Application No: APP-001418eia.met.gov.na/screening/1418_scoping_report_for_epl_4926.pdf · Exploration Activities of Base & Rare & Precious Metal, Dimension Stones and Industrial

Application No: APP-001418

Environmental Impact Assessment for the Proposed Exploration Activities of

Base & Rare & Precious Metal, Dimension Stones and Industrial Minerals On

Exclusive Prospecting Licenses 4926 between Wilhelmstal and Otjimbingwe

area, in Karibib District, Erongo Region

July 2020

CONSULTANT: PROPONENT

Mr. Ipeinge Mundjulu (BSC, MSc) Epangelo Mining Pty Ltd

Red-Dune Consulting CC Private Bag 13369

P O Box 27623 Windhoek Windhoek

Cell: +264 81 147 7889

DOCUMENT STATUS FINAL

APPLICATION NO: APP-001418

PROJECT TITLE Environmental Impact Assessment for the Proposed

Exploration Activities of Base & Rare & Precious Metal,

Dimension Stones and Industrial Minerals On Exclusive

Prospecting Licenses 4926

CLIENT Epangelo Mining Pty Ltd

PROJECT CONSULTANT Mr. Ipeinge Mundjulu

LOCATION Between Wilhelmstal and Otjimbingwe area, in Karibib

District, Erongo Region

DOCUMENT INFORMATION

Table of Contents Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ ii

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 1

1.1. Regulatory Requirements ................................................................................................. 1

1.2. The Need and Desirability of the Project ......................................................................... 2

1.3. Terms of Reference .......................................................................................................... 2

1.4. Scope of the EIA .............................................................................................................. 3

2. Project Description.................................................................................................................. 4

2.1. Location ............................................................................................................................ 4

2.2. Project Activities .............................................................................................................. 7

2.2.1. Phase 1. Non-Invasive Exploration........................................................................... 8

2.2.2. Phase 2. Evasive Exploration .................................................................................... 9

2.3. Equipment ...................................................................................................................... 10

2.3.1. Vehicles................................................................................................................... 10

2.3.2. Drilling .................................................................................................................... 12

2.3.3. Airborne Geophysical survey ................................................................................. 12

3. Description of the Affected Environment ............................................................................. 13

3.1. Physical Environment .................................................................................................... 13

3.1.1. Climate .................................................................................................................... 13

3.1.2. Geology ................................................................................................................... 13

3.1.3. Topography and Drainage ....................................................................................... 13

3.1.4. Ecology ................................................................................................................... 14

3.1.5. Ecological Impact Assessment ............................................................................... 17

3.1.6. Socio-Economic Environment ................................................................................ 18

3.1.7. Land Use ................................................................................................................. 18

3.1.8. Archaeology ............................................................................................................ 18

3.1.9. Population Demography ......................................................................................... 19

4. Project Alternatives ............................................................................................................... 21

5. Policy and Legal Framework ................................................................................................ 23

6. Public Consultation ............................................................................................................... 26

6.1. Newspaper Adverts ........................................................................................................ 26

6.2. Public Meeting ............................................................................................................... 26

6.2.1. Introduction ............................................................................................................. 26

6.2.2. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process ................................................. 28

6.2.3. Reduction of the EPL size ....................................................................................... 29

6.2.4. Comment / Question and Response ........................................................................ 30

7. Impact Identification and Risk Assessment .......................................................................... 40

7.1. Impact Identification ...................................................................................................... 40

7.2. Impact Risk Assessment Procedure ............................................................................... 42

7.3. Identified Impacts ........................................................................................................... 42

7.3.1. Potential Negative Impacts ..................................................................................... 42

7.3.2. Potential Positive Impact of the project .................................................................. 43

8. Risks Assessment .................................................................................................................. 43

8.1. Planning Phase ............................................................................................................... 43

8.2. Operational Phase ........................................................................................................... 44

8.2.1. Socio-Economic Impacts ........................................................................................ 44

8.2.2. Bio-Physical Impacts .............................................................................................. 48

9. Decommissioning and Rehabilitation ................................................................................... 52

10. Conclusions and Recommendations .................................................................................. 52

10.1. Conclusions ................................................................................................................ 52

10.2. Recommendations ...................................................................................................... 52

11. Reference ........................................................................................................................... 53

List of Figures

Figure 1 The EIA Process in Namibia ........................................................................................... 4

Figure 2. EPL 4926 Location ......................................................................................................... 6

Figure 3. Exploration vehicles (For illustration purposes) .......................................................... 11

Figure 4. An illustration of a hand dug trench (For illustration purposes) .................................. 11

Figure 5. A truck mounted RC drill rig and a skid mounted drill rig (For illustration purposes) 12

Figure 6. An illustration of a fixed wing Cessna ......................................................................... 12

Figure 7. Landscape of some areas of EPL 4926 ......................................................................... 14

Figure 8. Dominant Species observed at the study area .............................................................. 17

Figure 9. Cattles on the farm in the study area ............................................................................ 17

Figure 10. The Rhenish Mission church (1865) .......................................................................... 19

Figure 11. Public meeting at Wilhelmstal farmers’ association offices ...................................... 27

Figure 12. Matrix used for the impact assessment ....................................................................... 42

List of Tables

Table 1. Identified listed activities concerning the proposed project. ............................................ 1

Table 2. GPS Coordinates for EPL 4926 ....................................................................................... 7

Table 3. Project alternatives ......................................................................................................... 21

Table 4. Policy and Legal framework .......................................................................................... 23

Table 5. Newspaper Adverts ........................................................................................................ 26

Table 6. Comment, Concerns and Response Table ...................................................................... 30

Table 7. Criteria for impact assessment ....................................................................................... 40

i

ACRONYMS

DEA Department of Environmental Affairs

EA Environmental Assessment

EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner

EC Environmental Commissioner

ECC Environmental Clearance Certificate

ECO Environmental Compliance Officer

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EM Epangelo Mining

EMA Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2007)

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EPL Exclusive Prospecting License

I&APs Interested and Affected Parties

MET Ministry of Environment and Tourism

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

RC Reverse Circulation

RD Red-Dune Consulting CC

TORs Terms of Reference

ii

Executive Summary

Mineral exploration existed for many centuries. With improving technology, mineral

exploration has become environmental friendly, in a way that it is more non-evasive, with

negligible impact on the bio-physical environment. The proponent, Epangelo Mining Pty

Ltd intent to carry out exploration activities of Base & Rare & Precious Metal, Dimension

Stones and Industrial Minerals on the Exclusive Prospecting Licence (EPL) 4926. The EPL

is located between Wilhelmstal and Otjimbingwe area, in Karibib District, Erongo Region.

