Anglo American Inyosi Coal (Pty)

Limited

Draft

Amended Environmental Management

Programme (EMPr) Report
Compiled in terms of Appendix 3 and Appendix 4 of the Amended
Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 (Government Notice No.
R 326) (EIA Regulations, 2014) and Submitted as contemplated in Regulation
32(a) of Chapter 5 of the EIA Regulations, 2014

For

The Zibulo Colliery Opencast Mining

Operations
DMR Reference No: MP 30/5/1/2/2/338 MR

August 2020
Report number: 3341/2020
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Report Type: EMPr Amendment Report

Project Title: Anglo American Inyosi Coal (Pty) Ltd: Zibulo Opencast Colliery
Amended EMPr Report
Compiled for: Anglo American Inyosi Coal (Pty) Limited
Compiled by: P. Fourie, B.Sc. Hons. Cand.Sci.Nat
Reviewed by: T. Shakwane, B.Sc. Hons. Pr.Sci.Nat
Geovicon Reference: 3341/2020
Version: Draft
Date: August 2020
Distribution List: Melchior Joseph

Disclaimer:
The results and conclusions of this report are limited to the Scope of Work agreed between Geovicon and the
Client for whom this investigation has been conducted. All assumptions made and all information contained
within this report and its attachments depend on the accessibility to and reliability of relevant information,
including maps, previous reports and laboratory results, from the Client and Contractors. All work conducted by
Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited is done in accordance with the Geovicon Standard Operating Procedures.

Copyright:
The copyright in all text and other matter (including the manner of presentation) is the exclusive property of
Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited, unless where referenced to external parties. It is a criminal offence to
reproduce and/ or use, without written consent, any matter, technical procedure and/ or technique contained in
this document. This document must be referenced if any information contained in it is used in any other
document or presentation.

Declaration:
I hereby declare:
1. I have no vested interest (present or prospective) in the project that is the subject of this report as well as
its attachments. I have no personal interest with respect to the parties involved in this project.
2. I have no bias with regard to this project or towards the various stakeholders involved in this project.
3. I have not received, nor have I been offered, any significant form of inappropriate reward for compiling
this report.

___________________________________________________________
(Electronic signature)
P. Fourie, B.Sc. Hons. (Candidate Natural Scientist no: 120289)

This report was reviewed by:

___________________________________________________________
(Electronic signature)
T. Shakwane, B.Sc. Hons. (Professional Natural Scientist no: 117080)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................................................................................v
LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................................................... vi
LIST OF APPENDICES ...................................................................................................................................... vii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................................... 1
1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Who is Developing the EMPR Amendment Report? ........................................................... 4
1.1.1 Name and Contact Details of the EAP who Prepared the EMPR Amendment
Report.................................................................................................................. 4
1.1.2 Expertise of the EAP who Prepared the EMPR Amendment Report .............. 4
1.2 Who will Evaluate and Approve the EMPR Amendment Report?....................................... 5
1.3 Details of the Applicant ........................................................................................................... 6
1.3.1 Name of the Applicant ........................................................................................ 6
1.3.2 Name of the Project ............................................................................................ 6
1.3.3 Postal Address of Applicant ............................................................................... 6
1.3.4 Responsible Person ........................................................................................... 6
1.3.5 Contact Person ................................................................................................... 6
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE SCOPE OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT ................................................. 8
2.1 Description of the Proposed Zibulo Colliery Opencasts’ EMPr Amendment ...................... 8
2.1.1 Planned Life of the Project ................................................................................. 8
2.2 Reasons for the Amendment of the EMPr ............................................................................ 8
3. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
............................................................................................................................................................... 16
3.1 Advantages Associated with the Proposed Amendment of the EMPr .............................. 16
3.2 Disadvantages Associated with the Proposed Amendment of the EMPr ......................... 16
4. POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT............................................................................................ 18
4.1 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No. 108 of 1996)......................... 18
4.2 National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) ........................... 18
4.3 National Environmental Management Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act No. 39 of 2004) ........... 19
4.4 The National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999) .................................... 19
4.5 National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004)
(NEMBA) ............................................................................................................................... 20
4.6 Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act, 1998 (ACT No. 10 of 1998) ................................ 20
4.7 Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) (MPRDA) . 21
4.8 National Water Act, 1998 (ACT No. 36 of 1998 NWA)....................................................... 21
4.9 National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008(Act No. 59 of 2008) .................. 22
4.10 EIA Guidelines ...................................................................................................................... 22
5. DETAILS OF THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS FOLLOWED AND RESULTS THEREOF
............................................................................................................................................................... 24

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5.1 Details of the Public Participation Process Followed and Results Thereof ....................... 24
5.1.1 Notification of Potential Interested and Affected Parties.................................25
5.1.2 Registered Interested and Affected Parties ....................................................25
5.1.3 Proof of Consultation ........................................................................................26
5.1.4 Comments, Issues and Responses on the EMPr Amendment Report.........26
6. BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT................................................................................ 28
6.1 Geology ................................................................................................................................. 28
6.2 Climate .................................................................................................................................. 28
6.3 Topography ........................................................................................................................... 28
6.4 Soils, Land Capability and Land Use .................................................................................. 29
6.5 Flora and Fauna ................................................................................................................... 29
6.6 Surface Water ....................................................................................................................... 30
6.7 Groundwater ......................................................................................................................... 30
6.8 Air Quality .............................................................................................................................. 31
6.9 Vibration and Noise .............................................................................................................. 31
6.10 Archaeological and Cultural History .................................................................................... 31
6.11 Sensitive Landscapes .......................................................................................................... 31
6.12 Visual Aspects ...................................................................................................................... 33
6.13 Regional Socio-Economic Structure.................................................................................... 33
6.13.1 Profile of Ogies, Phola and Kendal Area .........................................................34
6.13.2 Profile of Affected Businesses .........................................................................34
7. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT .................................................................................... 36
7.1 Environmental Impact Assessment Process Followed ...................................................... 36
7.1.1 Approach to Environmental Impact Assessment............................................36
7.1.2 Environmental Impact Assessment Process Followed ..................................36
7.2 Environmental Impact Assessment Methodology .............................................................. 37
7.2.1 Significance of Possible Impacts .....................................................................39
7.2.2 Risk to the Environment ...................................................................................39
7.3 Results of the Environmental Impact Assessment ............................................................. 40
7.3.1 Assessment of Zibulo Colliery’s EMPR Amendments Impacts/ Risks ..........40
8. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME AMENDMENTS ........................................... 51
8.1 Reasons For The Amendment Of The Zibulo Colliery (OC) EMPR .................................. 51
8.2 EMPR Amendment Table .................................................................................................... 51
8.3 Undertaking to Comply......................................................................................................... 62
9. REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................... 63
10. APPENDICES....................................................................................................................................... 64

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LIST OF TABLES
Table # Table Description Page

Table 2-1: EMPr Audit Findings and Proposed Amendments ............................................................ 9

Table 2-2: EA Audit Findings and Proposed Amendments .............................................................. 12

Table 7-1: Criteria used for the environmental impact/ risk assessment.......................................... 38

Table 7-2: Significance Rating and Risk Category Rating................................................................ 39

Table 7-3: EMPr and EA Amendments Environmental Impact Assessment .................................... 40

Table 8-1: EMPr and EA Amendments............................................................................................. 52

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure # Figure Description Page

Figure 2-1: Zibulo Colliery – Opencast Regional Setting ..................................................................14

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LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix # Appendix Description

1 Proof of Public Participation

2 Updated Block Plans

3 Zibulo Opencast Mine – Wetland Offset and Rehabilitation Strategy - 2013

4 Zibulo Opencast Mine – Onsite Wetland Mitigation Strategy - 2017

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Zibulo Colliery, which is a Division of Anglo American Inyosi Coal (Pty) Ltd, is an operational coal mine
located some 26 km southwest of eMalahleni in the Nkangala District Municipality within the
Mpumalanga Province. Zibulo Colliery, formerly Zondagsfontein Project, is a member of the Anglo-
American group of companies, and is the first major project to be undertaken by the flagship
empowerment company Anglo American Inyosi Coal (Pty) Ltd. Construction of the colliery started in
2008, and full production was reached in 2015. The mine is operated under water use licences
04/B20G/AGJ/809 (Opencast) and 06/B11G/7383 (Water Transfer Pipeline), and approved EMPR
(17/2/13 NK 31) with DMR reference number: MP 30/5/1/2/2/338 MP.
Mining at the Zibulo Colliery Opencast is undertaken by opencast mining methods using truck and
shovel. Run-of-mine (ROM) coal at the opencast workings is deposited at the ROM stockpiling areas,
which feeds the beneficiation plant at the Phola Washing Plant complex via an overland conveyor belt.
Dirty water management structures are used for the collection, storage and re-use of dirty water
generated at the operational opencast mining operations. Groundwater and storm water runoff within
the opencast pit are pumped to the PCD’s.
Excess water from their underground and opencast operations is sent to the eMalahleni Water
Reclamation Plant via an existing 26 km water transfer pipeline. The water is treated by the
eMalahleni Water Reclamation Plant and potable water is then pumped back to the Zibulo Colliery
Opencast operation via the same 26 km pipeline and used for various mining related operations.
During 2019, Anglo American Inyosi Coal (Pty) Limited conducted external environmental audits.
These audits found various gaps in, out-dated, non-applicable and incorrectly stated commitments
within the approved EMPr of the Zibulo Opencast Operation. It was then recommended through the
audit process, that the approved EMPr be amended to address the inadequacies/ shortcomings1, and
mis-aligned commitments, and to ensure that Zibulo Colliery effectively runs it operations while ensure
compliance with all of the required environmental legislations. These amendments were firstly
compared with GN 324, GN 325 and GN 327 of the amended Environmental Impact Assessment
Regulations, 2014, to establish if new listed activities were triggered. Secondly, an Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted to determine the impact of these amendments on the
environment. The suggested amendments do not trigger any new listing notices. Based on the
recommendations of the external audit an EIA was conducted based on the findings. The outcome of
this EIA and the mitigation measures suggested will be used to determine the proposed new,
amended or removal of redundant commitments. These proposed new, amended and removal of
redundant commitments will be provided to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy
(DMRE).

This document (Anglo American Inyosi (Pty) Limited: Zibulo Colliery – Opencast Operation Amended
Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) Report) concerns the amendment of various
commitments within the approved EMPr as per the previously mentioned external environmental
audits. Further, the proposed changes/ additions to impacts to the EMPr, as well as proposed
amendments to the Zibulo Opencast Environmental Authorisation are also included in this report.

1
Identified as part of the Regulation 34 process (undertaken in terms of the EIA Regulations, 2014)

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In terms of Regulation 31 of the EIA Regulations, 2014 and the fact that proposed changes/
amendments will result in a change to the scope of the approved Zibulo Colliery’s EMPr will result in a
change in the nature of impact and that change was not taken into consideration in the initial
environmental authorisation application, it will be necessary that the approved Zibulo Colliery’s EMPr
be amended to include the new/ changed commitments, or the removal of redundant commitments.
According to Regulation 32 of the EIA Regulations, 2014, assessment of all impacts, advantages and
disadvantages related/ associated with the proposed change and measures to ensure avoidance,
management and mitigation of impacts associated with such proposed change, together with the
amended EMPr must be submitted to the DMR (competent authority) after having been subjected to
public participation for approval. This document is hence submitted in order to meet the requirements
of Regulation 32 of the EIA Regulation.

This document was compiled in terms of Regulation 31 and 32 of the amended EIA Regulations, 2014
and is hereby submitted. It must also be noted that no listed activities are triggered in terms of NEMA,
1998 (Act No: 107 of 1998), Amendment of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations Listing
Notice 1 (GN 327), 2 (GN 325) and 3 (GN 324) of 2014. No waste management licence will be
required in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA) (Act No. 59 of
2008) and its regulations.

Environmental baseline data has been obtained through various agencies, pertaining to surface water
quantities and qualities, geohydrological data and modelling, topographical analyses, soil surveys,
vegetation surveys, wetland surveys and geological conditions. Weather data was acquired from the
nearby rainfall station as well as from the South African Weather Service. Historic land use was
determined through available data and by visual observations made during various field studies. 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 could 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.

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SECTION ONE
_________________________________________________________________________________

Introduction

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 WHO IS DEVELOPING THE EMPR AMENDMENT REPORT?

1.1.1 Name and Contact Details of the EAP who Prepared the EMPR
Amendment Report

EAP: Mr. P. Fourie (Cand. Sci. Nat.)

Professional Registration Number: 120 289

IAIA Membership No.: 5623

Reviewer: Mr. Ornassis Tshepo Shakwane (Pr. Sci. Nat.)

Professional Registration Number: 117080

IAIA Membership No.: 3847

Company: Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Ltd

Postal Address:

P.O. Box 4050

Middelburg, 1050

Tel: (013) 243 0542

Fax: (086) 632 4936

Cell No.: 082 498 1847

1.1.2 Expertise of the EAP who Prepared the EMPR Amendment Report

Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited is a geological and environmental consulting company. The
company was formed during 1996, and currently has twenty-one years’ experience in the geological
and environmental consulting field. Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited has successfully
completed consulting areas 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 members
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 O.T Shakwane has
also completed short courses on environmental law and environmental impact assessment with the
University of North West’s Centre for Environmental Management. He has worked with the three
state departments tasked with mining and environmental management i.e. Department of Water and
Sanitation (Gauteng and Mpumalanga Region), Department of Mineral Resources (Mpumalanga

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Region) and Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment (Gauteng Region). Mr.
Shakwane has been in the consulting field since 2004 and has completed various areas similar to the
proposed Anglo American Inyosi Coal (Pty) Ltd Zibulo Colliery’s EMPr amendment report project as
an environmental assessment practitioner. He is registered with the South African Council for Natural
Scientific Professions as a Professional Natural Scientist in terms of the section 20(3) of the Natural
Scientific Professions Act, 2003 (Act 27 of 2003). He is also a member of the International
Association for Impact Assessment, South Africa.

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. Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited is an independent consulting company, which
has no interest in the outcome of the decision regarding the EMPr amendment application for the
Anglo American Inyosi Coal (Pty) Ltd: Zibulo Colliery – Opencast Operation.

1.2 WHO WILL EVALUATE AND APPROVE THE EMPR AMENDMENT

REPORT?

Before the proposed project changes can be commenced with, an Environmental Assessment
Practitioner (EAP) must be appointed to apply for amendment of the environmental authorization and
to compile an amended EMPr as stipulated in Regulation 31 and Regulation 32(1)(a)(iv) of the EIA
Regulations, 2014 for the proposed project changes. An environmental impact assessment must be
undertaken in support of the amendment of the EMPr. The environmental impact assessment will
determine the potential environmental impacts that may result from the proposed EMPr changes and
an amended environmental management programme report (this report) is compiled to provide
measures for mitigation against the identified impacts. The above-mentioned amendment must be
made to the competent authority in terms of section 24D (1) of NEMA. The Minister responsible for
mineral resources is the responsible competent authority for this amendment application and
amended EMPr. In view of the above, the amendment for the environmental authorisation for the
repositioning of the mine infrastructures is submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources and
Energy (DMRE), eMalahleni Regional Office for their consideration and decision making. All changes
made in the approved EMPR has been underlined in the amended EMPr.

In the spirit of co-operative governance and in compliance with the requirements of NEMA and the
MPRDA, the competent authority will, during the processing of the amendment application, consult
with other organs of state that administers laws that relate to matters affecting the environment
relevant to this application.

Note that during the public participation process for the proposed project, the EAP will also consult
with the below listed state authorities.

The organs of state that are to be consulted may include the following:

• Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs

(MDARDLEA)

• Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA)

• Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS)

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• National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (NDAFF)

Note however that this list is not exhaustive as more organs of state may be identified by the
competent authority and EAP during the public participation process.

1.3 DETAILS OF THE APPLICANT

1.3.1 Name of the Applicant

Anglo American Inyosi (Pty) Limited

1.3.2 Name of the Project

Zibulo Colliery Opencast: EMPr Amendment Report

1.3.3 Postal Address of Applicant

P. O. Box 440

Ogies

2230

1.3.4 Responsible Person

Mr. Melchior Joseph

1.3.5 Contact Person

Mr. Melchior Joseph

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SECTION TWO
_________________________________________________________________________________

Description of the Scope of the Proposed Project

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2. DESCRIPTION OF THE SCOPE OF THE PROPOSED

PROJECT

2.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ZIBULO COLLIERY OPENCASTS’

EMPR AMENDMENT

Zibulo Colliery Opencast is an operational opencast mining situated on portions 19, 39, 04. 41 and 64
of the Oogiesfontein 4 IS and portion 41 of the farm Klipfontein 3 IS within the eMalalhleni Local
Municipality and the Nkangala District Municipality, Mpumalanga Province (SRK, 2009). Zibulo
Colliery is operated under a mining right issued in terms of Section 23 of the Minerals and Petroleum
Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) (MPRDA) (MP 30/5/1/2/2/338 MR) and an
Environmental Authorisation (EA) form the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development,
Environment and Tourism (17/2/2/2 NK – 1). Zibulo Colliery Opencast Operation is also in
possession of two water use licenses: 04/B20G/AGJ/809 (Opencast) and 06/B11G/7383 (Water
Transfer Pipeline). Currently the Zibulo Colliery is operational, extracting coal from the opencast pit
through the rollover mining technique.

2.1.1 Planned Life of the Project

The current estimated life of Zibulo Colliery - Opencast is 7 years.

