Upload
dodieu
View
213
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT KANGRA COAL (PTY) LTD.
2-22
2.3.1 Central Discard Dump
Introduction
The current discard dump does not have sufficient capacity to accommodate
the discard produced from the proposed future operations. A new Discard
Dump, called the Central Discard Dump, is proposed on the south eastern side
of the current discard dump in Maquasa East. The new discard dump will be
utilized for discard generated by the proposed new underground mining,
including the Kusipongo operations. The Central Discard Dump will be
located within the Maquasa East operation on the remaining (RE) portion of
the farm Rooikop 18 HT, with a small area of the dump on the remaining (RE)
portion of the farm Maquasa 19 HT (Figure 2.7).
The Central Discard Dump will accommodate discard produced from the
beneficiation plant located at Maquasa East, which currently washes and
processes coal from the surrounding Kangra Coal operations and will receive
coal from the future expansion areas.
The discard dump was designed by Geotail (Pty) Ltd and the description
provided in this section has been extracted from the Design Report
(September 2014).
The discard dump will be developed as a three-compartment side hill type
storage facility with a footprint of approximately 65ha (Table 2.8). The three-
compartment layout allows for a modular implementation approach (phases
1, 2 and 3) with the benefit of delaying capital expenditure.
The following structures will be required:
• Lined discard dump (to be constructed in three different
compartments/phases);
• Under-drainage system;
• Boundary fence;
• Internal haul roads;
• Catchment paddocks;
• Two compartment, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) lined Pollution
Control Dam (PCD) (one compartment to be operated as empty); and
• Stormwater management infrastructure, such as berms and trenches.
The proposed discard dump was three-dimensionally modelled for an
accurate determination of the relationship between the height, area and
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT KANGRA COAL (PTY) LTD.
2-23
capacity. The results of this modelling are the capacity and dimensions of the
discard dump and these are summarised in Table 2.8.
Table 2.8 Dimensions and Capacity of the proposed Discard Dump
Description Total/Unit Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3
Life of facility 20 years 7.4 7.4 5.4
Extent of Discard Dump 65ha 23.5 21.9 19.3
Capacity of discard dump 20.2 million tonnes (Mt) 7.4 7.4 5.4
Airspace available 11.2 million m³ 4.1 4.1 3.0
Final vertical height of Discard Dump m 34 33 32
Deposition rate 1 million tonnes per
annum of coarse
material**
- - -
Final side slope area ha 13.1 9.0 8.2
Final top surface area 38ha 9.5 13.9 14.6
Figure 2.7 Central Discard Dump Layout
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT KANGRA COAL (PTY) LTD.
2-25
Construction/Disposal Method
The coal discard will be transported by truck from the Maquasa East
beneficiation plant to the new discard dump, where it will be placed and
compacted mechanically. The discard will be placed in horizontal layers
(bottom-up) following an approved performance compaction specification.
Groundwater Management
In order to protect the groundwater resource below and within the vicinity of
the discard dump, two mechanisms will be employed to manage seepage from
the facility:
1. An under-drainage system; and
2. A liner.
Under-Drainage System:
The under drainage system is designed to collect seepage on top of the liner
and to achieve phreatic surface drawdown at the toe of the discard dump. As
such, the under-drainage system is strategically placed along the critical
downstream toe line of the discard dump.
Discard Dump Liner:
The proposed liner system for the discard dump generally complies with the
Class C liner type in the waste classification regulations (published in
Government Notice R. 634) and comprises four layers (Figure 2.8).
Figure 2.8 Proposed Liner for the Discard Dump
Source: Geotail, 2014
PCD Liner
The liner system for the PCD generally complies with the Class B liner type as
described in the waste regulation, GNR643. This liner comprises three layers
and as shown in Figure 2.9.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT KANGRA COAL (PTY) LTD.
2-26
Figure 2.9 Proposed Liner for the PCD
Source: Geotail, 2014
Surface Water/Stormwater Management
The surface or stormwater management measures are designed to separate
clean and dirty water, divert clean water away from the discard dump and
collect and contain water found within the discard dump footprint (dirty
water).