Initially, the EPL measured 49 956.7967 hectares (ha) and covers farms Ombujomaere

South, Okanapehuri, Wilhelmstal, Fahlwater, Okakuakondu South, Erora, Erora West,

Okondura North, Kaliombo, Okondura South, Onjossa_Ombujondindi,

Onjossa_Springbok, Okamahoro, Otjozondu, Okomitundu, Otjua and Uitdraai. However,

with the renewal application, the EPL was reduced in size and the following farms will not

be directly affected Ombujomaere South, Okanapehuri, Wilhelmstal, Fahlwater,

Okakuakondu South, Erora. Majority of the farms are used for mixed used for livestock

and game where game animals are used for hunting.

The EPL area is more than 20km north of Otjimbingwe. Otjimbingwe settlement has a rich

history of missionaries. The settlement has the oldest church in Namibia, which is has been

proclaimed a National Monument. Farmers were asked to mentioned any archeological or

heritage site that may be located to their farms, but none of the farms within the EPL has a

heritage or national monuments.

The proposed exploration activities shall comprise of non-invasive methods such as

geological field mapping and geophysical ground mapping to generate target point where

geochemical soil sampling will take place. Generated targets will be sampled using

traditional methods of shallow pitting and trenching, while deeper targets would be

sampled through Reverse Circulation drilling. All drilled holes shall be covered completely

after sampling, unless otherwise the farm owners indicate interest in the drilled hole (i.e

water borehole), a casing may be left.

In conclusion, exploration activities are not known to cause harm to the environment. Line

cutting will be made in a way that it avoids mature and protected trees. Should this

iii

exploration yield into a potential establishment of a mine, a comprehensive EIA must be

undertaken which will include all necessary specialist studies. Henceforth, it is

recommended to the approving authority that this project is approved and be issued with

an Environmental Clearance Certificate.

1

1. Introduction

The proponent, Epangelo Mining Pty Ltd, owns the Exclusive Prospecting License (EPL)

Number 4926, as per the Mineral Act 1992 (Appendix 1). The intent to carry out exploration

activities of Base & Rare & Precious Metal, Dimension Stones and Industrial Minerals on the

EPL. The exploration activities shall include, Reconnaissance field mapping, Geochemical

soil sampling, Geophysical ground surveys (magnetics, electromagnetics, gravity) for target

generation and Trenching as well as Reverse Circulation Drilling (RC) for geochemical

sampling.

1.1. Regulatory Requirements

The protection of the environment is provided for under Article 95 of the Namibia

Constitution and the Environmental Management Act 2007 (Act No 7 of 2007) (EMA).

In accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation Government Gazette

of 6 February 2012 No. 4878, of the Environmental Management Act, 2007 (Act No 7 of

2007), the proposed exploration activity is a listed activity that may not be under taken

without an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) (Table 1).

Table 1. Identified listed activities concerning the proposed project.

Activity Applicability

3.1 The construction of facilities for any process or

activities which requires a license, right or other form of

authorization, and the renewal of a license, right or other

form of authorization, in terms of the Minerals

(Prospecting and Mining Act), 1992.

The projects shall include the

prospecting of Mineral

3.2 Other forms of mining or extraction of any natural

resources whether regulated by law or not.

Mining activities shall involve,

drilling and digging to extract

natural resource.

2

3.3 Resource extraction, manipulation, conservation and

related activities.

The project shall extract resource

sample for manipulations / analysis.

It is against the above statutory requirement that Epangelo Mining Pty Ltd has appointed

Red-Dune Consulting CC (RDC) to undertake an environmental impact assessment for the

proposed exploration activities

1.2. The Need and Desirability of the Project

Developing countries, especially Africans states economies largely depends on mineral

extraction industries. The extraction of these resources are mostly exploited by wealthy

multinational companies. These extraction industries are important in contributing to

countries’ economies and provide much needed employment. Mining processes are

preceded by exploration activities, which aims to map the mineralization of the minerals in

order to establish a mining area. The discovery of economical deposit from exploration

activities yield into mining activities which is the main driver for the Namibia Economy.

Hence this project is important to the socio-economic needs of the country.

1.3. Terms of Reference

The Terms of Reference (TORs) for this Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is in

accordance with the EMA and its EIA Regulation Section 9 (a-b). It considers other relevant

local, national and international laws. These guidelines are aimed to focus on issues of

greater environmental concerns and to develop mitigation measures for effective

environmental management. Eventually, this EIA is aimed at obtaining the ECC for the

project and to ensure environmental sustainability. The TORs of this project includes, but

not limited to the following;

Provide a comprehensive description of the proposed Project;

Identify relevant legislation and guidelines for the project;

Identify potential environmental (physical, biological and social) conditions of the

project location and conduct risk assessment;

3

Inform Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) and relevant authorities about the

proposed project to enable their participation and contribution;

Develop an Environmental Management (EMP) that would be a legal guideline for

the environmental protection by the project

1.4. Scope of the EIA

The scope of this project is guided by the EIA Regulations 2012, which follows the process

as shown in figure 1. The scope aims at identifying possible impacts, assessing the impact

and formulate the optimum, practical mitigation measure to minimize the impacts.

Red-Dune (RD) believes that the developed Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

provides practical mitigation measure which shall ensure environmental sustainability.

Further, RD believes that, the information provided is adequate and sufficient to enable the

Environmental Commissioner (EC) to make an informed decision and issue the

Environmental Clearance Certificate for the project.

4

Figure 1 The EIA Process in Namibia

2. Project Description

2.1. Location

The EPL is located between Wilhelmstal and Otjimbingwe area (-22.0772222, 16.365555)

(Figure 2). The EPL contain 14 coordinates points, this one is at the center of the EPL for

purpose of indicating the location.

Initially, the EPL measured 49 956.7967 hectares (ha) and covered farms Ombujomaere

South, Okanapehuri, Wilhelmstal, Fahlwater, Okakuakondu South, Erora, Erora West,

Okondura North, Kaliombo, Okondura South, Onjossa_Ombujondindi, Onjossa_Springbok,

PHASE 1. Scoping

Determine the Scope of the EIA

PHASE 2. Environmental and Social

Assessment

Analyse Impacts

Determine mitigation measures

(Conduct Specialist, if necessary)

PHASE 3. Submission of EIA to

Competent Authority

PHASE 4. Competent Authority

makes comment and forward

application to MET

Project Not

Approved

Public Participation

Newspaper Advert

Site Notices

Background Information Document

Project

Approved

Implementation of Project

APPOINTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTITIONER BY THE

PROPONENT

Appeal to Minister

of Environment and

Tourism

Public Feedback

5

Okamahoro, Otjozondu, Okomitundu, Otjua and Uitdraai. However, with the renewal

application, the EPL was reduced in size and the following farms will not be directly affected

Ombujomaere South, Okanapehuri, Wilhelmstal, Fahlwater, Okakuakondu South, Erora.