2.2 REASONS FOR THE AMENDMENT OF THE EMPR

Anglo American Inyosi Coal (Pty) Ltd conducts yearly external environmental audits to ensure
compliance with the commitments within the approved EMPr and EAs. During the 2019 external
environmental audit the inadequacies in terms of Regulation 34 of the EIA Regulations, 2014 were
identified and it was recommended that the relevant sections/ impacts/ commitments (within the
approved EMPr) be updated, removed, amended or reworded (Shangoni, 2019). By amending the
NEMA EA and the approved Zibulo Colliery’s EMPr (Part 2 amendment, as per the NEMA EIA
Regulations, 2014), Anglo American Inyosi Coal (Pty) Ltd can continue mining with updated EMPr
commitments and mitigation measures that take the current status of the opencast mining into
account and thus prevent unintentional impacts on the environment and public health and safety. A
Part 2 amendment approach with be followed as it refers to a change of scope and the amendments
will either result in an increase or a change in nature of the environmental impacts (South Africa,
Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014).

Anglo American Inyosi Coal (Pty) Ltd is committed to ensure compliance with all relevant national and
international laws, regulations and standards.

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Table 2-1: EMPr Audit Findings2 and Proposed Amendments

Audit 2019 findings Amendment Type
EMPr Amendments
EMPr Inadequacies Identified by Auditors
Mis-alignment on the significance of wetland related risks and management measures since the baseline
wetland assessment (dated 2005) was conducted. A baseline wetland assessment for Zibulo Colliery OC
(Wetland Consulting Services, 2005) was undertaken prior to the operational phase of the opencast
activities. This report indicated that the wetlands identified in the study area were already severely
modified by agricultural activities prior to the commencement of the opencast mining activities. The These commitments and impacts were not included
wetland baseline studies were conducted prior to the commissioning of the WET-EcoServices, which was within the original EMPr and have now been added
developed in 2007. This methodology provides for a scoring system to establish the benefits and services to the EMPr amendment. By adding commitments
of the wetland ecosystem. A follow-up investigation was conducted by Digby Wells Environment (date that were not part of the original EMPr, an EIA was
conducted. The updated wetland study (Appendix
unknown). Digby Wells mentioned in their study that the wetlands still have some functionality in terms of
3) was used for the EIA (Table 7-3) and new
flood attenuation and water quality enhancements, and that it should be conserved as far as practically commitments proposed from the wetland study and
possible. The required mitigation measures for future rehabilitation of the affected wetland are not the EIA. The proposed new commitments are given
provided in the EMPr. In addition, the specialist geohydrological report mentioned that no wetlands (or in Table 8-1.
pans) are present within 250m of the strip mine layout and as a result the risks relating to it were not
qualified or quantified. Future reviews of the EMPr should reflect the operational and post closure risks,
especially when considering dewatering of the open pit and post closure decant scenarios. Subsequent
mitigation strategies for addressing the integrity thereof should be considered.
The EMPr, under Section 2.2.11 Water Handling, provides a description of water management with a This commitment has been aligned/ amended to
clear intention of inclusion of pollution control- and evaporation dams for the operation in the EMPr. reflect what is currently on site and the EIA updated
However, mis-alignment of the description and naming of such facilities with the current onsite Pollution accordingly (Table 7-3). Even though the
construction of the two PCD’s have been
Control Dams, was observed.
completed, the commitment within the EMPr must
be amended so that the activities on site and within

2
Findings related to the ability of the measures contained in the EMPr to sufficiently provide for the avoidance, management and mitigation of environmental impacts associated with the undertaking
of the activity (as per Regulation 34 of the EIA Regulations, 2014).

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Audit 2019 findings Amendment Type

the EMPr are aligned. Table 8-1 thus indicates the
new commitment which must replace the original
commitment.
Risks relating to Zibulo blasting activities in close proximity to the old defunct Ogies Navigation Colliery These commitments and impacts were not included
crude oil storage facility (stored in bunkers), has not been included in the EMPr. A review of the specialist within the original EMPr and have now been added
groundwater report (JMA, 2005) and discussions with mine personnel revealed that the now defunct to the EMPr amendment. By adding commitments
Ogies Navigation Colliery to the east of Zibulo Colliery OC is actively used for SFF crude oil storage. that were not part of the original EMPr, an EIA was
Crude oil is stored in bunkers and blasting within its vicinity may impact on the integrity thereof resulting in conducted. The baseline groundwater- and
oil contamination of groundwater. Although the risk associated with crude oil storage is not discussed in blasting reports were used for the EIA (Table 7-3)
the EMPr, Zibulo Colliery OC is aware of the risks and has obtained legal advice in respect of its liabilities and new commitments proposed from these and
and risk exposure. It is recommended that the EMPr be updated to reflect the risks and mitigation the EIA. The proposed new commitments are given
measures in the EMPr during any future review thereof. in Table 8-1.
These commitments and impacts were not included
within the original EMPr and have now been added
to the EMPr amendment. By adding commitments
Risks and management of general- and hazardous waste are not included in the EMPr. Although Zibulo that were not part of the original EMPr, an EIA was
Colliery OC practices good housekeeping and waste management, as observed during the site conducted. Zibulo Colliery’s waste management
observations, the EMPr does not provide for the risks or associated management measures for waste procedures and generally accepted waste
management (i.e. general waste, hazardous waste etc). management procedures were used for the EIA
(Table 7-3) and new commitments proposed from
these and the EIA. The proposed new
commitments are given in Table 8-1.
EMPr Inadequacy Identified Internally
The Block/ Infrastructure plan attached to the Opencast EMPs does not show the location of the 9Ml and
The EMPr, EIA and EA have been updated as to
1Ml dams. The Block plan should be updated accordingly as part of the EMPr amendment, and all other
ensure that everything is aligned with each other.
activities (that would not trigger additional listed activities) should be included on the Block plan. There
No environmental impacts are triggered with this
also seems to be miss alignment between what is in the Environmental Authorisation and what is on-site.
amendment and only the new commitment was
The EA does not make mention of the 9ML and 1ML dams, although some mention was made of a 10Ml
given in Table 8-1.
dam in the EMP (application).
Possible Impractical Commitments Contained in the EMPr that may Require Removal or Rewording
During steady state mining the usable soil stripped ahead of mining in accordance with the soil stripping This commitment has been amended based on the
map during the dry season will be placed directly on levelled spoils to avoid stockpiling. Zibulo Opencast Rehabilitation Procedure

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Audit 2019 findings Amendment Type

(AATC016665). The EIA was updated (Table 7-2)
and new commitments proposed based on the
Rehabilitation Procedure and current practises.
This commitment has been amended to align with
the recommendations within the baseline
A qualified person will carry out soil sampling to establish lime and fertilizer requirements prior to the start
pedological assessment. The amended
of the rehabilitation process.
commitment is given in Table 8-1. No EIA was
conducted for this amendment.
This commitment has been amended to align with
conditions within the IWUL and the variables that
Electrical Conductivity, pH, TDS, SS, Cl, SO4, Na, F, Fe, Al, Mn, Zn, Total Alkalinity, Ca, Mg, K, Total
are currently monitored by Zibulo Colliery. The
Hardness will be measured monthly.
amended commitment is given in Table 8-1. No
EIA was conducted for this amendment.
This commitment has been removed as it is
Analyses to 95% charge balance will be undertaken at 6 monthly intervals, including all metals. calculated as part of a quality check. See Table
8-1.
Six monthly monitoring reports must consist of the following: systems audit; efficiency and design; status
This commitment has been amended as to align it
of monitoring system; data audit and the compliance protocols used; water quality trends and the
with that of the WUL as well as separate the various
comparative protocols used; water quality comparison and verification of analytical quality (ion balances);
reports based on the department they must be sent
hydrochemical image comparison and variation protocol used; groundwater level data trends and
to and the times of submission. The amended
comparative protocols used; upgrading of groundwater monitoring system; conclusions on the monitoring
commitments are given in Table 8-1.
system efficiency; recommendations on gaps/ shortcomings of the current system.
This commitment has been removed as it is
An indigenous tree screen will be planted around the mine and infrastructure areas.
impractical and was never applied. See Table 8-1.
This commitment has been reworded/ amended to
read better and align with what is happening on
The revegetation of idle stockpiles and berms.
site. An EIA was conducted (Table 7-3) and
additional commitments identified (Table 8-1).
This commitment has been amended to comply
Strict speed control (30km/h) will be implemented and the shortest haul routes will be used. with the Anglo American standards which make use
of a speed limit of 40km/h. An increase in speed

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Audit 2019 findings Amendment Type

required an EIA (Table 7-3) and additional
commitments were added (Table 8-1).
When blasting closer than 500m to the R545 or the N12 highway, road closure will be necessary during
This commitment has been amended to align with
blasting times to prevent the risk of fly rock injuries to motorists. Road closures will be done in
activities on site. See Table 8-1.
conjunction with the Traffic Authorities.
Three monthly submissions to relevant authorities of: This commitment has been amended as to align
• Surface water monitoring results; with the IWUL (04/B20G/AGJ/809). Authorities to
whom reports must be sent have been added, see
• Groundwater monitoring results. Table 8-1.
Annual submissions to relevant authorities:
• Air quality monitoring for fallout dust;
• Noise monitoring; This commitment has been amended as to align
with the IWUL (04/B20G/AGJ/809). Authorities to
• Updated water balance; whom reports must be sent and timeframes have
• Potential changes in vegetation and fauna; been added, see Table 8-1.
• Revision of the rehabilitation financial provision calculation, with an auditor’s report on the amount
available in the Trust.
This commitment has been removed as it is
Analyses to 95% charge balance will be undertaken at 6 monthly intervals, including all metals. calculated as part of a quality check. See Table
8-1.

Table 2-2: EA Audit Findings and Proposed Amendments

EA Amendments
Fourteen (14) days written notice must be given to the Department that the activity will commence. This commitment has been removed as no new
Commencement for the purposes of this condition includes site preparation. The notice must include a construction is planned at Zibulo Colliery, see Table
date on which it is anticipated that the activity will commence. 8-1.
Prior to the removal of the soils for stockpiling additional sampling and analysis of the soils must be This commitment has been amended to reflect
undertaken, to determine their suitability for use during rehabilitation. what is currently taking place and on-site and
aligning with Zibulo Colliery’s rehabilitation plans.

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This resulted in additional impacts (Table 7-3) and

amended commitments (Table 8-1).
This commitment has been amended as dust
Topsoil and subsoil must be sprayed with dust allaying agent immediately after being stockpiled. allaying agents damage soil stockpiles and a new
commitment has been proposed in Table 8-1.
This commitment has been removed as no
Water sprays must be used in the loading of stockpiles. sprayers are used on-site. Coal is stockpiled for
short periods of time, see Table 8-1.
Consultation and cooperation with local law enforcement agencies must be established to ensure that This commitment has been amended to align with
legal and regulatory compliance on the roads is adhered to. the current practises on-site. See Table 8-1 for the
proposed new commitment.
This commitment has been removed as it can be
The local municipality and local residents must be pro-actively informed of any road closures and
combined with a different commitment within the
diversions.
EA, see Table 8-1.
Once the designated areas for waste skips and the planned amounts have been finalized, the mine has to This commitment has been removed as this
obtain a Section 20 application from the DWAF in terms of the Environmental Conservation Act (Act No. legislation has been repealed and no longer
73 of 1989). Legislation repealed. applicable, see Table 8-1.
If spills do occur and soils become contaminated, the appropriate remedial measures must be identified in This commitment has been amended to align with
consultation with appropriate qualified specialists. Zibulo Colliery’s SOP’s. See Table 8-1.
The expansion project must link with the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) of the eMalahleni Local This commitment was removed as no expansion
Municipality especially with regards to the planning processes to ensure adequate water supply and other project is planned. See Table 8-1.
programmes.
This commitment has been amended as to provide
The holder of the authorisation must notify the Department, in writing and within 24 (twenty-four) hours, if
Zibulo with a practical amount of time to notify the
conditions of this authorisation are not adhered to. Any notification in terms of this condition must be
Department of any commitments that are not
accompanied by reasons for the non-compliance.
adhered to (Table 8-1).

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Figure 2-1: Zibulo Colliery – Opencast Regional Setting

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SECTION THREE
_________________________________________________________________________________

Advantages and Disadvantages Associated with the

Proposed Amendments

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3. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES ASSOCIATED WITH

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

This section of the report will describe the negative and the positive environmental impacts that may
occur if the application for amendment is granted, amongst others information on any increases in air
emissions, waste generation, discharges to water and impacts of the natural or cultural environment.

3.1 ADVANTAGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT OF

THE EMPR

The following are the advantages of amending the approved EMPr commitments:

• Reduction in the safety risks due to the elimination of the safety hazards.

• Consistency between what is on-site, activities being conducted and the IWUL. This ensures
that Zibulo Colliery can control all aspects of the environment and manage all impacts
accordingly.

• The impacts on the wetland both during operation and post closure have now been added to
the EMPr. This includes the mitigation measures that will protect the current artificial wetland
as well as ensure proper rehabilitation of the affected and destroyed (relict) wetlands.

• Continuation of mining with lesser risk to the public and communities around the mine
including the land owners and land occupiers on visual, noise, and air quality and biodiversity
impacts.

3.2 DISADVANTAGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT

OF THE EMPR

The following are the disadvantages amending the approved EMPr commitments:

Please note that these impacts will be the same, if not less as the current impacts that mining at
Zibulo Colliery has. This is because the EMPr amendments do not include any new construction or
disturbances than was originally planned.

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SECTION FOUR
_________________________________________________________________________________

Policy and Legislative Context

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4. POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT

4.1 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, 1996 (ACT

NO. 108 OF 1996)

Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No.108 of 1996) states that
everyone has the right:

a) to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and

b) to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through
reasonable legislative and other measures that;

(i) prevent pollution and ecological degradation;

(ii) promote conservation; and

(iii) secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting
justifiable economic and social development.

In terms of Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No.108 of 1996),
everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being. In addition,
people have the right to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future
generations, through applicable legislations and other measures that prevent pollution, ecological
degradation and promote conservation and secure ecological sustainable development through the
use of natural resources while prompting justifiable economic and social development. The needs of
the environment, as well as affected parties, should thus be integrated into the overall project in order
to fulfil the requirements of Section 24 of the Constitution. In view of the above, a number of laws
pertaining to environmental management were promulgated to give guidance on how the principles
set out in section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No.108 of 1996) would be
met. Below are laws applicable to the proposed project that were promulgated to ensure that section
24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No.108 of 1996) is complied with.

4.2 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT, 1998 (ACT NO.

107 OF 1998)

Section 24(1) of the NEMA states:

“In order to give effect to the general objectives of integrated environmental management laid down in
this Chapter [Chapter 5], the potential consequences for or impacts on the environment of listed
activities or specified activities must be considered, investigated, assessed and reported on to the
competent authority or the Minister of the Department of Mineral Resources, as the case may be,
except in respect of those activities that may commence without having to obtain an environmental
authorisation in terms of this Act.”

In order to regulate the procedure and criteria as contemplated in Chapter 5 of NEMA relating to the
preparation, evaluation, submission, processing and consideration of, and decision on, applications
for environmental authorisations for the commencement of activities, subjected to environmental

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impact assessment, in order to avoid or mitigate detrimental impacts on the environment, and to
optimise positive environmental impacts, and for matters pertaining thereto, Regulations (EIA
Regulations, 2014) were promulgated. These Regulations took effect from the 4th of December 2014.

In addition to the above, Section 28 of the NEMA includes a general “Duty of Care” whereby care
must be taken to prevent, control and remedy the effect of significant pollution and environmental
degradation. This section stipulates the importance to protect the environment from degradation and
pollution irrespective of the operations taking places or activities triggered/ not triggered under No.
327, No. 325 and No. 324.

In view of the above and since no listed activities were triggered by the changes of the Zibulo
Colliery’s EMPr amendment, no new applications will be required. The amended NEMA EIA
Regulations of December 2014 determines requirements to be met in order to obtain an amendment
for the mentioned commitments. This report has therefore been compiled in compliance with the
above regulations.

4.3 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AIR QUALITY ACT,

2004 (ACT NO. 39 OF 2004)

The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act No.39 of 2004) (NEM:AQA) focuses on
reforming the law regulating air quality in South Africa in order to protect the environment through the
provision of reasonable measures protecting the environment against air pollution and ecological
degradation and securing ecological sustainable development while promoting justifiable economic
and social developments. This Act provides national norms and standards regulating air quality
management and control by all spheres of government. These include the National Ambient Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the National Dust Control Regulations (NDCR). The standards are
defined for different air pollutants with different limits based on the toxicity of the pollutants to the
environment and humans, number of allowable exceedances and the date of compliance of the
specific standard.

On 22 November 2013 the list of activities which result in atmospheric emissions which have or may
have a significant detrimental effect on the environment, including health, social conditions, economic
conditions, ecological conditions or cultural heritage was published under GN R893 in Governmental
Gazette No 37054, in terms of Section 21(1)(b) of the NEM:AQA.

The proposed amendment will not trigger any of the activities listed under the above-mentioned
Regulations, however Anglo American Inyosi Coal (Pty) Ltd: Zibulo Colliery: Opencast Operation must
ensure that emissions from their activities complies with the standards as set in the above-mentioned
regulations.

4.4 THE NATIONAL HERITAGE RESOURCES ACT, 1999 (ACT NO. 25 OF

1999)

The National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999) (NHRA) focuses on the protection and
management of South Africa’s heritage resources. The governing authority for this act is the South
African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA). In terms of the NHRA, historically important features
such as graves, trees, archaeology and fossil beds are protected as well as culturally significant

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symbols, spaces and landscapes. Section 38 of the NHRA stipulates the requirements a developer
must undertake prior to development. In terms of Section 38 of the NHRA, SAHRA can call for a
Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) where certain categories of development are proposed.

