Company A proposed to apply for prospecting rights on farm Longlands N350 (entire farm), near Barkly West, Northern Cape. They intend to drill 100 holes during the prospective activities at a depth of 20 metres. Open trenches and pits are 100 by 100 by 5

In South Africa, the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations outline specific activities that require environmental authorization. The activities that Company A is proposing to undertake for prospecting rights on farm Longlands N350, including drilling for minerals, excavating pits, and utilizing significant amounts of water, could fall under various listing notices. The applicable Listing Notices (GNR) would depend on the specific details of the activities. Typically, the most relevant Listing Notices would include: 1. **Listing Notice 1 (GNR 982)**: This listing notice addresses certain activities that may significantly impact the environment and that generally require an environmental authorization. Activities that may be relevant include: - The drilling of boreholes for prospecting. - Open cast mining or any form of mineral extraction. - The construction of infrastructure and associated water use. - Activities involving the use of water resources, especially when sourcing from a river. 2. **Listing Notice 2 (GNR 983)**: This listing notice generally refers to activities that are likely to have significant environmental impacts. Some activities related to the proposed project, such as: - Excavation or trenching over specific areas and volumes (in this case, the open trenches and pits). - Activities impacting water resources, such as drilling boreholes, particularly those close to sensitive areas such as rivers. 3. **Listing Notice 3 (GNR 984)**: While this notice typically deals with smaller-scale activities, it may still be applicable if any specific small-scale activities fall under its categories. Given the specifics of Company A’s project—including the proposed drilling of holes for diamond and gold prospecting, excavation of significant pits and open trenches, and the extraction and usage of large volumes of water—it would be prudent for Company A to conduct a thorough assessment of these activities against the relevant GNRs and potentially seek advice from an environmental consultant or legal expert to ensure compliance with all necessary environmental regulations. It is crucial for Company A to engage with the relevant authorities, including the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and the relevant environmental regulatory bodies, to clarify which specific listing notices apply based on their planned activities and the potential environmental implications. Update (2025-05-17): In South Africa, the environmental assessment process is governed by the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and associated regulations, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations. The applicable listing notices that outline specific activities requiring environmental authorization are referred to as "Listing Notices". For a company like Company A, which is proposing drilling activities for prospecting rights and intends to conduct activities involving significant water usage and land disturbances, the following listing notices and activities may be applicable: 1. **Listing Notice 1 (GNR 983)**: - **Activity 4**: The construction of a facility or infrastructure, including but not limited to, the development of a drilling site for exploration or production purposes. This may encompass drilling and excavation activities. 2. **Listing Notice 2 (GNR 984)**: - **Activity 12**: Any activity that involves using water from a water resource, which may apply here since the company plans to utilize water from surface and groundwater sources. 3. **Listing Notice 3 (GNR 985)**: - Activities related to mining and prospecting operations, especially considering the potential for significant environmental and water resource impact. Considering the specifics you provided about the drilling holes, open trenches and pits, and significant water usage, it's important for Company A to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the proposed activities. The EIA would typically cover aspects such as water use, potential contamination, impacts on local biodiversity, and the management of waste from drilling operations. Given these factors, Company A should consult the most recent versions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations and the relevant listing notices, as these may be subject to revisions or updates. Additionally, engaging with environmental consultants or legal advisors would be advisable to ensure compliance with all relevant environmental legislation. Update (2025-05-17): To estimate the aerial extent of the equipment storage activity for Company A, we