Majority of the farms are used for mixed used for livestock and game where game animals

are used for hunting.

6

Figure 2. EPL 4926 Location

7

Table 2. GPS Coordinates for EPL 4926

2.2. Project Activities

The proposed exploration would adopt various prospecting methods for base rare and

precious metals as follows;

Reconnaissance field mapping

Geochemical soil sampling and target generation

Geophysical ground surveys (magnetics, electromagnetics, gravity)

Diamond/RC Drilling of geophysical target

The above proposed activities would be undertaken in phases as explained below.

8

2.2.1. Phase 1. Non-Invasive Exploration

The initial phase of mineral prospecting and exploration involves non-invasive work. These

activities do not cause physical damage to the environment. These activities include

geological studies and field mapping where analysis of historical data, geological maps and

their interpretations take place. Analysis of these data would generate geophysical targets

where evasive exploration would take place. The non-invasive exploration activities are

explained below;

Geological studies and field mapping, during this stage, various geological data for the area will

be collected from different sources to analyse and study available information of the area.

Information are derived from aerial photo. These geological photos are studied to generate

target point where geochemical soil sampling are to be taken.

Soil surveys Soil survey is the process used to classify soil types and other soil properties in target

area which is used for geo-encoding. The collection of information of the substrata, by air

or ground, through sensors such as radar, magnetic and electromagnetic to detect any

mineralization in the area. This is a non-evasive process that does not have impact on the

environment. Soil sampling traverses to be conducted on foot within the farming areas shall

be collected from soil sampling pits, which would be around 30x30x30cm (hand-held

shovel width and depth) and are to be backfilled immediately after sampling.

Geophysical surveys, Geophysical ground surveys uses various method to gather geological

information such as magnetic and electromagnetics. Magnetic surveying measure local

magnetic field characteristic of the generated targets from geological mapping. This activity

is used to detect minerals that respond to magnetic field. It provides information of a sub-

surface area without physically opening the ground and is able to detect metal ore in the

ground. The activity can be done from air and on ground. On ground, a Magnetometer is

carried by a person on the surveyed areas to collect samples. While in aerial magnetic data

was collected using a helicopter / fixed wind airplane where the Magnetometer is mounted

9

especially on difficult terrain and on large terrains. This activity does not pose significant

impact to the environment.

2.2.2. Phase 2. Evasive Exploration

The second phase of exploration includes sampling for geochemical samples from targets

sites. During this phase collection of geochemical samples from hole of less than 1m and

drilling shall take place. The target sites maybe un-accessible with existing roads, hence

new access road shall be established. Normally, farm roads are meant for light vehicles,

exploration vehicles have the potential to damage the farm access roads. Hence proper road

maintenance must be implemented to ensure that the roads are left on good state. Generally,

the many farms are encroached by bushes of Acacia Mellifera, and patch distribution of

Acacia Erioloba which is a protected species. If at all necessary is required to clear some

trees / shrubs to access target a site, consent for clearing must be obtained from farm owners

and protected tree species must be avoided. The recommendation of the vegetation study

carried out for the area must be implemented to ensure sustainable conservation.

Drilling is done at the final stage of exploration to evaluate the prospect of minerals and determine

the feasibility of mining. Drill rods are used to collect geological samples from the earth’s

subsurface. The drill targets will be generated from the mapping and sampling programmes.

The targets grid patterns may range from 200X50m grid spacing to grids of 100m by 50m

and in some instances on a 50m by 20m grid spacing during detailed sampling. Exploration

activities mainly use two types of drilling; Reverse Circulation (RC) and Diamond Core

drilling. Reverse circulation gained prominence due to its effectives and conservative when

it comes to water use.

Reverse Circulation drilling often referred to as ‘RC’ drilling uses rods (shafts) with inner and

outer tubes with drill bit attached to an air-filled interchanging piston known as a hammer.

The hammer produces drill cuttings that are returned to the surface inside the rods. RC drill

are carried on drill rigs, which are mostly powerful heavy truck. RC drilling is the most

preferred method because it is less costly and produces liable materials that are free from

contamination. In an arid place like Namibia, RC Drilling would be advantageous because

10

it does not require water for rock drilling unlike Diamond core drilling that requires water

for lubrication. Once the proposed exploration has been concluded, the impacted sites must

be rehabilitated as provided for by the Environmental Management Plan.

When necessary, a base camp for accommodation maybe be set up or use of existing farms

houses or camping sites. This must first be agreed with the farm owners. In an event where

a base camp is set up, waste management provisions must be implemented which include; a

garbage dump and pit toilet must be established where no hazardous waste shall be dumped,

an impermeable skip container must be on site for collecting hazardous waste. At the end of

exploration, toilet pits and garbage dump must be dump filled before leaving the site.

Alternatively, the use of the mobile toilets is recommended where waste should be disposed

at an approved municipal area. To ensure environmental protection from oil, fuel, and

lubricants, servicing of vehicles and equipment must take place at an agreed designated area.

In event where the farm owner does not allow servicing of the vehicles or machineries, such

activities must take place at designated area.

2.3. Equipment

2.3.1. Vehicles

Pickup will be used during the exploration (Figure 3). All excavations during trenching

and soil sampling programmes will be done manually (Figure 4). Water will be supplied

by a water trucks. Night driving, reckless driving and speeding are prohibited. A bulldozer

may be used for the access road and this must be agreed with farm owners.

11

Figure 3. Exploration vehicles (For illustration purposes)

Figure 4. An illustration of a hand dug trench (For illustration purposes)

12

2.3.2. Drilling

A 4X4 Lorries and skid mounted drill rig may be used to carry the drill on target sites (figure 5).

Figure 5. A truck mounted RC drill rig and a skid mounted drill rig (For illustration purposes)

2.3.3. Airborne Geophysical survey

Arial photo will be taken with a fixed wing Cessna plane (Figure 6).