A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) is the process to be followed in order to determine whether any
heritage resources are located within the area to be developed as well as the possible impact of the
proposed development thereon.

The Act also makes provision for the assessment of heritage impacts as part of an EIA process and
indicates that if such an assessment is deemed adequate, a separate HIA is not required. A Heritage
Impact Assessment (HIA) was conducted before the Zibulo Colliery commenced, hence the report has
been used to determine whether any heritage resources are located within the area.

4.5 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT BIODIVERSITY ACT,

2004 (ACT NO. 10 OF 2004) (NEMBA)

The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA) provides for
the management and protection of South Africa’s biodiversity within the framework established by
NEMA. The Act aims to legally provide for biodiversity conservation, sustainable, equitable access
and benefit sharing and provides for the management and control of alien and invasive species to
prevent or minimize harm to the environment and indigenous biodiversity. The Act imposes
obligations on landowners (state or private) governing alien invasive species as well as regulates the
introduction of genetically modified organisms. The Act encourages the eradication of alien species
that may harm indigenous ecosystems or habitats. The NEMBA ensures that provision is made by
the site developer to remove any aliens which have been introduced to the site or are present on the
site.

The NEMBA also provides for listing of threatened or protected ecosystems, in one of four categories:
critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or protected. The purpose of listing protected
ecosystems is primarily to conserve sites of exceptionally high conservation value.

The Act supports South Africa’s obligations under sanctioned international agreements regulating
international trade in specimens of endangered species, and ensures that the utilization of biodiversity
is managed in an ecological sustainable way.

The EMPR Amendment has been complied to ensure that all applicable requirements prescribed in
the NEMBA are complied with.

4.6 MPUMALANGA NATURE CONSERVATION ACT, 1998 (ACT NO. 10

OF 1998)

The Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act, No. 10 of 1998, aims to consolidate and amend the laws
relating to nature conservation within the Province and to provide for matters connected therewith.
Provincial legislation relevant to biodiversity conservation comprises of two Provincial Acts, the
Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act (Act 10 of 1998) and the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks
Agency Act (Act 5 of 2005). In relation to nature conservation, the Province has developed the
Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan (MBSP). This plan has been jointly developed by the
Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) and the Department of Agriculture, Rural

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Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA). The MBSP takes its mandate from the
South African Constitution, the National Biodiversity Act (10 of 2004) and the Mpumalanga Nature
Conservation Act 10 of 1998. Areas identified under the MBSP as sensitive were identified and where
applicable measures will be proposed for ensuring that the areas are not degrade by the proposed
project activities.

4.7 MINERAL AND PETROLEUM RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT, 2002

(ACT 28 OF 2002) (MPRDA)

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) is responsible for regulating the mining
and minerals industry to achieve equitable access to the country’s resources and contribute to
sustainable development. The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of
2002) (MPRDA) requires that an EIA be conducted and that the EMP be drafted for the mitigation of
impacts identified during the environmental impact assessment for a mining project. During December
2014, the “One Environmental System” was implemented by Government which initiated the
streamlining of the licensing processes for mining, environmental authorisations and water use.
Under the One Environmental System, The Minister of Mineral Resources, will issue environmental
authorisations and waste management licences in terms of the National Environmental Management
Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA), and the National Environmental Management: Waste Act,
2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008)(NEMWA), respectively, for mining and related activities. The Minister of
Environmental Affairs will be the appeal authority for these authorisations. In view of the above the
application for the amendment of the environmental authorisation and the EMPR (proposed EMPr
amendments) were submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy as the competent
authority.

4.8 NATIONAL WATER ACT, 1998 (ACT NO. 36 OF 1998 NWA)

The National Water Act (Act No. 36 of 1998) (NWA) is the primary regulatory legislation, controlling
and managing the use of water resources as well as the pollution thereof in South Africa. The NWA
recognises that the ultimate aim of water resource management is to achieve sustainable use of water
for the benefit of all users and that the protection of the quality of water resources is necessary to
ensure sustainability of the nation’s water resources in the interests of all water users. The NWA
presents strategies to facilitate sound management of water resources, provides for the protection of
water resources, and regulates use of water by means of Catchment Management Agencies, Water
User Associations, Advisory Committees and International Water Management. The National
Government has overall responsibility for and authority over water resource management, including
the equitable allocation and beneficial use of water in the public interest. Further, an industry can only
be entitled to use water if the use is permissible under the NWA. The enforcing authority on water
users is the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).

Further, Regulation 704 of the NWA deals with the control and use of water for mining and related
activities aimed at the protection of water resources.

No additional application for an integrated water use licence has been submitted to the Department of
Water and Sanitation in respect of the amendments made to the EMPr, as no water uses were
triggered.

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4.9 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: WASTE ACT,

2008(ACT NO. 59 OF 2008)

The National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA) requires that all waste management
activities must be licensed. According to Section 44 of the NEMWA, the licensing procedure must be
integrated with an EIA process in terms of the NEMA.

The objectives of NEMWA involve the protection of health, wellbeing and the environment. The
NEMWA provides measures for the minimisation of natural resource consumption, avoiding and
minimising the generation of waste, reducing, recycling and recovering waste, and treating and safely
disposing of waste.

No waste management activities are triggered by the EMPr amendments, hence no application in
terms of the NEMWA was submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.

4.10 EIA GUIDELINES

A number of national and provincial EIA guidelines were published by different departments. These
guidelines are mainly aimed at assisting relevant stakeholders by providing information and guidance
and giving recommendations on a number of aspects relating to the environmental impact
assessment process. The guidelines can be used by the competent authority, applicant and the EAP
during the EIA process. It is therefore important that the EAP and the person compiling a specialist
report must have relevant expertise when conducting the environmental impact assessments.

A number of guidelines were consulted during the compilation of this report and these include
amongst them the following i.e. Guidelines on the Need and Desirability, Department of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism Integrated Environmental Management Guidelines, Department of
Water and Sanitation’s Best Practice Guidelines and the Western Cape Provincial Department of
Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Guidelines on Public Participation.

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SECTION FIVE
_________________________________________________________________________________

Details of the Public Participation Process

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5. DETAILS OF THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS

FOLLOWED AND RESULTS THEREOF

5.1 DETAILS OF THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS FOLLOWED AND

RESULTS THEREOF

Public participation is the cornerstone of any EIA process. The principles of the NEMA govern many
aspects of EIA’s, including public participation. The general objectives of integrated environmental
management laid down in the NEMA include to “ensure adequate and appropriate opportunity for
public participation in decisions that may affect the environment”. The National Environmental
Management Principles include the principle that “The participation of all interested and affected
parties in environmental governance must be promoted, and all people must have the opportunity to
develop the understanding, skills and capacity necessary to achieve equitable and effective
participation, and participation by vulnerable and disadvantaged persons must be ensured”, which
basically means that the person responsible for the application (EAP) must ensure that provision of
sufficient and transparent information on an on-going basis to stakeholders are made to allow them to
comment, and to ensure that the participation of previously disadvantaged people like women and the
youth are undertaken.

In terms of the EIA Regulations, 2014, when amending an environmental authorisation (Zibulo Colliery
approved EMPR), the Environmental Assessment Practitioner managing the application must conduct
at least a public participation process where all potential or registered interested and affected parties,
including the competent authority, are given a period of at least 30 days to submit comments on the
amended EMPr and where applicable the closure plan. In this case the amended EMPr is considered.

This section of the EMPr will give an explanation of the public participation process taken so far in
order to comply with the above-mentioned requirements. A number of public participation guidelines
were published in a bid to assist persons responsible for the environmental authorisation
amendments. As much of the available guidelines were used in determining the public participation
process, in guiding the public participation process of the proposed project.

Anglo American Inyosi Coal (Pty) Ltd is applying for an amendment of their environmental
authorisation (Approved EMPR and EA) for the Zibulo Colliery – Opencast Operations. The
application for the amendment of the environmental authorisation/ EMPR is undertaken in terms of the
process as laid out in part 2 of Chapter 5 under the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014.

The above-mentioned regulations require that an applicant for an amendment of their environmental
authorisation submit an amended EMP report to the competent authority after having subjected the
reports to a public participation process.

In view of the above, a public participation process will be initiated for the amendment of the
environmental authorisation. The public participation process for the proposed project is designed to
provide sufficient and accessible information to interested and affected parties (I&APs) in an objective
manner to assist them to:

• raise issues of concern and make suggestions for enhanced benefits;

• contribute local knowledge and experience;

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• verify that their issues have been captured;

• verify that their issues have been considered in the technical investigations; and

• comment on the findings of the EIA.

The following were conducted in undertaking of the public participation process for the proposed
project.

5.1.1 Notification of Potential Interested and Affected Parties

The following methods of notification were used to notify the potential interested and affected parties
of the opportunity to register and comment on the draft Amended EMPR during the public participation
process for the proposed project:

• On the 14th of August 2020, notices inviting potential interested and affected parties to
register and comment on the draft amended EMPr for the proposed changes, were fixed at
two sites i.e. at the fence of the property where the proposed project will be undertaken. The
notices were compiled to comply with the requirements of Regulation 41(3) of the EIA
Regulations, 2014.

• The draft amended EMPr report was submitted to all the commenting authorities for their
comments.

• A copy of the draft amended EMPr report was placed at the Zibulo Colliery Opencast offices
for the public to peruse and make comments.

• On the 14th of August 2020, notices were posted within the Witbank News which is distributed
in and around Ogies, informing the public that the draft amended EMPr report is available for
comments at the Zibulo Colliery Opencast offices. The notices were compiled in compliance
with the requirements of Regulation 41(3) of the EIA Regulations, 2014.

5.1.2 Registered Interested and Affected Parties

The following are currently registered as interested and affected parties for Zibulo Colliery:

• Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mpumalanga Regional Office (Competent

Authority),

• Department of Water and Sanitation, Mpumalanga Regional Office (Commenting Authority),

• Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Mpumalanga

Provincial Office (Commenting Authority),

• SANRAL,

• Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (Commenting Authority),

• South African Heritage Resources Agency (Commenting Authority),

• National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Mpumalanga Regional Office

(Commenting Authority),

• Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (Commenting Authority),

• eMalahleni Local Municipality,

• Nkangala District Municipality,

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• Ward 30 Councillor (eMalahleni Local Municipality), and

• Zibulo Colliery, immediately surrounding land owners and lawful occupiers.

5.1.3 Proof of Consultation

Proof of the above-mentioned consultation and results thereof is attached to this EMPr amendment
report. Refer to Appendix 1 for the notice sent to the I&AP’s.

5.1.4 Comments, Issues and Responses on the EMPr Amendment Report

All comments and issues received will be recorded and responses to the comments made. The
comments and issues raised by the interested and affected parties, their responses and reaction to
the response will be presented in the final Amended EMPr by the DMR EMPr template.

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SECTION SIX
_________________________________________________________________________________

Baseline Environmental Assessment

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6. BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

6.1 GEOLOGY

Oogiesfontein Opencast reserve falls within the Springs-Witbank coalfield. The lithological profile is
comprised of soft overburden, hard overburden, no. 5 coal seam, interburden, no. 4 coal seam,
interburden, no. 4L coal seam, interburden, No. 3 coal seam; interburden, no. 2 coal seam,
interburden and no.1 coal seam.· No. 4L, no. 3 and no. 2 coal seams are the only three continuous
seams across the Oogiesfontein opencast reserve. Seams above no. 4L are largely intersected by
the limit of weathering. No.5 coal seam can be seen to be intersected by present day topography to
the north. Thickness of geological units between the floor of the Karoo sediments and the basement
are on average 3.16m. Main coal seams are the no. 2 coal seam (average thickness of 5.7m) and the
no. 4L coal seam (average thickness 1.8m). ·More than 54% of all overburden will be weathered to
slightly weathered material. ·The interburden mainly consists of fine-grained sandstone and sandy
mudstone. Topography is fairly flat over the area. No. 5 coal seam is mainly absent. No. 2 and no.
4L coal seams are continuous over the total study area. No. 2 coal seam is situated very close to the
basement over the total study area and dips towards the north. The west-east striking Ogies Dyke is
situated 420m to the south of the Oogiesfontein opencast reserve. Pyrite is the only sulphide present
in the samples. Acid generation potential (AP) is the highest in the carbonaceous rocks and the coal
– average AP in carbonaceous rocks is 12.02kg CaCO3/t and in no. 1, no. 2 and no. 4 coals seams is
32.96kg CaCO3/t, 20.09kg CaCO3/t and 12.03kg CaCO3/t. Neutralisation potential (NP) is highest in
coal and lower in sandstone and shales. The Nett Neutralisation Potential (NNP) in carbonaceous
rock, no. 2 and no. 4 coal seams all have negative NNP. Sandstone and the no. 1 coal seam have a
positive NNP. Carbonaceous clastic rocks together with the no. 2 and no. 4 coal seam samples show
high potential for producing acid drainage (SRK, 2009).

6.2 CLIMATE

The opencast area has an average annual precipitation is ± 720mm. Ogies is a summer rainfall area.
Average A-pan evaporation is 2.5 times the annual rainfall. Daytime airflow is dominated by northerly
winds and easterly to east-south-easterly winds. At night, there is a decrease in the northerly to
westerly winds with an increase in winds from the east and east southeast (Figure 1-10). Mean daily
temperature is 25.8ºC in January and 17.1ºC in July. Average daily minimum temperature is 13.2ºC
in January and 0.2ºC in July (SRK, 2009).

6.3 TOPOGRAPHY

Topography of the opencast area is flat to gently undulating between 1520 and 1580 mamsl. The site
drains into a tributary of the Saalklapspruit (SRK, 2009).

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6.4 SOILS, LAND CAPABILITY AND LAND USE

Eight soils forms were identified including Hutton, Clovelly, Pinedene, Avalon, Bloemdal, Glencoe,
Longlands and Katspruit. Average soil depths of Hutton and Clovelly soil forms are between 400 –
1500mm while Pinedene, Bloemdal and Avalon returned depths of between 200-1000mm. Soils
derived from the sediments (Ecca Group) are sandy loam to sandy clay in nature varying only slightly
in their amounts of iron and magnesium with some variations in the calcium, sodium and potassium
levels. More structured and basic derived soils have higher reserves of calcium, magnesium, iron and
sodium. They are inherently low in potassium and show lower zinc and potash than is acceptable for
economically acceptable agricultural growth. These soils require potassium, phosphorus and Zinc
fertiliser. The dominant soils are neutral to slightly acidic. Generally, the cation exchange capacity
values in the soils are moderate to low mainly due to the moderately high clay content of the soils.
Organic matter content of soils is low. The soil forms can be divided into heavy clay rich soils with
poor drainage, light textured (yellow brown and red apedal) soils with well-defined horizons, shallow
soils that erode easily and alluvial soils that are weakly stratified. The irrigation potential of the arable
soils (Hutton, Clovelly, Griffin, Pinedene and deep Avalon soil forms) is moderate to good. The rest of
the soils are generally drainage impaired and good drainage control will be required.

Of the area that was studied, 73.90% is arable land, 11.30% is grazing land, 8.90% is wilderness and
5.8% is classified as a wetland. 97.89% of the area to be affected by mining is cultivated with maize
whereas· 0.63% of the area to be affected is human settlements and 0.97% of the area to be affected
is natural vegetation. 0.51% of the area to be affected consists of pans and dams (SRK, 2009).

6.5 FLORA AND FAUNA

The mining area falls within the Moist Sandy Highveld Grassland and the Moist Cool Highveld
Grassland. The study area covers approximately 279ha, 90% of which has been transformed.
Cultivated land covers a large proportion of the study area – maize is the principal crop cultivated.
These areas have low ecological/ conservational value. 46 species were positively identified. Five
currently listed Red Data species could be located in the region. Redgrass Themeda triandra
dominates entirely and few other species occur particularly Dicotyledonous forbs. Forbs are also a
common feature of this grassland and include species such as Berkheya pinnatifida, Crabbea acaulis,
Chaetacanthus costatus, Salvia repens, Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum and Abildgaardia ovata. Most
of the plant taxa present are herbaceous or weakly woody species with the dominant plant forms
being grasses, sedges and forbs. Several stands of exotic trees are present in the region.

It is possible that 12 species of threatened birds may potentially occur in the study area however,
none of these were observed on the site. These include the Black Stork, Yellow-billed Stork, Greater
Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Secretary Bird, African Marsh Harrier, Lesser Kestrel, Blue Crane,
Wattled Crane, White Bellied Korhaan, Blackwinged Pratincole, and Botha’s Lark. Six mammals
(mainly rodents), six amphibians (mainly frogs) and two reptiles (snakes) were found to occur in the
study area. Most of these species are associated with the wetland habitat. No fish species were
recorded during the site visit due to the non-permanent nature of the water. No threatened butterfly
species occur in the study area (SRK, 2009).

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6.6 SURFACE WATER

The project is located within the Wilge River catchment within the quaternary sub-catchment B20G of
the Limpopo-Olifants primary drainage region. The mining area drains to the Saalklapspruit which
drains into the Wilge River which is part of the Loskop dam catchment. The Loskop Dam is the
receiving water body. The Mean Annual Runoff (MAR) for Loskop dam is 384 X106m3. The MAR for
the mine area is estimated at 0.11 X 106m3. The water downstream of the site is used primarily for
agriculture and livestock watering purposes. Wetlands occupy 26ha of the study area. The relict
wetland is critically modified since there has been a complete loss of natural habitats. These
wetlands cannot be regarded as pristine when compared with reference conditions as they have been
impacted upon by historical agricultural practices. Red Data Species such as Nemesia fruticans,
kniphofla typhoides ZCodd and Eucornis autumnalis (Mill.) Chitt. ssp. clavata (Baker) Reyneke may
occur in the hill slope seepage wetlands (SRK, 2009).

