Weeping schotia 

Spirostachys Africana Tamboti 

Teclea gerrardii Zulu teclea 

X Ziziphus mucronata Buffalo thorn 

Succulent trees 

X Aloe marlothii Flat-flowered aloe 

Euphorbia grandidens Large-toothed euphorbia 

Euphorbia ingens Candelabra tree 

Tall shrubs 

X Dichrostachys cinerea Sickle bush 

Euclea divinorum Diamond-leaved euclea 

Coptosperma supra-axillare 

Crotalaria monteiroi 

Euclea crispa Blue-leaved euclea 

Euclea schimperi Bush guarri 

Galpinia transvaalica Wild pride of India 

Gardenia volkensii Bushveld gardenia 

Gymnosporia maranguensis -- 

Gymnosporia senegalensis -- 

Jatropha zeyheri -- 

Lycium acutifolium -- 

Olea europaea Wild olive 

Tarchonanthes parvicapitulatus -- 

Tephrosia polystachya Pioneer tephrosia 

Triumfetta pilosa -- 

Low shrubs 

Barleria obtusa -- 

Crossandra greenstockii -- 

Felicia muricata -- 

Gymnosporia heterophylla Angular-stemmed spike-thorn 

Indigofera trita -- 

Justicia flava -- 

Justicia protracta -- 

Melhania didyma -- 

Orthosiphon serratus Small shell bush 

Pearsonia sessilifolia -- 

Ruellia cordata -- 

Sida serratifolia -- 

Tetraselago natalensis Natal blue haze 

Succulent shrubs 

Euphorbia grandicornis Rhino thorn 

Euphorbia trichadenia Melkbol 

Euphorbia vandermerwei -- 





Soft shrub 

Pavonia columella Pink pavonia 

Herbaceous Climber 

Fockea angustifolia Tugela fockea 

Graminoids (Grasses) 

Dactyloctenium australe LM grass 

Enteropogon monostachys Mopone grass 

Eragrostis capensis Heart seed love grass 

Eragrostis curvula Weeping love grass 

Eragrostis racemosa Narrow heart love grass 

Heteropogon contortus Spear grass 

X Panicum maximum Guinea grass 

Sporobolus pyramidalis Catstail dropseed 

Themeda triandra Red grass 

Aristida bipartita Rolling grass 

Aristia congesta Tassel three-awn 

Botriochloa insculpta Pinhole grass 

Chloris mossambicensis -- 

Cymbopogon caesius Turpentine grass 

Digitaria natalensis -- 

Leptochloa eleusine -- 

Panicum deustum Broad-leaved panicum 

Schizachyrium sanguineum Red autumn grass 

Setaria incrassata Vlei bristle grass 

Sporobolus nitens Curly leaved dropseed 

Trachypogon spicatus Giant spear grass 

Tristachya leucothrix Hairy trident grass 

Herbs 

Acrotome hispida -- 

Argyrolobium rupestre -- 

Aspilia mossambicensis -- 

Chamaecrista biensis -- 

Chamaecrista mimosoides Fishbone cassia 

Corchorus asplenifolius -- 

Felicia mossamedensis -- 

Gerbera ambigua -- 

Helichrysum rugulosum -- 

Hibiscus pusillus -- 

Kohautia virgata -- 

Lotononis eriantha -- 

Senecio latifolius Molteno-disease plant 

Stachys aethiopica Wild sage 

Tragia meyeriana Stinging nettle 

Vernonia capensis Narrow-leaved vernonia 

Succulent Herb 

Aloe parvibracteata -- 

According to the topocadastral map for the proposed Madadeni opencast area (2531DB, DD), the 

historic land use in the area was crop cultivation. After the land became state owned land, it was 

utilised by the local communities as grazing areas mainly for goat and cattle. These historic 

disturbances caused bush encroachment, resulting in the area not representing a true savanna 

vegetation type any more but rather a quite dense woodland/thicket with heavily grazed undergrowth. 





The drainage channel situated on the southern side of the proposed opencast area is heavily grazed 

and only guides runoff water after rainfall events. This channel is overgrown by couch grass and the 

dominant vegetation species are Xanthium strumarium (large cocklebur), Argemone ochroleuca 

(Mexican poppy) and Solanum sisymbriifolium (Dense-thorned bitter apple). All three these plants are 

categorised as declared weed and invader plant species and must be eradicated. Opencast mining 

will aid to this goal. 

3 . 1 . 7 . 1 . 1 . E n d a n g e r e d o r r a r e s p e ci e s 

No threatened species or any protected plants in terms of the Mpumalanga Conservation Ordinance 

were recorded within the study area. 

3 . 1 . 7 . 1 . 2 . De c l a r e d w e e d an d i n vad e r s p e c i e s 

Eight declared invader species are established in the proposed opencast mining area, viz.: 

Xanthium strumarium Large cocklebur (Cat 1) 

Argemone ochroleuca Mexican poppy (Cat 1) 

Opuntia ficus –indica Prickly pear (Cat 1) 

Opuntia imbricata Imbricate prickly pear (Cat 1) 

Senna septemtrionalis Arsenic bush (Proposed Cat 3) 

Solanum sisymbriifolium Dense-thorned bitter apple (Cat 1) 

Achyranthes aspera Burweed (Cat 1) 

Melia azedarach Syringa (Cat 3) 

3 . 1 . 7 . 1 . 3 . M e d i c i n a l sp e c i e s 

Thirteen medicinal plant species were observed in the proposed Madadeni opencast mining area viz. 

Asclepias physocarpa (Milkweed), Aloe marlothii (Flat-flowered aloe), Acacia karroo (Sweet thorn), 

Schotia brachypetala (Weeping boer-bean), Kigelia Africana (Sausage tree), Ziziphus mucronata 

(Buffalo thorn), Centella asiatica (Pennywort), Ficus sycomorus (Sycamore fig), Zanthoxylum capense 

(Small knobwood), Terminalia sericea (Silver terminalia), Rhoicissus tridentata (Bushman’s grape), 

Ipomoea obscura (Wild petunia) and Kalanchoe paniculata. 

These species are all widespread in the area and are not rare or endangered. 

3 . 1 . 7 . 1 . 4 . Co n c l u s i o n a n d R ec o m m e n d a t i o n s 

Since opencast mining is going to take place at proposed Madadeni opencast mining area, the area 

needs to be re-vegetated following rehabilitation. Since the area is presently utilised as a grazing 

area, this land use will also be the post mining land use goal. 

Grass species for re-vegetation include the following: 

Scientific name Common name Rate 

Eragrostis curvula (Ermelo variety) Weeping love grass 10 kg/ha 

Chloris gayana Rhodes grass 8 kg/ha 

Digitaria eriantha Common finger grass 15 kg/ha 

Eragrostis tef Tef 18 kg/ha 

Cynodon dactylon Couch grass 3 kg/ha 

After rehabilitation and re-vegetation of the opencast and infrastructure areas, regular inspections 

must be conducted over the areas to determine if vegetation cover is successful in order to combat 

erosion. If bare patches become visible, seeding of the areas must follow. 

Inspections must also include the establishment of any declared invader plant species. If they exist in 

the areas an immediate eradication program must be implemented. 





3.1.8 S u r f ac e W a t e r 

Madadeni Opencast mining right area falls within the Komati River catchment. Madadeni Opencast 

mining right area falls in the X13 tertiary drainage region of the Komati River catchment. Within this 

tertiary region the mine falls within the X13J quaternary drainage region. Figure 3 depicts the location 

of the Madadeni Opencast Mining right area in relation to the tertiary and quaternary drainage regions 

within the Komati River catchment. 

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

Nkomati Anthracite Mine falls within the Komati River catchment. This catchment area covers 11 209 

km 2 extending from the Transvaal Plateau west of Carolina to the Lebombo Mountain range at 

Komatipoort in the east. The total average mean annual runoff of the Komati River is 1420 million m 3 . 

The Komati River catchment is divided into three sub-catchments (excludes Mozambique). These 

sub-catchments are namely the upstream, Swaziland and the downstream catchment. The Nkomati 

Anthracite Mine falls within the downstream catchment of the Komati River. This catchment area 

extends from the Swaziland border to 4 km inside Mozambique in the east. This catchment consists 

of 15% (1 672 km 2 ) of the total Komati River catchment area. Table 14 indicates the MAR of the 

respective sub-catchments of the Komati River catchments. Figure 8 shows the respective subcatchments 

of the Komati River. 

3 . 1 . 8 . 1 . 1 . Ca t c h m e n t Bo u n d a r i e s 

Catchment boundaries relative to the mining right area of Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited are 

depicted in Figure 8. The general drainage pattern of the area in relation to the mining right area flows 

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

the mining right area towards the Komati River and include: 

� Nhlenga River 

The Nhlenga River originates from the west of the mining right area and flows in an easterly direction 

toward the mining right area. The Nhlenga River enters the Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited mining 

right area on the western boundary and thereafter drains into the Komati River. The Madadeni 

opencast mining area will not influence the Nhlenga River catchment as it does not fall within this 

catchment. 

� Mdzabi and Mbiteni River 

The Mdzabi River and the Mbiteni River originate from the south of the mining right area and flows in 

the north direction towards the mining right area. These rivers confluence upstream of the mining 

right area to form the Nyantshi River. The Nyantshi River enters the Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited 

mining right area on the southern boundary and drains into the Komati River. The Madadeni opencast 

mining area will not influence the Mdzabi and Mbiteni River catchment as it does not fall within this 

catchment, but rather the Mgobode River Catchment which lies on the western side of the Komati 

River. 

� Mgobode River 

The Madadeni opencast mining area and its infrastructure occur on the Mgobode sub-catchment, 

which does not from part of any of the Nyantshi River and Nhlenga River catchments. The mine has 





put in place measures to ensure that dirty water emanating from the Madadeni opencast mining area 

is contained within the dirty water areas of the opencast mining area. This is in the form of clean 

water diversion trenches that diverts clean water away from the mine to the Mgobode drainage 

channel and dirty water diversion trenches that diverts dirty water to the Madadeni opencast pollution 

control dam. 

Further to the above, a groundwater study has also been conducted and has shown that no impacts 

on the Mdzabi and Mbiteni Rivers are expected from the Madadeni opencast. An integrated water 

use licence application for all water use activities at Madadeni opencast, which includes the run of 

mine coal stockpiles, removal of mine water and the use of the pollution control dam has been 

submitted to DWEA. 

3 . 1 . 8 . 1 . 2 . M e a n An n u a l R u n o f f 

The size and Mean Annual Runoff for the catchment in which the proposed Madadeni Opencast 

mining area is stipulated in Table 10 below. 

Based on the area of the Mgobode River catchment, the proposed Madadeni opencast mining is small 

and will not significantly contribute to the mean annual runoff for this catchment. 

Table 10: Catchment Mean Annual Runoff (MAR) for Catchments Within and Around the 

Proposed Madadeni Opencast Mining Area 

Catchment Area (Km2) MAR (m3.a-1) x1000 

Nhlenga River (A) 113 5 198 

Mgobode River (B) 75 3 450 

Mdzabi River ( C) 71 3 266 

Mditeni River (D) 67 3 082 

Mambane River (E) 21 966 

Subcatchment of Komati River (F) 86 3 956 

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

Surface water quality within the Mgobode River sub catchment within which the proposed Madadeni 

Opencast mining area is situated is influenced by agricultural activities (cultivation and grazing) and 

mining (current Nkomati Anthracite Mine). Since the proposed mining activities have the potential to 

impact on the surface water environment, it is imperative that the water quality of the water bodies 

within and around the proposed mining area be recorded. These qualities will be used for comparison 

purposes with water qualities during mining. This will in turn act as a measuring tool for the efficiency 

or inefficiency of the management measures to be undertaken during mining. 

Further to the above, Nkomati Anthracite Mine has implemented a surface water monitoring 

programme for the current mining operation. The surface water monitoring programme consist of 

strategically placed surface water monitoring positions to monitor water quality within the catchments 

occurring on the Nkomati Anthracite Mine area,. The surface water monitoring points are indicated on 

Figure 9 and described in Table 11 below. The sampling localities include monitoring points on the 

receiving water body (Komati River) upstream and downstream of the mine, boreholes, abandoned 

workings and pollution control dams. 

Surface water samples from the water monitoring points are collected on a monthly basis. The 

samples are analysed for different chemical parameters to determine the qualities of the surface 



Sampling 

Points 



water. Sampling has been undertaken since 2008. The latest qualities (August) of the samples 

collected at the mine are illustrated in Table 12. Below is the description of the water quality as per 

the results of the monitoring undertaken at the mine. 

The surface water quality upstream of the mine (SRW1) shows that the Komati River in these parts of 

the catchment is of a very good state. All the measured variables recorded low concentrations. 

Sulphates, heavy metals and pH, which can be used to determine effects of mining on surface water, 

also recorded very low and neutral levels, respectively signifying the absence of mine effects on 

surface water. All variables are within the Target Water Quality Range for Domestic use proposed by 

the Department of Water Affairs. 

The surface water at the downstream monitoring point (SRW 3) continued to show good water quality. 

pH is neutral, to basic Sulphates are low and the TDS is well within the limits. The quality at this 

monitoring point does not show any sign that the mining activities upstream are having any influence 

on the surface water environment. 

The quality of the water at the pollution control dam has shown elevated levels of elements associated 

with the coal mining activities. Due to it being a pollution control dam, this water quality is expected. 

The ground water quality downstream of the current Nkomati Anthracite mine (BH 4 and BH 6) 

showed water of poor quality due to TDS, sodium and calcium concentrations exceeding the Target 

Water Quality Range for Domestic use proposed by the Department of Water Affairs. 

Water samples were taken upstream (MD 2) and downstream (MD 1) of the proposed Madadeni 

Opencast Mining area from the Komati River. See Figure 9. Three water quality variables were looked 

at namely TDS, pH and Sulphates as these variables indicated if the water would be affected by coal 

mining activity. Both sampling localities indicated water of good quality and variable concentrations 

were well within the Target Water Quality Range for Domestic use proposed by the Department of 

Water Affairs. See Table 12. 

Table 11: Description of Surface Water Monitoring Points On and Surrounding Madadeni 

Opencast mining area 

Monitoring site Description 

MD1 Downstream of the proposed Madadeni Opencast mining area 

MD2 Upstream of the proposed Madadeni Opencast mining area 

SRW 1 Komati River, upstream of Nkomati Anthracite 

SRW 3 Komati River, downstream of Nkomati Anthracite 

BH 4 Downstream of Nkomati Anthracite 

BH 6 Downstream of Nkomati Anthracite 

Table 12: Surface Water Quality in the Vicinity of the Proposed Mining Project. 

TDS 

(Mg/l) 

pH 

SO4 

(Mg/l) 

EC 

(mS/m) 

Ca 

(Mg/l) 


Mg 

(Mg/l) 

Variables 

Na 

(Mg/l) 

K 

(Mg/l) 

Fe 

(Mg/l) 

Mn 

(Mg/l) 

F 

(Mg/l) 

Cl 

(Mg/l) 

MD1 160 8.06 12 23 10.7 9.71 21.0 0.75 0.11 0.01 0.36 22 0.18 

MD2 160 8.08 12.1 23.6 110 9.89 22.2 22.2 0.12 0.01 0.32 23 0.23 

SW 1 156 8.2 12.4 25.8 10.9 9.99 28.3 0.97 0.17 0.01 0.43 25 0.1 

SW 3 204 8.25 15.7 31.6 12.4 11.7 37.5 0.97 0.11 0.01 0.44 37 0.08 

BH 4 3694 5.44 127 578 102.9 27.2 1095 9.59 18 2.9 1.3 2100 0.01 

COMPILED BY GEOVICON ENVIRONMENTAL (PTY) LTD 

Al 

(Mg/l)



BH 6 1446 9.85 6.9 260 6.73 2.91 482 3.2 0.01 0.01 0.24 828 0.01 

3 . 1 . 8 . 3 W a t e r Us e 

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

local inhabitants residing on the mining area use the water for domestic purposes. Ground water is 

also used for domestic consumption. 