Stormwater Diversion Channels
Two channels are deemed necessary to divert clean stormwater away from the
discard dump, i.e. the North and South channel. A local watershed runs
generally east west through the southern portion the centre compartment of
the discard dump. The two channels originate on this watershed. The North
Channel runs generally northwards while the South Channel runs southwards
before turning west and then northwest around the southern perimeter of the
discard dump.
The proposed channels have been sized to comply with the GN704
requirements and as such they are designed to convey the 50-year design
flood peak (Table 2.9). The catchments for the channels are relatively small.
Table 2.9 Stormwater Channel Dimensions
Parameter North Channel South Channel
Catchment Size 32.9ha 4.9ha
Shape Trapezoidal Trapezoidal
Base width 1m 1m
Side slopes 1:1.5 (V:H) 1:1.5 (V:H)
Flow depth 0.83m 0.48m
Channel depth* 1.1m 0.8m
Max flow velocity** 3.7m/s 2.7m/s-
Flow type at max velocity Supercritical Supercritical
**Note: Flow velocities are based on the maximum longitudinal gradient.
The stormwater channels have been sized assuming unlined channels, and
will be excavated into the ground. The material excavated from the channel
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT KANGRA COAL (PTY) LTD.
2-27
will be placed in a berm on the downstream side of the channel to increase the
capacity of the channel above its design capacity and provide additional
freeboard where required; and to allow cost effective construction as load and
haul volumes are minimised. The berm should be compacted and vegetated
and the channel kept free of long grass, shrubs and woody vegetation.
Discard Dump Design Features
The discard dump has been designed to avoid storage of water on the facility,
thereby increasing its stability.
The side slopes will be terraced and berm penstocks will be utilised to drain
the permanent benches. This water will be captured by the catchment
paddocks, which will be located at ground level. The runoff will be diverted to
the PCD.
It is recommended that the discard dump is operated with the minimum of
water stored on the top surface at all times.
Pollution Control Dams
The PCD will serve to collect and contain direct rainfall, runoff from the
discard dump surface and the “dirty water catchment” of the discard dump,
as well as seepage captured by the under-drainage system (within the
catchment paddocks). The stormwater diversion channels will divert clean
water away from the “dirty” area in order to reduce the amount of polluted
water which must be contained, thereby reducing the PCD capacity
requirement. The proposed maximum capacity of the PCD is 100,000m³. The
water pumped out of the PCD will be sent to the washing plant, before being
pumped to Pit D East where it will be evaporated.
Access Control
A boundary fence will be erected around the perimeter of the discard dump
facility to keep out livestock and discourage entry by people.
A haul road will be constructed around the discard dump. This haul road will
connect to the existing haul road to the east of the proposed discard dump
complex. The internal haul road will also lead to the PCD. The haul roads
within the discard dump complex will not exceed a width of 8m.
2.3.2 Maquasa West Extension Underground Works
Introduction
The authorization for the underground workings applied for was initially
approved under the MP 30/5/1/1/2/209MR EMPr for the Maquasa extension
by the DMR on the 15th of May 2008 (Annex B). However, during the
consolidation of the EMPr’s into 133MR (as approved in July 2014), a section
of the 209MR activities were accidentally omitted. This was discovered in 2015
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT KANGRA COAL (PTY) LTD.
2-28
during the second EMPr amendment application with the DMR. The DMR
responded that the EMPr could not be amended for the Maquasa operation for
activities that technically do not exist in the approved consolidated EMPr. As
such the omitted section of the MWE underground works will now be applied
for as part of this S102 Amendment application. This section describes the
proposed underground works activities.
The proposed mine plan for the MWE underground works can be seen in
Figure 2.11. These works will be accessed by the proposed new Adit 5 which is
discussed in detail in Section 2.3.3. The proposed MWE underground works
will be located under the properties detailed in Table 2.10.
