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Technical Report

AS-R-2013-09-10



Blackthorn Resources Limited:

Environmental Impact Statement:

Proposed Kitumba Copper Project, Mumbwa District, Central Province

Prepared for: Zambia Environmental Management Agency

February 2014



Document version 3.0 – Final Draft

Compiled by M Grobler

L Stolp



Technical report:



AS-R-2014-02-28



Prepared by



Technical report:



AS-R-2014-02-28



Blackthorn Resources Limited:

Environmental Impact Statement:

Proposed Kitumba Copper Project, Mumbwa

District, Central Province, Zambia

February 2014

Conducted on behalf of:

Blackthorn Resources Limited

Ian Hart

: +260 211 250 397



Zambia



Sydney – Head Office



: +260 211 250 291



7B Lagos Road, Rhodes Park



Level 5, Suite 502



: +260 971 257 416 Zambia



PO BOX 50005 Lusaka 15101



80 William Street



: +61 457 431 006 Australia



Zambia



Sydney NSW 2011 Australia



: i.hart@blackthornresources.com.au



Compiled by:

M Grobler (BSc Hons Conservation Ecology, Pri.Sci.Nat)

L Stolp (BSc (LArch) BSc Hons Environmental Management)



GAUTENG PROVINCE: Block E, The Village Office Block, 309 Glenwood Road (Cnr. Glenwood & Oberon

Avenues) Faerie Glen 0081, Pretoria, Postnet No 74, Private Bag X07, Arcadia, 0007

Tel: +27 12 751 2160, Fax: +27 86 607 2406, www.ages-group.com

AGES (Pty)Ltd Offices: Eastern Cape Gauteng Limpopo Namibia North West KwaZulu-Natal Western Cape Zimbabwe

AGES Board of Directors: SJ Pretorius JA Myburgh JJP Vivier JH Botha THG Ngoepe

R Crosby JC Vivier FN de Jager AS Potgieter DP van der Westhuijzen Z Pemba L van Zyl-Smit

AGES Gauteng Directors: JJP Vivier JC Vivier E van Zyl M Grobler

R Crosby JC Vivier FN de Jager AS Potgieter DP van der Westhuijzen Z Pemba L van Zyl-Smit



REPORT DISTRIBUTION LIST

Institution



Name

Ian Hart



Blackthorn Resources Limited



James Mwale



Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA)



Interested and Affected Parties and Commenting Authorities – ZEMA to distribute



DOCUMENT HISTORY

Report no



Date



Version



Status



AS-R-2013-09-10



September 2013 1.0



Draft



AS-R-2013-09-10



December 2013



2.0



Updated Draft



AS-R-2014-02-28



February 2014



3.0



Final Draft



AGES Gauteng



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AGES Gauteng - Africa Geo-Environmental Services Gauteng (Pty) Ltd - exercises due care and

diligence in rendering services and preparing documents, Africa Geo-Environmental Services

Gauteng (Pty) Ltd accepts no liability, and the client, by receiving this document, indemnifies

AGES Gauteng (Pty) Ltd and its directors, managers, agents and employees against all actions,

claims, demands, losses, liabilities, costs, damages and expenses arising from or in connection

with services rendered, directly or indirectly by Africa Geo-Environmental Services Gauteng (Pty)

Ltd and by the use of the information contained in this document.



This document contains confidential and proprietary information of Africa Geo-Environmental

Services Gauteng (Pty) Ltd and is protected by copyright in favour of Africa Geo-Environmental

Services Gauteng (Pty) Ltd and may not be reproduced, or used without the written consent of

Africa Geo-Environmental Services Gauteng (Pty) Ltd, which has been obtained beforehand.

This document is prepared exclusively for Blackthorn Resources Limited and The Zambia

Environmental Management Agency and is subject to all confidentiality, copyright and trade

secrets, rules, intellectual property law and practices of South Africa.



AGES Gauteng



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



List of Abbreviations, Acronyms and Symbols

Abbreviation



Description



%



Per cent



Ag



Silver



AGES



Africa Geo-Environmental Services Gauteng (Pty) Ltd



AIDS



Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome



AMD



Acid Mine Drainage



ART



Antiretroviral Treatment



Au



Gold



BTR



Blackthorn Resources Limited



CBD



Convention on Biological Diversity



CITES



Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora



Co



Cobalt



CPI



Consumer Price Index



CSI



Corporate Social Investment



Cu



Copper



CWSP



Clean water storage pond



DEAT



Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (South Africa)



DFS



Definitive Feasibility Study



DWSP



Dirty water storage pond



ECZ



Environmental Council of Zambia



EIA or EIS



Environmental Impact Assessment or Environmental Impact Study



EMA



Environmental Management Act



EMP



Environmental Management Plan



EPB



Environmental Project Brief



FEL



Front-End Loader



GDP



Gross Domestic Product



GMAs



Game Management Areas



Ha



Hectares



HAC



Hazardous Area Classification



HGM

HIV



Hydro-Geomorphic

Human immunodeficiency virus



I&AP



Interested and Affected Party



IFC



International Finance Corporation



IOCG



iron-oxide copper-gold



IUCN



International Union for Conservation of Nature



Km



Kilometres



KNP



Kafue National Park



KNRT



Kaindu Natural Resource Trust



KPCC



Kaindu Project Coordinating Committee



ℓ/s



Litres per second



LoM



Life of Mine



m/s



Metres per second



MAE



Mean annual evaporation



mamsl



Meters above mean sea level



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MAP



Mean Annual Precipitation



MAR



Mean Annual Runoff



mbgl



meters below ground level (i.e. depth)



MFZ



Mumbwa Fault Zone



mm



Millimetres



MMDA



The Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2008



MSD



Mines Safety Department



Mtpa



mega tons per annum



NHCC



National Heritage and conservation Commission



ºC



Degrees Celsius



Pb



Lead



PFS



pre-feasibility study



PMTCT



Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission



RDA



Roads Development Agency



RDL



Red-Data List



RRU



Rural Roads Unit



SLC



Sub-Level Caving



SLP



Social and Labour Plan



ToR



Terms of Reference



TSF



Tailings storage facility



U



Uranium



VCT



Voluntary Counselling and Testing



WM



With Mitigation



WOM



Without Mitigation



WRD



Waste Rock Dump



WRMA



Water Resources Management Act of Zambia (Act No. 21 of 2011)



WUA



Water User Association



ZAF



Zambian Air Force



ZAWA



Zambian Wildlife Authority



ZEMA



Zambia Environmental Management Agency



Zn



Zinc



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Table of Contents

1



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY..................................................................................... IX

1.1

1.2



2



NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY (KAONDE) (TRANSLATION PROVIDED BY MR CHOLOBESA) .. XII

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY (ENGLISH) ......................................................................... XV



INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 1

2.1

2.2

2.3



PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT ........................................................................................ 1

FORMAT OF THIS REPORT ............................................................................................... 2

BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT PROPONENT ................................................................. 4



2.3.1

2.3.2

2.3.3



2.4



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT............................................................................. 6



2.4.1



3



Prospecting Phase ............................................................................................................ 6



RELEVANT REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ....................................................... 9

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6



4



Information on shareholders and shareholding percentage .............................................. 4

Previous Experience of Enterprise elsewhere ................................................................... 6

Project cost / investment and implementation date ........................................................... 6



POLICY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR EIA IN ZAMBIA...................................................... 9

ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORIZATION FOR MINING IN ZAMBIA ............................................... 9

W ATER USE AUTHORIZATION ....................................................................................... 10

OTHER RELEVANT REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS ......................................................... 11

INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL CONVENTIONS AND AGREEMENTS................................ 12

SUMMARY..................................................................................................................... 13



DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION .............................................................. 15

4.1

4.2

4.3



LAND TENURE AND LOCATION ....................................................................................... 15

PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND MOTIVATION ........................................................................ 16

MAIN SITE ACTIVITIES AND PROCESSES, MATERIALS, PRODUCTS AND BY-PRODUCTS

ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROJECT PHASES ................................................................................ 18

4.3.1

4.3.2

4.3.3

4.3.4



4.4



5



Site establishment Construction Phase ........................................................................... 18

Operational Phase ........................................................................................................... 21

Closure Phase ................................................................................................................. 29

The storage and Management of Chemicals, explosives and hazardous wastes ........... 30



PROJECT WATER BALANCE ........................................................................................... 32



ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE STUDY ............................................................ 34

5.1



CLIMATE ....................................................................................................................... 35



5.1.1

5.1.2



5.2



AIR QUALITY................................................................................................................. 37



5.2.1

5.2.2

5.2.3

5.2.4

5.2.5



5.3

5.4

5.5



Wind ................................................................................................................................ 37

Air temperature ................................................................................................................ 39

Relative humidity ............................................................................................................. 39

Precipitation and evaporation .......................................................................................... 40

Atmospheric Stability and Mixing Depth .......................................................................... 40



GROUNDWATER AND GEOLOGY .................................................................................... 40

SURFACE W ATER ......................................................................................................... 44

SOILS AND SOIL POTENTIAL .......................................................................................... 45



5.5.1

5.5.2

5.5.3

5.5.4

5.5.5



5.6

5.7



Regional Climatic Conditions ........................................................................................... 35

Climate of the project area .............................................................................................. 35



Shallow Lithosols / Arenosols associated with rocky ridges and outcrops ...................... 45

Medium depth gravelly / sandy Arenosols associated with foot-slopes / valleys ............ 45

Arenosols: Red-yellow apedal soils associated with slightly undulating plains ............... 46

Planosols associated with moist grasslands on ferricrete bedrock ................................. 46

Fluvisols associated with ravines in mountainous areas ................................................. 47



TOPOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................... 50

LAND USE AND LAND TENURE ...................................................................................... 52



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



5.7.1

5.7.2

5.7.3

5.7.4

5.7.5

5.7.6

5.7.7



5.8



Environmental Impact Study



Residential areas ............................................................................................................. 52

Mining .............................................................................................................................. 52

Conservation and Tourism .............................................................................................. 54

Agriculture ....................................................................................................................... 55

The Mumbwa Prison Farm .............................................................................................. 55

The Zambia Air Force (ZAF)............................................................................................ 56

Infrastructure ................................................................................................................... 56



LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL RESOURCE ............................................................................ 56



5.8.1

5.8.2

5.8.3

5.8.4



Landscape character and visual resource (scenic quality).............................................. 56

Landscape Quality ........................................................................................................... 56

Sense of Place ................................................................................................................ 57

Viewer sensitivity ............................................................................................................. 57



5.9 NOISE AND VIBRATION .................................................................................................. 60

BIODIVERSITY AND ECOLOGY (FLORA AND FAUNA) .................................................... 61

5.10

5.10.1

5.10.2

5.10.3

5.10.4

5.10.5

5.10.6



5.11

5.12



ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT (HERITAGE RESOURCES) .............. 76

SOCIO-CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ..................................................... 78



5.12.1

5.12.2

5.12.3

5.12.4

5.12.5

5.12.6



6



STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION............................................ 86



6.1.1

6.1.2



6.2

6.3

6.4

6.5



Interested and Affected Parties ....................................................................................... 86

Summary of Consultation / Issues Discussed ................................................................. 87



IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY (AFTER PLOMP, 2004) ....................................... 89

IMPACT ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE ............................................................................... 90

IMPACT ASSESSMENT ................................................................................................... 91

SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS................................................................................................... 91



MITIGATION MEASURES FOR ALL IDENTIFIED IMPACTS ......................... 107

7.1

7.2

7.3



8



Culture and community power structures ........................................................................ 78

Population, age, language, religion, education and family life ......................................... 79

HIV/AIDS infection rate and preventative measures in the project area ......................... 81

Industry ............................................................................................................................ 82

Service Infrastructure ...................................................................................................... 83

Transport and Traffic ....................................................................................................... 84



IMPACTS ........................................................................................................... 86

6.1



7



Vegetation types of the study area .................................................................................. 63

Wetlands of the study area .............................................................................................. 69

Fauna .............................................................................................................................. 71

Protected Species ........................................................................................................... 73

Invasive alien species...................................................................................................... 74

Summary of Ecological Sensitivity ................................................................................... 74



SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS THAT REMAIN SIGNIFICANT AFTER MITIGATION 107

SIGNIFICANT SOCIO-CULTURAL IMPACTS THAT REMAIN SIGNIFICANT AFTER MITIGATION

107

SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC IMPACTS THAT REMAIN SIGNIFICANT AFTER MITIGATION ......... 107



PROJECT ALTERNATIVES ............................................................................ 130

8.1



OPPORTUNITIES AND BENEFITS .................................................................................. 130



8.1.2



8.2

8.3



8.3.1

8.3.2

8.3.3

8.3.4



8.4

8.5



Socio-economic benefits and investment: ..................................................................... 132



PROCESS / MINING METHOD ALTERNATIVES ............................................................... 136

LAYOUT ALTERNATIVES .............................................................................................. 139

Main Site Infrastructure ................................................................................................. 139

Tailings Dam Facility Alternatives .................................................................................. 140

Waste Dump Location ................................................................................................... 144

Water Storage Facility Options ...................................................................................... 144



ROUTE ALTERNATIVES................................................................................................ 146

SERVICES ALTERNATIVES ........................................................................................... 147



8.5.1



Water Supply Options.................................................................................................... 147



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



8.5.2

8.5.3

8.5.4



Power supply options .................................................................................................... 150

Waste management options .......................................................................................... 150

Employee housing options ............................................................................................ 151



SCHEDULING ALTERNATIVES ...................................................................................... 152

THE NO-GO ALTERNATIVE .......................................................................................... 152



8.6

8.7



9



Environmental Impact Study



ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ..................................................... 153



10



DECOMMISSIONING AND REHABILITATION ............................................ 173



10.1

10.2

10.3



11



CLOSURE PLAN OBJECTIVES .................................................................................... 173

CLOSURE ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................... 174

FINANCIAL PROVISION ............................................................................................. 176



CONCLUSION .............................................................................................. 177



11.1

11.2



REGULATORY SUMMARY AND WAY FORWARD .......................................................... 177

CONCLUSION .......................................................................................................... 178



12



APPENDICES ............................................................................................... 179



13



REFERENCES .............................................................................................. 180



List of Figures

Figure 1: Regional Locality of the Prospecting License Area and Project Area ...................................... 8

Figure 2: The project site surroundings................................................................................................. 17

Figure 3: Proposed site layout ............................................................................................................... 19

Figure 4: Existing exploration camp ...................................................................................................... 20

Figure 5: Proposed on-site accommodation ......................................................................................... 20

Figure 6: Process flow diagram ............................................................................................................. 28

Figure 7: Project water balance chart.................................................................................................... 33

Figure 8: Average Temperatures, Mumbwa (adapted from http://www.climatecharts.com/Locations/z/ZA67655MUMBW0010.php) ........................................................................... 36

Figure 9: Average and absolute maximum and minimum temperatures for the Mumbwa area

(http://www.myweather2.com/City-Town/Zambia/Mumbwa/climate-profile.aspx) ................................. 36

Figure 10: Period Wind Rose for the project site (2010-2012).............................................................. 38

Figure 11: Daytime and Night time Wind Rose for the project site (2010-2012)................................... 38

Figure 12: Seasonal Wind Rose for the project site (2010-2012) ......................................................... 38

Figure 13: Diurnal variability of mean, maximum and minimum temperature (2010-2012) .................. 39

Figure 14: Monthly and diurnal humidity variations (2010-2012)........................................................... 39

Figure 15: Geology of Zambia ............................................................................................................... 42

Figure 16: Sites recorded during the Hydro-census .............................................................................. 43

Figure 17: Soil types of the Site (Henning B. J., May 2013) .................................................................. 48

Figure 18: Soil potential of the Site (Henning B. J., May 2013) ............................................................. 49

Figure 19: Soil Risk / Impacts (Henning B. J., May 2013) ..................................................................... 49

Figure 20: East-West Elevation Profile (adapted from Google Earth Pro) ............................................ 50

Figure 21: North-West to South-East Elevation Profile (adapted from Google Earth Pro) ................... 50

Figure 22: Surface water drainage and topography .............................................................................. 51

Figure 23: Excavations and abandoned samples at an abandoned (presumably illegal) malachite

mining operation outside of but in close proximity to the site ................................................................ 53

Figure 24: An old mining shaft that has been 'closed' (left) and general surface conditions at the past

artisanal mining sites (right) .................................................................................................................. 53

Figure 25: View of the site from Mumbwa Prison Farm ........................................................................ 58

Figure 26: Hilly topography and vegetation ........................................................................................... 58

Figure 27: Existing night view (top) - project site hidden by topography and (bottom) potential night

view (sky glow from unmitigated light impacts from project) ................................................................. 58

Figure 28: Visual receptors in the vicinity of the project site ................................................................. 59

Figure 29: Sites where noise monitoring / measurements were taken ................................................. 61

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Environmental Impact Study



Figure 30: Ecoregions of Zambia .......................................................................................................... 63

Figure 31: Vegetation Types of the Site ................................................................................................ 65

Figure 32: Sensitivity of the vegetation types found on the site ............................................................ 68

Figure 33: Wetlands of the study area .................................................................................................. 70

Figure 34: Ecological Sensitivity of the study area ................................................................................ 75

Figure 35: Archaeological and Heritage Resources in the vicinity of the site........................................ 77

Figure 36: Existing Road Conditions ..................................................................................................... 85

Figure 37: Base Case SLC mine Layout and ecological sensitivity..................................................... 141

Figure 38: Base Case and Alternative 1 underground site layout ....................................................... 142

Figure 39: Alternative 2 Opencast site layout ...................................................................................... 142

Figure 40: Suggested route for re-alignment of Mushingashi Road.................................................... 145

Figure 41: Water supply option – Groundwater .................................................................................. 149



List of Tables

Table 1: Format of the EIS report............................................................................................................ 2

Table 2: Details of the project proponent ................................................................................................ 4

Table 3: The names of the twenty largest registered shareholders of ordinary shares as at 23

September 2013 ...................................................................................................................................... 4

Table 4: shareholding and directors of Blackthorn Resources Zambia Limited ...................................... 5

Table 5: Minerals for which the prospecting license is held .................................................................... 7

Table 6: Additional Relevant Legislation ............................................................................................... 11

Table 7: Specific information in terms of the process flow .................................................................... 27

Table 8: Specialist involvement in the EIS ............................................................................................ 34

Table 9: Summary of Soils on the Project Site ...................................................................................... 47

Table 10: Summary of Vegetation Types in the study area .................................................................. 67

Table 11: 2008 Mumbwa District Profile ............................................................................................... 81

Table 12: Impact Significance Criteria .................................................................................................. 89

Table 13: Impact identification and significance rating WITHOUT MITIGATION ................................. 93

Table 14: Identification of mitigation measures, and impact ratings AFTER mitigation ...................... 108

Table 15: Summary of Social Opportunities in response to Social Issues .......................................... 134

Table 16: Comparative assessment - Opencast Underground and Cave mining ............................... 137

Table 17: Evaluation of base case process plant location .................................................................. 140

Table 18: Comparative Assessment: TSF Base Case (Alt 1) vs. Alternative 2 .................................. 143

Table 19: Expected daily trip generation (external transport during production) ................................. 146

Table 20: Environmental Management Plan ....................................................................................... 153



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



1



Environmental Impact Study



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



Blackthorn Resources Limited (Blackthorn) appointed Africa Geo-Environmental Services Gauteng (PTY)

Ltd (AGES) to investigate the feasibility of the proposed Kitumba copper mining Project from an

environmental and social impact management perspective, and to facilitate the environmental impact

assessment processes required under Zambian law and in accordance with the principles of sustainable

development.

The purpose of this Environmental Impact Study (EIS) Report is to evaluate the existing socio-economic

and biophysical baseline environments of the proposed project site in order to determine whether any

potential fatal flaws exist that may render the project impracticable from an environmental management

point of view, and to identify the management measures which would be required to ensure that the

project does not detrimentally impact on the receiving environment.



This study also discusses



environmental legal requirements and authorisations applicable to the project.

The proposed project site is situated in the Mumbwa District, in the north-west region of the Central

Province of Zambia, approximately 210 km north-west of Lusaka, and approximately 50 km north-west of

the town of Mumbwa at the following coordinates:

Latitude:



14°41'53.15"S



Longitude:



26°48'3.20"E



The preliminary mineralogy suggested that the copper is contained in malachite and cuprite which are

classified as oxide copper minerals. Sulphide minerals are also present. The copper ore which will be

mined comprise primarily sulphide copper (secondary chalcocite and primary chalcopyrite), oxide copper

will also be mined but is a lesser component.

The base case project description involves the mining and processing of an iron-oxide copper-gold (IOCG)

deposit at a 3 Mtpa production rate at a head grade of 1.7% Cu, using a sub level caving (SLC) mining

method. Twin declines will be used for access and haulage. The process plant will produce both cathode

copper and copper concentrate, to be shipped from site to Lusaka by road truck. All tailings will report to a

Tailings Storage Facility (TSF). The Life of Mine (LoM) is estimated at approximately 11+ years with 2

years for pre-production. A brief description of the major equipment used and the process steps is given

below:





Primary ore crushing







Grinding and classification







Rougher flotation to produce a bulk concentrate







Acid leaching of bulk rougher concentrate







Filtration of leached concentrate with filtrate processed by solvent extraction and electrowinning

(SXEW) to produce copper cathode



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study







Neutralisation of filtrate residue followed by secondary flotation of filtrate residue







Secondary flotation concentrate regrind and two stages of cleaner flotation to produce a copper

concentrate







Copper concentrate thickening, filtration and stockpiling







Tailings thickening and disposal



The current planning indicates that the project development (construction) will commence around 2016. It

is currently estimated that the construction phase work force will be approximately 500 people, and the

operational phases will generate employment for approximately 400 people or more. Preference will be

given to the employment of local community members where possible. The project will aim to provide

equal opportunity to women in mining and related operations where feasible.

There are a number of legislative requirements and international best practice principles to which the

project will have to adhere, and a number of licenses, authorisations or approvals that will be required prior

to the project commencing on site. Worth emphasizing here is adherence to the IFC Environmental

Performance Standards and Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines for Mining, the Mines and

Minerals Development Act, 2008 (MMDA), Zambia Environmental Management Act, 2011 (ZEMA) and the

Water Resources Management Act, 2011 (WRMA).

As part of the applications for environmental authorizations and mining rights, and due to the requirement

that people have the right to be informed about potential decisions that may affect them and that they must

be afforded an opportunity to influence those decisions, AGES has been involved in public engagement

with surrounding stakeholders and authorities and this report also contains details of the public

consultation process followed thus far.

It must be noted that public participation is an on-going consultative and information-sharing process and

that good relations must be built and maintained with stakeholders throughout the life of the project and

after the project has stopped. Social license to operate can be challenged at any time during a

development lifespan and the public consultation process is therefore far from complete. Rather, public

participation relating to the project is in its infancy.

A number of specialist investigations were conducted during the EIS which includes: Ecological, soils and

land capability and wetland assessments, heritage impact assessment, noise impact assessment, air

quality impact assessment, visual impact assessment, traffic impact assessment, hydro-geological impact

assessment and water supply option analysis and a closure plan and estimate for financial provision. The

specialist team characterized the existing environment in their respective field which may be impacted by

the project, quantified what those impacts may be, suggested mitigation and management measures to

reduce the identified impacts and assessed a number of alternatives to be considered in the project

implementation going forward.



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



The purpose of identifying and evaluating feasible alternatives in terms of a development proposal is to

find the most effective way of meeting the project needs, either through enhancing the environmental

benefits of the proposed activity, and / or through reducing or avoiding negative impacts. A number of

different alternative types are discussed in this report, many of which will require careful consideration and

decision-making during subsequent phases of the project. The report also identifies opportunities and

benefits that may be associated with the project.

Comment is also made in this report on the importance of ensuring that the project leaves a positive

legacy behind, and the compilation and implementation of detailed rehabilitation measures concurrently

with the mining activities as well as post-closure. Financial provision for rehabilitation, closure and after

care was also estimated.

After completion of the EIS, a number of potential negative environmental impacts associated with the

project have been identified, along with management and mitigation measures aimed at managing,

reducing or avoiding any negative impacts, and enhancing positive impacts. None of the identified

potential negative impacts are expected to be of sufficient severity and likelihood that they cannot be

managed to acceptable levels by the implementation of detailed management and mitigation measures as

stipulated in this report and the associated specialist reports.

From an environmental impact management point of view it is recommended that the project continue to

the definitive feasibility phase (DFS) in order that existing knowledge gaps may be filled and further

confidence in the environmental acceptability of the project can be gained.

This EIS is submitted to the ZEMA in support of an application for environmental authorization for the

proposed project. This report is also submitted (via the ZEMA) to the Mines Safety Department (MSD),

under the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development in support of the Mining Licence under Clause 25

of the Mines and Minerals Development Act 2008, and to the relevant Water Users association or water

board as the case may be in support of an application for the right to use water at the proposed mining

development.



__________________________________________

Signature of the Chief Executive of the Developers



Full Names: ________________________________ Date: __________________________________



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1.1



Environmental Impact Study



Non-Technical Summary (Kaonde) (Translation provided by Mr Cholobesa)



BYAMBO BYANEMBWA MUBWIPI [BYA BULA BUNSENDWE].

NO KAMPANYI WABA BLACKTHORN WAASONTA KAMPANYI WABA AFRIKA GEO-ENVIROMENTAL

GAUTENG [PTY] LTD [AGES] KUBA’MBA BAPALANGUZYE NE KUTANA BYA KONSHA KUFUMA

MU-INO MINGILO YAKETEKELWA KWINGIJIWA PA MUKOCHI WA COOPA UTELWA’MBA KITUMBA

KWESANKANYA NA BINTU BITUZHOKOLOKA NE MAKATAZHO AKUMA KUBWIKALO BWA BANTU

NE MASHINDA O’BAKENGIJISHA MUKUKEPESHAKO MAKATAZHO KABIJI NE KUMONA KUBA’MBA

MINGILO YAKUPITALUKA NE KUMONA MAKATAZHO AKONSHA KWIYA NAMAMBO A MINGILO INO

NE MASHINDA AKABIKWAPO MU KWESEKA KUKEPESHAKO MAKATAZHO MUKWESAKANYA NA

MUZHILO YA MUKYALO KYA ZAMBIA.

KINE KINTU KYA LENGELA KWIKALA NA INO MINGILO YAKU PITULUKA NE KUTAGISHA PA BYA

KONSHA KUMWEKANA INGE INO MINGILO YAKUPOYA MABWE YAUBIWA KUBIKAPO NE

MAKATAZHO AKONSHA KUMWEKANA KUBINTU BITU ZHOKOLOKA. UNO REPOOTI UBENA

KUPITULUKA NE KUMONA BINTU BYO BIJI PA KINO KIMYE MUMASHINDA ANO AJI NOBE

BWIKALO BWA MUUNTU NE BYA BUUNONSHI BWAKYALO KABIJI NE KUTAGISHA BULONGO PA

BINTU BYOONSE BITANWA MU INO MPUNZHA ITUZHOKOLOKA NE NKOMINO YABYA PA

MUTUNDU YEENSE WABINTU BITANWA KU INO MPUNZHA KWA KETEKELWA KUBIWA INO

MINGILO MUKUKEBA KUBA’MBA BAYUKE KA’NA KUJIPO BINTU BIMO BYASHALAPO NANGWA

KUBULA KUTAGISHIWAAPO BULONGO BYANEMA KINE KINE BY KONSHA KULENGELA MWINGILO

UNO WAKUKEBA KUPOYA MABWE WAMWEKA NOBE KECHI WA KONSHA KWINGIWA NE

NAMA’MBO AKUMA PA MINGILO IKENGIWA PA KUMONA PA BINTU BITU ZHOKOLOKA KABIJI NE

KUYUKA MASHINDA AKA KEBEWA KWINGISHIWA MUKUMONA KUBA’MBA UNO MWINGILO WA

KUPOYA MABWE KAUJI KULETA MAKATAZHO ABAYA A KINE KU BINTU BITU ZHOKOLOKA MU

MPUNZHA KUKINGIWANGA INO MINGILO. INO MINGILO YA KUKEBA KEBA EBENA KWISAMBAPO

PA BYA FWAINWA KULONDELWA KWESAKANYA NA MIZHILO YAPA BINTU BITU ZHOKOLOKA –

KABIJI NE BYOONSE BIKEBEWA KUBIWA MUKWESANKYA NA BINTU MO BYAILA PA MWINGILO

UNO WA KUPOYA MABWE A COOPA.

INO MPUNZHA KUKOBIWANGA INO MINGILO INTANWA MU BOOMA WA MUMBWA, KU KABETA

KABUYEKE KAJI KUMUZHIKA MUKIBUNJI KIJI PAKACHI KA KYALO KYA ZAMBIA, PABWEPI MA

KILOMITA NOBE TU HUNDILEDI NE TENI (210KM) KU KABETA KABUYEKE BWA KUMUZHIKA WA

MUZHI MUKATAMPE WA LUSAKA, KABIJI PABWEPI MAKILO MITA MAKUMI ATANU (50KM)

KUFUMA KU BOOMA WA MUMBWA NAKU KABETA KA BUYEKE BUJI KU MUZHIKA. UNO COOPA

(COPPER) UNTANYIKA MU MUTUNDU WA MABWE UTELWA AAMBA SULPHIDI AJI NOBE

KALKOCITI NE CHALKOFURITI BUTMALAKI NE KUPURITI AO BIKWA MU MUTUNDU WA OKOCIDI

COOPA NAO MO AJI. JINO JIBWE JA COOPA JIKAPOYEWANGA KE PRIMALI SULPHIDI COOPA

BINO OKOCIDI COOPA NAYE UKAPOYEWANGA MU KIPIMO KICHECHE. KULUMBULULA

KWAFIKAPO KWA MINGILO INO KWAVWANGAPO KAPOYA ANO MABWE NE KWIAWAMYA



AGES Gauteng



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



BULONGO UNO OFA COOPA PA MATANI AFIKA MA MILIONI A SAATU PA MWAAKA PA MWAAKA

KWINGISHA JISHINDA JAKUPOYA JITELWAMBA SABU LEVAL KEEVING (SUB LEVEL CAVING SLC).

BIMBO BIBIJI BIIKAYANGA PANSHI BYO BAKENGISHANGA KUYA PANSHI NE KUSENDA KITOFU.

INO MPUNZHA WAKUWAMISHISHA PA MABWE IKALUPULANGA BINTU BIIBIJI. KATHODI COOPA

NE COOPA UJI NA BINTU BIKWABO MUKACHI, IKA TUNCHEWANGA KUFUMA KU MUKOCHI

KUTWALA KU MIKOCHI (COPPERBELT) KUPITA MUMUZHI WA LUSAKA NA BIMBAYAMBAYA

(TRUCKS). UNO MUKOCHI WA KETEKELWA KWIKALA MYAKA JIKUMI NE MWAKA UMO NE

KUPITAILA KUBIKAPO MYAKA IBIJI SA BA KYANGYE KUTENDEKA KUFUMYA MABWE PA

MUKOCHI.

LUMO LUNENGEZHO LWAMWESHO AMBA KUTWALA PALUTWE KWA MINGILO INO MUBYA

KUSHIIMIKA KUKATENDEKA PA KUFIKANGA MU MWAKA WA TWENTY SIXTENI (2016).

PA KINO KIMYE LUNEGEZHOMU KIPUNGU KITANSHI KYA KUSHIMI KIKEKALA NA BAANTU

BANKITO BAKETEKELWA KUFIKA KUKIPIMO KYA FIVE HUNDILEDI (500) KABIJI NE KIMYE KYA

KUTENDEKA KWINGILA EKA LETA MINGILO YA BAANTU BA KAFIKA KU KIPIMO KYA MA

HUNDILEDI AJI FOOLO (400) KAAMPE NE KILAPO. JISHUKO JA KUTWEZHA BA MINGILO

JIKAPEWA KUBANGIKAZHI BATANWA KUMPUNZHA KOONKA KANA KYA SWISHIWA.

NOBE JISHINDA JAKU KULOMBA KU SWISHIWA KU BINTU BITU ZHOKOLOKA NE NGOVU ISWISHA

MUUNTU KUPOYA MABWE KANO KAMPANYI KATELWAMBA AGES MUBWEPI KETAILE MU

MEESAMBO NE BENAKENGI NENA BAANTU BOONSE BOYAKUMA INO MINGILO KABIJI NE BIBESE

BYA KUFULUMENDE BYAPUSANA-PUSANA; KABIJI NE UNO LIPOOTI UJI NENA BINTU BYOONSE

BYANEMBWA BYA FUUMINE MU MISAMBO INO KUFIKA PAKINO KIMYE. TWAFWAIIWA

KUYUKAAMBA KUNO KWISAMBA NA BENAKENGI KE KINTU KIKATWAJIJI NOBE JISHINDA

KUUNVWA MILANGULUKO YA BAANTU KABIJI NE KUSHILANGENA BYAAMBO KABIJI

NEKUMONA’MBA BULUNDA BWAWAMA BWAIKALAPO KABIJI NE KUTWAJIJILA NABOOBA

BOKYAKUMA KIKUPUTU MU KIMYE KYOONSE KYAKWINGILA PA INO MPUNZHA KABIJI NE KIMYE

KYO IKAPWA INO MINGILO YA KUPOYA MABWE.

KWAJINGA KUKEBAKEBA BULONGO KU BASHAYUKA KWAUBIWE MU KIMYE KU MWINGILO UNO

WA (EIS) AWO WAUBIWE AMO MUJI KUTALA PA BINTU BIJI NABUMI, MAALOBA KABIJI NE

MUSHIJI UJI BYEPI KABIJI NE KUTAJISHA PA MUSHIJI AWA WIKALA NA MUNYANGO KIMYE

KYOONSE. BYAKISHAKULU, NE KYOONGO, KUMO AMBA LUVULA YETUPEMA UJI BYEPI, MEENSO

AKAMONA’NGA BULONGO NYI? BYELA BYENDA PA MUKWAKWA BIKENDENGA BYEPI, BYA

MEEMA ATANWA MU MABWE, KABIJI NE KUTALATALA BULONGO NE KUMONA KUKAFUMANGA

MEEMA AKUTOMA KABIJI NE BI KOBIWA KANA MUKOCHI WASHINKWA KABIJI NE KUMONA

KUBA’MBA MAALI AANGA AKETEKELWA KUTAIWAPO. JINO JIBUMBA JABASHAYUKA JA

TAJISHIPO BULONGO PA BITA ZHOKOLOKA NE KUMONA NGANYI MAKAZHO AKONSHA

KUMWEKANA, NE MASHINDA AKONSHA KWINGISHIWA MUKUKEPESHAKO MAKAZHO AKONSHA

KUMWEKA MUBINO BINTU BYA YUKANYIKWA KABIJI NE KUMONAPO MASHINDA AKWABO

AKONSHA KWINGISHIWA PA KIMYE KYA KUTENDEKA MINGILO INO INGE KYAFIKA. KINE KINTU



AGES Gauteng



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



KYALENGISHA KUBA’MBA TUYUKE KABIJI NE KUPITULAKAMO MU MASHINDA AKONSHA

KWINGISHIWA KWESAKANYA NA MULANGULUKO WAKUTWALA PALUTWE MINGILO KE KUKEBA

KUTANA BYO TWAKONSHA KUTANA JISHINDA JA FIKILAMO JA KUKEBA KUFIKIZHA BYA KEBEWA

KUBIWA MUMWINGILO UNO, KAMPE KUPITILA MUKUKU KOSESHA BUWAME BUKAFUMAMO MU

UNO MWINGILO WAKATEKELA KWINGILWA. KABIJI NANGWA KUPITILA MUKUKEPESHAKO

BYATAMA BYAKONSHA KUFUMA MUMINGILO INO. MASHINDA’PUSANA PUSANA AAVULA ABYA

KONSHA KUBIWA ESAMBIWAPAPO MU LIPOOTI. AYE UNO LIPOOTI KABIJI WATANAPO NE

JISUKO JA KUYUKA NE BYAWAMA BYO BAKONSHA KUMWENAMO BULONGO BYA LAMATA KU

UNO MWINGILO.

BAAMBA PO MU UNO LIPOOTI PA BUNEME BWAKUMONA’MBA INO MINGILO YASHANKUWA

YAWAMA PANYUMA KABIJI NE KUBUNGIZHA PAMO NE KUFIKIZHA KWA YUULA YA KUMONA BYO

BAKONSHA KUKWASHA BAANTU BAKATANWA MUMAKATAZHO PA KIMYE KIMOTU NA MINGILO

YA KUPOYA MABWE NE YAPANYUMA YAKUSHINKA MUKOCHI. LUNENGEZHO LWAMAALI

AKUKWASHA BAANTU KUBA’MBA BIKALE BWIKALO BWAMA PANYUMA YAKUSHINKA KABIJI NE

BYA KWIBALAMA BAANTU MU MOBO AKULUTWE NE MAALI AKONSHA KUTAIWAPO BYOONSE

BYAUBIWA. KYA KETEKELWA KUBA’MBA BYOONSE BINTU BYAYUKANYIKWA BYA KONSHA

KULETA MAKATAZHO A KONSHA KWINGIWAPO MUMASHINDA ASWISHIWA KUPITILA

MUKUFIKIZHA MINGILO YA BIKWAPO KWESAKANYA NA BYATANCHIKWA MU LIPOOTI NE MA

LIPOOTI AKWABO ABANSENDWA ALAMATAKO.

KWESAKANYA NA BYA NENGEZHIWA PA BYA KONSHA KUMWEKA KUBINTU BITU ZHOKOLOKA

KYASWISHIWA AMBA MINGILO ITWAJIJILE MU KIPUNGU KYA KUKEBA KEBA NEKUTANA BYA

KONSHA KUFUMA MUMINGILO INO KYO BATELA’MBA DIFINITIVU FESIBILITI PHASE (DFP)

MUBWEPI, NE KAFULUMENDE WA KETEKELWA KUPANA MUKUMBU WAWAMA.

UNO EIS WAPANWA KU KUBUNGWE KATANGISHA PA KULAMA BULONGO BINTU BITU

ZHOKOLOKA KATELWA’MBA – ZEMA MUBWEPI MUKUTUNDAIKA KULOMBA KWAKUSWISHIWA

KWESAKANYA NA BITU ZHOKOLOKA KU INO MINGILO YA KETEKELWA KWINGIWA. UNO LIPOOTI

NAYE WATUMWA KUPITILA MU BA ZEMA KU KIBESE KYA KAFULUMENDE KITANGESHA PA

KWIVIMBILA KWA BAANTU BATWELA PA MUKOCHI NANGWA’MBA MAINI SEFUTI DIPATIMENTI

(MSD), KIJI MU KIBESE KYA KAFULUMENDE KITALA PA MIKOCHI NE KU KUTWALA PALUTWE

MINGILO WAMABWE APUSANA PUSANA, NE KABUNGWE KEMINAKO BAANTU BENGIGISHA

MEEMA NANGWA KABUNGWE KATENTEKWA NA KAFULUMENDE KATALA PA NGOVU WA

PANYIWA KU MUUNTU KWINGISHA MEEMA AJIMU MIKOLA NE BIZHIBA PA MPUNZHA PA

KETEKELWA KUBIKWA MINGILO YA KUTWALA PALUTWE BYA KUBAISHAKO MINGILO YAKUPOYA

MABWE.



AGES Gauteng



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



1.2



Environmental Impact Study



Non-Technical Summary (English)



Blackthorn Resources Limited (Blackthorn) appointed Africa Geo-Environmental Services Gauteng (PTY)

Ltd (AGES) to investigate the feasibility of the proposed Kitumba copper mining Project from an

environmental and social impact management perspective, and to facilitate the environmental impact

assessment processes required under Zambian law.

The purpose of this Environmental Impact Study (EIS) Report is to evaluate the existing socio-economic

and biophysical baseline environments of the proposed project site in order to determine whether any fatal

flaws exist that may render the project impracticable from an environmental management point of view,

and to identify the management measures which would be required to ensure that the project does not

detrimentally impact on the receiving environment. This study also discusses environmental legal

requirements and authorisations applicable to the project.

The proposed project site is situated in the Mumbwa District, in the north-west region of the Central

Province of Zambia, approximately 210 km north-west of Lusaka, and approximately 50 km north-west of

the town of Mumbwa.

It is expected that the copper is contained in malachite and cuprite which are classified as oxide copper

minerals. Sulphide minerals are also present. The copper ore which will be mined comprise primarily

sulphide copper, oxide copper will also be mined but is a lesser component.

The base case project description involves the mining and processing of an iron-oxide copper-gold (IOCG)

deposit at a 3 Mtpa production rate, using a sub level caving (SLC) mining method. Twin declines will be

used for access and haulage. The process plant will produce both cathode copper and copper

concentrate, to be shipped from site to the Copperbelt via Lusaka by road truck. The Life of Mine (LoM) is

estimated at approximately 11+ years with 2 years for pre-production.

The current planning indicates that the project development (construction) will commence around 2016. It

is currently estimated that the construction phase work force will be approximately 500 people, and the

operational phases will generate employment for approximately 400 people or more. Preference will be

given to the employment of local community members where possible.

As part of the applications for environmental authorizations and mining rights AGES has been involved in

public engagement with surrounding stakeholders and authorities and this report also contains details of

the public consultation process followed thus far. It must be noted that public participation is an on-going

consultative and information-sharing process and that good relations must be built and maintained with

stakeholders throughout the life of the project and after the project has stopped.

A number of specialist investigations were conducted during the EIS which includes: Ecological, soils and

land capability and wetland assessments, heritage impact assessment, noise impact assessment, air

quality impact assessment, visual impact assessment, traffic impact assessment, hydro-geological impact



AGES Gauteng



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



assessment and water supply option analysis and a closure plan and estimate for financial provision. The

specialist team characterized the existing environment, quantified what those impacts may be, suggested

management measures to reduce the identified impacts and assessed a number of alternatives to be

considered in the project implementation going forward.