6.7 GROUNDWATER

Aquifers within the Oogiesfontein opencast study area have a moderate to low yielding potential.
Only 3 water strikes have been recorded for the 9 newly drilled geohydrological boreholes – only the
BSW-4 and BSW-5 can be seen as natural aquifer conditions. BSW-4: A blow yield of 4 l/s was
determined for this borehole. BSW-5: estimated yield for this borehole is less than 0.1 l/s. BSW-6:
the water strike was recorded at 9m – 11m and a blow yield of 3.2 l/s was determined. From the 7
additional monitoring boreholes, only 3 water strikes were recorded:

• WSW-13: estimated yield of 0.3 l/s at a depth of 21m;

• KGM-B3: associated with a carbonaceous shale layer within the limit of weathering between
10 and 11m;

• KGM-B6: water strike is at 21 – 22m and estimated yields are 0.3 l/s and 0.2 l/s respectively.

Reported yields for the 16 monitoring boreholes ranged between dry and 4 l/s. Only 3 yields could be
obtained for the external users’ boreholes:

• EUB-6: 1 l/s;

• EUB-17: 2 l/s;

• EUB 105: 0.46 l/s.

The yields for the two, perennial fountains EUF-18 and EUF-33 are estimated at 3.00 l/s and 0.5 l/s
respectively. The remaining 7 fountains in the Oogiesfontein opencast survey area are non-perennial
and low yielding on during the rainy season. Background groundwater quality is very good and plots
as “recent and unpolluted”. It is dominated largely by bicarbonate (72%) followed by Cl (15%) and
SO4 (8%), NO3 (4%) and F (1%). pH values range from 3.4 – 8 and electrical conductivity ranges
between 4.7 - 142.0 mS/m. The Total Dissolved Solids indicate total salinity of the groundwater and
ranges from 73 – 866 mg/l. Total alkalinity shows values between 5 – 446 mg/l. No widespread
agricultural contamination of groundwater is detected – groundwater quality resembles Ca-HCO3
dominated water. Three different aquifer types occur in the study area namely shallow perched
aquifers, shallow weathered zone Karoo aquifers and Deep Karoo aquifers. Groundwater flow in all

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three aquifers is essential horizontal. Groundwater flow will follow the surface topographical gradient
and estimated groundwater seepage velocity is 0.01 m/day or 3.65 m/year (SRK, 2009).

6.8 AIR QUALITY

Dustfall levels recorded at the five sites were within the Slight to Heavy dust fallout category range.
Maximum dust fallout levels were recorded at site 3 during August 2002 (773 mg/m2/day). Slight dust
fallout levels were recorded during the months of February, March, April and November 2002. Dust
levels during May 2002 increased at all the sites. During the windy months of August and October,
dust fallout levels at site 5 fell within the Heavy category. During 2003, dust fallout levels were higher
than 2002 on average (SRK, 2009).

6.9 VIBRATION AND NOISE

Present ambient noise levels in the area are lower than suggested in SABS 0103 and there is very
little difference between day and night time noise levels. The primary noise source in the area is
traffic on the N12, R545 and R555; railway related activities also contribute to ambient noise in the
area. Typical ambient noise levels are given as 45 dBA and 35 dBA during the day and night
respectively (SABS 0103). There was very little difference between the measured day and night
ambient noise levels. Buildings are generally located far from the mining activities and therefore
should not suffer any damage from blasting. The OTK silos should be able to withstand the high
vibration levels (a limit of 12.7 mm/s should be applied) (SRK, 2009).

6.10 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY

No sites of cultural significance were found in the survey area. No stone tools were noticed and no
sites were likely to have been inhabited by Stone Age people in the area. No sites dating to the Iron
Age were identified. A few informal cemeteries containing varied numbers of graves were identified.
The graves were relocated in accordance with SAHRA on commissioning of the mine. A number of
old farmsteads occur in the area however all are in ruin (SRK, 2009).

6.11 SENSITIVE LANDSCAPES

The sensitive landscapes are the wetlands associated with the stream that drain the area. The
wetlands associated with the stream are in the north eastern corner of the study area and are not
included in the mining or stockpile area. (SRK, 2009)

During 2013, Wetland Consulting Services conducted a Wetland Mitigation Strategy for Zibulo
(Appendix 3). The wetlands were delineated during this study and was found to be different than the
baseline study. A brief summary is given below and the full report is attached as Appendix 3.

The wetlands within the Zibulo Colliery development site, outside Ogies in Mpumalanga, were
assessed by Wetland Consulting Services (WCS) as part of the Wetland Baseline and Impact
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Assessment (WCS Report 117, 2004). The results indicated that the wetland to be included in the
mining footprint was relict as a result of extensive transformation prior to the initiation of mining
activities. Additionally, it did not offer a high level of ecological services to the landscape and was of
low ecological importance.

The proposed mining box-cut will remove an already critically modified, relict hillslope seepage
wetland. The descriptions of the wetlands and details of the assessments are contained in the text.
Wetland functioning had been compromised by activities not associated with mining, and the wetland
represents approximately 1.3ha equivalents of functional area. Using the SANBI offset calculator, the
following offset targets were determined:

• A wetland functioning offset target of a gain of 1.6 ha-equivalents to ensure no net loss of
wetland functional area; and

• A wetland protection target of 10.9 biodiversity ha-equivalents gained and secured.

Applying appropriate time and risk multipliers to the hectare equivalents contained in the

candidate wetlands, the following was concluded:

• Rehabilitation of the wetlands on site could potentially generate 5.9ha-eq of wetland

functional area;

• Adding the central portion of the 500m buffer to the rehabilitated area may provide
approximately 39.7 biodiversity ha-eq to the landscape;

• This will allow much of the remaining agricultural landuse to continue, contributing to food
security; and

• The potential ecological gains available within the property should be sufficient to satisfy the
required targets.

An on-site offset strategy is recommended, the key objectives being:

• To rehabilitate the eastern valley bottom wetland;

• To rehabilitate the southern hillslope seepage wetland, and possibly direct water from the
post-mining landscape into the wetland to create wetter conditions;

• The restoration of the northern hillslope seepage wetland once mining is complete; and

• Possibly to create a wetland around the eastern periphery of the workings.

It is anticipated that the hectare equivalents gained by this initiative will meet the offset target,
although provisos are:

• That the mining footprint does not change in the future;

• The assumption holds true that the coal resource in the property to the east of the study site
has been exploited, and that the land use in this area, which forms the catchment of the
eastern wetland, will remain compatible with maintaining the current hydrological regime;

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• That rehabilitation of the mine footprint endeavours to prevent acid mine drainage (AMD) from
entering these wetlands. The nutrient loads associated with AMD decant favours the
establishment of monospecific stands of Typha capensis, potentially compromising the stated
objective of improving the biodiversity of the candidate wetlands;

6.12 VISUAL ASPECTS

The N12 to the north and the R545 to the west of the site is considered to be the viewing area
carrying the most sensitive visual receptors. The Klipspruit Strip mine is located to the west of the
study area and the townships of Ogies and Phola to the south and north respectively. The OTK grain
silos directly adjacent to the south of the mining area and the Kendal Power Station directly adjacent
to the south-west are prominent landmarks in the area (SRK, 2009).

6.13 REGIONAL SOCIO-ECONOMIC STRUCTURE

Oogiesfontein opencast mine is located in the Mpumalanga province which has one of the fastest
growing, fourth largest economies in S.A owing to its natural resources. Severe levels of poverty in
the province are evident. The Gross Geographic Product (GGP) of Mpumalanga grew from R9.5
billion in 1970 to R34.3 billion in 1995 and is projected to grow to R89.9 billion in 2020 and contributes
6% to the national GDP. The contribution to the GDP is declining due to shrinkage in mining related
activities and energy and exhaustion of coal resources in the province. The main economic sectors in
Mpumalanga are energy, mining, manufacturing and community services. Mining and energy in
Mpumalanga dominate the sectoral contribution to the GDP and are set to increase due to the
increasing demand for power from the countries base load stations. The unemployment rate in
Mpumalanga in 1996 was 32.9%. Oogiesfontein opencast mine falls into the eMalahleni District
Municipality, which has a GGP of just over R8 million. Mining in the area contributed to more than a
quarter of this figure (SRK, 2009).

eMalahleni Demographics:

• Population: 800 people per square km (Phola);

• Population groups: Mainly Africans and Whites;

• 75000 households with 3.7 people in each household;

• Gender distribution: Men = 55%, Women = 45%;

• Age Distribution: 35% (31 – 60 years); 24% (19 – 30 years); 36% (below 18 years);

• Education levels are low – less than a quarter of the population has Grade 12 or higher;

• Employment: Between 55 – 77% employed except for Phola where unemployment is rife at
more than 65%;

• Occupational levels: 20% of active labour force is employed in elementary occupations, 20%
are employed in craft and trade-related occupations;

• Sectoral employment: 3.8% employed in agriculture; 22% employed in the mining sector;

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• Income: Average monthly income is R1400 per month. Phola is the area with the lowest
income of less than R400 per month per economically active member;

• 64% of the population of the eMalahleni Local Municipality reside in houses on separate
stands. 20% live in informal shacks or dwellings.

eMalahleni Services:

• Transport: Dominant mode of transport is travelling by foot followed by minibus taxis and
buses;

• Access to electricity: 70% of households have access to electricity for heat and lighting;

• Water and Sanitation: 80% of households have access to water. In 2001, 70% of households
were reported to have a flushing toilet.

6.13.1 Profile of Ogies, Phola and Kendal Area

• Employment: Ogies and Kendal (55% formal employment); Phola township (34%);

• Population: Ogies and Kendal (41% between the ages of 31 and 60, 4% over the age of 61);
Phola (24% between the ages of 19 and 30, 29% between the ages of 31 and 60 and 6%
over the age of 61);

• Occupational categories: Ogies and Kendal: Semiskilled and skilled (46%), white-collar (9%).
Phola: Semi-skilled and skilled (70%), white-collar (2%);

• Household income: Ogies and Kendal: 65% earn over R30000 a year. Phola: 66% earn less
than R18000 a year;

• Housing and Infrastructure: Ogies and Kendal (89% live in houses on separate stands, 7%
live in informal dwellings or shacks, 3% live elsewhere). Phola (55% live in houses on
separate stands, 36% live in informal dwellings or shacks, 6% live in informal dwellings in
backyards).

6.13.2 Profile of Affected Businesses

• OTK Silos: The silos date back to 1971. They have a storage capacity of 77 224 tons of
maize, divided amongst several bins. The maize is purchased from farmers in the
surrounding area. White maize is sold to Pride Milling and yellow maize is transported off site
to other companies;

• Pride Milling has a milling capacity of 5800 metric tons per month. White maize is purchases
from OTK silos and the product is transported of site between 6am and 8am using the R545
to the N12.

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SECTION SEVEN
_________________________________________________________________________________

Environmental Impact Assessment

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7. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

7.1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS FOLLOWED

7.1.1 Approach to Environmental Impact Assessment

The term ‘environment’ is used in the broadest sense in an Environmental Impact Assessment (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 following
amendments will have additional impacts on the environment and was assessed in the EIA:

• The impacts upon the wetland system that was not included in the original EMPr. This will be
for all of the phases.

• Two PCD’s were constructed (9Ml and a 1Ml instead of a 10Ml) instead of a single PCD. The
impacts of the original EMPr was compared to that of the PCD’s on site and the EIA
reassessed. This was be done for the operational and post-closure phases as the
construction has already taken place where the original 10Ml PCD was planned.

• The impacts that the blasting activities will/ is having on the defunct Ogies Navigation Colliery
crude oil storage facility. Only the operational phase was considered as no blasting will take
place once mining has been completed.

• Waste management activities was assessed as it was never done for the original EMPr. This
was done for the operational and post-closure phases as construction has been completed at
the Zibulo Colliery Opencast Operation.

• The stockpiling and stripping of topsoil and subsoil. Only the operational phase was
considered.

• The revegetation of idle stockpiles. Only the operational and post-closure phases was
considered.

• Strict speed limits (40km/h) will be considered. The speed limit has increased from the
original EMPr and this change was taken into account. The operational and post-closure
phases will be considered.

• Blasting activities taking place closer than 500m from both the R545 and N12. This was only
considered for the operational phase.

7.1.2 Environmental Impact Assessment Process Followed

Under Section 24 of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), the Minister promulgated
the regulations pertaining to environmental impact assessments (EIA Regulations, 2014) under
Government Notice R326 in Government Gazette 38282 of 4 December 2014. These EIA regulations
repealed the 2010 EIA regulations and therefore any process relating to environmental authorisations

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must be undertaken under the EIA Regulations, 2014. Chapter 4 of the EIA Regulations, 2014 deals
with the provisions for application for environmental authorisation.

In view of the above, Anglo American Inyosi Coal (Pty) Limited’s Zibulo Colliery – Opencast Operation
is obliged to comply with provisions of Chapter 4 for the intended environmental authorisation
amendment application for the repositioning of mine infrastructures. Part 2 of chapter 5 under
regulation 31 of the EIA Regulations, 2014, contemplate the process to be undertaken for the
application for the amendment of the environmental authorisation for the proposed changes (South
Africa, Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014). The process to be followed is
described below.

7.1.2.1 Pre-application Consultation with the Competent Authority

In terms of section 24D (1) of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998),
the Minister responsible for mineral resources is the competent authority for environmental matters
relating to mining and associated activities. In view of the above, the application for the amendment
of the environmental authorisation for the proposed changes is submitted to the Department of
Mineral Resources (DMR), eMalahleni Regional Office for their consideration and decision making.

7.1.2.2 Information Gathering

Environmental baseline data has been obtained, pertaining to surface water, geohydrological data,
topographical analyses, soil surveys, vegetation surveys, wetland surveys, social aspects, air quality
surveys, noise impact assessment and geological conditions. Weather data was acquired from the
South African Weather Service. Historic land use was determined through available data and by
visual observations made during various field studies. 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.

7.2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

The environment impact/ risk assessment addresses the actions of the amendments of the Anglo
American Inyosi Coal (Pty) Ltd’s Zibulo Colliery: Opencast Operation and assesses the significance of
the impact/ risk on the environment. The impacts and risks will then be described using the
parameters specified in the tables below. The impact/ risk on the environment and human health will
be determined based on the rated level of significance of the environmental impact/ risk. See Table
7-1 for the criteria used to assess the impacts.

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Table 7-1: Criteria used for the environmental impact/ risk assessment
The Status of the Impact
Positive: A benefit to the holistic environment.
Negative: A cost to the holistic environment.
Neutral: No cost or benefit.

The Probability of the Impact

Score Severe/ beneficial effect Description
0 None The impact will not occur.
1 Improbable Less than 15% sure of an impact occurring.
2 Low (probability) Between 15% and 40% sure of an impact occurring.
Between 40% and 60% sure that the impact will
3 Medium (probability)
occur.
Between 60% and 85% sure that the impact will
4 Highly Probable
occur.
5 Definite Over 80% sure that the impact will occur.

The Duration of the Impact

Score Severe/ beneficial effect Description
1 Short term Less than 2 years.
2 Short to medium term 2-5 years.
3 Medium term 6-25 years.
4 Long term 26-45 years.
5 Permanent 46 years or more.

The Scale of the Impact

Score Severe/ beneficial effect Description
0 None -
1 Site Within the site boundary.
2 Local Affects immediate surrounding areas.
Extends substantially beyond the site boundary but
3 Regional
only affects the region or province.
4 National Affects country.
5 International Affects is beyond the country and possibly the world.

The Magnitude of the Impact

Score Severe/ beneficial effect Description
Effects observable – environmental impacts
2 Minor
reversible with time without human intervention.
Effects observable – impacts reversible with
4 Low
rehabilitation.
Effects observable – affected area restored to
6 Moderate
acceptable environmental state.
Extensive effects – irreversible alteration to the
8 High
environment.
Extensive permanent effects with irreversible
10 Very high/ Don’t know
alteration.

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7.2.1 Significance of Possible Impacts

The significance of the impacts is calculated by multiplying the consequence of the impact by the
probability of the impact. Table 7-2 below illustrates the methodology used to calculate the
significance of the impact for the proposed project. The significance of the impact is used to
categorise the risk to the environment and human health.

Table 7-2: Significance Rating and Risk Category Rating

The Consequences of the Impact
Consequence = Magnitude + Duration + Scale
The Significance of the Impact
Significance = Consequence x Probability
Significance Score out of 100 Risk Category
Low 1 to 30
Medium 30 to 60
High 60+

7.2.2 Risk to the Environment

Table 7-3 on the following page lists the possible impacts that the amendments of the Zibulo Colliery:
Opencast Operation may have on the direct and surrounding environment. The methodology
specified above was used to identify and assess the impacts and then rate the significance of the
impact and hence determine the risk of the impact on the environment during the operation and
decommissioning of the mine. Mitigation measures have been specified for each impact and must be
implemented in order to minimise the risk of the impact.