Table 2.10 Project Infrastructure Summary Description
Property Surveyor General Cadastral Code
Kransbank 15 HT, Portion 1 T0HT00000000001500001
Kransbank 15 HT, Portion 2 T0HT00000000001500002
Maquasa 19 HT Remaining Extent T0HT00000000001900000
Mining will occur by underground board and pillar methods with
chequerboard pillar extraction. Board-and-pillar, or room-and-pillar, is an
extensively used underground mining technique. This method uses a grid of
tunnels and involves progressively cutting panels into the coal seam whilst
leaving behind pillars of coal to support the overburden (NSWMINING,
Accessed 4 March 2015). This will be done using a horizontal continuous miner.
Mined material is extracted across a horizontal plane, and is extracted in two
phases. In the first phase "pillars" of untouched material are left to support
the roof overburden, and open areas or "rooms" are extracted underground.
This technique is usually used for relatively flat-lying deposits. The key to
successful board and pillar mining is in the selection of the optimum pillar
size, considering the required safety factors to avoid subsidence on surface.
Board and pillar mining is depicted in Figure 2.10.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT KANGRA COAL (PTY) LTD.
2-29
Figure 2.10 Diagram of Typical Board and Pillar Mining Method
Source: Okubo & Yamatomi,.date unknown
Figure 2.11 Maquasa West Extension Underground Works
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT KANGRA COAL (PTY) LTD.
2-31
Project Phases
Mining projects are developed in set phases, with each phase having a
different combination of activities. These phases include the construction,
operation and decommissioning/closure phases.
These Project phases are discussed in the following sections.
Construction Phase:
For underground mining operations there is very little construction activities
strictly related to the underground portion of the project. Construction
activities are almost all related to the construction of the access adit. These
activities are discussed in detail in Section 2.3.3.
Operations Phase:
As previously discussed mining will occur using continuous mining
equipment and will access the coal reserves using the board and pillar
method. Mining will take place from the new Adit 5 and will extend in a
southerly and easterly direction as in Figure 2.11. A mine schedule is shown in
Table 2.11.
Table 2.11 Maquasa West Extension Underground Works Mine Schedule
Year Tonnes
2016 2,647,620
2017 2,858,135
2018 2,071,044
2019 1,577,220
2020 1,459,909
2021 1,533,748
2022 459,126
All coal that is mined from this area will be transported from the Adit 5 via
the new overland conveyor to the coal processing facilities at Maquasa West
operation, and from there the coal will transported via the existing overland
conveyor to the beneficiation plant located at Maquasa East. Discard from this
process will initially be disposed of at the existing discard dump and later to
the new Central discard dump.
Closure
Closure is planned for the end of the Project life (approximately 7 years) and
will include:
• Decommissioning and sale of mining equipment and infrastructure;
• Restoration and rehabilitation of disturbed areas;
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT KANGRA COAL (PTY) LTD.
2-32
• Management of mine water decant and water treatment prior to discharge;
and
• Post closure monitoring.
2.3.3 Adit 5 and Overland Conveyor
Introduction
In addition to the proposed underground workings in the previous section,
Kangra Coal intends to develop and operate a new adit in the Maquasa West
Extension area (the Adit 5), an overland conveyor connecting the Adit 5 to
Maquasa West coal processing facilities, and an associated servitude road. The
coordinates of these facilities are listed in Table 2.12.
Table 2.12 Co-Ordinates of Surface Infrastructure
Infrastructure Latitude Longitude
Main Adit– centre point 270 02’ 10.21” S 300 18’ 33.14” E
Overland conveyor 270 02’ 9.82” S 300 18’ 33.92” E (start pt.)
270 01’ 08.53” S 300 19’ 47.47” E (middle pt.)
270 00’ 36.85” S 300 21’ 21.30” E (end pt.)
This proposed infrastructure will be located on the properties detailed in
Table 2.13.
Table 2.13 Details of the properties associated with the Adit 5 and the Overland
Conveyor
Property Surveyor General
Cadastral Code
Title Deed
Number
Infrastructure
Development
Footprint (Ha)
Adit 5
Kransbank 15HT, Portion 2 T0HT00000000001500002 T21311/980 12.37
Overland Conveyor
Kransbank 15HT, Portion 2 T0HT00000000001500002 T21311/980 10.67
Kransbank 15HT, Portion 1 T0HT00000000001500001 T139369/2000
Rooikop 18HT, Portion Re T0HT00000000001800000 T78816/2004
Project Phases
The proposed Project will be developed in set phases, with each phase having
a different combination of activities. For ease of reference, the proposed
Project has been divided into the following phases:
• Construction Phase;
• Operational Phase; and
• Decommissioning and Closure Phase.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT KANGRA COAL (PTY) LTD.
