1.Quantitative Impact Assessment Methodology

1.1Status Of The Impact

The nature of the impact can be described as negative or positive and can be derived from the significance rating of the impacts.

Table 11: Status Of The Impact And Ratings

Rating / Description / Quantitative rating
Positive / A benefit to the holistic environment / -1
Negative / A detriment to the holistic environment / 1

1.2Certainty Of Impact

The certainty or probability of the impact describes the likelihood of the impact actually occurring.

Table 12: Certainty of Impact And Ratings

Rating / Description / Quantitative rating
Improbable / In all likelihood the impact will not occur. Less than 20 percent probability of a particular fact or of the likelihood of an impact occurring. / 1
Low probability / Possibility of the impact to materialise is low. Between 20 and 50 percent probability of a particular fact or of the likelihood of an impact occurring. / 2
Probable / A distinct possibility that the impact will occur. Between 50 and 80 percent probability of a particular fact or of the likelihood of an impact occurring. / 3
Highly probable / Most likely that the impact will occur. More than 80 percent probability of a particular fact or of the likelihood of an impact occurring. / 4
Definite / The impact will occur regardless of any prevention measures. 100 percent probability of a particular fact or of the likelihood of an impact occurring. / 5

1.3Frequency Of Impact

The frequency of the impact refers to the temporal scale of the impact or benefit, in terms of the period of time thatthe surrounding environment will be affected or altered by the proposed project. This is determined by the following scale:

Table 13: Frequency Of Impact And Ratings

Rating / Description / Quantitative rating
Continuous / Occurs on a daily basis / 4
Frequent / Occurs on a weekly basis / 3
Infrequent / Occurs on a monthly basis / 2
Occasional / Occurs less than on a monthly basis / 1

1.4Spatial Extent Of Impact

The extent of the impact refers to the spatial scale of the impact or benefit of the proposed project and the area over which it extends. A description is provided of whether effects are limited in extent or affects a wide area or group of people.

Table 14: Spatial Extent Of Impact

Rating / Description / Quantitative rating
Site specific / Effects occur within the mining right boundary / 1
Local / Effects extend beyond the mining right boundary, up to five kilometres from the mining right boundary / 2
Regional / Widespread effect with impacts extending far beyond the mining right boundary, but within a 50 kilometre radius of the boundary / 3
National / Within the boundaries of South Africa but further than the Limpopo Province / 4
International / Beyond the boundaries of South Africa / 5

1.5Intensity Of Impact

The severity or intensity of an impact is an attempt to quantify the magnitude of the impacts and benefits associated with the proposed activities.

Table 15: Intensity Of Impact And Ratings

Rating / Description / Quantitative Rating
Very intense / Substantial deterioration/substantial improvement or benefit
Irreversible or permanent change/permanent improvement
Negative impacts cannot be mitigated / 4
Intense / Marked deterioration/improvement
Long term duration
Mitigation for negative impacts is very expensive, difficult or time consuming / 3
Moderately intense / Moderate deterioration/improvement
Medium term to long term duration
Negative impacts are fairly easily mitigated / 2
Slight / Minor deterioration/improvement
Short to medium term duration
Mitigation for negative impacts is easy, cheap or quick / 1

1.6Duration Of Impact

The duration of the impact refers to the temporal scale of the impact or benefit, in terms of the period of time that the surrounding environment will be affected or altered by the proposed project.

Table 16: Duration Of Impact and Ratings

Rating / Description / Quantitative rating
Short term / The environmental impact identified will be present for less than 10 years / 1
Medium term / The environmental impact identified will be present for life of mine / 2
Long term / The environmental impact identified will be present beyond the life of mine / 3
Permanent / The environmental impact identified will be irreversible and will remain post closure / 4

1.7Assessing Significance

After assessment of an impact in accordance to the preceding six criteria, the significance of an impact can be determined through a synthesis of the aspects produced in terms of their status, probability, duration, extent and severity. The significance of an impact is an expression of the cost or value of an impact to society. The focus must be a judgement as to whether or not impacts are significant, based upon the value system of society, or groups of people (Thompson, 1988, 1990). The evaluation of significance is subject to, contingent with values, and dependent upon the environmental and community context (Sadler, 1996). This subsection presents the criteria used to define significant effects on the environment. The rankings of each of the different impacts relates to the maximum and minimum totals that can be achieved for each possible impact. The total of the criteria’s multiplied by the value of either negative or positive impact value is used to calculate the threshold “classes” to determine the significance of the impact.

