NKOMATI ANTHRACITE (PTY) LIMITED - Sentula Mining

Environmental Impact Assessment Report: Nkomati Anthracite (Pty) Limited, Madadeni Opencast
Mining Project Page 58
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.
NKOMATI ANTHRACITE (PTY) LIMITED COMPILED BY GEOVICON ENVIRONMENTAL (PTY) LTD
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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.
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Mining cost
Mining cost
R 500 000
No additional
cost
No cost