2-33
Construction Phase
Construction of the surface infrastructure is planned to commence in 2017.
The construction phase will include the following initial activities:
• Construction of an access road and a powerline to the site of the proposed
Adit 5 and along the route of the proposed overland conveyor;
• Establishment of the mobile offices and support facilities at the Adit 5;
• Establishment of the Adit 5;
• Development of the overburden dump and topsoil dump during the adit
development;
• Establishment of the main ventilation fans;
• Construction of stormwater management features such as diversion
berms, stormwater channels and an evaporation dam;
• Establishment of the overland conveyor;
• Transmission line development in the overland conveyor servitude;
• Establishment of a water pipeline along the overland conveyor route;
• Installation of the water storage tank; and
• Installation of sewage sump which will be serviced periodically (Sewage
effluent be sucked up and transported by tanker to the sewage treatment
plant at Adit 4).
Operational Phase
The operational phase of the project will include the following activities:
• Conveyance of coal from the underground mining operation at the MWE
underground works, via the Maquasa West operation where primary
crushing and screening will take place, and then to the existing Maquasa
East coal beneficiation plant;
• Temporary storage of general and hazardous waste in containers at the
Adit 5 which will be removed on a regular basis by a licensed waste
contractor;
• Delivery of explosives, fuel, various kinds of machinery typical in mining
operations, construction materials from time to time, spare parts for minor
reparations of machinery, etc.;
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT KANGRA COAL (PTY) LTD.
2-34
• Maintenance of all water management facilities on site such as the
evaporation dam and stormwater management system;
• Management of excess underground water (dewatering and storage );
• Management of the on-site sewage storage and disposal; and
• Ongoing maintenance of the roads, overland conveyor, water treatment
plant, process water supply pipeline, sewage treatment plant and
transmission line.
Decommissioning Phase and Closure
Decommissioning and closure occurs at the end of the Project life
(approximately 7 years) and will include:
• Decommissioning and sale of mining equipment and infrastructure;
• Restoration and rehabilitation of disturbed areas;
• Management of mine water decant and water treatment prior to discharge;
and
• Post closure monitoring.
Proposed Project Infrastructure and Activities
The proposed infrastructure forming part of this application is described in
this section and can also be referred to in the site layout diagram in Figure
2.14.
Adit 5
The Adit 5 will include main ventilation fans to provide fresh air to the
underground mining operations and will be designed in such a way to allow
workers, materials and machinery access to underground mining operations
(inclined adit). Figure 2.12 and Figure 2.13 are examples of a mine adit. The
inclined adit will provide for a conveyor to bring mined coal to the surface.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT KANGRA COAL (PTY) LTD.
2-35
Figure 2.12 Existing Adit and Coal Handling Facilities at Maquasa West Operations
Figure 2.13 Maquasa West Adit: Portal Entrance and Ventilation Fans
Figure 2.14 Proposed Adit 5 Infrastructure Layout
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT KANGRA COAL (PTY) LTD.
2-37
The following support infrastructure and facilities are required and will be
developed at the main adit:
• Electrical distribution substation, switch gear and step-down transformers
(emergency back-up generators will also be included);
• An access road along the new overland conveyor to the Adit 5;
• A stormwater management system;
• Mobile potable water treatment plant;
• Septic tank system at the Adit 5 which will be periodically purged and
transported to the sewage treatment plant at Adit 4;
• Firefighting system complete with water storage;
• A wash bay (including an oil trap) that will be used to wash mining
equipment and light duty vehicles;
• Brake test ramp for mine vehicles;
• A fuel and oil depot which will be provided by the fuel provider;
• Small storage building for minor equipment (main stores at Maquasa West
to be utilised);
• Drop-off facility for workers;
• Above ground parking bays;
• Temporary waste storage facilities to accommodate general (domestic,
recyclables, etc.) and hazardous waste (used oil, solvents, spent batteries,
contaminated rags, overalls, descants, etc.);
• First aid facilities;
• Lime silo (used for white-wash and dust control);
• A security fence around the perimeter of the property and substation; and
• A security (guard) house.