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7.3 RESULTS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

7.3.1 Assessment of Zibulo Colliery’s EMPR Amendments Impacts/ Risks

Table 7-3: EMPr and EA Amendments Environmental Impact Assessment

Required (Y/ N)
Neutral Impact

Significance/
Negative (N)/
Positive (P)/
Nature of the Impact (Risk) on the Environment and

Probability

Magnitude
Description of Activity Environmental Aspect Management and Mitigation Measures

Mitigation
Human Heath

Duration

Scale

Risk
Construction Phase

No construction phase activities will be considered for the EMPr amendment as construction has been completed at the Zibulo Colliery and no construction forms part of the EMPr amendment.

Operational Phase

Flood events and excessive water pumped from the Proper design, construction, maintenance and monitoring will avoid failure of
opencast workings will increase the amount of water the said dams.
reporting into the PCD’s, resulting in the overflowing of the
N 2 2 3 4 18 Y Pollution control dam’s water levels must be constantly monitored. Steps and
dams. This excess water may enter the nearby stream,
thereby leading to contamination and destruction of the procedures must be put in place to manage situations where excess water
nearby stream. builds up in the pollution control dams.
All pollution control dams will be engineer designed according to specifications
Surface water Water within the pollution control dams will come into required within regulation GN 704, which is to contain the water from a 1:50
contact with fine carbonaceous material. This will result in year rainfall event with a 0.8m freeboard. These dams will have enough
elevated SO4, Ca, and Mg concentrations in the clean capacity to handle storm events.
surface water. If this contaminated water is allowed to enter
N 2 2 3 4 18 Y Water re-use from pollution control dams should be maximised, i.e. dust
the natural environment it may result in contamination of the
suppression.
surrounding clean water sources.
Surface water monitoring must be conducted on a monthly basis and the
Failure of the said dams will lead to water contamination of
results reported to DWS on a quarterly basis. This will ensure that any impacts
the nearby streams.
The operation of the 9Ml and 1Ml pollution that the mine might have on surface water resources will be identified quickly.
control dams. Disposal of dirty water into the two pollution control dams. Flood prevention must be conducted in terms of the surface water flood risk
Water within the pollution control dams will come into management plan (Golder, 2015).
contact with fine carbonaceous material. This will result in
The PCD’s must be lined with composite material (as determined by the civil
Groundwater elevated SO4, Ca, and Mg concentrations. If this N 2 2 3 6 22 Y
engineer) to ensure that water does not seep from the dams into the
contaminated water is allowed to enter the groundwater
groundwater regime. Measures to monitor whether the dam lining has been
regime, it will contaminate the groundwater and possible
compromised must be put in place.
affect downstream users and surface water resources.
Groundwater monitoring must be conducted on a quarterly basis and the
results reported to DWS on a quarterly basis. This will ensure that any impacts
that the mine might have on groundwater resources will be identified.
Various animal species may enter the PCD’s and get Fences must be constructed around the dams to restrict access to animal
Fauna trapped within the water or the slopes of the dams itself. N 1 2 1 4 7 Y species.
This may lead to death or serious injury.
Daily inspections can be conducted to identify if any fauna species have
entered or become trapped within the PCD’s. Depending on the animal
species, expert animal wranglers must be contacted to remove the animal.

The removal of topsoil and subsoil as well as the stockpiling

Topography N 3 2 1 4 21 Y Topsoil and subsoil must be stockpiled separately to ensure effective
thereof will change the topography of the area.
rehabilitation of the affected areas. This includes the separate stockpiling of
Stripping and stockpiling of topsoil and normal and wetland soils.
Topsoil and subsoil can be lost through wind and water
subsoil. N 3 2 2 6 30 Y
erosion with the loss of the vegetative cover. Once topsoil and subsoil has been returned to the opencast, it must be
Soils compacted to achieve a similar bulk factor to pre-mining conditions.
Soils will be mixed (either normal and wetland soils as well N 3 2 2 6 30 Y The rehabilitated area will be sloped to an acceptable condition, based on the
as the topsoil and subsoil) if not stripped and stockpiled

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Required (Y/ N)
Neutral Impact

Significance/
Negative (N)/
Positive (P)/
Nature of the Impact (Risk) on the Environment and

Probability

Magnitude
Description of Activity Environmental Aspect Management and Mitigation Measures

Mitigation
Human Heath

Duration

Scale

Risk
properly and thus lead to a loss of soil. closure objectives, to ensure free drainage of water into the local streams.
Stripping during winter months where possible to maintain structural integrity.
Compaction of soils will occur when they are stockpiled.
Compaction will lead to erosion and the change of the N 3 2 2 6 30 Y Topsoil and subsoil must be stockpiled separately as well as normal soils and
physical properties of the soil. wetland soils. This will ensure that soils are readily available for rehabilitation.
Soil stockpiles that will remain for longer than 6 months must be vegetated to
The capability of the land will change from the pre-mining prevent soil erosion and the leaching of nutrients.
Land capability state to mining. This means a loss of land capability until N 3 2 1 6 27 Y
mining has been completed and the area rehabilitated. Limit the height of soil stockpiles to 5m and rehabilitate as soon as practically
possible.
The land use will be changed from agriculture to mining Construct berms around soil stockpile areas to prevent soil loss through water
Land use which results in a loss of land use until the mine has been N 3 2 1 6 27 Y erosion.
rehabilitated.
Soils must be stripped in accordance to the stripping plan and operators must
Stripping, stockpiling and the exposure of topsoil and be informed about the importance of proper soil stripping.
Air quality subsoil will lead to an increase in dust generation and a N 3 1 2 4 21 Y Proper stripping and stockpiling of soils will ensure that material is protected
decrease in the surrounding air quality. and available for rehabilitation which in turn will return the land capability to the
planned post-mining land capabilities.
Exposed soil can be transported through wind or water into
Surface water the surrounding water resources resulting in an increase in N 2 1 2 2 10 Y Rehabilitation will be conducted based on the rehabilitation/ closure plan.
silt. Proper stripping and stockpiling of soils will ensure that material is protected
and available for rehabilitation which in turn will return the land use to the
planned post-mining land use.
Stripping and stockpiling must be planned for only a short period of time,
preferable before the onset of the dry- and windy seasons. Dust suppression
can be conducted to decrease dust generation from construction vehicles.
Soil stockpiles that will remain for longer than 6 months must be vegetated to
Stripping, stockpiling and the exposure of topsoil and prevent soil erosion and dust generation.
Visual subsoil will lead to an increase in dust generation and a N 3 2 2 4 24 Y
decrease in the local aesthetics. Stripping and stockpiling must be planned for only a short period of time,
preferable before the onset of the dry- and windy seasons.
Soil stockpiles that will remain for longer than 6 months must be vegetated to
prevent soil erosion and dust generation.
Rehabilitation must be done concurrently to limit the time stockpiles are
needed and the area is affected by mining.

Revegetating berms and stockpiles will decrease the risk of

Soils P N/A N
wind and water erosion, compaction and a loss of nutrients.

By protecting topsoil and subsoil protects these important Berms must be revegetated as they will be present for a long period of time.
Land capability and use soils for rehabilitation and thus the final planned land P N/A N All top soil stockpiles that will be present for longer than 6 months must be
capability and land use. revegetated to protect the topsoil from erosion and ensure the availability for
rehabilitation.
Revegetation of idle stockpiles and berms. Dust generation will be decreased to almost nothing as
Air quality revegetated berms and stockpiles will not be exposed to P N/A N A mix of indigenous grass species must be used for the revegetation of the idle
wind erosion and other dust forming factors. stockpiles and berms.
Planting must, as far as possible, be conducted at the end of the cold season
No soil particles will enter either surface and/ or to ensure the effective growth of the grass species.
Surface- and groundwater P N/A N
groundwater resources due to the vegetative cover.

Visual Visual impacts will be decreased as the green vegetative P N/A N

cover is an aesthetic improvement compared to bare berms

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Required (Y/ N)
Neutral Impact

Significance/
Negative (N)/
Positive (P)/
Nature of the Impact (Risk) on the Environment and

Probability

Magnitude
Description of Activity Environmental Aspect Management and Mitigation Measures

Mitigation
Human Heath

Duration

Scale

Risk
and stockpiles.

Vehicles moving on the access/ haul roads can run over

Animal life N 2 2 1 2 10 Y
various animals crossing these roads. Signs will be placed along the access/ haul road to indicate the allowable
speed limit of 40km/h. Speed limits will also be discussed within induction
Soils will be compacted through the movement of vehicles. N 4 2 1 6 36 Y videos and training sessions. Employees/ visitors must be made aware of the
consequences of exceeding the speed limit i.e. removal from site. If the issue
Soils will be lost through wind and water erosion as they are persists, large mining vehicles can be electrically limited to 40km/h.
N 4 2 2 6 40 Y
Soils exposed on the access/ haul roads.
The access/ haul roads must be suppressed regularly using water as
authorised within the WUL. A dust binding agent can also be used to prevent
Generation of dust and thus a loss of important soil through dust generation from vehicles moving on the access/ haul roads.
N 3 2 2 6 30 Y
the movement of vehicles on the access/ haul roads.
Berms must be constructed around the roads to prevent vehicles from driving
A strict speed limit of 40km/h (as per the Movement of vehicles on the access/ haul roads will lead to within the surrounding area and decrease the number of animals that may
Anglo Safety Standard). Air quality an increase in dust generation and thus decrease the local N 3 2 2 6 30 Y cross the access/ haul roads. If there is a high number of animals being killed
air quality. on the road, Zibulo Colliery can construct green pathways under the roads to
allow the safe movement of animals.
Dust generated from the movement vehicles can enter into The access/ haul road must be graded regularly to ensure a smooth surface
Surface- and groundwater the local water resources and lead to an increase in silt N 2 2 2 4 16 Y for the movement of vehicles and decrease the generation of dust and the
build-up. consequent soil loss though erosion.
Berms located next the long-term areas of the access/ haul road will be
The movement of vehicles will increase the noise pollution vegetated to prevent dust generation.
Noise N 3 2 2 4 24 Y
within the surrounding area.
Vehicles must be serviced as required and maintained in a good condition to
Dust generated by the movement of vehicles will decrease limit the noise levels generated by their use and movement.
Visual N 3 2 2 4 24 Y
the aesthetics of the surrounding area.

Dust generated from the blasting activity will decrease

visibility on the roads and lead to various motor vehicle N 4 1 2 6 36 Y
accidents.
Air quality
Dust generated from the blasting activity will affect breathing
N 4 1 2 6 36 Y
of people caught within it. An effective blasting design must be implemented by a qualified blaster and
blasting contractor. Good quality blasting initiation systems will be used as per
Blasting activities will have a short impact on the noise and the required regulations.
Noise N 4 1 2 6 36 Y
exceed the noise limits.
When blasting closer than 500m to the R545 Road closures must be planned ahead of time and signs placed on the R545
or the N12 highway, road closure will be and N12 (depending which falls within the 500m blast radius) indicating the
Vibration from the blasting may cause damage to the
necessary during blasting times to prevent the Vibration N 4 1 2 6 36 Y time and date of the next blasting activity. These road closures must be
surrounding roads and infrastructure.
risk of fly rock injuries to motorists. coordinated with the National Toll Concession and the local traffic department.
Roads closures will also prohibit pedestrians from entering into the 500m blast
Dust generated from the blasting activities will affect the radius.
Visual N 4 1 2 6 36 Y
visual aspects of the area.
No blasting will be conducted under overcast conditions.
Halting the movement of vehicles and people will increase
N 4 1 2 6 36 Y
travelling time of the affected people.
Socio-economic
Fly rock can injure or damage any vehicles, infrastructure or
N 4 1 2 6 36 Y
people within the 500m radius of the blast.

The entire relict wetland will be lost during the course of the
Mining (with associated roads and Soils are to be stockpiled separately to ensure that wetland soils can be used
Wetland opencast mining. The baseline wetland study (Wetland N 5 3 2 6 55 Y
infrastructure) through the derelict wetland. for the rehabilitation of the wetland area. These stockpiles must be
Consulting Services, 2004) indicated that the relict wetland
revegetated to protect the soil from wind and water erosion as the wetlands will
has been severely impacted upon by agriculture and has

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Required (Y/ N)
Neutral Impact

Significance/
Negative (N)/
Positive (P)/
Nature of the Impact (Risk) on the Environment and

Probability

Magnitude
Description of Activity Environmental Aspect Management and Mitigation Measures

Mitigation
Human Heath

Duration

Scale

Risk
lost many of the wetland services that it provides. It still only be rehabilitated during the closure phase.
maintains some hydric functions but these will be lost with
the opencast mining. Berms and trenches will be constructed around the mines extent to prevent
contaminated surface water from entering the wetlands.
Groundwater drawdown from the opencast as well as a PCD’s will be inspected regularly to determine their effectiveness and ensure
decrease of surface- and subsurface water flow will result in that no cracks have formed in the lining and allowing water to enter the
N 5 3 2 6 55 Y groundwater regime.
a loss of water to the isolated hillslope seepage wetland
situated to the north of the opencast.
Berms can be constructed around stockpiles to prevent contaminated surface
runoff from entering the wetlands.
Infrastructure situated within 500m of the wetlands can
decrease surface- and subsurface water flow to the N 3 3 2 4 27 Y The artificial wetland (Wetland Consulting Services, 2017) must be protected
wetlands. for the life of mine as water from the southern hillslope seepage wetland flows
through the artificial wetland to the hillslope seepage wetland to the north.
Contaminated surface water runoff from the access/ haul This wetland will disappear during rehabilitation but is currently of importance
roads, ROM stockpiles and general mining area can enter N 3 3 2 4 27 Y as it ensures the continuous flow of water to other wetlands.
the wetlands. Monitoring boreholes can be drilled between the mining operation and
wetlands to monitor if the groundwater regime has become contaminated and
Infrastructure constructed within 500m of the Dirty water contained within the PCD’s can enter into the determine the extent of a pollution plume.
derelict and existing wetlands. wetland either through surface- or groundwater. As all of
Water samples can be taken within the wetlands (downstream of the mining
the PCD’s are lined, this will only happen if the dams N 3 3 2 4 27 Y
activities) to determine if the mining activities has an impact on the wetlands.
exceed the operational capacity or damage to the lining
allows water to enter into the groundwater.

Silted material from the stockpile may enter the wetlands

(Wetland Consulting Services, 2004). This will increase the
silt levels within the wetland, especially the hillslope N 3 3 2 4 27 Y
seepage wetland situated to the north and the channelled
valley bottom wetland situated to the north east.

A berm of at least 100m should be kept between the Klipspruit and Zibulo
mines.
Knowledge of the exact location of the Ogies underground perimeter is
Blasting and vibration (as this essential.
facility is not situated within the
Mining activities too close to the crude oil storage facility Plan the Zibulo opencast reserve layout in such a way, that a minimum berm of
Zibulo mining right, any other
can compromise the integrity of the berm between the two 100m wide is left between the two sections.
impacts are not considered). It
Blasting and its impacts to the old defunct sections. This can lead to cracks in the porous coal seam
must be noted that there are Obtain more detailed information from Oil Pollution Control South Africa on the
Ogies Navigation Colliery crude oil storage or adjacent clastic rocks extending from the Zibulo Colliery N 3 3 3 8 42 Y
multiple other mining operations coal floor contour distribution, the volume of crude oil, compartmentalisation,
facility. Opencast to the Ogies Navigation section. If the cracks
in the area and any one potential position of water barriers, etc. of the Ogies Navigation underground
connect the two compartments, crude oil will spill to the
conducting blasting can have an (JMA, 2005).
Zibulo Colliery opencast (JMA, 2005).
impact on this crude oil storage
facility. Update the geohydrological study on an annual basis. This study must include
the impacts on the crude oil storage facility.
Blast induced vibration for all blasting should remain below 75mm/s with and
without management controls in place (Rorke, 2005).