Figure 6. An illustration of a fixed wing Cessna

13

3. Description of the Affected Environment

3.1. Physical Environment

3.1.1. Climate

The climatic condition of Karibib district is characterized by an interface between inland

and desert weather towards the west. According to the Atlas of Namibia, Wilhelmstal area

receives an average rainfall between 250-300mm per year with peak rainfall in February.

Comparing to the Eastern Zambezi region which receives the highest rainfall in the country

at 600mm per year, the area is a relatively dry place. The area has an average maximum

temperature between 32-36oC and minimum between 6-8 oC.

3.1.2. Geology

According to the Atlas of Namibia, the area falls in a predominately Damara Granite

intrusion rocks formed about 650 million years ago, and it is about 1000-1200m above sea

level. The marble-dominated Karibib Formation exhibits considerable thickness variations.

According to Frommurze H.F et al 1942, the Marble series of the Damara granite system

normally forms conspicuous ridges due to weather-resisting nature of the marble. The

intense folding of these ancient sediments has thrown them in the form of several parallel

ridges, which are in close proximity. There is a line of intermittent marble composed of

marble and Damara quartize to Okawayo. This marble belt runs though Okawayo areas

and through south of the Railway from Karibib which explain why there are several marble

quarries in the Karibib area.

3.1.3. Topography and Drainage

The EPL area is relative flat with hill and mountains. The general drainage of Karibib is

toward south eastern and central to the Khan River and its tributaries. The Khan River from

Karibib is fed by the tributaries of Omaruru River. These rivers are not perennial streams

14

but flow is only during good rainfall, which is minimal in the area. After rainfall season,

the area is hot and dry for the rest of the year. The Khan River is the main tributary of the

Swakop River which normally flows during the rain seasons in November and

February/March. The Khan originated from Otjisemba settlement, north-west of

Okahandja. Its River course passes westwards of Karibib to Usakos, and further in a south-

western direction through the Namib Desert to join the Swakop River 40km east of

Swakopmund that drains into the Atlantic ocean.

Figure 7. Landscape of some areas of EPL 4926

3.1.4. Ecology

a. Flora

The EPL area was assessed on 19 May 2020 to establish the vegetation in the study

area for this EIA (Figure 8). Pictures of the dominant plants / trees are presented in the

subsequent table with their conservation status. The area is mainly made up of shrubs

of Acacia hebeclada, Acacia mellifera, Catophractes alexandri (Trumpet-thorn) and

individual trees of Acacia erioloba. Henceforth, there is a relatively low plant diversity

in the area which is expected from an arid area.

15

Acacia elioloba:

Protection status: Protected in Namibia under the

Preservation of trees and forests Ordinance of 1952

Acacia elioloba branch

Acacia hebeclada

Protection status: not protected

Acacia hebeclada branch with

pods

16

Acacia mellifera

Protection status: not protected

17

Catophractes alexandri (Trumpet-thorn)

Protection Status: not protected

Figure 8. Dominant Species observed at the study area

b. Fauna

The study area is made up of mixed farming which comprises of small and large

livestock as well as game farming. Hence the area contains farms animals which

includes, cattle (figure 9), sheep and goats as well as various wild animals such as

Kudus, Giraffe, Oryx, there are no big five (endangered animal) in area.

Figure 9. Cattles on the farm in the study area

3.1.5. Ecological Impact Assessment

Impact on flora: The impact on vegetation is expected to be minimal. If ever necessary to

clear an area for the access road to target site, mature and protected trees must be avoided.

Furthermore, clearing of an area must be agreed with farm owners. However, should the

18

exploration yield feasible data for mining operation, it shall be inevitable for some tree to

be affected. A comprehensive vegetation study should be conducted by then.

Impact on fauna: The areas consist of farm animal which are accustomed to human

activities, however will animals may be disturbed by the movement of people, which may

impact the operation of the farm, especially during hunting. Therefore, before moving into

an area on the farm, it is necessary to ensure proper consultation with the farm owner and

to establish the whereabouts of wild animals.

3.1.6. Socio-Economic Environment

Exploration activities do not involve significant employment. Hence the effect on socio-

economic is deemed minimal. However, in cases where the exploration yields into the

establishment of a mine, there shall be great benefit to the socio-economic of the farm

owners and surrounding people and towns. The project is not expected to negatively impact

the operation of farmers. All operation must be within the confines of an agreement

between Epangelo Mining and farm owners.

3.1.7. Land Use

The EPL is located on an array of farms where land use is mainly mixed farming with

livestock and game for trophy hunting.

3.1.8. Heritage and Archaeology Material

During site assessment, there were no heritage or archaeological sites found, neither known

on the EPL. Farm owners were asked to mention if there were any heritage or

archaeological site on their farmers, and they indicated that there were not such site.

About 20km south of the EPL boundary, is Otjimbingwe settlement which have the oldest

church in Namibia, called the Rhenish Mission church. The church is declared a National

Heritage of Namibia (Figure 10).

19

Figure 10. The Rhenish Mission church (1865)

3.1.9. Population Demography

The area is located in Erongo region, Karibib district. According to the latest Labour

Survey of 2016, Namibian total population stood at 2,324,388 million people with the total

labour force of 1,026,268 million people. Of the total labour force, 69.4% are employed

while 34.0% are unemployed. Erongo region has a total population of 182,402 thousand

people with a total labour force of 107,523. Of the total workforce in the region, 78.1%

and 21.9% are employed and unemployed respectively. Karibib has a total population of

20

13 320 thousand people and an annual growth rate of 1.0%. About 76% of the population

comprises of the labour force with 59% and 41% employed and unemployed respectively.

Karibib is sparsely populated with a population density of 0.9 persons per km2.

21

4. Project Alternatives

The provision of EMA requires an EIA to explore various project alternative which aims to ensure that a chosen project component does

not have significant impact to the environment. Project alternative ranges from not implementing the project (No go alternative), when

the environmental impacts are severe, or there is high degree of uncertainty. Other alternative considers the project site, technology and

equipment to be used. The description of alternatives is given in the table 3 below.

Table 3. Project alternatives

Alternative Description Advantages Disadvantage Chosen Option

No Project This alternative

would keep a

status qou

There would be NO environmental

threats such as;

Waste Generation with potential

Surface and Ground Water Pollution

Habitat destruction / Land

degradation by Construction /

upgrading of access roads

Drilling of holes

Social effect on Human Health and

Safety Risk

The following benefits would

be lost if the project does go

ahead.