3 . 1 . 8 . 4 W a t e r Au t h o ri t y 

The authority in charge is the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs (Mpumalanga Regional 

Office). 

3 . 1 . 8 . 5 W e t l an d s 

3 . 1 . 8 . 5 . 1 . M e t h o d o l o g y o n W e t l a n d d el i n e a t i o n 

According to “A practical Guideline Procedure for the Identification and Delineation of Wetlands and 

Riparian Zones” (DWAF 2005), the following criteria were used as indicators of wetlands, namely: 

� The Terrain Unit Indicator, which helps to identify those parts of the landscape where 

wetlands are more likely to occur. 

� The Soil Form Indicator, which identifies the soil forms, as defined by the Soil Classification 

Working Group (1991), which are associated with prolonged and frequent saturation. 

� The Soil Wetness Indicator, which identifies the morphological "signatures" developed in the 

soil profile as a result of prolonged and frequent saturation. 

� The Vegetation Indicator, which identifies hydrophilic vegetation associated with frequently 

saturated soils. 

Satellite imagery, recent aerial photography and digital terrain models (DTM) were also used to 

determine the extent of wetlands and their location in the landscape. Water moves through the 

landscape towards the lowest point, therefore runoff is modelled to determine areas where water 

tends to accumulate and the route it will take. This step guides the survey towards areas where 

wetlands are most likely to occur. 

Depending on the extent of the area involved, and the probability of wetlands present, based on an 

initial site visit or the results of the GIS analysis, the area is surveyed using a soil auger and grid 

ranging in extent from 150 m to 75 m. This systematic approach to soil surveying, enables the 

effective delineation of wetlands at a scale of 1: 10 000 or larger. At the same time, the vegetation in 

the vicinity of the soil sample is surveyed for the presence of hydrophyte species (water loving plants). 

The results of the fieldwork are overlaid on the available aerial photographs and the extent of each 

wetland zone (permanent, seasonal and temporary) is mapped accordingly. The recommended 

buffers are then added using the GIS software’s buffer function. 

3 . 1 . 8 . 5 . 2 . Re s u l t s o f W e t l a n d s D e l i n ea t i o n 

Map unit Rg1 shows typical temporary wetland conditions with ponding of surface water resulting 

mainly from runoff during the rainy season plus subsoil deeper as 60 cm featuring hydromorphic 

conditions. See Figure 7 for the location of Map unit Rg1. 





3.1.9 G r o u n d w a t e r 

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

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

groundwater conditions. This will serve as a reference baseline for quantifying potential mining 

impacts on the existing groundwater regime. Geo Pollution Technologies (Pty.) Ltd. (GPT) was 

appointed to conduct a geohydrological study over the proposed Madadeni Opencast mining area and 

its surrounds. The outcome of the study is attached as Appendix 3. 

3 . 1 . 9 . 1 D e p t h o f G ro u n dw at e r T a b l e 

Depth of the groundwater table in the study area was determined by means of a hydrocensus. From 

the data it is evident that the groundwater depth varies across the site, mainly due to topography and 

heterogeneity of the secondary structures in the bedrock. Groundwater levels varying between 2m 

and 20m below ground level were measured during this survey. 

Usually a good relationship should hold between topography and static groundwater levels. This 

relationship can be used to distinguish between boreholes with water levels at rest, and boreholes 

with anomalous groundwater levels due to disturbances such as pumping or local geohydrological 

heterogeneities. The relationship using all boreholes is shown in Figure 10. 

A contour map of the static groundwater level of the area (Figure 11) was constructed using the 

Bayes extrapolated groundwater levels. Groundwater flow direction should be perpendicular to these 

contours and inversely proportional to the distance between contours. Using this relationship, the 

inferred groundwater flow directions are depicted as Figure 12 below with the length of arrows 

proportional to the velocity. As can be expected, the groundwater flow is mainly from topographical 

high to low areas, eventually draining to local streams. 

3.1.10 P r e s e n c e o f W a t e r Bo r e h o l e s a n d S p r i n g s/ F o u n t a i n s 

The calculated groundwater levels were also used to calculate the thickness of the unsaturated zone 

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

the unsaturated zone thickness are depicted in Figure 13. 

Existing boreholes within and around the proposed mining area were identified during a hydrocensus. 

Several boreholes were identified within the vicinity of the proposed Madadeni Opencast Mining 

Project. It was determined during the hydrocensus that most of the identified boreholes are in use. 

Locations of the identified boreholes are shown in Figure 14. Only one hydrocensus borehole 

(exploration borehole BH10), located on the new proposed mining site, could be sampled for chemical 

analysis. 

3.1.11 G r o u n d W a t e r Q u a l it y 

Water was sampled from the boreholes identified during the hydrocensus and boreholes used for the 

groundwater monitoring at the mine. The samples were submitted for major cation and ion 

determination to determine the background water quality standards. These chemistry analyses 

should serve as baseline water quality throughout the life of the proposed mining operations. The 

results from these analyses are contained in Table 13 and compared to the SABS Drinking Water 

Standards (SABS 241 Ed. 5). 

The groundwater in the area can generally be classified as exceeding maximum allowable drinking 

water standards, according to the SABS Guidelines for Drinking Water in terms of the sodium, 

magnesium and chloride concentrations. 





All the boreholes show elevated concentrations of magnesium (Mg), chloride (Cl) and sodium (Na). 

The high concentrations most probably derived from the geology as the groundwater in the sandstone 

of the Vryheid Formation (Ecca Group) is usually high in sodium, magnesium and chloride, which 

typifies dissolution environments. Chloride is of concern in domestic water supplies, because 

elevated concentrations impart a salty taste to water and accelerate the corrosion rate of metals. 

Chloride is only detectable by taste and at concentrations >1200mg/l water get unacceptably salty 

and nausea and disturbance of the electrolyte balance can occur, especially in infants. Chloride also 

accelerates the corrosion rate of iron and certain other metals well below the concentration at which it 

is detectable by taste. The taste threshold for sodium in water varies from 135 - 200 mg/l, depending 

on the associated anion. Sodium intake can exacerbate certain disease conditions. An excess in 

magnesium is also a health hazard, and together with calcium it is responsible for scaling problems 

caused by deposits of carbonates in appliances. 

None of the groundwater samples contain elevated concentrations of sulphate or nitrate. Nitrate in 

drinking water is primarily a health concern in that it can be readily converted in the gastrointestinal 

tract to nitrite as a result of bacterial reduction 1 , while sulphate is the most reliable indicator of 

pollution emanating from coal mining. 

From the above chemical analysis an overall assumption can be made that the groundwater sampled 

in the proposed mining area is not of good quality and thus not acceptable for domestic use. 

1 South African Water Quality Guidelines Volume 1, Second Edition 1996. Department of Water 

Affairs and Forestry. 






Table 13: Results of major cation and anion analyses 

Sample Nr. SRW1 SRW2 SRW3 SW5 SW6 SW7 BH2 BH3 BH4 BH5 BH6 BH7 BH9 BH10 Class I Class II 

Ca 12.80 12.60 12.60 49.50 113.00 87.90 17.90 12.80 112.00 60.60 9.40 121.00 218.00 170.00 150 300 

Mg 11.80 11.70 11.60 54.20 172.00 134.00 14.80 21.80 16.00 80.00 38.60 178.00 138.00 88.70 70 100 

Na 35.30 36.40 36.30 459.00 640.00 331.00 120.00 194.00 923.00 175.00 525.00 275.00 221.00 763.00 200 400 

K 1.27 1.22 1.22 5.63 7.94 4.63 3.14 2.81 5.71 18.20 3.41 8.10 2.98 8.02 50 100 

Mn 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.09 0.10 0.31 0.00 0.04 0.70 0.07 2.39 0.1 1 

Fe 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.06 0.00 1.96 0.00 0.36 0.00 0.09 0.82 0.2 2 

F 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.84 0.00 0.24 0.00 0.00 1.70 0.34 0.46 0.00 0.00 0.54 1 1.5 

NO3 0.80 0.00 1.02 5.76 0.00 8.85 0.00 0.89 0.00 37.19 0.75 0.49 25.23 0.00 44 88 

Al 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.3 0.5 

HCO3 118.83 121.60 119.22 395.88 636.56 438.18 90.72 255.58 23.17 704.50 149.08 130.46 535.43 371.65 - - 

Cl 37.00 37.00 38.00 281.00 487.00 808.00 212.00 262.00 1629.00 221.00 800.00 1124.00 740.00 1665.00 200 600 

SO4 11.60 11.10 11.00 618.00 1347.00 86.00 7.60 2.10 170.00 38.70 173.00 2.00 70.20 14.00 400 600 

TDS by sum 200.00 202.00 200.00 1828.00 3250.00 1834.00 480.00 700.00 3254.00 1054.00 1820.00 2034.00 1868.00 3428.00 1000 2400 

M-Alk(CaCO3) 99.00 101.00 99.00 335.00 531.00 366.00 76.00 213.00 19.00 579.00 138.00 107.00 440.00 305.00 - - 

pH 8.22 8.13 8.12 8.53 8.27 8.30 8.34 8.24 6.45 7.45 9.12 6.79 7.43 7.10 5.0 - 9.5 4.0 - 10.0 

EC 31.10 31.80 31.70 266.00 442.00 313.00 81.60 121.00 593.00 172.00 306.00 364.00 314.00 573.00 150 370 

Cat/An Bal. % 

Notes 

Yellow = Class I 

Tan = Class II 

-1.50 -1.40 -1.60 -1.10 -4.60 -3.40 -1.60 -3.40 -2.70 -4.30 -4.30 -1.50 0.60 -4.00 - - 

exceeds maximum allowable drinking water standard 

na- not analysed 

All concentrations are presented in mg/l, EC is presented in mS/m 

0 = below detection limit of analytical technique 


Environmental Impact Assessment Report: Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited, Madadeni Opencast 

Mining Project Page 30 

3.1.12 G r o u n d w a t e r Z o n e 

3 . 1 . 1 2. 1 Aq u i f e r P a r a m e t e r s 

The aquifer within which all impacts of the proposed mining at the Madadeni Opencast area is likely to 

be contained, is described below. 

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

chosen where it can be assumed that the local groundwater flow is zero. These boundaries, thus 

serve as natural boundaries to the flow of groundwater in the shallow and intermediate aquifers. 

Furthermore, boundaries were chosen so as to include the area where the groundwater pollution 

plume could reasonably be expected to spread and simultaneously be far enough removed from 

mining boundaries not to be affected by groundwater abstraction in the mine. 

The boundaries are all no-flow boundaries. In the west, the prominent water divide separating the 

drainage of the Mzinti River and the Komati River was used as a no-flow boundary; while in the east 

the Lebombo Mountains water divide were used as boundary. In all other areas the boundaries have 

been selected perpendicular to the topographical contours where the groundwater flow is expected to 

be parallel to the boundary. 

Most of the drainage from the proposed colliery is expected to be to the east in the direction of the 

Komati River.These boundaries are depicted in Figure 15. 

3.1.13 Nu m e r i c a l M o d e l l i n g 

Numerical modelling was used to predict the behaviour of groundwater at the proposed Madadeni 

Opencast mining area during and after mining, thus the results of the model was used to anticipate 

the impacts that mining activities might have on the groundwater. The model construction and the 

predicted impacts in terms of groundwater quality and quantity are described in detail in Appendix 3. 

The model is therefore used to predict the pre-mining, during mining and post mining scenarios. 

Using the model, the potential impacts on the receiving water were estimated, which include 

drawdown of the affected aquifers, migration of contaminated water from the mining area and quantity 

of groundwater to be lost from the proposed operation. 

3.1.14 Ai r Q u a l i t y 

Potentially air pollution may arise from mining activities as a result of particulates entering the 

atmosphere. These particulates arise as dust from haul roads, on overburden stockpiles and coal 

stockpiles. Mining activities at the proposed Madadeni Opencast area will occur on surface through 

opencast mining and thus this activity and its associated infrastructure may have an impact on surface 

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

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

air quality on a local scale. 

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




3.1.15 No i s e & V i b r a t i o n 

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

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

Ploughing and harvesting machinery mainly give rise to this noise. Noise generation by these 

instruments seldom exceeds 60dB for any length of time. 

3.1.16 S i t e s o f Ar c h a e o l o g i c a l an d C u l t u r a l I n t e r e s t 

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

area. 

3.1.17 S e n s i t i ve L a n d s c a p e s 

The Komati River and its associated riparian forest are considered a sensitive landscape. A temporary 

wetland exists within the proposed Madadeni opencast mining project area (See figure 7). 

3.1.18 V i s u a l As p e c t s 

The proposed Madadeni opencast mining area is situated within a grazing area. The Komati River 

flows approximately 2 km east of the Madadeni opencast mining area. The eastern side of the River 

is utilised by sugar cane production. 

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

the distance to the east, the Lebombo mountain range forms prominent landmarks and dominate the 

horizon. 

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

sporadically throughout the area. 

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

pleasing. 

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

large towns. 

3.1.19 Re g i o n a l So c i o - E c o n o m i c St r u c t u r e 

3 . 1 . 1 9. 1 P o p u l at i o n D e n s i t y , G r ow t h a n d L o c a t i o n 

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

Municipality, which is one of the three districts in Mpumalanga province. The district has four local 

municipalities i.e. Thaba Chweu, Mbombela, Umjindi and Nkomazi Local Municipalities. For the 

purpose of this document the Nkomazi municipal area is divided into the southern and northern 

sections. The southern section is mainly underdeveloped and consists of informal settlements. The 

northern section is more developed and includes formal towns such as Malelane, Komatipoort, 

Marloth Park, Hectorspruit and surrounding areas. The area between the southern and northern 

sections is an intensively cultivated agricultural land. 

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

population of about 396 467 people and most of the population is concentrated primarily in the 

underdeveloped southern section. Nkomazi has an estimated population growth rate of 4.8 per 

annum. A substantial number of foreigners (Mozambique and other parts of Africa) are believed to be 

present in Nkomazi local municipality area. 




3 . 1 . 1 9. 2 M a j o r E c o n o m i c Ac t i vit i e s a n d S o u r c es o f E m p l o y m e n t 

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

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

the northern section approximately 36% of the population is under the age of 19, 58% of the 

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

relative young southern population and older northern population are indicative of the pressures 

associated with resource provision and services in the two areas. 

Approximately 88% of the households in Nkomazi (northern section) earn less than R 1500.00 per 

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

Coal however, forms the corner stone of the South African energy industry, providing 82% of the 

country’s primary energy requirements. The value of domestic coal sales amounts to an estimated 

50% of all mineral sales, and coal exports are the biggest earner of foreign exchange next to gold and 

platinum. 