This primary and support infrastructure is described in more detail in Table
2.14.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT KANGRA COAL (PTY) LTD.
2-38
Table 2.14 Infrastructure at the Adit 5
Operational Component /
Infrastructure
Description
Overburden Dump Excavated rock from the mine portal is proposed to be placed
immediately adjacent to the portal. This overburden dump will
have an area of 2.1 ha and a volume of approximately 379,000m3.
Topsoil Dump Topsoil is required to be stored separately for use during
rehabilitation. The topsoil dump will have an area of
approximately 2.1 ha.
Administration Block There will be containerized offices and a security house at the
entrance of the Adit 5. A lamp house and a containerized control
room will also be developed in the Adit 5 complex.
Pollution Control Dam A silt trap with a footprint of approximately 750m2 and a volume
of approximately 1,000m3 will be installed at the Adit 5 to manage
dirty / oily water from the wash bay and dirty water separation
channels. Water from the silt trap will be directed into a PCD of
approximately 4,800m3. The PCD will contain all dirty and excess
mine water and have an approximate surface footprint of 0.3 ha.
Excess water will be pumped to water storage facilities at
Maquasa West and Maquasa East operations. The current water
storage facilities are pollution control dams at Maquasa West and
East and the void located at Maquasa East Pit (referred to as Pit D
East). Kangra Coal utilizes Evaporators to aid in excess water
reduction at Pit D East through evaporation process. As this is a
fairly new technology the overall efficacy of the evaporators is
still to be determined through long term monitoring and analysis
Process water pipeline
Process water will initially be supplied to the Adit 5 from the
existing facilities at the Maquasa West operations through a
pipeline along the proposed new overland conveyor route
between the Maquasa West adit and Adit 5. Further details are
discussed in the section below. The water pumped from the
underground workings will be utilised as process water for the
remainder of the life of the operation.
Incline Conveyor
An incline conveyor will be constructed to transport mined coal
from the MWE underground works to the surface at the Adit 5.
Feed Stockpile
A stockpile for feeding the overland conveyor will be developed
at the Adit 5 with an approximate volume of 2,000 tonnes.
Electrical
A 6.6 kV overhead power line will link the Adit 5 to Maquasa
West, from which the drive systems for the overland conveyor
will be supplied. The transmission line at the Adit 5 will be
constructed along the conveyor route. A containerized substation
will be constructed at the Adit 5 to provide power to the internal
reticulation system at 400/500V.
The area will be equipped with emergency power generators for
power supply to the main surface fans during power failure.
Access Road
Only one access road will provide access from Maquasa West
operation to the Adit 5 complex. The road will also be used
during construction and maintenance of the overland conveyor.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT KANGRA COAL (PTY) LTD.
2-39
Operational Component /
Infrastructure
Description
The proposed access road is 10.2m wide and 6 Km in length
(same as proposed conveyor) and will be compacted with gravel.
Stormwater Management
System
Surface water management at the Adit 5 will ensure that there are
clean water systems that divert clean water away from the
complex. Earth fill berms, designed to divert clean stormwater
runoff associated with a 1:100, 24 hour storm event will be
constructed. Storm-water cut-off berms will be constructed
during the main earthworks.
Impacted ‘dirty’ stormwater runoff within the Adit 5 footprint
will be collected and routed via a silt trap to the PCD.
Potable water tank
The potable water will be sourced from a borehole with adequate
yield at Nooitgesien. The water will be treated at Maquasa West
Adit 4 offices at the Water Treatment plant prior being reticulated
to the tank at the Adit 5 complex.
Sewage sump
Sewage generated within the Adit 5 complex will be collected into
a sump. It will be purged on a periodic basis and transported to
the sewage treatment plant at the adit 4 offices.