Prospective of new mining

project that culminate into

loss of income

Compromise on

government development

goals of manufacturing and

industrialization

NO

22

Alternative Description Advantages Disadvantage Chosen Option

Increase in poverty

reduction through loss of

employment opportunity

Project Site Exploration activity follow mineralization of mineral. Hence there is no specific site. However, activities shall

by all mean avoid protected sites and minimize environmental damage.

Implement

project

This entails the

implementation

and operation

of the project

Enhance development

Enhance skill and capacity building

Improved technology transfer

Increase chances of establishing of a

new mine

The natural environment may

be disturbed, but with adequate

implementation of the

Environmental Management

Plan, environmental

sustainability shall be achieved.

Yes

Drilling Type:

RC vs

Diamond

Cost effective

Does not

require water

for lubrication

compared to

Diamond

drilling

RC drilling: This type of drilling is

ideal as it does not require water for

lubrication and cooling, hence it

conserve water compared to diamond

drilling

No significant disadvantage to

the environment

RC Drilling

23

5. Policy and Legal Framework

Table 4. Policy and Legal framework

Legislation Summary Applicability to Assessment

The Namibian

Constitution

The State shall actively promote and maintain the welfare of the

people by adopting policies aimed at … The maintenance of

ecosystems, essential ecological processes and biological

diversity of Namibia and utilization of living natural resources on

a sustainable basis for the benefit of all Namibians, both present

and future

Protection of the environment and biodiversity.

Ensures that these principles are enshrined in

the EIA documentation

Environmental

Management Act No. 7 of

2007

To promote sustainable management of the environment and the

use of natural resources and to provides for a process of

assessment and control of activities which may have significant

effects on the environment; and to provide for incidental matters

The Act provides a list of activities that may not

be undertake without an environmental

clearance certificate to prevent environmental

damages.

Mineral Resource Act,

Act 1992.

Prospecting and Mining of Mineral in Namibia and Issuance of

all Permits.

Issuance of Mining permits

Draft Pollution Control

and Waste Management

Bill

This Bill serves to regulate and prevent the discharge of pollutants

to air and water as well as providing for general waste

management.

To protect the Environment from possible

hydrocarbons and oil leaks from the machinery,

trucks and vehicles.

24


Environmental Policy

framework (1995)

This policy subjects all developments and project to

environmental assessment and provides guideline for the

Environmental Assessment.

Consideration of all possible impacts and

incorporate them in the development stages

Regulations Related to

the Health and Safety of

Employees at Work. Reg

No. 156

Promotes the Safety and Health of employees at the work place To ensure employees health and safety at work

Public Health Act No. 36

of 1919

To Protect the public from nuisance and states that no person shall

cause a nuisance or shall suffer to exist on any land or premises

owned or occupied by him or of which he is in charge any

nuisance or other condition liable to be injurious or dangerous to

health.

To ensure that the project is not a nuisance to

land owners and the public at large

Labour Act No. 11 of

2007

This Act outlines the labour laws which encompass protection and

safety of employees at work.

Fair labour practises to be observed with regard

to this act

Water Act No, 54 of 1956

All water resources belong to the State. It prevents pollution and

promotes the sustainable utilization of the resource

Prevention of discharging contaminated water

at unauthorised places

Soil Conservation Act

No. 76 of 1969

To promotes the conservation and compacting of soil erosion Uncontrolled movement of heavy vehicles and

truck at areas surrounding the site may cause

land degradation

25


Water Resource

Management Act No.11

of 2011

The Act stipulates the prevention of pollution for Surface and

Ground water sources.

Oil spillage coming from machinery requires

proper monitoring.

Public Health Act no. 36

of 1919

The Act gives provision for the protection for the health of all

people.

The noise and dust level emanating from the

project could affect the surrounding community

and vegetation in the vicinity.

National Heritage Act

No.27 of 2004

The Act gives provision of the protection and conservation of

places and objects with heritage significance.

The chance find of Human Remains due to

colonial history or crime, Artefacts, and or

heritage materials within the EPL

Minerals (Prospecting

and Mining) Act No 33 of

1992

Section 50 (i) requires “an environmental impact assessment

indicating the extent of any pollution of the environment before

any prospecting operations or mining operations are being carried

out and an estimate of any pollution, if any, likely to be caused by

such prospecting operations or mining operations”

The proposed activity is prospecting for

minerals, hence it requires an EIA to be carried

out and adhere to the act’s provisions.

26

6. Public Consultation

The provision of the EMA requires an EIA process to follows a robust and comprehensive

public consultation. This is an important process, because it gives members of the public,

especially the Interested and Affected Parties to comment or raise concerns that may affect

the socio-economic or general environment as a result of the project. Further, it solicits crucial

local knowledge that the Environmental Assessment Practitioner may not have.

The public consultation started by establishing the farm owner’s database. This was done in

consultation with the Wilhelmstal Farm Association. A WhatsApp group was created for the

farmers which created a platform of engagement of events to follows.

6.1. Newspaper Adverts

The EMA requires that, the project must be advertised into two (2) daily newspapers that are

widely circulated in the country (Table 5). The project was advertised for two consecutive

weeks in the New Era, Confidante and Namibian Sun newspapers (Appendix 1).

Table 5. Newspaper Adverts

Newspaper Date advertised

New Era 14th & 18th May 2020

Confidante 14th May 2020

Namibian Sun 18th May 2020

6.2. Public Meeting

6.2.1. Introduction

An initial public meeting was planned for the 19th May 2020. Due to COVID-19, the

government regulation had allowed 10 people per meeting during stage 2 of COVID-19. It

was proposed for the meeting to be divided into session of 10 people. The stakeholders

rejected the proposal on the basis that they wanted to hear each other’s concerns. The

27

meeting was then postponed to 9th June, when the country enters stage 3 of COVID-19.

Between the 7-8th June, there was a rapid increase of COVID-19 at Walvis Bays and

Erongo region was placed under lockdown at 12 midnight on 9th June, which impacted the

public meeting. The meeting was further postponed until further notice. On 22nd June at 12

mid-night, Erongo migrated from stage 1 of lockdown to stage 3 with the exception of the

coastal towns, while the rest of the country migrated to stage 4. On 23rd June, the

stakeholders were requested to have a meeting on 26th June. This was met with mixed

feeling, with concerns ranging from, short notice, COVID-19, and questioning the validity

of the EPL as reason not to hold a meeting. A new date for the meeting was suggested, 3rd

July, some stakeholder indicated that they were still not going to be available. Those that

indicated unavailability where reminded to use digital communication to raise their concern

and comments. A meeting was then held on 3rd July 2020 at Wilhelmstal farmer’s

association offices.