3 . 1 . 1 9. 3 U n e m p l o y m e n t E s t i m a t e f o r t h e Ar e a 

The coal mining industry employs approximately 90 000 people. About 87% of these are semi-skilled 

or unskilled, and they support an estimated 470 000 dependants. Mining methods are, however, 

changing from the traditional labour intensive underground mining to capital intensive, low-labour 

opencast mining, which is leading to increased unemployment amongst the semi- and unskilled 

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

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

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

31% attended secondary school and 5% obtained a diploma or certificate at a tertiary institution. Only 

0.06% of the population in Nkomazi has obtained a university degree and 24% of the economically 

active population is illiterate. 

3 . 1 . 1 9. 4 H o u s i n g 

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

housing availability exceeds or at least is equivalent to the demand. This situation is not expected to 

change drastically within the foreseeable future. 

3 . 1 . 1 9. 5 S o c i a l I n f r a s t r u ct u r e 

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

Mangweni, Madadeni, Kwa Mandulu and Masibekela that are situated in the proposed mining area. 

Larger hospitals and government offices are located in Nelspruit. 

3 . 1 . 1 9. 6 W a t e r Su p p l y 

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

groundwater and the Komati River. 

3 . 1 . 1 9. 7 P ow e r S u p p l y 

The Eskom power grid adequately supplies the area of electricity. No further power supply will be 

necessary for the proposed Nkomati Anthracite extension project. 




3.1.20 I n t e r e st e d an d Af f e c t ed P a r t i e s 

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

Department of Water and Environmental Affairs (Mpumalanga Regional Office) 

Department of Mineral Resources (Mpumalanga Regional Office) 

Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Mpumalanga Provincial Office) 

National Department of Agriculture (Mpumalanga Regional Office) 

Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency 

Immediate/adjacent landowners and legal occupiers 

Nkomazi Local Municipality 

Department of Roads 




SECTION FOUR 

_______________________________________________________________________ 

Detailed Description of the Project 




4. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 

4.1 D E T AI L DESCRIPT I O N O F T H E PRO J E C T 

4.1.1 S u r f ac e I n f r a s t r u c t u r e 

All proposed surface infrastructure in relation to the proposed Madadeni Opencast Mining Project 

area are depicted in Figure 16. 

4 . 1 . 1 . 1 R o a d s , r a i lw a ys and pow e r l i n e 

The currently existing secondary road and a new access road connecting to the secondary will be 

used to access the mine. A new access or hail road will be constructed to connect the existing 

Nkomati Anthracite Mine to the proposed Madadeni Opencast mining area. Haul roads will also be 

constructed for the haulage of coal from the opencast to the R.O.M. coal stockpile at the opencast 

area. 

No railway line will be used at the Madadeni Opencast mining project area. Coal product will be 

transported from the opencast to the R.O.M stockpile by means of dump trucks. Thereafter the coal 

product will be transported to the existing Nkomati Anthracite Mine washing plant for processing. 

The existing power grids will be utilised for supply of electricity if necessity arises. 

4 . 1 . 1 . 2 S o l i d W a st e M a n a g e m e n t 

Industrial and domestic waste, with no value, will be collected and disposed of at the permitted waste 

disposal site. 

Industrial waste arising from the mine (classified as hazardous waste – degreaser containers, oily 

rags, etc.) will be collected in a different waste collection system and disposed of by a contractor at a 

registered hazardous waste site. 

Waste with value (scrap), will be stored sorted in a scrap yard area prior to it being sold to and 

removed by a local scrap metal dealer. 

4 . 1 . 1 . 3 M i n e r e s i d u e m a n a g e m e n t 

No washing plant will be constructed on site; hence no mine residue will be generated on side. In 

view of the above no mine residue management will be necessary. 

4 . 1 . 1 . 4 W a t e r Po l l u t i o n M a n a g e m en t F a c i li t i e s 

No sewage treatment plant will be constructed at the proposed Madadeni Opencast mining area. 

Chemical toilets will be installed and commercial waste handlers will be used to clean and maintain 

the units. Sufficient number of units will be installed to cater for the envisaged number of employees 

at the proposed Madadeni Opencast Mining area. 

All dirty water emanating from the Madadeni Opencast area will be captured in a pollution control dam 

and used for dust suppression and some will be evaporated. 




4 . 1 . 1 . 5 P o t ab l e W at e r P l a n t 

No potable water plant will be constructed on site. Potable water will be obtained from a borehole that 

will be sited and drilled on site. Alternatively, water may be trucked from the existing Nkomati 

Anthracite Mine offices. 

4 . 1 . 1 . 6 M i n e r a l P ro c e s s i n g P l a n t 

No washing plant will be constructed at Madadeni Opencast Mining area. 

4 . 1 . 1 . 7 W o r k s h o p s an d B u i l d i n g s 

The proposed mining area will be equipped with mobile structures. No workshop and related 

structures will be constructed on site. 

4 . 1 . 1 . 8 T r a n s p o rt 

Mine officials and senior skilled employees will use their own vehicles for all transport requirements. 

Where necessary a bus service will be made available to transport other employees from their 

residence to the mining area. 

Tipper trucks will be used to transport R.O.M coal from the opencast to the R.O.M coal stockpile area 

and thereafter to the existing washing plant area. 

4 . 1 . 1 . 9 S t o r m W at e r 

Clean water and dirty water will be separated at Madadeni Opencast as shown in Figure 16. These 

will be achieved by diversion drains, which will take the form of trenches and berms around the dirty 

and clean water areas. 

4.2 C O N S I D E R AT I O N O F AL T E R N AT I V E S 

4.2.1 L a n d U s e Al t e r n a t i v e s 

No land use alternatives conflicting to the proposed mining operation have been suggested by the 

land owner or legal land occupier. 

4.2.2 P r o j e c t Al t e r n a t i ve s 

4 . 2 . 2 . 1 M i n i n g M e t h o d s 

Due to the depth of the coal seam, opencast mining using the truck and shovel rollover mining method 

is a feasible method of mining the coal reserve. The only alternative to this is to mine the coal by 

means of underground mining methods. Underground mining will not be feasible due to the 

shallowness of the target coal seam and the inability for the roof to support the overlying strata. In 

view of the above, mining using the underground mining methods will put lives of the employees 

under serious risks and hence the mining method was discarded. 




4 . 2 . 2 . 2 M i n e r a l P ro c e s s i n g M e t h o d 

Processing of the minerals will not be undertaken at the proposed mining area. The only alternative 

to this is to build a new processing plant, which is not feasible since Nkomati Anthracite Mine has a 

washing plant that can handle the extra tonnage that will be produced at the proposed mining area. 

The above renders the construction of the processing plant unnecessary. 

4 . 2 . 2 . 3 T r a n s p o rt , P ow e r a n d W at e r S u p p l y 

No employees will be housed at the proposed mining area; employees will be housed in the nearby 

towns and villages. No alternatives were considered. Ablution facilities will be installed at the 

proposed mining area, and within the pit area. Employees will be transported from respective 

residences to the mining premises. Transport for the coal product will be via trucks to the ROM 

stockpiles and to the Nkomati Anthracite Mine washing plant via existing haul roads. No other 

alternatives were considered. 

Transport for the coal product will be via trucks to the ROM stockpiles and to the Nkomati Anthracite 

Mine washing plant via existing haul roads. No other alternatives were considered. Except for the 

dust suppression water, no process water supply will be required since no processing plant will be 

constructed. Potable water will be obtained from a borehole to be sited and drilled on site. 

4 . 2 . 2 . 4 M i n e R e s i d u e D i s p o s a l S i t e 

No coal discard disposal facility will be necessary at the proposed mining area. All coal from the 

mining area will be transported to the existing Nkomati Anthracite Mine washing plant. The additional 

coal discard from the coal to be mined at the proposed mining area will be disposed of at the planned 

coal discard disposal facility. The above-mention disposal facility was designed to have enough 

capacity to handle the additional coal discard. 

Waste (domestic and industrial) will be transported to the existing salvage area for sorting, recycling 

and disposal. 




SECTION FIVE 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Environmental Impact Assessment Process 




5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS 

This chapter describes how the EIA has been conducted up to this point. 

5.1 AP P R O A C H T O E N V I R O N M E N T A L IMPAC T AS S E S S M E N T 

The term ‘environment’ is used in the broadest sense in an EIA. It covers the physical, 

biological, social, economic, cultural, historical, institutional and political environments. 

An EIA is a good planning tool. It identifies the environmental consequences of a proposed project 

from the beginning and helps to ensure that the project, over its life cycle, will be environmentally 

acceptable and integrated into the surrounding environment in a sustainable way. 

The EIA for this project complies with the Regulations of the Department of Mineral Resources. 

These regulations were promulgated in terms of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development 

Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002). 

Two parallel processes were followed during this project, namely an environmental technical process 

and a public participation process. 

5.2 EIA TECHNICA L PROC E S S 

The technical process undertaken for this EIA is summarised below 

5.2.1 Co n s u l t a t i o n w i t h L e a d Au t h o r it y 

Since the Department of Mineral Resources is the lead agent for this project an initial consultation 

was undertaken with the relevant Department in a form of a Scoping Report for the proposed project. 

Please note that all documentation compiled for the proposed project are circulated to all relevant 

state departments for evaluation. 

5.2.2 Ap p l i c a t i o n f o r Au t h o r i s a t i o n 

Since the Department of Mineral Resources is the lead agent for the MPRDA process, which is 

followed in this case, the approval of the project will be undertaken through the Regulations under the 

Mineral and Petroleum Resources development Act, Act 28 of 2002, which clearly indicated the 

requirements to be met by Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited (see regulations under the Mineral and 

Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002 (Government Notice No. R 527 of 2004). 

However, since the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) is the overacting 

legislation for environmental management in South Africa, Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited has as far 

as possible compiled this document in conjunction with the regulations under the National 

Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998). 

In view of the above, the application for authorisation was undertaken through the amendment of the 

approved Environmental Management Programme in terms of section 39 of the Minerals and 

Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002. 

5.2.3 S c o p i n g R e p o rt 

According to section 39(6)(a) of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development act, Act 28 of 

2002, any Environmental Management Programme must be approved by the Minister, hence the 

compilation thereof must be undertaken according to the regulations under the Minerals and 




Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002. In view of the above, a Scoping Report must 

be compiled and submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources for consideration, which will be 

followed by the compilation of the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental 

Management Report. On the other hand, the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 

1998 requires that a Scoping Report must be submitted after submission of an application for 

authorisation. 

Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited has in view of the above, compiled and submitted a Scoping report 

to the Department of Mineral Resources in terms of regulation 49 of the regulations under the 

Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002. The Scoping report was 

compiled according to the requirements of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources development Act, 

Act 28 of 2002, which partly complies with the requirements of the regulations under the National 

Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998. The Scoping Report (MPRDA) was forwarded to 

the relevant commenting departments, which include the Department of Agriculture and Land 

Administration. Note that the Department of Agriculture and Land Administration has the mandate to 

ensure successful implementation of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998). 

5.2.4 I n f o r m a t i o n G a t h e r i n g 

Environmental baseline data has been obtained through various agencies, pertaining to surface water 

quantities and qualities, geohydrological data and modelling, topographical analyses, soil surveys 

(land capability), vegetation surveys, wetland surveys, fauna surveys, aquatic assessment and 

geological conditions. Weather data was acquired from the Agricultural Research Council, who has a 

weather station very close to Madadeni Opencast mining area. Historic land use was determined 

through available data and by visual observations made during various field studies. Monitoring 

programmes instituted by the mine and results thereof were also used in the compilation of this 

document. The above-mentioned accumulated data, which was analysed, is sufficient to gain a 

baseline indication of the present state of the environment. The use of this baseline study for impact 

assessments is thus justified, and reliable conclusions could be made. 

5.2.5 S p e c i al i s t s t u d i e s 

The following specialist studies were initiated for the purposes of this Impact Assessment Report: 

Soil survey over the Madadeni Opencast Mining Project Area 

Vegetation survey over the Madadeni Opencast Mining Project Area 

Geohydrological Survey over the Madadeni Opencast Mining Project Area and surrounds 

Surface water survey over the Madadeni Opencast Mining Project Area and surrounds (including 

wetlands) 

Geological investigation over the Madadeni Opencast Mining Project area 

Topographical survey over the over the Madadeni Opencast Mining Project Area 

5.2.6 I n t e g r a t i o n o f F i n d i n g s i n t o a F i n a l E I A R e p o rt 

All information generated for the proposed project is included in a Draft Environmental Impact 

Assessment Report with accompanying Specialist Reports. The findings of the specialist studies 

were summarised and integrated in this report. 

A final draft EIA Report will be prepared after the public review of the Draft EIA Report and will 

incorporate comments made by interested and affected parties during the public review period. This 

EIA Report will be submitted to MDALA and other authorities for consideration. 




5.3 P U B L I C P A R T I C I P AT I O N P R O C E S S 

Public participation is the cornerstone of the EIA process. The principles of the NEMA govern many 

aspects of EIA’s, including public participation. These include provision of sufficient and transparent 

information on an ongoing basis to stakeholders to allow them to comment on the proposed mining 

operation. In addition to the above, the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 

(Act 28 of 2002) requires Mining Right applicants to provide proof of consultation with the interested 

and affected parties for the proposed mining operations. 

In view of the above and in compliance with the requirements of the MPRDA for the amendment of 

the approved Environmental Management Programme for Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited’s 

Madadeni Opencast mining area by the Department of Mineral Resources, this section will show how 

Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited will consult with interested and affected parties and how the 

concerns of the interested and affected parties will be addressed. 

5.3.1 O b j e ct i ves of public p a r t ic i p a t i o n 

The public participation process was designed to provide sufficient and accessible information to 

interested and affected parties (I&AP’s) in an objective manner to assist them to: 

Raise issues of concern and make suggestions for enhanced benefits 

Contribute local knowledge and experience 

Verify that their issues have been captured 

Verify that their issues have been considered in the technical investigations 

Comment on the findings of the EIA. 

The public participation process undertaken for this EIA is summarised below. 

5.3.2 S t a k e h o l d e r s C o n su l t e d 

The stakeholders for the proposed Madadeni Opencast Mining Project include the following sectors of 

society: 

National, provincial and local government 

• Department of Mineral Resources, Mpumalanga Regional Office 

• Department of Water and Environmental Affairs, Mpumalanga Regional Office 

• National Department of Agriculture, Mpumalanga Regional Office 

• Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism 

• Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency 

• Nkomazi Local Municipality 

Community representatives and Community-Based Organisations 

• Mawewe Royal Family and Community 

5 . 3 . 2 . 1 T h e C o m m u n it y 

Consultation with the local community started back in early 2008 when the exploration drilling and 

possible mining of the shallow reserves at Matadeni was raised at meetings held in Schoemansdal 

with the Shongwe family of the Matsamo Traditional Council. 




As explained during the meeting which took place at the Witbank Regional Office of the Department of 

Mineral Resources ("the Department") on 8 March 2011 minutes of all meetings were not always kept 

and in some instances despite the minutes having been requested, the minutes prepared were not 

clear or comprehensive. This problem has now been rectified and minutes of all meetings are kept 

and in general, digitally recorded either by way of appointing transcription services or using video 

recordings. 

Two sets of written comments were received by fax from the Mawewe community and the Sibange 

community (which essentially registered itself as an interested and affected party). 

Although the Mawewe community was not opposed to the mining operation as a whole, it noted 

concerns relating to: 

• Inadequate public participation; and 

• Concerns relating to perceived procedural and legislative irregularities. 