Vehicle Wash Bay
The wash bay structure will consist of a building with sheeted
roofing and side cladding. It will accommodate washing of all the
mine vehicles. It will be equipped with a high pressure washing
systems, vehicle hoist, and ramp systems for effective vehicle
washing at all angles.
Water emanating from the wash bay will drain into an oil trap
equipped with a silt trap. Oil free water released from the oil trap
will be directed into the silt trap and then into the PCD.
Fuel Storage
A fuel and oil depot will accommodate a cumulative volume of
less than 30m3 is proposed. All fuel and oil storage facilities will
have all legally required safety measures and will be provided by
the fuel supplier.
Stores A small storage building for minor equipment will be
constructed. The main stores to be used will be the existing one at
Maquasa West.
Drop off Facility
The drop off facility will allow mine workers to be dropped off
and picked up safely, ensuring the least amount of pedestrian
movement across roadways.
Parking Bays
Provision will be made for a fenced parking area to which access
will be controlled.
Temporary General and
Hazardous Waste Storage
Areas
General waste will be collected and temporarily stored in waste
skips located near the centre of the Adit 5. Skips will be labelled
so that recyclable and reusable items are separated. Skips will be
removed from the site by a certified waste service provider.
All waste classified as hazardous will be collected in designated
hazardous waste skips. A hazardous waste skip will be stored in
bunded and roofed facility designated for temporary storage of
waste. All hazardous waste such as oil will be recycled or reused.
It will be regularly collected by certified waste processors. For
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT KANGRA COAL (PTY) LTD.
2-40
Operational Component /
Infrastructure
Description
disposal, a licensed hazardous waste collecting company will be
contracted for transportation and disposal of waste to a licensed
landfill site. Skips will also be provided for general waste.
The anticipated hazardous waste temporary storage volume of
80 m3, shall not be exceeded
Security and Fencing of the
Adit 5
The entire Adit 5 will be fenced. It will be provided with access
control such as vehicle and pedestrian gates and security access
points. Each facility within the Adit 5 will have its own fencing
and security where necessary.
Overland Conveyor System
The footprint of the overland conveyor system is approximately 10.67 Ha. The
infrastructure listed below is proposed and will be developed along the
overland conveyor system:
• An overland conveyor;
• Road over conveyor crossings;
• Stream and wetland crossings; and
• Fencing and security of the overland conveyor system.
The overland conveyor system will transport coal from the Adit 5 to the
existing facilities at Maquasa West operation, from where it will be
transported to the beneficiation plant at Maquasa East through the existing
overland conveyor. Included in the conveyor servitude will be overhead
transmission lines (OHTL) (approximately 5 m north of the overland
conveyor), an access road and a security fence (fenced width of 20m). The
conveyor will be ground run supported by light overland modules with angle
roof sheeting. Figure 2.15 shows the existing conveyor at Maquasa West.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT KANGRA COAL (PTY) LTD.
2-41
Figure 2.15 Existing Maquasa West Overland Conveyor
Roads over the overland conveyor will be constructed to allow the local
farmers and communities safe access to either side of the conveyor when
necessary (Figure 2.16). Guardrails will be placed on either side of the ramps
over the conveyor route crossing.
Figure 2.16 Road over Conveyor Crossing
The proposed overland conveyor will cross a number of streams and
wetlands. The section of conveyor that traverses a stream, and that is situated
within a distance of 12m from the edge of the 1:100 year flood line, will be
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT KANGRA COAL (PTY) LTD.
2-42
fully enclosed and raised on a steel gantry (Figure 2.17). Furthermore, the
entire raised section will have a bunded concrete floor to catch any potential
coal spillage. Spilled coal will be hand swept into a concrete bunded area,
which is positioned at ground level, outside the 1:100 year flood line. Any
potentially spilled coal will then be removed from the bunded area and
returned to the Adit 5.
Figure 2.17 Enclosed Conveyor Over Stream Crossing
The gravel service road running parallel to the conveyor will traverse the
stream over concrete culverts (Figure 2.18). The gravel road and conveyor
terrace will be reduced to one lane to minimise culvert lengths.