Figure 11. Public meeting at Wilhelmstal farmers’ association offices

28

As customary to all public meetings, Red-Dune Consulting explained to the meeting in

layman terms what exploration entails, access / entry contract, COVID-19 response and

compliance of the proponent to the EMP.

6.2.2. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process

Red-Dune gave an overview of the mineral exploration process and the environmental

impact assessment process as per the provision of the Environmental Management Act

2007, (Act No 7 of 2007) and the scope of the project.

The farmers were informed of their importance for participating in the EIA to ensure

critical environmental issues are considered. For example, if farm A has tourism activities,

which requires bird siting and the proponent is flying over simultaneously, this may disturb

the birds/game at that specific time. Therefore, information to guide flying time may come

from the farmers. Another example is that, if a specific site has a social value (i.e. cemetery)

and the farmer doesn’t want it to be accessed/disturbed, the farmer has the right to refuse

the proponent from entering that site.

Once the EMP is approved by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET), then it

becomes a legal guiding tool for the proponent to undertake the exploration process. The

proponent is required to rehabilitate any physical exploration done on an area, failure to do

so, the farmer has the right to report them to MET and the proponent is liable to conviction

under the EMA.

To enlighten the farmers, a list of the potential environmental threats identified were given

and their mitigation measures a explained as stated in the environmental management plan

(EMP);

Site Access Conflict: Farm entry permission

Human Health: COVID-19 transmission

Safety Risk: Employees

Soil and Ground Water pollution: Fuel, Oil, and Lubricants

Biodiversity Loss: Clearing of vegetation for site access

29

Human Wildlife conflict and Poaching

Drilling activities: Wild life disturbances, Dust & Noise, Spill of Hydraulic Fluids

& Ground water

Land Degradation: Use of heavy vehicle on farm roads

Pollutions: Solid waste generated by workers, ablution facilities

The mitigation measures for the above impacts are outlined in the Environmental

management plan.

6.2.3. Reduction of the EPL size

A geologist from Epangelo Mining indicated to the meeting that the EPL has been reduced

in size, as this often happens with the renewal of the EPL. This however has not been

officially communicated to Epangelo mining but it is showing on the Namibian mining

cadastral. With the reduction, the following farms will not be directly affected by the

proposed exploration activities, Ombujomaere South, Okanapehuri, Wilhelmstal,

Fahlwater, Okakuakondu South, Erora. The farmers were however reminded that, although

their farms fell out of the license area, they will be indirectly be affected by the exploration

activities, such as the use of public roads by heavy exploration vehicle may damage roads

which is used by everyone. Hence it important that everyone in the area participate in the

process.

30

6.2.4. Comment / Question and Response

The copies of comments forms are in appendix 2. The following comments were send via various platforms as well as those

emanating from the public meeting.

Table 6. Comment, Concerns and Response Table

No Name and

Organisation /

Farm

Comments / Concern / Input Section where the

comments / concern is

addressed

How it is addressed

1 Peltzer Thomas

Farm Owner:

Onjossa #18

Referring to section 2.2 the area is being used as well

for livestock production as for commercial game

hunting. Although it is just the exploration process

it seems to be far more invasive to our environment

and to the several land use patterns as initially

thought. This is because the entire area needs to be

surveyed thoroughly. Taking samples by hand when

walking the area is short but an intense interruption

in our business be it farming or hunting.

Addressed in the EMP

section 7 under farm

access. PP 6

To ensure that

exploration activities

does not disrupt farms

business activities,

Epangelo mining must

ensure proper

communication and their

work plant to the farm.

31

No Name and

Organisation /

Farm



addressed

How it is addressed

Referring to § 2.3.2 it is envisaged to build a kind

of a base camp with a latrine and a garbage whole.

This is a “no-go” option and I strongly oppose

against digging such wholes just for the exploration

process. I would like to see the company to put up

Mobiloos and to take their garbage of whatever

nature back to town to dispose it off properly at the

municipal garbage dumps.

Addressed in the

Scoping Report, section

2.2.2 PP 9, EMP 7, PP

11.

This is not a MUST, but

always a provision. It is

addressed as “When

necessary, a base camp

for accommodation

maybe be set up or use

of existing farms houses

or camping sites. This

must first be agreed with

the farm owners”

Also a maintenance workshop is not necessary as

three towns with more than sufficient capacities are

close by.

Scoping Report, section

2.2.2 PP 9

In event where the farm

owner does not allow

servicing of the vehicles

or machineries, such

activities must take place

at designated area.

The use of existing roads and tracks is obviously

well meant, but these tracks are made for LDV.

Scoping Report 2.2.2

PP 8 and

Normally, farm roads are

meant for light vehicles,

32

No Name and

Organisation /

Farm



addressed

How it is addressed

Bigger and heavier vehicles, drilling rigs and

bulldozers will damage theses roads and tracks for

ever. The only solution to this matter will be that

tracks and roads are left in the same or better

condition than before they

have been used by the heavy equipment.

EMP PP Section 7,

“land degradation” PP 8

exploration vehicles

have the potential to

damage the farm access

roads. Hence proper road

maintenance must be

implemented to ensure

that the roads are left on

good state

Referring to § 3 the potential environmental hazards

are listed. Still some may be added resulting of my

comment s above, like Land degradation not only by

off road driving but driving around with heavy

equipment on tracks that are not made for it. If no

toilets are used an infestation with measles will

occur in our cattle in the camps around such place.

Addressed above Yes, the EMP is a living

document, where

impacts can still be

identified and mitigation

measure applied. These

concerns are valid and

re-addressed as above.

2 Various

stakeholders

COVID- 19 concerns:

Physical activities during project implementation,

stakeholders are concern about the spread of

COVID-19

EMP section 7, under

farm access PP 6

“Due to COVID-19,

exploration personnel

must be free of COVID-

33

No Name and

Organisation /

Farm



addressed

How it is addressed

This must be confirmed

by their health

certificates.

All COVID-19 measures

must be implemented

(wearing of mask and

hand sanitizers)

3 Freddy Herzber EPL Registration documents;

The EPL has expired on 24 May 2020, henceforth

Epangelo Mining does not have a valid EPL or

right to enter any farms.

General Yes, the EPL has

expired during the

undertaking of the EIA

which was impacted by

COVID-19. However,

the renewal of the EPL

is a provision under the

Mineral Resource Act.

