Please may you compile a Draft Basic Assessment Report in relation to the proposed development with the Scope of Work presented below: Brief Background: Mr Elias Rittels, the Applicant, acquired a Mining Permit (Permit No.: 08/2022) for Diamonds fro

# Draft Basic Assessment Report for Proposed Diamond Mining Development ## 1. Introduction ### 1.1 Project Background Elias Rittels, the applicant, has acquired a Mining Permit (Permit No.: 08/2022) for diamonds under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act No. 28 of 2002. The project aims to expand the current mining permit area from 1.6 hectares to approximately 5 hectares. ### 1.2 Project Locality The mining activities are proposed to take place on ERF1 near Douglas, Northern Cape. The specifics of the project area are highlighted in the attached Regulation 2(2) plan. ## 2. Project Description ### 2.1 Scope of Work - Generation of an online Screening Report. - Compliance with all applicable legislation and regulations. - Compilation of a Basic Assessment Report and Environmental Management Programme (EMP). - Review of any available specialist reports. - Incorporation of specialist reports findings in the Basic Assessment Report and EMP. - Conducting public participation. - Submission of the Draft Basic Assessment Report and EMP by no later than 20 October 2025. ## 3. Legal Framework ### 3.1 Relevant Legislation The project will adhere to the following key legislations and regulations: - Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) 28 of 2002 - National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) 107 of 1998 - Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations - Any relevant local, provincial, and national regulations. ## 4. Environmental Assessment Process ### 4.1 Online Screening Report An online screening report was generated using the applicable tools to assess the potential impacts of the proposed mining activities and to determine the need for further studies. ### 4.2 Potential Environmental Impacts Identified potential impacts include: - **Biodiversity Impacts:** Disturbance to local flora and fauna, potential habitat destruction. - **Water Resources:** Possible contamination of groundwater sources. - **Soil Disturbance:** Erosion and degradation of soil quality. - **Dust and Air Quality:** Increased dust generation and degradation of air quality. - **Socio-Economic Influences:** Impacts on local communities, economic benefits, or displacements. ### 4.3 Specialist Studies Where applicable, specialist studies will be reviewed to inform the Basic Assessment Report, covering areas such as: - Ecological impacts - Hydrological assessments - Socio-economic studies ## 5. Public Participation Process A comprehensive public participation process will be conducted, including: - Notification to all interested and affected parties. - Public meetings to discuss the project and address concerns. - An invitation for written comments to be submitted. - Compilation of a stakeholder response report to address issues raised. ## 6. Environmental Management Programme (EMP) The EMP will outline the mitigation measures necessary to address the potential impacts identified. Key components will include: - Management of dust and air quality. - Erosion control measures. - Water contamination prevention strategies. - Rehabilitation plans post-mining activities. ## 7. Conclusion This Draft Basic Assessment Report provides an overview of the proposed diamond mining development's scope, legal context, potential environmental impacts, and stakeholder engagement processes. The comprehensive assessments, along with the EMP, will ensure compliance with all relevant regulations while addressing the environmental and socio-economic considerations tied to the development. ## 8. Next Steps Upon review and feedback, the complete Basic Assessment Report and EMP will be finalized and submitted to the DMPR by the stipulated deadline of 20 October 2025. **Attachments:** 1. Regulation 2(2) Plan 2. Online Screening Report 3. List of Interested and Affected Parties --- ### Note: This Draft Basic Assessment Report is a preliminary outline and requires further details and specifics, particularly from specialist studies and public consultation processes, before submission.