The purpose of identifying and evaluating feasible alternatives in terms of a development proposal is to

find the most effective way of meeting the project needs, either through enhancing the environmental

benefits of the proposed activity, and / or through reducing negative impacts. A number of different

alternative types are discussed in this report. The report also identifies opportunities and benefits that may

be associated with the project.

Comment is also made in this report on the importance of ensuring that the project leaves a positive

legacy behind, and the compilation and implementation of detailed rehabilitation measures concurrently

with the mining activities as well as post-closure. Financial provision for rehabilitation, closure and after

care was also estimated.

It is expected that all of the identified potential negative impacts can be managed to acceptable levels by

the implementation of detailed management measures as stipulated in this report and the associated

specialist reports.

From an environmental impact management point of view it is recommended that the project continue to

the definitive feasibility phase (DFS) and the authorities consider granting a positive authorization.

This EIS is submitted to the ZEMA in support of an application for environmental authorization for the

proposed project. This report is also submitted (via the ZEMA) to the Mines Safety Department (MSD),

under the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development and to the relevant Water Users association or

water board for the right to use water at the proposed mining development.



AGES Gauteng



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



2



Environmental Impact Study



INTRODUCTION



Blackthorn Resources Zambia Limited (Blackthorn hereafter) is investigating the feasibility of the proposed

Kitumba Copper Project located in the Mumbwa District of the Central Province of Zambia. The proposed

project site is approximately 210 km north-west of Lusaka, and approximately 50 km north-west of the town of

Mumbwa at the following coordinates:

Latitude:



14°41'53.15"S



Longitude:



26°48'3.20"E



Blackthorn appointed Africa Geo-Environmental Services Gauteng (Pty) Ltd (AGES hereafter) to facilitate the

environmental impact assessment (EIA) processes required under Zambian law and in accordance with the

principles of sustainable development.

An Environmental Project Brief (EPB) was submitted to the Environmental Council of Zambia (ECZ, now the

Zambia Environmental Management Agency, ZEMA) on 22 April 2010. The Reference Number is

ECZ/INS/101/4/1. The EPB was approved in a letter dated 28 May 2010. Prospecting activities are under way

on the project site in accordance with the conditions of the approval and all other relevant legislation.

The Draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for the EIA Study were prepared after a consultation / scoping meeting

with the ZEMA held on 28 November 2012 (key notes are contained in Appendix 1), and submitted to the

ZEMA on 13 December 2012. On 15 January 2013, the ZEMA requested amendments to the ToR. The

updated ToR was re-submitted to the ZEMA on 22 January 2013. On 23 January 2013 the ToR was approved

by the ZEMA, who instructed that the project may continue to the EIA phase. Please refer to Appendix 1 for

proof of these submissions and approval.



2.1



Purpose of this Document



In order to proceed with the Project from the current exploration activities to mining activities on the identified

resource area it is a legal requirement under the Environmental Management Act, 2011 (EMA) (and other

laws, refer to Section 3) that project approval be sought from the Zambian Environmental Management

Agency (ZEMA).

Section 29 (1) of the EMA states that “A person shall not undertake any project that may have an effect on the

environment without the written approval of the Agency, and except in accordance with any conditions

imposed in that approval.”

Therefore, in line with the applicable legislative requirements discussed further in section 3 of this document,

an EIA is required before a decision can be made by the relevant authorities on whether the project may

proceed to a mining project and if so under what conditions. This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was

thus duly prepared in accordance with the approved ToR and relevant legislative requirements.

The purpose of this document is to:



AGES Gauteng



-1-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project







Environmental Impact Study



Provide an overview of the relevant environmental and mining legislation applicable to the proposed

Kitumba Copper Project (Section 3)







Provide a detailed description of the proposed project (Section 4);







Provide a detailed description of the existing environment of and around the proposed development

site (section 5);







Provide details on consultations with the public and relevant stakeholders in the project who may be

interested in or affected by the project (Section 6.1).







Describe the anticipated impacts that the proposed project may have on the receiving biophysical and

social environments (section 6);







Describe measures which may be applied to the proposed project to minimise and manage the

anticipated impacts to acceptable levels (section 7);







Investigate alternatives to the project proposal (section 8);







Compile an environmental management plan aimed at the implementation of the management and

mitigation measures identified (section 9) and







Deliver comment on the closure and rehabilitation of the proposed operations after mining has ceased

(Section 10).



This report thus aims to provide the ZEMA as well as other decision-making authorities (such as the Mines

Safety Department (MSD) and Water Users Association (WUA)), and Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs),

commenting authorities and other stakeholders, with sufficient information about the proposed project and the

project site in order for them to deliver meaningful comments and make informed decisions regarding the

future of the proposed Kitumba Copper Project.



2.2



Format of this report



AGES and the project proponent held a consultation / scoping meeting with ZEMA on 28 November 2012,

during which the preferred format for the EIS was discussed. The following table identifies the format

prescribed by the ZEMA and the relevant sections of this EIS report.

Table 1: Format of the EIS report

No



ZEMA Prescribed Format



Page/Section of

this report



1



Executive Summary



Section 1 pg ix



2



Introduction



Section 2 pg 1



-



Total project cost / investment



Section 2.3.3



-



Particulars of shareholders / Directors



Section 2.3



AGES Gauteng



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



-



Track record / previous experience of enterprise elsewhere



Section 2.3.1



-



Proposed project implementation date



Section 2.3.3



-



Description of project



Section 2.4



3



Relevant regulatory framework



Section 3 pg 9



4



Project Description



Section 4 pg 15



Land tenure



Section 4.1



Location (including distances and nature of businesses of surrounding community, satellite

images and maps)



Section 4.1



Objectives



Section 4.2



Main Activities (include site preparation phase, construction phase, operation phase)



Section 4.3



Process and Technology (including flow diagrams)



Figure 6



Raw materials



Section 4.3



Products and by-products



Section 4.3



Environmental Baseline Study



Section 5 pg 34



Climate (rainfall, temperature, humidity, sunshine etc.)



Section 0



Air Quality



Section 0



Geology



Section 5.3



Hydrology (surface water and ground water quality)



Section 5.3 & 5.4



Hydrogeology



Section 5.3



Soils



Section 5.5



Topography



Section 5.6



Land Use



Section 5.7



Land Tenure



Section 5.7



Landscape



Section 5.8



Noise and Vibration



Section 5.9



Fauna (Field survey of animal species, identification of rare or endangered species,

terrestrial and aquatic habitats)



Section 5.10



5



Flora (terrestrial and aquatic habitats, habitats for rare or endangered species)



6



Archaeological and cultural environment



Section 5.11



Socio-cultural and economic setup (Administration, social services and amenities, market

availability on commodities, illiteracy levels, health and gender equity, traditional and

religious practices and rights, sources of raw materials for such events, or location of

significant historical or archaeological features)



Section 5.12



Impacts



Section 6 pg 86



Environmental (positive and negative, direct, indirect, residue and cumulative)



Section 6



Socio-cultural (positive and negative, direct, indirect, residue and cumulative)



Section 6



Economic (positive and negative, direct, indirect, residue and cumulative)



Section 6



7



Mitigation measures for all identified potential impacts



Section 7 pg 107



8



Project Alternatives (location, process, materials, pollution control etc.).



Section 8 pg 130



9



Environmental Management Plan



Section 9 pg 153



10



Decommissioning and rehabilitation



Section 10 pg

173



11



Appendices



Section 12



Scoping / ToR report

Minutes

Maps

Certificates & authorizations



AGES Gauteng



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



2.3



Environmental Impact Study



Background of the Project Proponent



Blackthorn Resources Limited is an Australian-based resources company that is unearthing value from a

diverse portfolio of base metal projects in Africa (http://www.blackthornresources.com.au/). The company is

listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. The particulars of the Board of Directors are available at

http://www.blackthornresources.com.au/profile/board/. The company has an office in Zambia with the

following contact details:

Table 2: Details of the project proponent

Ian Hart;

Blackthorn Resources Limited

Phone +260 211 250 397



Zambia



Sydney – Head Office



Phone +260 211 250 291



Suite 1A Al Jahazi Villas



Level 5, Suite 502



Mobile +260 971 257 416 Zambia



151 Kabulonga Road



80 William Street



Mobile +61 457 431 006 Australia



PO BOX 50005 Lusaka

15101, Zambia



Sydney NSW 2011 Australia



i.hart@blackthornresources.com.au

2.3.1



Phone +61 2 9357 9000



Information on shareholders and shareholding percentage



Blackthorn Resources (Zambia) Limited is 100% owned by Blackthorn Resources Limited, with the following

relevant shareholder information:



2.3.1.1



Voting rights



At meetings of the Company, each shareholder entitled to vote may vote in person or by proxy or attorney, or,

in the case of a shareholder which is a body corporate, by duly authorised representative.

On a show of hands every member present or by proxy shall have one vote and upon a poll each share shall

have one vote. Table 3 indicates the names of the twenty largest registered shareholders of ordinary shares

as at 23 September 2013.

Table 3: The names of the twenty largest registered shareholders of ordinary shares as at 23

September 2013

No. of shares



% of Total



Singpac Investment Holding Pte Ltd



21,205,853



12.91



JP Morgan Nominees Australia Ltd (Cash Income A/C)



19,882,280



12.10



HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia)



15,458,386



9.41



Citicorp Nominees Pty Ltd



13,752,768



8.37



National Nominees Ltd



4,450,867



2.71



JP Morgan Nominees Australia Ltd



3,569,185



2.17



UBS Nominees Pty Ltd



2,724,414



1.66



AGES Gauteng



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia)



2,636,317



1.60



Singpac Investment Holding Pte Ltd



2,100,000



1.28



Merrill Lynch (Australia) Nominees Pty Ltd



1,651,326



1.01



BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd (Jarvis A/C Non Treaty DRP)



1,617,206



0.98



Mr Christopher Brown



1,450,460



0.88



SA Capital Funds Management Ltd (SACFM No 1 Fund A/C)



1,161,349



0.71



HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) (NT Comnwlth Super Corp)



1,093,677



0.67



Mr Yi Weng & Ms Ning Li



1,027,100



0.63



Mr Yi Weng & Ms Ning Li



928,000



0.56



Citicorp Nominees Pty Ltd (Colonial First State Inv A/C)



833,800



0.51



JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited



806,252



0.49



P & S Fahey Pty Ltd



785,879



0.48



UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Ltd



735,258



0.45



97,870,377



59.57%



Shareholders who have given notice of being substantial shareholders in the Company at the date of the

Company’s latest annual report, where their relevant interest in the number of fully paid ordinary shares are as

follows:

Substantial Shareholder



%



Glencore Xstrata



14.2



North Sound



6.0



Acorn Capital



5.7



F Brewer



5.2



The shareholding and directors of Blackthorn Resources Zambia are as follows;

Table 4: shareholding and directors of Blackthorn Resources Zambia Limited

Shareholder



Shares held



Nationality



NRC/Passport No.



Blackthorn Resources Limited



4,999



Australian



Body Corporate

ACN 009193980



African Investments Pty Limited



1



Australian



Body Corporate

ACN 107540992 1075



Director



Shares held



Nationality



NRC/Passport No.



Scott Frederick LOWE



Nil



Australian



E4068660



Geoffrey Mutale MULENGA



Nil



Zambian



235571/11/1



William Douglas CASH



Nil



Australian



M2907944



William Paul SAUNDERS



Nil



British



943630/67/2



AGES Gauteng



-5-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



2.3.2



Environmental Impact Study



Previous Experience of Enterprise elsewhere



Blackthorn’s primary assets are currently in West and Southern Africa targeting Copper, Zinc and Silver. The

high-grade Perkoa Zinc/Silver Mine in Burkina Faso has recently been commissioned, with joint venture

partner Glencore International managing and operating the mine, as well as providing debt funding for mine

development. The Perkoa zinc mine is the largest zinc mine development undertaken in the country to date

and



there



is



a



growing



level



of



excitement



over



its



progression



(http://www.blackthornresources.com.au/projects/perkoa/).



2.3.3



Project cost / investment and implementation date



The current planning indicates that the project development (construction) will commence around 2016. Total

life of mine capital expenditure for the project is currently estimated at $400 – $450M. These figures are likely

to be refined as the project evaluation and design progresses.



2.4



Brief description of the Project



The proposed project is located in the Mumbwa District, in the north-west region of the Central Province of

Zambia. The site is approximately 210 km north-west of Lusaka, and approximately 50 km north-west of the

town of Mumbwa (See Figure 1).

The proposed project entails the mining and processing of an iron-oxide copper-gold (IOCG) deposit in an

underground mining operation using sub-level caving as the base case mining method at a production rate of

3 mega tons per annum (Mtpa) and at a head grade of 1.7% Copper. The copper to be mined is primarily

sulphide (secondary chalcocite and primary chalcopyrite), and oxide is lesser component. 33,000 tonnes per

annum of copper cathode and ~ 24,000 tonnes per annum of wet copper sulphide concentrate is planned to

be shipped from site by road truck.

Sub-Level Caving (SLC) is an underground mining method which involves controlled drilling and blasting

breaking the whole quantity of ore between sub-levels, and subsequent removal of the ore via the haulage

access. This mining method is associated with significant economic opportunities when compared to some

other mining methods. The knowledge base for SLC is (however) comparatively small as very few mines use

the method (https://www.minewiki.org/index.php/Sub-Level_Caving:_Where_Is_It_Headed%3F). The mining

method is associated with ground deformations at surface (subsistence).



2.4.1



Prospecting Phase



The Mumbwa large-scale prospecting licence (reference number 8589-HQ-LPL) was first granted on 13

November 2007 and has subsequently been renewed.

2



approximately 250 km .



The Mumbwa tenement covers an area of



Within the Mumbwa tenement the main focus is on the Kitumba Deposit



(http://www.blackthornresources.com.au/projects/mumbwa/).

The prospecting project, previously held in joint venture with BHP Billiton, is now owned 100% by Blackthorn



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



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Resources with BHP Billiton retaining a 2% production royalty (http://www.blackthornresources.com.au/

projects/mumbwa/). The prospecting license is held for the following minerals:

Table 5: Minerals for which the prospecting license is held

Mineral

Copper

Gold

Uranium

Lead

Zinc

Silver

Phosphorus

Cobalt

Diamonds



Abbreviation

Cu

Au

U

Pb

Zn

Ag

P

Co



The location of the prospecting license is indicated in Figure 1, with the proposed mining site (the subject of

this EIS) indicated in Purple.



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



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Figure 1: Regional Locality of the Prospecting License Area and Project Area



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



3



Environmental Impact Study



RELEVANT REGULATORY FRAMEWORK



There are a number of regulatory requirements pertaining to environmental management to which the

proposed development will have to conform.

The Zambian Constitution (as amended by Act Number 18 of 1996) pledges:

“… to ourselves that we shall ensure that the State shall respect the rights and dignity of the

human family, uphold the laws of the State and conduct the affairs of the State in such a manner

as to preserve, develop, and utilise its resources for this and future generations.”

Thus all projects proposed within Zambia will have to conform to the principles of integrated environmental

management (IEM) in the interest of sustainable development within this constitutional framework. A brief

summary of the main relevant acts and statutory bodies responsible for environmental management in

Zambia are outlined below. The following paragraphs contain the findings of an internal legislative review

by AGES. Should professional legal advice be obtained during subsequent project phases, it may come to

light that additional environmental legislative requirements are applicable to the proposed project, in which

case additional licenses, permits or authorizations will have to be applied for by Blackthorn in due course

prior to the commencement of the project.



3.1



Policy and Legal Framework for EIA in Zambia



The primary legislation in Zambia in respect of environmental management and impact assessment is the

Environmental Management Act (EMA) of 2011, under which the Zambia Environmental Management

Agency (ZEMA) is the relevant authority presiding over environmental management and EIAs in Zambia.

One of the key objectives of the EMA is to “provide for integrated environmental management and the

protection and conservation of the environment and the sustainable management and use of natural

resources”.

Before a developer can commence with an activity listed in the schedules attached to the EIA Regulations,

environmental authorization must be obtained from the ZEMA. This process involves the compilation of

an Environmental Impact Statement in accordance with Regulation 7(1) of the EIA Regulations.

This document is the Draft EIS Report and is presented to Interested and Affected Parties for comment

prior to submission to the ZEMA for decision-making purposes.



3.2



Environmental Authorization for Mining in Zambia



The Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2008 (MMDA) governs all mining operations within Zambia

and matters related thereto. Section 25 of the MMDA describes the requirements for an application for a

large scale mining license.



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25. (5) An applicant shall commission and produce to the Director an environmental impact study

on the proposed mining operations approved by the Environmental Council of Zambia (now

ZEMA).

Thus this EIS report is also applicable to the required mining right application under the MMDA. The

Mines Safety Department (MSD), under the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, is responsible

for enforcing compliance to regulations on environmental conservation and the protection of human health

and safety during mining operations.

ZEMA and MSD work in consultation with each other on issues pertaining to environment and human

health in the mining sector.



3.3



Water Use Authorization



The Water Resources Management Act of Zambia (Act No. 21 of 2011) (WRMA) describes legislative

requirements for the use of water for mining purposes. The Act states which types of activities require

licensing of water use as follows:

71. Subject to this Act, a person who intends to—

a) use water for purposes specified under section sixty, other than for the domestic

purposes specified under section seventy;

b) construct, acquire any water works, impound, supply or distribute water from any water

works or borehole to any other person;

c) de-water any mine, quarry or water works;

d) drain any swamp, marsh, dambo, wetland, re-charge area or other land;

e) construct or acquire any water works for the purpose of draining into, conserving or

utilising, in any manner whatsoever, water from a water resource;

f)



construct water works necessary to restore the course of a water resource that has

changed its course;



g) harvest any rainwater by means of a dam, weir or barrage that is on a water resource;

h) conduct any operation that would interfere with the bank or course of a watercourse;

i)



sink, deepen or alter any borehole for any purpose in a water shortage area; or



j)



carry out any activity in relation to a water resource as may be prescribed;



shall apply for a permit and pay such charges, for the use of the water, as may be prescribed.



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A water use permit must be applied for under Section 72 of the Act. Section 72 (3) of the Act states that

(3) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a person holding a permit or a licence under the Mines and Minerals

Development Act, 2008 who requires the use of water for mining purposes, shall make an application to

the Director of Mines, setting out the volume of water required, the nature of the proposed use and such

other information as may be prescribed.

An application for a water use permit for mining purposes will be handed in to the Director of Mines in

accordance with the above. The Director of Mines will assess the application and will thereafter forward

the application including his/her comments and recommendations to the Water User Association (WUA).

ZEMA, the Director of Mines and the Water Board / relevant WUA work in consultation with each other on

issues pertaining to environment and water use in the mining sector. This EIS report is therefore also in

support of an application for water use rights and contains all necessary and relevant information in this

regard.



3.4



Other Relevant Regulatory Requirements



Other legislation relevant to the project are listed and summarized in Table 6.

Table 6: Additional Relevant Legislation

Relevant Act



Description and Project Compliance



Authority



Air Pollution Control

(Licensing

and

Emission Standards)

Regulations, 1996 (SI

No. 141 of 1996).



The regulations set out licensing requirements for emissions to the

environment and ambient air quality guidelines and emission limits and

provides for licensing of point source polluters. Blackthorn will consult with

the ZEMA to confirm whether a license is required. Air quality monitoring at

the operations will have to be conducted throughout the life of the operations

to ensure that air quality and emission standards are not being exceeded.



ZEMA



Water

Pollution

Control (Effluent and

Waste

Water)

Regulations, 1993 (SI

No. 72 of 1993)



The Regulations set out the licensing requirements for effluent and

wastewater discharges to the environment and provide discharge limits.

Blackthorn has to apply for a license if they plan to discharge effluent or

wastewater into the environment.



ZEMA



Hazardous

Waste

Management

Regulations, 2001 (SI

No. 125 of 2001)



The Regulations set out requirements for the control and monitoring of

hazardous wastes. A Waste Register for the project has to be compiled by

Blackthorn to determine whether any waste generated is classified as

hazardous waste



ZEMA



Waste Management

(Licensing

of

Transporters of Waste

and Waste Disposal

Sites) Regulations,

1993 (SI No. 71 of

1993)



Sets out the licensing requirements for solid non-hazardous waste

transportation and operations of waste disposal sites. The project may not

require a license in terms of these regulations, but will have to ensure that the

transporter(s) of waste associated with the project, and the waste disposal

sites, are appropriately licensed.



ZEMA



National

Heritage

Conservation

Act,

1989



The Act provides for the establishment of the National Heritage and

conservation Commission (NHCC) responsible for the conservation and

management of heritage resources. If artefacts of cultural heritage value are

discovered at the Project site, they will be handled in accordance with the

provisions of the Act.



NHCC



Pesticides and Toxic

Substances

Regulations, 1994 (SI

No. 20 of 1994)



The legislation Provides for licensing importation, transportation, distribution,

storage, use and handling of pesticides and toxic substances. Hazardous

substances (including, but not limited to those used in the beneficiation plant,

and hydrocarbons, explosives etc.) will be associated with the project, and

therefore Blackthorn will have to apply and obtain appropriate licenses for



ZEMA



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Mines and Minerals

(Environmental

Protection

Fund)

Regulations, 1998 (SI

No. 102 of 1998)

The Land Act, 1995



The Local Government

Act, 1995 and Local

Government

(Amendment)

Act

2010

Town and Country

Planning Act, Chapter

283:

Forest Act, 1973



Public

1995



Health



Act,



Environmental Impact Study



storage, handling, etc., in accordance with the regulations.

The regulations provide a mechanism for setting up and operating the

Environmental Protection Fund. The Project will be subject to independent

annual environmental audits and evaluation with in order to determine the

company’s environmental performance and contribution towards the EPF.



Provides for the allocation of land into categories that include state, local

authority and traditional land. The land on which the proposed project is

situated is under the authority of Chief Kaindu and agreements between

relevant parties will have to be determined. Blackthorn is in possession of

prospecting rights over the tenement.

These Acts provide for the establishment of local councils and districts, and

specify the functions of local government, some of which relate pollution

control and environmental management. Blackthorn has and will continue to

liaise with the relevant local authorities and will have to comply with the

relevant by-laws enacted by these authorities.

The Act provides for the preparation, approval and revocation of development

plans by planning authorities, and for the control of development and

subdivision of land. Building plans for ancillary structures such as staff

households which will require approval from Mumbwa District Council.

The Act provides for the establishment and management of National Forests

and Local Forests and makes provision for the conservation and protection of

forests and trees. The Act also provides for the licensing and sale of forest

produce. It is also one of the legislative mechanisms for the implementation

of the Convention of Biological Diversity.

If rare trees specified in the Act are identified within the Project area, they will

be conserved and protected as far as possible.

PART XII of the Forests Act however states that “Nothing in this Act shall

affect the rights of the holder of a prospecting licence, exploration licence or

mining licence to take forest produce in accordance with the provisions of the

Mines and Minerals Act”. No licence application is therefore considered

necessary for the mining lease area at present, unless the relevant authorities

should indicate otherwise.

The Act relates mainly to the control and notification of infectious diseases,

sanitation and housing and places an obligation on all individuals and

property owners not to allow nuisance situations which could lead to the

spread of infectious diseases.

Employees at the project site may be housed on site in certain instances and

in surrounding villages in other cases, and it will be Blackthorn’s responsibility

to ensure that staff are aware of what constitutes an infectious disease and

what should be done in case of infectious diseases being detected.



Mines Safety

Department

(MSD)



Ministry

Lands



Ministry

of

Local

government

and Housing

Mumbwa

District

Council

Ministry

of

Tourism

Environment

and Natural

Resources



Ministry

of

Local

Government

and Housing



Explosives

Act,

(Volume 9 Chapter

115)



3.5



International and Regional Conventions and Agreements



Zambia is a signatory to a number of international and regional conventions. Those listed below include

some of the most important conventions and agreements in terms of sustainable development:





Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, (1975)



The Convention aims at promoting conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources.

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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



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There are wetlands present on the project site and the finalization of the site layout should aim to avoid

impacts to these wetlands wherever possible.





Convention on the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972)



The Convention aims at ensuring the identification, protection, conservation, presentation and

transmission to future generations of cultural and natural heritage. No cultural, heritage or archaeological

sites have been identified on the project area itself.





Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (ratified in 1993)



The objectives the Zambia’s National Biodiversity Action Plans include ensuring the conservation of a full

range of Zambia’s natural ecosystems through a network of protected areas, development and

implementation of strategies for conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use and management of

biological resources.

No Biological resources of significant conservation value have been identified on the project site, although

it is recommended that a biological offset be negotiated in order to compensate for biological diversity

which will be affected by the project. This is especially relevant in terms of the project’s proximity to

conservation areas.





Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their

Disposal (Basel Convention) (1994)



Zambia has formally agreed to the Basel Convention which aims to protect human health and the

environment against the adverse effects resulting from the generation, management, movement and

disposal of hazardous waste. Additionally, many countries to whom hazardous waste may be sent have

ratified the Basel Convention and the provisions thereof will have to be heeded in the waste management

practices of the project.





Convention on the Ban of the Import into Africa and the Control of Trans-boundary

Movement of Hazardous Wastes within Africa (Bamako Convention)



Zambia has also signed the 1991 Bamako Convention although the ratification has yet to be finalised. The

convention is supplementary to the Basel Convention and covers movement of hazardous waste into or

between signatory African countries. The provisions of the convention will have to be considered in the

preparation of the waste management plan.



3.6



Summary



Licenses and permits that have thus far been identified in terms of environmental management legislation

that are required in terms of the development of the proposed project are:





Environmental Authorisation (ZEMA)



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study







Mining Right (ZEMA and the MMDA)







Water Use Authorisation (ZEMA and the Water Board and/or WUA)



No other required permits or licenses have been identified at this time in terms of environmental legislation

applicable to the project.



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



4



Environmental Impact Study



DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION



The following section provides a description of the Land tenure and Location (including distances and

nature of businesses of surrounding community, satellite images and maps), and objectives of the project.

The main site activities associated with the various project phases are described, together with the

proposed process and technologies to be employed at the project site. The raw materials and supplies

associated with the project, as well as the products and by-products are also included.



4.1



Land tenure and location



The project site is located in the Mumbwa District, Central Province, Zambia, approximately 210 km

northwest of the capital Lusaka (Figure 1). The project site is located in a rural area, with the closest large

town, Mumbwa, approximately 50 km south east of the site. The closest settlements to the site are

Kafucamo and Mpundu. The villages of Kaindu and Kalenda are located to the East and North East of the

resource area. These settlements form part of the Kaonde tribe under the leadership of Chief Kaindu.

The proposed mining site is located within the boundaries of the Blackthorn prospecting license 8589-HQLPL (See Figure 1).

Access to the site from Lusaka is gained via approximately 160 km of well-maintained westerly paved road

(M9) to Mumbwa, followed by approximately 50 km of dirt road (D181) northwest from Mumbwa. The

nearest railhead and nearest commercial airport is at Lusaka, while registered airstrips are located at

Mumbwa and at Hippo Lodge in the Kafue National Park. Road conditions between Lusaka and Mumbwa

are fairly good. Road conditions between Mumbwa and the project site are very poor. A Traffic Specialist

has been appointed and consultation with the Road Development Agency (RDA) has confirmed that they

are planning to construct the D181 including the section relevant to this project towards the end of 2014.

No established power supply exists within the study area. ZESCO is in the process of constructing a rural

power network as part of its regional electrification program. They are also initiating the construction of a

high voltage (330 kV) power line from the Mumbwa substation through Kasempa to the First Quantum

Minerals (FQM) Kalumbila Project in the Northwest Province. The Kitumba area does receive weak

cellular phone coverage due to its elevation. Elevation ranges from approximately 1100 to 1400 meters

above mean sea level (mamsl).

The project site is approximately 5 km from the Mushingashi Conservancy border at the closest point

(linear distance) and approximately 5.5 km from the Kafue National Park at the closest point (linear

distance). No agriculture is allowed within these areas and the area is infested with tsetse fly. Population

and livestock farming are therefore limited in the surroundings.

Minor tourism and licensed hunting are practiced in the surrounding areas (Robertson, Hall, & Gallant,

2012). There are existing mining operations in close proximity to the site which are not thought to be legal

and it appears that these operations have resulted in significant ecological damage and considerably

unsafe environments. This is discussed in more detail under Section 5.7.2 of this report.



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Surrounding land uses in relation to the project site are illustrated in Figure 2.



4.2



Project objectives and motivation



Zambia plays an important role in the global copper mining industry. The country contains the largest

known reserves of copper in Africa, holding 6% of known copper reserves in the world (The World Bank,

2011).

The Wold Bank (2011) reports that copper also plays a critical role in Zambia’s economy, but that Zambia

as a country could benefit more from the mining industry. Zambia has relied on mining for its development

ever since commercial copper mining started in 1928 (Lungu, 2009).

The Kitumba deposit (target mining resource for this project) represents a viable resource for mining in

terms of the current resource estimates. The results of the latest drilling campaigns have confirmed the

existence of a substantial mineralized Iron Oxide Copper-Gold (IOCG) deposit at Kitumba and the

presence of a significant high grade core to the deposit (Robertson, Hall, & Gallant, 2012).

It is currently estimated that the construction phase work force will be approximately 500 people, and the

operational phases will generate employment for approximately 400 people or more. Preference will be

given to the employment of local community members where possible, and the employment of females will

be encouraged.

The principal project objective is thus to exploit the Kitumba IOCG mineral reserve in an economically

viable and environmentally sustainable manner for the benefit of shareholders as well as current and

future generations of Zambians, causing the minimum possible ecological damage while bringing

economic opportunities to Zambia in the areas surrounding the development site.



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Figure 2: The project site surroundings



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



4.3



Environmental Impact Study



Main site activities and processes, materials, products and by-products

associated with the project phases



The Mumbwa area has numerous historic artisanal copper mines dating from the late 19th century and

has been explored for large Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) style deposits since the mid-1990s

(http://www.blackthornresources.com.au/projects /mumbwa/).

The current prospecting activities on the site as described above involve extensive drilling programmes

over a variety of phases, with data interpretation phases occurring in between. The site has thus been

experiencing a cycle of drilling programmes and care and maintenance status

The exploration camp was constructed by BHP Billiton at the start of exploration activities and is still in

use. It is planned that the camp will be expanded and upgraded to accommodate the proposed mining

project as well. The camp has generator-supplied electricity and running water (reportedly not potable

although some of the locals do drink from the taps without ill effect) as well as septic tank sewerage

systems, a fully equipped kitchen, accommodation facilities and fully functional office facilities. The Core

shed is also located at the camp.



4.3.1



Site establishment Construction Phase



Due to the prospecting activities occurring at the project site, much of the activities typically associated

with site establishment will be carried over to the proposed mining project. Activities associated with the

construction phase would include fencing of the entire mining site and provision of appropriate and

secured access; vegetation clearance and construction of roads and site infrastructure (offices,

accommodation facilities and the processing plant etc.).

The proposed layout of the project site is illustrated in Figure 3.



The existing and proposed



accommodation facilities are illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure 5.

The majority of supplies (food, cleaning detergents, bottled water etc.) are and will continue to be

sources from Lusaka. Local produce is purchased in Mumbwa where possible. Domestic waste is

removed by a contractor and disposed of at Landfill. This practice will likely continue in the operational

phase although recycling options are encouraged.



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Figure 3: Proposed site layout



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Figure 4: Existing exploration camp



Figure 5: Proposed on-site accommodation



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Environmental Impact Study



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



4.3.2



Environmental Impact Study



Operational Phase



The proposed project entails an underground mining operation using a sub-level caving mining method

at a 3 mega tons per annum (Mtpa) production rate. Twin declines will be used for access and haulage

The copper to be mined is primarily sulphide (secondary chalcocite and primary chalcopyrite), and oxide

is lesser component The process plant will produce both cathode copper and copper concentrate to be

shipped off site by road truck. All waste material from the Processing Plant facilities will report to the

TSF as thickened Tailings.

Under normal operating condition no surface discharge of process water or rainfall will occur from the

tailings storage facility with water recycled to the process plant for reuse in the process circuit. In the

event of extreme rainfall of greater than 1 in 100 year average recurrence interval there is the potential

for water to be discharged from the tailings storage facility via an engineered spillway which has been

designed to pass flows up to the probably maximum flood (~1 in 100,000 year recurrence interval). This

water will be directed through an engineered discharge channel to a point at which the discharge cannot

result in erosion or damage to the tailings storage facility or other infrastructure and will then be release

to the natural creek system located to the south west of the tailings storage facility. On closure after the

tailings beach has been covered and rehabilitated rainfall which falls on the facility will also be

discharged through the same engineered spillway and discharge channel to the natural creek system.

On site facilities will include underground mining (Sub-Level Caving); processing plant; water storage

facilities; waste dump; and a tailings facility. Water supply and power supply infrastructure will also be

included, as well as haul roads, access road(s) and conveyors where appropriate. Additionally, office

facilities and employee housing and associated infrastructure are to be located on the site. The existing

exploration camp will serve as an ideal base for providing the first of these facilities but will be expanded

/ upgraded as necessary. It is currently estimated that the construction phase work force will be

approximately 500 people, and the operational phases will generate employment for approximately 400

people. The project will aim to provide equal opportunity to women in mining and related operations

where feasible. Employees will be able to travel to the site by bus (service and vehicles to be supplied

by the project proponent) from Mumbwa and Lusaka.

Plant-related machinery will include trucks, loaders, production drills, tool-carriers, graders and light

vehicles. A brief description of the major equipment used and the process steps is given below:





Primary ore crushing







Grinding and classification







Rougher flotation to produce a bulk concentrate







Acid leaching of bulk rougher concentrate







Filtration of leached concentrate with filtrate processed by solvent extraction and electrowinning



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(SXEW) to produce copper cathode





Neutralisation of filtrate residue followed by secondary flotation of filtrate residue







Secondary flotation concentrate regrind and two stages of cleaner flotation to produce a copper

concentrate







Copper concentrate thickening, filtration and stockpiling







Tailings thickening and disposal



Personnel on site will include site supervisors, operators, drivers, drillers, a service crew, general

workers, the mine management, foreman, engineers, supervisors, geologists, administrative and

support staff, safety and training staff, maintenance staff, leading hands and fitters. It is recommended

that an Environmental Manager should also form part of the on-site personnel, although this function

may be fulfilled by a designated person along with his/her other responsibilities. Personnel during the

operational phase will be approximately 280 people on site at any given time. During construction there

will be approximately 350 people on site. Preference will be given to the employment of Zambian

citizens where possible, and skills development training will form an integral part of mine operations.

Sub-level caving extracts ore via sublevels developed in the ore body at regular spacing. Minimal

blasting, all underground, is involved during normal operations, and during the first two years of preproduction there will be blasting throughout the mine development, approximately 95 % of the blasting

occurring underground. Sub-level caving is associated with a subsistence effect above the mining zone.

The approximate area of the subsidence zone is 80 hectares (the subsidence cone). A buffer zone of

100 meters around the subsistence cone will also be implemented.



4.3.2.1



Detailed description of the operational phase and process design



Primary Crushing and Stockpiling: Run-of-mine (ROM) ore will be reclaimed from the ROM stockpile

by front-end loader (FEL) and fed into the ROM bin from where it will be fed, by an apron feeder, into a

jaw crusher. The crushed ore will be transported by the surge bin feed conveyor to the surge bin.

A 200 mm static grizzly positioned over the ROM bin will prevent rocks or trash from entering the bin and

a rock breaker will be installed to break oversize material. The ROM bin will have a surge capacity of

approximately 150 t or 0.5 hours.

Ore from the surge bin, which has a capacity of approximately 150 t, is fed by a variable speed apron

feeder onto the SAG mill feed conveyor. A weightometer installed on the conveyor will control the speed

of the apron feeder to achieve the desired mill feed rate as set by the operator.

In order to maintain steady operation through the primary crusher when the surge bin is full an overflow

chute allows material to feed onto the emergency stockpile feed conveyor for discharge onto the



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emergency stockpile. A weightometer installed on the emergency stockpile feed conveyor monitors the

amount of ore sent to the emergency stockpile. Material is reclaimed from the emergency stockpile by

FEL and will be fed to the SAG mill feed conveyor via a hopper located over the conveyor.

A dust collection system will be installed on the stockpile feed conveyor at the jaw crusher discharge to

reduce airborne dust around the primary crusher area.

A clean-up hopper will be provided to allow scats and other spillage to be returned to the SAG mill feed

conveyor using a skid-steer loader. Drive-in style sump pumps will service the area to facilitate area

clean-up. The sump pumps will deliver spillage hosed into the sump to the cyclone feed hopper located

in the grinding area.

Grinding & Classification (PFDs 3135-F-201 & 202)

The circuit will consist of a SAG mill operating in open circuit with a ball mill operating in closed circuit

with a cyclone cluster.

The SAG mill will be 8.53 m diameter x 4.35 m EGL mill, with a 6 MW variable speed motor. The mill

will operate with between 8 and 13% ball charge. Ore will be fed to the ball mill at a controlled rate,

nominally 375 dry tph, and water added to the feed chute to achieve the desired mill discharge density.

Feed to the SAG mill will have a F80 of 137 mm.

The ball mill will be 6.10 m diameter x 9.05 m EGL mill, with a 6 MW variable speed motor. The mill will

operate with between 29 and 36% ball charge.

Product from the SAG mill will discharge over a trommel with 20 mm apertures. Trommel oversize will

be screened with screen oversize discharging onto the scats conveyor which feed the recycle crusher.

Product from the recycle crusher will be returned to the SAG mill feed conveyor.

SAG mill trommel undersize will gravitate to the cyclone feed hopper where it will be combined with ball

mill trommel undersize before being pumped to the primary cyclone cluster by cyclone feed pumps

operating in a duty / standby configuration. A density gauge on the cyclone feed line will be used to

control the cyclone feed density by controlling the addition of dilution water to the cyclone feed hopper.

The cyclone cluster will be a fully manual operation with manual valves and local pressure indication.

Cyclone underflow will be directed to the ball mill feed chute whilst the overflow will be directed to the

trash screen ahead of the rougher flotation.

Two vertical spindle sump pumps, one located at the feed end of the mills and another at the discharge

end of the mills will service the area. The concrete floor under the mill area will slope to the sumps to

facilitate clean-up.

Grinding media for the SAG mill will be introduced to the SAG feed conveyor from the SAG mill ball

charge hopper located over the conveyor. Ball mill grinding media will be introduced by use of a ball



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Environmental Impact Study



charging hoist located on the cyclone tower. Balls will be charged using a kibble.



Primary Rougher Flotation and Filtration: The cyclone overflow will pass over a linear screen to

remove foreign material prior to rougher flotation. Trash will report to the trash bunker where it will be

periodically removed by skid-steer loader. Slurry will gravitate from the linear screen underpan through

a linear sampler, which will take a continuous sample to feed the On-Stream Analyser (OSA). The

remainder of the stream will flow to the rougher flotation cells.

Slurry from the sampling unit will gravitate into the sulphide rougher conditioning tank where PAX

(collector) and MIBC (frother) will be added. Process water will also be added to dilute the slurry to the

appropriate density. The sulphide rougher conditioning tank discharges to the head of a bank of four

sulphide rougher flotation cells, 100 m3 forced air tank cells, arranged in series. Sulphide rougher

concentrate will gravitate into the rougher concentrate hopper with sulphide rougher tailings gravitating

to the oxide rougher condition tank.

In the oxide rougher conditioning tank additional collector and frother will be added together with the

sulphidising reagent sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS). NaHS is used to sulphidise the surface of oxide

minerals so that they will respond to flotation with “normal” collectors. The oxide rougher conditioning

tank discharges to the head of a bank of four oxide rougher flotation cells, 100 m3 forced air tank cells,

arranged in series. Oxide rougher concentrate will gravitate into the oxide rougher concentrate hopper

from where it will be pumped to rougher concentrate hopper. Oxide rougher tailings will be directed to

the final tails hopper.

Rougher concentrate feed pumps operating in duty / standby mode transfer rougher concentrate to the

rougher concentrate filter feed tank from where rougher concentrate filter feed pumps operating in duty /

standby mode pump the rougher concentrate to the rougher concentrate filter press.

Filtrate from the filter will be collected in the rougher concentrate filtrate tank from where it will be

pumped by one of two rougher concentrate filtrate pumps operating in duty / standby mode to the final

tails hopper. Residue (filter cake) from the filter will be discharged onto the rougher concentrate transfer

conveyor which will discharge the rougher concentrate residue into the concentrate leach surge tank.

Vertical spindle sump pumps in both the sulphide rougher and oxide rougher areas collect spillage in

that area and pump it to either the appropriate conditioning tank or the final tails hopper.

Concentrate Leach and Filtration: The rougher concentrate will be slurried in the concentrate leach

surge tank with sulphuric acid and raffinate (acidic solution from solvent extraction) before being

pumped to the first of three agitated concentrate leach tanks arranged in series. Flow between the

leach tanks will be by cascading of the overflow. The purpose of the acid is to leach acid soluble copper

from the concentrate into solution.



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Environmental Impact Study



Leached slurry discharging from the 3rd concentrate leach tank will flow into the leach filter feed surge

tank from where it will be pumped by one of two pumps operating in duty / standby mode to the leach

filter press. Filtrate from the filter press will be collected in the PLS surge tank from where it will be

pumped by one of two PLS transfer pumps operating in duty / standby mode to the PLS pond. Raffinate

will be used as a wash solution through the filter press.

Residue (filter cake) from the filter press will be discharged from the filter onto the leach residue transfer

conveyor which will discharge the residue into the first of four agitated neutralisation tanks.

A vertical spindle sump pump in area collects spillage and pumps it to the concentrate leach surge tank.