Table 17: Assessing Significance (Negative Impacts)

Rating / Description / Threshold of significance
High / Long term or permanent change to the natural and social environment. Of the highest order possible within the bounds of impacts which could occur. In the case of adverse impacts, there is no possible mitigation and/or remedial activity which could offset the impact. In the case of beneficial impacts, there is no real alternative to achieving this benefit. / 17-22
Medium / Impact is real but not substantial in relation to other impacts which might take effect within the bounds of those which could occur. In the case of adverse impacts, mitigation and/or remedial activity are both feasible and possible. In the case of beneficial impacts, other means of achieving this benefit are feasible but they are more difficult, expensive, time-consuming or some combination of these. / 11-16
Low / Impact is of a low order and therefore likely to have little real effect. In the case of adverse impacts, mitigation and/or remedial activity are not required, easily achieved, inexpensive or a combination of these. In the case of beneficial impacts, alternative means for achieving this benefit are likely to be easier, cheaper, more effective, less time consuming, or a combination of these. / 5-10

Some impacts have been assessed and proved to be positive and a benefit to the social and or natural environment. Although these impacts hrated in accordance with the methodology provided above, high significance values were obtained. The nature or status of the impact proved to be the key indicator. Should the nature of the activity, as assessed, be positive the significance threshold is reversed.

Table 18: Assessing Significance (Positive Impacts)

Rating / Description / Threshold of significance
High / A large benefit to the holistic environment / 17-22
Medium / A benefit to the holistic environment / 11-16
Low / No real benefit to the holistic environment / 5-10

1.8Quantitative Impact Assessment

This section below provides a summary of the quantitative impact assessments for the various phases of the project. The specialist’s reports in Appendix 3, provides further details with regards to the quantitative assessment of all the anticipated impact

Impact / Rating before mitigation / Summary of mitigation measures / Rating after mitigation
Status / Certainty / Frequency / Spatial extent / Duration / Intensity / Significance rating / Status / Certainty / Frequency / Spatial extent / Duration / Intensity / Significance rating
Geology
Removal of ore bodies / -1 / 5 / 5 / 1 / 3 / 4 / -18 / Not required / -1 / 5 / 5 / 1 / 3 / 4 / -18
Topography
Disturbances/changes to the topography of the are / -1 / 5 / 3 / 1 / 3 / 3 / -15 /

Impact will be slightly mitigated through mitigation measures for flora and fauna and soil management.

/ -1 / 5 / 3 / 1 / 3 / 3 / -15
Waste Management And Hazardous Substance Management
Inadequate storage of hazardous substances resulting in potential soil and water contamination / -1 / 4 / 3 / 1 / 1 / 2 / -11 /

Store all hydrocarbon sources inside bunded areas with impermeable floors.
Filter all surface water from these bunded areas through hydrocarbon management facilities.
Store all hazardous substances (oils, diesel, chemicals) in containers of sufficient strength and structural integrity to ensure that it is unlikely to burst or leak during ordinary use.
Handle, manage and store all chemicals according to their material safety data sheets which are to be located at all points of storage and where the chemical is used.
Ensure that the surface where oil and diesel is delivered and handled is impermeable and not connected to surface water drainage systems, including stormwater drains
Inspect all bunds, tanks and pipework regularly for signs of damage to ensure integrity
Implement a proper and robust vehicle maintenance programme to reduce the risk of spillages of reagents and hydrocarbons during transportation
Separate waste into various categories as defined by the operational procedures to ensure optimal waste recycling and correct disposal
Train all employees and contractors on the separation of waste as defined by the operational procedures
Treat and dispose of waste as near as possible to the point of production as is technically and environmentally possible
Dispose of hazardous waste at either a permitted H:H or H:h landfill site depending on the waste characteristics and maintain safe disposal certificates.
Dispose of general waste at a permitted general landfill site. Waybills of disposal are to be recorded.
Collect hazardous waste at the stipulated maximum weight or at a minimum frequency of every 90 days whether or not the container is full.
Train all relevant employees in cleaning up of a spillage and ensure that all necessary spill kits containing the correct equipment to clean up spills are made available at strategic points in the plant area
Optimise the recycling, re-use and reduction of both general and hazardous waste

/ -1 / 2 / 2 / 1 / 1 / 1 / -7
Soil, Land Use and Land Capability Management
Soil compaction because of vehicle movement and the construction of facilities. / -1 / 5 / 4 / 1 / 4 / 3 / -17 /