Consultation with Mawewe Community 

Since only two written comments were received following the advertisement and the fact that for 

various reasons (including safety concerns as a result of community faction fighting and lack of 

suitable facilities) it proved extremely difficult to facilitate mass meetings, on the advice of and in 

discussion with its independent environmental consultant, the mine decided that it would be preferable 

and more effective and productive directly to engage the Chief of Mawewe ("the Chief") through her 

Tribal Council and local traditional structures in order to effectively communicate with the local 

community. Engagement of the Chief was regarded by the mine as particularly important as the area 

falls within her jurisdiction. 

It should be noted that the engagement with the Mawewe community was in addition to consultation 

with other stakeholders as described below. 

Various meetings were held between the mine (represented by mine management which in turn was 

assisted by its attorneys, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, the Chief, members of her Tribal Council, her 

advisors (headed by Roux Shabangu), her lawyers (Gideon Pretorius Incorporated) as well as senior 

members of the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs ("COGTA") during 

the remainder of 2009 and the early parts of 2010. 

As noted from, amongst other things commercial, social and environmental issues were discussed 

with the Chief at various meetings during 2009 and 2010. In essence, the Mawewe community 

sought shareholding in the mine. 

These meetings were often delayed because the Chief regularly had to report back to the community 

and arrange mass meetings over weekends in order to effectively communicate every step that was 

taken in the negotiations with the community. The mine and its representatives and environmental 

consultant were not privy to those meetings. 

Following upon much negotiation, an agreement was signed on 31 May 2010 by the mine with the 

Mawewe Royal family and the Community Trust in terms of which, amongst other things, the mine 

purchased the right to occupy a piece of unsurveyed state land for the purpose of starting a new 

opencast section. 




Consultation with other stakeholders 

In addition to the Mawewe tribal authorities, various meetings with other community stakeholders 

were also held during or about 2009 and 2010. These stakeholders included the Sibanga community, 

COGTA, the Department, the Shinyokane farmers, the Mangweni Action Committee ("MAC") and the 

Akwandze and Cane Growers Association. 

In the main, the requests and comments raised by those stakeholders included the following: 

• A request for clarity on procedures followed for geological drilling and damage arising was 

sought; 2 

• A failure to follow procedural requirements; 3 

• Dissatisfaction with the establishment of the community trust; 4 

• Further requests for shareholding and other benefits attaching to the mine; 5 

• Requests for compensation following drilling on land; 6 

• A request to be allowed to make use of the mine's weigh bridge; 7 

• The impact of dust on crop quality; 8 

• A request for information relating to the agreement reached with the Mawewe Community; 9 

and 

• Concerns relating to livestock fatalities. 10 

A full public participation Process Report is attached as Attachment 2 of Appendix 4. 

Table 14: List of meetings held with the community leaders and members for the Madadeni 

Opencast mining project 

Date Activity/Meeting Minutes/Response 

27 Mar 2008 

09 Apr 2008 

23 Oct 2008 

05 Nov 2008 

Mass action and subsequent mass meeting at Nkomati 

Anthracite’s offices 

Meeting at Schoemansdal Community Hall between Mine 

Management, MEGA & Community Representatives 

Workshop between Government Departments (DALA/DLA/DME), 

Kwalugedlane Traditional Authority & Council, Nkomazi 

Municipality & Ward Committee, Nkomati Mine Management, 

Mangweni & Steenbok Farmers Associations and others 

Workshop between Government Departments (DALA/DLA/DME), 

Ka Hoyi Traditional Authority & Council, Nkomazi Municipality & 

2 Akwandze and Cane Growers Association 


4 MAC and COGTA 


6 Shinyokane farmers 



9 COGTA 

10 Sibanga community 

Response from MEGA & 

Sentula 

Resolutions taken 

Minutes 

Minutes 




19 Feb 2009 

04 Mar 2009 

Mar 2009 – Feb 

2010 

18 Feb 2010 

23 Feb 2010 

12 Mar 2010 

31 May 2010 

25 Jun 2010 

26 Jun 2010 

Ward Committee, Nkomati Mine Management, Ka-Hoyi & Goba 

Crop Farmers & Livestock Farmers Associations and others 

Notices published in local newspapers inviting I&AP’s to become 

involved 

Meeting of Kwalugedlane Royal House and Mine Management at 

Shinyukane Royal Residence 

Various ad hoc meetings with different stakeholders in community, 

as well as regular monthly meetings with Traditional Leaders 

Meeting between Shinyokane Farmers Association, Akwandze 

and Cane Growers’ Association & Mine Management held at Far 

East Country Lodge 

Meeting between Mangweni Action Committee & Mine 

Management held at Kwalugedlane Traditional Office 

Meeting between Shinyokane Farmers Association & Mine 

Management held Shinyokane Project 

Sign agreement with Chief of Mawewe to acquire the surface 

rights of land adjacent to Matadeni which is earmarked for future 

opencast mining 

Meeting with concerned group lead by West Nkuna (under the 

trees in Matadeni) 

Meeting with Mawewe Royal Family led by Chief Evah Makatshwa 

at Border Country Inn Komatipoort 

Newspaper 

Minutes 

No minutes 

Minutes 

Minutes 

Minutes 

Agreement 

No minutes 

No minutes 

20 Jul 2010 Meeting with MEC (Jabu Mahlangu) No minutes 

20 Jul 2010 

20 Jul 2010 

28 Jul 2010 

28 Jul 2010 

29 Jul 2010 

17 Aug 2010 

18 Aug 2010 

23 Aug 2010 

Mass meeting in Matadeni with Chief Evah Makatshwa and ± 

1 500 community members 

Mass meeting in Sibonge with Chief Evah Makatshwa and ± 

1 000 community members 

Community march – handed over memoranda to COGTA and 

Mine Management 

Meeting with Evah Makatswha at Border Country Inn to discuss 

the mass action and formulate an action plan 

Mine Management Meeting with Mish Khoza, at COGTA offices in 

Nelspruit 

Meeting Dirk Bosman (lawyer who represents the community 

members) in Nelspruit and discuss the agreement with the Chief of 

Mawewe to acquire the right to occupy the land at Matadeni 

Meeting in Nelspruit at DRD&LR offices with Mish Khoza, COGTA, 

DMR, RDLR, Mawewe Tribal Authority & Mine Management 

Meeting with Nelson Makatshwa from the concerned community 

group at Rio Vista Lodge in Malelane 

Meeting with Dirk Bosman at Wimpy in Nelspruit 

No minutes 

No minutes 

Memorandum 

No minutes 

No minutes 

Letter & Reply 

Minutes & Attendance 

Register 

No minutes 




26 Aug 2010 

01 Sep 2010 

23 Sep 2010 

23 Sep 2010 

27 Sep 2010 

Meeting with Enock Khoza & Thelma Khoza from the concerned 

group at Border Country Inn Komatipoort 

Meeting with Mish Khoza and colleague at Mugg & Bean Nelspruit 

(Civil Servants strike) 

Meeting in Matadeni with Mish Khoza, Dirk Bosman & concerned 

group 

Meeting with Nelson Makatshwa from the concerned community 

group at Mugg & Bean Nelspruit 

Meeting at Cresta with Chief Evah Makatshwa and members of 

Royal family, Roux Shabangu, Gideon Pretorius and Solly Masilela 

from COGTA 

No minutes 

No minutes 

No minutes 

No minutes 

Minutes & 

Correspondence 

06 Oct 2010 Meeting with Mish Khoza in Nelspruit No minutes 

24 Nov 2010 

26 Nov 2010 

26 Jan 2011 

27 Jan 2011 

Meeting at mine offices between Mine Management and Sibange 

residents 

Meeting between Mine Management and Government Officials at 

DG’s Boardroom, Office of the Premier 

Meeting between Matsamo Tribal Authority, Kwalugedlane Tribal 

Authority and Mine Management at Far East Country Lodge to 

discuss the IWULA requirements 

Meeting between Matsamo Tribal Authority, Kwalugedlane Tribal 

Authority and Mine Management at Far East Country Lodge to 

discuss the IWULA requirements 

Minutes 

Attendance Register 

Attendance Register, 

Resolution & Recorded 

Minutes 

Attendance Register, 

Resolution & Recorded 

Minutes 

Minutes and attendance register for some of the meetings mentioned in Consultation with the local 

community started back in early 2008 when the exploration drilling and possible mining of the shallow 

reserves at Matadeni was raised at meetings held in Schoemansdal with the Shongwe family of the 

Matsamo Traditional Council. 

As explained during the meeting which took place at the Witbank Regional Office of the Department of 

Mineral Resources ("the Department") on 8 March 2011 minutes of all meetings were not always kept 

and in some instances despite the minutes having been requested, the minutes prepared were not 

clear or comprehensive. This problem has now been rectified and minutes of all meetings are kept 

and in general, digitally recorded either by way of appointing transcription services or using video 

recordings. 

Two sets of written comments were received by fax from the Mawewe community and the Sibange 

community (which essentially registered itself as an interested and affected party). 

Although the Mawewe community was not opposed to the mining operation as a whole, it noted 

concerns relating to: 

• Inadequate public participation; and 

• Concerns relating to perceived procedural and legislative irregularities. 

Consultation with Mawewe Community 




Since only two written comments were received following the advertisement and the fact that for 

various reasons (including safety concerns as a result of community faction fighting and lack of 

suitable facilities) it proved extremely difficult to facilitate mass meetings, on the advice of and in 

discussion with its independent environmental consultant, the mine decided that it would be preferable 

and more effective and productive directly to engage the Chief of Mawewe ("the Chief") through her 

Tribal Council and local traditional structures in order to effectively communicate with the local 

community. Engagement of the Chief was regarded by the mine as particularly important as the area 

falls within her jurisdiction. 

It should be noted that the engagement with the Mawewe community was in addition to consultation 

with other stakeholders as described below. 

Various meetings were held between the mine (represented by mine management which in turn was 

assisted by its attorneys, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, the Chief, members of her Tribal Council, her 

advisors (headed by Roux Shabangu), her lawyers (Gideon Pretorius Incorporated) as well as senior 

members of the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs ("COGTA") during 

the remainder of 2009 and the early parts of 2010. 

As noted from, amongst other things commercial, social and environmental issues were discussed 

with the Chief at various meetings during 2009 and 2010. In essence, the Mawewe community 

sought shareholding in the mine. 

These meetings were often delayed because the Chief regularly had to report back to the community 

and arrange mass meetings over weekends in order to effectively communicate every step that was 

taken in the negotiations with the community. The mine and its representatives and environmental 

consultant were not privy to those meetings. 

Following upon much negotiation, an agreement was signed on 31 May 2010 by the mine with the 

Mawewe Royal family and the Community Trust in terms of which, amongst other things, the mine 

purchased the right to occupy a piece of unsurveyed state land for the purpose of starting a new 

opencast section. 

Consultation with other stakeholders 

In addition to the Mawewe tribal authorities, various meetings with other community stakeholders 

were also held during or about 2009 and 2010. These stakeholders included the Sibanga community, 

COGTA, the Department, the Shinyokane farmers, the Mangweni Action Committee ("MAC") and the 

Akwandze and Cane Growers Association. 

In the main, the requests and comments raised by those stakeholders included the following: 

• A request for clarity on procedures followed for geological drilling and damage arising was 

sought; 

• A failure to follow procedural requirements; 

• Dissatisfaction with the establishment of the community trust; 

• Further requests for shareholding and other benefits attaching to the mine; 

• Requests for compensation following drilling on land; 

• A request to be allowed to make use of the mine's weigh bridge; 

• The impact of dust on crop quality; 




• A request for information relating to the agreement reached with the Mawewe Community; 

and 

• Concerns relating to livestock fatalities. 

A full public participation Process Report is attached as Attachment 2 of Appendix 4. 

Table 14 are attached as Attachment 2 of Appendix 4. 

In respect of ongoing and future community engagement, it is also important to note that on 10 

December 2010 the mine appointed Mr Vusi Manzini from SS Facilitators and Training (Pty) Limited to 

assist the mine with stakeholder management and community facilitation in so far as the mine's 

operations affect the Kwalugedlane, Mawewe and Matsamo Traditional Communities. Mr Manzini is a 

community member himself who was formerly the Deputy Director in the Strategic Planning and 

Development Unit within the Premier's office and also in the Department of Local Government and 

Housing in the Traditional Leadership Directorate. He not only has a good relationship with the 

community and is able to engage well with it but also appreciates and understands the significant 

difficulties of and at times, fractious community and traditional leadership sensitivities within the area. 

It is hoped that his involvement will significantly improve community engagement in the future. 

Going forward, the appointment of SS Facilitators and Training aims to ensure community 

participation in all future activities which may potentially affect it directly or indirectly. 

In this regard, we confirm that on their appointment SS Facilitators and Training was specifically 

tasked to: 

• Engage further with the affected chieftainships (namely the Chief, the Chief of Matsamo and the 

Chief of Kwalugedlane) on various legal processes affecting the mine. All of these chieftainships 

and their communities have previously been engaged by the mine (as demonstrated by the 

annexes to this summary). In addition, the mine arranges monthly meetings with these 

chieftainships. 

• Establish proper lines of communication with stakeholders and propose structures for ease of 

engagement and effective decision making. 

• Establish an effective Community Forum which will comprise all relevant stake holders. A table of 

the mine's stakeholder management matrix is attached as annex I. Although the Department is 

listed as a stakeholder in that matrix, the mine will keep the Department updated on the progress 

of establishing that forum and further, in order not to flood the Department on a monthly basis, will 

submit copies of the minutes of those meetings as part of its performance assessment reporting 

process. Should the Department wish for these minutes to be made available more regularly, the 

mine will do so. 

5 . 3 . 2 . 2 N a t i o n a l , p r o vi n c i a l a n d l o c a l g o ve r n m e n t 

Authorities (relevant National and provincial authorities) were consulted by the distribution of the draft 

EIA/EMP by the Department of Mineral Resources. Comments were received from the Department of 

Mineral Resources and the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs and are being addressed 

with the said Department. The covering letter for the directive from the DMR and the revised 




EIA/EMP itself addresses the issues raised by DMR. See attachment 3 of Appendix 4 for the reply to 

DWEA on their comments. 

A copy of the draft EIA/EMP for the Madadeni Opencast has been submitted to the Nkomazi Local 

Municipality for their comments. A copy of acknowledgement of receipt for the draft EIA/EMP is 

attached as attachment 4 of Appendix 4. A letter was received from the local municipality stating their 

support for the Madadeni opencast project and is attached as attachment 5 of Appendix 4. 

5.3.3 An n o u n ci n g t h e O p p o rt u n i t y t o C o n t r ib u t e 

The opportunity for stakeholders to participate in the environmental assessment process was 

announced as follows: 

5.3.4 F i n a l EI A/ E M P R e p o r t 

The draft EIA/EMP was revised to address comments received from DMR and since issues raised by 

DWEA were mainly water use licence application related, their issues are addressed through the 

water use licence application process. 

Based on the above, a final EIA/EMP was updated to address additional issues raised by DMR and is 

submitted to the lead authority for decision-making. 




SECTION SIX 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Impact Assessment 




6. IMPACT ASSESSMENT 

6.1 S E C T I O N 39(B) ( I) A N D S E C T I O N 39(B)(II) O F T H E MPRDA A N D 

R E G U L AT I O N 50(C) O F T H E R E G U L A T I O N S U N D E R T H E M PRDA: 

AS S E S S M E N T M E T H O D O L O G Y 

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

activities to be conducted at the Madadeni Opencast Mining Project area. 