need to consider the various elements involved in their prospecting operation, including the equipment needed for drilling, the water storage tanks, and any other facilities. ### Breakdown of Components 1. **Drilling Equipment**: - Each drilling operation will require space for the drilling rigs, related machinery, and space for movement. The area required can vary based on the size of the rigs and the specific configuration of the operation. For estimation, assume each drilling site (including maneuvering space) occupies an approximately 30m x 30m area. - With 100 drilling holes planned, if they are spaced out, the total area needed would be: \[ \text{Area for drilling} = 100 \, \text{holes} \times (30 \, \text{m} \times 30 \, \text{m}) = 100 \times 900\, \text{m}^2 = 90,000 \, \text{m}^2 \] 2. **Water Storage Tanks**: - The company intends to use 100 jojo tanks, each with a capacity of 10,000 liters. The ground area required for the tanks, including space for accessing them, could be estimated. - Assuming each tank has a base footprint of about 2m x 2m (4m² per tank), the area for 100 tanks would be: \[ \text{Area for tanks} = 100 \, \text{tanks} \times 4 \, \text{m}^2 = 400 \, \text{m}^2 \] - Including access paths, let's assume an additional area of about 100m². 3. **Open Trenches and Pits**: - There will be 20 pits, each occupying a volume of 100m x 100m x 5m, which is: \[ \text{Area for pits} = 20 \times (100 \, \text{m} \times 100 \, \text{m}) = 20 \times 10,000 \, \text{m}^2 = 200,000 \, \text{m}^2 \] 4. **Additional Equipment Storage and Operational Facilities**: - Additional space will be needed for offices, storage of supplies, and other operational activities. This can vary greatly, but for estimation, we can add about 1,000 m². ### Summary of Aerial Extent Estimation Adding up the areas calculated: - Area for drilling: 90,000 m² - Area for tanks: 400 m² (additional access: 100 m²) - Area for pits: 200,000 m² - Area for additional storage and facilities: 1,000 m² Total estimated aerial extent for equipment and storage activities: \[ \text{Total Area} = 90,000\, \text{m}^2 + 500\, \text{m}^2 + 200,000\, \text{m}^2 + 1,000\, \text{m}^2 \approx 291,500\, \text{m}^2 \] ### Conclusion The estimated aerial extent of equipment storage activity for Company A would be approximately **291,500 square meters (or about 29.15 hectares)**. Update (2025-05-18): Effective waste management is crucial during prospecting activities, especially when dealing with drilling for minerals such as diamonds and gold. Below are recommendations on how the proposed activities of Company A can comply with waste management principles: ### Recommendations for Waste Management Compliance: 1. **Waste Minimization Plan**: - Implement practices that reduce the generation of waste at the source. For example, careful planning of drilling locations and methods can minimize the amount of waste produced. 2. **Categorization of Waste**: - Accurately categorize waste generated during the drilling operations. This can include solid waste, liquid waste (including drilling fluids), and hazardous waste. Proper categorization will facilitate appropriate disposal methods. 3. **Hazardous Waste Management**: - Any waste identified as hazardous (such as lubricants, batteries, or contaminated soil) should be handled in accordance with local and national environmental regulations. This includes secure storage, proper labeling, and transportation to a licensed hazardous waste facility. 4. **Drilling Waste Management**: - Implement an efficient system for managing cuttings and other materials generated from drilling. Waste cuttings should be contained to prevent dispersion, and if necessary, disposed of in a designated area that meets regulatory standards. - Explore options for recycling drilling fluids or using environmentally-friendly alternatives that minimize environmental impact. 5. **Waste Storage**: - Construct appropriate waste storage facilities that are designed to prevent leachate from contaminating surrounding soil and water sources. This includes impermeable liners for storage areas and regular inspection and maintenance of storage sites. - Ensure that all waste storage sites are located at a safe distance from water sources (like the Vaal River) to prevent potential contamination. 6. **Water Management**: - Monitor the use of water sourced from both surface (Vaal River) and groundwater to ensure sustainable practices. Avoid over-extraction and regularly assess the impact on nearby water bodies and users. - Develop a water recycling plan to reduce reliance on external sources and minimize wastewater generation. 7. **Training and Awareness**: - Provide training for all personnel on the importance of waste management practices. This includes understanding waste segregation, proper handling of hazardous materials, and implementing spill response measures. 