Use existing roads and minimise new roads. The width of service roads must be minimised as much as possible
Maintain grass cover for as long as possible
Erosion control measures must be constructed
Stripped soils should be stockpiled as a berm upslope (majority) and surrounding the disturbed area.
Stripping machinery should be used when soil moisture content is below approximately 8% to limit soil compaction.
Stripping of topsoil should not be done earlier than required.
An intercept drain should be constructed upslope of construction and operational areas, in order to re-direct clean water away.
An intercept drain should possibly be constructed downslope of polluted areas, in order to drain potentially polluted water into a pollution control dam.
Conduct proper chemical waste management to avoid spillage of chemicals
Use tracked vehicles rather than wheeled vehicles due to their lower point loading and slip, thereby minimise compaction;
Soil stockpiles must be sampled, ameliorated (fertilized) and re-vegetated as soon after construction as possible

/ 1 / 4 / 4 / 1 / 2 / 2 / 13
Soil loss as a result of wind and water erosion where vegetation is cleared / -1 / 5 / 4 / 2 / 4 / 3 / -18 / 1 / 3 / 3 / 1 / 2 / 1 / 10
The change of land use from natural vegetation and agriculture (livestock grazing) to industrial. / -1 / 5 / 4 / 1 / 4 / 3 / -17 / 1 / 3 / 3 / 1 / 2 / 1 / 10
The sterilisation of the soil resource where the support facilities will be constructed. / -1 / 5 / 4 / 1 / 4 / 4 / -18 / 1 / 5 / 4 / 1 / 4 / 3 / 17
Construction activities may lead to pollution of soil due to hydrocarbon and cement spillages / -1 / 4 / 4 / 2 / 4 / 3 / -17 / 1 / 3 / 3 / 1 / 2 / 1 / 10
Flora And Fauna
Cumulative impacts on flora and fauna including:
Habitat loss and harm to flora and fauna
Fragmentation of the habitat resulting in harm to flora and fauna
Fauna mortalities
Presence of alien and invasive species resulting in habitat degradation / -1 / 5 / 4 / 2 / 4 / 4 / -19 /

Clearly demarcate the development footprint prior to initial site clearance and prevent construction personnel from leaving the demarcated area;
Retain where possible, vegetation between infrastructural elements associated with the project;
Conduct flora species search and rescue efforts before ground clearing begins;
Remove and relocate any plants of botanical or ecological significance (protected species);
Provide upfront and regular environmental training to construction workers to ensure the protection of the habitat, fauna and flora and their sensitivity to conservation;
Where trenches pose a risk to animal safety, ensure that the trench is secured to prevent animals falling in and getting trapped and/or injured;
Avoid the use of poisons for the control of problem animals and where it is necessary obtain approval from the Environmental Officer on type of poison to be used.
Use existing facilities (e.g., access roads, parking lots, graded areas) to the extent possible to minimize the amount of new disturbance;
Establish protective buffers in areas where there is sensitive habitat such as ravines
Avoid all sensitive habitats by construction vehicles and equipment, wherever possible, in order to reduce potential impacts
Do not undertake any activities outside of the defined construction areas and the road servitudes.
In areas where the speed limit tends to be disobeyed, consider installing speed bumps.
Limit or avoid travelling at night as much as possible.
Where possible, position lighting five meters from the roads or paved areas.
Destroy alien invasive plants present, and the seedlings which emerge
Establish and manage an alternative plant cover to limit re-growth and re-invasion.
Institute strict control over materials brought onto site, which should be inspected for seeds of noxious plants and steps taken to eradicate these before transport to the site. Routinely fumigate or spray all materials with appropriate low-residual herbicides prior to transport to site or in a quarantine area on site.
Develop a detailed plan for the control of invader fauna species, noxious weeds and invasive plants that could colonize the area as a result of new surface disturbance activities at the site. The plan should address monitoring, weed identification, the manner in which weeds spread, and methods for treating infestations.

/ -1 / 4 / 4 / 2 / 2 / 2 / -14
Vibrations
Structural damage / -1 / 3 / 3 / 1 / 3 / 1 / -11 /

Blasting designed and performed by person holding a National Certificate in Rock Breaking (qualification ID 62869) or equivalent. Inform community of schedule.
Close public roads during blasting.
Community may need to be evacuated based on proximity.
Avoid blasting during quiet hours.