Domestic- and hazardous waste may enter into various Zibulo Colliery will develop a waste management procedure which will address
The activities related to the mining operation N 2 2 2 6 20 Y
water sources and contaminate these sources. all of the waste streams on site and how waste will be handled and disposed of
that will generate domestic and hazardous
(Shangoni, 2020).
waste. Surface- and groundwater
Coal product can be blown by the wind or transported via
Employees and visitors will be instructed via induction about the waste
Domestic waste includes, but is not limited to surface water runoff to both surface- and groundwater N 3 2 2 6 30 Y
management procedures at Zibulo Colliery’s opencast. Other resources such
paper, cardboard, plastics, metal, sources.
as posters and shift talks can be used to inform and remind employees and

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Required (Y/ N)
Neutral Impact

Significance/
Negative (N)/
Positive (P)/
Nature of the Impact (Risk) on the Environment and

Probability

Magnitude
Description of Activity Environmental Aspect Management and Mitigation Measures

Mitigation
Human Heath

Duration

Scale

Risk
polystyrene, glass, tins and food waste. visitors about the need for waste management and recycling.
Contaminated water within the PCD’s, trenches and silt
Hazardous waste includes, but is not limited traps can overflow into the surface water sources or seep N 2 2 2 6 20 Y Waste disposal bins and skips must be provided by Zibulo Colliery.
to hydrocarbons (oil and fuel), various filters through the lining into the groundwater regime.
removed during maintenance of vehicles, coal A certified waste company must be appointed to remove waste and provide
product, paint, thinners, contaminated water, proof that the various waste types have been disposed of properly. Domestic
Runoff from hydrocarbon spills can enter into the surface waste can be taken to the nearest municipal waste site whereas hazardous
human waste, fluorescent tubes and other N 2 2 2 6 20 Y
water resources or seep into the groundwater regime. material must be taken to a hazardous waste disposal facility such as the
globes, printer cartridges, tyres and grease.
Holfontein waste disposal site.
Coal product can be blown by the wind or transported via
surface water runoff to the soils in and around the mining N 3 2 2 6 30 Y Measures can be put into place to recycle domestic and hazardous waste.
area. Involving the local community may provide employment or financial
opportunities for poorer members of the community.
Soils Contaminated water within the PCD’s, trenches and silt Coal product can be suppressed with sprayers at the crushing plant and
N 2 2 2 6 20 Y
traps can overflow into the surrounding soils. conveyor area to prevent unnecessary dust generation during loading and
unloading of coal product stockpiles.
Hydrocarbon spills from vehicles can enter the soils and
N 2 2 2 6 20 Y Berms, trenches and silt traps are to be constructed around the dirty areas to
contaminate it.
ensure that dirty water enters the PCD’s and clean water is contained and
diverted to the clean areas.
Both domestic- and hazardous waste can enter the clean
Visual N 2 2 2 6 20 Y PCD’s, trenches and silt traps must be inspected regularly to ensure their
environment and reduce the aesthetics of the area.
integrity and effectiveness to contain contaminated water and silt (Melchior,
2015).
Domestic and hazardous waste that enters the clean
environment will contaminate it, whether it is water sources Hydrocarbon spill kits must be provided by the mine, placed at areas where
N 2 2 2 6 20 Y hydrocarbons spills and most likely and clearly marked. Once spill kits have
or the areas where people live and affect the health of the
Socio-economic people. been used and/or filled, they must be removed by the approved waste removal
contractor and replaced with new spill kits.
If bathrooms are not maintained, human waste can breed Hydrocarbon spills must be cleaned immediately using supplied hydrocarbon
N 3 2 2 6 30 Y
diseases and affect human health. spill clean-up kits. These spill kits must be inspected regularly to avoid running
out of hydrocarbon spill kits.
Domestic- and hazardous waste may enter into the
surrounding wetland and surrounding environment and N 2 2 2 6 20 Y Maintenance and repairs of vehicles must be conducted at the workshop area.
contaminate these sources. Any breakdowns and repairs that cannot be done at the workshop must be
done with drip trays to prevent hydrocarbons form entering the clean
environment.
Coal product can be blown by the wind or transported via
surface water runoff to both wetlands and the surrounding N 3 2 2 6 30 Y Oil traps and containment units will be constructed around the workshop area
environment. to contain oil and hydrocarbon spills. These oil containment units will be
emptied by the approved waste removal company and disposed of
Contaminated water within the PCD’s, trenches and silt appropriately.
traps can overflow into the wetlands and surrounding clean N 2 2 2 6 20 Y Oil drums and fuel tanks must be stored within a bunded wall area that can
environment. contain the volume and 10% extra of the oil drums or fuel tanks stored within
Wetlands and surrounding
them. The bunded wall area will be lined so that no oil or fuel spill can escape
landscape
from it into the clean environment.
General housekeeping will be conducted in and around the mining area.
The local community can be included in major clean-up projects to spread
awareness and opportunities with regards to waste management.
Runoff from hydrocarbon spills can enter into the wetlands
N 2 2 2 6 20 Y
and surrounding clean environment. Bathrooms, showers and laundries will be inspected to ensure that they are in
a good working condition and that no human waste or contaminated water
affects the health of the employees, visitors or the environment. Any problems
with the infrastructure must be reported immediately and repaired as soon as
possible.
Any environmental spill or emergency must be handled in terms of the Zibulo

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Required (Y/ N)
Neutral Impact

Significance/
Negative (N)/
Positive (P)/
Nature of the Impact (Risk) on the Environment and

Probability

Magnitude
Description of Activity Environmental Aspect Management and Mitigation Measures

Mitigation
Human Heath

Duration

Scale

Risk
emergency preparedness plan (Melchior, 2015).

Decommissioning/ Closure- and Post Closure Phase

Contaminated water within the PCD’s, trenches and silt Water within the PCD’s must be pumped to the 40Ml dam (which will not be
traps may runoff into the clean environmental and rehabilitated) before decommissioning commences to prevent contaminated
N 3 1 2 4 21 Y
contaminate watercourses and the surrounding water from entering the clean environment.
environment.
Surface water Decommissioning must be planned for only a short period of time, preferable
before the onset of the dry and windy seasons. Dust suppression can be
Dust generated from the construction vehicles may enter conducted to decrease dust generation from construction vehicles.
the surrounding watercourses and increase the silt within N 3 1 2 4 21 Y
these streams. Surface water monitoring must be conducted on a monthly basis and the
results reported to DWS on a quarterly basis until such a time that the mine
Contaminated water within the PCD’s may seep into the has received a closure certificate from the DMR. This will ensure that any
Groundwater clean groundwater regime and contaminate groundwater N 2 1 2 6 18 Y impacts that the mine might have on surface water resources will be identified
and the surrounding environment. quickly.
The removal and rehabilitation of the 9Ml and
1Ml pollution control dams. Groundwater monitoring must be conducted on a quarterly basis and the
The movement of construction vehicles during the results reported to DWS on a quarterly basis until such a time that the mine
Air quality rehabilitation of the PCD’s will cause the generation dust N 3 1 2 4 21 Y has received a closure certificate from the DMR. This will ensure that any
fallout and decrease the local air quality. impacts that the mine might have on groundwater resources will be identified.
Decommissioning must be planned for only a short period of time, preferable
The removal of the lining of the PCD’s and the movement of
between 06:00 and 18:00.
Vibration and noise construction vehicles will increase the noise levels within the N 3 1 2 4 21 Y
local area. Vehicles must be kept in a good working condition and receive regular
maintenance to prevent unnecessary noise levels.
The rehabilitation of the PCD’s, the generation of dust from Decommissioning must be planned for only a short period of time. Due to the
Visual the construction vehicles and the disturbance of the area N 2 1 1 4 12 Y nature of the surrounding area, this impact is very low and limited mitigation is
will lead to a decrease of the current aesthetics. required as the end product will improve the aesthetics of the area.

Vehicles moving on the access/ haul roads can run over Signs will be placed along the access/ haul road to indicate the allowable
Animal life N 2 2 1 2 10 Y
various animals crossing these roads. speed limit of 40km/h. Speed limits will also be discussed within induction
videos and training sessions. Employees/ visitors must be made aware of the
Soils will be compacted through the movement of vehicles. N 4 2 1 6 36 Y consequences of exceeding the speed limit i.e. removal from site. If the issue
persists, large mining vehicles can be electrically limited to 40km/h.
Soils will be lost through wind and water erosion as they are
N 4 2 2 6 40 Y The access/ haul roads must be suppressed regularly using water as
Soils exposed on the access/ haul roads.
authorised within the WUL. A dust binding agent can also be used to prevent
dust generation from vehicles moving on the access/ haul roads.
Generation of dust and thus a loss of important soil through
N 3 2 2 6 30 Y Berms must be constructed around the roads to prevent vehicles from driving
A strict speed limit of 40km/h (as per the the movement of vehicles on the access/ haul roads.
Anglo Safety Standard) during the within the surrounding area and decrease the number of animals that may
decommissioning and closure phases. If any Movement of vehicles on the access/ haul roads will lead to cross the access/ haul roads. If there is a high number of animals being killed
vehicles remain during post-closure these Air quality an increase in dust generation and thus decrease the local N 3 2 2 6 30 Y on the road, Zibulo Colliery can construct green pathways under the roads to
mitigation measures will also apply. air quality. allow the safe movement of animals.
The access/ haul road must be graded regularly to ensure a smooth surface
Dust generated from the movement vehicles can enter into for the movement of vehicles and decrease the generation of dust and the
Surface- and groundwater the local water resources and lead to an increase in silt N 2 2 2 4 16 Y consequent soil loss though erosion.
build-up.
Berms located next the long-term areas of the access/ haul road will be
vegetated to prevent dust generation.
The movement of vehicles will increase the noise pollution
Noise N 3 2 2 4 24 Y Vehicles must be serviced as required and maintained in a good condition to
within the surrounding area.
limit the noise levels generated by their use and movement.
Visual Dust generated by the movement of vehicles will decrease N 3 2 2 4 24 Y Roads used during post-closure can be financially assessed as to tar them for

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 Anglo American Inyosi Coal (Pty) Ltd: Zibulo Colliery OC Amended EMPr Report Page 46

Required (Y/ N)
Neutral Impact

Significance/
Negative (N)/
Positive (P)/
Nature of the Impact (Risk) on the Environment and

Probability

Magnitude
Description of Activity Environmental Aspect Management and Mitigation Measures

Mitigation
Human Heath

Duration

Scale

Risk
the aesthetics of the surrounding area. long term use.

The wetlands that were destroyed and impacted upon will

be rehabilitated as planned within the Zibulo Colliery’s
The mitigation measures below will be implemented as to limit the impacts on
Wetland Wetland Rehabilitation Strategy (Anglo American, 2015) P N/A Y
the wetland.
and the Onsite Wetland Mitigation Strategy (Wetland
Consulting Services, 2017).

The area will be reshaped to accommodate the wetland

The area must be sloped as to be free draining and ensure that the water
Topography rehabilitation plan. This will be aimed at returning the P N/A N
drains to the wetland.
topography to as close as possible to its pre-mining state.

Natural vegetation must be used in the rehabilitation process and the

assistance of a botanist/ wetland specialist must be acquired during this
process.
Invasive flora and fauna species must be controlled to prevent an intrusion into
the wetland. Care must be taken when removing these species as to prevent
further damage (through the use of hazardous substances) to the wetland and
The re-establishment of the wetlands will allow natural natural fauna and flora species.
Fauna and flora fauna and flora to return to the area. This will improve the P N/A N
biodiversity of the rehabilitated area. Fire management must be considered as burning a wetland must only occur
every 4 to 5 years.
Livestock must not be allowed into the wetland area; this can be done by
developing a livestock management and movement plan.
No poaching/ hunting of any fauna species will be allowed. Signs must be
placed on the surrounding fences to inform people hereof.
Rehabilitation and re-establishment of the
wetlands. Construction vehicles must be serviced as required (off-site or away from the
rehabilitation area) and maintained in a good working condition to prevent
Construction vehicles may spill hydrocarbons into surface hydrocarbons spills.
water sources during the rehabilitation and re-establishment N 3 1 1 4 18 Y
of the wetlands. Any hydrocarbon spill must be cleaned immediately using an appropriate oil
Surface- and groundwater spill kit (which must be available on-site) and removed by an approved
contractor.

The re-establishment of the wetlands will result in an

Water monitoring will continue after rehabilitation to determine any residual
improved in the quality and quantity of both surface- and P N/A N
impacts on the surface- and groundwater.
groundwater.

Generation of dust from construction vehicles and other Rehabilitation must be planned for only a short period of time, preferable
construction activities during the re-establishment of the N 3 1 2 4 21 Y before the onset of the dry- and windy seasons. Dust suppression can be
wetlands. conducted to decrease dust generation from construction vehicles.

Natural vegetation must be used in the rehabilitation process and the

assistance of a botanist/ wetland specialist must be acquired during this
process.
Air quality
Invasive flora and fauna species must be controlled to prevent an intrusion into
The revegetation of the wetland area will improve the air
P N/A N the wetland. Care must be taken when removing these species as to prevent
quality of the surrounding area.
further damage (through the use of hazardous substances) to the wetland and
natural fauna and flora species.
Fire management must be considered as burning a wetland must only occur
every 4 to 5 years.

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Required (Y/ N)
Neutral Impact

Significance/
Negative (N)/
Positive (P)/
Nature of the Impact (Risk) on the Environment and

Probability

Magnitude
Description of Activity Environmental Aspect Management and Mitigation Measures

Mitigation
Human Heath

Duration

Scale

Risk
Livestock must not be allowed into the wetland area; this can be done by
developing a livestock management and movement plan.
No poaching/ hunting of any fauna species will be allowed. Signs must be
placed on the surrounding fences to inform people hereof.

Noise will only be generated for a short period of time while

the construction and re-establishment of the wetlands are Vehicles must be serviced as required and maintained in a good condition to
Noise N 3 1 2 4 21 Y
underway. This will coincide with the general rehabilitation limit the noise levels generated by their use and movement.
of the mine.

Construction vehicles must be serviced as required (off-site or away from the

rehabilitation area) and maintained in a good working condition to prevent
Construction vehicles may spill hydrocarbons onto the soils hydrocarbons spills.
during the rehabilitation and re-establishment of the N 3 1 1 4 18 Y
wetlands. Any hydrocarbon spill must be cleaned immediately using an appropriate oil
spill kit (which must be available on-site) and removed by an approved
Soils contractor.

Soils will be returned to as close as possible to their original

A pedologist must be consulted before and after rehabilitation to assist with the
locations during the re-establishment of the wetland. This
P N/A N placement of soils as well as the testing of soils after rehabilitation for the
will assist with the rehabilitation process and allowing the
purpose of fertiliser requirements.
wetland to function normally.

Should the areas around the targeted wetlands be used for agricultural
activities, agricultural use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers in the vicinity
of the wetlands should be carefully controlled to avoid toxic effects on the flora
and fauna occurring within the wetlands.
The land use and capability will be returned to a natural
state. This is an improvement to the pre-mining state as the A vegetated buffer is recommended between any agricultural lands and
Land use and capability P N/A N
wetlands were ploughed and used for agricultural land (thus wetland areas so as to limit impacts associated with sedimentation and
the formation of the relict wetland). pollutant runoff. The buffer could be expanded where steep slopes occur or
where intensive cultivation is undertaken.
Cultivation techniques must also employ measures to limit erosion and
sediment loss from the cultivated fields, i.e. contour ploughing, etc.

Natural vegetation must be used in the rehabilitation process and the

assistance of a botanist/ wetland specialist must be acquired during this
process.
Invasive flora and fauna species must be controlled to prevent an intrusion into
Rehabilitating the mining area and the wetlands will improve
Visual P N/A N the wetland. Care must be taken when removing these species as to prevent
the aesthetics of the area.
further damage (through the use of hazardous substances) to the wetland and
natural fauna and flora species.
Fire management must be considered as burning a wetland must only occur
every 4 to 5 years.

Should the areas around the targeted wetlands be used for agricultural
activities, agricultural use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers in the vicinity
The wetland may be impacted upon by agricultural and of the wetlands should be carefully controlled to avoid toxic effects on the flora
Socio-economic grazing activities once the rehabilitation has been N 3 3 2 4 27 Y and fauna occurring within the wetlands.
completed.
A vegetated buffer is recommended between any agricultural lands and
wetland areas so as to limit impacts associated with sedimentation and
pollutant runoff. The buffer could be expanded where steep slopes occur or

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Required (Y/ N)
Neutral Impact

Significance/
Negative (N)/
Positive (P)/
Nature of the Impact (Risk) on the Environment and

Probability

Magnitude
Description of Activity Environmental Aspect Management and Mitigation Measures

Mitigation
Human Heath

Duration

Scale

Risk
where intensive cultivation is undertaken.
Cultivation techniques must also employ measures to limit erosion and
sediment loss from the cultivated fields, i.e. contour ploughing, etc.

Various flora species can be harvested by local

Locals must be educated and monitored to ensure that over harvesting does
communities for use as traditional medicine and thus P N/A Y
not take place as to decrease the variety of flora species.
provide an income to these communities.