Neutralisation and Secondary Rougher Flotation: Leach filter residue will be neutralised by the

addition of lime slurry in a series of four neutralisation tanks. Flow between the leach tanks will be by

cascading of the overflows. Neutralisation is necessary to remove excess acid from the slurry prior to

the next flotation stage.

Secondary sulphide flotation feed pumps operating in duty / standby mode pump the neutralised slurry to

the secondary sulphide rougher conditioning tank. Two vertical spindle sump pumps located at either

end of the area collect spillage and pump it into the neutralisation circuit.

Provision is made for the addition of frother, collector, lime and process water to the neutralised slurry in

the secondary sulphide rougher conditioning tank which discharges to the head of a bank of four

3



secondary sulphide rougher flotation cells, 20 m forced air tank cells, arranged in series. Secondary

sulphide rougher concentrate will gravitate into the secondary sulphide rougher concentrate hopper from

where it will be pumped to the regrind circuit by one of two secondary sulphide rougher concentrate

pumps operating in duty / standby mode. Secondary sulphide rougher tailings flow into the secondary

sulphide rougher tails hopper from where it will be pumped to the final tails hopper by one of two

secondary sulphide rougher tails pumps operating in duty / standby mode.

A vertical spindle sump pump will service this area for spillage clean-up.

Regrind and Cleaner Flotation: Secondary sulphide rougher concentrate and sulphide regrind mill

discharge will be combined in the sulphide regrind cyclone feed hopper before being pumped by one of

two sulphide regrind cyclone feed pumps operating in duty / standby mode to the sulphide regrind

cyclone cluster. The cyclone cluster will be a fully manual operation with manual valves and local

pressure indication. Cyclone underflow will be directed to the sulphide regrind mill whilst the overflow

will be directed to sulphide cleaner 1 flotation bank.

The sulphide regrind mill operates in closed circuit with the cyclone cluster. Grinding media will be added

to the regrind mill via a kibble discharging balls into the underflow launder of the cyclone cluster.

The regrind area will be serviced by one vertical spindle sump pump in the area.

Sulphide cleaner 1 will be a bank of 5 forced air trough cells, while Sulphide cleaner 2 will be a single

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Environmental Impact Study



forced air trough cell. Provision is made for the addition of collector, frother and lime at the feed box

ahead of the bank. Concentrate will gravitate to the sulphide cleaners concentrate hoppers from where

it will be pumped by one of two sulphide cleaner concentrate pumps operating in duty / standby mode to

the feed box of the sulphide cleaner 2 flotation cell or the feed box of the concentrate thickener

respectively. Sulphide cleaner 1 tails will be directed to the final tails hopper. Sulphide cleaner 2 tails

gravitate to sulphide cleaner 2 tails hopper from where it will be pumped by one of two sulphide cleaner

concentrate pumps operating in duty / standby mode to the feed box of sulphide cleaner 1 flotation bank.

Vertical spindle sump pumps in the regrind area and cleaner area service each area.

Concentrate Thickening and Filtration: Secondary sulphide concentrate will be pumped to the feed

box of the 6 m diameter high rate thickener concentrate thickener where it will be mixed with a dilute

flocculant. Thickener underflow at 60% solids by weight will be pumped by thickener underflow pumps

in a duty / standby arrangement to the concentrate storage tank. Thickener overflow will gravitate to the

concentrate thickener overflow tank from where it will be pumped to the process water pond for re-use in

the process.

Concentrate will be pumped from the storage tank, which has sufficient capacity for 12 h of filter feed, by

filter feed pumps in a duty / standby arrangement, to the concentrate filter - an automatic pressure filter.

Filtrate will be collected in the filtrate tank from where it will be returned to the concentrate thickener by

filtrate pumps operating in a duty / standby arrangement. “Dry” concentrate will be discharged from the

filter onto the concentrate conveyor for transport to the concentrate stockpile. Vertical spindle sump

pumps in both the concentrate thickener area and filter area service these areas for spillage clean-up.

Tailings Disposal: Oxide rougher tails together with secondary sulphide rougher tails and sulphide

cleaner 1 tails will be pumped to the feed box of the 23 m diameter high rate tailings thickeners where

they will be mixed with dilute flocculant and rougher concentrate filtrate. Thickener underflow at 50%

solids by weight will be pumped to the tailings storage facility by one of two sets of two stage tails pumps

operating in a duty / standby arrangement. Thickener overflow will gravitate to the process water tank

for re-use in the process. A single vertical spindle sump pump will service this area for spillage cleanup.

The process flow is illustrated in Figure 6. The addition of lime to the process will ensure that

neutralisation of the waste stream and thus address the possibility of acid mine drainage occurring. The

lime will be sourced as hydrated lime from an offsite supplier.

The Life of Mine (LoM) is not expected to exceed 20 years and is currently planned to be 11 + years.

Product will consist of copper cathode as well as wet copper sulphide concentrate. 33,000 tonnes per

annum of copper cathode and ~ 24,000 tonnes per annum of wet copper sulphide concentrate is

planned to be shipped from site by road truck. The current assumption is that the concentrates will be

placed with local Zambian smelters on the Copperbelt (via Lusaka most likely), while the cathodes will

be transported to an appropriate port such as Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) or Durban (South Africa) for

export (also probably via Lusaka).



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Environmental Impact Study



The following specific information applies to the process flow diagram:

Table 7: Specific information in terms of the process flow

Particle size reduction



Refer to the descriptions above



Types of crushers



Refer to the descriptions above



Reagents to be used



The following reagents will be used as described

above (sourced from off-site suppliers unless

otherwise indicated)





Frother (MIBC)







PAX







Flocculant







NaHS (Sodium Hydrosulphide)







Extractant







Diluent







Hydrated Lime







Guar







Cobalt Sulphate







Sulphuric Acid



Types of leaching vessels and process



Please refer to the process description above

where these processes are discussed in detail



Capacity of the copper electro winning plant and

the amount of electricity needed



The process design for the solvent extraction –

electrowinning plant has been based on the

Production of 33,000 tpa copper with the following

electricity requirements:

69000 Amps, 184 Volts



The method used when drying the copper

concentrate and the moisture content of the

copper sulphide concentrate



Refer to the process description above



Clarify the type of lime to be used for neutralization



Hydrated lime from an external supplier



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Environmental Impact Study



Figure 6: Process flow diagram



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



4.3.3



Environmental Impact Study



Closure Phase



The rehabilitation, closure and aftercare plan will be associated with the following primary activities:





Dismantling of the processing plant, administrative facilities, workshops and other buildings,

which will involve the removal of all equipment for salvage or re-sale. Items with no salvage

value to the mine, but which might have value to individuals will be sold. Any fixed assets that

can be profitably removed, will also be removed for salvage or resale. All remaining items will

be treated as waste and disposed of in a designated waste disposal area.







All rubble and waste from the dismantling of the processing plant will be disposed of in a

designated waste disposal area. This excludes any tailings or slurry dam materials;







All structures are to be demolished or dismantled, and foundations to be removed to a minimum

of 500 mm below the natural ground level. All excavations will be filled with 350 mm waste rock

from the stockpiled waste material and 150 mm topsoil. Terraced areas will be cut back to a

slope incline of no more than 18º; and the entire disturbed area will be ripped to a depth of

500 mm, covered with topsoil and vegetated.







Roads will be ripped, reshaped, covered with 150 mm topsoil and vegetated. Access portals to

decline shafts will be sealed with a double-layered reinforced brick wall with concrete

foundation. A 1Q thick reinforced concrete plug will be used to seal ventilation shafts. All

structures and ventilation equipment are to be demolished, with all terracing and foundations to

be removed to a minimum of 500 mm below the natural ground level. All excavation will be

filled with 400 mm waste rock and the entire rehabilitated area will be covered with 100 mm

topsoil. This applies to the area where the ventilation infrastructure has been removed. Any

other disturbed areas will be ripped to a depth of 500 mm, covered with 100 mm topsoil and

vegetated.







The waste dump will remain post-closure, but all dump slopes will be reshaped from 24° to an

18 ° incline angle. Run-off control benches will be constructed on dump slopes at 35 m

intervals to prevent storm water damage on the dump slope. The entire dump slope surface will

be covered with a minimum of 100 mm topsoil and vegetated. This will serve as both a

rainwater penetration cover and a dust fallout prevention measure.



Paddocks will be



constructed on the dump top surface to assist with evaporation and ensure the prevention of

rainwater overtopping. Surface water diversions around the WRD footprint will be left in place

during and post the mining operations as part of the general operational mining infrastructure;





The TSF will remain post-closure, and if not constructed as such, the TSF walls will be

reshaped to a slope incline of 18°. Run-off control benches will be constructed at 25 m intervals

to prevent storm water damage on the dump slope;



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Environmental Impact Study



The entire TSF wall surface will be covered with 100 mm topsoil and vegetated to serve as an

evaporative cover and prevent dust-fallout. Paddocks will be constructed on the top surface to

assist with evaporation and ensure the prevention of rainwater overtopping;







Surface water diversions around the TSF footprints will be left in place; and any associated

equipment will be removed and disposed of.







General surface rehabilitation will involve the reshaping of terraced land to a maximum 18°

incline angle and to resemble the natural topography.



All disturbed areas not covered



specifically in the details of the closure and rehabilitation plan will at least be ripped to a depth of

500 mm, covered with 150 mm topsoil and vegetated.





Fencing which has become redundant will be dismantled and removed for salvage. Where

fencing is to be installed for post-closure safety, dismantled fencing will be used first. All

concrete fence foundations will be demolished to 500 mm below original ground level. All fence

lines are to be ripped to a depth of 500 mm, covered with 150 mm topsoil and vegetated where

required.







Water related infrastructure will remain post closure and be transferred to a suitable

authority/owner.







It is recommended that a geotechnical study be done to determine the stability of the

depression which will inform the rehabilitation of the zone of subsidence. Depending on

the geotechnical findings it is proposed that either:

o



The area be fenced off and handled as an open pit, if considered too unstable to

rehabilitate. The sustainability of a fence is not beyond a decade, therefore



o



A waste rock berm that would limit access by livestock such as cattle and especially

people should be developed around the depression. This is however expected to be

costly and needs to be assessed during future project phases. For example the waste

rock could be dumped closer to the area of depression in order to be available postclosure.



o



If stability allows standard rehabilitation measures could be implemented such as the

area being ripped, levelled, covered with topsoil and vegetated thereafter but this is

dependent on the findings of the geotechnical investigation.



4.3.4



The storage and Management of Chemicals, explosives and hazardous wastes



The process uses a number of chemicals/reagents that require an electrical hazardous area

classification, HAC, to be performed in particular this applies to the following reagents:



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project







Kerosene







MIBC







Xanthate



Environmental Impact Study



A detailed HAC, including other reagents, will be completed during subsequent phases of project

development. Options may exist to substitute for some regents with non-hazardous equivalents.

In general, areas for the storage of chemicals or hydrocarbons which could cause pollution by accidental

spillage have to be in a designated area designed for this purpose. Specifically the area has to be

bunded, and the flooring material has to be impervious and directed to a sump. The bunded are should

be able to contain 1 ½ times the volume of the liquid stored in the bund.

Hazardous wastes will also be stored in designated areas, in closed containers but will be stored for the

shortest possible time period before being removed off site and disposed of at a registered/licensed

facility.

The Environmental Management Act, 2011 contains the following definitions specifically pertaining to

hazardous waste, explosives and toxic substances including chemicals:

“Toxic substance” means chemical material, including an object or article, which is poisonous,

corrosive, irritant, explosive, inflammable or harmful to human beings, animals, plants or the

environment;

"hazardous waste" means waste which is poisonous, corrosive, irritant, explosive, inflammable,

toxic or other substance or thing that is harmful to human beings, animals, plants or the

environment;”

The Explosives Act “makes provision for regulating control over the manufacture, use, possession,

storage, importation, exportation, transportation and destruction of explosives; and to provide for matters

incidental thereto or connected therewith”

In accordance with the relevant legislation, the use of explosives on site is to be controlled, and

explosives should only be handled and used by qualified designated persons.

Section 7 (1) of the Act prohibits the importation and exportation of explosives into or from the Republic,

unless written authority has been obtained from the Chief Inspector. The project proponent will

therefore have to obtain such permission if explosives are to be imported.

Section 3 (1) of the Act states that “Every person having in his possession or under his control any

explosive shall take all precautions which, having regard to the purpose for which such explosive is

lawfully used, are reasonable, to ensure that such explosive is not lost or stolen or is not at any time

available to any person not lawfully entitled to possess or use such explosive.”



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Environmental Impact Study



This implies that the explosives storage magazine at the project site has to be secure at all times.

The Explosives Regulations provides specifically for Transportation of explosives (Part iii and iv),

storage of explosives (Part v), acquisition of explosives (Part vi), the use of explosives (Part viii) and

other related and relevant matters. These regulations will be strictly adhered to on the project site,

including applying and obtaining all relevant licenses for transportation, possession, use and storage of

explosives prior to such actions taking place on the site.

The following will apply specifically to explosives management at the proposed project:

1) Emulsion is likely the best explosive for use in stoping (not least because it is not sensitive to

water). Emulsion can be delivered to (or manufactured at) site in two components which are

categorised as dangerous goods. Consequently emulsion is not to be stored at the magazine.

2) The quantity of explosive required for development is significantly lower than that required for

stoping. From the project schedule, it peaks at about 22t per week.

3) The site will require a surface magazine at the beginning of the project, which could possibly be

replaced after approximately 2 years by an underground magazine.

4) A magazine compound of around 50m x 50m will be required, which could be sufficient for 2

magazine containers. Explosives would be separated into two different containers:

a. blasting agents/explosives where the bulk of the mass would be stored; and

b. Initiating systems (i.e. detonators).

5) An explosive storage requirement of 25t/week will apply: Cap115, Explosives Act Zambia Second Schedule – the magazine should be located 250m from any site buildings or facilities,

325m from a potential emulsion plant and around 650m from any public facilities or works.

Licensed explosive storage facilities in Zambia are required to be bunded with an earth wall

equal to the height of the storage facility. These requirements will be strictly adhered to.

6) The currently planned position of the magazine on the surface plan (See Page 22 of Appendix

3-5) is located approximately 1000m away from other site infrastructure, with earth bunding,

fencing and lightning protection.



4.4



Project water balance



The project’s make-up water requirements of 4,177m3/d (48 ℓ/s) could be obtained from a number of

alternative sources as discussed under section 8.5.1 of this report. The project water balance is

indicated in Figure 7. This is a conservative chart as dewatering and stormwater are not taken into

account.

For additional detail on the environmental water balance, please refer to the Hydrogeological report,

contained in Appendix 3.



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Environmental Impact Study



Figure 7: Project water balance chart



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



5



Environmental Impact Study



ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE STUDY



The information contained in the following Section describes the baseline (current and existing) environmental

conditions at the proposed mining site. In each case a description of the regional conditions are included

where applicable in order to understand the proposed project site in context.

The baseline environmental description was sourced from Desktop studies, aerial photographs, other EIAs

that have been conducted in the nearby surroundings in the past, and a number of specialist studies

conducted on site as listed in Table 8. A comprehensive list of sources referenced is contained in Section 13

of this report.

Table 8: Specialist involvement in the EIS

Specialist Field



Company



Author(s)



Lead EIA Consultant



Africa Geo Environmental

Services Gauteng (Pty) Ltd –

“AGES”



Michael Grobler



Air

Quality

Assessment



Impact



Airshed Planning Professionals

(Pty) Ltd



Lelani Stolp

H Liebenberg-Enslin and

N Gresse



Ecology and Biodiversity



AGES Gauteng



Dr BJ Henning



Heritage and Archaeology



AGES Gauteng



Neels Kruger



Hydro-Geology

Impact

Assessment and water

supply options analysis



AGES Gauteng



Dr. JJP Vivier;

R Hansen;

JFW Mostert;

M Hill and

F Meyer



Mine Closure and

Rehabilitation



REDE

Engineering

&

Management Services (Pty) Ltd



N de Lange and

C F Theron



Noise Impact Assessment



Acusolv



Dr. Ben van Zyl



Social



Ptersa

Environmental

Management Consultants



San-Marie Aucamp and

Ilse Aucamp



Soils, Land Capability and

Agricultural Potential



AGES Gauteng (Pty) Ltd



Dr BJ Henning



Traffic



Corli Havenga

Engineers



Cobus Havenga



Visual Impact Assessment



Newtown Landscape Architects



Transportation



Mitha Cillliers and

Graham Young



Wetlands



AGES Gauteng



AGES Gauteng (Pty) Ltd



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Dr BJ Henning



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



5.1

5.1.1



Environmental Impact Study



Climate

Regional Climatic Conditions



Zambia is situated in a subtropical climate generally described as pleasant tropical, but seldom unpleasantly

hot outside of the valleys (Henning B. J., May 2013). Chapman & Walmsley, 2003, describes three distinct

seasons prevalent in Zambia, namely the cool dry season (April/May to August), the hot dry season (August to

November); and the rainy season or warm wet season (November to April).

The cool dry season experiences maximum temperatures between 24.5ºC and 27ºC and minimum

temperatures ranging between 6.9ºC to 10.4ºC (Mndaweni, Vermeulen, & Rowland, 2009). In depressions,

radiation frosts occur on cloudless nights (Henning, 2012). Night frost also occurs in places sheltered from

the wind (Henning B. J., May 2013). The countryside dries up gradually and grass fires, fanned by high winds,

are a feature of this time of the year.

The hot dry season is associated with a marked rise in temperatures, but new plant growth is witnessed even

prior to the first rains. This season is also the main growing period for woody vegetation in the region

(Henning B. J., May 2013).

During the warm wet or rainy season mean maximum temperatures vary between 27ºC and 31.4ºC while

minimum temperatures range from 13.8ºC to 17.8ºC (Mndaweni, Vermeulen, & Rowland, 2009). There are

frequent heavy rains and thunderstorms during this time of year, followed by spells of bright sunshine. Except

for very rare showers in August, rain is confined to the wet season, which sometimes starts as early as

October and finishes as early as March. At the height of the rainy season, it rains on seven or eight days out of

ten.

The mean annual temperature ranges between 18–20ºC (Chapman & Walmsley, 2003). Average annual

precipitation for the region is estimated at 890 mm (Mndaweni, Vermeulen, & Rowland, 2009). Nationally,

annual rainfall decreases from an average of 1,000 mm in the northern parts of the country to an average of

600 mm in the south (Chapman & Walmsley, 2003).

5.1.2



Climate of the project area



The project site is located in a medium-rainfall area on what is termed the ‘central plateau’ with rainfall

between 800 to 1000 mm per annum (Henning, 2012). Lightning is observed regularly. The altitude ranges

from 1 000 m to 1 500 m and the climate is described as mild with temperatures rarely exceeding 35˚C.

Average temperatures are moderated by the height of the plateau (Robertson, Hall, & Gallant, 2012) (Henning

B. J., May 2013).

Maximum temperatures in the cool season range from 15˚C to 27˚C while minimum temperatures vary from 6

˚C to 10˚C. Occasional frost occurs on calm nights in valleys and hollows which are sheltered from the wind.

Prevailing winds during this season are dry south-easterlies and cause cloudy to overcast conditions (Henning

B. J., May 2013). During the hot season maximum temperatures may range from 27˚C to 35˚C.



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Environmental Impact Study



Mean annual temperature ranges between 18 and 20˚C. The highest annual average temperature is 32˚C and

the lowest temperature averages 4˚C.

The average monthly rainfall and maximum and minimum temperature variation for Mumbwa is presented in

Figure 8 and Figure 9 respectively.



Figure 8: Average Temperatures, Mumbwa (adapted from http://www.climatecharts.com/Locations/z/ZA67655MUMBW0010.php)



Figure 9: Average and absolute maximum and minimum temperatures for the Mumbwa area

(http://www.myweather2.com/City-Town/Zambia/Mumbwa/climate-profile.aspx)



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



5.2



Environmental Impact Study



Air Quality



The existing baseline air quality is typical of the natural and rural environment.

Possible existing sources of atmospheric emissions impacting on air quality in the region include small-scale

formal and informal mining activities, informal charcoal production, vehicle entrainment on paved and unpaved

roads and vehicle tailpipe emissions (although traffic is very limited), wind-blown dust from exposed areas,

emissions from residential fuel burning and natural burning of vegetation.

During March 2013, on-site investigation and measurements yielded the results described below (LiebenbergEnslin & Gresse, 2013):

Atmospheric processes at both macro and meso-scales need be considered in order to accurately determine

the atmospheric dispersion potential (the rate and area where pollutants from a source would affect the

surroundings) of a particular area. Parameters that need to be considered in the characterisation of mesoscale ventilation potentials include wind speed, wind direction, ambient air temperature and mixing depth.



5.2.1



Wind



The results of the wind field modelling are communicated in the wind roses presented in Figure 10 - Figure 12.

The dominant winds experienced at the project site are from the east and south-east and there is very little

variation in the annual wind fields. Diurnal variability does occur in the wind field: during the day predominant

winds are from the east, while night-times are characterised by an increase in winds from the south-east.

Winds in excess of 5 m/s are generally required to lift and entrain windblown dust. Wind speeds at the project

site are primarily below 5 m/s with strong winds of more than 5 m/s occurring more frequently in relation to

weak winds of 2 m/s and less. Moderate wind speeds exceeding 4 m/s occurred for 57.2% of the time with

those above 3 m/s for 75.5%.



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



Figure 10: Period Wind Rose for the project site (2010-2012)



Figure 11: Daytime and Night time Wind Rose for the project site (2010-2012)



Figure 12: Seasonal Wind Rose for the project site (2010-2012)



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



5.2.2



Environmental Impact Study



Air temperature



The air temperature is considered for determining the development of the mixing and inversion layers and for

determining the effect of plume buoyancy. The larger the temperature difference between the plume and the

ambient air, the higher the plume is able to rise. Maximum temperatures reach 32.2°C at 15h00 and 16h00,

while the coldest temperature of 6.1°C is reached around 02h00. Diurnal variability of mean, maximum and

minimum temperature for the proposed site from 2010 to 2012 is illustrated in Figure 13.



Figure 13: Diurnal variability of mean, maximum and minimum temperature (2010-2012)



5.2.3



Relative humidity



Relative humidity in the area ranges from between 16% to 100%. Monthly and diurnal relative humidity

variations are presented in Figure 14.



Figure 14: Monthly and diurnal humidity variations (2010-2012)



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5.2.4



Environmental Impact Study



Precipitation and evaporation



Rainfall (precipitation) represents an effective removal mechanism of atmospheric pollutants and is therefore

frequently considered during air pollution studies. Evaporation rates have important implications for the design

and implementation of effective dust control programmes and must therefore also be considered. Evaporation

is a function of ambient temperature, wind and the saturation deficit of the air.

An on-site weather station was installed during June 2013 and data from this weather station should be

considered in future studies. The total rainfall for the town of Mumbwa which is the closest town to the project

site is between 747 mm and 880 mm depending on sources considered. Rainfall is restricted to the summer

months (November to April).

Air pressure in the area ranges from 867 hPa in August 2010 to 886 hPa in January 2011. The period data

investigated includes data from 2010 to 2012 and the average was approximately 875 hPa.



5.2.5



Atmospheric Stability and Mixing Depth



The atmospheric boundary layer constitutes the first few hundred meters of the atmosphere and is directly

affected by the earth's surface, either through the retardation of flow due to frictional drag, or as result of heat

and moisture exchanges taking place at the surface.

The atmospheric boundary layer is typically unstable during the day due to turbulence caused by the sun's

heating effect on the earth's surface. The thickness of this mixing layer depends predominantly on the extent

of solar radiation, and the situation is more pronounced during winter due to strong night-time inversions and a

slower developing mixing layer. During the night a stable layer, with limited vertical mixing, exists. During

windy and/or cloudy conditions, the atmosphere is normally neutral.

For elevated releases such as stack emissions, the highest ground level concentrations would occur during

unstable, daytime conditions. In contrast, the highest concentrations for ground level, or near-ground level

releases from non-wind dependent sources would occur during weak wind speeds and stable (night-time)

atmospheric conditions. The project site predominantly experiences stable conditions (36 % of the time) while

unstable conditions are experienced 25% of the time and neutral conditions prevail approximately 17% of the

time.

Modelling which was completed in terms of potential air quality impacts indicated that the project would affect

air quality beyond the borders of the mining site, but as there are no permanent receptors in the affected area,

this is not expected to be a significant concern.



5.3



Groundwater and Geology



The project site in terms of regional geological setting is located to the south of the Katangan copper belt in

Zambia. The Neoproterozoic Katangan belt to the north of the project area forms a north-directed thrust-andfold arc, termed the Lufilian Arc. Refer to Figure 15.



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Locally, the Kitumba deposit is hosted within a hematite-dominated breccia system which is developed along

the Mumbwa Fault Zone (MFZ) and which outcrops as a prominent north-south trending ridge forming part of

the Kitumba Hills (Vivier & Mostert, June 2013). The MFZ is crosscut by a series of northeast trending faults

with associated dextral displacements. The central part of the deposit is crosscut by a zone of later northnorthwest to northwest trending intense faulting and fracturing. This structural framework resulted in

development of secondary permeability which appears to have played a major role in remobilisation and reconcentration of copper and gold mineralisation (Vivier & Mostert, June 2013).

Kitumba represents a deeply weathered system with weathering and oxidation extending to several hundred

metres depth. Deep weathering is particularly pronounced in the vicinity of the MFZ and zones of high fracture

intensity, where leaching of the hematite-rich breccia systems has typically resulted in porous, vuggy rocks.

Three prominent rock-type associations are recognised at Kitumba: (1) Kundulungu Group metasediments are

intruded by (2) quartz-feldspar porphyry granitoids which are in turn intruded by (3) feldspar porphyry syenite

complex. The geometry of this system is considered to be sub-vertical and complex, arising from several

phases of intrusion commonly in the form of dyke swarms (Vivier & Mostert, June 2013).

The site is underlain by a shallow and a deep aquifer system with structural geology and weathering playing a

major role in aquifer development. The shallow aquifer consists of ferricrete and alluvium material and occurs

from surface to depths of 10 meters below ground level (mbgl). Wetlands/marshes within the study area are

formed as part of the shallow, perched aquifer. The deeper, intermediate aquifer is formed by

weathered/fractured bedrock and occurs from 40 mbgl to 200 mbgl. This aquifer is underlain by a deep aquifer

deeper than 200 mbgl that consists of solid/fractured bedrock at varying intersection depths (Vivier & Mostert,

June 2013).

Geochemical modelling that was conducted for the project indicated that there is a potential for the mine

tailings facility to produce acid. The potential for Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) to result from the operations was

addressed by the addition of significant quantities of lime to the process to neutralize the waste stream. While

there will be sulphides present in the tailings that report to the TSF, the processes are operated at ~ pH 10 –

11 by the addition of lime so the final tails will be at the same pH. As a result the tailings will have a high pH

and significant lime content. The formation of AMD has therefore been addressed and is not a significant

concern, however the high pH may have alternative implications to the geochemical impacts of the project and

further investigation is warranted from a process engineering perspective.

Uranium also occurs in the mine waste, but based on current estimates, the degree of enrichment is not

considered severe (Rowles, 18 June 2013). Follow-up radiological and human health impact assessments

are still recommended as part of the DFS in order to quantify the risk more definitively.

During August 2012, AGES conducted a preliminary hydrocensus around the target mining area. During

March 2013, follow up hydro-geological investigations were undertaken. A total of 93 sites were surveyed and

recorded which included 73 boreholes (79%), 6 water wells/pits (6%), 6 rivers/drainages (6%) and 8 surface

water bodies (9%). (Refer to Figure 16).



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60% of the surveyed sites were in use while the remaining 40% were not in use. Of the 56 boreholes in use,

41% were used for domestic purposes, 25% for monitoring, 12.5% for stock water use, 11% for irrigation,

3.5% for agricultural use, 3.5% for drilling and 3.5% for wildlife watering purposes. 41% of the surveyed sites

are equipped and 59% are not. The majority of equipped boreholes are fitted with hand pumps (56%, 18

sites), while 13% of boreholes have submersible pumps installed and another 1 site has a mono pump.

The average regional water level is 21.10 mbgl with a maximum regional water level of 88.45 mbgl and a

minimum of 0.0 mbgl. Water levels recorded during the dry season and the wet season respectively varies

considerably. Seasonal variations are clearly visible due to a change in climatic conditions influencing

groundwater recharge.

The regional aquifer is classified as a Sole Source Aquifer as more than 50% of the groundwater is utilized for

domestic and/or livestock purposes and no alternative water resource is available if this aquifer is impacted

on. Impacts on the aquifer have to be avoided. If the project depletes or pollutes the aquifer, alternative water

has to be supplied to surrounding communities.

Twenty-two of the surveyed hydrocensus sites were selected for chemical analyses and the development of a

water quality baseline database. The water quality of both the groundwater and surface water was generally

found to be good. The evaluation did not include an assessment of the micro-biological content of water and

this should be done in subsequent project phases.



Figure 15: Geology of Zambia



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Figure 16: Sites recorded during the Hydro-census



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5.4



Environmental Impact Study



Surface Water



The nature of the soils present on the proposed development site causes precipitation to drain away into the

soils very quickly after precipitation events. While there are a number of drainage lines throughout the site,

surface water flow is seldom experienced, except for immediately following rainfall events (Mndaweni,

Vermeulen, & Rowland, 2009).

The project is located in the Kafue catchment of the Zambezi River Basin. The Kafue catchment comprises a

2



3



total area of 156 995 km . The Mean Annual Runoff (MAR) for the catchment is 9.88 km (Vivier & Mostert,

June 2013 & Zambian Ministry of Energy and Water Development, 2012)

The Kafue River is the most significant surface water feature and the only perennial river in the vicinity of the

project site, and is located approximately 30 km north and west of the proposed mining area. Drainage in the

study area therefore follows the surface topography towards the lower-lying rivers in the north-west. The River

flows in a west-south-westerly direction. The Kafue River is a major tributary to the Zambesi River in the South

(Mndaweni, Vermeulen, & Rowland, 2009).

Other drainage features that occur in the study area include dambo wetlands and pans (Henning B. J., May

2013).

Abstraction of surface water from the Kafue River was one option considered for water supply to the proposed

mine. Water would be abstracted from the River and piped to the proposed operations, although the exact

route has not been determined. Construction of infrastructure related to this water supply option may in itself

have significant environmental consequences, and these should be addressed and approval sought from the

ZEMA as part of a separate project (separate authorization process) prior to construction commencing on any

pipeline or water intake structures, should it be decided to implement this option.



Abstraction from



groundwater is considered another water supply option and is discussed in more detail as part of the water

supply Options Analysis (Vivier & Mostert, June 2013) in Section 8.5.1.

The nature of the proposed mining operations will significantly alter the natural flow patterns of surface water

across the project area following precipitation events. Storm water on the site will have to be managed in

accordance with best-practice guidelines and legislative requirements. Water classified as “dirty water” will

not be allowed to contaminate clean water systems, and clean water will be prevented from entering mining

areas and becoming contaminated. Erosion prevention and control measures will have to be implemented

throughout the site to prevent siltation of downstream water bodies. The distance to the nearest significant

surface water features is a mitigating factor in terms of potential surface water pollution arising from the

proposed operations. However, activities on the project site may impact on the downstream Piamanzi River

(which is approximately 10 km from the resource area) which is a major tributary to the Kafue River, and this

should be prevented.

Potential abstraction from the Kafue River for water supply to the mine is a proposal associated with its own

risks and benefits. The legal implications and potential social and ecological damages of such abstraction



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would have to be understood and mitigated for in the following phases of the project if this option is chosen.



5.5



Soils and Soil Potential



Dr B Henning carried out a specialist assessment of the soils, land use, agricultural potential and land

capability of the project site. The site shows variation in terms of soil characteristics and soil types. The

geological formations and vegetation patterns showed a strong correlation to the major soil units mapped in

the study area. The soil types, profiles and potential identified on the site are discussed below, summarized in

Table 9 and illustrated in Figure 17: Soil types of the Site (Henning B. J., May 2013).



5.5.1



Shallow Lithosols / Arenosols associated with rocky ridges and outcrops



Very shallow to shallow soils and exposed bedrock occurring in the moderately steep to steep undulating

mountainous terrain of the site associated with rocky ridges (including the resource area) and outcrops

derived from Quarts Feldspar Porphyry or Granite. Where bedrock is exposed and topsoil has been removed

the soil is classified as lithosols. The basic requirement for recognition of an orthent is that any former soil has

been either completely removed or so truncated that the diagnostic horizons typical of all orders other than

entisols are absent.

Soil Depth ranges from 50 – 150 mm with a fine sandy to sandy loam texture and a clay content of 5 – 10%.

Agricultural Potential is limited by shallow soils and steepness of terrain (causing high erosion hazard) and

lithosols are thus not suitable for arable farming although crop cultivation can occur under good management

on plateaus and level terraces. High cost of fertilization required when farming crops on such soils has meant

that arenosols are not generally used for farming in Zambia. Soil potential is thus classified as “low”.

The flora typically supported on these shallow soils is generally of very poor nutritive value for grazing, so that

typically such areas can only be used as low-density, low quality livestock grazing during the rainy season

when the herbaceous layer revives after the burns that occurred during the drier months. The area has little

value as grazing in the winter months due to the coarse, unpalatable state of the grass layer, and the

occurrence of fire which reduces the grazing value of the area to zero.



5.5.2



Medium depth gravelly / sandy Arenosols associated with foot-slopes / valleys



Shallow, gravelly soils along the valley floors and footslopes in the study area derived from Argillite. Arenosols

are sandy-textured and lack any significant soil profile development. They exhibit only a partially formed

surface horizon (uppermost layer) that is low in humus, and are bereft of subsurface clay accumulation.

Arenosols typically have very low water-holding capacities, excessive permeability and low nutrient content

and agricultural use of these soils requires careful management. Arenosols are also highly acidic in all except

very arid climates.

Soil Depth is 50 – 300 mm and average clay content varies from 5 – 10%. Texture is fine sandy loam / gravelly



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sandy loam soils.

The value of these leached sandveld soils is often further reduced by their gravelly nature which makes them

unsuitable for cultivation where the layer occurs within the topsoil and makes them more susceptible to

drought where it occupies much of the subsoil, as it apparently does over large areas. The soil potential is

thus limited by the soil depth and nutrient status, although it has a slightly deeper soil profile in some areas

and also provides better grazing to livestock and game compared to the mountainous regions. The area is

classified as having a medium to low agricultural potential. The area can be used as low-quality livestock

grazing but only in the wetter months.



5.5.3



Arenosols: Red-yellow apedal soils associated with slightly undulating plains



These Red-yellow apedal sandy soils (Arenosols) cover most of the eastern and south-eastern sections of the

project site, and are generally not very fertile due to weathering and leaching; the top soil is sandy and is more

fertile where the top soil has higher clay content (derived from Syenite).

Soil depth of these fine sandy loam soils ranges from 400-1000 mm and clay content is between 10 – 15%

The acidity of these soils is limiting for groundnut production, maize and other cereals, and liming may be

needed to increase crop yields. The area can thus be utilized for crop cultivation, although intensive soil

management is recommended to improve the pH and nutrient content. The soils have a low moisture-holding

capacity, but limitations are overcome to some extent by the great depth of rooting which the subsoils afford

and by the slower rate at which nutrients are leached. Livestock grazing is viable due to the slightly higher

nutrient and organic content of the topsoil in woodland areas that support a mixture of palatable and

unpalatable species. The soil has a medium potential for crop cultivation in combination with livestock

grazing.



5.5.4



Planosols associated with moist grasslands on ferricrete bedrock



Planosols are soils with a light-coloured, coarse-textured, surface horizon that shows signs of periodic water

stagnation and abruptly overlies a dense, slowly permeable subsoil with significantly more clay than the

surface horizon. These soils are typically in seasonally waterlogged flat lands. These soils are formed mostly

in clayey alluvial and colluvial deposits. Geological processes resulted in the relatively coarse-textured, lightcoloured surface soil abruptly overlying finer textured subsoil.

Soil depth ranges from 50 – 150 mm. Texture is sandy clay and clay content is between 15 – 25%.

Planosols in their natural state as observed in the study area support moist grassland dominated by Loudetia

simplex and Tristachya rehmanni, often with scattered shrubs and trees that have shallow root systems that

can cope with temporary waterlogging. Local methods of cultivating these soils involve drainage and burning

of the topsoil. Concentration of nutrients in the ash and the continuous presence of moisture in the subsoil

enable them to produce good crops, but weed growth is a serious problem. This drainage and burning lead to

shrinkage and wastage of the peat, and after 20-50 years soils may be exhausted altogether, leaving only a



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Environmental Impact Study



somewhat humic topsoil in the sterile basal white sand.

The seasonally flooded nature of the soils limits crop cultivation, although crops such as rice and cassava can

be cultivated under such conditions. The grazing potential of these low-lying areas is high due to the palatable

grasses growing throughout the year on these soils.



5.5.5



Fluvisols associated with ravines in mountainous areas



Fluvisols are genetically young soils in alluvial deposits associated with the ravines in the mountainous region

of the study area. Under natural conditions periodical flooding is fairly common. The soils have a clear

evidence of stratification. Soil horizons are weakly developed, but a distinct topsoil horizon may be present.

Soil depth varies from 300 – 600 mm and average clay content is between 25 – 40%. The soil texture is

Brown to dark grey alluvial soils.

Agricultural Potential of these soils is low to very low due to the area being seasonally flooded and the steep

nature of the terrain along the ravines. The soils do however produce valuable grazing (medium potential

grazing) during dry months to game and livestock.

The land capability is limited to grazing by game and livestock throughout the year. The small area and steep

slopes along the ravines make crop cultivation challenging. The grazing potential is high due to the palatable

grasses growing throughout the year on these soils.

Table 9: Summary of Soils on the Project Site

Soil Type



Shallow

Lithosols

Arenosols



/



Medium depth

gravelly

/

sandy

Arenosols



Arenosols: Redyellow apedal

soils



Planosols

Ferricrete

Bedrock



on



Fluvisols



Area



Rocky ridges

and outcrops



Footslopes and

Valleys



Slightly

undulating plains



Moist grasslands



Ravines,

mountainous areas



Soil Depth



50 – 150 mm



50 – 300 mm



400 - 1000 mm



50 – 150 mm



300 – 600 mm



Texture



fine sandy to

sandy loam



Fine / gravelly

sandy loam



fine sandy loam



Sandy Clay



Brown – dark-grey

alluvial



Clay content



5 – 10%



5 – 10%.



10 – 15%



15 – 25%



25 – 40%



Agricultural

Potential



Low



Medium - Low



Medium



Low



Low to Very Low



Grazing

potential



Low



Low



Medium



High



High



Risk



High erosion

risk;

low

compaction

risk; low risk of

impact on land

capability



Low

erosion

risk;

high

compaction risk;

medium-low risk

of impact on

land capability



Low erosion risk;

High compaction

risk; medium risk

of impact on land

capability



High

erosion

risk;

High

compaction risk;

medium risk of

impact on land

capability



High erosion risk,

medium

compaction risk,

medium risk of

impact on land

capability



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Figure 17: Soil types of the Site (Henning B. J., May 2013)



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Figure 18: Soil potential of the Site (Henning B. J., May 2013)



Figure 19: Soil Risk / Impacts (Henning B. J., May 2013)



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5.6



Environmental Impact Study



Topography



The regional topography can be described as rolling terrain consisting of hills and valleys. Elevation ranges

from approximately 1100 to 1400 meters above mean sea level (mamsl). Noticeable topographic high points

occur in the area, and the target mining area comprises such a hill (Kitumba Hills). Towards the North of the

project area the topography flattens out towards the Kafue River (Mndaweni, Vermeulen, & Rowland, 2009).

The areas north-west of the project area comprises gently undulating plains while the landscape to the west is

generally flat with scattered small hills. Figure 20 and Figure 21 present elevation profiles across the area.

The topography of and around the proposed development site may have the potential to effectively mitigate

the visual impacts of the project infrastructure. The natural runoff over the site is also dictated by the sitespecific topography, and careful planning should take the natural flow of surface water across the site into

consideration in order to minimise the potential for water pollution. The topography and natural drainage lines

over the site are illustrated in Figure 22.



Figure 20: East-West Elevation Profile (adapted from Google Earth Pro)



Figure 21: North-West to South-East Elevation Profile (adapted from Google Earth Pro)



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Figure 22: Surface water drainage and topography



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



5.7



Environmental Impact Study



Land Use and Land Tenure



The following paragraphs discuss prominent land uses in the vicinity of the proposed mining project

which may affect the project or be affected by the project. Figure 2 shows these land uses in relation to

the project site.



5.7.1



Residential areas



The villages of Kaindu, Myombe, Mpundu and Kafucamo are the closest communities to the site.

Distances to the project site are as follows:





Kaindu:



approximately 22 km Northwest







Myombe:



approximately 20 km Northwest







Mpundu:



approximately 14.5 km Northwest







Kafucamo:



approximately 12 km Northwest



They form part of the Kaonde tribe and are under the leadership of Chief Kaindu. There are

approximately 73 headmen in the Chiefdom of Chief Kaindu and approximately nine of the headmen

are in the local area. There are a few councillors in the area as well. The Chiefdom has a committee

that deals with community projects, (Kaindu Project Coordinating Committee). The nearest large town

to the proposed site is Mumbwa, which is approximately 50 km to the south west, but travel time

between Mumbwa and the site is significantly longer than expected due to poor road conditions.



5.7.2



Mining



Mining is central to the Zambian economy and has played a key role in the social and economic

development of the country (Aucamp, 2012). Zambia is predominantly a copper mining country and is

the largest copper producer in Africa (Mining Sector Profile – www.zdm.org.zm).

