NKOMATI ANTHRACITE (PTY) LIMITED - Sentula Mining

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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. NKOMATI ANTHRACITE (PTY) LIMITED COMPILED BY GEOVICON ENVIRONMENTAL (PTY) LTD
Environmental Impact Assessment Report: Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited, Madadeni Opencast Mining Project Page 31 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. NKOMATI ANTHRACITE (PTY) LIMITED COMPILED BY GEOVICON ENVIRONMENTAL (PTY) LTD
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NKOMATI ANTHRACITE (PTY) LIMITED - Sentula Mining

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