Domestic- and hazardous waste may enter into various Zibulo Colliery will develop a waste management procedure which will address
N 2 2 2 6 20 Y
water sources and contaminate these sources. all of the waste streams on site and how waste will be handled and disposed of
(Shangoni, 2020).
Coal product can be blown by the wind or transported via
surface water runoff to both surface- and groundwater N 3 2 2 6 30 Y Employees and visitors will be instructed via induction about the waste
sources. management procedures at Zibulo Colliery’s opencast. Other resources such
as posters and shift talks can be used to inform and remind employees and
Surface- and groundwater
visitors about the need for waste management and recycling.
Contaminated water within the PCD’s, trenches and silt
traps can overflow into the surface water sources or seep N 2 2 2 6 20 Y Waste disposal bins and skips must be provided by Zibulo Colliery.
through the lining into the groundwater regime.
A certified waste company must be appointed to remove waste and provide
proof that the various waste types have been disposed of properly. Domestic
Runoff from hydrocarbon spills can enter into the surface waste can be taken to the nearest municipal waste site whereas hazardous
N 2 2 2 6 20 Y
water resources or seep into the groundwater regime. material must be taken to a hazardous waste disposal facility such as the
Holfontein waste disposal site.
Coal product can be blown by the wind or transported via
surface water runoff to the soils in and around the mining N 3 2 2 6 30 Y Measures can be put into place to recycle domestic and hazardous waste.
The activities related to the rehabilitation and Involving the local community may provide employment or financial
area.
post-closure usage of the mining operation opportunities for poorer members of the community.
that will generate domestic and hazardous
waste. Soils Contaminated water within the PCD’s, trenches and silt Coal product can be suppressed with sprayers at the crushing plant and
N 2 2 2 6 20 Y
traps can overflow into the surrounding soils. conveyor area to prevent unnecessary dust generation during loading and
Domestic waste includes, but is not limited to unloading of coal product stockpiles.
paper, cardboard, plastics, metal, Hydrocarbon spills from vehicles can enter the soils and
polystyrene, glass, tins and food waste. N 2 2 2 6 20 Y Berms, trenches and silt traps are to be constructed around the dirty areas to
contaminate it.
ensure that dirty water enters the PCD’s and clean water is contained and
Hazardous waste includes, but is not limited diverted to the clean areas.
to hydrocarbons (oil and fuel), various filters Both domestic- and hazardous waste can enter the clean
Visual N 2 2 2 6 20 Y PCD’s, trenches and silt traps must be inspected regularly to ensure their
removed during maintenance of vehicles, coal environment and reduce the aesthetics of the area.
product, paint, thinners, contaminated water, integrity and effectiveness to contain contaminated water and silt (Melchior,
human waste, fluorescent tubes and other Domestic and hazardous waste that enters the clean 2015).
globes, printer cartridges, tyres and grease. environment will contaminate it, whether it is water sources Hydrocarbon spill kits must be provided by the mine, placed at areas where
N 2 2 2 6 20 Y
or the areas where people live and affect the health of the hydrocarbons spills and most likely and clearly marked. Once spill kits have
Socio-economic people. been used and/or filled, they must be removed by the approved waste removal
contractor and replaced with new spill kits.
If bathrooms are not maintained, human waste can breed
N 3 2 2 6 30 Y Hydrocarbon spills must be cleaned immediately using supplied hydrocarbon
diseases and affect human health.
spill clean-up kits. These spill kits must be inspected regularly to avoid running
out of hydrocarbon spill kits.
Domestic- and hazardous waste may enter into the
surrounding wetland and surrounding environment and N 2 2 2 6 20 Y Maintenance and repairs of vehicles must be conducted at the workshop area.
contaminate these sources. Any breakdowns and repairs that cannot be done at the workshop must be
done with drip trays to prevent hydrocarbons form entering the clean
Wetlands and surrounding Coal product can be blown by the wind or transported via environment.
landscape surface water runoff to both wetlands and the surrounding N 3 2 2 6 30 Y Oil traps and containment units will be constructed around the workshop area
environment. to contain oil and hydrocarbon spills. These oil containment units will be
emptied by the approved waste removal company and disposed of
Contaminated water within the PCD’s, trenches and silt N 2 2 2 6 20 Y appropriately.
traps can overflow into the wetlands and surrounding clean

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Required (Y/ N)
Neutral Impact

Significance/
Negative (N)/
Positive (P)/
Nature of the Impact (Risk) on the Environment and

Probability

Magnitude
Description of Activity Environmental Aspect Management and Mitigation Measures

Mitigation
Human Heath

Duration

Scale

Risk
environment. Oil drums and fuel tanks must be stored within a bunded wall area that can
contain the volume and 10% extra of the oil drums or fuel tanks stored within
them. The bunded wall area will be lined so that no oil or fuel spill can escape
from it into the clean environment.
General housekeeping will be conducted in and around the mining area.
The local community can be included in major clean-up projects to spread
awareness and opportunities with regards to waste management.
Runoff from hydrocarbon spills can enter into the wetlands
N 2 2 2 6 20 Y Bathrooms, showers and laundries will be inspected to ensure that they are in
and surrounding clean environment.
a good working condition and that no human waste or contaminated water
affects the health of the employees, visitors or the environment. Any problems
with the infrastructure must be reported immediately and repaired as soon as
possible.
Any environmental spill or emergency must be handled in terms of the Zibulo
emergency preparedness plan (Melchior, 2015).

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SECTION EIGHT
_________________________________________________________________________________

Environmental Management Programme

Amendments and Reasons for Amendments

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8. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

AMENDMENTS

8.1 REASONS FOR THE AMENDMENT OF THE ZIBULO COLLIERY (OC)

EMPR

Anglo American Inyosi Coal (Pty) Ltd conducts yearly external environmental to ensure compliance
with the commitments within the approved EMPr and EAs. During the 2019 external environmental
the inadequacies in terms of Regulation 34 of the EIA Regulations, 2014 (see Error! Reference
source not found.) were identified and it was recommended that the relevant sections/ impacts/
commitments (within the approved EMPr) be updated, removed, amended or reworded (Shangoni,
2019). By amending the NEMA EA and the approved Zibulo Colliery’s EMPr (Part 2 amendment, as
per the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014), Anglo American Inyosi Coal (Pty) Ltd can continue mining with
updated EMPr commitments and mitigation measures that take the current status of the opencast
mining into account and thus prevent unintentional impacts on the environment and public health and
safety. A Part 2 amendment approach with be followed as it refers to a change of scope and the
amendments will either result in an increase or a change in nature of the environmental impacts
(South Africa, Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014).

Anglo American Inyosi Coal (Pty) Ltd is committed to ensure compliance with all relevant national and
international laws, regulations and standards.

8.2 EMPR AMENDMENT TABLE

Table 8-1 below indicates the original EMPr commitments as per the approved EMPr. The table also
shows the proposed amended EMPr commitments based on the reasons for amendment. These
proposed new commitments take into account what is currently happening at the Zibulo Colliery
Opencast as well as the removal of those commitments that have not taken place or seen as null and
void. New proposed commitments have also been added that were not considered within the original
EMPr. These new proposed commitments include the impacts on the wetlands, the impact that
blasting might have on the storage of crude oil within the defunct Ogies Navigation Colliery that is
situated to the east of Zibulo Colliery and management measures for waste management.

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Table 8-1: EMPr and EA Amendments

Aspect Impact Original EMPr Commitments Proposed New EMPr Commitments Reason for Amendment

EMPr Amendments

Construction Phase

Activity: Water Handling

Construction of two, lined PCD’s (9Ml and 1Ml, respectively) which will contain all of the
Construct a 10Ml pollution control facility for storage of contaminated surface runoff and water pumped from the opencast pit. Water from within Amendment: Two PCD’s have been constructed to
dirty water which can be re-used for dust suppression these PCD’s will be used for dust suppression. These dams must be constructed manage the contaminated surface runoff and water
prior to exposing carbonaceous material. according to the approved engineering designs. Appendix 2 indicates the updated Block removed from the pits to continue mining.
Construction of surface Plan which indicates the two PCD’s.
Surface water
infrastructure.
Deletion: This commitment was removed as no
Construct water management berms with evaporation
evaporation ponds have been constructed. All
ponds at the base of the spoils and prior to opening of N/A
contaminated surface runoff is channelled to the
the boxcut.
existing PCD’s.

Operational Phase

Activity: Strip Mining

Soils are to be stockpiled separately to ensure that wetland soils can be used for the
rehabilitation of the wetland area. These stockpiles must be revegetated to protect the
soil from wind and water erosion as the wetlands will only be rehabilitated during the
closure phase.

Berms and trenches will be constructed around the mines extent to prevent contaminated
surface water from entering the wetlands.

PCD’s will be inspected regularly to determine their effectiveness and ensure that no
cracks have formed in the lining and allowing water to enter the groundwater regime.

The artificial wetland (Wetland Consulting Services, 2017) must be protected for the life of
mine as water from the southern hillslope seepage wetland flows through the artificial
wetland to the hillslope seepage wetland to the north. This wetland will disappear during
Addition: These are new commitments that were not
Mining through the relict wetland rehabilitation but is currently of importance as it ensures the continuous flow of water to
Wetland and other wetlands. part of the approved EMPr. These new commitments
and the impact mining related N/A
sensitive landscapes have been obtained from the wetland studies
activities on the wetlands.
Monitoring boreholes can be drilled between the mining operation and wetlands to (Appendix 3 and Appendix 4).
monitor if the groundwater regime has become contaminated and determine the extent of
a pollution plume.

Water samples can be taken within the wetlands (downstream of the mining activities) to
determine if the mining activities has an impact on the wetlands.

Soils are to be stockpiled separately to ensure that wetland soils can be used for the
rehabilitation of the wetland area. These stockpiles must be revegetated to protect the
soil from wind and water erosion as the wetlands will only be rehabilitated during the
closure phase.

The wetland assessment will be updated before the end of 2021 and then be updated
every 5 years or as needed.

The activities related to the Surface- and N/A Waste disposal bins and skips must be clearly marked as to indicate domestic waste and Addition: These are new commitments that were not

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Aspect Impact Original EMPr Commitments Proposed New EMPr Commitments Reason for Amendment

mining operation that will groundwater hazardous waste (Shangoni, 2020). It is important to separate waste for proper disposal. part of the approved EMPr.
generate domestic and
hazardous waste. Zibulo Colliery will develop a waste management procedure which will address all of the
waste streams on site and how waste will be handled and disposed of.
Domestic waste includes, but is
not limited to paper, cardboard, Employees and visitors will be instructed via induction about the waste management
plastics, metal, polystyrene, procedures at Zibulo Colliery’s opencast. Other resources such as posters and shift talks
glass, tins and food waste. can be used to inform and remind employees and visitors about the need for waste
management and recycling.
Hazardous waste includes, but is
not limited to hydrocarbons (oil Waste disposal bins and skips will be provided on-site for waste disposal.
and fuel), various filters removed
during maintenance of vehicles, A certified and respected waste company must be appointed to remove waste and
coal product, paint, thinners, provide proof that the various waste types have been disposed of properly. Domestic
contaminated water, human waste can be taken to the nearest municipal waste site whereas hazardous material must
waste, fluorescent tubes and be taken to a hazardous waste disposal facility such as the Holfontein waste disposal site.
other globes, printer cartridges,
tyres and grease. Measures can be put into place to recycle domestic and hazardous waste. Involving the
local community may provide employment or financial opportunities for poorer members
Soils of the community.

Coal product can be suppressed with sprayers at the crushing plant and conveyor area to
prevent unnecessary dust generation during loading and unloading of coal product
stockpiles.

Berms, trenches and silt traps are to be constructed around the dirty areas to ensure that
dirty water enters the PCD’s and clean water is contained and diverted to the clean areas.

PCD’s, trenches and silt traps must be inspected regularly to ensure their integrity and
effectiveness to contain contaminated water and silt (Melchior, 2015).

Hydrocarbon spill kits must be provided by the mine, placed at areas where hydrocarbons
spills and most likely and clearly marked. Once spill kits have been used and/or filled,
they must be removed by the approved waste removal contractor and replaced with new
spill kits.
Visual
Hydrocarbon spills must be cleaned immediately using supplied hydrocarbon spill clean-
up kits. These spill kits must be inspected regularly to avoid running out of hydrocarbon
spill kits.

Maintenance and repairs of vehicles must be conducted at the workshop area. Any
breakdowns and repairs that cannot be done at the workshop must be done with drip
trays to prevent hydrocarbons form entering the clean environment.

Oil traps and containment units will be constructed around the workshop area to contain
oil and hydrocarbon spills. These oil containment units will be emptied by the approved
waste removal company and disposed of appropriately.

Socio-economic Oil drums and fuel tanks must be stored within a bunded wall area that can contain the
volume and 10% extra of the oil drums or fuel tanks stored within them. The bunded wall
area will be lined so that no oil or fuel spill can escape from it into the clean environment.

General housekeeping will be conducted in and around the mining area.

The local community can be included in major clean-up projects to spread awareness and
Wetlands and opportunities with regards to waste management.
surrounding
landscape Bathrooms, showers and laundries will be inspected to ensure that they are in a good
working condition and that no human waste or contaminated water affects the health of

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Aspect Impact Original EMPr Commitments Proposed New EMPr Commitments Reason for Amendment

the employees, visitors or the environment. Any problems with the infrastructure must be
reported immediately and repaired as soon as possible.

Any environmental spill or emergency must be handled in terms of the Zibulo emergency
preparedness plan (Melchior, 2015).

Amendment: This commitment was amended to

Topsoil and subsoil will be stripped separately with topsoil stripping occurring to a depth
During steady state mining the usable soil stripped align with the Zibulo Opencast Rehabilitation
of 1.5m in all areas. Topsoil stripping will be conducted in both the wet and dry seasons.
ahead of mining in accordance with the soil stripping Procedure (AATC016665). The Zibulo Opencast is a
However, top-soiling will be limited as the disturbed areas may be utilised for the
map (Figure 2-2) during the dry season will be placed mini pit and faces space constraints, it is thus very
stockpiling of topsoil and overburden from the opencast with all topsoil currently being
directly on levelled spoils to avoid stockpiling. difficult for soils to be placed on levelled spoils as this
Ongoing rehabilitation during the Soils impact, land stockpiled.
space can be used for other stockpiles.
mining process. capability.

Soil analysis will be undertaken by a qualified person as and when required to determine
A qualified person will carry out soil sampling to establish Amendment: This commitment was reworded to be
the fertility of the soil, should revegetation and the propagation thereof not achieve the
lime and fertilizer requirements prior to the start of the operation specific and align with the
required basal cover (GCS, 2005). A report hereof will be made available on request.
rehabilitation process. recommendations within the specialist studies.
Further, fertiliser will also be applied during the seeding process.

Amendment: These variables are currently

Electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), suspended solids (SS),
measured but do not align with the variables
Electrical Conductivity, pH, TDS, SS, Cl, SO4, Na, F, Fe, chloride (Cl), sulphates (SO4), nitrates (NO3), sodium (Na), fluoride (F), iron (Fe),
stipulated within the IWUL. The new commitment
Al, Mn, Zn, Total Alkalinity, Ca, Mg, K, Total Hardness aluminium (Al), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), total alkalinity, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg)
includes all of the variables from the IWUL as well as
will be measured monthly. and potassium (K) will be measured on a monthly basis. Total petroleum hydrocarbons
variables that are currently monitored by Zibulo
(TPH) will only be analysed when a hydrocarbon spill occurs.
Surface water Colliery.
Surface water management.
impacts.
Deletion: The charge balance is already calculated
as part of a quality check. This does not need to be
Analyses to 95% charge balance will be undertaken at 6
N/A analysed separately. Metals to be tested are required
monthly intervals, including all metals.
as per the IWUL and include within the
abovementioned commitment.

Six monthly monitoring reports must consist of the

following: Systems audit; efficiency and design; status of Surface- and groundwater monitoring reports will be submitted to the DWS on a quarterly
monitoring system; data audit and the compliance basis. An annual surface- and groundwater monitoring report will also be submitted to the
protocols used; water quality trends and the comparative DWS.
protocols used; water quality comparison and verification Amendment: This commitment was amended as to
Groundwater management Groundwater of analytical quality (ion balances); hydrochemical image align it with that of the WUL as well as separate the
(under various activities). impacts. comparison and variation protocol used; groundwater various reports based on the department they must
level data trends and comparative protocols used; Zibulo Colliery will conduct an annual internal ISO and systems audits which will be sent to and the times of submission.
upgrading of groundwater monitoring system; determine the effectiveness of the surface- and groundwater monitoring regime. The
conclusions on the monitoring system efficiency; geohydrological model will be updated on an annual basis to assist with the determination
recommendations on gaps/ shortcomings of the current of the effectiveness of the surface- and groundwater monitoring regime.
system.

An indigenous tree screen will be planted around the Deletion: This commitment is impractical and was
Stockpiling of overburden. Visual impacts. N/A
mine and infrastructure area. never properly implemented.

Berms must be revegetated as they will be present for a long period of time. All topsoil Amended: This commitment was amended and
The revegetation of idle stockpiles and berms. stockpiles that will be present for longer than 6 months must be revegetated to protect the reworded to reflect what is happening on site and
Truck and shovel operations topsoil from erosion and ensure the availability for rehabilitation. what is most practical for Zibulo Colliery.
Air quality.
(under various commitments).
Strict speed control (30 km/hr) will be implemented and A strict speed limit of 40km/h (as per the Anglo Safety Standard) will be enforced through Amended: This commitment was reworded as to
the shortest haul routes will be used. various road signs, speed humps, inductions and notices. All haul roads will be designed make auditable and align it with what is currently

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Aspect Impact Original EMPr Commitments Proposed New EMPr Commitments Reason for Amendment

as short as possible to decrease travelling time and distance. taking place at site.

Signs will be placed along the access/ haul road to indicate the allowable speed limit of
40km/h. Speed limits will also be discussed within induction videos and training sessions.
Animal life Employees/ visitors must be made aware of the consequences of exceeding the speed
limit i.e. removal from site. If the issue persists, large mining vehicles can be electrically
limited to 40km/h.

The access/ haul roads must be suppressed regularly using water as authorised within
Soils the WUL. A dust binding agent can also be used to prevent dust generation from vehicles
moving on the access/ haul roads.
Addition: Although a speed limit is discussed within
Berms must be constructed around the roads to prevent vehicles from driving within the the original EMPr of 30km/h, the actual speed limit
A strict speed limit of 40km/h (as Air quality Strict speed control (30 km/hr) will be implemented and surrounding area and decrease the number of animals that may cross the access/ haul on-site at all Anglo Coal sites is 40km/h. This is in
per the Anglo Safety Standard). the shortest haul routes will be used. roads. If there is a high number of animals being killed on the road, Zibulo Colliery can line with the internal Anglo American Standards. New
construct green pathways under the roads to allow the safe movement of animals.
commitments were added to accommodate this
increase.
Surface- and The access/ haul road must be graded regularly to ensure a smooth surface for the
movement of vehicles and decrease the generation of dust and the consequent soil loss
groundwater
though erosion.

Noise Berms located next the long-term areas of the access/ haul road will be vegetated to
prevent dust generation.

Vehicles must be serviced as required and maintained in a good condition to limit the
Visual
noise levels generated by their use and movement.

When blasting closer than 500m to the R545 or the N12

highway, road closure will be necessary during blasting When blasting closer than 500m to the R545 or the N12 highway, road closure will be Amended: This commitment was amended by
Blasting. Vibration and noise. times to prevent the risk of fly rock injuries to motorists. necessary during blasting times to prevent the risk of fly rock injuries to motorists. Road aligning it with what is currently taking place at Zibulo
Road closures will be done in conjunction with the Traffic closures will be done in conjunction with the Traffic Authorities. Colliery.
Authorities.