Surface areas in close proximity to the project site have in the relatively recent past been excavated,

presumably in the facilitation of small-scale malachite mining by foreign parties. The legality of these

operations is questionable. A number of ‘sample bags’ containing excavated material have been

abandoned on the site. Figure 23 provides a clear picture of the existing state of the sites.

In the region, historic mining activities are also evident and some of the historically mined areas have

also been excavated more recently. Most of these mining areas are not actively being mined currently

and are deemed to be extremely unsafe for humans and animals. Figure 24 describes the existing

situation:

There are also some small-scale miners who are active in the area who mainly mine copper close to

the surface, and as they cannot afford mining equipment they use mainly hammers and chisels to chip



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Environmental Impact Study



out rocks. These miners do not have access to resources such as geologists and mechanical

equipment and typical challenges include lack of access to finance, high mineral royalty taxes and

security issues (http://maravi.blogspot.com/2009/06/times-small-scale-miners-cry-for-equal.html) as

well as material transport, labour and safety concerns (Public Participation interviews, 2013). The

Federation of Small-Scale Mining Association of Zambia coordinates mining activities for small-scale

mining. Small-scale miners are supposed to obtain permits from the Ministry of Mines and Minerals

Development, but many admit they continue their activities illegally and report that it is a problem to

acquire the necessary permits. This group is vulnerable and at high risk of being exploited.



Figure 23: Excavations and abandoned samples at an abandoned (presumably illegal)

malachite mining operation outside of but in close proximity to the site



Figure 24: An old mining shaft that has been 'closed' (left) and general surface

conditions at the past artisanal mining sites (right)

From on-site observations the companies responsible for the illegal mining activities in close proximity

of the project site do not conduct their activities in an environmentally responsible way and do not



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Environmental Impact Study



adhere to good labour practises, which have resulted in resentment towards these groups among local

people. Such destruction of pristine environments could create negative perceptions among local

communities and Zambian Authorities towards mining projects.



5.7.3



Conservation and Tourism



The Kafue National Park (KNP), located to the west of the proposed mining area, is the oldest

(established in the 1950s) and largest National Park in Zambia and covers an area of approximately

2



22,500 km (http://www.zambiatourism. com/travel/nationalparks/kafue.htm). It is a declared national

park and is one of the five largest national parks in the world. The park is also surrounded by nine

Game Management Areas (www.zambiatourism.com).

In recent years the Park has seen an increase in the number of Safari Camps and Lodges that operate

in and around the Park, and this has been associated with an increase in visitors to the area and

associated increase in investment. Importantly the area enjoys an increased level of protection by the

Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) supported by conscientious efforts of the safari camp and lodge

operators (http://www.zambiatourism.com/travel/nationalparks /kafue.htm). The park is managed by

ZAWA but the camps and lodges are owned and managed by private operators (Aucamp, 2013). Major

tourist activities include game drives or viewing by boat, walking and birding safaris, canoeing, angling,

boating, rock climbing, photographic opportunities and trips to hot springs.

The camps closest to the proposed project are the Hippo Lodge and McBrides Camp. Hippo Lodge has

four chalets and two safari tents (www.hippolodge.com) and is situated on the banks of the Kafue River.

One of the four airstrips in the park is at Hippo Lodge. McBrides Camp is also situated on the banks of

the Kafue River. McBrides Camp has seven two-person chalets as well as a campsite and a bush camp

(www.mcbridescamp.com) (Aucamp, 2013).

The Mushingashi Conservation area is situated to the north west of the site and covers an area in

excess of 40,000 hectares. The conservation area borders the KNP and the Kafue River forms its

northern border. The area is not fenced, allowing game to roam freely, but also presenting challenges

in keeping poaching under control. Intense conservation efforts have enabled growth in local wildlife

populations (http://www.mushingashi.net/index.html). Major tourist activities at Mushingashi include

safaris, hire of boats and equipment for fishing trips and walking trails with a tracker. Three main

categories of tourists visit Mushingashi namely fishermen, photographers and hunters. The majority of

visitors to Mushingashi are Zambians. The hunting season is from May until December. (Aucamp,

2013).

Both Mushingashi and KNP can be reached by air travel, but as the presence of the Zambian Air Force

(ZAF) in the region restricts air traffic, most visitors use the local roads to access these areas.



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5.7.4



Environmental Impact Study



Agriculture



There are a number of farms in close proximity to the proposed site. Some farmers are locals while

others are farmers from South Africa or Zimbabwe. The Mumbwa Farmer’s Association represents

many of the local small-scale farmers (Aucamp, 2013).

Livestock farming (mainly cattle) as well as small and medium scale subsistence farming are currently

undertaken towards the south-west and east of the site. Small scale cattle farms in Zambia are family

holdings characterized by low input and low output. Medium-scale farmers cultivate between 5 and 20

ha, while small-scale farmers cultivate less than 5 ha (Henning, 2012). Cattle play an important role in

rural households and are also the main food and cash source for most people in the cattle keeping

areas (Henning, 2013).

Crop-livestock mixed systems are the most common system used in the study area and allow

diversification of risks, using of more efficient labour, recycling of crop residues, adding value to crops

and crop products while providing cash for purchasing farm inputs (Henning, 2012).

The German company Amatheon invested in large-scale irrigation farming in the Mumbwa district in

2012 (http://www.sedarmag.com/blog/2012/11/29/amatheon-investment-to-boost-mumbwa-farming/).

The small-scale farmers stated that Amatheon has bought the farms with the best soils and water in the

area. The company is reported to enlist local farmers in their agricultural extension scheme. There are

differences in the farming practices of the small-scale and commercial farmers, mainly due to

availability of resources such as finances and equipment.

Very limited crop cultivation occurs in the direct vicinity of the site mostly due to the climatic conditions

and soil forms. Limited livestock grazing occurs in the area at the start of the rainy season when burned

areas support the palatable growth stage of the grasses. The presence of tsetse fly also limits these

activities. No agricultural activities are supported in the Mushingashi Conservation area or within the

Kafue National Park or the applicable buffer zones (Henning, 2012).

The Mumbwa prison farm (see below) grows approximately 240 Ha of maize, some of which is sold

externally. Soya beans will be planted in the near future. The prison also has large vegetable gardens

that are used to feed the prisoners, but the prison would like to commercialise their produce in future

(Aucamp, 2013).



5.7.5



The Mumbwa Prison Farm



The Mumbwa Prison Farm is located to the south east of the project site and hosts approximately 201

prisoners that work on the farm with the purpose to integrate them back in society. The duration of a

prisoner’s stay depends on their sentence. Most prisoners are there for petty crimes and the farm does

not have fences or any other form of access control.



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5.7.6



Environmental Impact Study



The Zambia Air Force (ZAF)



The Air Force has a bombing practise range close to the proposed site and the area is consequently a

no-fly zone without the consent of the ZAF. Locals have indicated that the Air Force also has a

vegetable farm in the area, but this could not be confirmed.



5.7.7



Infrastructure



The roads in the vicinity of the site generally comprise dirt tracks, many of which are virtually

impassable in the wet season. The Rural Roads Unit (RRU) and the Roads Development Agency

(RDA) reportedly have plans to upgrade a number of these roads over the mid to long term. Electricity

supply infrastructure is in the process of being installed but it is unknown what the delivery schedule

entails. The area has no sewage or storm water drainage networks.



5.8



Landscape and Visual Resource



The value of a visual resource is determined by evaluating the landscape character, landscape quality

and “sense of place” of a particular area. Additionally the viewers in the existing environment are

considered, as the value of a visual resource and potential alteration of that resource are inevitable

perception-based to some degree. During March 2013 a specialist visual impact assessment was

carried out for the proposed project and the following paragraphs are based on the baseline

characterization contained in that study (Cilliers & Young, June 2013).



5.8.1



Landscape character and visual resource (scenic quality)



Landscape character is dependent of the individual elements that comprise the landscape, including

prominent features such as hills, valleys, woods, trees, water bodies, buildings and infrastructure. Thus

landscape character is defined by the dominant land form and land use features.



Generally,



landscapes with greater diversity and / or landscapes that contain distinctive features are considered as

having a higher scenic value than landscapes containing little diversity and more common elements.

The greater the diversity of form, line, texture and colour in a landscape, the greater the potential for

high scenic value or landscape character.

The overall study area can be regarded as having a high visual resource value. While the landscape

may be ‘common’ on a regional scale, the area boasts a variety of land forms and a variety of land use

practices.



5.8.2



Landscape Quality



Both objective and subjective factors are considered in the determination of the quality of a visual

resource. Where landscape quality, aesthetic value and a strong sense of place occur, the perceived

value of the landscape increases.



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High value visual resources, such as that associated with the proposed project site, are areas that

exhibit a positive character and that have a strong sense of place with unity, richness and harmony.

The landscape is expected to be sensitive to change and may be detrimentally affected if change is

dealt with inappropriately



5.8.3



Sense of Place



Sense of place is the unique value that is allocated to a specific place or area through the cognitive

experience of the user or viewer. The largely unspoilt environs give the area a ‘natural’ sense of place.

Human interventions such as agricultural and communal activities, small scale mining as well as manmade structures including roads and other infrastructural elements adds a rural element to the ‘unspoilt’

environment. The sense of place of the study area can thus be described as ‘natural’ with a rural

element.



5.8.4



Viewer sensitivity



The existing topography as well as the lush, dense vegetation in the area limits the extent of what can

be viewed from certain vantage points. The Mumbwa Prison Farm was the only viewer location with a

day time view of the project site that could be identified. A view of the project area from the Mumbwa

prison farm is presented in Figure 25. The hilly topography and vegetation cover possibly providing

significant visual screening are illustrated in Figure 26. Figure 27 shows the night-time scene.

The presence of the project would be much more prominent during the night time due to the existing

night-time landscape being very dark, with very few artificial lights operating in the area.

Possible sensitive viewer locations are illustrated in Figure 28



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Figure 25: View of the site from Mumbwa Prison Farm



Figure 26: Hilly topography and vegetation



Figure 27: Existing night view (top) - project site hidden by topography and (bottom)

potential night view (sky glow from unmitigated light impacts from project)



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Figure 28: Visual receptors in the vicinity of the project site



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5.9



Environmental Impact Study



Noise and Vibration



During March 2013, Ben van Zyl of Acusolv carried out a specialist noise impact assessment at the project

site. The following description is based on the findings of his investigations. The study (Van Zyl, May 2013)

covered the total audible noise footprint of a typical underground mine and processing plant similar in size to

the proposed project, and a study area with a radius of 10 km from the site was considered more than

adequate.

A good sense of the regional noise climate and of typical ambient noise levels was obtained by means of a

series of samples taken at different sites in the vicinity of the project site, and some detailed surveys covering

a 24-hour period at fixed locations. These sites and the relative distances to the project site are illustrated in

Figure 29.

The region surrounding the project site is sparsely populated, with only a few small communities located to the

east and south. The remainder of the surroundings are vacant and/or used for conservation purposes. There

are no industrial, mining or substantial agricultural activities in the study area, apart from some small-scale,

informal mining activities to the north, and the activities of Amatheon Agri Zambia Ltd. There is practically no

audible traffic noise in the area. The only trace of (hardly audible) noise noted during the course of the noise

study, was a single event of what appeared to be aircraft noise in the distance. This occurred during daytime

and was attributed to air-force flying activities.

The rating of baseline ambient noise conditions in the Kitumba study area should take cognisance of the two

main states of human occupation or land use in the vicinity: rural residential (villages and dwellings) and

conservation or wilderness area (eco-tourism).

The most fitting noise rating for the areas surrounding the proposed mine site would be Rural District, the

lowest ambient noise category with a nominal night-time rating of 35 dBA. This is also 5 dB lower than the

actual levels (40 dBA) recorded at M1 and M2.

There are currently no sources of vibrations at the study area.



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Figure 29: Sites where noise monitoring / measurements were taken



5.10 Biodiversity and Ecology (Flora and Fauna)

The following section is based on the specialist ecological and biodiversity assessment carried out by Dr B

Henning in 2013 (Henning B. J., May 2013). The study area falls within the Central Zambezian Miombo

Woodland ecoregion, one of the largest ecoregions in Africa. The ecoregion covers about 50% of Zambia,

predominantly in the wetter parts. (Henning B. J. May 2013). Ecoregions of Zambia are illustrated in Figure

30.

Mature miombo woodland trees in this area are usually 15 to 20 m tall, with a broadleaf shrub and grass

understory beneath. The area has a much higher proportion of evergreen trees than drier Zambezian miombo,

but trees in this area are primarily deciduous and predominantly of the subfamily Caesalpinioideae, particularly

species belonging to the genera Brachystegia, Julbernardia, and Isoberlinia, which seldom occur outside

Miombo. Termitaria or anthill vegetation covers about 3% and is present in all regions except in areas of pure

sand and the woodland is interspersed with dambos (grassy wetlands forming the headwaters and margins of

rivers which increase biodiversity of the ecoregion) on the flat central African plateau (Henning B. J., May

2013).

In Miombo Woodland, fire is an important ecological factor as the highly seasonal rainfall pattern leaves the

vegetation dry for several months of the year, and thunderstorms at the start of the rainy season can easily set



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the vegetation afire. In addition to being naturally fire-prone, miombo is frequently intentionally burned to clear

land for cultivation and other practices (Henning B. J., May 2013). The ecoregion has suffered extensive

deforestation, especially in the highly-urbanised Copperbelt Province, the centre of Central Province and

around Kasama and Mansa due to charcoal production, mining and, clearing for farming and ranching

(Henning B. J., May 2013).

Zambia has a long history in the conservation and management of its biological resources and 44% of the

country’s surface comprises protected areas in the form of 19 national parks, while 32 Game Management

Areas (GMAs) and several protected forests and woodlands cover a further 8.6% of the country (Henning,

2012b).

The landscape of the study area is characterised by moderately undulating hills and ridges (resource area)

with valleys and footslopes on sandy to gravelly shallow soils in typical Miombo woodland comprising a twostoreyed woodland with an open or partially closed canopy of semi-evergreen trees 15 to 20 m high, with a

forest floor covered by a more or less dense grass cover. Relic patches of evergreen thicket may also occur.

Small pockets of moist grassland areas associated with hardpan ferricrete that occur in between the miombo

create perched water table conditions during the wet season. Ravines (non-perennial drainage channels)

occur along the slopes of the mountainous region, but these small non-perennial channels do not feed any

major tributaries of the major rivers in the larger area and therefore contribute very little to the hydrological

regime of the area (Henning B. J., May 2013).



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Figure 30: Ecoregions of Zambia



5.10.1 Vegetation types of the study area

During March 2013, Dr B Henning carried out a survey of the project site and the following section is based on

the results of his study (Henning B. J., May 2013). The following vegetation units were identified and mapped:

(Refer to Figure 31).





Isoberlina angolensis Hill Miombo woodland







Isoberlina angolensis – Uapaca kirkiana eastern footslopes and undulating plains







Open Brachystegia boehmii woodland on deep sandy-loam soils







Loudetia simplex – Tristachys rehmanni moist grassland







Closed Miombo Forest associated with ravines



5.10.1.1 Isoberlina angolensis Hill Miombo woodland

This vegetation unit forms part of the moderately to very steep hills, outcrops and ridges occurring throughout

the site. Common tall trees include Brachystegia longifolia, Isoberlinia angolensis and Julbernardia paniculata.

Small trees only occur occasionally. Shrubs include Acrocephalus rupestris, Schistostephium artemisiifolium



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and Uapaca pilosa, and subshrubs are mainly Aloe chabaudii, Sphenostylis marginata, Strobilanthopsis

linifolia and Vellozia equisetoides.

The vegetation unit is classified as being moderately – highly sensitive due in most part to the rockiness, steep

slopes (erosion risk), plant species composition, pristine state of the vegetation, microhabitats and potential

red data fauna that utilise this area as habitat.



5.10.1.2 Isoberlina angolensis – Uapaca kirkiana eastern footslopes and undulating plains

This vegetation unit occurs on the slightly undulating eastern and southern footslopes and valleys surrounding

the hill miombo woodland. The woody layer forms dense, tall woodland with a more prominent shrub layer by

comparison to the former. Common tall trees include Brachystegia boehmii and other Brachystegia,

Erythrophleum africanum, Isoberlinia angolensis, and, locally, Marquesia macroura. Small trees include

Bauhinia petersiana, Diplorhynchus condylocarpon, Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia, Syzygium guineense

subsp. Macrocarpum and Uapaca kirkiana.



Baphia massaiensis subsp. obovata (on sandy soils),



Hymenocardia acida, and Uapaca pilosa are common shrubs. The herbaceous layer forms dense, tall stands

of Hyparrhenia bracteata and medium tall Themeda triandra.

Isolated termitaria bushclumps occur in this vegetation unit. These miombo termitaria are characterized by

Albizia amara, Boscia angustifolia, Combretum molle, Euphorbia candelabrum and Ziziphus mucronata in their

upper storey.

Degradation of this miombo woodland as the result of repeated heavy burning leads to invasion by munga

elements such as Acacia species.



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Figure 31: Vegetation Types of the Site



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5.10.1.3 Open Brachystegia boehmii woodland on deep sandy-loam soils

This vegetation unit occurs on slightly undulating to flat plains along the western section of the study area. The

woody layer is characterised by open tall woodland dominated by Brachystegia boehmii trees. Smaller tree

species such as Terminalia and Combretum species are more prominent in the woody layer. Typical woody

species occurring here also include Pericopsis angolensis and Combretum adenognoium.

Some isolated termitaria bushclumps occur in the more clayey patches. The grass layer is dominated by tall

grass species such as Hyparrhenia bracteata and Themeda triandra.



5.10.1.4 Loudetia simplex – Tristachys rehmanni moist grassland

The moist grassland vegetation unit occurs as isolated pockets throughout the study area, although being

more prominent in the western sections. It can also be referred to as Munga scrub on seasonally flooded

dambo soils. The soils are often very shallow that creates a perched water table during the wet season. On

the site, these lanosols support moist grassland dominated by Loudetia simplex and Tristachya rehmanni,

often with scattered shrubs and trees that have shallow root systems that can cope with temporary

waterlogging.

The woody species composition in the moist grassland areas is restricted to seven tree species, namely

Acacia nilotica, A. seyal, Bauhinia petersiana, Combretum ghasalense, Diospyros kirki, Piliostigma thonningi

and Terminalia stenostachya, with a ground cover of scattered woody Ipomoea vernalis, Lannea edulis and

Conyza welwitschi, and herbaceous Hygrophila pilosa and Sphaeranthus humilis.

No red data species occur in this vegetation unit, although its value as grazing land during the wet season for

game species and livestock should be considered as an important ecological component in the area.



5.10.1.5 Closed Miombo Forest associated with ravines

The ravines in the hill miombo woodland vegetation unit represent small non-perennial drainage channels

characterised by a steep slopes on both sides and a tall, dense woody layer that can be classified as forest.

While the forest vegetation unit represents a type of miombo woodland, it is distinguished by typical

characteristics of natural forests (multi-layered woody structure with overlapping crowns and little or no

grasses present in the herbaceous layer). The forests also differ from the surrounding miombo woodland by

diagnostic species such as Parinaria exelsa, Ficus tettensis, Syzigium guineense and Mimusops zeyheri, and

indicator species of the moist soil conditions such as fern and moss species occur in the lower herbaceous

stratum.

No red data species occur in this vegetation unit, although its value as grazing land during the wet season for

game species and its uniqueness in the larger landscape in terms of interconnectivity and as a fauna corridor

has high significance.



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The cover and height of the floristic components of each of the relevant vegetation units is summarised in

Table 10 along with photographs illustrating the typical state of the vegetation. The respective sensitivity of

each of the vegetation units is illustrated in Figure 32

Table 10: Summary of Vegetation Types in the study area



Isoberlina angolensis hill miombo woodland

Percentage

Avgerage Height (m)

cover

20-25



8-20m



Shrubs



Trees



1-2



1-3m



Grass



10-15



1.2 – 2.4m



Forbs



<1



0.5m



Isoberlina angolensis – Uapaca kirkiana

eastern footslopes and undulating plains

Percentage

cover



Trees



Avg. Height (m )



20-25



8-20m



Shrubs



10



1-3m



Grass



70-80



1.2 – 2.4m



Forbs



<1



0.5m



Open Brachystegia boehmii woodland on

deep sandy-loam soils

Percentage

cover

Trees



10 - 15



Avg. Height (m )

3-6m



Shrubs



10



1-2m



Grass



70-80



1.2 – 2.8m



Forbs



<1



0.5m



Loudetia simplex – Tristachya rehmanni moist

grassland

Percentage

cover



Avg. Height (m )



Trees



2-5



3-6m



Shrubs



<1



1-2m



Grass



60-70



0.2- 0.8m



Forbs



<1



0.2m



Closed Miombo Forest associated with ravines

Percentage

cover



Avg. Height (m )



Trees



20 - 25



3-15m



Shrubs



10 - 15



1-2m



Grass



10 - 15



0.8-1.2m



Forbs



2-5



0.2-0.5m



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Figure 32: Sensitivity of the vegetation types found on the site



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5.10.2 Wetlands of the study area

Swamps, floodplains and dambos are the three major wetland types that occur in Zambia. Of these, only

dambo wetlands (which are fairly common on the African plateau) occur in the study area. The word “dambo”

is used for a class of complex shallow wetlands in central, southern and eastern Africa, particularly in Zambia

and Zimbabwe. They are generally found in higher rainfall flat plateau areas, and have river-like branching

forms.

Two major Hydro-Geomorphic (HGM) units were identified that represent wetlands on the proposed

development site and direct surroundings, namely “Channel Wetlands” associated with the drainage channels

of the Kitumba Hills and “Flat Wetlands” occurring as small pockets of moist grassland.

Channel wetlands associated with the ravines of the Kitumba hills represents non-perennial drainage

channels characterised by periodic concentrated flow of water for short periods immediately after and during

precipitation events.



As a result of the erosive forces associated with concentrated flow, channels



characteristically have relatively obvious active channel banks.

The water does not discharge from these channels and they do not connect to any other river or water source

in the larger Kafue River catchment. Water will either flow from the channel onto the plains and quickly drain

in the highly permeable sandy soils, or will collect in the low-lying moist grasslands (flat wetlands).

The vegetation structure of the drainage channels can be described as closed forest woodland with little or no

grass cover. The diagnostic species associated with the ravines include Parinaria exelsa, Ficus tettensis,

Syzigium guineense and Mimusops zeyheri, while indicator species of the moist soil conditions such as fern

and moss species occur in the lower herbaceous stratum.

The pockets of moist grasslands underlain by ferricrete bedrock that creates perched water table conditions

are defined as Flat wetlands. A flat is defined as a wetland area with little or no relief or gradient. Precipitation

represents the primary source of water and dominant hydrodynamics are bidirectional vertical fluctuations,

although there may be limited multidirectional horizontal water flow in some cases. Water exits a flat through

evaporation and infiltration.

Due to its isolated location in the study area, these flats are considered unique despite their high

interconnectivity in terms of its value as grazing “hotspots” for wildlife. The flats in the study area developed

as a result of perched water table conditions caused by the underlying hardpan ferricrete.



These



characteristics encourage poor infiltration of surface flow and high surface run off. The consequence is soil

erosion that was observed in the study area. These areas support moist grassland dominated by Loudetia

simplex and Tristachya rehmanni, often with scattered shrubs and trees that have shallow root systems able to

cope with temporary waterlogging.

The wetlands present on the project site are illustrated in Figure 33.



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Figure 33: Wetlands of the study area



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5.10.3 Fauna

Some 1,234 known species of amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles occur in Zambia of which 1.5% is

1



endemic , and 1.9% is threatened.

During August 2012 and again in March 2013, the study area was surveyed to identify specific faunal habitats

and compare these with habitat requirements of fauna recorded in the quarter degree grid. Species were

identified by visual sightings, spoor, droppings, burrows or roosting sites. The following section is based on

the specialist ecological report by Dr B.J. Henning (Henning B. J., May 2013).



5.10.3.1 Mammals

Mammal diversity in the study area is well represented in terms of species richness and functional roles in the

ecosystem. Movement of mammals through the area is largely dependent on water availability, but large

mammals (elephant, lion, leopard, wild dog, sable antelope, impala and baboon) periodically utilise the area

(especially further away from anthropogenic impacted areas), and these species have in fact been sighted in

close proximity to Kitumba Camp in the past.

Herds of up to 30 individuals of Sable Antelope were sighted during the surveys. Conservation of the habitat

of this sensitive species should be considered a high priority. A number of medium sized and smaller

antelope species were also encountered.

Elephant occasionally migrate to the area during the wetter months, although it would appear as though they

prefer cultivated lands (e.g. Kitumba prison area) and sweet Munga woodland areas further south of the

proposed mining area.

Predators such as lion, wild dog and leopard occur in the surrounding areas and have extremely large

territories. These species are expected to only move through the area when prey becomes scarce in the

Mushingashi and KNP. The small ravines and rocky areas associated with the Kitumba Hills represent ideal

areas for these predators to raise their young due to the shelter provided in these areas.

2



The connectivity of the project site is excellent. The site is surrounded by areas with similar veld condition and

with no dispersal encumbrances occurring.



5.10.3.2 Avifauna (Bird species)

Zambia’s avifauna includes a total of 779 species, one of which is endemic, one has been introduced, 4 are

rare or accidental and 11 are globally threatened. Three major bird habitat systems occur in the study area.



1 Endemic species are those that occur in one geographic area only and are not found anywhere else in the world.

2 Connectivity (habitat connectivity) - Allowing for the conservation or maintenance of continuous or connected habitats, so as to

preserve movements and exchanges associated with the habitat.



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They are:





Miombo associated with valleys and plains;







Hill Miombo Woodland; and







Wetland habitats.



The miombo associated with the valleys and plains of the project site lies at the centre of the miombo

zone of south-central Africa which hosts a greater variety of miombo birds than any of the surrounding areas.

Many of the miombo woodland bird species join mixed-species bird parties, which typically contain members

of 10 to 20 species of territorial insectivorous birds. Membership changes as the party’s route enters and

leaves individual territories. Species that usually join such parties include Scimitarbill, Hoopoe, barbets,

honeyguides, woodpeckers, pipits, cuckoo shrikes, Miombo Barred Warbler (Endemic), flycatchers, weavers

and seed-eaters. Parties are often first noticed when the presence of one of its more conspicuous members

such as a Fork-tailed Drongo or Arnot’s Chat is detected. More independent birds found here are the Palebilled Hornbill, Central Bearded Scrub Robin and many of the sunbirds.

The hill miombo woodland occurring on rocky ground within the study area (and especially on the

resource area itself) represents habitat for a number of somewhat localised birds including Shelley’s Francolin,

Freckled Rock nightjar, Striped Pipit, Familiar Chat and Rock-loving Cisticola. Though of limited occurrence,

rock exposures and precipices hosts specialised bird species such as Black Stork, Augur Buzzard, Black

Eagle, Taita and Peregrine Falcons, Mottled, African Black and Little Swifts, African Rock Martin, Mocking

Chat, White-necked Raven and Red-winged Starling .

The study are also contains a number of dambo wetlands as discussed above. The intermediate levels in

typical dambos are permanently spongy and have short grass, representing a habitat which is relatively

common in northern Zambia but does not occur in many other parts of Africa. Consequently many of the birds

found here have a somewhat localised distribution. They include Blue Quail, Long-toed and Streaky-breasted

Flufftails, Black and Rufous Swallow, Yellow-throated, Fulleborn’s and Grimwood’s Longclaws, Pectoral-patch,

Black-tailed and stout Cisticolas, Yellow-mantled and Marsh Whydahs, Fawn-breasted waxbill, Locust Finch

and Black-chinned Quailfinch, Croaking Cisticola and red-billed Quelea. On the upper parts of the dambo,

close to the woodland edge, scattered trees provide habitat for the White-winged Black Tit. The driest areas of

the short grassland are inhabited by Temminck’s Courser, Red-capped Lark and the Dessert Cisticola. The

dry montane grasslands of the Nyika Plateau have populations of Red-winged Francolin and Common Quail.

A number of avifauna species occur in the study area that are dependent on mammal species occurring in

the area: The yellow-billed and Red-billed Oxpeckers are dependent on large game animals or on cattle and

even donkeys. Hooded, White-backed, Lappet-faced and White-headed Vultures feed at the carcasses of

dead animals, including domestic cattle. They are joined by the Marabou Stork. The Cattle Egret and Wattled

Starling frequently feed around cattle or game animals. Ground trampled by cattle or other animals may attract

the Yellow Wagtail (migrant) or Groundscraper Thrush.



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Certain bird species are attracted to bush fires by the fleeing or roasted insects and other animals. Almost

always present are the Fork-tailed Drongos, often in large numbers. Others often present include Marabou

Stork, Yellow-billed Kite (m), Dickinson’s Kestrel, Rollers, Hornbills and Swallows.



5.10.3.3 Reptiles and Amphibians

Around 200 reptile species and approximately 90 amphibian species have been recorded in the Zambesian

basin, thus knowledge on amphibian and reptile biodiversity in the area is comparatively good. Very few of

these species are endemic to the area.

A number of reptiles have been recorded from the study area. Snake species that have been observed in the

area include black mamba, African rock python, puff adder, olive grass snake and Mozambique spitting cobra.

The flap-neck chameleon has also been observed at the site in the valleys between the hills during day and

night. Despite this species being widespread and locally common, the flap-neck chameleon is always a good

sign of the integrity of indigenous habitats. Gaboon Viper and Land Monitor Lizard are other important reptiles

found in the area.

No threatened reptile species occur in the project area. A number of species are involved in international trade

as listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES),

e.g. chameleons and tortoises in the international pet trade, and monitor lizard skin for the leather trade.

Important habitats within the mine area for reptile diversity include rock outcrops, gallery forest and dambo

grasslands. The loss of rock outcrops will destroy habitat for reptiles.

Amphibians appear to be poorly represented on the site, which is probably due to the highly permeable soils

limiting the formation of pools required by amphibians as breeding habitat. There also appears to be relatively

low frog diversity in the hilly areas. Important habitats within the mine area for amphibian diversity include

moist grasslands, ravines and temporary pools in Miombo woodland, but no threatened amphibian species

occur in the area.



5.10.4 Protected Species

A total of about 505 flora species appear on the Red-Data List (RDL) for Zambia. Of the species assessed,

almost half were rated as Data Deficient and as such many changes in the future conservation status of flora

species may be expected. No red data flora species (currently listed as such) potentially occurring in the

resource area was found during the dry or wet season surveys.

According to the existing databases and field survey, a number of red data fauna species included in the IUCN

red data lists can potentially be found in the study area including Elephant (Vulnerable), Lion (Vulnerable),

Leopard (Near-Threatened) and African Wild Dog (Endangered). No red data listed herpetofauna occurs in

Zambia according to the IUCN database.



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5.10.5 Invasive alien species

Invasive alien plants pose a direct threat not only to Zambia’s biological diversity, but also to water security,

the ecological functioning of natural systems and the productive use of land. They intensify the impact of fires

and floods and increase soil erosion.

The most serious invaders in Zambia are from tropical South America and India. They include Lantana

camara, Psidium guajava, Toona ciliata, and Solanum hispidum. Probably the most successful alien is the

herb Ageratum conyzoides, although it is unlikely to have displaced any indigenous species. Solanum

mauritianum (“Bugweed”) and Chromolaena odorata (“Triffid Weed”) both occur in disturbed places, but are

effectively controlled by periodic droughts.

The only specific alien invader species observed in the area was Tithonia rotundifolia (red sunflower) around

the fence of Kitumba camp and along roadsides in the study area. This species can be easily controlled

mechanically, with chemical follow-ups, if necessary, on seedlings that reappear in cleared areas.



5.10.6 Summary of Ecological Sensitivity

Following ecological surveys, different sensitivity classes and development zones are assigned to specific

areas based on the following parameters:





Presence, density and potential impact of development on rare, endemic and protected flora and

fauna species







Conservation status of vegetation units







Soil types, soil depth and soil clay content







Previous land-use







State of the vegetation in general as indicated by indicator species



The sensitivity of the project area in terms of these criteria is illustrated in Figure 34. The Map also indicates

the planned project infrastructure in relation to the site sensitivities identified.



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Figure 34: Ecological Sensitivity of the study area



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5.11 Archaeological and Cultural Environment (Heritage Resources)

While a large number of academic archaeological and historical studies have been conducted in

Zambia, the Kafue region around Mumbwa remains relatively understudied. Available data infer a rich

and diverse archaeological landscape, representative of the phases of human and cultural development

in south-central Africa and number of areas of archaeological and heritage potential occur in the

general surroundings.

During August 2012 and again in March 2013, Mr Neels Kruger conducted surveys of the project site

and surrounding landscape in order to identify and evaluate any heritage or archaeological resources

which may be affected by the proposed project. The following section is based on his specialist report.

No heritage resources were identified in the proposed mining area and the impact zone for the

suggested mine infrastructure. Worth mentioning is that a number of flaked and broken malachite ore

rocks were observed on the site, and while the site does not necessarily attest to human activity in the

area, considering evidence of historical metallurgy in the larger region, the site might well have been a

source of iron and / or copper for metal smiths active in communities bordering the Kitumba hills. The

site is probably of limited heritage significance and, since it has been documented no further action is

recommended in terms of heritage mitigation or conservation.

Lack of evidence of on-site heritage resources should not exempt the project proponent from

conducting the planned activities on site with due cognisance of the larger heritage landscape, and the

potential for undiscovered heritage resources occurring on the site. Opportunity exists to become

involved in regional heritage conservation, not as an “offset” as such, but to demonstrate respect for the

project context.

A number of groups from the surroundings have occupied the region for many generations and have

expressed long-term cultural associations with the landscape. These groups thus associate themselves

with a number of sites of “Living Heritage” occurring in the areas surrounding the project site. Due

cognisance should be taken of these sites of “Living Heritage” in the cultural landscape and the

possible associations that communities might have to these. Applicable conservation measures for

sacred sites and any other heritage features around the project site should be considered based on the

sentiments of traditional guardians, elders and the local communities.

Considering the wealth of heritage occurring in the landscape around the proposed Kitumba mine, as

well as the localised nature of heritage remains, a careful watching brief monitoring process is

recommended for all stages of the project. Should any subsurface palaeontological, archaeological or

historical material or graves be exposed during construction or mining activities, all activities should be

suspended and the archaeological specialist should be notified immediately.

Archaeological and heritage resources in the vicinity of the proposed project site are illustrated in Figure

35.



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Figure 35: Archaeological and Heritage Resources in the vicinity of the site



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5.12 Socio-Cultural and Economic Environment

To understand the possible impacts that a project may have on people one needs to understand their existing,

pre-development environment. The following baseline description is derived from the specialist social impact

assessment report compiled by Ptersa Environmental Management Consultants (Aucamp S.-M. 2013). The

description of the social environment includes the identification and analysis of relevant stakeholders; a

description of the area within a national, regional and local context that will focus on the identity and history of

the area as well as a description of the population of the area based on a number of demographic, social and

economic variables.

Zambia is divided into ten provinces and the provinces are divided into approximately 91 districts of which

sixteen were established in 2012. The project site is situated in the Mumbwa District of the Central Province.

The project site lies approximately 50 km North West of Mumbwa, the capital of the District. The closest

villages to the site are Kafucamo and Mpundu. (Aucamp S.-M., 2013).



5.12.1 Culture and community power structures

Zambia is one of the most urbanised countries in sub-Saharan Africa with 44% of the total population

concentrated in a few urban areas. The remaining rural areas, including the project site and surroundings, are

sparsely populated.

The country is culturally very diverse, and current historians and linguistic experts can identify at least 16

major cultural groupings and more than 72 different spoken dialects in the country. Contemporary culture is a

blend of traditions of more than 70 ethnically diverse tribes, most of who moved into the area in a series of

migratory waves a few centuries ago. During the colonial period, the process of industrialisation and

urbanisation saw ethnically different people brought together by economic interests. This, as well as the

influence of western standards, generated a new culture without conscious effort. Many of the rural inhabitants

have however retained their indigenous and traditional customs and values. Zambia is one of the few African

countries with very little tribal animosity and the existence of so many tribes has not proved a significant

political problem such as what has been seen in many other African states.

The site for the proposed mine is located in an area where the Kaonde people live but there is also a number

of Bemba speaking people in the area. The Bemba represents approximately 18% of the population and was

historically nomadic hunter-gatherers. When copper mining began in earnest on the Copperbelt, the Bemba

speaking people migrated here in search of job opportunities. The Kaonde are the descendants of the famous

Luba-Lunda Empire of Zaire and were among the first Zambian tribes to carry out the mining of copper. The

communities in the vicinity of the proposed project and the surrounding land are under tribal leadership of

Chief Kaindu.

The Chiefdom is divided in seven zones with approximately 300 villages. There are 72 headmen (appointed

by the Chief) to assist with the management of the area. Approximately 9 headmen reside in proximity to the

project site. There are also a number of councillors active in the surrounding communities. The neighbouring



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Chiefdom is ruled by Chief Mumba of the Ile/Kaonde people of Mumbwa.

The community group known as the Kaindu Natural Resource Trust (KNRT) is active in the area and has in

the recent past called a meeting with farmers, mining companies and other business stakeholders in the area

to determine what their plans were in terms of social responsibility. The Chiefdom also has a committee that

deals with community projects, called the Kaindu Project Coordinating Committee (KPCC).



5.12.1.1 Information of the cultural rights and practices in the project area

The project area is adjacent to the area under the leadership of Chief Kaindu. The majority of the people

speak Kaonde, but there is also a number of Bemba speaking people in the area.

There is a ceremony called Musaka/Jikubi that usually takes place in September. Religion is very important

and the area and there are a number of churches in the surrounding areas. The number of Kingdom Halls of

the Jehovah’s Witnesses is noticeable. The local communities are conservative with very traditional values,

and Lobola is still widely practiced. Houses are often still built from traditional materials.

Leadership structures and rules are still accepted and obeyed by most of the community members.



5.12.2 Population, age, language, religion, education and family life

The total population of Zambia according to the 2010 National Census of Population and Housing was

13,046,508 with an annual growth rate of 2.8% since 2000. The population of the Central province was

1,267,308 while the Mumbwa district had a population of 218,328 and the second-highest population growth

rate (3.2%).

2



Population density nationally, provincially and in the district is 17.3; 13.4 and 10.3 people per km respectively.

The average household size in the District is 5.4 people per household and consultations in the area have

revealed that local households in the area tend to be large, often with more than six members.

The average age of the population of Zambia is 16.5 years. Life expectancy at birth is approximately 52.57

(Aucamp S.-M. , 2013). 64% of the Zambian population is between 0 – 14 years of age. 25% of the national

population rages in age from 15 – 64 years (the economically active age) and 11% are aged over 65 years.

49% of the population of Zambia are male and 51% female. This is also true of the Central Province, but in

the Mumbwa district representation is 50/50.

The official language in Zambia is English. The most common languages spoken in the vicinity of the study

area are Kaonde and Bemba.

Zambia is officially a Christian nation, but a wide variety of religious traditions exist in the country. In the

immediate surroundings of the study area, many churches and Kingdom Halls of Jehovah’s Witnesses have

been observed. Approximately 1 in 3 Zambians are Jehovah’s Witnesses, which is one of the largest

percentages worldwide. Locals in the vicinity of the project site place high value on their respective religious



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practices and expect their customs to be respected.

Education in Zambia consists of Basic education from Grade 1 to 9 and upper secondary education from

Grade 10 to 12. Tuition is free up to Grade 7 and the cost of schooling after Grade 7 is out of reach for most

rural families. The closest school to the study area which provides tuition up to Grade 12 is in Mumbwa,

adding further travelling and accommodation costs to the schooling of rural children in the region. Most

children in the area reportedly do not complete secondary schooling. Local educators have indicated that the

levels of illiteracy in the area is very high and that it is a great concern that especially girls drop out of school

early to get married and then do not finish their education (Aucamp S.-M. , 2013).

Adulthood comes at an early age for rural children and especially for girls. Few children manage to start

school before the age of ten and by the age of fifteen they are considered adults with the responsibilities of

marriage, child rearing and tending crops. Having a large number of children is still seen as some form of

wealth or long-term insurance and females (especially in rural areas such as the study area) will typically have

between 6 to 12 children. Men typically marry from the age of about 20 and Lobola is still widely practiced.

Local communities thus appear to be rather conservative with very traditional values. Despite this, divorce is

not uncommon or frowned upon, and in certain instances it seems to be an acceptable practice for men to

have affairs with other women. This creates a very fertile breeding ground for the transmission of HIV/AIDS

and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Unemployment and underemployment in Zambia are serious problems. About 68% of Zambians live below the

recognised national poverty line, with rural poverty rates standing at about 78%.

Most rural Zambians are subsistence farmers (traditionally), but with the lure of economic opportunity in the

cities, many villages are now dominated by women who have to depend on their own ingenuity to generate

cash to support their children and quite often also their elders.

People in the area surrounding the site of the proposed mine are generally poor as there are limited job

opportunities in the area and the natural resources are not sufficient to supply in the needs of everyone. Local

people busy themselves with subsistence farming (although some of the larger farms also commercialize at

least some of their produce), small scale mining, charcoal production, hunting (sometimes poaching) and

fishing in communities closer to the Kafue River. Some residents of local towns run shops that they stock

from Mumbwa.



5.12.2.1 Illiteracy, emolument and dropout rates of people in the project area.

Most schools in the proximity of the project area are community schools that go up to Grade 7 and in some

instances Grade 9. The closest school in the area that offers Grade 12 is in Mumbwa and it is outside the

financial reach of most parents to send their children there.

According to educators in the area the levels of illiteracy are very high and it is a great concern that especially

girls drop out of school early to get married and then do not finish their education.



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Residents have reported that there are five government schools in the area that go up to Grade 9, while the

other schools are community schools.