/ -1 / 2 / 3 / 1 / 2 / 1 / -9
Human discomfort / 1 / 4 / 3 / 2 / 4 / 1 / -14 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 2 / 2 / 1 / -10
Air Quality
Cumulative particulate emissions / -1 / 1 / 2 / 1 / 1 / 1 / -6 /

Apply wet suppression or chemical stabilisation on unpaved roads.
Restrict haul trucks to specified haul roads
Reduce unnecessary traffic and strict speed control in areas where speed limits are disobeyed
Stabilise (chemical, rock cladding or vegetative) disturbed soil and early re-vegetation

/ -1 / 1 / 2 / 1 / 1 / 1 / -6
Surface Water
Deterioration in water quality / -1 / 4 / 1 / 2 / 1 / 1 / -8 /

The laydown and contractor areas must be kept as small as possible;
Ensure berms and structures are constructed around these sites to ensure clean overland flow is directed into the natural drainage channels.
All wetlands and flood lines must be clearly marked and no activity is allowed inside these boundaries.
Natural drainage channels must only be crossed at specific areas and water management structures must be constructed before the road is commissioned.
All laydown areas and construction roads must be ripped and vegetated after the construction phase is complete.
Water emanating from contractor workshops and stores must be directed to a proper hydrocarbon management unit. All other surface water from the contractor area must be collected in a pond inside the boundaries of the contractor yard.
Parking areas for yellow machine must have spill kits and drip trays in-case of leaking vehicles.
No manufacturing and/or maintenance must be done in any area outside the workshops and manufacturing zone.
All topsoil stripped from the contractor area must be stored on topsoil dumps.
Clean overland flow must be directed around the contractor area.

/ -1 / 2 / 2 / 2 / 1 / 2 / -8
Decrease in the catchment yield / -1 / 4 / 1 / 2 / 1 / 1 / -8 / 1 / 3 / 1 / 2 / 1 / 1 / -6
Ground Water
Impact on the availability of ground water / -1 / 5 / 2 / 1 / 1 / 1 / -10 /

Manage excess water that accumulates during the construction phase as part of the construction phase water balance.
Construction of the shaft complex where possible is to be undertaken during post winter months. Shaft walls will be sealed off preventing significant inflow into the mine workings after construction.
Discharge all unwanted water accumulating in the excavations into pollution control dams for re-use as soon as possible. Limit contact time with shaft perimeter and pit floor

/ -1 / 4 / 2 / 1 / 1 / 1 / -9
Impact on ground water quality / -1 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 1 / 1 / -8 / -1 / 1 / 2 / 1 / 1 / 1 / -6
Wetland
Degradation of wetland habitat / -1 / 5 / 4 / 2 / 3 / 3 / -17 /

In the case of the riparian zone draining the Bierspruitproposed opencast mining operations were adjusted to exclude the wetland from the mining footprint;
In the case of the northern settler dam, the proposed location of the dam was moved to over a 100m from the boundary of the Riparian Zone;
Strong emphasis should be placed on the rehabilitation of these areas post opencast mining, and a watercourse resembling the downstream reaches of the Trollope system (i.e. downstream of the tar road) should be re-established across the mined out areas.
All stockpiles extending into the Trollope wetland/riparian habitat should however be adjusted to remain outside the delineated area.
Clearly demarcate all wetland areas as such to alert mining staff on site and where activities take place in close vicinity to wetland habitat, fence off the opencast and surface infrastructure areas so as to prevent machinery and personnel accessing adjacent wetland areas outside the disturbance footprint.
Educate all mine staff and contractors on the importance and sensitivity of the wetland systems on site
Upgrade the existing crossing over the unnamed stream with culverts.
Construct wetland crossings as follows:
Wetland crossings must make allowance for flow connectivity across the full wetland system to be maintained.
Install box culverts as opposed to pipe culverts.
No impoundments upstream should be allowed
Erosion protection must be installed on downstream discharge

/ -1 / 4 / 2 / 1 / 2 / 2 / -11
Aquatic
Destruction / disturbance of the Bierpruit and other rivers in the area / -1 / 2 / 1 / 1 / 1 / 2 / -7 /

Comply with the requirements of GN 704 in terms of storm water management and comply with the proposed mitigation measures as outlined in the surface water section and as outlined in the section on flora and fauna management.

/ -1 / 2 / 1 / 1 / 1 / 1 / -6
Archaeology And Heritage