The evaluation distinguishes between significantly adverse and beneficial impacts and allocates 

significance against national regulations, standards and quality objectives governing: 

Health & Safety 

Protection of Environmentally Sensitive Areas 

Land use 

Pollution levels 

Irreversible impacts are also identified. 

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

Probability : likelihood of the impact occurring 

Area (Extent) : the extent over which the impact will be experienced. 

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

Intensity : the degree to which the impact affects the health and welfare of humans and 

the environment (includes the consideration of unknown risks, reversibility of 

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

effects). 

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

Probability Definition 

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

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

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

Area (Extent) Definition 

Small 0 – 40 ha 

Medium 40 – 200 ha 

Large 200 + ha 

Duration Definition 

Short 0 – 5 years 

Medium 5 – 50 years 

Long 51 – 200 years 

Permanent 200 + years 




Intensity Definition 

Low Does not contravene any laws, 

Is within environmental standards or objectives, 

Will not constitute a precedent for future actions, 

Is reversible 

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

Medium Does not contravene any laws, 

Will not constitute a precedent for future actions, 

Is not within environmental standards or objectives, 

Is not irreversible 

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

High Contravene laws, 

May constitute a precedent for future actions, 

Is not within environmental standards or objectives, 

Is irreversible 

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

Significance Definition 

Negligible The impact is insubstantial and does not require management 

Low The impact is of little importance, but requires management 

Medium 

High 

Positive 

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

levels 

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

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

management of these impacts is essential 

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

environmental or economical health 

6.2 S E C T I O N 39(3)(B)(I), S E C T I O N 39 (3) ( D) (1) A N D S E C T I O N 

39(4)(A)(III) O F T H E MP RD A: I D E N T I F I C AT I O N O F AC T I O N S, 

AC T I V I T I E S AN D PRO C E S S E S OF THE M I N I N G O P E R A T I O N 

In terms of section 39(3)(b)(i) read together with section 39(3)(d)(1) of the Minerals and Petroleum 

Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002, the proponent must identify all actions, activities or 

processes associated with the proposed mining operation which may cause pollution or degradation 

of the environment. The identified actions, activities and processes must be supported by a plan 

showing the location, aerial extent of all activities within the proposed mining operation and the 

proposed mine path over the period of the proposed mining project. This plan, which was compiled 

for the above purpose has been attached as Figure 16. Based on the above, all actions, activities and 

processes that will be undertaken at the proposed mining project were determined as per the phases 

of the proposed project and are detailed below. 

Activities will be divided into primary and secondary activities. The primary activities include the 

activities directly related to mining and the secondary activities include activities that results from the 

management of the impacts related to the mining activities. 

6.2.1 Co n s t ru ct i o n P h as e 




6 . 2 . 1 . 1 Act i vit i e s 

6 . 2 . 1 . 1 . 1 . P r i m a r y Ac t i vi t i e s 

Construction of Access and Haul Roads 

The current existing secondary road and a new access road connecting to the secondary will be used 

to access the mine. A new access or hail road will be constructed to connect the existing Nkomati 

Anthracite Mine to the proposed Madadeni Opencast mining area. Haul roads will also be 

constructed for the haulage of coal from the opencast to the R.O.M. coal stockpile at the opencast 

area. 

Construction of a run of mine (R.O.M.) coal stockpiling area 

A new R.O.M. coal stockpiling area will be constructed within the vicinity of the proposed Opencast 

area. This will be used for the stockpiling of run of mine coal. The R.O.M. coal stockpile area will 

have enough space to contain approximately 40 000 tonnes of R.O.M.. The stockpiles will not exceed 

a height of 4m. Besides the use for loading coal from the mining area, the other reason for the 

R.O.M. stockpile will be to cater for coal if any breakdowns or work stoppages within the workings 

occur, resulting in a cease in production (financial implications). 

As with all other construction sites, topsoil from the new and upgraded R.O.M coal stockpile will be 

stripped and stockpiled as per the recommendation from the soil specialist report. 

Excavation of initial box cuts 

An initial box cut will be constructed at the proposed Madadeni Opencast mining area. Access pit 

ramps will be constructed within each of the box cuts for access to the mining pits. These will be 

constructed to have a maximum slope of 12°. Topsoil from the initial box cuts will be stripped to a 

depth as specified by the soil specialist and will be removed to the relevant topsoil stockpile. Subsoil 

from the box cuts will be stripped and stockpiled separately at the subsoil stockpile. 

Hard overburden material from the initial box cuts will be drilled, blasted and removed to the hards 

overburden stockpile. Finally all coal material will be drilled, blasted, removed to the R.O.M. coal 

stockpile and thereafter crushed and screened before being sold to the destined clients. 

Preparation and Formation of the Topsoil, Subsoil and Hard Overburden Stockpiles 

Topsoil from the overburden (subsoil and hards) stockpiling areas will be stripped to the soil depth of 

the particular area as determined by the soil survey. This will be stockpiled as per the 

recommendation from the soil specialist report. 

Note that topsoil will be removed from all stockpiling areas prior to formation of the overburden 

stockpiles. 

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

separately. 

The topsoil stockpiles will be placed such that they do not exceed a height of 4m. This height is 

enough to reduce leaching impacts of the stockpiled topsoil. 

6 . 2 . 1 . 1 . 2 . S e c o n d a r y Ac t i vit i e s 

Construction of the Pollution Control Dam 

A pollution control dam will be constructed at the proposed mining area. The pollution control dam has 

been designed by a civil engineer; hence the dam will be constructed to have sufficient capacity to 

handle all dirty water emanating from the dirty water areas of the mining area. The pollution control 




dam has been designed and will be constructed to ensure that storm water runoff from all the dirty 

water areas will be retained in the pollution control dam. The runoff water will include the water from a 

1:50 24-hour storm event. Topsoil from the pollution control dam area will be stripped and stockpiled 

as per recommendation from the soil specialist report. Any other usable material from the excavation 

area will be used for the construction of the pollution control dam wall, and if no suitable material is 

available, material will be collected elsewhere. 

Construction of the Storm Water Diversion Trenches 

All storm water diversion trenches will have a basal width of 1,5m, to a maximum depth of 1,0m. All 

material excavated during the construction of the clean and dirty water trenches will be used to 

construct a 1,0m high berm on the downslope (clean water diversion trenches) and upslope sides 

(clean water diversion trenches) of the trenches. These will be used to divert clean water away from 

the mining area and dirty water from the mining area into the pollution control dams. 

6 . 2 . 1 . 2 P r o c e s s es 

No activities warranting a process will be undertaken at the proposed Madadeni Opencast area during 

its construction phase. 

6.2.2 O p e ra t i o n a l P h as e 

6 . 2 . 2 . 1 Act i vi t i e s 


Systematic Removal of the No. 1 and No. 2 Coal Seams 

Following the opening of the initial box cuts, the opencast pit will migrate forward in both directions as 

per the mining plan with the successive cuts not exceeding the width of 40m. Following removal of 

the extractable coal, material from successive cuts will be used to backfill preceding cuts (Refer to 

Figure 17). Each cut will be systematically filled with overburden first, subsoil second and topsoil last 

viz. In each opencast mining area, hard overburden from cut 1 will be drilled, blasted and placed in 

the box cut, subsoil from cut 2 will be used to cover the hard overburden placed in the box cut, and 

topsoil from cut 3 will be placed over the subsoil in the box cut area at a minimum thickness as per the 

soil specialist’s recommendation. Only three successive cuts will thus be open at any time at each 

opencast area, and rehabilitation of the opencast pits will be ongoing during the operational phase. In 

view of this, six cuts will be open at any given time during mining at the proposed mining areas. 

Transportation and Stockpiling of R.O.M and product coal 

R.O.M. coal from the opencast pits will be transported via the access ramps and the haul roads by 

means of dump trucks to the R.O.M. coal stockpiling area. The stockpile will contain no more 100 000 

tonnes of R.O.M. coal and will not exceed a height of 4m. Besides the use for loading coal from the 

mining area, the other reason for the R.O.M. coal stockpile will be to cater for coal if any breakdowns 

or work stoppages within the workings occur, resulting in a cease in production (financial 

implications). 

Use of Mine Infrastructure, Access and Haul Roads 

The constructed mine infrastructure will be used for services that will be required during the 

operational phase. These services include refuelling of machinery, maintenance of mine machinery, 




sewage treatment and collection and waste management (water, domestic waste and industrial 

waste). 

Haul roads will be used for the haulage of overburden material to the stockpiling area and haulage of 

run of mine coal to the R.O.M. coal stockpile. Haul roads will also be used by mine personnel vehicle 

to access to the opencast pit areas. Access roads will be used by the mine personnel for accessing 

the mine area and will also be used by haulage trucks transporting coal from the mine to the destined 

clients. 


Disposal of Mine Affected Water into the Pollution control dam 

A pollution control dam will be constructed during the construction phase of mining. The dam will 

comply with all regulatory requirements. The dam will have sufficient capacity to cater for seepage 

water from the opencast pit and any dirty water runoff captured by the dirty water diversion trenches 

from the dirty water areas of the mine. 

All dirty water emanating from the mining area will be contained into the dam. Additional water from a 

1:50 year 24-hour rainfall event, captured within the dam and all dirty water areas, will also be 

retained within the pollution control dam. 

6 . 2 . 2 . 2 P r o c e s s es 

No activities warranting a process will be undertaken at the proposed Madadeni Opencast area during 

its construction phase. 

6.2.3 De c o m m i s s i o n i n g an d C l o su r e Ph a s e 

6 . 2 . 3 . 1 Act i vit i e s 


Filling of final voids 

Backfilling and rehabilitation of these voids will be undertaken during the decommissioning phase. 

The hards, subsoil and topsoil overburden, stockpiled during the construction phase, will be used to 

backfill the final voids. The method of material placement will be placement of hards overburden, 

followed by subsoil material and finally a layer of topsoil. Topsoil placement will be as per 

recommendation from the soil specialist report. The final void (adit areas) will be filled to surface and 

shaped to ensure that the area is free draining. 

Rehabilitation of R.O.M. stockpile areas 

The R.O.M. coal stockpiling areas will be graded to a depth of 100 mm to remove all carbonaceous 

material build-up. In addition to this, the base of the R.O.M. coal stockpile areas will be removed and 

disposed of appropriately. Carbonaceous and non-hazardous material from the R.O.M. coal stockpile 

will be placed in the bottom of the final cuts prior to backfilling. All material used for the construction 

of the R.O.M. stockpile areas foundation will be removed and used for backfilling of the final voids. 

The areas will then be ripped to a depth of 100mm, covered with topsoil and seeded. 

Rehabilitation of access and haul roads 

All access and haul roads that will not be used after mining will be ripped, to a depth of 250mm to 

reduce compaction. The area will then be covered with a layer of topsoil before it can be seeded. 





Rehabilitation of overburden stockpile areas 

After the removal of overburden material for backfilling of the final voids, the stockpile areas will be 

ripped to 100mm and covered with a layer of topsoil. Sections used to access the areas will be ripped 

to 250 mm before being covered with topsoil for seeding. 

Rehabilitation of the pollution control dam and the diversion trenches/berms 

The pollution control dam will be cleaned out and filled with stockpiled subsoil. A layer of topsoil will 

be spread over the rehabilitated surface. 

The clean and dirty water diversion trenches will be cleaned out and filled, after the rehabilitation of 

the stockpiling area. Berms will be pushed into the trenches as filling material. 

Seeding of rehabilitated areas 

Following mechanical rehabilitation of the area, a seed mix will be applied to all rehabilitated areas to 

accelerate vegetation establishment. The species to be used for seeding will be based on the 

vegetation specialist recommendation. 

Maintenance and monitoring of rehabilitated and surrounding environments 

All rehabilitated areas will be monitored for cracks, erosion and settlements. All cracks, erosion 

gullies and settlement depressions will be repaired. 

Data gathered from the above maintenance and from a monitoring programme will be used for the 

application of a closure certificate. 

6 . 2 . 3 . 2 P r o c e s s es 

No activities warranting a process will be undertaken at the proposed Madadeni Opencast Mining 

area during this phase. 

6.3 S E C T I O N 39(B) ( I), S E C T I O N 39(B)(II), S E C T I O N (39)(4)(A)(III), 

S E C T I O N 37(2) O F T H E MPRD A A N D R E G U L AT I O N S 11(1)(G )(IV) AN D 

50(C) O F T H E R E G U L A T I O N S U N D E R T H E MPRDA: I M P AC T 

AS S E S S M E N T A N D D E T E R M I N AT I O N O F T H E C O S T O F M I T I G AT I O N 

M E AS U R E S 

The tables below describe the assessment of impacts from the proposed mining operations, its 

associated activities and the changes in the existing Nkomati Anthracite mining operations. Note that 

under the assessment the following abbreviations i.e. E, P and S were used, which stands for Extent, 

Probability and Significance respectively. 

The assessment also shows the cost for the mitigation measures that has been properly budgeted for 

by Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited. The annual budget for Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited showing 

money put aside for the management of environmental impacts as determined under the impact 

assessment is attached as Appendix 5. 




6.3.1 S e c t i o n 3 9 ( b ) ( i ) , Se c t i o n 3 9 ( b ) ( i i ) , S e c t i o n ( 3 9) ( 4) ( a ) ( i i i ) , S e c t i o n 3 7 ( 2) o f t h e M P R D A a n d Re g u la t i o n s 1 1 ( 1 ) ( g ) ( i v) a n d 

5 0 ( c) o f t h e R e g u l a t i o n s U n d e r t h e M P R D A: I m p a c t As s e s s m e n t an d D e t e r m i n a t i o n o f t h e C o s t o f M i t i g a t i o n M ea s u res 

6.3.2 C O NS T R U C T I O N P H AS E 

ACTIVITY NATURE OF IMPACT 

ASSESSMENT 

E P S 

NKOMATI ANTHRACITE (PTY) LIMITED COMPILED BY GEOVICON ENVIRONMENTAL (PTY) LTD 

MITIGATION MEASURES 

ANNUAL 

COST 

CLOSURE 

COST



Construction of haul and access 

roads, 

Construction of overburden 

stockpiles, 

Construction of the R.O.M. coal 

stockpiles, 

Construction of pollution control dam 

and 

Construction of storm water diversion 

structures 

The formation of overburden stockpiles and pollution 

control structures will result in topographical 

highpoints, which will alter the local topographical 

patterns of the immediate area. 

All activities will result in the potential degradation of 

soils due to the removal of the topsoil layer over the 

areas to be disturbed during the construction of the 

infrastructure. 

Blowing winds will result in the loss of topsoil from 

the exposed topsoil stockpiles. 

Alien vegetation may emerge from disturbed areas 

and on stockpiled soils. 

Animal burrows and habitats will be destroyed by the 

activities. This will further result in the migration of 

animals away from the areas of disturbance. 

Surface water emanating from the construction site 

may result in the pollution of the receiving water 

environment including the nearby wetlands and its 

aquatic ecosystem. The pollution may be in the form 

of silt and hydrocarbons. 

The activities will generate dust that will impact the 

immediate air quality, which may affect nearby 

residents. Machinery used will generate fumes and 

noise that may have detrimental effects on the 

surrounding air quality and health of the employees. 