Statistics on illiteracy, emolument and dropout rates specifically for the area are not readily available, if at all.

A full inventory of the local schools is also not available. The Kalenda Basic School (which is the closest

known school to the site) is approximately 8 km (linear distance) from the project site, although this school is

in excess of 20 km from the mine site by road. As statistics are not readily available and current, the following

information is supplied (http://www.epdc.org/sites/default/files/documents/Zambia_subnatz_Mumbwa.pdf):

Table 11: 2008 Mumbwa District Profile

Grade 1 – 9



Grade 10 – 12



Female pupils



26 366



1 165



Male pupils



28 109



1 609



Teachers



822



138



Schools



152



13



Classrooms



663



152



Textbooks



57 018



427



These statistics (though outdated) indicate a pupil-teacher ratio of approximately 1 teacher for every 60 pupils

and almost 350 pupils per school.



5.12.3 HIV/AIDS infection rate and preventative measures in the project area

Although the local communities seem to be quite conservative with very traditional values, it seems to be an

acceptable practise to have affairs with other women (Aucamp, 2013). Respondents who were consulted with

as part of the Social Impact Assessment (See Appendix 3) have indicated belief that having intercourse with a

woman while she is pregnant may cause damage to the unborn child, and thus many men have indicated that

they would have affairs while their wives are pregnant in order to fulfil their sexual needs in the meantime. This

creates a very fertile breeding ground for the transmission of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted

diseases (Aucamp, 2013).

Zambia’s rate of economic growth cannot support rapid population growth or the strain that HIV/AIDS—related

issues place on the economy (Aucamp, 2013). In May 2008 “Estimates put the prevalence of HIV at 15.6%

among



the



15-49



year



old



age



group



in



Zambia”



(http://www.ghinet.org/downloads/Zambia_GHI_Briefing_Sheet_May08_Final.pdf). Reportedly, significant

scale-up of HIV services has occurred throughout Zambia. Between 2004 and 2007 there was a rapid

increase in anti-retroviral (ART) coverage, Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT), and

Voluntary



Counselling



and



Testing



(VCT)



services



(http://www.ghinet.org/downloads/Zambia_policybrief_hr.pdf). The following statistics are relevant to the

Mumbwa



district



where



the



proposed



project



is



to



be



located



(http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&cad=rja&ved=0CIEBEBYwBQ&url=ht

tp%3A%2F%2Fwww.ghinet.org%2Fdownloads%2FPoster_PMTCT_Task_sharing%28Final%29.ppt&ei=qMVk

UsfgDrOY1AWGrYDQBw&usg=AFQjCNGqW-xl5R-



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DoVhI0CKdfPVDZHhMhA&sig2=PDeYLa7rXaT9sIcPLcef6g&bvm=bv.54934254,d.Yms):

2007



2005

PMTCT client numbers



39



2940



Staff

numbers

PMTCT alone



2



4



Staff

numbers

delivering

PMTCT and other services



22



32



No. of clinical staff (doctors,

nurses and clinical officers)



98



91



No. of nurses/midwives



65



68



PMTCT

workers

as

a

proportion of all nurses/nurse

midwives



37%



53%



PMTCT

workers

as

a

proportion of all clinical staff



25%



40%



Ratio of antenatal clinic clients

to nurses/midwives



435



413



delivering



5.12.4 Industry

The Zambian government is pursuing an economic diversification program to reduce the economy’s reliance

on the copper industry. Inflation was 30% in 2000 and decreased to 8.9% in 2007. The annual rate of

inflation, derived from the revised all items Consumer Price Index (CPI) was recorded at 6.4 per cent in

January 2012 (Central Statistical Office, 2012). The following paragraphs briefly discuss the main economic

industries in Zambia.

Agriculture is discussed under Section 5.7 of this Report as it is a common Land Use in the vicinity of the

study area. Briefly it may be stated that Agriculture is and will continue to be central to the growth of the

Zambian economy. Worth mentioning are the activities of Amatheon Agri Zambia Ltd, a local subsidiary of a

multinational agricultural production company, in the vicinity of the project site.

Energy sources in Zambia include electricity, petroleum, coal, biomass and renewable energy. Electricity

demand has been growing at an approximate average of 3% per annum.



Hydro-Power contributes



approximately 10% to the national energy supply and is the most important energy source in the country apart

from wood fuel.

Zambia imports petroleum, but apart from that is self-sufficient in all its energy sources. Zambia’s current

proven coal deposits are estimated to be about 80 million tonnes, but there are only two coal mines in the

country, and no coal-fired power plants. Utilization of solar and wind energy has remained relatively low.

The Manufacturing sector accounts for approximately 11% of the national GDP and growth in this sector is

mainly attributed to the agro-processing, textiles and leather subsectors. Secondary processing of metals

(including the smelting and refining of copper) is another main activity which has led to the manufacturing of

metal products. Manufactured goods contribute an average of 25% of the country’s total exports.



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Mining has played a key role in the social and economic development of the country and is central to the

Zambian economy. Zambia is the largest copper producer in Africa and the country is endowed with

substantial mineral wealth including metals such as gold, copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, iron, manganese, nickel

and platinum group elements, gemstones, industrial minerals, as well as uranium, coal and hydrocarbons.

Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in Zambia and is seen as one of the prime sectors of the

economy. The tourism sector contributes approximately 6.5% of the country’s GDP. There are 938 tourist

accommodation establishments throughout Zambia. About two thirds of visitors to Zambia are from Africa and

approximately 20% from Europe.

Zambia offers a wealth of natural tourism assets and wildlife protected areas occupy about 10% of the

country’s total land area. There are a total of 20 national parks, 34 GMAs and 23 million hectares of land

devoted to conservation. Eco-tourism and adventure activities, cultural tourism and movie tourism are

regarded as under-explored opportunities.

In the immediate vicinity of the proposed project site lies the Mushingashi Conservancy as well as the KNP

(see section 5.7) which are important tourism facilities for the region.



5.12.4.1 Local economic activities in relation to local people’s livelihood

People in the area are generally very poor as job opportunities are very limited. People make a livelihood

through activities like subsistence farming, small shops, small-scale mining, illegal charcoal making, hunting,

poaching and fishing. Economic activities in the area that provide employment opportunities are commercial

agriculture, tourism (Kafue National Park as well as private game concessions) and small-scale mining.

There is a farmers’ association and a small-scale mining association in the area.



5.12.5 Service Infrastructure

Infrastructure in the vicinity of the study area is generally limited. Local residents source water from

boreholes, generally with hand-pumps, and residents walk or cycle in order to have access. Some residents

also get water from small streams directly.

There is no sewerage system in the villages of the study area. Several houses have self-constructed pitlatrines outside. It is assumed that the field is used as a toilet by some. Some of the nearby farms and the

existing exploration camp have toilet facilities connected to a septic tank system, which are emptied by

tankers regularly.

The study area does not have electricity although there are plans to connect to the national electricity grid.

Local people use mainly wood or charcoal to supply their current needs. There are also a few diesel

generators in the area, including at the exploration camp, the prison farm, and some households and local

businesses.



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The transport system around the study area is not well developed. The roads are all gravel/dirt roads and

generally in a poor condition. The primary mode of transport in the local areas is either by foot or bicycle.

Social Infrastructure (health care, education, recreation etc.) is also mostly insufficient in the project area. The

nearest hospital is in Mumbwa, and the clinics in local villages are often incapable of meeting demands.

Traditional healers play an important role in local health care. Zambia has a relatively high burden of diseases

that require high consumption of pharmaceutical products such as malaria and HIV/AIDS presenting many

challenges.

There are approximately five government schools in the vicinity of the project providing tuition up to Grade 9,

where after children have to go to Mumbwa for schooling. There are no proper sports fields or other such

recreational social infrastructure in the area.

The preceding sections have highlighted a number of existing social conditions prevalent in the areas

surrounding the proposed development. It is essential that the local communities be treated with respect and

duly consulted about development in their area. Without a “social license to operate” any project runs the risk

of significant public opposition.



5.12.6 Transport and Traffic

The M9 is the main regional road in the area. The road is tarred and in good condition. From Mumbwa, this

road continues in a westerly direction to the KNP and the road sees some traffic due to tourism activities in the

region. This is also the road up to Mumbwa that would typically be used by tourists on their way to

Mushingashi.

Existing vehicle traffic volumes on local roads such as the D181 are limited. Traffic through Mumbwa is

significantly more prominent than in the surrounding rural areas. Traffic on the outskirts of and through

Lusaka is significantly congested although there are rumours of future plans by the Roads Development

Agency (RDA) to develop a bypass (Havenga, June 2013). Thus in terms of existing transportation

infrastructure, challenges presented to the Project nearer the mine site relate mainly to adequacy of

infrastructure (poor road conditions) while closer to Lusaka, the main concern is related to time lost due to

traffic congestion.

Local roads through Mumbwa are used to gain site access. These are unpaved roads and are generally in a

very poor condition. Street vendors and pedestrians occupy the sides of the street right up to the road, which

is not demarcated with clear road signs or pavements. The road from Mumbwa to the project site is a dirt

road in poor condition. In some areas, tall grass grows right up to the edge of the road, hampering visibility.

During the rainy season, much of the area is not easily negotiable. Local inhabitants use the roads for access

mostly by foot or bicycles. Few vehicles were observed.

The road conditions referred to above are illustrated in Figure 36



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Vehicle and pedestrian traffic through Lusaka



The M9 west of Lusaka en route to Mumbwa



The traffic circle in Mumbwa



Road just west of the traffic circle in Mumbwa en route to

site



Road D181 en route to site



Access to the mine from D181



Figure 36: Existing Road Conditions



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6



Environmental Impact Study



IMPACTS



The following sub-sections highlight the key environmental, socio-cultural and economic impacts

potentially associated with the proposed project. Significance of an impact is a function of the severity of

the potential impact (in terms of actual consequence or severity, duration or frequency and spatial scale or

extent of the impact, as well as the sensitivity of the element being impacted) and the probability of the

impact occurring.

The key issues and potential environmental impacts discussed in this section have been identified through

specialist investigations, professional understanding of the project team, and consultation with relevant

authorities and a range of stakeholders.



6.1



Stakeholder Engagement and Public Participation



Public Participation is one of the most important aspects of the environmental evaluation and authorization

process. This stems from the requirement that people have the right to be informed about potential

decisions that may affect them and that they must be afforded an opportunity to influence those decisions.

Effective public participation also improves the ability of the competent authority (ZEMA) to make informed

decisions as the views of all parties are considered.

The Public Participation Process:





Provides an opportunity for interested and affected parties (I&APs) to obtain clear, accurate and

comprehensive information about the proposed activity, its alternatives or the decisions and the

environmental impacts thereof;







Provides I&APs with an opportunity to indicate their viewpoints, issues and concerns regarding the

activity, alternatives and/or the decisions;







Provides I&APs with the opportunity of suggesting ways of avoiding, reducing or mitigating

negative impacts of an activity and for enhancing positive impacts;







Enables an applicant to incorporate the needs, preferences and values of I&APs into the activity;







Provides opportunities to avoid and resolve disputes and reconcile conflicting interests;







Enhances transparency and accountability in decision-making.



6.1.1



Interested and Affected Parties



Every individual potentially affected by this project is a stakeholder in the project. The definition of a

stakeholder is:

Any individual, group, or institution who has a vested interest in the social, economic or bio-



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physical resources of the project area and/or who potentially will be affected by project activities

and have something to gain or lose if conditions change or stay the same (Adapted from WWF,

2005).

Stakeholders who were consulted in the context of the Kitumba project include:





Chief Kaindu and his tribal council consisting of several headmen







Teachers at Kaindu Basic School: Danny Dilema, Peter Chisanga, Virginia Mubuyaeta







Mr. Chabinga at Mpusu Basic School







Darryl Watt from Mushingashi Game Concession







Mumbwa Artisinal Mining Association







Mumbwa Farmer’s Association







Residents of Mpundu Village and Kafucamo Village







Mumbwa Prison Farm;







Kafue National Park (Zambia Wildlife Authority – ZAWA)







Zambia Air Force (ZAF);







Andy Fleming, CEO of Amatheon Agri Zambia Ltd, who are in the process of developing a new

irrigated cropping operation for food production in the Big Concession area adjacent to the

proposed project.







Mr Tandi Kamanga of African Deposits who has certain mining / exploration rights on land in the

vicinity of the proposed project.







The Zambian Roads Development Agency (RDA) (consulted via the traffic engineers).



Please refer to Appendix 2 for details of the consultations that took place as part of the EIS process.



6.1.2



Summary of Consultation / Issues Discussed



Stakeholders who were consulted commented on the following aspects relating to the proposed project:

For full details refer to Appendix 2.





Communities in the area have had bad experiences with mines in the past (promises not kept,

unacceptable working conditions, low remuneration for long hours, lack of rehabilitation etc.) –

there are trust issues that will have to be overcome.



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In general, communities welcome the mine because of the opportunities that it will bring –

unemployment is very high in the area.







Unemployment is very high in the area and jobs are scarce. There are some skilled people (brick

layers, carpenters, drivers, machine operators etc.) in the local villages, but these people often do

not have the required paperwork in place. Stakeholders have indicated that they would be willing

to obtain the appropriate papers if they were to get the necessary support.







Environmental aspects of particular concern are increased poaching, water pollution,

environmental pollution.







Impact on tourism activities in the area should be considered (visual, quality of environment,

sense of place).







The Communities have high expectations regarding the mine – care should be taken that the

mine does not become a “surrogate government” that supplies things that the government should

take care of.







Consultation with stakeholders is an on-going process and stakeholder engagement should be

prioritized throughout the life of the mining operations. Consultation should be expanded to

include grassroots communities – not only the leadership, and vulnerable parties such as women,

the youth and the elderly should be included in the process.







They claimed that BHP Billiton tolerated nepotism in such that supervisors appointed friends and

family members. They would like it if Blackthorn also engages with the grassroots people, not only

with community leaders. It appears as though there are some trust issues with the mining

industry.







There is some concern among local communities that the community representatives (who are

regularly consulted) do not always bring the right issues to the table, and that grassroots people

need to be consulted as well.



The establishment of a community liaison forum with



representatives from different groups such as women, youth and the elderly should be

investigated — this practice seems to be culturally acceptable and will ensure that the views of all

potentially interested and affected parties are considered.





Some of the women expressed a concern that they see no women employed in the mining arena

— they would like to see more opportunities for women



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6.2



Environmental Impact Study



Impact Assessment Methodology (After Plomp, 20043)



An impact can be defined as any change in the physical-chemical, biological, cultural and/or socio-economic

environmental system that can be attributed to human activities related to alternatives under study for meeting

a project need. The significance of the potential impacts of the proposed project will be rated by using a

matrix derived from Plomp (2004) and adapted to fit this specific proposed project. This matrix uses the

consequence and the likelihood of the different aspects and associated impacts to determine the significance

of the impacts.

The significances of the impacts are determined through a synthesis of the following criteria:

Table 12: Impact Significance Criteria

Probability: This describes the likelihood of the impact actually occurring.



Weight



Improbable:



The possibility of the impact occurring is very low, due to the circumstances, design or

experience.



1



Probable:



There is a probability that the impact will occur to the extent that provision must be made

thereof.



2



Highly

Probable



It is most likely that the impact will occur at some stage of the development.



4



Definite:



The impact will take place regardless of any prevention plans, and there can only be relied

on mitigatory actions or contingency plans to contain the effect.



5



Duration: The lifetime of the impact



Weight



Short term:



The impact will either disappear with mitigation or will be mitigated through natural

processes in a time span shorter than any of the phases of the project.



1



Medium

term:



The impact will last up to the end of the project’s phases, where after it will be negated.



3



Long term:



The impact will last for the entire operational phase of the project but will be mitigated by

direct human action or by natural processes thereafter.



4



Permanent:



Impact that will be non-transitory. Mitigation either by man or natural processes will not

occur in such a way or in such a time span that the impact can be considered transient.



5



Scale: The physical and spatial size of the impact



Weight



Footprint:



The impacted area extends only as far as the activity, e.g. footprint



1



Site:



The impact could affect the whole, or a measurable portion of the property.



2



Regional:



The impact could affect the area including the neighbouring residential areas.



3



Magnitude/ Severity: Does the impact destroy the environment, or alter its function.



Weight



Low:



2



The impact alters the affected environment in such a way that natural processes are not

affected.



3 Plomp, H. 2004. A process for assessing and evaluating environmental management risk and significance in a gold mining company.

Conference Papers-Annual National Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment: South African Affiliate



AGES Gauteng



-89-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



Medium:



The affected environment is altered, but functions and processes continue in a modified

way.



6



High:



Function or process of the affected environment is disturbed to the extent where it

temporarily or permanently ceases.



8



Significance: This is an indication of the importance of the impact in terms of both physical extent and

time scale, and therefore indicates the level of mitigation required.



Rating



Significance is equal to the sum of the duration, scale and magnitude of an impact, multiplied by the probability

of the impact occurring.

Negligible:



The impact is non-existent or unsubstantial and is of no or little importance to any

stakeholder and can be ignored.



0<20



Low:



The impact is limited in extent, has low to medium intensity; whatever its probability of

occurrence is, the impact will not have a material effect on the decision and is likely to

require management intervention with increased costs.



20<40



Moderate:



The impact is of importance to one or more stakeholders, and its intensity will be medium or

high; therefore, the impact may materially affect the decision to implement, and

management intervention will be required.



40<60



High:



The impact could render development options controversial or the project unacceptable if it

cannot be reduced to acceptable levels; and/or the cost of management intervention will be

a significant factor in mitigation.



>60



For example: If an impact has a high probability of occurrence, of medium term duration and a high

magnitude, with site specific scale the significance of that impact is determined in the following way:

Significance = Sum (Duration, Scale, Magnitude) x Probability

= (3 + 2 + 6) x 4 = 44



Therefore Significance is rated as Moderate



The significance of each potential impact will be rated without mitigation measures and with mitigation

measures.



6.3



Impact Assessment Structure



Impacts on the identified key issues will be assessed according to the following structure:





The Source of the impact: will be identified (e.g. vegetation clearance, vehicles on dirt roads, etc.).







A Description of the impact - the interaction between the activity and the environment, i.e. how and

why the impact occurs and how the activity changes the environment.







Significance: an explanation of the significance rating of the impact without mitigation, as above (the

impacts are rated again in Section 7 of this report, after Mitigation measures have been applied.







Mitigation: The mitigation measures that can be implemented to eliminate or minimise negative

impacts or result in the optimization of positive benefits must, wherever possible be expressed as

practical actions – Refer to Section 7 of this report for more details.



AGES Gauteng



-90-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



6.4



Environmental Impact Study



Impact Assessment



Table 13 represents a quantitative assessment of the significance of the various potential impacts which have

been identified as per the methodology described above. These impacts are rated without any mitigation,

management or preventative measures in place. In Section 7 of this report, mitigation measures are

identified and the impacts are rated again taking the successful implementation of these measures into

account. Please refer to Table 14

The impacts are grouped in terms of the sphere of impact (environmental, socio-cultural or economic)

although it must be acknowledged that some impacts will occur simultaneously in more than one of these

spheres. The project phase in which the impacts are expected is also indicated.



6.5



Significant Impacts



Following the impact assessment of each of the identified possible environmental impacts, the following

potential impacts are deemed to be the most significant (without implementation of mitigation measures):





Air Quality Impacts resulting from All Sources at the operations, causing Incremental PM10 Impact

during the operational phase of the mine.







Lowering of water levels of surrounding (within 3 km radius) water supply boreholes, due to the

dewatering radius of influence.







Inrush of groundwater to mine tunnels and stopes, potentially leading to loss of life.







Groundwater and surface water contamination by copper, cobalt, cadmium and manganese due to

contaminants leaching from mine waste facilities.







Radioactive contaminants from mine waste facilities, due to uranium being concentrated in the

product.







Groundwater seeping into the underground workings, causing the filling up of the shaft(s) and

workings and leading to impacts on operations and mining schedule.







Negative impacts on surface and groundwater quality due to Migration of TSF and WRD plume

(northwest).







Damage to or destruction of undiscovered heritage or archaeological resources, during construction,

operation and decommissioning of the mining project and associated projects (roads, water supply

etc.).







Impacts on Health and social wellbeing: Impacts on physical health due to influx of people putting

pressure on infrastructure and resources, increased disease, accidents and injuries.



AGES Gauteng



-91-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project







Environmental Impact Study



Influx of people creating a platform for opportunistic and other criminals: Impacts on Health and social

wellbeing: Crime - increased theft, social ills and poaching.







Shortage of social and physical infrastructure (Impact on quality of the living environment) due to

influx of people putting additional pressure on infrastructure (roads, sanitation etc.)







Habitat fragmentation due to Vegetation clearing and construction, Storage of Tailings; Laydown

areas for stockpiles and waste rock, roads as well as in the subsistence zone (depression and cracks

caused by SLC).







Increased soil erosion and sedimentation at the Sidewalls of depression created by SLC mining,

causing increased hardened surfaces around infrastructure and exposed areas created alongside the

mining area.







Increased soil erosion and sedimentation due to increased hardened surfaces created at the project

site.







Dust contamination due to exposure of rock, ore and soil to rainfall and wind, stockpiling, Materials

handling, vehicle entrainment and windblown dust.







Light pollution due to construction of mining infrastructure, access roads etc.







Habitat Destruction in wetlands due to Clearing of vegetation, construction of infrastructure etc., and

placement of stockpiles, TSF and WRD on wetlands.







Dust contamination in wetlands due to movement of construction vehicles, stockpiling, Materials

handling, vehicle entrainment and windblown dust, and movement of vehicles on site for

rehabilitation.







Soil Compaction due to regular heavy vehicle movement, and laydown areas.







Soil Destruction and sterilization due to topsoil stripping and mine construction







Soil Destruction and sterilization due to the Depression created by SLC operations (will be more

severe with opencast mining methods).



AGES Gauteng



-92-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



Table 13: Impact identification and significance rating WITHOUT MITIGATION



No



Activity/Aspect

1 Air Quality



1.1



All construction

activities

Earthworks



1.2

Site Development

1.3



1.4



1.7

1.8



Increased PM10 and PM 2.5 on

and around the project site

activities

Decreased air quality due to

increased PM10 and PM2.5 and

dust

Decreased air quality due to

increased PM10 and PM2.5 and

dust



Phase



Probability



Construction



Civil Works



Decreased air quality due to

increased PM10 and PM2.5 and

dust



Construction



Incremental PM2.5 Impact



Operational



All Sources of

emissions to the

atmosphere

All Sources of

emissions to the

atmosphere

Unpaved Roads



Wind erosion

1.9

1.

Materials handling

10

1.11 Ventilation shafts



AGES Gauteng



Incremental PM10 Impact

Incremental PM2.5 and PM10

Impact

Incremental PM2.5 and PM10

Impact

Incremental PM2.5 and PM10

Impact

Incremental PM2.5 and PM10



Scale



Magnitude



Significance

(WOM)



Medium

Term



Site



Medium



22



Low



Probable



Medium

Term



Local



Low



12



Negligible



Probable



Medium

Term



Local



Low



12



Negligible



Probable



Medium

Term



Site



Medium



22



Low



Improbable



Medium

Term



Local



Low



6



Negligible



Highly

Probable



Long Term



Regional



Medium



52



Moderate



Definite

Highly

Probable



Long Term



Regional



Medium



65



High



Long Term



Regional



Medium



52



Moderate



Probable



Long Term



Local



Low



14



Negligible



Probable

Improbable



Long Term

Long Term



Local

Local



Low

Medium



14

11



Negligible

Negligible



Construction



Air quality impacts from

increased dust



Duration



Probable

Construction



Movement of

vehicles and

personnel on

unpaved roads



1.5



1.6



Impact



Construction



Operational

Operational

Operational

Operational

Operational



-93-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



No



Activity/Aspect



Environmental Impact Study



Impact

Impact

Incremental PM2.5 and PM10

Impact

Incremental PM10 Impact



Phase



Bulldozing



Incremental PM10 Impact



Operational



Incline Shaft



PM2.5 and PM 10 Impacts



Closure



Topsoil and waste

1.16 dumps



PM2.5 and PM 10 Impacts



Closure



PM2.5 and PM 10 Impacts



Closure



PM2.5 and PM 10 Impacts



Closure



PM2.5 and PM 10 Impacts



Closure



PM2.5 and PM 10 Impacts



Closure



Crushing

1.12

1.13 Grading

1.14

1.15



1.17



Processing Plant



Admin and HR

1.18 facilities

Unpaved Roads

1.19

1.

Blasting

20

2 Hydrogeology

Establishment

of

construction camp

and

sanitation

2.1 facilities



Probability



Operational

Operational



Duration



Scale



Magnitude



Significance



Long Term

Long Term



Site

Local



Medium

Medium



24

22



Low

Low



Local



Medium



44



Moderate



Local



Low



6



Negligible



Local



Low



12



Negligible



Local



Low



6



Negligible



Local



Low



6



Negligible



Probable



Long Term

Medium

Term

Medium

Term

Medium

Term

Medium

Term

Medium

Term



Local



Low



12



Negligible



Improbable



Short Term



Local



Low



4



Negligible



Short Term



Site



Medium



36



Low



Probable

Probable

Highly

Probable

Improbable

Probable

Improbable

Improbable



Negative impacts on Groundwater Pre-construction

quality

and Construction Highly

Probable



2.2



Use of explosives for Contribute to nitrates overload to Pre-construction Highly

decline development groundwater

and Construction Probable



Medium

Term



Site



Medium



44



Moderate



2.3



Hydrocarbon

spillages

(construction

vehicles)



Negative impacts on Groundwater Pre-construction

quality

and Construction Highly

Probable



Short Term



Site



High



44



Moderate



2.4



Surface



Probable



Short Term



Regional



High



24



Low



AGES Gauteng



water Negative impacts on surface water Preconstruction



-94-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



No



Environmental Impact Study



Activity/Aspect

contamination



Impact

quality



Phase

and Construction



Probability



2.5



Anthropogenic

activities on site



Negative impacts on surface and Preconstruction

groundwater quality

and Construction Probable



2.6



Lowering

water

levels

of

Dewatering radius of

surrounding (3km radius) water

influence

supply boreholes.



2.7



Inrush

of

groundwater to mine Loss of Life

tunnels and stopes



Duration



Scale



Magnitude



Significance



Short Term



Site



High



22



Low



Definite



Long Term



Regional



Medium



65



High



Highly

Probable



Permanent



Regional



High



64



High



2.8



Lowering water levels of wetlands

Dewatering radius of

(3km

radius),

decrease Operational

influence

groundwater head



Definite



Long Term



Local



Medium



55



Moderate



2.9



Contaminant leaching Groundwater and surface water

from mine waste contamination by copper, cobalt, Operational

facilities

cadmium and manganese



Highly

Probable



Permanent



Regional



High



64



High



2.1



Uranium

Radioactive contaminants from

concentrated in the

Operational

mine waste facilities

product



Highly

Probable



Permanent



Regional



High



64



High



Contamination of surface and

Chemicals used in

groundwater by point source Operational

mining activities

2.11

chemicals



Highly

Probable



Medium

Term



Regional



Medium



48



Moderate



Groundwater

seepage

underground

2.12 workings



Highly

Probable



Permanent



Regional



High



64



High



Increased runoff due increased erosion and silt loading

Operational

2.13 to mining activities

on surface water bodies



Highly

Probable



Long Term



Site



Medium



48



Moderate



Negative impacts on groundwater

Operational

(from and surface water quality



Highly

Probable



Medium

Term



Site



Medium



44



Moderate



Hydrocarbon

2.14 spillages



AGES Gauteng



to



Operational



Filling up mine shaft negative

impact on mine schedule and Operational

operations



-95-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



No



Activity/Aspect

Impact

storage facilities or

vehicles)



Environmental Impact Study



Phase



Probability



Duration



Scale



Magnitude



Significance



Presence of nitrates in water

derived from mine workings Operational

(impacts on water quality)



Highly

Probable



Long Term



Regional



Low



36



Low



Contaminated

Negative impacts on groundwater

stormwater runoff

Operational

and surface water quality

2.16 from mine workings



Highly

Probable



Long Term



Site



Medium



48



Moderate



Inrushes of water

Negative impacts on production

caused by subsidence

Operational

and poses a safety risk

2.17 and cracking



Definite



Long Term



Local



High



65



High



Unstable

underground

Negative impacts on production

Operational

conditions due to the and poses a safety risk

2.18 effects of subsidence



Highly

Probable



Medium

Term



Local



High



48



Moderate



Mine

dewatering

effects decreasing - Rising of water levels and increase Closure

and

post

operational in borehole yields for water supply Post-Closure

2.19 rewatering

Definite



Permanent



Local



Low



40



Low



Increased water levels of wetlands

Re-watering radius of

Closure

and

(3km radius) and increased

influence

Post-Closure

2.20

groundwater head

Probable



Long Term



Local



Medium



22



Low



Leaching

of Contamination of groundwater and

Closure

and

contaminants from surface water by copper, cobalt,

Highly

Post-Closure

2.21 mine waste facilities cadmium and manganese

Probable



Permanent



Regional



High



64



High



Radioactive

Uranium concentrated in product.

Closure

and

contaminants from Residual concentrations in WRD

Highly

Post-Closure

2.22 mine waste facilities and TSF (probably low)

Probable



Permanent



Site



High



60



Moderate



2.23 Use



Medium



Site



Medium



22



Low



Use of explosives

2.15



of



AGES Gauteng



and Probable



explosives Groundwater contamination by Closure



-96-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



No



Activity/Aspect

Impact

causing presence of nitrates due to blasting

nitrates



Environmental Impact Study



Duration

Term



Scale



Post operational void

lake

acidification

Negative impacts on groundwater Closure

and

caused by oxygen

and surface water quality

Post-Closure

ingress

due

to

Highly

2.24 subsidence

Probable



Permanent



Regional



High



64



High



Migration of TDF and

Negative impacts on surface and Closure

and

WRD

plume

groundwater quality

Post-Closure

2.25 (northwest)

Definite



Permanent



Site



High



75



High



Improbable



Medium

Term



Local



Low



6



Negligible



Improbable



Long Term



Site



High



14



Negligible



Improbable



Medium

Term



Site



Medium



11



Negligible



Highly

Probable



Medium

Term



Regional



Medium



48



Moderate



3 Noise

All construction, site

clearance and

3.1 preparations

Ventilation shaft,

processing plant,

underground mining

operations,

Stockpiling and

3.2 dumping

Decommissioning,

dismantling, loading,

3.3 dozing, vehicles

4 Visual Impact

Presence of

construction

vehicles, machinery,

equipment and

4.1 personnel



AGES Gauteng



Noise disturbance and nuisance



Noise disturbance and nuisance



Noise disturbance and nuisance



Alteration of key elements,

features and characteristics of the

baseline visual environment



Phase

Post-Closure



Probability



Construction



Magnitude



Significance



Operational



Closure



Construction



-97-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



No



Activity/Aspect

Impact

Presence of

construction and

Alteration of key elements,

mining vehicles,

features and characteristics of the

machinery,

baseline visual environment

equipment and

4.2 personnel

Presence of vehicles,

Alteration of key elements,

machinery,

features and characteristics of the

equipment and

baseline visual environment

4.3 personnel

5 Impact on Heritage resources

Construction,

operation and

decommissioning of Damage to or destruction of

the mining project

undiscovered heritage or

and associated

archaeological resources

projects (roads,

5.1 water supply etc.).

6 Social Impacts

Development in the

Change in cultural values and

area causing inintegrity (Impact on Social

migration of

Dynamics)

6.1 foreigners

Influx of people to

Negative impacts on existing

the surrounding

community cohesion (Impact on

villages due to

Social Dynamics)

6.2 opportunities

Job-creation for local

people and for

Social differentiation and inequity

people from outside,

(Impact on Social Dynamics)

inappropriate

6.3 procurement policies



AGES Gauteng



Environmental Impact Study



Phase



Probability



Duration



Scale



Magnitude



Significance



Operational



Closure



Highly

Probable



Long Term



Regional



Medium



52



Moderate



Highly

Probable



Permanent



Regional



Medium



56



Moderate



Highly

Probable



Permanent



Regional



High



64



High



Highly

Probable



Permanent



Site



High



60



Moderate



Highly

Probable



Long Term



Site



High



56



Moderate



Highly

Probable



Long Term



Regional



Medium



52



Moderate



Construction,

operation and

closure



Construction



Construction



Construction



-98-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



No



6.4



6.5



6.6



6.7



6.8



6.9



Environmental Impact Study



Activity/Aspect

Conflict about

available jobs and

who should benefit

from the project.

Cultural change due

to influx and

economic changes

for some.

Unrealistically high

community

expectations of

benefits due to

project

Mine staff residing

away from their

families



Impact



Phase



Social tension and violence

(Impact on Social Dynamics)



Construction

and operation



Change in sense of

belonging due to

influx of people

Influx of people

putting pressure on

infrastructure and

resources, increased

disease, accidents

and injuries

Impacts on water

quality/availability,

increased traffic,

unfair labour

practices



AGES Gauteng



Probability



Aspirations and expectations of

community not realized (causing

tension and distrust). (Impact on

Social Dynamics)



Construction



Alterations in Family structures.

(Impact on Social Dynamics)



Construction

and operation



Community identification and

connection (Impact on Social

Dynamics)



Construction

and operation



Impacts on Health and social

wellbeing: Impacts on physical

health



Construction

and operation



Impacts on Health and social

wellbeing: Impacts on personal

safety (physical and

psychological)



Construction

and operation



-99-



Duration



Scale



Magnitude



Significance



Highly

Probable



Long Term



Site



High



56



Moderate



Highly

Probable



Long Term



Regional



High



60



Moderate



Highly

Probable



Long Term



Regional



High



60



Moderate



Highly

Probable



Long Term



Site



Medium



48



Moderate



Definite



Permanent



Regional



High



80



High



Highly

Probable



Medium

Term



Regional



High



56



Moderate



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



No



7.2



Activity/Aspect

Impact

Influx of people

Impacts on Health and social

creating a platform

wellbeing: Crime - increased

for opportunistic and

theft, social ills and poaching

other criminals

Influx of people

putting additional

Shortage of social and physical

pressure on

infrastructure (Impact on quality

infrastructure

of the living environment)

(roads, sanitation

etc.)

presence of mine

Alteration of sense of place /

infrastructure,

environmental amenity value /

vehicles, machinery

aesthetic quality (negative impact

and personnel

on tourism)

Animal human

Conflicting land uses with

interaction and

neighbouring activities

resultant industry

(conservation vs. mining)

conflicts

Impacts on Biodiversity

Vegetation clearing

Destruction of habitat

and construction

Storage of Tailings;

Laydown areas for

stockpiles and waste

Direct habitat destruction

rock, depression and

cracks from SLC

Mining method

Habitat fragmentation



7.3



Vegetation clearing

and construction



7.4



Storage of Tailings;

Laydown areas for



Habitat fragmentation



6.

10



6.11



6.12



6.13

7

7.1



AGES Gauteng



Environmental Impact Study



Phase



Probability



Construction

and operation



Duration



Scale



Magnitude



Significance



Definite



Medium

Term



Regional



High



70



High



Definite



Medium

Term



Regional



High



70



High



Highly

Probable



Permanent



Local



High



56



Moderate



Definite



Medium

Term



Local



High



60



Moderate



Definite



Permanent



Local



Medium



60



Moderate



Definite



Long Term



Local



Medium



55



Moderate



Definite



Permanent



Local



High



70



High



Definite



Permanent



Local



High



70



High



Construction

and operation



Construction

and operation



Construction

and operation



Construction



Operational



Construction

Operational



-100-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



No



7.7



Activity/Aspect

stockpiles and waste

rock, depression and

cracks from SLC

Rehabilitation of SLC

depression (filling

and levelling of

cracks)

Exposure of rock, ore

and soil to rainfall

and wind

Sidewalls of SLC

depression and

Increased hardened

surfaces created at

the project site



soil erosion



7.8



Rehabilitation

activities



Spillages of harmful substances



7.9



Movement of

vehicles on site



Domestic and

hazardous waste

storage and disposal,

7.10 sewage treatment



Spillages of harmful substances



7.5



7.6



Impact



Phase



Habitat Fragmentation



Closure



Soil erosion



Increased soil erosion and

sedimentation



Movement of

Spillages of harmful substances

7.11 vehicles on site

Exposure of rock, ore

and soil to rainfall

Dust contamination

7.12 and wind



AGES Gauteng



Environmental Impact Study



Probability



Construction



Duration



Scale



Magnitude



Significance



Highly

Probable



Permanent



Local



Medium



48



Moderate



Highly

Probable



Long Term



Regional



Medium



52



Moderate



Definite



Long Term



Regional



High



75



High



Highly

Probable



Permanent



Regional



Medium



56



Moderate



Probable



Long Term



Regional



Medium



26



Low



Probable



Long Term



Regional



Medium



26



Low



Probable



Long Term



Regional



Medium



26



Low



Definite



Long Term



Regional



High



75



High



Operational



Closure



Construction



Operational



Closure



Construction



-101-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



No



Activity/Aspect

Stockpiling,

Materials handling,

vehicle entrainment

7.13 and windblown dust

Rehabilitation

7.14 activities

Continued

movement of

personnel and

vehicles on and off

site, and deliver of

7.15 materials

Transporting of

people and

7.16 equipment

Movement of

7.17 vehicles on site

Construction of

infrastructure, roads

7.18 etc.

workers

accommodation on

7.19 site

Presence of

7.20 labourers on site

Continued

movement of

personnel and

vehicles on and off

7.21 site, and deliver of



AGES Gauteng



Environmental Impact Study



Impact



Phase



Dust



Operational



Dust



Spread of alien invasive species



Spread of alien invasive species



Spread of alien invasive species



Probability



Closure



Duration



Scale



Magnitude



Significance



Definite



Long Term



Regional



High



75



High



Highly

Probable



Permanent



Regional



Medium



56



Moderate



Highly

Probable



Permanent



Regional



Medium



56



Moderate



Highly

Probable



Permanent



Regional



Medium



56



Moderate



Highly

Probable



Permanent



Regional



Medium



56



Moderate



Highly

Probable



Medium

Term



Site



Medium



44



Moderate



Highly

Probable



Medium

Term



Site



Medium



44



Moderate



Probable



Long Term



Site



Medium



24



Low



Highly

Probable



Medium

Term



Site



Medium



44



Moderate



Construction



Operational



Closure



Negative impacts of human

activities



Construction



Negative effects of human

activities on flora



Operational



Negative effects of human

activities on flora



Closure



Fauna mortality on roads



Construction



-102-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



No



Activity/Aspect

materials



Movement of

vehicles on and off

site and delivery of

7.22 materials

Movement of

7.23 vehicles on site

Construction of

mining

infrastructure,

7.24 access roads etc.

Mining operations

7.25 during night time

8 Impacts on Wetlands

Clearing of

vegetation,

construction of

8.1 infrastructure etc.

Placement of

stockpiles, TSF and

8.2 WRD on wetlands

Increased hardened

surfaces and

8.3 exposed areas

Increased hardened

surfaces and

8.4 exposed areas

Rehabilitation

8.5 activities



AGES Gauteng



Environmental Impact Study



Impact



Phase



Fauna mortality on roads



Operational



Fauna mortality



Light pollution



Probability



Duration



Scale



Magnitude



Significance



Highly

Probable



Medium

Term



Regional



High



56



Moderate



Probable



Long Term



Site



Medium



24



Low



Definite



Regional



High



75



High



Definite



Long Term

Medium

Term



Regional



Medium



60



Moderate



Definite



Permanent



Local



High



70



High



Definite



Long Term



Local



High



65



High



Highly

Probable



Long Term



Regional



Medium



52



Moderate



Long Term



Regional



Medium



52



Moderate



Permanent



Regional



Medium



56



Moderate



Closure



Construction



Light pollution



Operational



Habitat Destruction



Pre-construction

and

construction



Direct habitat destruction



Operational



Soil compaction and erosion

leading to sedimentation



Pre-construction

and

construction



Increased soil erosion and

sedimentation



Operational



Increased soil erosion and

sedimentation



Closure and

Post-Closure



-103-



Highly

Probable

Highly

Probable



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



No



8.6



8.7



8.8



8.9



Activity/Aspect

Exposure of rock, ore

and soil to rainfall

and wind, and

vehicle movement

Large vehicles - oil

and fuel spillages,

building waste,

batching plants,

sewage and

domestic waste,

topsoil storage

Movement of

vehicles on site for

rehabilitation

Movement of

construction vehicles



Stockpiling,

Materials handling,

8.

vehicle entrainment

10 and windblown dust

Movement of

vehicles on site for

8.11 rehabilitation

Movement of

personnel and

vehicles on and off

site and delivery of

8.12 materials

Movement of

personnel and

8.13 vehicles on and off



AGES Gauteng



Environmental Impact Study



Impact



Phase



Water pollution from spillages of

harmful substances



Pre-construction

and

construction



Water pollution from spillages



Water pollution from spillages



Dust contamination



Dust contamination



Dust contamination



Spread of alien invasive species in

wetland systems



Spread of alien invasive species in

wetland systems



Probability



Duration



Scale



Magnitude



Significance



Probable



Long Term



Regional



Medium



26



Low



Probable



Long Term



Regional



Medium



26



Low



Probable



Long Term



Regional



Medium



26



Low



Definite



Long Term



Regional



High



75



High



Definite



Long Term



Regional



High



75



High



Definite



Long Term



Regional



Medium



65



High



Highly

Probable



Permanent



Regional



Medium



56



Moderate



Highly

Probable



Permanent



Regional



Medium



56



Moderate



Operational



Closure and

Post-Closure

Pre-construction

and

construction

Operational



Closure and

Post-Closure

Pre-construction

and

construction



Operational



-104-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



No



Activity/Aspect

Impact

site and delivery of

materials

Movement of

personnel and

Spread of alien invasive species in

vehicles on and off

wetland systems

site and delivery of

8.14 materials

9 Impacts on Soils, land capability and agricultural potential

Regular heavy

vehicle movement,

Soil Compaction

9.1 and laydown areas

Regular heavy

vehicle movement,

Soil Compaction

9.2 and laydown areas

Regular heavy

vehicle movement

Soil Compaction

for rehabilitation

9.3 activities

Vegetation

clearance, mine

construction and

Soil erosion

activities leaving soil

9.4 exposed

Hardened surfaces,

slopes of stockpiles

Soil erosion

9.5 and WRD

General

rehabilitation

Soil erosion

9.6 activities

Construction

vehicles contributing Soil pollution

9.7 to oil and fuel



AGES Gauteng



Environmental Impact Study



Phase



Probability



Closure and

Post-Closure



Pre-construction

and

construction



Duration



Scale



Magnitude



Significance



Highly

Probable



Permanent



Regional



Medium



56



Moderate



Definite



Long Term



Local



High



65



High



Definite



Long Term



Local



High



65



High



Highly

Probable



Long Term



Local



Medium



44



Moderate



Highly

Probable



Long Term



Regional



Medium



52



Moderate



Highly

Probable



Long Term



Regional



Medium



52



Moderate



Highly

Probable



Long Term



Regional



Medium



52



Moderate



Probable



Long Term



Regional



Medium



26



Low



Operational



Closure and

Post-Closure



Pre-construction

and

construction



Operational

Closure and

Post-Closure

Pre-construction

and

construction



-105-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



No



9.8



Activity/Aspect

spillages, building

waste, batching

plants, sewage and

domestic waste

Construction

vehicles contributing

to oil and fuel

spillages, building

waste, batching

plants, sewage and

domestic waste

Oil and fuel leakages

from vehicles and

machinery for

rehabilitation



Environmental Impact Study



Impact



Phase



Probability



Soil pollution



Operational



Soil pollution



Closure and

Post-Closure



Topsoil stripping and

mine construction



Soil destruction and sterilization



Pre-construction

and

construction



Topsoil stripping and

9.11 mine construction



Soil destruction and sterilization



9.9

9.