A holder may inform the

Mining Commissioner

about their intention to

34

No Name and

Organisation /

Farm



addressed

How it is addressed

renew their EPL and

that's what Epangelo

mining did. Now one of

the requirements to

renew an EPL,

especially when the

company is aiming to

undertake exploration is

to do an environmental

impact assessment and

this is the stage where

we are at.

4 Herbst Helmut The Erongo region has been identified for a

number of logical reasons (as listed below) by the

government during the past few month as the most

likely region to suffer a Covid 19 epidemic

outbreak.

Assumptions:

1.Low testing if any.

EMP table section 7.

Under “farm access”

COVID-19 concern is

addressed PP. 6

For a public meeting, in

response to COVID-19

these are the following

measures:

1. Wearing of masks

2. Social distancing

35

No Name and

Organisation /

Farm



addressed

How it is addressed

2.Insufficient knowledge of infected carriers in the

region.

3. Poor living circumstances and limited hygiene in

multiple small towns in the region.

4. Untested Drivers against the Virus from within

Walvisbay who deliver goods, fuel etc.into other

regions.

5. No disinfection procedures to the vehicles as

carriers.

6. No ongoing testing in the region.

Today it was confirmed once again that we are

back to level 3 but are currently free to travel

within the region and into other regions exclusive

of Walvisbay and Swakopmund.

Level 3 still calls for caution and the region

remains under close observation.

This being the case

“can you provide us with measures that you intend

implementing that would assist in preventing the

3. Sanitize

That's all you need for a

meeting. All other issues

you raised are NOT

applicable to the scope

of environmental impact

assessment.

All other aspects will be

addressed in the second

phase, if the company

discover an economic

deposit of the resources.

A time plan and activity

schedule will be

requested from

Epangelo for your

perusal.

36

No Name and

Organisation /

Farm



addressed

How it is addressed

region from being polluted with the virus and what

ongoing control measures you intend implementing

until and when the virus has been eliminated”

It should be in your interest to include this as part

of undertakings in your Health and Safety Act you

will be living by. The incidents in the world show

that the Virus just does not disappear over night

and requires on going testing/monitoring on a

greater scale. Will this be the case?

*_You have thus far not demonstrated your

willingness to provide us with a plan and the

assurance of such undertaking and that you will act

in accordance to requirements set out by the

government towards their citizens._

*Other matters of interest would be:*

37

No Name and

Organisation /

Farm



addressed

How it is addressed

1. Your program, approach and time scale to carry

out the environmental impact study.

2. Do you have strategic points from where you

will deploy your staff and where would these be?

3. Have you planed your access road systems to

those locations, could you plot these.

4. Will you employ ongoing controls against the

virus at the respective access points?

How this being reported to the communities.

5. How many people are involved in the initial

environmental impact study.

6. Do you have a time plan for the region you wish

to survey, where to start and where to end?

I don’t think these issues have been sufficiently

clarified/communicated and thus remain of

concern.

Thank you

5 Various Epangelo mining indicated that, it may not be

necessary to charge for access at the initial phase of

General The farmers disagreed

with this sentiments

38

No Name and

Organisation /

Farm



addressed

How it is addressed

exploration since it’s not evasive and no

environmental damage will be done

Epangelo mining (EMP) then indicated that, it

perhaps needs to rephrase its pronouncement on

access fee that, the amount of access fee should be

reasonable with the activities to be undertaken and

that farmers will have individual agreements where

access fees will be negotiated.

Access to farm appointments; Farmers indicated

that, it is important for EM to ensure prior

communication to the farmers for access

saying that, it cost money

to run a farm and as long

as Epangelo mining is

undertaking its activities

for money, then

compensation of any

form of farm access is

justifiable.

This was noted and

reflected in the EMP

6 Various Who is Red-Dune Consulting? Who are the owners

of Red-Dune? Do they have interest in the EM.

General Red-Dune is an

independed company,

100% owned by Mr.

Ipeinge Mundjulu with

no interest in Epangelo

mining.

39

No Name and

Organisation /

Farm



addressed

How it is addressed

7 Various Some farmers are not here in this meeting, how will

you make sure that they are consulted?

General Some farmers are

conducted via email and

have indicated their

unavailability. RD will

make sure to distribute

the draft scoping report

and environmental

management plan to all

the affected farmers.

40

7. Impact Identification and Risk Assessment

7.1. Impact Identification

During literature review and site assessment, possible impacts were listed. The criteria used to

assess the impacts and the method of determining their significance is outlined in Table 6. This

process conforms with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations of Environmental

Management Act, 2007 (Government Gazette No. 4878) EIA regulations. The approach for

determining and analyzing impacts is undertaken into two steps.

Impact Determination; during this step, the impact is assessed based on severity,

spatial scale and its duration.

Impact Significance; various rating exists to determine the overall rating of the impact

Impact significance is determined under two mitigation scenarios; without mitigation and

with mitigation. The confidence of impact mitigation depends on the level of certainty based

on available information to assess the impact. Impacts whose level of uncertainties are high, a

specialist study maybe commissioned to understand and develop the mitigation measures. If

after a specialist studies there are still further uncertainties pertaining the impact, a precaution

measure is applied to allow for more studies to be undertaken.

Table 7. Criteria for impact assessment

Risk Event Rating Description of the risk that may lead to an Impact

Impact type 0 No Impact

+VE Positive

-VE Negative

Probability The probability that an impact may occur under the following analysis

1 Improbable (Low likelihood)

2 Low probability

3 Probable (Likely to occur)

4 Highly Probable (Most likely)

5 Definite (Impact will occur irrespective of the applied mitigation

measure)

41

Confidence

level

The confidence level of occurrence in the prediction, based on available knowledge

L Low

M Medium

H High

Significance

(Without

Mitigation)

0 None (Based on the available information, the potential impact is found

to not have a significant impact)

L Low (The presence of the impact’s magnitude is expected to be temporal

or localized, that may not require alteration to the operation of the project

M Medium (This is when the impact is expected to be of short term

moderate and normally regionally. In most cases, such impacts require

that the projects is altered to mitigate the impact or alternative method of

mitigation is implemented

H High (The impact is definite, can be regional or national and in long term.

The impact could have a no go implication unless the project is re-

designed or proper mitigation can practically be applied

Mitigation The applied measure / alternative to reduce / avoid an impact

Significance

(With

Mitigation)

0 None (Based on the available information, the potential impact is found

to not have a significant impact)

L Low (The presence of the impact’s magnitude is expected to be temporal

or localised, that may not require alteration to the operation of the project

M Medium (This is when the impact is expected to be of short term

moderate and normally regionally. In most cases, such impacts require

that the projects is altered to mitigate the impact or alternative method of

mitigation is implemented

H High (The impact is definite, can be regional or national and in long term.