The constructed infrastructure and overburden 

stockpiles will be visible from the road and from the 

nearby residents. 

Socio-economic status of the surrounding 

communities may be affected due to inflow of job 

seekers, increased traffic and safety risks and hazards 


S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

H 

H 

H 

H 

M 

L 

H 

M 

H 

M 

M 

M 

M 

L 

M 

M 

M 

M 

Use all overburden material during the 

rehabilitation of the voids caused by the 

construction of opencast pits and pollution 

control structures. 

Avoid loss of topsoil, soil erosion, soil 

compaction, soil contamination and use 

topsoil removed during the construction 

phase for the rehabilitation of the 

disturbed areas. 

Re-vegetate the stockpile to retain the 

topsoil and its fertility. 

Use recommended seed mix to ensure 

natural vegetation remaining in the soil as 

a seed bank (rehabilitated and stockpiles) 

is re-established. 

The rehabilitation of the mined areas will 

encourage the migration of animals back 

into the mined areas. 

All disturbed areas must be contained 

within berms/trenches. Haul/access roads 

must have berms to contain silt. No 

concrete mixing and vehicle maintenance 

will be undertaken on unprotected areas. 

All hydrocarbons will be stored on 

protected storage areas. 

Conduct dust suppression over the roads. 

Ensure that the mine vehicles’ exhaust 

systems are in good repair order. 

Ensure that mine employees are issued 

with protective equipment. All complaints 

must be addressed. 

Ensure that the infrastructure and 

overburden stockpiles are removed or 

rehabilitated during the decommissioning 

phase. 

Source labour from locals, no recruitment 

from the mine premises, develops a plan 

to control traffic from the mine, design 

N/A 

R 50 000 

R 100 000 

Mining cost 

R 200 000 

R 30 000 

R 300 000 

R 30 000 

N/A 

No cost



Construction of an initial box cut 

(opencast pit) 

The excavation of the initial box cuts will result in the 

disturbance of the geological profile. 

Carbonaceous material remaining from the removal of 

run of mine coal may cause acid mine drainage after 

rehabilitation of the opencast pits. 

The excavation of the initial box cuts will result in the 

formation of topographical voids, which will impact on 

the local topographical patterns. 

The stripping of soil layers during the construction of 

the initial box cut may result in the degradation of 

topsoil i.e. loss of the following i.e. original spatial 

distribution of soil types, original soil fertility, original 

soil depths and volume and natural functioning of the 

soil. Soil compaction will result from heavy vehicles. 

This will further impact on the land use and capability 

i.e. the current land use will be lost to mining. 

The activity will result in the removal of natural 

vegetation due to the stripping of topsoil. 

Animal burrows and habitats will be destroyed by the 

activities. This will further result in the migration of 

animals away from the areas of disturbance. 


S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

H 

H 

H 

H 

H 

H 

M 

M 

L 

M 

L 

L 

and implement safety, health and 

environmental programme for the mine. 

No mitigation can be undertaken for the 

predicted impact. However the mine will 

use removed material to backfill the 

opencast voids 

Reduce the exposure of the 

carbonaceous material to free oxygen. 

This will be achieved by placing the 

carbonaceous material at the bottom of 

the opencast pits and backfill as fast as 

possible. 

Use material from the successive cuts to 

backfill the voids created by the 

construction of the initial box cuts. 

Stockpile topsoil to appropriate height 

hence reducing loss of fertility. Avoid 

activity at stockpiles. Use of topsoil for 

rehabilitation of the backfilled opencast 

pits, hence rehabilitated areas can be 

used for other purposes. 

The topsoil used to cover the areas must 

be seeded with the recommended seed 

mixture. 

The rehabilitation of the disturbed areas 

will encourage the migration of animals 

back into the rehabilitated areas. 

N/A 



R 500 000 

No additional 

cost 

No cost



Construction of initial box cuts 

(opencast pit) 

Rain and runoff water may enter the initial box cuts. 

This will result in the loss of clean runoff water that 

could report to the nearby water body. 

Contamination of the clean water by the remaining 

coal and carbonaceous material may further result 

from the above activity, which could impacts 

negatively on the surrounding surface water 

environment. 

The stripping of soils from the initial box cut will 

result in the exposure of soils causing the dust 

generation by blowing wind and movement of mine 

vehicles. This may ultimately affect the residents of 

the nearby farms. 

Blasting operations may affect nearby structures. 

This may be due to ground vibration, air blast 

pressure and fly rock. 

Dust and noxious fumes may be generated during 

blasting that can affect the neighbouring residents 

and road users. 

Machine operators in close proximity to machinery 

will be exposed to noise levels in excess of 85dB. 

These noise levels will attenuate to acceptable 

levels within a short distance (500m). 


S 

M 

S 

S 

S 

H 

H 

H 

M 

H 

M 

M 

H 

M 

M 

Divert runoff water away from the 

initial box cuts. 

Construct a dam in which all dirty 

water from the opencast pits will be 

pumped into. 

Conduct dust suppression daily. 

Enforce appropriate speed limits for 

the mine vehicles. 

Implement a dust and noxious gas 

minimisation strategy 

A blast design must be done to 

ensure that the ground vibration and 

air blast pressure is within acceptable 

limits. 

Undertake a full risk assessment in 

order to address the aspects and to 

put proper controls in place. 

Proper stemming and use of 

stemming material, Blasts can be 

delayed when prevailing wind is 

blowing towards the area of concern 

and not leaving blasts standing for 

long periods of time. 

Ensure that the mine employees are 

issued with earplugs and that they 

are instructed to use them. 

Educate employees on the dangers 

of hearing loss due to mine 

machinery noise. 

R 200 000 

R 600 000 

No additional costs 

R 80 000 

R 50 000 

Mining costs 

R 30 000 

R 30 000



Construction of the initial box cuts 

(opencast pits) 

The land occupier will not be able to continue 

with the current land use since the land will be 

lost to mining. 

Interested and affected parties are given an 

opportunity to comment on the issues raised in 

the EIA. 


S 

S 

H 

H 

H 

M 

Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited has 

reach an agreement with the 

landowner and the land occupier on 

their ground. See Appendix 4 for a 

copy of the agreement between the 

Mawewe Royal Family Trust and 

Mawewe Community Trust and 

Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Ltd. 

Any comments raised will be 

addressed in the final draft EIA/EMP 

Report. 

Confidential 

R 100 000 

ANNUAL REHABILITATION CONSTRUCTION COSTS (SUB-TOTAL) R 1 399 000 

6.3.3 O P E R AT I O N AL P H A S E 

ACTIVITY IMPACT IMPACT 

ASSESSMENT 

Operation of the opencast mine workings Removal of coal by opencast mining and 

subsequent replacement of overburden 

material during the mining will result in the 

disturbance of the geological layers 

overlying the target coal seams. 

Opening of opencast pits during mining will 

result in the formation of voids, which will 

alter the local topographical patterns within 

the immediate mining area. 

Rehabilitated areas may show areas of 

localised water ponding and impaired 

drainage. 

E P S 

MITIGATION MEASURES ANNUAL COST CLOSURE 

COST 

S H M No mitigation can be undertaken 

for this impact. The mine will 

however replace the overburden 

material in the mined out opencast 

S 

S 

H 

H 

M 

L 

pits. 

Mining must be undertaken 

concurrently with rehabilitation. A 

maximum of three cuts in each 

mining area must be operational at 

any time during mining. 

Ensure that the rehabilitated areas 

maintain safe slopes and the area 

is free draining. 



R 500 000



The stripping and stockpiling of topsoil 

during mining may result in the following: 

Loss of the original spatial distribution of soil 

types and natural soil horizon sequences, 

loss of original soil fertility, loss of original 

soil depth and soil volume, loss of the 

natural functioning of the soil, compaction of 

soil during replacing by heavy mechanical 

equipment. 

Stripping and stockpiling of topsoil will result 

in the original land capability classified as 

arable to cease completely until 

rehabilitation takes place. 

Stripping and stockpiling of topsoil will result 

in the original land capability classified as 

temporary wetland to cease completely until 

rehabilitation takes place. 

Stripping of topsoil will result in the current 

possible land uses to cease completely. 


S 

S 

S 

H 

H 

H 

M 

M 

M 

S H M Same as above 

Implement a soil management 

strategy and this will ensure that 

the soils at the mining area are 

protected. 

Replacing of topsoil as described 

in the mitigation measure of the 

soils will restore the original land 

capability and current land use to 

some extent depending on the 

standard of rehabilitation. 


strategy and this will ensure that 

the soils at the mining area are 

protected. 

R 300 000 


No additional costs



The opencast mining will result in the 

removal of the topsoil layer, which may result 

in the loss of vegetation cover. 

Loss of animal burrows /microhabitats and 

migration of animals may occur due to 

disruption of the soil profile and vegetation 

cover. 

There is a risk that mining contractor 

employees working in the area will result in 

trapping of wild animals that may still be 

present on site and surrounding areas. 

Formation of a void during mining will result 

in loss of MAR within the Komati River sub 

catchment, which will result in the loss of 

catchment yield. 

Runoff from the upslope area may enter the 

rehabilitated opencast workings giving rise to 

an increased siltation. The silted water will 

enter the Komati River affecting its water 

quality. 

Water captured within the opencast pits may 

have low pH, contain elevated salt, ion and 

metal concentrations, which may impact 

detrimentally on the environment if allowed to 

enter the natural environment. 


S 

M 

M 

S 

M 

S 

H 

M 

M 

H 

H 

M 

L 

M 

M 

M 

L 

M 

Mining must be undertaken 

concurrently with rehabilitation, 

with the mined out area 

rehabilitated and revegetated with 

plant species recommended by a 

specialist. 

No mitigation will be undertaken. 

Note however that fauna will 

naturally recolonise unmined and 

rehabilitated areas. 

Educate employees on the 

impacts of trapping endangered 

species during the mines 

environmental awareness plan 

implementation. 

Ensure that the operational 

opencast pits cover as little space 

as possible during mining. This 

will reduce the loss of runoff to the 

catchment. 

Construct contours to reduce the 

velocity of runoff storm water and 

establish vegetation as soon as 

possible after completion of the 

soil placement and profiling. 

All dirty water captured in the 

opencast pits will as soon as 

possible be pumped into the 

pollution control dam 

(reconstructed to DWEA approved 

design specifications). 


N/A 

R 30 000 


R 250 000 

R 2 400 000



Under extreme flood conditions the storm 

water may enter the opencast pits resulting 

in the injury or loss of life to personnel 

working in the pits, damage to equipment 

and in the contamination of the clean storm 

water. 

During the operational phase, it is expected 

that the main impact on the groundwater 

quantity will be dewatering of the surrounding 

aquifer and loss of groundwater contribution 

to catchment base flow. 

Carbonaceous material remaining from the 

removal of run of mine coal may cause acid 

mine drainage post mining of the mining 

area. 


M 

M 

M 

M 

H 

H 

M 

L 

M 

All storm water runoff during flood 

events will be diverted away from 

the opencast areas. 

Surrounding boreholes i.e. 

monitoring and boreholes used by 

residents must be monitored on a 

quarterly basis. This will 

determine the extent of the 

dewatering cone from the mining 

workings and any user affected by 

the mining related dewatering will 

be compensated by the mine. 

Reduce the exposure of the 

carbonaceous material to free 

oxygen. This will be achieved by 

placing the carbonaceous material 

at the bottom of the opencast pits 

and backfill as fast as possible. . 

R 2 000 000 

R 100 000 

Mining cost



During mining dust may accumulate in the 

workings. This may have health impacts on 

the employees. 

Blasting of the overburden and coal seams 

will result in the generation of dust, which will 

migrate towards the prevailing wind direction. 

The dust will also settle on the surrounding 

vegetation cover. This dust cloud may impact 

negatively on the nearby residents and 

wetland areas. 

Spontaneous combustion of coal in exposed 

faces or in carbonaceous spoils may 

generate noxious gasses associated with 

burning coal. 

Machine operators in close proximity to 

mining machinery may continuously be 

exposed to noise levels in excess of 85dB. 

During blasting, noise levels may reach in 

excess of 130dBA. The noise may be audible 

within a certain distance from the mining 

area. Note, however, that blasting only last 

for a very short period. 

Blasting may also generate vibrations and fly 

rock. The fly rock may damage the vehicles 

or cause injury to public travelling on the 

private farm road. 


L 

M 

M 

S 

M 

M 

L 

M 

H 

H 

H 

M 

M 

M 

L 

M 

M 

M 

Employees must be issued with 

dust masks and instructed to use 

them. 

Dust suppression must be 

undertaken daily. 

Minimum explosives will be used 

and the blasting holes will be 

stemmed. 

If the above is not sufficient, other 

effective methods will be 

investigated and implemented by 

the mine. 

Covering of burning areas with soil 

material. 

Rehabilitation of mined out areas 

as soon as possible to limit spoils 

areas from spontaneous 

combustion risk. 

Issue earplugs to employees and 

educate on their use and on the 

effect of noise on their health. 

Monitor noise levels to ensure that 

the required noise levels are 

maintained within the surrounding 

areas. 

A qualified blasting expert will be 

employed to design the blasting 

such that nearby residents are not 

affected. 

R 30 000 


R 150 000 


No additional cost 

R 100 000 

No additional cost



Issues raised by the interested and 

affected parties so far. 

Visual impacts may result from the proposed 

Madadeni opencast operation. The opencast 

operation activities will interfere with views 

from isolated farm houses. 

The proposed project will create much 

needed employment opportunities, which will 

be enhanced by employing unemployed 

members of the local communities. Capital 

and operating expenditure on the proposed 

mine will benefit the local economy. Further 

to the above, through the Social and labour 

Plan the mine will continue developing its 

employees and will continue with the 

community projects, adding to the benefit the 

community will receive from the current and 

proposed project. 

Potential socio-economic impacts of the 

proposed project include threat of increase in 

crime and petty theft and poaching, 

especially if the employees reside on site. 

Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited held several 

meetings with the leaders of community who 

are legally occupying and using the land on 

which the proposed mining operation will be 

undertaken. These meetings were used to 

determine concerns that the community may 

have on the proposed project. Mainly social 

issues were raised by the community 

members 


M 

S 

S 

H 

M 

M 

M 

H 

H 

Ensure that the activities resulting 

in visual impacts are removed or 

rehabilitated during the 

decommissioning phase 

Rehabilitate opencast pits 

concurrently with mining. 

Positive 

No employees will be allowed to 

reside within the proposed mining 

right area. 

Based on the outcome of the 

meetings an agreement was 

reached between the community 

(via their leaders) and Nkomati 

Anthracite (Pty) Limited, see 

Appendix 4. Consequent to the 

agreement, the continued 

communication through relevant 

forum will be undertaken to 

address these and any new issues 

N/A 

No costs 

R 500 000



Operation of the Run Of Mine coal 

stockpile area 

Operation of other mine infrastructure 

(pollution control facilities and use of haul 

The stockpiling of the R.O.M coal will result in 

the formation of a topographical highpoint. 

Runoff from run of mine stockpile area may 

contain elevated chemical concentrations, 

which will impact negatively on the 

environment if released. 

During the transportation and stockpiling of 

the R.O.M coal, machinery movement and 

wind blowing over exposed surfaces, the coal 

loaded on the vehicles will generate diesel 

fumes and dust. These air particulates will 

during windy days form dust clouds and 

migrate towards the prominent wind direction, 

which will eventually settle on nearby 

vegetation and surrounding houses. 