8. **Spill Prevention and Response Plan**: - Establish protocols for preventing and responding to spills during drilling operations. In cases of spills, ensure there are readily available materials (absorbents, containment booms) to mitigate impacts on surrounding environments swiftly. 9. **Regular Audits and Monitoring**: - Conduct regular audits and monitoring of waste management practices to ensure compliance with regulations and internal policies. This can help identify potential areas for improvement. 10. **Community Engagement and Feedback**: - Engage with local water users (within 100 meters and 2 km range) to discuss potential impacts and waste management strategies. Gather feedback and integrate it into waste management planning to enhance transparency and accountability. 11. **Environmental Management Plan (EMP)**: - Develop a comprehensive EMP that includes a dedicated section on waste management. This plan should outline strategies for waste reduction, monitoring, and compliance, including contingency plans for unexpected waste generation. By integrating these recommendations into their operational procedures, Company A can effectively manage waste generated during exploration activities, reducing the potential for environmental impacts and ensuring compliance with waste management regulations. Update (2025-05-18): The Rehabilitation Plan for the prospecting activities on farm Longlands N350, near Barkly West, will address the significant scale and aerial extent of the proposed operations, including the drilling of 100 holes at 20 metres depth and the excavation of 20 open pits measuring 100 by 100 by 5 meters. Upon closure, the anticipated prospecting area will encompass the drilling sites and associated pit areas, necessitating a comprehensive rehabilitation approach to restore the landscape, mitigate environmental impacts, and ensure the re-establishment of ecosystems. A detailed site rehabilitation plan, tailored to the specific conditions and environmental sensitivities of the area, will be developed and provided at a suitable scale. This plan will be included in the draft Environmental Management Program (EMPr) accompanying the draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) or Basic Assessment Report (BAR), as required, outlining the methods and timelines for rehabilitation to ensure sustainable land use post-closure. Update (2025-05-18): ### Decommissioning Brief for Prospecting Activities on Farm Longlands N350 **1. Overview of Decommissioning Process** Decommissioning involves the systematic cessation of prospecting activities and the rehabilitation of the environment affected by those activities. It is essential to restore affected areas to their natural state, protect local ecosystems, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The decommissioning process will be phased, aligning with the cessation of specific activities and the overall prospecting operation. **2. Prospective Activities and Rehabilitation Timeline** #### A. Drilling Activities - **Activity**: Drilling of 100 holes to a depth of 20 meters. - **Cessation**: Immediately upon completion of drilling activities. - **Rehabilitation Actions**: - Restoration of drill sites by filling in holes and leveling the ground. - Removal of all drilling equipment and temporary infrastructure. - Application of topsoil and native vegetation seeding to restore habitat and prevent erosion. #### B. Open Trenches and Pits - **Activity**: Excavation of 20 open trenches and pits (each 100m x 100m x 5m). - **Cessation**: Upon completion of geotechnical and geological surveys associated with the trenches and pits. - **Rehabilitation Actions**: - Filling trenches and pits, and contouring the land to promote natural drainage. - Restoring vegetation cover through reseeding or planting native species. - Monitoring for erosion or sedimentation issues in the area. #### C. Water Utilization and Storage - **Activity**: Sourcing and utilizing 100 cubic meters of water per day from boreholes and surface sources. - **Cessation**: When prospecting activities (drilling, trenches) have been completed, or if water use ceases prior due to project modifications. - **Rehabilitation Actions**: - Decommissioning of boreholes through proper sealing to prevent groundwater contamination. - Removal of JoJo tanks and associated water infrastructure. - Restoration of water-source areas to mitigate adverse effects on local water ecosystems. #### D. Water Pipeline Infrastructure - **Activity**: Installation of 44 mm diameter pipes for transporting water. - **Cessation**: Upon completion of all prospecting activities. - **Rehabilitation Actions**: - Removal of pipelines and related infrastructure once activities are finished. - Restoration of the land where