Activity: Drilling and Blasting

Mining activities too A berm of at least 100m should be kept between the Klipspruit and Zibulo mines.
close to the crude oil
storage facility can
compromise the Knowledge of the exact location of the Ogies underground perimeter is essential.
integrity of the berm
between the two
sections. This can Plan the Zibulo opencast reserve layout in such a way, that a minimum berm of 100m
lead to cracks in the wide is left between the two sections.
Blasting and its impacts to the porous coal seam or
adjacent clastic Addition: These are new commitments that were not
old defunct Ogies Navigation N/A Obtain more detailed information from Oil Pollution Control South Africa on the coal floor
rocks extending from part of the approved EMPr.
Colliery crude oil storage facility. contour distribution, the volume of crude oil, compartmentalisation, potential position of
the Zibulo Colliery water barriers, etc. of the Ogies Navigation underground (JMA, 2005).
Opencast to the
Ogies Navigation
Update the geohydrological study on an annual basis. This study must include the
section. If the impacts on the crude oil storage facility.
cracks connect the
two compartments,
crude oil will spill to Blast induced vibration for all blasting should remain below 75mm/s with and without
the Zibulo Colliery management controls in place (Rorke, 2005).
opencast (JMA,

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Aspect Impact Original EMPr Commitments Proposed New EMPr Commitments Reason for Amendment

2005).

Activity: Water Handling

Proper design, construction, maintenance and monitoring will avoid failure of the said
dams.

Pollution control dam’s water levels must be constantly monitored. Steps and procedures
must be put in place to manage situations where excess water builds up in the pollution
control dams.

All pollution control dams will be engineer designed according to specifications required
within regulation GN 704, which is to contain the water from a 1:50 year rainfall event with
Surface water a 0.8m freeboard. These dams will have enough capacity to handle storm events.

Water re-use from pollution control dams should be maximised, i.e. dust suppression.

Surface water monitoring must be conducted on a monthly basis and the results reported
to DWS on a quarterly basis. This will ensure that any impacts that the mine might have
on surface water resources will be identified quickly.
Addition: These are new commitments that were not
Flood prevention must be conducted in terms of the surface water flood risk management
part of the approved EMPr. Although the EMPr does
The operation of the 9Ml and 1Ml plan (Golder, 2015).
N/A mention the 40Ml and the 10Ml PCD this is not what
pollution control dams.
is present on site. The 10Ml PCD was split into a 9Ml
The PCD’s must be lined with composite material (as determined by the civil engineer) to PCD and a 1Ml PCD.
ensure that water does not seep from the dams into the groundwater regime. Measures
to monitor whether the dam lining has been compromised must be put in place.
Groundwater
Groundwater monitoring must be conducted on a quarterly basis and the results reported
to DWS on a quarterly basis. This will ensure that any impacts that the mine might have
on groundwater resources will be identified.

Fences must be constructed around the dams to restrict access to animal species.

Daily inspections can be conducted to identify if any fauna species have entered or
become trapped within the PCD’s. Depending on the animal species, expert animal
Fauna
wranglers must be contacted to remove the animal.

The block plan will be update regularly or as needed to include any and all changes within
the mining right area.

Decommissioning and Closure

Activity: Rehabilitation of the Wetlands

The area must be sloped as to be free draining and ensure that the water drains to the
wetland.

Rehabilitation and re- Addition: These are new commitments that were not
Wetland N/A Natural vegetation must be used in the rehabilitation process and the assistance of a
establishment of the wetlands. part of the approved EMPr.
botanist/ wetland specialist must be acquired during this process.

Invasive flora and fauna species must be controlled to prevent an intrusion into the

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wetland. Care must be taken when removing these species as to prevent further damage
(through the use of hazardous substances) to the wetland and natural fauna and flora
species.

Fire management must be considered as burning a wetland must only occur every 4 to 5
years.

Locals must be educated and monitored to ensure that over harvesting does not take
place as to decrease the variety of flora species.

Cultivation techniques must also employ measures to limit erosion and sediment loss
from the cultivated fields, i.e. contour ploughing, etc.

A vegetated buffer is recommended between any agricultural lands and wetland areas so
Topography
as to limit impacts associated with sedimentation and pollutant runoff. This could be
expanded where steep slopes occur or where intensive cultivation is undertaken.

Should the areas around the targeted wetlands be used for agricultural activities,
agricultural use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers in the vicinity of the wetlands
should be carefully controlled to avoid toxic effects on the flora and fauna occurring within
the wetlands.

Natural vegetation must be used in the rehabilitation process and the assistance of a
botanist/ wetland specialist must be acquired during this process.

A pedologist must be consulted before and after rehabilitation to assist with the placement
of soils as well as the testing of soils after rehabilitation for the purpose of fertiliser
requirements.
Fauna and flora
Any hydrocarbon spill must be cleaned immediately using an appropriate oil spill kit
(which must be available on-site) and removed by an approved contractor.

Construction vehicles must be serviced as required (off-site or away from the

rehabilitation area) and maintained in a good working condition to prevent hydrocarbons
spills.

Vehicles must be serviced as required and maintained in a good condition to limit the
noise levels generated by their use and movement.

No poaching/ hunting of any fauna species will be allowed. Signs must be placed on the
surrounding fences to inform people hereof.
Surface- and
groundwater Livestock must not be allowed into the wetland area; this can be done by developing a
livestock management and movement plan.

Rehabilitation must be planned for only a short period of time, preferable before the onset
of the dry- and windy seasons. Dust suppression can be conducted to decrease dust
generation from construction vehicles.

Air quality Water monitoring will continue after rehabilitation to determine any residual impacts on

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the surface- and groundwater.

Noise

Soils

Land use and Any hydrocarbon spill must be cleaned immediately using an appropriate oil spill kit
capability (which must be available on-site) and removed by an approved contractor.

Visual

Socio-economic

Activity: Waste Management

Waste disposal bins and skips must be clearly marked as to indicate domestic waste and
hazardous waste (Shangoni, 2020). It is important to separate waste for proper disposal.

Zibulo Colliery will develop a waste management procedure which will address all of the
Surface- and waste streams on site and how waste will be handled and disposed of.
groundwater
Employees and visitors will be instructed via induction about the waste management
The activities related to the procedures at Zibulo Colliery’s opencast. Other resources such as posters and shift talks
rehabilitation and post-closure can be used to inform and remind employees and visitors about the need for waste
usage of the mining operation management and recycling.
that will generate domestic and
hazardous waste.
Waste disposal bins and skips will be provided on-site for waste disposal.
Domestic waste includes, but is
not limited to paper, cardboard,
A certified and respected waste company must be appointed to remove waste and
plastics, metal, polystyrene,
glass, tins and food waste. provide proof that the various waste types have been disposed of properly. Domestic
Addition: These are new conditions that were not
N/A waste can be taken to the nearest municipal waste site whereas hazardous material must
Hazardous waste includes, but is Soils part of the approved EMPr.
not limited to hydrocarbons (oil be taken to a hazardous waste disposal facility such as the Holfontein waste disposal site.
and fuel), various filters removed
during maintenance of vehicles, Measures can be put into place to recycle domestic and hazardous waste. Involving the
coal product, paint, thinners, local community may provide employment or financial opportunities for poorer members
contaminated water, human of the community.
waste, fluorescent tubes and
other globes, printer cartridges, Coal product can be suppressed with sprayers at the crushing plant and conveyor area to
tyres and grease. prevent unnecessary dust generation during loading and unloading of coal product
stockpiles.

Visual Berms, trenches and silt traps are to be constructed around the dirty areas to ensure that
dirty water enters the PCD’s and clean water is contained and diverted to the clean areas.

PCD’s, trenches and silt traps must be inspected regularly to ensure their integrity and
effectiveness to contain contaminated water and silt (Melchior, 2015).

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Aspect Impact Original EMPr Commitments Proposed New EMPr Commitments Reason for Amendment

Hydrocarbon spill kits must be provided by the mine, placed at areas where hydrocarbons
spills and most likely and clearly marked. Once spill kits have been used and/or filled,
they must be removed by the approved waste removal contractor and replaced with new
spill kits.

Hydrocarbon spills must be cleaned immediately using supplied hydrocarbon spill clean-
Socio-economic
up kits. These spill kits must be inspected regularly to avoid running out of hydrocarbon
spill kits.

Maintenance and repairs of vehicles must be conducted at the workshop area. Any
breakdowns and repairs that cannot be done at the workshop must be done with drip
trays to prevent hydrocarbons form entering the clean environment.

Oil traps and containment units will be constructed around the workshop area to contain
oil and hydrocarbon spills. These oil containment units will be emptied by the approved
waste removal company and disposed of appropriately.

Oil drums and fuel tanks must be stored within a bunded wall area that can contain the
volume and 10% extra of the oil drums or fuel tanks stored within them. The bunded wall
area will be lined so that no oil or fuel spill can escape from it into the clean environment.

General housekeeping will be conducted in and around the mining area.

Wetlands and
surrounding
The local community can be included in major clean-up projects to spread awareness and
landscape
opportunities with regards to waste management.

Bathrooms, showers and laundries will be inspected to ensure that they are in a good
working condition and that no human waste or contaminated water affects the health of
the employees, visitors or the environment. Any problems with the infrastructure must be
reported immediately and repaired as soon as possible.

Any environmental spill or emergency must be handled in terms of the Zibulo emergency
preparedness plan (Melchior, 2015).

Section 6.2: In Fulfilment of Section 39(3)(d) of the Act, Read Together with Regulation 50(h), 50(b) and 51(b)(iv))

Monthly submissions:
Six monthly submissions:
• Monthly dust monitoring will be conducted and reports kept on site. If dust fallout
• Surface water monitoring results;
exceeds the legal limits the relevant legislative processes are to be followed.
• Groundwater monitoring results.
Quarterly submissions:
Mechanisms for Annual submissions:
monitoring and • Monthly surface- and bi-annual groundwater monitoring results will be submitted Amendment: Aligned with the Zibulo Opencast
Section 6.2.1. compliance and • Air quality monitoring for fallout dust; to the DWS. IWUL, added authorities to whom submissions should
submission of • Noise monitoring; Bi-annual submission: be made to.
information.
• Updated water balance; • Rehabilitation monitoring will be undertaken by the Land Management
Superintendent and a report will be kept on site for internal and external auditors.
• Potential changes in vegetation and fauna;
• Invertebrate Habitat Assessment System (IHAS) and the latest SASS (South
• Revision of the rehabilitation financial provision
African Scoring System) must be conducted as per condition 4.2 of the Zibulo
calculator, with an auditor’s report on the
Opencast WUL (04/B20G/AGJ/809). These reports will be submitted to DWS

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Aspect Impact Original EMPr Commitments Proposed New EMPr Commitments Reason for Amendment

amount available in the Trust. twice a year.

Annual submissions:

• Noise monitoring will be conducted as needed to update any additional noise

impacts. This report will be submitted to the DMR upon completion.

• An updated water- and salt balance will be conducted on an annual basis and
submitted to the DWS (as per the IWUL).

• The financial provision will be updated annually based on the current state of the
mining area and the progress of the rehabilitation. The annual financial provision
will be submitted to the DMRE.

EA Amendments

Contact Person

The original EA is addressed to Mr. Henri Niewoudt who

Amendment: The contact person was updated to the
Multiple instances in the EA - was the contact person when the EA was issued, this Contact person: Mr. Melchior Joseph.
relevant person.
has changed.

Scope of Authorisation

Fourteen (14) days written notice must be given to the

Deletion: This condition was removed from the EA as
Department that the activity will commence.
no new activities are planned at the Zibulo Colliery
Section 3.9. Commencement for the purposes of this commitment N/A
Opencast. This commitment will continuously result
includes site preparation. The notice must include a date
in a non-compliance until it is removed from the EA.
on which it is anticipated that the activity will commence.

Once the designated areas for waste skips and the

planned amounts have been finalised, the mine has to
Deletion: This condition is was removed from the EA
Section 3.22. obtain a Section 20 application from the DWAF in terms N/A
as the legislation has been repealed.
of the Environmental Conservation Act (Act no. 73 of
1989).

Amendment: This condition was amended as

Topsoil and subsoil stockpiles, that will remain for six months or longer, must be
Topsoil and subsoil must be sprayed with dust allaying spraying a dust allaying agent on topsoil and subsoil
Section 3.26. vegetated to prevent compaction, erosion and contamination until such time that it is used
Commissioning and operation of agent immediately after being stockpiled. is hazardous to the soil as it affects the quality and
for rehabilitation.
the activity. nutrients thereof.

Any hydrocarbon spills must be cleaned immediately using the hydrocarbon spill kits that
If spills do occur and soils become contaminated, the
are present on site. If a hydrocarbon spill is too large to be cleaned with the available Amended: This condition was reworded to describe
Section 3.33. appropriate remedial measures must be identified in
hydrocarbon spill kits, a certified waste removal contractor must be consulted and the action taken better.
consultation with appropriate qualified specialists.
appointed by the mine.

Deletion: It is unclear to which stockpiles are

referred. This commitment was removed due a lack
Section 3.36. Water sprays must be used in the loading of stockpiles. N/A
of clarity and the fact that it was financially unviable to
construct a sprayer system at all of the stockpiles.

Consultation and cooperation with local law enforcement When blasting closer than 500m to the R545 or the N12 highway, road closure will be Amendment: This commitment was reworded to be
Section 3.46 agencies must be established to ensure that legal and necessary during blasting times to prevent the risk of fly rock injuries to motorists. Road more inclusive and relevant of what is happening on
regulatory compliance on the roads is adhered to. closures will be done in conjunction with the Traffic Authorities. site.

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The local municipality and local residents must be pro- Deletion: This commitment will be combined with
Section 3.58. N/A
actively informed of any road closures and diversions. Section 3.46.

The Expansion Project must link with the Integrated

Development Plan (IDP) of the eMalahleni Local
Deletion: This commitment was removed from the
Section 3.59. Municipality especially with regards to the planning N/A
EA as no expansion project is/ or was planned.
processes to ensure adequate water supply and other
programmes.

The holder of the authorisation must notify the

The holder of the authorisation must notify the Department, on an annual basis during the Amendment: This commitment has been reworded
Department, in writing and within 24 (twenty-four) hours,
Regulation 34 audit, if conditions of this authorisation are not adhered to. This notification as to provide Zibulo with a practical amount of time to
General Section 3.70. if conditions of this authorisation are not adhered to. Any
must be done in writing. Any notification in terms of this condition must be accompanied notify the Department of any commitments that are
notification in terms of this condition must be
by reasons for the non-compliance. not adhered to.
accompanied by reasons for the non-compliance.

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8.3 UNDERTAKING TO COMPLY

I, ..................................................., the undersigned and duly authorised thereto by Anglo American

Inyosi Coal (Pty) Limited – Zibulo Colliery: Opencast have studied and understand the contents of
this document in its entirety and hereby duly undertake to adhere to the conditions as set out therein
including the amendment(s) agreed to by the Regional Manager.

Signed at ..............….........……………......... this..............................day of…………...............20........

__________________________ __________________________

Signature of applicant Designation

APPROVAL

Approved in terms of Section 39(4) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002
(Act 29 of 2002)

Signed at………………………………. this......................................... day of…………….............. 20......

_______________________________________________________
REGIONAL MANAGER

REGION: _________________________________________

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9. REFERENCES

Anglo American, (2015). Zibulo Opencast – Wetland Rehabilitation and Re-establishment

[PowerPoint Presentation] 2015. Anglo American Inyosi Coal, Ogies.

GCS – Earth Science Unit, (2005). Pedological Investigation for Beesting Mine for Oryx
Environmental cc. Report date: October 2005.

Golder, (2015). Surface Water Flood Risk Management Plan for Zibulo Open Cast Plan and
Underground Collieries. Report number: 1400130-13561-1. Golder Associates, Johannesburg.

JMA, (2005). Compilation of Geology and Ground Water Inputs for the Beesting Project EMPR –
Anglo Western Reserve. Report number: 10281. Jasper Müller Associates, Johannesburg.

Melchior, J. (2015). Zibulo Emergency Preparedness Procedure. Document number: AATC003259.

Anglo American Inyosi Coal, Ogies.

Melchior, J. (2015). Zibulo Silt and Oil Trap Management Procedure. Document number:
AATC016639. Anglo American Inyosi Coal, Ogies.

Rorke, A. J. (2005). Impact Analysis from Blasting Project. Report number: OE001/2005. Specialist
Blasting Operations, Johannesburg.

Shangoni, (2019). Environmental Audit Report Contemplated in Regulation 34 of the EIA

Regulations, 2014 Published in Terms of the NEMA and a Performance Assessment Report
Contemplated in Regulation 55 of the MPRDR, 2004 Published in Terms of the MPRDA Act 28 of
2002 for Anglo American Inyosi Coal (Pty) Ltd: Zibulo Colliery Opencast. Report date: December
2019. Shangoni Management Services, Johannesburg.

Shangoni, (2020). Zibulo Colliery Technical Audit – Environmental Legal Compliance Audit Report.
Report number: ANG-COA-18-12-12. Shangoni Management Services, Johannesburg.

South Africa (2014). National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998),
Amendments to the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014. (Proclamation No. R.
326, 2017). Government Gazette 40772:211, April 2017.

SRK Consulting, (2009). Oogiesfontein Opencast Mine EIA and EMP for Anglo Coal. Report number:
412044. SRK Consulting, Illovo.

Wetland Consulting Services, (2004). Wewtland Baseline and Impact Assessment: Beesting. Report
number: 117/2004. Wetland Consulting Services, Pretoria.

Wetland Consulting Services, (2017). Zibulo Opencast Mine – Onsite Wetland Mitigation Strategy.
Report number: 1233-2017. Wetland Consulting Services, Pretoria.

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10. APPENDICES

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