10



9.12



Construction of mine

and infrastructure



Dumping of waste

rock, mining and

9.13 stockpiling

Loss of grazing value

due to lower grazing

capacity after

9.14 rehabilitation



AGES Gauteng



Loss of land capability



Loss of land capability



Loss of land capability



Duration



Scale



Magnitude



Significance



Probable



Long Term



Regional



Medium



26



Low



Probable



Long Term



Regional



Medium



26



Low



Definite



Permanent



Local



High



70



High



Definite



Permanent



Local



High



70



High



Definite



Long Term



Local



Medium



55



Moderate



Definite



Long Term



Local



Medium



55



Moderate



Probable



Long Term



Local



Medium



22



Low



Operational

Pre-construction

and

construction

Operational



Closure and

Post-Closure



-106-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



7



Environmental Impact Study



MITIGATION MEASURES FOR ALL IDENTIFIED IMPACTS



The following paragraphs explain in detail the mitigation measures that have been identified in order to ensure

that the impacts identified in Section 6, can be mitigated or managed to acceptable levels, or entirely avoided.

Mitigation is not applicable to all of the identified impacts, either because the impact significance is of such

little consequence that mitigation is not warranted, or because the impact cannot be mitigated or avoided.

A summary of the relevant mitigation measures is also provided in the Environmental Management Plan

(EMP) contained in Section 9 of this report.

The following paragraphs mention the significant environmental impacts which remain of significance even

after the implementation of mitigation measures.



7.1



Significant Environmental Impacts that remain significant after mitigation



The only significant environmental impact which remains significant even after the implementation of

mitigation measures is:





Soil destruction and sterilization due to topsoil stripping and mine construction







Increased risk of soil erosion and sedimentation due to Sidewalls of SLC depression



7.2



Significant Socio-cultural Impacts that remain significant after mitigation



The only significant impacts on the social environment which remain significant even with the implementation

of mitigation measures are:





Influx of people putting pressure on infrastructure and resources, increased disease, accidents and

injuries causing impacts on physical health and social wellbeing.



7.3



Significant Economic Impacts that remain significant after mitigation



There are no negative economic impacts on surrounding communities expected to be associated with the

proposed project.



AGES Gauteng



-107-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



Table 14: Identification of mitigation measures, and impact ratings AFTER mitigation



No



Impact



Phase



WM/

WOM



Increased PM10 and

PM 2.5 on and around

the project site

activities



Construction



WOM



Movement of

vehicles and

personnel on

unpaved roads



Air quality impacts

from increased dust



Construction



All Sources



Incremental PM2.5

Impact



Operational



All Sources



Incremental PM10

Impact



Operational



Unpaved Roads



Incremental PM2.5

and PM10 Impact



Operational



Materials handling



Incremental PM2.5

and PM10 Impact



Operational



Crushing



Incremental PM2.5

and PM10 Impact



Operational



Activity/Aspect

1 Air Quality

All construction

activities



1.1



1.4

1.6

1.7

1.8

1.

10



1.12

2 Hydrogeology

Establishment of

construction camp

and sanitation

2.1 facilities

Use of explosives

for decline

2.2 development



AGES Gauteng



Negative impacts on

Groundwater quality

Contribute to nitrates

overload to

groundwater



WM



Preconstruction

and

Construction

Preconstruction

and



Significance (WOM)



Significance (WM)



Low



Water sprays for dust suppression

to be applied according to

prevailing site specific conditions



6



Negligible



22



Low



Water sprays for dust suppression

to be applied according to

prevailing site specific conditions



6



Negligible



52



Moderate



All mitigation listed for subsequent

source groups



48



Moderate



65



High



All mitigation listed for subsequent

source groups



52



Moderate



52



Moderate



75% control efficiency by water

sprays on roads



48



Moderate



14



Negligible



50% control efficiency through

water sprays



7



Negligible



24



Low



50% control efficiency through

water sprays



11



Negligible



18



Negligible



36



Low



22



WOM

WM

WOM

WM

WOM

WM

WOM

WM

WOM

WM

WOM

WM



Mitigation



WOM



WM

WOM



36



Low



Chemical sanitary facilities should

be used. Facilities to be located

away from drainage systems



WM



44



Moderate



Monitoring boreholes to monitor

and evaluate water quality



-108-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



2.3



2.4



2.5



Construction

Preconstruction

and

Construction

Preconstruction

and

Construction

Preconstruction

and

Construction



Hydrocarbon

spillages

(construction

vehicles)



Negative impacts on

Groundwater quality



Surface water

contamination



Negative impacts on

surface water quality



Anthropogenic

activities on site



Negative impacts on

surface and

groundwater quality



Dewatering radius

of influence



Lowering water levels

of surrounding (3 km

radius) water supply

boreholes.



Operational



Inrush of

groundwater to

mine tunnels and

stopes



Loss of Life



Operational



Dewatering radius

of influence



Lowering water levels

of wetlands (3 km

radius), decrease

groundwater head



Contaminant

leaching from mine

waste facilities



Groundwater and

surface water

contamination by

copper, cobalt,

cadmium and

manganese



2.6



2.7



Environmental Impact Study



2.8



2.9



AGES Gauteng



WOM



WM

WOM

WM

WOM



44



24



Moderate



Store fuels and chemicals in

secured and bunded area - prevent

spillages and leakages



16



Negligible



Low



Limit construction to the dry

season where possible



12



Negligible



18



Negligible



60



Moderate



WM

WOM



22



Low



WM

WOM



65



High



Adequate camp management,

good housekeeping rules

Monitor radius of influence (local

and regional water level

measurements monthly). Provide

alternative water to affected

parties/ecosystems



WM

WOM



64



High



WM

WOM



55



Moderate



Dewatering design which covers

drilling and pre-dewatering or

sealing

Additional site characterisation to

determine wetland mechanism.

Monitoring boreholes. Specific

discharge into wetlands to

maintain biodiversity



High



More detailed geochemical

investigations. Mixing of lime in

plant to neutralize tailings waste

and seepage capturing during

operational phase



Operational



Operational

WM



-109-



64



9



Negligible



30



Low



32



Low



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Uranium

concentrated in

the product



Radioactive

contaminants from

mine waste facilities



Environmental Impact Study



WOM

Operational



2.

10



WM

Chemicals used in

mining activities



2.11

Groundwater

seepage to

underground

2.12 workings

Increased runoff

due to mining

2.13 activities

Hydrocarbon

spillages (from

storage facilities or

2.14 vehicles)



Use of explosives

2.15



contamination of

surface and

groundwater by point

source chemicals

Filling up mine shaft

negative impact on

mine schedule and

operations

increased erosion and

silt loading on surface

water bodies

Negative impacts on

groundwater and

surface water quality

Presence of nitrates in

water derived from

mine workings

(impacts on water

quality)



Operational



48



Moderate



Operational

WM

WOM



64



High



WM



48



Moderate



44



Moderate



Operational



Operational



WOM

WM



Water to be pumped out and reused in mine circuit (contact water)

Erosion control measures and

stormwater management plan to

be implemented

Maintenance of mine vehicles and

machinery. Use spill trays when

necessary. Oil separators at

workshops



16



Negligible



26



Low



16



Negligible



24



Low



22



Low



WOM

Operational

WM



Negative impacts on

groundwater and

surface water quality



Operational



2.17



Negative impacts on



Operational



AGES Gauteng



High



WOM

WM

WOM



Contaminated

stormwater runoff

from mine

2.16 workings

Inrushes of water



64



Seepage capturing during

operational phase. Bleeding off

uranium in process water to

prevent build-up. Separate

uranium in the plant and develop

small norm waste facility, dispose

at licensed facility or sell.

All materials, fuels and chemicals

must be stored in specific secured

and bunded area. Spillages and

leakages are to be prevented.



36



Low



48



Moderate



WOM

WM

WOM



-110-



65



High



Groundwater monitoring and

treatment if necessary

A stormwater management plan

should be implemented to ensure

effective containment. Silt traps to

capture sediment load.



14



Negligible



24



Low



Implementation of emergency



32 Low



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



caused by

subsistence

cracking



2.18



Unstable

underground

conditions due to

the effects of

subsistence



Mine dewatering

effects decreasing post operational

2.19 rewatering

Re-watering radius

of influence

2.20

Leaching of

contaminants from

mine waste

facilities

2.21

Radioactive

contaminants from

mine waste

facilities



Environmental Impact Study



production, and poses

a safety risk



standby pumping system and

procedure

WM



Negative impacts on

production, and poses

a safety risk



Operational



AGES Gauteng



48



Moderate



Implementation of early

geotechnical detecting warning

system



40 Low



WM

Rising of water levels

and increase in

borehole yields for

water supply

Increased water levels

of wetlands (3 km

radius) and increased

groundwater head

Contamination of

groundwater and

surface water by

copper, cobalt,

cadmium and

manganese

Uranium concentrated

in product. Residual

concentrations in WRD

and TSF (probably low)



Closure and

Post-Closure



Closure and

Post-Closure



Groundwater

contamination by

nitrates due to



40



Low



Sealing of decline and access

tunnels to reduce oxygen ingress.

Liming of mine void to neutralise

post operational flooding



22



Low



Channel rehabilitated storm water

to wetlands



WOM

WM



WOM



64



High



WM

WOM



60



Moderate



Additional geochemical studies to

increase understanding of the

system. Neutralise waste during

operational phase. TSF

rehabilitation

Additional geochemical and

radiological studies. Bleeding off

uranium in process water to

prevent build-up. Separate

uranium in plant and develop norm

waste facility, dispose at licensed

facility or sell.



WM



22



Low



Nitrates would dissipate as blasting

stops



Closure and

Post-Closure

WM

WOM

Closure and

Post-Closure



Closure and

Post-Closure



36



Low



30



Low



WOM

WM



2.22

Use of explosives

causing presence

2.23 of nitrates



WOM



-111-



16



Negligible



30



Low



8



Negligible



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



blasting



2.24



2.25

3



Post operational

void lake

acidification

caused by oxygen

ingress due to

subsistence



Negative impacts on

ground water and

surface water quality



Migration of TSF

and WRD plume

(northwest)



Negative impacts on

surface and

groundwater quality



Closure and

Post-Closure



Closure and

Post-Closure



WOM



64



High



WM

WOM

WM

WM



75



High



TSF rehabilitation (and capping) to

minimise ingress



32 Low



52



Moderate



Noise

Noise-related impacts were found to be negligible, even without mitigation

(See Table 13) thus no mitigation is required.



4 Visual Impacts

Presence of

construction

vehicles,

machinery,

equipment and

4.1 personnel

Presence of

construction and

mining vehicles,

machinery,

equipment and

4.2 personnel



4.3



Altering location of the decline to

be situated at a higher elevation or

effective sealing of decline to

prevent direct decant



Presence of

vehicles,

machinery,



AGES Gauteng



Alteration of key

elements, features

and characteristics of

the baseline visual

environment



Construction



Alteration of key

elements, features

and characteristics of

the baseline visual

environment



Operational



Alteration of key

elements, features

and characteristics of



Closure



Negligible



48



Moderate



52



Moderate



Retain existing vegetation where

possible (especially along site

boundary and roads). Implement

dust suppression. Concurrent

rehabilitation. Strict speed limits.

Careful consideration of lighting.

Dust suppression. Develop

sustainable final landform design

for TSF, WRD and water storage

facilities. Concurrent rehabilitation

of TSF and WRD. Strict speed limits.

Careful consideration of lighting



Moderate



Dust suppression. Design of TSF,

WRD etc. to minimise final heights.

Concurrent rehabilitation and



WOM



WM

WOM



WM

WOM

WM



-112-



Negligible



56



48



Moderate



52



Moderate



40



Low



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



the baseline visual

equipment and

environment

personnel

5 Impact on Heritage resources

Construction,

operation and

decommissioning

of the mining

project and

associated projects

(roads, water

supply etc.).



5.1

6 Social Impacts

Development in

the area causing inmigration of

6.1 foreigners

Influx of people to

the surrounding

villages due to

6.2 opportunities

Job-creation for

local people and

for people from

outside,

inappropriate

procurement

6.3 policies



6.4



Conflict about

available jobs and

who should benefit



AGES Gauteng



Damage to or

destruction of

undiscovered heritage

or archaeological

resources



monitoring of success of rehab. .



Construction,

operation and

closure



WOM



WM

Change in cultural

values and integrity

(Impact on Social

Dynamics)

Negative impacts on

existing community

cohesion (Impact on

Social Dynamics)



Social differentiation

and inequity (Impact

on Social Dynamics)



Social tension and

violence (Impact on

Social Dynamics)



Construction



60



Moderate



56



Moderate



WM



52



Moderate



WOM



56



Moderate



WOM

WM



Construction



High



WOM

WM



Construction



64



WOM



Construction

and operation



-113-



Environmental awareness training

and brief watch monitoring

programmes throughout

development - know what to look

out for. Archaeological surveys on

associated projects' sites prior to

development. Consultation with

local communities (protect living

heritage).

Stakeholders must be capacitated

to recognize changes that the

project and an influx of people may

bring to their communities: Discuss

the potential for in-migration with

community leaders (political and

traditional) and obtain their views

on how to manage the process

with input from all parties

involved; Decide on recruitment

policies (especially for unskilled

labour) in conjunction with the

leadership structures. Ensure

policies are fair and equitable (and

perceived as such). Communicate

the policies as early as possible. A

quota system from each affected

village in the project area usually

works well. Involve schools,



16



Negligible



52



Moderate



48



Moderate



48



Moderate



48



Moderate



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



from the project.

Cultural change

due to influx and

economic changes

for some.

Unrealistically high

community

expectations of

benefits due to

project

6.5

Mine staff residing

away from their

families



WM

Aspirations and

expectations of

community not

realized (causing

tension and distrust).

(Impact on Social

Dynamics)



Construction



Alterations in Family

structures. (Impact on

Social Dynamics)



Construction

and operation



WOM



WM



6.6



60



Moderate



60



Moderate



48



Moderate



WOM

WM



WOM



Change in sense of

belonging due to

influx of people



6.7



AGES Gauteng



Community

identification and

Construction

connection (Impact on and operation

Social Dynamics)



WM



-114-



churches and clinics to assist with

awareness creation through

pamphlets, lectures and posters

about potential social ills e.g.

drugs, alcohol and teenage

pregnancy. Implement a

community relations plan that

includes all relevant stakeholders

and was compiled with input of all

the affected stakeholders. Establish

a community liaison forum (CLF)

with representatives from all the

stakeholders (including inmigrants, woman, the youth and

the elderly). Involve religious,

security and cultural groups in

stakeholder forums.

Participate in community events

such as sport days, national days

and other celebrations.

Make communication the

responsibility of one person to

ensure representatives of the mine

do not contradict each other. It is

important to consider that the

mine will need the input from

government (local and traditional)

and a number of community

institutions to successfully manage

this process. The change cannot be

avoided, but must be managed.



56



Moderate



56



Moderate



44



Moderate



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Influx of people

putting pressure

on infrastructure

and resources,

increased disease,

accidents and

injuries



Impacts on Health and

social wellbeing:

Impacts on physical

health



Environmental Impact Study



Construction

and operation



6.8



WOM



WM



Impacts on water

quality/availability,

increased traffic,

unfair labour

practices



Impacts on Health and

social wellbeing:

Impacts on personal

safety (physical and

psychological)



Construction

and operation



6.9



80



High



56



Moderate



70



High



WOM



WM



WOM

Influx of people

creating a platform

for opportunistic

and other criminals



6.

10



AGES Gauteng



Impacts on Health and

social wellbeing: Crime

- increased theft,

social ills and poaching



Construction

and operation



WM



-115-



Cooperate with existing health

services and engage with the

Health Department. Support and

align with existing community

health programmes. Rotation of

district health personnel through

the site clinic for skills

enhancement and training.

Monitor air and water quality.

Ensure that there are no standing

pools of water that can act as a

breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Community outreach programmes

to improve knowledge, attitudes,

practices, and beliefs surrounding

malaria. Ensure all buildings

created by the project are

mosquito proof.

Establish and maintain road safety

signage, along project roadways.

Collaborate with local authorities

and local law enforcement

(prevent speeding, reckless driving;

enforce seat belt usage, accident

response etc.).

Provide health care services to

workers. Abide by VPSHR. Deploy

two guards in critical locations.

Deploy guards on the borders of

the mining property and involve

them in anti-poaching activities.

Educate the work force about

poaching. Support anti-poaching



70



High



36



Low



48



Moderate



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



initiatives initiated by neighbouring

properties and ZAWA.



6.11



Influx of people

putting additional

pressure on

infrastructure

(roads, sanitation

etc.)



Shortage of social and

physical infrastructure

(Impact on quality of

the living

environment)



presence of mine

infrastructure,

vehicles,

machinery and

personnel



Alteration of sense of

place / environmental

amenity value /

aesthetic quality

(negative impact on

tourism)



6.12



Construction

and operation



WOM



WM



Construction

and operation



70



High



56



Moderate



60



Moderate



WOM



WM



WOM

Animal human

interaction and

resultant industry

conflicts



6.13



Conflicting land uses

with neighbouring

Construction

activities (conservation and operation

vs. mining)



WM



Impacts on

7 Biodiversity



AGES Gauteng



-116-



Input from different role players is

essential: adhere to the mitigation

in other specialist studies. Utilise

the existing exploration camp to

house construction workers. Put

workers from similar areas in the

same shift and provide transport to

and from these areas. Engage with

the government about upgrade of

infrastructure (mutually beneficial

to project and surrounding

communities). Include upgrade of

social or physical infrastructure in

CSI initiatives. Develop a “code of

conduct” to guide staff interaction

with local communities and include

guidelines on interaction with

conservation areas. Make provision

for a buffer zone around the

physical footprint of the project

and erect a fence around the

buffer zone. Interact with

conservation parties about how to

elephant-proof water structures

and how to scavenger-proof waste

areas. Include animal-human

interaction procedures in health

and safety procedures of the

operations.



48



Moderate



48



Moderate



50



Moderate



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Vegetation clearing

and construction



Destruction of habitat



Environmental Impact Study



Construction



7.1



WOM

WM



60



Moderate



55



Moderate



70



High



70



High



WOM



Storage of Tailings;

Laydown areas for

stockpiles and

waste rock



Direct habitat

destruction



Operational



7.2



WM

Vegetation clearing

and construction



Habitat fragmentation



Construction



7.3



WOM

WM



Storage of Tailings;

Laydown areas for

stockpiles and

waste rock,

depression and

cracks of SLC

mining method

7.4



AGES Gauteng



WOM



Habitat fragmentation



Operational



WM



-117-



Retain vegetation where possible.

Construction should preferably

take place in winter (reduce

disturbance to breeding fauna and

flowering flora). Relocate plants of

ecological significance; Do not clear

the entire footprint

simultaneously; Clearly demarcate

the entire development footprint

and prevent creep; Implement

monitoring to ensure minimal

impacts; Regular environmental

training should be provided;

Trenches should be adequately

cordoned off and constant

excavating and backfilling of

trenches should occur. Poisons for

the control of rats, mice or other

vermin should only be used after

approval from an ecologist.

Use existing facilities as far as

possible. Ensure as little

disturbance as possible to the

sensitive habitats such as ravines

and moist grassland pockets.

Establish protective buffers to

exclude unintentional disturbance

to sensitive areas. Construction

activities must remain within

defined construction areas and the

road servitudes. Unnecessary

driving around or bulldozing

natural habitat must not take



40



Low



35



Low



60



Moderate



60



Moderate



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Soil erosion



7.5



Exposure of rock,

ore and soil to

rainfall and wind



Increased soil erosion

and sedimentation



7.6



Sidewalls of SLC

depression, and

Increased

hardened surfaces

created at the

project site



Environmental Impact Study



Construction



52



Moderate



75



High



56



Moderate



place. No disturbance will occur

outside demarcated areas.

Topsoil stripping and excavation

should be scheduled for the dry

season where possible; Ensure that

the exposed areas are minimal at

any specific time – construction

and rehabilitation should occur

concurrently; Cover disturbed soils;

Control runoff to move water

safely off site after removal of

sediment without destructive gully

formation; Install sediment control

devices (Grass filter strips,

Sediment filters, Sediment traps,

Drop inlet filters). Implement

stringent erosion and dust control

practices.

Institute a storm water

management plan. Do not let

surface water or storm water to be

concentrated, Design storm water

discharge points to prevent

erosion; Repair all erosion damage

as soon as possible; Gravel roads

must be well drained in order to

limit soil erosion.



Low



Contain polluted water. Excess or

waste material or chemicals should

be discarded in an environmental

friendly way. Hazardous chemicals



WOM

WM



WOM

Operational

WM



WOM



Rehabilitation

activities



soil erosion



Closure



7.7



WM

Movement of

vehicles on site



7.8



AGES Gauteng



Spillages of harmful

substances



Construction



WOM

WM



-118-



26



36



Low



65



Moderate



36



Low



18



Negligible



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



7.9



Domestic and

hazardous waste

storage and

disposal, sewage

treatment



Spillages of harmful

substances



Environmental Impact Study



Operational



26



Low



26



Moderate



75



High



75



High



WM



56



Moderate



to be stored on an impervious

surface protected from rainfall and

storm water; Ensure refuelling

stations are constructed to prevent

spillages. Ensure that accidental

spillages are contained and cleaned

up promptly; treat sewage in a

suitable plant or remove from site

for treatment elsewhere; Spill kits

should be on-hand to deal with

spills immediately; Inspect all

vehicles regularly for oil and fuel

leaks. Vehicle maintenance should

be done in a designated facility and

drip trays should be used. Drip

trays should be emptied into a

holding tank and returned to the

supplier.

Undertake dust suppression and a

dust monitoring programme.

Implement the air quality

management programme, and

monitor regularly to ascertain the

dust load and emission rates and

particle size distribution;

Implement standard dust control

measures, including periodic

spraying and chemical dust

suppression and monitor

efficiency. Implement strict speed

limits to reduce dust formation.



WOM



56



Moderate



Kill the alien invasive plants

present, the seedlings which



WOM

WM



WOM



Movement of

vehicles on site



Spillages of harmful

substances



Closure



7.

10



WM



Exposure of rock,

ore and soil to

7.11 rainfall and wind

Stockpiling,

Materials handling,

vehicle

entrainment and

7.12 windblown dust

Rehabilitation

activities



Dust contamination



Construction



WM



Dust



Operational



AGES Gauteng



WOM

WM



Dust



Closure



7.13

Continued

7.14 movement of



WOM



Spread of alien

invasive species



WOM



Construction



-119-



18



Negligible



18



Low



45



Moderate



45



Moderate



36



Low



36



Low



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



personnel and

vehicles on and off

site, and deliver of

materials



7.15



Transporting of

people and

equipment



WM

Spread of alien

invasive species



Operational



WOM

WM



56



Moderate



56



Moderate



44



Moderate



44



Moderate



56



Moderate



WOM

Movement of

vehicles on site



Spread of alien

invasive species



Closure



7.16



WM



Construction of

infrastructure,

7.17 roads etc.



Negative impacts of

human activities



workers

accommodation on

7.18 site



Negative effects of

human activities on

flora



Operational



Negative effects of

human activities on

flora



Closure



Presence of

labourers on site

7.19



AGES Gauteng



Construction



WOM

WM

WOM

WM



WOM



WM



-120-



emerge, and establish an

alternative plant cover to limit regrowth and re-invasion; Institute

strict control over materials

brought onto site, inspect for seeds

of noxious plants and eradicate

before transport to site. Routinely

fumigate or spray with appropriate

herbicides; Rehabilitate disturbed

areas as quickly as possible;

Institute a monitoring programme

to detect alien invasive species

early; Institute an

eradication/control programme for

early intervention if invasive

species are detected; A detailed

plan should be developed for

control of noxious weeds and

invasive plants..

Staff should preferably be

accommodated on site to reduce

impacts such as dust and ensure a

safe working environment; Staff

accommodation should be fenced

to prevent movement of people

and animals into ‘no-go’ areas.

Adequate rubbish bins and

sanitation facilities should be

provided; Maintain proper

firebreaks around entire

development footprint. Educate

construction workers regarding

risks and correct disposal of



36



Low



36



Low



28



Low



28



Low



36



Low



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



cigarettes and other waste

materials.

Continued

movement of

personnel and

vehicles on and off

site, and deliver of

7.2 materials

Movement of

vehicles on and off

site and delivery of

7.21 materials

Movement of

vehicles on site



Fauna mortality on

roads



WOM

Construction

WM



Fauna mortality on

roads



Operational



Closure



7.22

Light pollution



Construction



56



Moderate



56



Moderate



75



High



60



Moderate



Enforce a speed limit no more than

40 km/hour. Install speed bumps in

sections where the speed limit

tends to be disobeyed. Avoid

travelling at night. Lights should be

positioned 5 m from the roads or

paved areas.

Eliminate as much external lighting

as possible; Use recommended

light sources and fittings; Wherever

possible long-wavelength light

sources should be used.

Fluorescent lights should not be

used outdoors. External light

sources should be directed inward;

Lights should be positioned 5 m

from roads or paved areas; Internal

lighting should be shielded.



High



Prevent impact by applying

recommended buffer zones

altering the base case layout plans

to fall outside of these wetlands



WOM

WM



Construction of

mining

infrastructure,

7.23 access roads etc.



Moderate



WOM

WM



Fauna mortality



44



WOM

WM

WOM



Mining operations

during night time



Light pollution



Operational



7.24

Impacts on

8 Wetlands

Clearing of

vegetation,

construction of

8.1 infrastructure etc.



AGES Gauteng



WM



Habitat Destruction



Preconstruction

and

construction



WOM

WM



-121-



70



28



Low



32



Low



36



Low



18



Negligible



40



Low



16



Negligible



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



WOM



Placement of

stockpiles, TSF and

WRD on wetlands



8.2



AGES Gauteng



Direct habitat

destruction



Operational



WM



-122-



65



High



and buffer zones; Limit

development activities including

storage areas to demarcated

appropriate areas. Adapt layouts to

fit natural patterns rather than

imposing rigid geometries; Regular

environmental training should be

provided to construction workers

to ensure the protection of the

wetland habitat; The removal of

indigenous plants associated with

the wetlands and riparian areas

should be prohibited; Limit and

control pesticide use; Implement

environmental monitoring to

ensure that minimal wetland

impact; Work in rivers, streams and

wetlands should preferably be

avoided, but if necessary should be

done during the dry season;

Pipelines or roads constructed

across drainage channels should be

guided by a rehabilitation plan.

Cross drainage channels at a 90

degree angle to prevent erosion.

Minimize changes to natural

drainage patterns and crossings to

drainages. Perform scheduled

maintenance to be prepared for

storms. Ensure culverts are

cleaned, and that channels are free

of debris. Keep cut and fill slopes as

flat as possible and stabilized to

14



Negligible



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



8.3



8.4



Environmental Impact Study



Increased

hardened surfaces

and exposed areas



Soil compaction and

erosion leading to

sedimentation



Preconstruction

and

construction



Increased

hardened surfaces

and exposed areas



Increased soil erosion

and sedimentation



Operational



WOM

WM



52



Moderate



52



Moderate



56



Moderate



WOM

WM

WOM



Rehabilitation

activities



8.5



AGES Gauteng



Increased soil erosion

and sedimentation



Closure and

Post-Closure



WM



-123-



minimize slumping and surface

erosion. In-stream diversions at

constructions in drainages must

avoid damming). No construction

of new channels. Appropriate

measures must be taken to

manage storm water run-off and

potential flooding

Minimize the amount of land

disturbance; Topsoil stripping and

excavation activities should be

scheduled for the dry season if

possible; Ensure that the exposed

areas prone to erosion are minimal

at any specific time; Cover

disturbed soils as completely as

possible; Move runoff water safely

off the site without destructive

gully formation, trap the sediment

before releasing the run-off water

off site; Sediment control devices

need to be installed to capture

mobilised sediment. Implement

stringent erosion and dust control

practices. Install temporary drains

and minimize concentrated water.

Control stormwater velocity where

necessary and divert run-off

around disturbed areas. Institute a

storm water management plan;

Have both temporary (during

construction) and permanent

erosion control plans; Protect areas



36



Low



36



Low



18



Negligible



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



8.6



8.7



Exposure of rock,

ore and soil to

rainfall and wind,

and vehicle

movement

Large vehicles - oil

and fuel spillages,

building waste,

batching plants,

sewage and

domestic waste,

topsoil storage



Water pollution from

spillages of harmful

substances



Environmental Impact Study



Preconstruction

and

construction



WOM



WM



26



Low



26



Low



26



Low



WOM

Water pollution from

spillages



Operational



WM



WOM



Movement of

vehicles on site for

rehabilitation



8.8



AGES Gauteng



Water pollution from

spillages



Closure and

Post-Closure



WM



-124-



susceptible to erosion and repair

all erosion damage as soon as

possible; Gravel roads must be well

drained in order to limit soil

erosion;

Treat water emerging from the

mine and water that accumulates

in the backfilled and rehabilitated

voids; Water falling on areas

polluted with hazardous

substances must be contained. Any

excess or waste material or

chemicals should be removed from

the site and discarded in an

environmental friendly way;

Inspect construction vehicles for oil

and fuel leaks regularly, service

vehicles regularly. Situate

maintenance yards away from

drainage lines; Construct refuelling

stations to prevent spillage of fuel

or oil and implement measures to

deal with accidental spills. Fit

temporary inlet pit filters near

wash-down areas to prevent

pollutant entry into the drainage

system; Sewage should either be

treated in a suitable plant or

removed from the site for

treatment elsewhere; Maintain a

good standard of housekeeping.

Store all litter carefully so it cannot

contaminate stormwater drainage



18



Negligible



18



Negligible



18



Negligible



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



8.9



8.

10



Movement of

construction

vehicles



Dust contamination



Stockpiling,

Materials handling,

vehicle

entrainment and

windblown dust



Dust contamination



Movement of

vehicles on site for

rehabilitation



Dust contamination



Environmental Impact Study



Preconstruction

and

construction



Movement of

8.14 personnel and



AGES Gauteng



WM



75



High



75



High



65



High



WOM

Operational

WM



Closure and

Post-Closure



8.11

Movement of

personnel and

vehicles on and off

site and delivery of

8.12 materials

Movement of

personnel and

vehicles on and off

site and delivery of

8.13 materials



WOM



WOM



WM

Spread of alien

invasive species in

wetland systems



Spread of alien

invasive species in

wetland systems

Spread of alien

invasive species in



Preconstruction

and

construction



WOM



WM



56



Moderate



WM



56



Moderate



WOM



56



Moderate



WOM

Operational



Closure and

Post-Closure



-125-



systems; Provide (scavenger proof)

bins at appropriate locations,

particularly where food is prepared

and consumed. Avoid poisons for

the control of problem animals

where possible.

Implement dust suppression and

monitoring. Implement and

monitor the air quality

management programme. Mine

health and safety requirements for

the use of dust masks must be

adhered to and compliance audited

regularly; Implement standard dust

control measures, including

chemical dust suppressants where

appropriate and periodic spraying;

Soil dumps may be covered if

necessary; A speed limit (no more

than 60 km/hour) should be

enforced on dirt roads;

Kill the alien plants present and

seedlings which emerge, and

establish alternative plant cover.

The control of AIS at the site should

commence prior to construction.

Prevent AIS from establishing,

detect AIS that do establish early,

eradicate AIS that establish or

control population is eradication is

not feasible. Develop and

implement a detailed AIS

eradication and monitoring plan.



45



Moderate



45



Moderate



45



Moderate



36



Low



36



Low



18



Negligible



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



vehicles on and off wetland systems

site and delivery of

materials

Impacts on Soils, land capability and

9 agricultural potential



9.1



9.2



Regular heavy

vehicle movement,

and laydown areas



Soil Compaction



Regular heavy

vehicle movement,

and laydown areas



Soil Compaction



WM



Preconstruction

and

construction



WM



Operational



WOM



WOM



WM



65



High



65



High



44



Moderate



52



Moderate



WOM



Regular heavy

vehicle movement

for rehabilitation

activities



Soil Compaction



Closure and

Post-Closure



9.3



9.4



WM

Vegetation

clearance, mine

construction and

activities leaving

soil exposed



AGES Gauteng



Soil erosion



Preconstruction

and

construction



WOM



WM



-126-



Soil should be handled when dry to

reduce the risk of compaction;

Vegetation is to be stripped

together with topsoil; Avoid soils

with risk of compaction wherever

possible. Unnecessary driving

around in the veld or bulldozing

natural habitat must not take

place. Vehicles should also stick to

haul roads when dumping of waste

rock and topsoil are done. Existing

roads and tracks are to be utilized

as far as this is possible. Rip and/or

scarify compacted areas on a

continuous basis. Do not rip and/or

scarify areas under wet conditions.

Soil should be sampled and

analysed prior to replacement

during rehabilitation. If necessary,

and under advisement from a

suitably qualified restoration

ecologist, supplemental

fertilisation may be necessary.

Schedule topsoil stripping and

excavation in the dry season where

possible; Clearance and excavation

activities should occur concurrently

with construction and



40



Low



20



Negligible



28



Low



36



Low



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



9.5



Hardened surfaces,

slopes of stockpiles

and WRD



Soil erosion



Environmental Impact Study



Operational



WOM

WM



52



Moderate



WM



52



Moderate



WOM



26



Low



WOM



General

rehabilitation

activities



Soil erosion



Closure and

Post-Closure



9.6



9.7



Construction

vehicles



AGES Gauteng



Soil pollution



Preconstruction



-127-



rehabilitation activities; keep

exposed surfaces at a minimum.

Cover disturbed soils as completely

36

as possible; Control the flow of

runoff to avoid gully formation;

Sediment control devices need to

be installed to capture mobilised

sediment. Implement stringent

erosion and dust control practices.

Control dust using water-sprayers

or chemical dust suppressants to

prevailing site conditions; Institute

storm water management plans

(temporary and permanent);

Protect all areas susceptible to

erosion and repair all erosion

damage as soon as possible; Gravel

roads must be well drained in

order to limit soil erosion;

Implement erosion monitoring

procedures; Re-vegetate or

stabilise all disturbed areas as soon

as possible. Monitor vegetative

cover on stockpiles to maintain a

high basal cover. Conservation of

topsoil should be prioritized; Plant

species that have been rescued or

removed and relocated to the

temporary nursery could be used in

replanting rehabilitation areas to

36

prevent erosion

Store hazardous chemicals on an

impervious bunded area protected



18



Low



Low



Negligible



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



9.8



contributing to oil

and fuel spillages,

building waste,

batching plants,

sewage and

domestic waste

Construction

vehicles

contributing to oil

and fuel spillages,

building waste,

batching plants,

sewage and

domestic waste



Environmental Impact Study



and

construction



WM



WOM

Soil pollution



Operational



WM



26



Low



26



Low



70



High



WOM



Oil and fuel

leakages from

vehicles and

machinery for

rehabilitation



Soil pollution



Closure and

Post-Closure



Soil destruction and

sterilization



Preconstruction

and

construction



9.9



9.

10



WM

Topsoil stripping

and mine

construction



AGES Gauteng



WOM

WM



-128-



from rainfall and stormwater runoff; Construct refuelling stations to

prevent spillages, and implement

measures contain and clean up

accidental spillages; Sewage should

either be treated in a suitable plant

or removed from the site for

treatment elsewhere; Spill kits

should be on-hand to deal with

spills immediately and employees

should be trained in the use of spill

kits; Spillages or leakages must be

treated according to an applicable

procedure as determined by a plan

of action for the specific type of

disturbance; Drains and intercept

drains should be maintained to

ensure that they continue to

redirect clean water away from the

polluted areas.

All vehicles should be regularly

maintained to prevent leakages

and inspected. Vehicle

maintenance should be done in a

designated facility and drip trays

should be used to capture any

spills. Drip trays should be emptied

into a holding tank and returned to

the supplier.

Continually rehabilitate the soils to

the best possible state. Refer to the

specialist reports on soil

rehabilitation



18



Negligible



18



Negligible



70



High



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



9.11



9.12



Topsoil stripping

and mine

construction

Construction of

mine and

infrastructure



Soil destruction and

sterilization



Operational



Loss of land capability



Preconstruction

and

construction



Loss of land capability



Loss of grazing

value due to lower

grazing capacity

after rehabilitation



Loss of land capability



AGES Gauteng



WOM

WM



Dumping of waste

rock, mining and

9.13 stockpiling



9.14



Environmental Impact Study



Operational



70



High



WOM

WM



55



Moderate



WM



55



Moderate



WOM



22



Low



WOM



Closure and

Post-Closure



-129-



Ensure that disturbance and

clearing is confined to the footprint

areas of the mine; Only a small

area of the land should be

disturbed at a time. Rehabilitation

should take place on a continuous

basis where after the land would

become partially available again as

grazing. Once mining activities

have ceased, disturbed areas

should be rehabilitated and the

grazing capacity restored as far as

possible. The rehabilitation of the

soils and re-vegetation is discussed

in the specialist report.



70



High



35



Low



35



Low



14



Negligible



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



8



Environmental Impact Study



PROJECT ALTERNATIVES



The purpose of identifying and evaluating feasible alternatives in terms of a development proposal is to

find the most effective way of meeting the project needs, either through enhancing the environmental

benefits of the proposed activity, and / or through reducing or avoiding negative impacts (DEAT, 2004).

Any environmental investigation needs to consider feasible alternative options.

Feasible alternatives have been identified through discussions with authorities, discussions with relevant

stakeholders, reviewing of existing environmental data, specialist inputs/studies and discussions with the

project proponent.

Methods for comparing alternatives range from descriptive and non-quantitative methods, through

methods based on varying levels of quantification to a full quantitative comparison, in which all impacts

may be expressed in monetary terms. Possible alternatives in terms of the proposed project have been

identified as described in sections 8.2 to 8.7 below.

Alternatives are essentially evaluated in order to improve a project’s environmental performance. The

section below discusses potential opportunities and benefits associated with the proposed project.



8.1



Opportunities and Benefits



Mining by nature is associated with a certain extent of ecological impacts. This does not, however, imply

that mining and biodiversity conservation and socio-economic upliftment cannot co-exist. The aim of

mines today is to be good stewards of the environment and strive to leave the communities in which they

work better than they found them (Henning B. J., May 2013).

Mines have significant conservation potential, as they are in control of large amounts of land and only

utilise a small portion for mining operations. It is therefore at the local level that mining and conservation

can be integrated.

The proposed project presents various environmental opportunities and benefits, specifically within the

socio-economic environment. These are discussed below:



8.1.1.1



Biodiversity opportunities:



Various opportunities for biodiversity improvements and conservation could be utilized through the

development of the project, these include amongst other:



8.1.1.1.1



Biodiversity off-set areas and contribution to conservation management:



The large-scale prospecting license (reference number 8589-HQ-LPL) borders the Kafue National Park

and the Mushingashi Conservancy. There are no fences around these conservation areas and wildlife is

allowed free movement. The management of an ecological offset area presents an opportunity for the



AGES Gauteng



-130-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



project proponent to compensate for biodiversity loss in the mining area by contributing to biodiversity

conservation and management at the conservation areas around the site.

Biodiversity offsets are “intended to compensate for the residual, unavoidable harm to biodiversity caused

by development projects, so as to ensure a situation where there is “no net loss” of biodiversity” (Henning

B. J., May 2013:102). The Conservation sector and the mining industry can both benefit from biodiversity

offsets:

For the mining industry, the potential benefits of biodiversity offset strategies include (but are not limited to)

the following:





An offset commitment may enhance a mine’s social license to operate.







The implementation of an offset can be used to demonstrate environmental responsibility,

compliance and environmental performance.