the pipelines were installed, including replacing soil and reseeding or planting native flora. **3. Overall Cessation of Prospecting Operations** - Once all specific prospecting activities are completed and rehabilitated as detailed above, a comprehensive assessment will be undertaken to ensure that all areas are adequately rehabilitated. - Final rehabilitation actions will include monitoring the restored areas for environmental stability, ensuring compliance with regulations and stakeholder expectations, and identifying any additional remedial actions needed. - A closure report will be submitted to relevant authorities, outlining the decommissioning actions taken and the ecological restoration achieved. **4. Conclusion** The objective of the decommissioning process is to minimize environmental impacts arising from prospecting activities on Farm Longlands N350 while ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and leading to sustainable land use following the cessation of operations. Rehabilitation will take place in a timely manner, ensuring that each phase of the project contributes to the restoration of the local environment. Update (2025-05-18): ### Decommissioning and Rehabilitation Brief for Company A's Prospecting Activities on Farm Longlands N350 #### Overview Company A's proposed prospecting activities on Farm Longlands N350 involve extensive drilling and excavation to explore for diamonds and gold. As specified, the activities will include drilling 100 holes at a depth of 20 meters, creating 20 open trenches and pits of 100 x 100 x 5 meters, and utilizing significant volumes of water sourced from various locations including surface water, groundwater, and the Vaal River. Upon the conclusion of these activities, a comprehensive decommissioning and rehabilitation plan must be implemented to restore the land and surrounding environment. #### Rehabilitation Timeline 1. **Immediate Rehabilitation After Drilling Activities**: - **Activity**: Drilling 100 holes - **Cessation Event**: Completion of drilling activities - **Rehabilitation Actions**: As individual drilling holes are completed, they should be backfilled or capped to prevent hazards. Immediate stabilization of the site should take place involving the removal of any excess materials, restoration of the natural contours, and seeding with native vegetation to promote ecological recovery. 2. **Post-Trenching Rehabilitation**: - **Activity**: Creation of 20 open trenches and pits - **Cessation Event**: Completion of excavation for prospector analysis - **Rehabilitation Actions**: Similar to drilling, once assessment is concluded, pits and trenches must be backfilled and the site restored. Surfaces should be leveled, any disturbed topsoil should be replaced, and replanting of local flora should be undertaken promptly to enhance regrowth. 3. **Water Infrastructure Decommissioning**: - **Activity**: Utilization of Jojo tanks and water piping - **Cessation Event**: Termination of water extraction from the Vaal River and other sources - **Rehabilitation Actions**: After ceasing water use, the dismantling of infrastructure (e.g., pipes and tanks) must be conducted. Careful removal will ensure that no residual contaminants are left in the soil, and the laying down of pipes should be filled or restored to original conditions and contaminants to be treated as per environmental guidelines. 4. **Overall Activity Rehabilitation**: - **Activity**: Overall cessation of prospecting activities - **Cessation Event**: Finalization of the prospecting phase - **Rehabilitation Actions**: A holistic evaluation of all disturbed land will be conducted. The full area will undergo soil stabilization, erosion control measures will be put in place, and comprehensive revegetation strategies designed to restore the ecological balance. Monitoring should be enacted to ensure that the rehabilitation efforts are successful over a period of time. #### Monitoring and Maintenance Following the rehabilitation of the site, ongoing monitoring will be necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the rehabilitation measures. This includes checking for signs of erosion, effectiveness of replanting efforts, and potential contamination stemming from previous activities. A defined timeframe (e.g., 5-10 years) may be established for regular assessments to ensure that the land has effectively returned to a stable and self-sustaining state. #### Conclusion The decommissioning and rehabilitation activities following the completion of Company A’s prospecting operations are imperative to mitigate environmental impacts and restore the land. By scheduling rehabilitation efforts to coincide with the cessation of specific activities and the overall project, Company A can ensure a thorough and responsible approach to environmental stewardship.