Figure 2.18 Road Over Stream Crossing
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT KANGRA COAL (PTY) LTD.
2-43
Fencing will be placed on both sides along the entire route of the conveyor
with the exception of the conveyor gantries where the fence will be
constructed under the gantry and join up with the fence on the adjacent side.
This fence denotes the conveyor servitude. The fence will enclose the service
road along the conveyor route.
2.4 NEED AND DESIRABILITY
Coal provides around 30.1% of global primary energy needs, generates over
40% of the world's electricity and is used in the production of 70% of the
world's steel (World Coal Association, 2013). South Africa possesses Africa’s
only significant coal reserves; over 95% of Africa’s coal reserves are found in
South Africa (US Energy Information Administration, 2014), with coal reserves of
30,2 billion short tonnes at the end of 2012, which represents 4% of the world’s
total coal production. .South Africa is the world’s seventh largest coal
producer, and produced 3.3% of the world’s coal in 2013 (256 million tonnes)
(World Coal Association, 2013).
In 2013, South Africa used coal for 93% of its electricity generation needs, and
was the second most dependent coal-to-electricity country in the world, after
Mongolia (World Coal Association, 2013). Apart from its domestic needs, South
Africa is currently the world’s sixth largest coal exporting country, with
exports in excess of 70 million tonnes in 2013 (World Coal Association, 2013).
Coal plays a crucial role in the South African energy-economy and is fuelling
local industry (Eberhard, 2010). The consumption of coal in South African coal-
fired power stations will continue in the near future (Eberhard, 2010). Increased
demand in Eastern countries (driven by rapid economic growth rates) will
result in an increased demand for South African coal exports (Eberhard, 2010).
Coal exports are expected to increase to 105 million tonnes per annum by the
year 2020. This will increase the country’s export earnings, which in turn will
reduce the country’s negative trade balance and current account deficit
(Eberhard, 2010).
Both local and international markets are, at present, highly dependent on
South Africa being a main provider of coal, now and in the future. The
identification and exploitation of new coal reserves in South Africa is thus a
prerequisite in meeting this demand.
In addition coal plays a crucial role in the provincial economy of
Mpumalanga, where the proposed Project is located and coal mining is a key
economic activity in this Province. According to the Mpumalanga Provincial
Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS; 2004 – 2014), Mpumalanga
contributed 7.7% to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2001. The
majority of the contribution to the provincial economy is made up by the
manufacturing sector (28.0%) followed by the mining sector (18.0%). To
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT KANGRA COAL (PTY) LTD.
2-44
provide growth and development within the Province, the PGDS has
prioritised economic development comprising inter alia, job creation, Small
Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), BEE, mining, manufacturing,
tourism and agriculture
The economy of the Gert Sibande District Municipality is supported
predominantly by mining and manufacturing. Other key sectors that drive
the economy of the District include energy supply and agriculture (Gert
Sibande District Municipality IDP: 2009 – 2010). In terms of employment
mining employs 14.3% of the population in the district (Gert Sibande District
Municipality IDP: 20012/13 – 2016/17). In terms of employment in the mining
sector in the local municipalities, 7.6% of the population from Mkhondo in
2011 (Mkhondo Local Municipality IDP 2016-2017) and 2.4% of the population
from Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme in 2012 (Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Local
Municipality IDP 2015/16 – 2016/17) were employed in the mining industry.
Both the Mkhondo Local Municipality IDP (2016/2017) and the Dr. Pixley
Kalsaka Seme IDP (2016 /2017), recognise the importance of mining as a key
economic sector within these two Municipalities and both recognise the
significant challenge they are facing, in balancing the economic and
developmental needs of the Region with the needs of environmental
protection.
The proposed Project components being applied for as part of this application
are key factors from a strategic point of view for Kangra Coal. Given that the
existing operations are approaching depletion (in 3 years’ time
approximately), new resources are required to maintain the current levels of
production and employment. Should the mining operations close, jobs will be
lost, both directly at the mine and indirectly in terms of local contractors and
businesses providing goods and services to the operation, as well as the
people dependent on those working for Kangra Coal (both directly and
indirectly).