Ethical environmental stewardship: by demonstrating corporate responsibility, a company will

have better relationships with government departments, the community around its operations and

its own employees. This will likely improve the image of the company (and potentially improve

business opportunities), and improve relationships with government departments due to mutual

trust.



Biodiversity offsets could include a number of different strategies or types of offset contributions such as

conservation management contributions at existing conservation facilities in the surroundings: It was

confirmed during on-site consultations that some of the Mushingashi employees are currently contracted

out to Blackthorn by prior agreement (such as guards and Professional Hunters) when required, and that

the relationship between the Mushingashi Conservancy and Blackthorn has mostly been, and can remain

a relationship of mutual benefit. The existing relationship can be expanded to include contributions to fire

control and poaching management in order for Blackthorn to “offset” ecological damage caused by mining

with positive contributions to conservation management.

Potential also exists to create a biodiversity offset in terms of physical contribution of land between the

mining site and the Mushingashi conservancy or the KNP (land on which Blackthorn is currently authorized

to prospect). Areas in the immediate vicinity could have the following positive attributes as an offset:





The area should represent ‘like for like’ habitat and constitute a pristine area suitable for a

biodiversity offset considering that the offset area has to have similar biodiversity characteristics

to the proposed mining area;







The offset area should link to the Mushingashi Conservancy (or KNP) and form a buffer between

the mining area and the Conservation Area(s).



Access to the suggested offset area will have to be negotiated with the relevant local and government



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Environmental Impact Study



authorities. Additional information and suggestions pertaining to biodiversity offsets are discussed in the

Specialist Ecological Report (Henning B. J., May 2013).



8.1.1.1.2



Charcoal community project:



As part of site clearing for the construction of the proposed project infrastructure a number of trees will be

removed from the development footprint. The potential exists to involve local communities in a charcoal

project to address energy demands and generate temporary income. The feasibility of such a project

should be investigated further and community-related projects should be approached in such a way that

communities are consulted and their needs put first.



8.1.1.2



Heritage conservation:



While the proposed project may not directly affect any heritage resources, potential exists to become

involved in regional heritage conservation due to the rich archaeological history of the region and to

improve relationships with local communities. Sites such as the Nkoto Heritage Centre and other

contemporary features such as meeting places, initiation sites, ceremonial graves and places of ancestor

reverence are of local social value and are sensitive in terms of intangible heritage attributes (Kruger,

2013). If the project proponent can become involved in the preservation and management of such sites, it

would not only contribute to the conservation of Zambian heritage resources, but is also likely to be seen

favourably by the local communities who attach value to these sites. Such projects could include (Kruger,

2012):





Mumbwa cave conservation.







Maintenance of Sable Mine Centre.







Heritage offsets (formal conservation of heritage resources similar to any which may be affected

by the project or associated development such as road upgrades and re-alignments. Such

impacts on heritage resources will have to be managed under appropriate licenses from the

heritage resources authorities).



The opportunities related to biological diversity and heritage conservation mentioned above can potentially

also contribute positively to the socio-economic environment by presenting associated job-opportunities at

these facilities, and contributing to the local tourism sector.



8.1.2



Socio-economic benefits and investment:



The proposed project is expected to bring about improvement in the local standards of living through job

creation and other economic opportunities. Some blame existing deviant social behaviour experienced in

the community such as crime (often resulting from boredom or extreme poverty) and excessive alcohol

consumption, on the lack of employment and economic opportunities in the area (Aucamp S.-M. , 2013).



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



Additionally, the rapid growth of a young adult population unable to find employment or to make a living (as

is experienced in almost all African countries to some extent) can lead to political unrest. The project will

undoubtedly impact on such existing social dynamics.

The project should be associated with and guided by a Social and Labour Plan (SLP) or similar

documented procedural guideline, which is to include details of recruitment procedures and stipulate a

certain percentage of employment associated with the project to be sourced from local communities. It is

acknowledged that some more specialized work will have to be conducted by employees or

subcontractors from outside the local area.



Training opportunities for skills development in local



communities are significant and should be incorporated into the SLP.

The project will lead to improvements in local road conditions (whether the improvements are directly

affected by the project proponent, or in consultation with government), and could potentially improve other

local infrastructure as well through community based projects. Surrounding communities may also benefit

from infrastructure development in the area such as electricity and water supply to the project.

Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects will be associated with the project, and identification of these

projects will be done through a continuous consultative process with representative members of the

community in order to ensure that projects meet community needs and truly add value to the area.

Consultation with communities to date has identified possibilities as described in Table 15:

The project will also generate additional opportunities for entrepreneurs especially in associated services

industries such as small scale traders and service providers especially during the construction phase, but

they may remain during the operations phase if there are still opportunities (Aucamp S.-M. 2013).



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Table 15: Summary of Social Opportunities in response to Social Issues

Stakeholder and description



Community Issue



Opportunity



Kitumba Prison Farm: (Interviewed Assistant

Superintendent SM Kazembe in August 2012).

Farms with maize, soya beans and cabbage. Also

vegetable gardens for own use.



Want to go more commercial with vegetable production, but they do not have enough

water.



Buy vegetables

Prison for canteen



No electricity – currently using generator.



No shops close nearby.



Have waterborne toilets, but they are not connected

– use pit latrines



Concerns about dust & water quality (mining).



Community members



High levels of unemployment and poverty.



(interviewed August 2012) Males living in the area,

working at the exploration camp



Most schools in area only go up to Grade 7, a few go up to Grade 9. Must go to Mumbwa

for Grade 12 – most don’t have the means to travel to Mumbwa to complete their

education. Many community schools in area – parents have to pay for teachers.



from



Plan reservoir for vegetable garden.

Main Challenges: transport and health care facilities (nearest clinic 17 km).



Elephants raid their maize fields.



Clinics in area often don’t have the medicine required – patient has to travel to Mumbwa

to get medicine. Mumbwa experiencing social problems like HIV/AIDS, unplanned

pregnancies, street children, excessive drinking, prostitution, etc.



Procurement from local

communities.

Worker

education

programmes and skills

development



Workers have been exploited previously by Chinese and Indian miners (also huge

infringements on human rights!)

Chief Kaindu and his headmen

(Interviewed March 2013)

No electricity

Get water from boreholes, wells – some also use

ground water

Pit toilets – some don’t have toilets

Transport – by feet / bicycle. Poor road

infrastructure

High levels of unemployment

Very expensive to go to Mumbwa



AGES Gauteng



Expect community to benefit from Blackthorn activities. BHP Billiton made verbal

promises, but did not deliver. Benefits must be local (within Chiefdom).

Distances between clinics are quite big. Problem especially when there is a problem with

childbirth.

Kaindu Project Coordinating Committee is looking at community projects. Suggested that

committee is introduced to consultants. Projects lined up include community schools;

distance between Government Schools; Health Care (distances); clean drinking water.

Local labour should be given preference at the mine. Concerns about working

conditions of workers. Concerns about male mine workers and HIV, as well as “stealing”

wives/girlfriends – leave women and babies behind when they leave.



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Meet and liaise with

Kaindu

Project

Coordinating Committee

to

identify

potential

projects across the area.



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



Stakeholder and description



Community Issue



Opportunity



Kaindu Basic School: (Interviewed March 2013 – Mr

Danny Dilema, Mr Peter Chisanga and Mrs Virginia

Mubuyaeta) AND Mpusu School: (Interviewed

March 2013 – Mr Chabinga)



Quality of education – high illiteracy levels. Getting books and study material is a

challenge. Need additional classrooms. School does not have any computers – not

computer literate. Shortage of teaching staff. There are enough trained teachers, but the

Government is unable to put up accommodation for them. Community forced to employ

community teachers (untrained). Need equipment for their feeding programme (pots,

etc.)



Assist with providing

accommodation

for

teachers.



No electricity. Classes very full and large

Almost 70% don’t go to secondary school –

financial constraints

Have one social worker



Parents marry off children for financial gain. Girls drop out of school – vulnerable, marry

young.



Water and sanitation is a problem. Few water

points/boreholes



High numbers of unemployed youth – revert to crime when they don’t have anything to

do. Alcohol abuse is a challenge. Need recreational activities in community.



Many children come to school hungry



People fear that they will be displaced and loose property as a result of mining.



Many children come from far (approx. 14 km)



Malaria big problem in area.



Mpundu Village: (Interviewed March 2013).



Investors come with own labour – few locals benefit.



High levels of unemployment: Have skilled people

in community – carpentry, driving, brick layers, and

operators. Make a living from small-scale farming



Need services like health care (also antenatal care – mothers have to walk far) and

schools (some schools three grades in a class).

Get water from hand pump – far distances (4-5 times per day).



Mobile phones charged with solar power,

communicate via word-of-mouth or mobile phone

Kafucamo Village: (interviewed March 2013) Make

a living from subsistence farming and piece work



Issues similar to Mpundu Village



Mumbwa Farmers Association: (Interviewed March

2013)



Small-scale farmers do not have means to use service providers (e.g. for ploughing or

spraying crops). Concern that big mine will lead to loss of casual labour.



Maize, soya beans, cattle, paprika.



Disease control – cattle die in large numbers.



Wells for water



Concern whether mine will have impact on productivity of farm, water pollution etc.



Small Scale Mining



Challenges in accessing small scale mining licenses – meeting requirements and

financial constraints. Problems with regulations of small-scale mining – need policy.

Can’t afford mining equipment. Don’t have access to resources such as geological

experts.



(Interviewed March 2013) Mainly copper



Employment seems to be for men only – don’t see women being employed



Selling their copper is a challenge – transport costs, roads to mining areas very bad –

increase transport costs

Concerns related to mining: health issues, water pollution, loss of casual labour

Mines can assist small scale miners with developing their skills.



AGES Gauteng



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Road

and

infrastructure



electricity



Repair some of the

broken water pumps



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



8.2



Environmental Impact Study



Process / Mining Method Alternatives



The PFS base case involves an underground mining operation involving sub-level caving as described in

Section 4. Conventional underground mining as well as an open cast mine have also been considered as

alternative mining methods.



In terms of potential environmental impacts, technology alternatives for



conventional underground copper mining would be comparable to one another as they would all be associated

with similar inputs and outputs (wastes). The consideration of an open-cast mining method, however, would

have a significant effect on the expected environmental impacts of the project.

Sub-level caving is associated with a subsistence zone above the underground operations, which is not the

case with conventional supported underground operations.

Open-cast mining would necessitate the complete destruction of vast areas of natural vegetation, is

associated with increased visual impacts, and is generally associated with increased pollution impacts. From

an environmental perspective, underground mining is without a doubt the preferred mining method. Table 16

contains a comparison of the environmental effects associated with opencast and underground mining

respectively.



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Environmental Impact Study



Table 16: Comparative assessment - Opencast Underground and Cave mining

Environmental

Aspect



Base Case – Sub-Level Caving



Alternative 1 Underground Mining (Base

Case)



Alternative 2 Opencast Mining



Surface Water



Storm water management post-closure in

the depression may prove more difficult to

manage



Storm water management measures to

separate dirty and clean storm water will still

have to be implemented throughout the site.



Impacts associated with storm water inside an

open pit may be more difficult to manage.

Increased disturbed area increases risk of

erosion and siltation.



Groundwater

(dewatering)



Maximum dewatering volume 82 L/s



Maximum dewatering volume 48 L/s



Maximum dewatering volume 100 L/s



Groundwater (radius

of influence)



Radius of influence for the LOM maximum

3.6 km



Radius of influence for the LOM maximum

1.80 km



Radius of influence for the LOM maximum

3.7 km



Groundwater

(rewatering time)



Rewatering simulations as part of the

feasibility phase



100 years



100 – 300 years



Groundwater

quality)



(water



Water quality affected by AMD caused by

oxygen ingress due to subsidence zone



Absence of oxygen ingress reduces the risk of

AMD even further



Water quality may be affected by AMD caused

by oxidation



Soils

and

Potential



Soil



The area does not contain high potential

agricultural land but some areas do

provide valuable wildlife grazing potential.

Some grazing may be affected post

closure in the depression area



The area does not contain high potential

agricultural land but some areas do provide

valuable wildlife grazing potential. The smaller

footprint area associated with underground

mining will disturb less grazing land postclosure.



The opencast mine will leave a permanent scar

on the landscape in the area of the open pit,

likely negatively impacting on grazing potential

of this land in the long term.



Flora Impacts



The footprint areas of the SLC mine will

have a lower impact on the ecosystem

compared to opencast mining, but may

still impact on the depression /

subsistence zone. The impact on the flora

and fauna will therefore be lower

compared to opencast alternative



The footprint areas of the underground mine will

have a significantly lower impact on the

ecosystem compared to opencast mining. The

impact on the flora and fauna will therefore be

lower compared to opencast alternative.



The opencast mine will have a significant

negative impact, not only on the fauna and flora

through the destruction and fragmentation of

habitat, but also on the landscape since the

Kitumba Hill will be completely removed during

the mining process, while the WRD and TSF

will have significantly larger footprints in the

mountainous area.



Fauna Impacts



Some fauna may be permanently

displaced in the subsidence zone, but this

area is comparatively very small when

compared to opencast operations



Clearing of vegetation on the smaller footprint

area will still displace some of the fauna, but not

necessarily all. Fauna and avifauna are still

affected by noise and vibrations, but less so

than with opencast operations.



Removal of all vegetation thereby also

displacing fauna from the entire project area.

Noise and vibrations due to blasting and

operation of the machines drive away animals

and birds.



Wetland Impacts



The base case will have less of a potential

for dewatering of the wetlands on-site.



Less of a potential for dewatering of the

wetlands on-site.



The open pit will cause a limit dewatering

impact on the surrounding wetlands.



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Environmental Impact Study



Archaeological

Impacts



Some undiscovered resources may be

affected in the subsistence zone, but none

have been identified.



No archaeological impacts are expected,

however the likelihood for impacts on

unidentified archaeology is significantly less for

the underground option.



Opencast option has greater potential to

permanently destroy unidentified heritage

resources at the area of the open pit



Air Quality Impacts



Any mining activity, including the

underground option will be associated with

increased emissions compared to the

existing air quality environment, but these

would be less compared to an opencast

scenario.



Any mining activity, including the underground

option will be associated with increased

emissions compared to the existing air quality

environment, but these would be less compared

to an opencast scenario.



Open cast mining would be associated

additional in-pit roads resulting in increased

unpaved road emissions, and increased

materials handling emissions



Noise Impacts



The current location and layout of the

Kitumba Copper Project relative to noisesensitive receptors in the area is

acceptable and there are no adverse

noise impact consequences of concern.



The current location and layout of the Kitumba

Copper Project relative to noise-sensitive

receptors in the area is acceptable and there

are no adverse noise impact consequences of

concern.



Opencast mining will result in higher overall

noise emissions and a larger noise footprint

compared to underground mining.

The larger noise footprint of opencast mining

will encroach on a larger zone of wilderness

area which may be a concern for eco-tourism.



Noise Impacts



Because the processing plant with its large noise output is a common component in the alternatives, and due to the large distances between the

mine and the nearest communities, none of the alternatives are expected to have a significant impact on the nearest communities.



Visual Impacts



No open pit but intrusion from subsistence

zone and higher TDF height due to no

past backfill occurring. WRD smaller.

Impact comparable to underground option.



The underground option has significantly less of

a visual impact due to the absence of the

visually intrusive open pit. Visual impacts

associated with other mine infrastructure would

be the same for both options.



Visual landscape is completely altered by the

presence of the open pit (semi-permanent) as

well as mining infrastructure (for the duration of

mining operations).



Socio-economic



Impacts on neighbouring communities

(nuisance, dust, noise etc.) are minimized

and increased employment opportunities

make SLC the preferred option in terms of

economic growth



An underground mine is the preferred option as

it will minimise the impacts on neighbouring

properties from a sense of place perspective.

There will also be less nuisance impacts like

dust and noise, whether it is actual or

perceptual. All other impacts on the social

environment will take place irrespective of the

mining method.



Opencast mining would be associated with

increased noise, dust and visual intrusion in

turn impacting negatively on the social

environment (whether actual or perceived).



Due to the smaller exposed footprint (no

open pit) rehabilitation (such as revegetation of disturbed areas) is expected

to be less than the opencast option.

However, rehabilitation of the subsistence

zone could prove challenging depending

on geotechnical stability and further study

is warranted.



Due to the smaller exposed footprint (no open

pit) rehabilitation (such as re-vegetation of

disturbed areas) is expected to be less.



Rehabilitation of opencast pits may be

significantly more costly and rehabilitation to

viable land use may prove more challenging.



Closure

Rehabilitation



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



8.3



Environmental Impact Study



Layout Alternatives



The nature of mining activities restricts the consideration of location alternatives to a large degree, due to

the fixed nature of the identified mineral resource. Alternative site layouts may however be considered.

The positioning of project-related infrastructure should be practical from a project process perspective and

should also take the site-specific environmental conditions into consideration.



8.3.1



Main Site Infrastructure



The Main site infrastructure includes three primary components namely:

1) the processing plant,

2) administrative facilities such as offices, parking, workshops, fuel farm and refuelling area, storage

areas for machinery and equipment etc., and

3) employee housing and associated facilities such as ablutions, kitchen facilities, emergency

medical facilities etc.

Any preferred site(s) for the main site infrastructure should consider the following:





Relatively flat area to minimise cut / fill earthworks.







Process Plant should be located so as to minimise the length of roads, but still taking safety

measures into account). Access from the plant to transport routes, and access to proposed future

location of power and water sources should also be considered.







Favourable topography enabling minimal water management issues.







Minimal site sensitivities in terms of ecological and/or heritage features.







Maximum distance from sensitive receptors, or no line-of-sight to receptors.



It would be advisable to locate on-site housing and associated facilities at the existing exploration camp.

Mine administration facilities are not currently indicated on the base case proposed layout, but the existing

exploration camp would also likely be a suitable location. The proposed position for the processing plant

(See Figure 38) is deemed moderately appropriate as the location meets the majority of the

abovementioned criteria (Table 17).



The optimal location for the plant from an environmental



management point of view would however be further west of its currently planned location, so as to avoid

the high sensitivity drainage channel at its current location.



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Environmental Impact Study



Table 17: Evaluation of base case process plant location

Criteria



Criteria Met?



Comment



Minimal cut / fill earthworks required



Yes



Area relatively flat



Length of roads minimised



Yes



Close to Mine Access



Minimal water management issues expected



Yes



No drainage lines



No ecologically sensitive features or heritage

resources affected



No



Partially located on area of high

ecological sensitivity



Distance and Line of Sight to receptors



No



Visibility from road used by

tourists (vegetation may screen)



8.3.2



Tailings Dam Facility Alternatives



The preferred site for the tailings dam facility (TSF) is usually largely influenced by existing topography, as

appropriately locating the TSF in response to existing topographic features may have significant costsaving potential. Unfortunately, such “ideal” TSF sites are usually associated with drainage lines, thus

impacting on natural drainage patterns.

Alternative locations have been evaluated against ecological considerations, storm water management

plans, visual considerations and economics (proximity and elevation in relation to the mining area and

process plant). Tenement is also a distinguishing factor in evaluating layout options as some ideal

locations for a TSF may not be within the Blackthorn mining licence or surface rights area.

Access between on-site infrastructure is also a determining factor as minimizing the length of haul roads is

known to minimise dust impacts at mining operations and is also associated with economic benefit. Thus

the detail mine design should follow a holistic approach, equally determined by environmental and

economic considerations.

The base case TSF site is situated on the road leading to the Mushingashi conservancy. If the TSF is to

be located here, alternative access to Mushingashi will have to be devised by Blackthorn. The base case

TSF location with a TSF height expected at approximately 31 meters is also expected to have significant

impacts on the visual landscape. The TSF is also currently planned on sensitive wetland areas and this

presents ecological as well as technical concerns as constructing the TSF on areas with perched water

table conditions could prove less than ideal. Alternative TSF locations should be identified. One

possibility is to move the TSF to the “dome” area inside the Kitumba Hills as this location will most likely

reduce visual impact, negate the necessity for road relocation and will also be associated with lower

ecological impacts.

A comparative assessment of the Base Case (Figure 38: Base Case and Alternative 1 underground site



layout) TSF Location and the Opencast Alternative TSF location (Figure 39: Alternative 2 Opencast site

layout) is presented in Table 18.



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Environmental Impact Study



Figure 37: Base Case SLC mine Layout and ecological sensitivity



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Figure 38: Base Case and Alternative 1 underground site layout



Figure 39: Alternative 2 Opencast site layout



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



Table 18: Comparative Assessment: TSF Base Case (Alt 1) vs. Alternative 2

Environmental Aspect



Base Case and Alternative 1 TSF for underground operations



Alternative 2 TSF for open cast operation.



Surface Water



TSF on area associated with perched water table – could pose a risk

to wetlands.



TSF affects a portion of ravine (high wetland sensitivity). Storm

water more difficult to manage in these steep areas.



Groundwater



Both scenarios will have to be modelled in detail to determine the potential impacts of each from a ground water management perspective.



Soils and Soil Potential



TSF located on area with high erosion risk, high compaction risk and

medium risk of impact on land capability.



TSF mostly impacting on areas of high erosion risk, but medium

compaction risk and low risk of impact on land capability.



Flora Impacts



The location of the TSF for the underground mine will impact on

moist grass land and miombo woodland (medium sensitivity).



The TSF will have significantly large footprint in the mountainous

area in comparison with the base case and impact on high

sensitivity drainage channels.



Fauna Impacts



Smaller development footprint should imply less displacement of

fauna, although fauna will still be displaced and habitats fragmented

and destroyed.



Larger TSF footprint in the mountainous regions is expected to have

a more significant impact on fauna habitats.



Wetland Impacts



TSF location will impact negatively on medium-high sensitivity moist

grassland with perched water table.



TSF location will impact on some areas (small and already

somewhat impacted area) of high sensitivity drainage channel in

sensitive forest miombo.



Archaeological Impacts



No archaeological impacts are expected, however the likelihood for impacts on unidentified archaeology is significantly less for the

underground option.



Air Quality Impacts



The base case TSF will be more exposed to wind in the low lying

valley.



The alternative TSF will be located in the mountains and more

protected from wind.



Noise Impacts



NA



NA



Visual Impacts



The TSF location is expected to be highly visible from the proposed

location.



The mountainous terrain has the potential to hide the visual intrusion

of the TSF to some extent.



Socio-economic



NA



NA



The base case TSF has a significant smaller footprint and will result

in a lower rehabilitation and closure cost.



The TSF for the opencast requires a significantly larger footprint due

to overburden storage/stripping.



Closure

Rehabilitation



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



8.3.3



Environmental Impact Study



Waste Dump Location



The Alternative 1 location for the waste dump is to the immediate south of the TSF and also obstructs the

existing Mushingashi road. Additionally the waste dump is expected to impact significantly on the existing

visual landscape in this location. Portions of the waste dump are also located on areas with perched water

table conditions associated with ecological sensitivity.

The location is relatively flat and not associated with specific heritage or ecological resources apart from

the perched water table “flat wetland” areas mentioned. Alternative locations should be considered. The

Base Case (SLC mining option) is associated with a significant decrease in the WRD footprint (see Figure

37 which also impacts on fewer ecologically sensitive areas. If this waste dump is to be relocated slightly

more to the north-west impact on sensitive ecological features can be avoided entirely.

If the current base case layout is to be implemented, the re-alignment of the Mushingashi road will be the

responsibility of the project proponent. A suggested routing is provided in Figure 40.



8.3.4



Water Storage Facility Options



The base case layout has identified three possible options for water storage (Figure 38) which are all in

response to existing topography with the aim of minimizing construction effort. These alternatives are

identified as options only and are not based on the project’s water requirements. Of these, alternative 3 is

deemed to be most appropriate from a visual impact perspective, as well as from an ecological

perspective as the affected drainage channel in question is already somewhat modified.

The three alternatives have relevance in terms of ecological impacts and visual impacts. For all the other

aspects the three alternatives are expected to present the same impacts and risks.

It is recommended that the project continue with consideration of either the base case SLC or the

alternative underground mining option, but that the locations of the WRD, TSF and plant be re-considered

in subsequent development phases. Water storage option 3 is deemed the most appropriate option from

an environmental impact management point of view.



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Environmental Impact Study



Figure 40: Suggested route for re-alignment of Mushingashi Road



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



8.4



Environmental Impact Study



Route Alternatives



Consideration of alternative routes generally applies to linear developments such as power lines, transport

and pipeline routes, all of which are infrastructure associated with the proposed development. The

alternatives include consideration of alternative routes and methods of transport of materials to site,

transport of products and waste from the site (and its final destination in terms of the “cradle to grave”

principles) and transport of personnel to and from the site.

The exact routes of potential pipelines and electricity and water supply infrastructure have not yet been

determined and the alignment of this infrastructure during future project phases and detail project design

should consider environmental considerations.

Community safety has been flagged as a project risk and will play a significant role in the finalization of the

transportation route option. The current road conditions from the site to Mumbwa and through Mumbwa

would likely present significant safety risks to pedestrians if mine trucks are to utilize these roads for

product transport. Increased heavy traffic on these roads is likely to cause further road deterioration and

dust impacts.

The Regional Manager of the Central Province Road Development Agency (RDA) revealed during on-site

consultations that the RDA is planning to construct Road D181 between Mumbwa and Road M8 towards

the end of 2014. This would include the section of the D181 between Mumbwa and the mine access. This

planned construction is essential to the future of this project.

One of the route alternatives from the site to Lusaka is via the M20 (approximately 116 km) and the T2

Road (approximately 67 km).

The first 60 km of Road M20 from Mumbwa was recently constructed (surfaced with surfaced shoulders)

and is in a very good condition. The rest of Road M20 is currently almost impassable. The RDA has

confirmed that the contract to complete the remaining section of Road M20 has already been signed and

that construction should commence on this section imminently.

The project will produce approximately 33,000 tonnes per annum of copper cathode and approximately

24,000 tonnes per annum of wet copper sulphide concentrate, to be shipped from site by road truck. This

would amount to trip generation to and from the mine as depicted in Table 19.

Table 19: Expected daily trip generation (external transport during production)

Directional split



Total trips



New trips in



New trips out



Consumables



50:50



14



7



7



General Trips



50:50



70



35



35



Product



50:50



12



6



6



96



48



48



Total trips



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Environmental Impact Study



The current assumption is that the concentrates will be placed with local Zambian smelters on the

Copperbelt, while the cathodes will be transported to an appropriate port such as Dar es Salaam

(Tanzania) or Durban (South Africa) for export. From Mumbwa, either the M9 highway or the T2 road via

the M20 can be used to reach Lusaka. These alternatives are discussed in the traffic impact assessment

(Havenga, June 2013). For economic reasons the shortest route and best road conditions (M9) is

preferred.



8.5



Services Alternatives



The proposed mining operation will be associated with a number of support service infrastructure including

water supply (process water, fire water, potable water etc.), power supply, waste management

infrastructure and housing and transport infrastructure. These are briefly investigated below:

8.5.1



Water Supply Options

3



The project’s make-up water requirements of 4,177m /d (48 ℓ/s) could be obtained from a number of

alternative sources. The water supply alternatives investigated are discussed in detail in the Water Supply

Option Analysis conducted by Vivier & Mostert (June 2013), and summarised below:



8.5.1.1



Groundwater



Eight high potential groundwater zones were identified for the potential development of well fields. The

aquifers were mapped and possible water bearing features examined using remote sensing, drainage

catchments, geological information and aerial photo interpretation. Targets were prioritised based on

catchment size and groundwater recharge and areas with regional fault zones and dolomitic formations to

the north of the project site were targeted.

It was found that groundwater resources within a 10 km radius of the site should be able to supply the

mine water demand, although only limited site characterisation boreholes were drilled to confirm this.

The proposed development of an agricultural irrigation scheme for food crop production in the Big

Concession farming block approximately 10 km to the north-east of the mine could pose a risk to regional

groundwater development.



8.5.1.1.1



Regional Groundwater



The groundwater supply potential of each delineated groundwater zone (see Figure 41) was quantified

through a regional groundwater balance evaluation. Groundwater recharge is primarily determined by

rainfall although factors such as topography and soil type also play a role. The MAP of the area is 819

2



mm/a. Thus with a conservative recharge of 5 % of rainfall, an area of 70 km or 5 km radius is required

to provide sufficient recharge for the mine water demand (48 ℓ/s) at a 95% assurance level. The number

of boreholes required to abstract the requisite volumes of water and the yields of the respective boreholes

should be further investigated through a field investigation with borehole drilling and testing, although



AGES Gauteng



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



conservative assumptions were made in this regard. Water from a combination of the identified

groundwater units can be sourced to make-up the total required water supply.



8.5.1.1.2



Underground fissure water from mine dewatering



There is an interaction between mine water supply and dewatering. The mine water supply will be required

for the ramp up phase while water will be generated from dewatering after one year of the underground

mining operations. Pre-dewatering could be done to also supply water to the mine.

3



The mine water demand (4 883 m /d (57 ℓ/s) could partially be met by dewatering, although the required

dewatering to supply the demand would only be reached after several years of mining while the water

supply to the mine plant will be required during the ramp up phase. The timing difference could be bridged

by development of a well field either at the mine area or in the areas identified and discussed above.

Due to the fact that the groundwater at the underground mine is not yet a proven resource, a conservative

3



assumption is made that at least 50% of the low dewatering scenario 2 376 m /d (28 ℓ/s) would be

3



available for water supply. The shortfall of 2 376m /d (28 ℓ/s) must be obtained from development of

groundwater resources in the area via Piped River Water.

The option to abstract water from the Kafue River approximately 30 km north of the site and pipe the water

to the mine operations was also considered. The exact pipeline route and specifications for pipeline

material and pumping stations, should this option be pursued, are yet to be determined. Water quality is

not foreseen to present challenges, however the option is associated with considerably higher capital

expense.

The monetary cost of constructing such a water supply system to the mine is not the only concern

associated with this water supply option: Additional environmental impact assessments over the entire

pipeline route, water intake structure area, pump station locations and the Kafue River itself will have to be

conducted to determine the environmental acceptability of this proposal. It is expected that such a pipeline

would traverse sections of the Mushingashi Conservancy and thus also meet with resistance due to

potential impacts on the local tourism sector.



AGES Gauteng



-148-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



Figure 41: Water supply option – Groundwater



AGES Gauteng



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



8.5.2



Environmental Impact Study



Power supply options



Two power supply options have been identified, namely in-situ generation using diesel generator sets

(gensets); or connecting to the ZESCO electricity grid.



Consideration could also be given to



supplementary solar or wind power, to a lesser extent.

Blackthorn is currently negotiating with ZESCO for supply of electric power to the project and it is likely that

emergency power back-ups will be incorporated into the detail project design during DFS.

Care must be taken that over-head power lines do not pose a threat to animal (especially avifauna) safety

and the visual impacts of electrical power supply to the project have also not been accounted for in this

PFS study. It is however expected that the majority of visual receptors (local residents) will welcome

electrical power infrastructure in the area, and that the only sensitive visual receptors who may be

negatively affected by the presence of power supply infrastructure would be tourists travelling through the

area to Mushingashi and KNP.

8.5.3



Waste management options



Processing and technology alternatives will possibly give rise to different types of waste with different

management options, and a detailed waste management plan should be compiled once more project

detail becomes available. Such a waste management plan should, as a minimum:





identify all types of wastes and quantities of wastes associated with the project and associated

activities,







quantify the abovementioned waste types throughout the lifespan of the project in different

phases,







identify appropriate waste storage options on the site, and waste transport options from the site,

and implement plans to ensure safe and legal disposal / treatment / re-use,







identify and implement procedures to avoid or minimise the generation of waste, encourage or

enforce the re-use and recycling of waste, and as a last resort to dispose of waste (waste

hierarchy).



Waste management could include disposal to landfill in which case the landfill will have to be identified and

the impacts of such disposal (including transport of waste from the site to the landfill) must be evaluated.

Recycling options should also be assessed.

Domestic waste from the site (papers, wrappers, cans etc.) and office waste is not expected to be

hazardous and disposal of these wastes should consider recycling options – there are a number of

companies in Zambia (mostly based in Lusaka) capable of recycling domestic waste.

Sewage disposal / treatment options have to be investigated fully in subsequent project phases. It is



AGES Gauteng



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



anticipated that, due to the remote location of the mine site, sewage effluent may be treated on site

through package sewerage treatment plants (http://www.wpl.co.uk/), or that domestic sewage will have to

be removed by specialist waste contractors on a regular basis. This second option will be associated with

increased traffic and associated dust impacts, while on-site sewage treatment is associated with its own

risks which should be evaluated as part of the EIA and considered in the compilation of the waste

management plan.

Hazardous waste which may be associated with the project include (but is not limited to) various

hydrocarbons, oily solids and liquids, medical waste, batteries and electronic waste, flammable

substances and explosives. Some of these may have treatment and/or disposal options within Zambia,

but some may have to be transported elsewhere in order to ensure safe disposal.

Zambia has formally agreed to the Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of

Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (Basel Convention) which aims to protect human health and the

environment against the adverse effects resulting from the generation, management, movement and

disposal of hazardous waste. Additionally, many countries to whom hazardous waste may be sent have

ratified the Basel Convention and the provisions thereof will have to be heeded in the waste management

practices of the project.

Zambia has also signed the 1991 Convention on the Ban of the Import into Africa and the Control of

Trans-boundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes within Africa (Bamako Convention) although the

ratification has yet to be finalised. The convention is supplementary to the Basel Convention and covers

movement of hazardous waste into or between signatory African countries. The provisions of the

convention will have to be considered in the preparation of the waste management plan.

Trans-boundary movements of hazardous wastes are generally approved if the country of export does not

have the capability of managing or disposing of the waste in an environmentally sound manner and the

receiving country has appropriate, environmentally sound facilities, and agrees to accept the waste.

8.5.4



Employee housing options



Employee housing options will directly influence transport options, waste management scope, and will also

potentially affect the surrounding social environment, especially if employees are to be housed in

surrounding villages. Housing employees on the site is associated with its own set of challenges in terms

of social considerations and service provision to name but a few.

Movement of personnel between the mine site and the surrounding environment could present significant

potential for animal-human interaction, which will have to be managed carefully.

The current estimate is for a peak construction work force of 500 and accommodation camp for operations

of 400 people. These figures are likely to be refined as the project progresses. Accommodation facilities

on site will be provided at the site of the existing exploration camp. Employees will be bussed to the site

from Mumbwa.



AGES Gauteng



-151-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



8.6



Environmental Impact Study



Scheduling Alternatives



The proposed project comprises a number of activities and components which can be scheduled in a

different order or at different times (of the day or of the year in different seasons) and as such produce

different impacts. For example, conducting earth-works during construction in the dry season would

significantly reduce the risk of erosion, but may give rise to higher dust impacts; blasting activities

scheduled during the day-time will have a less significant perceived noise impact than blasting activities at

night; and operational hours of the mining and processing operations can also alter its visual and noise

impacts.

Usually, scheduling of mining operations is driven by economic rather than ecological considerations.

Scheduling alternatives should be considered in more detail as part of the DFS project planning.



8.7



The No-Go Alternative



The No-Development Option assumes that the activity does not go ahead, implying a continuation of the

current situation or the status quo. The baseline descriptions provided in Section 5 of this report will

therefore remain as is, but the potential benefits arising from the implementation of the project will not be

realized.

Thus from a purely ecological point of view, the no-go option may be preferred as the project is located in

a pristine environment. However, if the project does not go ahead, the conservation potential discussed in

Section 8.1 will not be realized, and the socio-economic opportunities that the proposed project presents

to local people and to the Zambian economy will not materialize.

It is therefore stated that the potential benefits of the proposed project outweigh the potential negative

impacts associated with project, assuming that appropriate management measures are implemented

throughout all project phases in order to minimise project impacts and enhance project benefits.



AGES Gauteng



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Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



9



Environmental Impact Study



ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN



The costs referred to for any monitoring or mitigation costs are indicative and will be finalized as part of the Feasibility Study.

Table 20: Environmental Management Plan



1.1

1.6



1.4



All construction

activities

All Sources



Impact

Increased PM10 and PM

2.5 on and around the

project site activities

Incremental PM2.5 and

PM10 Impact



Movement of

vehicles and

personnel on

unpaved roads



Air quality impacts from

increased dust



Materials handling

and Crushing



Incremental PM2.5 and

PM10 Impact



1.

10

Unpaved Roads

1.8

2 Hydrogeology

Establishment of

construction camp

and sanitation

2.1 facilities



AGES Gauteng



Incremental PM2.5 and

PM10 Impact



Negative impacts on

Groundwater quality



Mitigation

Water sprays for dust suppression to

be applied according to prevailing

site specific conditions

All mitigation listed for subsequent

source groups

Water sprays for dust suppression to

be applied according to prevailing

site specific conditions.

Consideration of conveyor use

wherever possible.

50% control efficiency through water

sprays or dust extraction. Reduce

drop heights where possible.

Increase moisture content (above

4%) of material entering crusher if

possible.

75% control efficiency by water

sprays on roads



Continuous throughout all project phases



Activity/Aspect

1 Air Quality



Use chemical sanitary facilities

placed away from drainages.

Frequent maintenance by specialist

contractor for removal without



Throughout

construction

Phase



No



Time

Frame



-153-



Performance indicator



Dust fallout rates should

not exceed 350

mg/m2/day



Dust fallout @ road

perimeter < 1 200

mg/m2/day, within mine

boundary < 600

mg/m2/day and < 350

mg/m2/day at the

sensitive receptors.



Monitoring

and

reporting



Refer to the

Air Quality

Impact

Assessment

(LiebenbergEnslin &

Gresse, 2013

- Appendix

3.1) Section

6: Figure 6-1

indicates the

proposed

monitoring

network for

the project.



No visible dust.

No spillages from

chemical sanitary

facilities. No uncontrolled

discharges (separation of



The mine

environment

al manager is

charged with



Cost



As per

Appendix 5

Cost

dependant on

responsible

party (on-site



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



No



2.2



2.3



Activity/Aspect



Impact



Use of explosives

for decline

development



Contribute to nitrates

overload to

groundwater



Hydrocarbon

spillages

(construction

vehicles)



Negative impacts on

Groundwater quality



Surface water

contamination



Negative impacts on

surface water quality



Anthropogenic

activities on site



Negative impacts on

surface and

groundwater quality



2.4



Environmental Impact Study



Mitigation

spillages. Schedule construction

during the dry season if possible. No

uncontrolled discharges from the

construction camp shall be

permitted; Good housekeeping rules

to be implemented at site.

The use of all materials, fuels and

chemicals must be controlled and

these must be stored in a specific

secured and bunded area to prevent

pollution from spillages and

leakages;

Construction vehicles and machines

must be maintained properly to

ensure that oil spillages are kept at a

minimum; Re-fuelling of

construction vehicles should be done

in designated re-fuelling, bunded

areas which must be impermeable

with sumps capturing any waste

water;

Monitoring according to the

monitoring protocol should

commence before construction

starts, preferable at least a sampling

run in the winter and summer before

construction commences.



2.5



AGES Gauteng



-154-



Time

Frame



Performance indicator

clean and dirty water

systems). No visible

waste, litter on site.

All fuels, chemicals etc.

stored in designated and

secured areas designed

for purpose (with

impervious floors,

bunded to 110% capacity

of storage vessel,

protected from

precipitation and wind).

Regular maintenance of

vehicles and machinery as

per manufacturer's

specification. No visible

oil or fuel leaks from

vehicles/machinery or

anywhere on site. Use of

explosives to be

controlled (only used by

qualified designated

persons).



Monitoring

and

reporting

monitoring

and

reporting on

noncompliances

with

legislation,

spillages or

any other

environment

al incidents

on site. The

proponent

may consider

appointing a

designated

environment

al control

officer for

these

purposes.

Explosive

storage,

handling and

use specialist and

mine Health

and Safety

officer.



Cost

environmenta

l manager or

additional

Environmenta

l Control

Officer). To be

determined,

but expected

to be in

keeping with

mine

operational

costs.

Appendix 5



No



Activity/Aspect



Impact



Dewatering radius

of influence



Lowering water levels of

surrounding (3 km

radius) water supply

boreholes.



Inrush of

groundwater to

mine tunnels and

stopes



Loss of Life



Dewatering radius

of influence



Lowering water levels of

wetlands (3 km radius),

decrease groundwater

head



Contaminant

leaching from mine

waste facilities



Groundwater and

surface water

contamination by

copper, cobalt,

cadmium and

manganese



2.6



2.7



2.8



2.9



Uranium

concentrated in

the product

2.

10



AGES Gauteng



Radioactive

contaminants from

mine waste facilities



Environmental Impact Study



Mitigation

Monitor radius of influence (local

and regional water level

measurements monthly). Provide

alternative water to affected

parties/ecosystems



Dewatering design which covers

drilling and pre-dewatering or

sealing

Additional site characterisation to

determine wetland mechanism.

Monitoring boreholes. Specific

discharge into wetlands to maintain

biodiversity

More detailed geochemical

investigations. Mixing of lime in plant

to neutralize tailings waste and

seepage capturing during

operational phase

Seepage capturing during

operational phase. Bleeding off

uranium in process water to prevent

build-up. Separate uranium in the

plant and develop small norm waste

facility, dispose at licensed facility or

sell.



-155-



Time

Frame



Throughout operational phase



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Performance indicator

Measurement of local

and regional water levels

(monthly). Provision of

alternative water if and as

needed.



No loss of life or injury to

occur as inrush of water is

to be prevented.



No nett decrease in

minimum wetland water

levels.



Chemical levels not to

exceed accepted

standards (neutral mine

waste)



No unacceptable levels of

radiation in mine waste



Monitoring

and

reporting

Monthly by

Mine

environment

al manager

Mine Health

and Safety

Officer

Monthly by

Mine

environment

al manager

Monthly by

Mine

environment

al manager



Every 3

months by

Mine

environment

al manager



Cost



As per

Appendix 5

Only

determinable

after

additional

studies.