The run of mine coal stockpile may be visible 

from a certain distance resulting in a visual 

impact affecting neighbouring landowners. 

The transportation of R.O.M. coal and 

overburden material (top soils, sub soils and 


S H L The coal at the R.O.M coal 

stockpile will be removed as soon 

as possible and the area 

rehabilitated at decommissioning. 

S H M Divert all runoff water from the run 

of mine coal stockpile to the 

pollution control dam. 

M H M Conduct dust suppression on the 

roads within the stockpiling area 

and limit the vehicle activity as 

much as possible within these 

roads. 

Place R.O.M stockpiles such that 

impacts are limited. 

Limit the size of the stockpiles to 

the recommended size. 

Keep mine vehicles in good repair 

order. 

M H L Construct berms around the run of 

mine coal stockpile. 

Conduct dust suppression, 

maintain the mine vehicles in good 

order and limit the activity within 

the R.O.M coal stockpiling area. 

Conduct dust and noise monitoring 

and undertake recommendations 

from the results of such monitoring. 

Remove coal from the stockpile as 

soon as possible. 

S M M Trucks to obey maximum speed 

limit to be set by the mine. 

No cost 


R 100 000 

R 300 000 

No additional costs



and access roads). hards) along the haul roads may result in the 

contamination of virgin land (soil and 

vegetation) due to spillages along the roads. 

Leaking oils and fluids from trucks will result 

in the contamination of soils along the haul 

and access roads. 

Water to be stored in the pollution control dam 

will contain elevated chemical concentrations 

associated with coal mining. These may result 

in reduced pH levels, and thus elevated heavy 

metals in surface water quality within the 

natural water environment if allowed to enter 

the natural environment. 


S M M 

Trucks transporting coal to the 

destined clients must cover the 

coal within tarpaulins to prevent 

spillages along the roads. 

Constructed speed humps along 

the roads. 

All roads to be inspected regularly 

for any spillages. Any spillages 

must be removed as soon as is 

practically possible. 

S 

H 

M 

Mine will always have oil spill 

remediation kits at the mine 

Haul roads must be graded 

regularly to remove the 

accumulated layer of coal material 

from the mine vehicles. 

Design and construct the pollution 

control dam to be able to handle 

the volumes of dirty water 

emanating from the mine. This dam 

will be lined with an appropriate 

layer to prevent seepage of dirty 

R 100 000 

R 200 000 


No additional costs



Use of haul and access roads will result in the 

generation of dust, which my impact 

negatively on neighbouring landowners. 

Employees working in close proximity to mine 

machinery will be exposed to high levels of 

noise, which may in the long term be 

detrimental to their health. 


water into the groundwater regime. 

The dam must be operated to meet 

the DWEA’s requirements. 

M H M Conduct dust suppression on the 

roads. Maintain the roads on a 

regular basis 

S 

H 

M 

Issue employees with earplugs and 

instruct them how to use the 

earplugs. 

The mine will through the 

implementation of the 

environmental awareness plan 

encourage the employees to use 

these earplugs. 



ANNUAL REHABILITATION OPERATIONAL COSTS (SUB-TOTAL) R 7 060 000 

6.3.4 D E CO M M I S S I O NI N G P H AS E 

ACTIVITY IMPACT IMPACT 

ASSESSMENT 

E P S 

Filling of the final voids Backfilled areas may show areas of localised 

water ponding and impaired drainage. 

If the placement of removed overburden 

material is not done properly, it may impact 

on the after mining planned soil distribution, 

which will impact on the functioning of the 

soils and vegetation distribution after mining. 

Compaction of soil during replacing, by 

heavy mechanical equipment may occur. 

The above impacts, if not controlled, may 

result in the mine not attaining the planned 

after mining land use. Hence not allowing 

S 

S 

S 

H 

H 

H 

M 

M 

H 

MITIGATION MEASURES ANNUAL COST CLOSURE 

COST 

Ensure that the rehabilitated areas 

maintain slopes that will promote 

free draining. 


strategy to ensure that the soils at 

the mining area are protected 

during replacement of the 

removed soils. 

Undertake the seeding of the 

rehabilitated areas as per 

specialist’s recommendation. 

Replacing of topsoil as described 

in the mitigation measure of the 

soils will restore land capability 

R 200 000 


R 300 000 

Mining costs



Rehabilitation of R.O.M stockpile area, 

access and haul roads, overburden 

stockpile areas and dirty water 

management structures. 

the intended after mining land use to be 

undertaken. 

Runoff from the backfilled final voids may 

contain elevated silt load, which will have 

negative impacts on the nearby stream, 

natural vegetation and stream’s aquatic 

ecosystem 

Backfilling and levelling of the final voids will 

result in the generation of dust. This, if not 

controlled, will have impacts on the 

neighbouring properties. 

The carbonaceous layer that could build up 

during the operational phase on the R.O.M 

coal stockpile area, pollution control 

structures and the access/haul roads may 

contaminate rehabilitated areas if not 

removed before use of material or 

rehabilitation of the areas. This may further 

affect the shallow groundwater aquifer and 

surface water within the affected areas. 

The activities will result in the generation of 

dust, which may have negative effects on the 

surrounding farmers’ fields and the sensitive 

landscapes. 

Water emanating from the above-mentioned 

areas will be considered dirty until the 

carbonaceous layers have been removed and 

disposed of. 


S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

H 

H 

H 

H 

L 

M 

M 

M 

M 

L 

approximate pre-mining 

conditions, which is also 

dependent on the standard of 

rehabilitation. 

Construct contours to reduce the 

velocity of runoff storm water and 

establish vegetation as soon as 

possible after completion of the 

soil placement and profiling. 

Employees must be issued with 

dust masks and instructed to use 

them. 

Dedicated haul roads must be 

used and on the roads, dust 

suppression must be undertaken 

daily. 

Remove build up carbonaceous 

layer from the R.O.M coal 

stockpiling areas, pollution control 

structures and the access/haul 

roads. 

The mine must have dedicated 

haul/access roads within the 

rehabilitation areas and dust 

suppression must be undertaken 

on these roads. 

Divert all storm water from this 

area to the pollution control dam. 

Note that the pollution control dam 

will not be removed until all areas 

generating dirty water are 

R 400 000 


R 300 000 



No additional costs



rehabilitated. 

ANNUAL REHABILITATION DECOMMISSIONING COSTS (SUB-TOTAL) R 1 200 000 

GRAND TOTAL (CONSTRUCTION, OPERATIONAL & DECOMMISSIONING ANNUAL REHAB COSTS R 9 250 000 

QUANTUM FOR FINANCIAL PROVISION INCLUDING CONTINGENCIES AND VAT (SUBMITTED TO DMR) R 4 122 282 




6.4 R E S I D U A L IM P A C T S PO S T M I N I N G 

Residual impacts post mining, in context of this document, is taken as all potential impacts, which may 

arise as a result of the mining activities on the proposed Madadeni Opencast mining area following 

the decommissioning phase. Note that no partial closure will be applied for. 

6.4.1 G e o l o g y 

During the life of the mine, approximately 1.4 x 10 6 tons of coal will be removed from the proposed 

Madadeni mining project area. The geological profile (target coal seam and overlying strata) on the 

proposed Madadeni mining project area, covering an area of approximately 54ha, will have been 

permanently disturbed by opencast mining. Note, however, that a core function of any mine is to 

remove geological material. No surface subsidence is expected after mining. 

The residual impact of mining on geology will therefore be the disruption of the geological profile. No 

mitigation measures are predicted for the impacts on geology. 

6.4.2 T o p o g r a p h y 

During closure, all surface activities that would have impacted on the topography i.e. pollution control 

dam, R.O.M coal stockpile area and all other mine infrastructure would have been removed. In view 

of this, the surface area will be free draining and approximate the pre-mining surface, hence no 

residual impacts are expected. 

6.4.3 S o i l s 

All soils from the subsoil and topsoil stockpiles would have been utilized during the decommissioning 

phase. The area will then be seeded with the recommended seed mix identified to prevent soil loss 

and erosion. Since the topsoil stockpile height will not exceed the height of 4m, no significant loss of 

soil chemical properties is expected. However, if it is found that the fertility of the soil has been 

reduced to critical levels the soils will be fertilised before use, during rehabilitation. 

During the rehabilitation, topsoil layer will be spread over the rehabilitated areas and seeded. As far 

as possible rehabilitation of the area will be conducted such that the soil distribution and depths 

approximate that of the pre-mining environment. No significant residual impacts on soil will therefore 

occur. 

6.4.4 L a n d U s e an d C a p a b i l i t y 

It is however not possible to immediately restore the land capability of the rehabilitated area to premining 

land use, hence the after mining land capability of the mined out area will remain grazing. 

Until the biological activity of the soils has been restored and its stability is ensured the soils cannot 

be considered arable. This activity will take approximately three to four years of management and 

maintenance. In view of the above, the after mining land use will be grazing until such time that the 

soils in the area is suitable for use as arable land. 

No significant residual impacts on land capability will therefore occur. 

6.4.5 Na t u r a l V e g e t at i o n 

Seeding of all rehabilitated areas during the decommissioning phase will ensure that a sustainable 

vegetation cover will establish in the mining area within 2 – 4 years. A vegetation cover suitable for 

grazing land use will be established. 

No significant residual impacts on vegetation will therefore occur. 




6.4.6 An i m a l L i f e 

Normally following cessation of mining activities in the area, animals will begin to migrate back into the 

area within 2 years. 

No significant residual impacts on animal life will therefore occur. 

6.4.7 S u r f ac e W a t e r 

6 . 4 . 7 . 1 S u r f a c e W at e r Q u a n t i t y 

Following re-establishment of natural runoff patterns by rehabilitation and shaping of the disturbed 

areas, and removing of the pollution control dam, all diversion trenches and berms, surface water 

runoff will re-establish. 

No significant residual impacts are therefore predicted. 

6 . 4 . 7 . 2 S u r f a c e W at e r Q u a l i t y 

Following rehabilitation of the disturbed areas, all sources of dirty water from the mining area will be 

eliminated. In view of this, no dirty water will be emanating from the mining area. 

No significant residual impacts are therefore predicted. 

6.4.8 G r o u n d w a t e r 

This phase of the mining operation is the period following the completion of mining and rehabilitation 

of the Madadeni Mining Area. The following possible impacts were identified at this stage: 




Activities Opencast mining 

Nature of impacts Groundwater Quantity: 

After closure, the water table will rise in the rehabilitated pits to reinstate equilibrium 

with the surrounding groundwater systems. It is estimated that the groundwater will 

recover to 50% of pre-mining levels in about eight years. 

However, the backfilled opencast areas will have a large hydraulic conductive 

compared to the pre-mining situation. This will result in a relative flattening of the 

groundwater table over the extent of the 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 rise in lower lying 

areas. 

Intuitively, it would be expected that this raise in groundwater could result in 

decanting of the opencast area. Inspection of the predicted groundwater levels 

indicates that the post mining groundwater levels in the proposed mining area is not 

predicted to decant. The reason for this is that this opencast is much smaller and 

the rise (and decline) of post mining groundwater levels are much less pronounced, 

as depicted in the above-mentioned Figure 19. 

Groundwater Quality: 

Once the normal groundwater flow conditions have been re-instated, polluted water 

can migrate away from the rehabilitated areas. Although the overburden is mostly 

intermediate acid forming, some coal and discards normally remain in the pits and 

the outflow could thus be contaminated, as a worst case scenario. 

The migration of contaminated water from the mining area has been modelled as 

described, and the results are presented in Figure 20 to Figure 23 in terms of the 

extent of the pollution plume 10, 20, 40 and 80 years after the pits has been closed. 

Experience has shown that the plume stagnates after about 80 years, and no further 

movement after such time is expected. 

Within the limitations of the abovementioned assumptions, it can be estimated from 

these figures that: 

• Movement of the plume will be mostly downstream in the direction of the 

non perennial tributaries of the Komati River, as can be expected. 

• However, the movement of the plume is predicted to be very slow due to 

the low hydraulic conductivity and the low gradients in the area. 

• After forty years the front of the plume will have moved about 250 metres. 

The area where the groundwater might exceed domestic drinking water 

standards is expected to be about 70 metres from the pits where it will 

impact on the upper reach of the non perennial tributary of the Komati 

River. 

• Eighty years after closure of the opencast, the plume is predicted to impact 

over a wide area on the non perennial tributaries of the Komati River. By 

this time the plume would have moved about 250 metres. 

The results must be viewed with caution as a homogeneous aquifer has been 

assumed. Heterogeneities in the aquifer are unknown and the effect of this cannot 

be predicted. Furthermore, no chemical interaction of the sulphate with the minerals 

in the surrounding bedrock has been assumed. As there must be some interaction 

and retardation of the plume, it is hoped that this prediction will represent a worstcase 

scenario. 

Impact assessment Groundwater Quantity 

Extent Possibility Significance 

S H L 

Groundwater Quality 

Extent Possibility Significance 

L M M 

Mitigation measures A relative big change in groundwater level is expected, Furthermore, some 

unpredictable negative impacts regarding groundwater levels could occur as a result 

of aquifer heterogeneities. 

It is thus important to monitor static groundwater levels on at least a quarterly basis 

in all boreholes within a zone of 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. Preferred flow structures (dykes, sills, 

faults, etc) have not been included in the model due to the unknown hydraulic 

characteristics, and these structures could alter the actual effects considerably. 

If it can be proven that the mining operation is indeed affecting the quantity of 

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

This may be done through the installation of additional boreholes for water supply 

purposes, or an alternative water supply. 

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 flooded once mining has been completed. 

The current monitoring programme must be continued and new boreholes must be 

sited and drilled to monitor the effects of the proposed mining operation. These 

boreholes must be positioned between 50 and 100 metres from the final perimeters 

of the pits and drilled to a depth of at least 10 metres below the coal floor. Boreholes 

must be properly equipped with a sanitary seal, provided with a lockable cap and 

adequately marked. 

Closure cost TBD 




6.5 S E C T I O N 39(B) (1) O F T H E MPRDA A N D R E G U L AT I O N 50(C) O F 

T H E R E G U L AT I O N S U N D E R T H E MPRDA: AS S E S S M E N T 

M E T H O D O L O G Y: CUM U L AT I V E IM P AC T S 

This section of the environmental impact assessment will attempt to determine if the proposed 

Madadeni Opencast Mining Project will contribute towards any cumulative impacts. For the purpose 

of this document cumulative impacts will be described as the impacts (including those that has been 

assessed as being insignificant) that would be significant when combined with the same impact 

arising from another activity within and around the area of the proposed mining project. 

It must however be mentioned that the assessment of the cumulative impacts is a difficult exercise 

that requires a combined effort from the different role stakeholders (farmers, mines, industries, 

individuals etc.,) that would contribute to the cumulative impacts identified. Accurate data from the 

contributing parties will be a key for a thorough and accurate impact assessment. 

6.5.1 G e o l o g y 

The area under discussion has three major coal horizons i.e. C1 (lower), C2 (middle) and C3 (upper). 

The C1 (lower), varies in width from less than one meter up to a maximum of 8.25 meters. This unit is 

distinctly zoned into three roughly equal leaves, namely C1A1, C1B1 and C1C1, the basal unit (C1A1) 

of which contains the highest quality coal with the best washability characteristics. 