Drilling of

Additional

monitoring

boreholes –

Appendix 5

Indicative cost

for additional

Geochemical

AnalysisR250

000

Radiological

Source

Characterizati

on

Indicative

budget of

R118 000



No



Activity/Aspect



Impact



Chemicals used in

mining activities



Contamination of

surface and

groundwater by point

source chemicals



2.11

Groundwater

seepage to

underground

2.12 workings

Increased runoff

due to mining

activities



Filling up mine shaft

negative impact on

mine schedule and

operations

Increased erosion and

silt loading on surface

water bodies



2.13

Hydrocarbon

spillages (from

storage facilities or

2.14 vehicles)



Use of explosives

2.15

Contaminated

stormwater runoff

from mine

2.16 workings

Mine dewatering

2.17 effects decreasing -



AGES Gauteng



Negative impacts on

groundwater and

surface water quality

Presence of nitrates in

water derived from

mine workings (impacts

on water quality)

Negative impacts on

groundwater and

surface water quality

Rising of water levels

and increase in



Environmental Impact Study



Time

Frame



Mitigation



Performance indicator



No leakages or spillages



Water to be pumped out and reused in mine circuit (contact water)



No unmanageable

seepage of groundwater

to underground workings



Erosion control measures and

stormwater management plan to be

implemented

Maintenance of mine vehicles and

machinery. Use spill trays when

necessary. Oil separators at

workshops



Groundwater monitoring and

treatment if necessary

A stormwater management plan

should be implemented to ensure

effective containment. Silt traps to

capture sediment load.

Sealing of decline and access tunnels

to reduce oxygen ingress. Liming of



-156-



Monitoring

and

reporting

Mine

Environment

al Manager



All materials, fuels and chemicals

must be stored in specific secured

and bunded area. Spillages and

leakages are to be prevented.



Effective implementation

of storm water

management plan.

Maintenance according to

manufacturer

specification. No visible

spills on site.

Use of explosives

controlled (qualified

persons). Only acceptable

nitrate concentrations in

groundwater.

Effective implementation

of storm water

management plan.

Monitoring rise of water

levels to verify



deco

mmis

sionin

g and

closu



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Mine Health

and Safety

Officer

Mine

Environment

al Manager

Mine

Environment

al Manager



Cost

Water

Monitoring

costs included

in Appendix 5

will be

sufficient.As per

engineering

operational

costs.

Stormwater

Management

Plan – Approx.

R140 000

Water

Monitoring as

per Appendix

5.



Mine

Environment

al Manager



Water

MonitoringAs per

Appendix 5



Mine

Environment

al Manager



Stormwater

Management

Plan – Approx.

R140 000

Mine Closure

and



Mine

Environment



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



No



Activity/Aspect

post operational

rewatering

Re-watering radius

of influence



2.18

Leaching of

contaminants from

mine waste

facilities

2.19



Impact

borehole yields for

water supply

Increased water levels

of wetlands (3 km

radius) and increased

groundwater head

Contamination of

groundwater and

surface water by

copper, cobalt,

cadmium and

manganese



Radioactive

contaminants from

mine waste

facilities



Uranium concentrated

in product. Residual

concentrations in WRD

and TSF (probably low)



Use of explosives

causing presence

of nitrates



Groundwater

contamination by

nitrates due to blasting



Migration of TSF

and WRD plume

(northwest)



Negative impacts on

surface and

groundwater quality



2.2



2.21



2.22

4 Visual Impacts



AGES Gauteng



Environmental Impact Study



Mitigation

mine void to neutralise post

operational flooding



Channel rehabilitated storm water to

wetlands



Additional geochemical studies to

increase understanding of the

system. Neutralise waste during

operational phase. TSF rehabilitation

Additional geochemical and

radiological studies. Bleeding off

uranium in process water to prevent

build-up. Separate uranium in plant

and develop norm waste facility,

dispose at licensed facility or sell.



Nitrates would dissipate as blasting

stops



TSF rehabilitation (and capping) to

minimise ingress



-157-



Time

Frame



Performance indicator



No decrease in wetland

water levels

Contaminants in

groundwater remain at

acceptable levels. TSF

rehabilitation according

to specialist rehab plan



No unacceptable levels of

radiation in mine waste

Nitrate concentrations in

groundwater at

acceptable level and

decreasing

Monitor groundwater

quality to northwest to

verify migration as

expected.



Monitoring

and

reporting

al Manager

Mine

Environment

al Manager



Mine

Environment

al Manager



Mine

Environment

al Manager



Mine

Environment

al Manager

Mine

Environment

al Manager



Cost

Rehabilitation

– Appendix 3



As per

Appendix 5

Only

determinable

after detailed

Rehabilitation

plan has been

compiled.



As per

Appendix 5



As per

Appendix 5

Mine Closure

and

Rehabilitation

– Appendix 3



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



No



4.1



4.2



Activity/Aspect

Presence of

construction

vehicles,

machinery,

equipment and

personnel



Impact

Alteration of key

elements, features and

characteristics of the

baseline visual

environment



Presence of

construction and

mining vehicles,

machinery,

equipment and

personnel



Alteration of key

elements, features and

characteristics of the

baseline visual

environment



Presence of

vehicles,

machinery,

equipment and

personnel



Alteration of key

elements, features and

characteristics of the

baseline visual

environment



4.3



Security and other

lighting at the

project site.



Alteration of visual

environment by Light

pollution



Environmental Impact Study



Mitigation

Retain existing vegetation where

possible (especially along site

boundary and roads). Implement

dust suppression. Concurrent

rehabilitation. Strict speed limits.

Careful consideration of lighting.

Dust suppression. Develop

sustainable final landform design for

TSF, WRD and water storage

facilities. Concurrent rehabilitation of

TSF and WRD. Strict speed limits.

Careful consideration of lighting



Dust suppression. Design of TSF,

WRD etc. to minimise final heights.

Concurrent rehabilitation and

monitoring of success of rehab.

Minimise light pollution: Security

lighting should only be used where

absolutely necessary and carefully

directed. Reduce light “spillage”

beyond the immediate surrounds of

the project. Avoid white light. Light

pathways and roads with ‘bollard’

type lights. Avoid pole top lighting.



5 Impact on Heritage resources



AGES Gauteng



-158-



Time

Frame



Performance indicator



Vegetation retained, no

visible dust, no

unnecessary light spillage



Throug

hout

all

project

phases



No visible dust.

Concurrent rehabilitation

to satisfaction of

rehabilitation plan.



Monitor success of

rehabilitation as per

rehabilitation plan.



No complaints from

surrounding tourist

lodges regarding light

pollution.



Monitoring

and

reporting



Cost



Mine

Environment

al Manager

Landscape

architect,

ecologist or

similar and

Mine

environment

al manager



Mine

Environment

al Manager



Complaints

record

keeping by

Mine

environment

al manager continuous.



Concurrent

rehabilitation

as per

Appendix 3

Only

determinable

after

compilation of

site specific

rehabilitation

plan



-



No



Activity/Aspect



Impact



Construction,

operation and

decommissioning

of the mining

project and

associated projects

(roads, water

supply etc.).



Damage to or

destruction of

undiscovered heritage

or archaeological

resources



5.1

6 Social Impacts

Development in

the area causing inmigration of

6.1 foreigners

Influx of people to

the surrounding

villages due to

6.2 opportunities

Job-creation for

local people and

for people from

outside,

inappropriate

procurement

6.3 policies



AGES Gauteng



Change in cultural

values and integrity

(Impact on Social

Dynamics)

Negative impacts on

existing community

cohesion (Impact on

Social Dynamics)



Social differentiation

and inequity (Impact on

Social Dynamics)



Environmental Impact Study



Mitigation

Environmental awareness training

and brief watch monitoring

programmes throughout

development - know what to look

out for. Archaeological surveys on

associated projects' sites prior to

development. Consultation with local

communities (protect living

heritage).



Time

Frame



Performance indicator



Discuss potential for in-migration

with community leaders (political

and traditional) and obtain their

views on management options;

Decide on recruitment policies in

conjunction with the leadership

structures. Ensure policies are fair

and equitable (and perceived as

such). Communicate the policies as

early as possible. Implement a quota

system from each affected village.

Create awareness of potential social

ills (pamphlets, lectures, posters).

Implement a community relations

plan (include all relevant



-159-



Monitoring

and

reporting



Mine

Environment

al Manager



Throug

hout

all

project

phases



No damage to heritage

resources



Throughout all project phases - but to

commence prior to project (procedures etc.

to be in place before project commences).

Community Liaison and consultation is an

on-going process.



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Social impacts associated

with the project directly

impact a contingency of

the projects' work force.

Internal and external

complaints register is to

be kept - performance

indicated by no

complaints received and

reaction to complaints

received. Monitor

community water levels

and quality - no

deterioration in quality

will be accepted. If water



The mine

should

consider the

appointment

of a

community

liaison officer

for the

duration of

the project.

A complaints

register

(both

internal for

employees



Cost



Mine Closure

and

Rehabilitation

– Appendix 3.

No specific

cost

associated

with

monitoring

and

management

of social

impacts apart

from:

appointment

of Community

Liaison Officer

and

Community



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



No



6.4



6.5



6.6



6.7



6.8



Activity/Aspect

Conflict about

available jobs and

who should benefit

from the project.

Cultural change

due to influx and

economic changes

for some.

Unrealistically high

community

expectations of

benefits due to

project

Mine staff residing

away from their

families

Change in sense of

belonging due to

influx of people

Influx of people

putting pressure

on infrastructure

and resources,

increased disease,

accidents and

injuries



AGES Gauteng



Impact



Social tension and

violence (Impact on

Social Dynamics)



Aspirations and

expectations of

community not realized

(causing tension and

distrust). (Impact on

Social Dynamics)

Alterations in Family

structures. (Impact on

Social Dynamics)

Community

identification and

connection (Impact on

Social Dynamics)

Impacts on Health and

social wellbeing:

Impacts on physical

health



Environmental Impact Study



Mitigation

stakeholders). Establish a community

liaison forum (CLF) with

representatives from all the

stakeholders (including in-migrants,

woman, the youth and the elderly).

Participate in community events.

Ensure consistent communication.

The mine will need the input from

government (local and traditional)

and a number of community

institutions to successfully manage

this process. The change cannot be

avoided, but must be managed.



Cooperate and align with existing

health services and programs and

engage with Health Department.

Skills enhancement and training

through site clinic. Avoid standing

pools of water on site (breeding

ground for mosquitoes). Community



-160-



Time

Frame



Performance indicator

levels drop alternative

potable water has to be

supplied to the

communities.

Performance of Social

impact management

measures should also be

evaluated from within

local communities - the

results / minutes of the

community forum

meetings and feedback

from a community liaison

officer will indicate

whether the project is

socially acceptable.



Monitoring

and

reporting

etc. and

external for

members of

the public)

should be

kept

continuously.

Communicati

on between

the mine,

communities

, government

departments

and other

stakeholders

should be a

continuous

process

throughout

all of the

phases of the

project.



Cost

Forum

administratio

n as well as

the Mine

environmenta

l Officer.



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



No



6.9



Activity/Aspect

Impacts on water

quality/availability,

increased traffic,

unfair labour

practices



Impact

Impacts on Health and

social wellbeing:

Impacts on personal

safety (physical and

psychological)



Influx of people

creating a platform

for opportunistic

and other criminals



Impacts on Health and

social wellbeing: Crime increased theft, social

ills and poaching



6.

10

Influx of people

putting additional

pressure on

infrastructure

(roads, sanitation

6.11 etc.)



6.12



presence of mine

infrastructure,

vehicles,

machinery and

personnel



Animal human

interaction and

resultant industry

6.13 conflicts



AGES Gauteng



Shortage of social and

physical infrastructure

(Impact on quality of

the living environment)

Alteration of sense of

place / environmental

amenity value /

aesthetic quality

(negative impact on

tourism)

Conflicting land uses

with neighbouring

activities (conservation

vs. mining)



Environmental Impact Study



Mitigation

outreach programmes to address

malaria. Buildings to be mosquito

proof. Road safety signage.

Collaborate with local authorities

and law enforcement (prevent

speeding, reckless driving; enforce

seat belt usage, accident response

etc.). Provide health care services to

workers. Abide by VPSHR. Deploy

two guards in critical locations.

Involve guards in anti-poaching

activities and support anti-poaching

programs. Educate the work force

about poaching.

Get input from all role players.

Utilise existing exploration camp for

housing. Provide worker transport.

Engage with government for

infrastructure upgrades. Include

upgrade of social infrastructure in

CSI initiatives. Guide staff interaction

with local communities and

conservation areas. Provide a buffer

zone around the physical footprint of

the project and fence off. Elephantproof water structures and

scavenger-proof waste areas. Include

animal-human interaction

procedures in health and safety

procedures.



-161-



Time

Frame



Performance indicator



Monitoring

and

reporting



Cost



Activity/Aspect

Impact

7 Impacts on Biodiversity

Vegetation clearing

and construction



Destruction of habitat



7.1



Storage of Tailings;

Laydown areas for

stockpiles and

waste rock



Direct habitat

destruction



7.2



Vegetation clearing

and construction



Habitat fragmentation



7.3



7.4



Storage of Tailings;

Laydown areas for

stockpiles and

waste rock



AGES Gauteng



Habitat fragmentation



Mitigation

Retain vegetation where possible.

Reduce disturbance to breeding

fauna and blooming flora). Relocate

plants of ecological significance; Do

not clear the entire footprint

simultaneously; Clearly demarcate

the entire development footprint

and prevent creep; Implement

monitoring to ensure minimal

impacts; Provide environmental

training; Cordon off and continually

excavate and backfill trenches. Only

use poison for vermin after approval

from an ecologist. Concurrent

rehabilitation and detailed

rehabilitation of subsistence zone

and cracks – Geotechnical Specialist

to advise.

Use existing facilities as far as

possible. Ensure as little disturbance

as possible (especially to ravines and

moist grassland pockets). Establish

protective buffers around sensitive

areas. Remain within defined

construction areas and servitudes.

Unnecessary driving around or

bulldozing natural habitat must not

take place. No disturbance will occur

outside demarcated areas.



-162-



Time

Frame



Throughout all project phases



No



Environmental Impact Study



Throughout all project phases



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Performance indicator



Successful environmental

training to all employees.

No activities beyond

demarcated mine area,

and vegetation also

retained within mine area

where possible.

Rehabilitation of

subsistence zone as per

geotechnical specialist

recommendations, to

compile detailed

rehabilitation plant in

consultation with an

ecologist / landscape

architect.



Adequate fenced buffer

zones; no activities

beyond fenced

boundaries; effective

conservation/avoidance

of ravines and moist

grassland pockets.



Monitoring

and

reporting



Cost



Mine

Environment

al Manager



No cost

associated

with retention

of vegetation.

Training costs

to be

determined if

not conducted

in-house.



Project

design

should

consider

avoidance of

sensitive

habitats.



To be

determined

by project

engineering

team



Mine

Environment

al Manager

to monitor



-



7.5



7.6



Activity/Aspect



Impact



Exposure of rock,

ore and soil to

rainfall and wind



Soil erosion



Increased

hardened surfaces

created at the

project site



Increased soil erosion

and sedimentation



Rehabilitation

activities



soil erosion



Movement of

vehicles on site



Spillages of harmful

substances



7.7



7.8



AGES Gauteng



Mitigation



Schedule topsoil stripping and

excavation for the dry season where

possible; Ensure minimal exposed

areas – concurrent construction and

rehabilitation; Cover disturbed soils;

Control runoff: move water without

gulley formation; Install sediment

control devices. Implement stringent

erosion and dust control practices.

Institute a storm water management

plan. Do not let surface water or

storm water be concentrated, Design

storm water discharge points to

prevent erosion; Repair all erosion

damage as soon as possible; Gravel

roads must be well drained in order

to limit soil erosion.

Contain polluted water. Discard

excess, waste or chemicals in an

environmental friendly way. Store



-163-



Time

Frame



Performance indicator



Monitoring

and

reporting

and report.



Cost



Throughout all project phases



No



Environmental Impact Study



Minimal disturbances and

concurrent rehabilitation.

Implementation of storm

water management

measures. No visible

erosion or gully formation



Mine

environment

al manager



-



Througho

ut all

project

phases



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Adherence to the

provisions of the detailed

waste management plan



Mine

environment

al manager



-Air and

Water

Monitoring as



No



7.9



Activity/Aspect



Impact



Domestic and

hazardous waste

storage and

disposal, sewage

treatment



Spillages of harmful

substances



Movement of

vehicles on site



Spillages of harmful

substances



7.

10

Exposure of rock,

ore and soil to

7.11 rainfall and wind

Stockpiling,

Materials handling,

vehicle

entrainment and

7.12 windblown dust

Rehabilitation

activities

7.13



AGES Gauteng



Dust contamination



Dust



Dust



Environmental Impact Study



Mitigation

hazardous chemicals on an

impervious surface protected from

storm water; Construct refuelling

stations to prevent spillages. Contain

accidental spillages and clean up

promptly; treat sewage in a suitable

plant or remove from site for

treatment elsewhere; Spill kits

should be on-hand to deal with spills

immediately; Inspect all vehicles

regularly for oil and fuel leaks.

Vehicle maintenance should be done

in a designated facility and drip trays

should be used. Drip trays should be

emptied into a holding tank and

returned to the supplier.

Undertake dust suppression and a

dust monitoring programme.

Implement the air quality

management programme, and

monitor regularly to ascertain the

dust load and emission rates and

particle size distribution; Implement

standard dust control measures,

including periodic spraying and

chemical dust suppression and

monitor efficiency. Implement strict

speed limits to reduce dust

formation.



-164-



Time

Frame



Throughout all project phases



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Performance indicator

(to be compiled) and

principles of the waste

hierarchy. No spillages at

refuelling stations or

storage areas and no

leaks from vehicles or

machinery. Sewage

treatment as per

specification. Spill kits

present and employees

know how to use them.

Appropriate vehicle

maintenance facility.



No visible dust and no

exceedance of acceptable

emissions standards

according to the air

quality management

programme.



Monitoring

and

reporting



Mine

environment

al manager



Cost

per Appendix

5



Air Quality

Monitoring As

per Appendix

5



Movement of

vehicles on site



Impact



Spread of alien invasive

species



Spread of alien invasive

species



Spread of alien invasive

species



7.16

Construction of

infrastructure,

7.17 roads etc.

workers

accommodation on

7.18 site



7.19



7.2



Presence of

labourers on site

Continued

movement of

personnel and

vehicles on and off

site, and deliver of

materials



AGES Gauteng



Negative impacts of

human activities

Negative effects of

human activities on

flora

Negative effects of

human activities on

flora



Fauna mortality on

roads



Mitigation

Kill the alien invasive plants and

seedlings and establish an

alternative plant cover to limit regrowth; Institute strict control over

materials brought onto site.

Routinely fumigate with appropriate

herbicides; Rehabilitate disturbed

areas as quickly as possible; Institute

a monitoring programme to detect

alien invasive species early, and an

eradication/control programme for

early intervention if invasive species

are detected; A detailed plan should

be developed for control of noxious

weeds and invasive plants..

Accommodate staff on site. Fence

area to prevent movement into ‘nogo’ areas. Provide adequate rubbish

bins and sanitation facilities;

Maintain firebreaks around

development footprint. Educate

construction workers regarding risks

and correct disposal of waste

materials.

Enforce a speed limit no more than

40 km/hour. Install speed bumps in

sections where the speed limit tends

to be disobeyed. Avoid travelling at

night. Lights should be positioned

5 m from the roads or paved areas.



-165-



Performance indicator



Monitoring

and

reporting



Cost



Throughout all project phases



Activity/Aspect

Continued

movement of

personnel and

vehicles on and off

site, and deliver of

7.14 materials

Transporting of

people and

7.15 equipment



Time

Frame



No alien invasive plants

present on the project

site.



Mine

environment

al manager



Biodiversity

Monitoring as

per Mine

Closure and

Rehabilitation

– Appendix 3



Throughout all project

phases



No



Environmental Impact Study



No movement into no-go

areas. Good

housekeeping practices

implemented (no litter

etc.). Firebreaks

adequate.



Mine

environment

al manager



-



Throughout all

project phases



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



No exceedences of speed

limits. No night travelling.

Appropriate lighting (no /

little insect activity). No

or little observed fauna

mortality on roads. No



Mine

environment

al manager



-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Mining operations

during night time



Impact



8.1



AGES Gauteng



Limit construction to day-time;

minimise external lighting; longwavelength light sources should be

used. Do not use Fluorescent lights

outdoors. Direct external light

sources inward; Internal lighting

should be shielded.



Alter base case layout to fall outside

of wetlands; Limit development

activities to appropriate areas. Avoid

rigid geometries; Provide regular

environmental training; Do not

remove indigenous plants from

wetlands or riparian areas; Control

pesticide use; monitor wetland water



Fauna mortality on

roads



Performance indicator

incidents involving

animal-human

interaction.



Cost



Fauna mortality



Light pollution



Light pollution



7.24

8 Impacts on Wetlands



Clearing of

vegetation,

construction of

infrastructure etc.



Mitigation



Monitoring

and

reporting



Habitat Destruction



-166-



Throughout all

construction phases



Activity/Aspect

Movement of

vehicles on and off

site and delivery of

7.21 materials

Movement of

7.22 vehicles on site

Construction of

mining

infrastructure,

7.23 access roads etc.



Time

Frame



No or little light spillages

at night beyond project

site boundary.



Mine

environment

al manager



-



Throughout all

construction phases



No



Environmental Impact Study



If the base case layout is

altered to avoid the

wetland areas, the impact

is avoided and no further

measures are necessary.



Project team



-



No



Activity/Aspect



Impact



Placement of

stockpiles, TSF and

WRD on wetlands



Direct habitat

destruction



8.2



8.3



8.4



Increased

hardened surfaces

and exposed areas



Soil compaction and

erosion leading to

sedimentation



Increased

hardened surfaces

and exposed areas



Increased soil erosion

and sedimentation



Rehabilitation

activities



8.5



AGES Gauteng



Increased soil erosion

and sedimentation



Environmental Impact Study



Mitigation

levels; Avoid work in rivers, streams

and wetlands or limit to dry season.

Implement a rehabilitation plan.

Cross drainage channels at 90

degrees. Minimize changes to

natural drainage patterns and

crossings to drainages. Perform

scheduled maintenance to be

prepared for storms. In-stream

diversions at constructions in

drainages must avoid damming. No

construction of new channels.

Manage storm water run-off and

potential flooding.

Minimize land disturbance; Schedule

topsoil stripping and excavation for

winter if possible; Minimise exposed

areas; Cover disturbed soils; Move

runoff water without gully

formation, trap sediment before

discharge. Implement erosion and

dust control practices. Minimize

concentrated water. Control

stormwater velocity and divert runoff around disturbed areas. Institute

a storm water management plan;

Have temporary and permanent

erosion control plans; Protect areas

susceptible to erosion and repair

erosion damage as soon as possible;



-167-



Time

Frame



Performance indicator



Monitoring

and

reporting



Surface water monitoring

as per monitoring

protocol.



Mine

environment

al manager.



Cost



As per

Appendix 5

Construction and operational phases



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Surface water monitoring

as per monitoring

protocol.



Mine

environment

al manager.



As

per

Appendix 5



8.6



8.7



Activity/Aspect



Impact



Exposure of rock,

ore and soil to

rainfall and wind,

and vehicle

movement



Water pollution from

spillages of harmful

substances



Large vehicles - oil

and fuel spillages,

building waste,

batching plants,

sewage and

domestic waste,

topsoil storage



Water pollution from

spillages



Movement of

vehicles on site for

rehabilitation



Water pollution from

spillages



Movement of

construction

vehicles



Dust contamination



8.8



8.9



AGES Gauteng



Mitigation

Gravel roads must be well drained in

order to limit soil erosion;



Treatment and containment of dirty

water; remove excess, waste

material or chemicals from site and

discard in an environmental friendly

way; Inspect construction vehicles

for oil and fuel leaks, service

regularly. Situate maintenance yards

away from drainage lines; Construct

refuelling stations to prevent

spillages and be prepared for

accidental spills. Prevent pollutant

entry into the drainage system; Treat

sewage in a suitable plant or remove

from the site for treatment

elsewhere; Maintain a good standard

of housekeeping. Store all litter so it

cannot contaminate drainage

systems; Provide (scavenger proof)

bins. Avoid poisons for the control of

problem animals.

Implement dust suppression and

monitoring. Implement air quality

management programme. Use dust



-168-



Performance indicator



Monitoring

and

reporting



Construction and operational phases



No



Environmental Impact Study



Surface water monitoring

as per monitoring

protocol.



Mine

environment

al manager.



Through

out all

project

phases



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Surface water monitoring

as per monitoring

protocol.



Time

Frame



Cost



As per

Appendix 5

and

Stormwater

Management

Plant

Mine

environment

al manager.



As per

Appendix 5



No



8.

10



8.11



8.12



8.13



8.14

9



Environmental Impact Study



Activity/Aspect

Impact

Mitigation

Stockpiling,

masks as per the Mine health and

Materials handling,

safety requirements; Implement

vehicle

Dust contamination

standard dust control measures, Soil

entrainment and

dumps may be covered if necessary;

windblown dust

A speed limit (no more than 60

km/hour)

should be enforced on dirt

Movement of

roads;

vehicles on site for Dust contamination

rehabilitation

Movement of

personnel and

Spread of alien invasive

vehicles on and off

species in wetland

site and delivery of

systems

Kill the alien plants present and

materials for

seedlings which emerge, and

construction

establish alternative plant cover. The

Movement of

control of AIS at the site should

personnel and

commence prior to construction.

vehicles on and off Spread of alien invasive

Prevent AIS from establishing, detect

site and delivery of species in wetland

AIS that do establish early, eradicate

systems

materials for

AIS that establish or control

mining operation

population is eradication is not

and maintenance

feasible. Develop and implement a

Movement of

detailed AIS eradication and

personnel and

monitoring plan.

Spread of alien invasive

vehicles on and off

species in wetland

site and delivery of

systems

materials for

rehabilitation

Impacts on Soils, land capability and agricultural potential



AGES Gauteng



-169-



Time

Frame



Throughout all project phases



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Performance indicator



As per the alien-invasive

plants management

procedure to be compiled

as part of the mine's

procedures and

guidelines.



Monitoring

and

reporting



Mine

environment

al manager.



Cost



Biodiversity

Monitoring as

per Mine

Closure and

Rehabilitation

– Appendix 3.



Regular heavy

vehicle movement

for rehabilitation

activities



Soil Compaction



Vegetation

clearance, mine

construction and

activities leaving

soil exposed



Soil erosion



Hardened surfaces,

slopes of stockpiles

and WRD



Soil erosion



9.3



9.4



9.5



AGES Gauteng



-170-



Constructio

n



Soil Compaction



9.2



Regular heavy

vehicle movement,

and laydown areas

during mining



Soil Compaction



Mitigation

Only handle soils when dry to reduce

compaction risk; Strip vegetation

with topsoil; Avoid soils with risk of

compaction wherever possible.

Unnecessary driving around or

bulldozing natural habitat must not

take place. Stick to haul roads. Use

existing roads and tracks as far as

possible. Rip and/or scarify

compacted areas on a continuous

basis. Do not rip and/or scarify areas

under wet conditions. Sample and

analyse soil prior to rehabilitation.

Under advisement from a suitably

qualified restoration ecologist,

supplemental fertilisation may be

necessary.

Schedule topsoil stripping and

excavation in the dry season if

possible; Schedule clearance &

excavation concurrently with

construction & rehabilitation; keep

exposed surfaces at a minimum.

Cover disturbed soils; Avoid gully

formation by runoff; Install sediment

control devices. Control dust using

water-sprayers or chemical dust

suppressants; Institute storm water



Operation



Impact



Closure



9.1



Activity/Aspect

Regular heavy

vehicle movement,

and laydown areas

for construction



Time

Frame



Construction



No



Environmental Impact Study



All phases



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Performance indicator



Monitoring

and

reporting



Cost



Minimal compacted soils.

No impacts beyond

development footprint.

Existing facilities are used

where possible. Soil

quality prior to

rehabilitation is

acceptable.

Ensure that Geotechnical

specialist is appointed to

advise, especially on

stability and

rehabilitation of the

subsistence zone.



Mine

environment

al manager.



-



Minimal exposed

surfaces; no visible

erosion or gully

formation; susceptible

areas are protected from

erosion; vegetative cover

is adequate.



Mine

environment

al manager.



-



Activity/Aspect



Impact



General

rehabilitation

activities



Soil erosion



9.6



9.7



9.8



9.9



Construction

vehicles

contributing to oil

and fuel spillages,

building waste,

batching plants,

sewage and

domestic waste

Construction

vehicles

contributing to oil

and fuel spillages,

building waste,

batching plants,

sewage and

domestic waste

Oil and fuel

leakages from

vehicles and

machinery for

rehabilitation



AGES Gauteng



Soil pollution



Soil pollution



Soil pollution



Mitigation

management plans (temporary and

permanent); Repair erosion damage

as soon as possible; Implement

erosion monitoring procedures; Revegetate disturbed areas as soon as

possible. Monitor vegetative cover

on stockpiles to maintain a high

basal cover. Conserve topsoil for use

in rehabilitation

Store hazardous chemicals in

impervious bunded area protected

from stormwater; Construct

refuelling stations to prevent

spillages, and implement measures

to contain and clean up accidental

spillages; Treat sewage in a suitable

plant or remove from site for

treatment elsewhere; Spill kits

should be on-hand to deal with spills

immediately and employees should

be trained in their use; Implement

procedures to deal with spillages or

leakages; Maintain stormwater

management system to ensure clean

and dirty water separation. Maintain

vehicles regularly to prevent

leakages. Conduct vehicle

maintenance in a designated facility

and use drip trays. Empty drip trays

into a holding tank and return to the



-171-



Time

Frame



Performance indicator



Monitoring

and

reporting



Cost



Closure and rehabilitation



No



Environmental Impact Study



Throughout all project phases



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



No visible leakages from

vehicles or machinery or

on the site. Appropriate

storage of hazardous

materials. Appropriate

maintenance and

refuelling facilities (no

spillages visible and

emergency response

procedures in place).



Mine

environment

al manager.



-



Activity/Aspect



Impact



Topsoil stripping

and mine

construction

Topsoil stripping

and mine

9.11 construction

Construction of

mine and

9.12 infrastructure



Soil destruction and

sterilization



Dumping of waste

rock, mining and

9.13 stockpiling



Loss of land capability



Loss of grazing

value due to lower

grazing capacity

after rehabilitation



Loss of land capability



9.

10



9.14



AGES Gauteng



Soil destruction and

sterilization



Loss of land capability



Mitigation

supplier.



Continually rehabilitate the soils to

the best possible state. Refer to the

specialist reports on soil

rehabilitation

Confine disturbance and clearing to

the footprint areas of the mine; Only

disturb small areas of land at a time.

Rehabilitation should take place on a

continuous basis where after the

land would become partially

available again as grazing. Once

mining activities have ceased,

disturbed areas should be

rehabilitated and the grazing

capacity restored as far as possible.

The rehabilitation of the soils and revegetation is discussed in the

specialist report.



-172-



Time

Frame



Performance indicator



Monitoring

and

reporting



Cost



Throughout all

project phases



No



Environmental Impact Study



Minimal areas disturbed.

Effective rehabilitation

and monitoring efficiency

of rehabilitation



Mine

environment

al manager



-



Throughout all project phases



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Post-closure monitoring

of the success of

rehabilitation of the area

to viable grazing land.



Mine

environment

al manager.



-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project



Environmental Impact Study



10 DECOMMISSIONING AND REHABILITATION

The Mines and Minerals Development Act, 2008 (MMDA) provides in Section 116 that

(1) The conditions subject to which the mining right is granted or renewed shall include such

conditions as may be prescribed by the Minister, by statutory instrument, or as the Minister may,

in a particular case, otherwise determine, in relation to

(c) the rehabilitation, levelling, re grassing, re foresting or contouring of such part of the

land over which the right or licence has effect as may have been damaged or adversely affected

by prospecting operations, mining operations or mineral processing operations; and

(d) the filling in, sealing or fencing off of excavations, shafts and tunnels.

The Act also states (section 123) that the holder of a mining right shall be held liable for the cost of

remedial and rehabilitative measures in relation to the mining right area after cessation of mining activity.

The stipulations of the MMDA are in line with the IFC and World Bank Standards as well as other

international best practice requirements related to mining projects. It is thus essential that the proposed

development be designed with closure in mind and that financial provision for rehabilitation and closure of

the development be determined and planned for in order to ensure that the project leaves behind a

positive legacy.

To this end, a mine closure plan and estimate for financial provision was prepared by REDE Engineering

and Management Services (Pty) Ltd (REDE) dated September 2013. This report was based on the

information available at the time of the study and should be updated periodically throughout subsequent

project phases.



10.1 Closure plan objectives

The closure plan has aimed to:





rehabilitate all disturbed land to a state that is suitable for its post closure use;







ensure that affected areas are safe and secure for both human and animal activities;







ensure that the physical and chemical stability of the remaining structures are such that risk to the

environment through naturally occurring forces is eliminated;







rehabilitate all disturbed land to a state where limited or preferably no post closure management is

required;







rehabilitate all disturbed land to a state that facilitates compliance with current environmental

quality objectives (air and water quality); and



AGES Gauteng



-173-



Blackthorn Resources Limited: Kitumba Copper Project







Environmental Impact Study



limit the impact on personnel whose positions may become redundant on decommissioning of the

mine



Based on the findings of the closure plan, it is recommended that the following actions be taken

immediately in order to ensure adherence to the closure plan objectives mentioned above:





A geotechnical investigation focussing on the determination of the stability of the subsistence

zone has to be conducted in order to define which rehabilitation options for the subsistence zone

could be feasible in order to meet the closure objectives;







All uncertainties must be resolved and included in the report as soon as the information becomes

available. These factors will have an influence on the final financial provision figures;







Progressive rehabilitation has been included in the closure plan and the mine must ensure that

provision for progressive rehabilitation is incorporated in the Project’s business-case.



10.2 Closure activities

The final rehabilitation, closure and aftercare plan will be associated with the following primary activities.

Where practical, some of these rehabilitation may occur during the operational phase of the mining

project. Wherever possible, progressive rehabilitation should be implemented:





Dismantling of the processing plant, administrative facilities, workshops and other buildings, which

will involve the removal of all equipment for salvage or re-sale. Items with no salvage value to the

mine, but which might have value to individuals will be sold. Any fixed assets that can be

profitably removed, will also be removed for salvage or resale. All remaining items will be treated

as waste and disposed of in a designated waste disposal area.







All rubble and waste from the dismantling of the processing plant will be disposed of in a

designated waste disposal area. This excludes any tailings or slurry dam materials;







All structures are to be demolished or dismantled, and foundations to be removed to a minimum

of 500 mm below the natural ground level. All excavations will be filled with 350 mm waste rock

from the stockpiled waste material and 150 mm topsoil. Terraced areas will be cut back to a

slope incline of no more than 18º; and the entire disturbed area will be ripped to a depth of

500 mm, covered with topsoil and vegetated.







Roads will be ripped, reshaped, covered with 150 mm topsoil and vegetated. Access portals to

decline shafts will be sealed with a double-layered reinforced brick wall with concrete foundation.

A 1Q thick reinforced concrete plug will be used to seal ventilation shafts. All structures and

ventilation equipment are to be demolished, with all terracing and foundations to be removed to a

minimum of 500 mm below the natural ground level. All excavation will be filled with 400 mm

waste rock and the entire rehabilitated area will be covered with 100 mm topsoil. This applies to



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the area where the ventilation infrastructure has been removed. Any other disturbed areas will be

ripped to a depth of 500 mm, covered with 100 mm topsoil and vegetated.





The waste dumps will remain post-closure, but all dump slopes will be reshaped from 24°to an 18

° incline angle. Run-off control benches will be constructed on dump slopes at 35 m intervals to

prevent storm water damage on the dump slope;







The entire dump slope surface will be covered with a minimum of 100 mm topsoil and vegetated.

This will serve as both a rainwater penetration cover and a dust fallout prevention measure.

Paddocks will be constructed on the dump top surface to assist with evaporation and ensure the

prevention of rainwater overtopping;







Surface water diversions around the WRD footprint will be left in place during and post the mining

operations as part of the general operational mining infrastructure;







The TSF will remain post-closure, and if not constructed as such, the TSF walls will be reshaped

to a slope incline of 18°. Run-off control benches will be constructed at 25 m intervals to prevent

storm water damage on the dump slope;







The entire TSF wall surface will be covered with 100 mm topsoil and vegetated to serve as an

evaporative cover and prevent dust-fallout. Paddocks will be constructed on the top surface to

assist with evaporation and ensure the prevention of rainwater overtopping;







Surface water diversions around the TSF footprints will be left in place; and any associated

equipment will be removed and disposed of.







General surface rehabilitation will involve the reshaping of terraced land to a maximum 18°incline

angle and to resemble the natural topography. All disturbed areas not covered specifically in the

details of the closure and rehabilitation plan will at least be ripped to a depth of 500 mm, covered

with 150 mm topsoil and vegetated.







Fencing which has become redundant will be dismantled and removed for salvage. Where

fencing is to be installed for post-closure safety, dismantled fencing will be used first. All concrete

fence foundations will be demolished to 500 mm below original ground level. All fence lines are to

be ripped to a depth of 500 mm, covered with 150 mm topsoil and vegetated where required.







Water related infrastructure will remain post closure and be transferred to a suitable

authority/owner.







It is recommended that a geotechnical study be done to determine the stability of the depression

which will inform the rehabilitation of the cone of subsidence. Depending on the geotechnical

findings it is proposed that either:

o



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The area be fenced off and handled as an open pit, if considered too unstable to



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rehabilitate. The sustainability of a fence is not beyond a decade, therefore

o



A waste rock berm that would limit access by livestock such as cattle and especially

people should be developed around the depression. This is however expected to be

costly and needs to be assessed during feasibility phase. For example the waste rock

could be dumped closer to the area of depression in order to be available post-closure.



o



If stability allows standard rehabilitation measures could be implemented such as the

area being ripped, levelled, covered with topsoil and vegetated thereafter but it is

currently thought to be unlikely that stability would allow for this and further geotechnical

investigation is warranted. .



10.3 Financial Provision

Estimates of financial provision for closure and rehabilitation, including the calculation for an end of year 1

(‘lights-out’ scenario) as well as provision for concurrent rehabilitation has been developed and will be

refined as the project develops. Financial provision should be guaranteed and updated regularly (yearly)

to ensure the feasibility of effective rehabilitation of the site concurrently with mining, after closure of the

project, the rehabilitation of infrastructure and the post-closure maintenance and monitoring.

Please refer to Appendix 3-5 for a copy of the mine closure and rehabilitation plan and estimate of

financial provision. Kindly also refer to Appendix 5 which contains indicative costs related to the

recommended environmental monitoring



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11 CONCLUSION

The purpose of this Report and the specialist studies associated therewith is to evaluate the existing socioeconomic and biophysical baseline environments of the proposed project site in order to determine the

potential environmental impacts of the proposed project on the receiving environment and to identify

possible mitigation measures which should form part of project implementation in order to ensure that the

identified potential environmental impacts are avoided or minimised to acceptable levels, and that potential

positive impacts are enhanced.



11.1 Regulatory summary and way forward

There are a number of regulatory requirements pertaining to environmental management to which the

proposed development will have to conform. Licenses and permits that have thus far been identified in

terms of environmental management legislation that are required in terms of the development of the

proposed project are:





Environmental Authorisation (ZEMA)







Mining Right (ZEMA and the MMDA)







Water Use Authorisation (ZEMA and the Water Board and/or WUA)



This report is the environmental impact statement compiled in accordance with the abovementioned

legislation and international best practice principles.

Additional authorisations may be required for project related infrastructure required off-site for the project

to continue, such as access road construction, power supply and water supply. Should it come to light that

Blackthorn would become the responsible party to construct or upgrade roads in the area (currently

planned by the Roads Development Agency) or provide electricity supply infrastructure (currently planned

by ZESCO), the need for additional environmental impact assessments and approvals will have to be

determined.

Two primary water supply options have been identified for the proposed project. Favourable groundwater

units were delineated towards the north of the project area and it is plausible that the project may source

the required make-up water demand (4 1177m3/d or 48 ℓ/s) from here through a network of boreholes and

associated pipe network to the project site. Alternatively it was investigated to abstract water from the

Kafue river and convey abstracted water to the site via a pipeline. No environmental fatal flaws have been

identified in this study, however, a number of factors have been identified which require further

investigation, consideration and/or incorporation into the current project design. These are discussed in

this report and the specialist reports appended hereto.



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11.2 Conclusion

This EIS report was prepared by Africa Geo Environmental Services Gauteng (Pty) Ltd (AGES) and is

submitted to the Zambian Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and other relevant authorities in

Zambia for consideration of the project and the relevant way forward from an environmental impact

management perspective.

This report is in support of applications for environmental authorization, water use permissions and a

mining right for the project on behalf of Blackthorn, and has been prepared in accordance with Zambian

law.

From an environmental management point of view, the finalization and submission of the EIS report

following additional consultation with relevant stakeholders, is the next step in the environmental permitting

and licensing aspect of the AGES scope of work. AGES will liaise with ZEMA in this regard should ZEMA

so require.

No fatal flaws have been identified in terms of environmental management considerations, a number of

follow-up and additional studies need to be conducted as part of future project phases have been

recommended in this report, and it is therefore recommended that the project progresses from an

environmental management point of view.



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12 APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Consultations with ZEMA

Appendix 2: Public Participation

Appendix 3: Copies of Specialist Studies

Appendix 4: Details of the EIA Team

Appendix 5: Costs associated with monitoring and mitigation discussed in Section 9



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