The C2 (middle) can be sub-divided into a lower unit (C2B) and an upper unit (C2A) separated by up 

to three sandstones and shale. The C2A seam exhibits the better quality characteristics. Both units 

vary in width from a stringer, centimetres in width, up to a maximum of 2,50 meters. 

C3 (upper) consists of an upper unit (C3A) and a lower (C3B). The lower unit is more persistently 

developed reaching a maximum thickness of two meters. This lower unit also exhibits the better 

washability characteristics when compared to the upper. 

The No. 1 and No. 2 coal seams are the target coal seams that will be mined via opencast mining 

methods at the proposed mining area. 

The rehabilitation of the mined areas would reduce the significance of the impacts as well. It is still 

emphasised that the core of coal mining requires the permanent destruction of the overlying strata, 

hence no mitigation measures can be undertaken to reduce the significance. 

6.5.2 T o p o g r a p h y 

The current Nkomati Anthracite mine lies in close proximity to the proposed Madadeni opencast 

mining project. The presence of these mining operations will have an added impact on the local 

topography of the area such that the sense of place will be affected. Drainage of the area might also 

be affected by the presence of other mining operations within and around the proposed mining area. 

Cumulative impacts on topography over the proposed area are reduced by the undulating nature of 

the regional topography. 

6.5.3 S o i l , L a n d U s e an d C a p a b i l i t y 

The area within which Madadeni Opencast mining area will be undertaken is classified as having 

good arable land. It must however be noted that mining operations will take place over a long period 

at different areas hence not all areas will be impacted upon simultaneously. Further to the above, and 




the fact that the mined areas can be rehabilitated to proximate the pre-mining land uses reduces the 

significance of the cumulative impacts. 

6.5.4 Na t u r a l V e g e t at i o n 

Due to the high arable potential of the area within the Madadeni Opencast mining area, extensive 

agricultural practices (grazing and crop production) has resulted in the removal of vast areas of 

natural vegetation. In view of the above, the natural vegetation of the area has been severely affected 

by the previous farming activities. The presence of mining activities would add to the already 

impacted environment. Rehabilitation of the mining area (opencast) would in a sense mitigate against 

these impacts. However this could not be guaranteed since the land may be reverted back to 

agriculture (grazing or crop production) provided good rehabilitation is undertaken. 

6.5.5 S u r f ac e w a t e r 

Mining has over the past decades had detrimental effects on the surface water environment. This 

could be attributed to previous environmentally unfriendly mining practices. The presence of several 

mining activities within one catchment may have severe effects on the surface water environment. 

However, due to new technologies and environmental awareness that has been promoted over the 

last decade, mining can be undertaken such that the impacts on the surface water environment are 

significantly minimised and controlled. The quality of the water in the Komati River which drains the 

current Nkomati Anthracite opencast mining area is testimony to this. 

Agriculture, which currently dominates the area, can have a detrimental impact on surface water. 

Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited will, in view of the seriousness of the potential impacts, continue to 

undertake the necessary measures to ensure that the current and proposed mining operations do not 

contribute to the identified impacts on surface water environment. 

6.5.6 G r o u n d w a t e r 

During the impact assessment it was identified that groundwater will not be polluted during the 

operational phase since water will be pumped out of the groundwater aquifer. It is only after mining, 

when groundwater flow conditions has been re-instated that the polluted water can migrate away from 

the rehabilitated areas. The expansion of the plume is predicted to be very slow due to the low 

hydraulic conductivity and the low gradients in the area. 

When groundwater returns to equilibrium conditions, movement of the plume will commence due to an 

outward directed hydraulic gradient: 

o Movement of the plume could be expected to be mostly easterly towards the Komati River. 

o However, movement will very slow due to the low hydraulic conductivity and very low 

gradients in the area. 

o From the results of the modelling, the plume is predicted to virtually stagnant for all practical 

purposes. 

o From the results of the modelling it is thus not expected that the groundwater pollution will 

ever impact negatively on any current groundwater users or on the Komati River. 

6.5.7 Ai r Q u a l i t y 

Potentially air pollution may arise from mining activities as a result of particulates entering the 

atmosphere. These particulates arise as dust from haul roads, on overburden stockpiles and coal 

stockpiles. Mining activities at the proposed Madadeni Opencast area will occur on surface through 




opencast mining and thus this activity and its associated infrastructure may have an impact on surface 

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

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

air quality on a local scale. 

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

and will not be affected cumulatively. 




SECTION SEVEN 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Conclusions & Recommendations 




7. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 

The purpose of this final chapter is to: 

Summarise the main recommendations of the impact assessment to mitigate significant negative 

impacts and enhance benefits, 

Briefly discuss how the objectives of the report have been met, 

Provide an indication of how complete the information in this report is for decision-making purposes. 

7.1 K E Y R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S 

The key recommendations made by specialists relate to significant impacts and potential significant 

impacts of the proposed project. These recommendations are outlined below. 

7.1.1 Re c o m m e n d a t i o n s R e l a t i n g t o I m p a c t s o n S o i l s 

Topsoil from the R.O.M coal stockpiling site, access/haul roads and pollution control dam sites should 

be stripped prior to use of the area and the stripped topsoil must be used for rehabilitation after the 

use of the sites. 

As far as possible, stripped topsoil should be stockpiled upslope of the each site. 

The topsoil stockpiles must be placed upslope or outside the dirty water areas. 

The broad soil groups suitable for rehabilitation purposes should be stockpiled separately from less 

suitable broad soil groups and all topsoil must be stockpiled separately from the subsoil material. 

Soil depth and volumes to be used during rehabilitation must comply with the rehabilitation budget. 

7.1.2 Re c o m m e n d a t i o n s R e l a t i n g t o I m p a c t s o n ve g e t a t i o n a n d f a u n a 

( b i o d i ve r s i t y ) 

The land use of the area is dominated by cultivation and grazing. Mine surface infrastructure will only 

be undertaken on the cultivated lands, hence impacts on the natural vegetation will not be extensive. 

However if the grazing is allowed by the mine the remaining areas will be affected by the land use, 

hence the following: 

Maintaining land not affected by the mining activities, in a state not to allow its agricultural capability to 

diminish. 

Rehabilitate and revegetate disturbed areas. 

Manage the rehabilitated areas to maintain viability and productivity of established vegetation. 

Conservation of valuable fauna and flora within the mining area and in surrounding undisturbed areas. 

Declared invader plant species observed in the rehabilitated area must be eradicated. 

7.1.3 Re c o m m e n d a t i o n s R e l a t i n g t o I m p a c t s o n su r f a c e w at e r 

A surface water survey has been conducted for the proposed Madadeni Opencast mining project 

area. During this survey it has been determined that the stretch of the Komati River in which the 

proposed project falls, has not been severely affected. In view of this, it is recommended that all dirty 

water emanating from the mining area be contained, clean water be diverted away from the dirty 




water areas of the mine, and no mining must be conducted within one hundred meters from a 

watercourse or within the 1:100 year floodline of the nearest streams, whichever is the greatest. All 

dirty water management structures must be designed to handle water from flood events (1:50 and 

1:100 year flood event). 

7.1.4 Re c o m m e n d a t i o n s R e l a t i n g t o I m p a c t s o n g r o u n d w a t e r 

Impacts that would result on groundwater will be the drawdown during mining and the migration of the 

pollution plume after mining. However, structures of preferred groundwater flow, like dolerite dykes 

and local fault zones or fissures could increase the effect considerably if encountered. 

In view of the above it is recommended that the static groundwater levels and ground water quality be 

monitored during the mining operation in order to confirm the predicted impacts and to determine if 

any unacceptable decrease of the yield or pollution of any affected boreholes, occurs. In such a 

situation the affected groundwater users must be compensated for the affected boreholes. 

7.1.5 Re c o m m e n d a t i o n s R e l a t i n g t o I n t e r e s t e d a n d Af f e c t e d P a r t i e s 

Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited held several meetings with the leaders of community who are legally 

occupying and using the land on which the proposed mining operation will be undertaken. These 

meetings were used to determine concerns that the community may have on the proposed project. 

Based on the outcome of the meetings an agreement was reached between the community (via their 

leaders) and Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited regarding the proposed mining operation. See 

Appendix 4 for a copy of the agreement between the Mawewe Royal Family Trust and Mawewe 

Community Trust and Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Ltd. 

The objectives for this report were outlined in Section 1.4. These objectives were as follows: 

Present information to the authorities about the proposed project. 

Provide information regarding alternatives that have been considered by Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) 

Limited. 

Show how interested and affected parties will be afforded the opportunity to contribute to the project, 

to comment on the findings of the impact assessment and show that their issues were considered. 

Describe the baseline environment. A description of the receiving environment is given in Section 3. 

Describe the extent of environmental consequences for the construction, operating and closure 

phases. A summary of the impact assessment findings, for construction, operation and closure, is 

given in Section 6 and is supported by the specialist assessment reports. 

Proposed Mitigation Measures for impacts that are considered significant. Mitigation Measures are 

outlined in Section 6 and presented in more detail in the specialist reports and the EMP. A summary 

of recommendations is given in Section 7.1 above. 

Describe the environmental feasibility of the proposed project – the potential negative impacts relating 

to environment can be mitigated appropriately while significant socio-economic benefits to the 

country, could be realised if the project proceeds. 

Present findings of the EIA in a manner that facilitates decision-making. The completeness of 

information for decision-making is outlined in Section 7.4 below. 

7.2 E N V I R O N M E N T A L FEA S I B I L I T Y O F T H E PRO P O S E D PRO J E C T 

Based on the environmental assessment conducted as described in this EIA Report, there are no 

significant environmental impacts associated with the proposed project that cannot be mitigated. 




The overall significance of environmental impacts of the proposed infrastructure, with Mitigation 

Measures as described in Chapter 6 and the EMP, is assessed to be low. 

7.3 S E C T I O N 39(3)(B) ( I) O F T H E MPRD A A N D R E G U L AT I O N 50(G) O F 

T H E R E G U L AT I O N S U N D E R T H E MPRDA: C O M P L E T E N E S S O F 

I N F O R M AT I O N 

The environment that is likely to be affected by the proposed Madadeni mining project was detailed in 

section 3. Specialists were commissioned to conduct detailed surveys and studies on the 

environment. These studies include soil survey, vegetation study, geological reports, geohydrological 

study and surface water studies etc. 

These studies have covered most of the prevailing conditions of the environmental aspects that were 

studied. Hence no knowledge gaps exist in terms of the current state of the environment. There is 

however some limitations with regard to the determination of the future state of the studied 

environmental aspects. 

During the assessment of the prevailing geohyrological conditions of the Madadeni Opencast mining 

project area, several limitations were encountered. It is a well-known fact that coal mining has an 

impact on the groundwater. These impacts are substantial after the mined area has been 

rehabilitated i.e. post mining phase. These impacts are the result of the chemical interactions and 

migration of the groundwater from the mined area. The samples of the bedrock and overburden 

material have been submitted for acid base accounting tests, which will determine their acid 

generation and neutralisation potential hence determining what type of chemical reactions is likely to 

occur after mining within the rehabilitated opencast pits. The results of the tests will be included in the 

final draft of the Environmental Impact Assessment report. 

Determination of the extent of the impact in the post closure phase cannot be conducted due to the 

limited amount of data. Modelling (predictive methods) was, in this case, used to estimate the 

groundwater behaviour after mining. These estimations represents a limitation e.g., assuming that a 

fractured aquifer will behave as a homogeneous porous medium, can lead to errors. It is therefore 

important that the modelling exercise be repeated with a more extensive data acquisition phase in 

order to obtain improved estimates of the groundwater flow and thus narrowing the existing 

uncertainties. Predictive methods were also used to estimate groundwater levels in areas where no 

data existed, to estimate regional groundwater types and overall quality. It must be mentioned that 

these predictive methods were used for reasons e.g., not enough data was available. 

However the adequacy of the methods has been proven. The same methods were used for several 

years at different coal mining projects with good results. These estimations will however improve with 

acquisition of more data gathered from the monitoring programme. 




SECTION EIGHT 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Statutory Requirements 




8. STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS 

A water use licence application for all the water uses within the Nkomati Anthracite mine has been 

submitted to the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs in terms of the National Water Act, 

Act 36 of 1998. 

All activities within the mining area will be assessed and all listed activities in terms of the EIA 

Regulations and Section 24 (7) of the National Environmental Management Act will be identified and 

relevant authorisation will be applied for. 

Any other statuary requirements identified by the interested and affected parties will be verified and if 

necessary relevant authorisations applied for. 




SECTION NINE 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

References 




9. REFERENCES 

Du Toit, G (Dr.) (Geo Pollution Control) October 2009. Geohydrological study, Madadeni mining 

project. Geovicon cc (Report No.: GeNko-09-059). 

Bate, J.M (MSc.). September 2010. Flora and Fauna Report over the proposed Madadeni Opencast 

Mining Project. Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Ltd. 

Verster E. (Dr.) (Pedo Plan International Consultants) March 2010). Semi-Detailed Assessment Of 

The Soil-Landform Resources Of The Proposed Madadeni Colliery Project, Mpumalanga To Assess 

The Impact On These Resources. 



Opencast Mining Project Page 86 

ATTACHMENT 1 

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Figure 1: Regional Setting 




ATTACHMENT 2 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Figure 2: Location of the proposed Madadeni Opencast mining project Area in Relation to the 

Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited Mining Right Area 




ATTACHMENT 3 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Figure 3: Location of Madadeni Opencast mining area within the DWEA drainage regions 




ATTACHMENT 4 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Figure 4: General stratigraphic column – Madadeni Opencast Mining Area 

Mine surface infrastructure and mining layout plan 




ATTACHMENT 5 

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Figure 5: Local Topography of the proposed Madadeni Opencast Mining area 




ATTACHMENT 6 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Figure 6: Soil Map for the Madadeni Opencast Study Area 




ATTACHMENT 7 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Figure 7: Land capability map for the Madadeni Opencast Soil Study Area 




ATTACHMENT 8 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Figure 8: Madadeni Opencast mining area surface water catchments 




ATTACHMENT 9 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Figure 9: Surface and groundwater monitoring points 




ATTACHMENT 10 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Figure 10: Correlation Graph Including All Boreholes 




ATTACHMENT 11 

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Figure 11: Static groundwater level contour map for the Madadeni Opencast project area and 

surrounds 




ATTACHMENT 12 

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Figure 12: Groundwater Flow Direction Map 




ATTACHMENT 13 

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Figure 13: Unsaturated aquifer thickness map for Madadeni Opencast project area and surrounds 




ATTACHMENT 14 

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Figure 14: Locality of hydro census boreholes used at Madadeni Opencast Geohydrological 

study 




ATTACHMENT 15 

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Figure 15: Aquifer boundaries for the Madadeni Opencast mining project area 




ATTACHMENT 16 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Figure 16: Mine And Surface Infrastructure Layout Plan For The Proposed Madadeni Opencast 

Mining Project 




ATTACHMENT 17 

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Figure 17: Schematic presentation of lateral rollover mining and rehabilitation 




ATTACHMENT 18 

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Figure 18: Groundwater draw down contours during mining 




ATTACHMENT 19 

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Figure 19: Change In Groundwater Levels After Mining 




ATTACHMENT 20 

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Figure 20: Groundwater plume migration 10, 20, 40 and 80 years after decommissioning of the 

proposed Madadeni Opencast mining area

NKOMATI ANTHRACITE (PTY) LIMITED - Sentula Mining

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