The impact could have a no go implication unless the project is re-

designed or proper mitigation can practically be applied

Duration Time duration of the impacts

1 Immediate

2 Short-term (0-5 years)

3 Medium-term (5-15 years)

4 Long-term (more than 15 years

5 Permanent

Scale The geographical scale of the impact

1 Site specific

2 Local

3 Regional

4 National

5 International

42

7.2. Impact Risk Assessment Procedure

An illustration of an impact analysis is shown in Figure 12.

Figure 12. Matrix used for the impact assessment

7.3. Identified Impacts

The following negative and positive impacts were identified. An EIA is a living document,

impacts that could not be identified for this scoping report and identified later should be taken

into account and adequate mitigation measures must be applied.

7.3.1. Potential Negative Impacts

Noise pollution from heavy machinery and drilling

Soil disturbance

Loss of habitat and biodiversity from site preparations and occupation

Air pollution from vehicle emission and dust emission from drilling activities

43

Health and Safety risk

Risk of pollution from generated domestic solid wastes

Risk of contamination of ground water from oil, grease and lubricants from heavy

vehicles, and drilling activities.

7.3.2. Potential Positive Impact of the project

Direct and indirect creation of employment opportunities

Knowledge and technology transfer.

Increased economic activities

Increase in National economy through payments of taxes.

8. Risks Assessment

8.1. Planning Phase

To ensure that the project is accepted by the public and avoid possible conflicts, the project

was advertised in local newspaper and a public meeting will be held with farm owners.

Access to farms must be done under a signed agreement between farmers and Epangelo

Mining Pty Ltd.

44

8.2. Operational Phase

8.2.1. Socio-Economic Impacts

Potential Environmental / Social

Impact

Mitigation Measures Significance of the Impact

Access / Entry to the farms

Farms are private property and

permission of entry must be obtained

from farm owners

1. Prepare an access / entry contract

agreement and present it to the

farmers for the scrutiny

2. Inform farm owner well in advance

before your planned activities

3. Do not enter the farm without owners

consent

4. Due to COVID-19, exploration

personnel must be free of COVID-

19. This must be confirmed by their

health certificates.

5. All COVID-19 measures must be

implemented (wearing of mask and

hand sanitizers)

Not significant with the proposed measure

Employment

1. Ensure that all general work is

reserved for local people unless in

Type +VE

Severity Medium

45


Impact


It is not anticipated that a significant

number of employment shall be created

during the operation of the project.

circumstances where specialized

skills are required.

2. Fair compensation and labour

practise as per Namibian Labour

Laws must be followed

3. Ensure skill transfer to the locals

4. Use local supplier for good and

service where possible

Scale / Extend Local

Probability Definite

Confidence level High

Without Mitigation Medium

With Mitigation Low

HIV/AIDS, Alcohol and Drug abuse

Namibia has high prevalence of

HIV/AIDS and it is important to ensure

that employees are sensitized about the

pandemic.

1. Provide awareness to the employees /

recyclers on danger of alcohol and drug

abuse

2. Provide Condoms at site

Type -VE

Severity High




Without Mitigation Medium,

With Mitigation Low

Health and Safety

The Regulations Relating to the Health

and Safety of Employees at Work, made

under Labour Act of 1992 (Act No. 6 of

1. Implement COVID-19 preventative

measures

Type -VE

Severity High

46


Impact


1992) place legal duty on employers to

provide a health and safe working

environment to the employees and any

person other than the employees who

might be affected by their operations.

Operation of specialized drilling

equipment may increase safety risk if not

executed correctly

2. Employees must NOT be exposed to

noise levels above the required -85dB

(A) limit over a period of 8 hours.

3. Adhere to the Labour act, non-toxic

human dust exposure levels may not

exceed 5mg/m3 for respiratory dust

and 15mg/m3 for total dust.

4. Supply clean drinking water to the site,

such as portable water tank;

5. Used mobile toilets

6. Ensure that supervisor has gone

through occupational health and first

aid course,

7. Train employee on hazard and risk

avoidance

8. Provide insect repellent, mosquito nets

and if necessary immunization to

prevent deadly diseases such as malaria

9. All employees must be in possession of

the health certificate and screened for




Without Mitigation High

With Mitigation Low

47


Impact


communicable diseases such as TB and

COVID-19.

Heritage and Archaeology

There are no known of possible heritage

or archaeology materials on site

1. Employee must be trained on the

possible find of heritage and

archaeological material in the area;

2. Implement a chance find and steps to

be taken for heritage and

archaeological material finding

(Heritage (rock painting and

drawings), human remains or

artefacts) are unearthed

Stopping the activity immediately

i. Informing the operational

manager or supervisor

ii. Cordoned of the area with a

danger tape and manager to

Type -VE

Severity Medium




Without Mitigation Medium,

With Mitigation Low

48


Impact


take appropriated pictures.

iii. Manager/supervisor must

report the finding to the

following competent

authorities, National Heritage

Council of Namibia (061 244

375) National Museum (+264

61 276800) or the National

Forensic Laboratory (+264 61

240461).

8.2.2. Bio-Physical Impacts

Potential Environmental / Social Impact Mitigation Measures Significance of the Impact

Flora

The target areas for drilling and trenching may

require the clearing of vegetation. Unless

totally unavoidable, mature and protected trees

must not be cut down.

1. Implement recommendation from the

vegetation study

2. Ensure that access roads are rehabilitated

after use

Type -VE

Severity Medium

Scale / Extend Site Specific




49


With Mitigation Low

Fauna

There are domestic and wild animals on farms.

These animals are accustomed to human

activities; hence human presence shall not

impact them severely. However, employees

must be cautioned against poaching.

1. Do not kill animal, unless such animals

pose eminent danger to humans

2. There must be ZERO tolerance to

poaching to ensure this, no weapon and

traps are allowed on site;

Type -VE

Severity Medium


Probability Probable



With Mitigation Low

With Mitigation Medium

Surface and Ground Water Pollution

Heavy vehicle and machinery may pollute

water sources from leakages of oils, hydraulic

fluids, lubricants and greases. These pollutants

may reach underground water through

seepage. Further surface water may be polluted

from surface run off soils that is polluted.

1. Fueling of heavy vehicle on site must be

well coordinated at designated places

agreed with the farm owners

2. Stationary vehicles must be provided

with drip tray to capture oil, lubricants

and hydraulic fluids leakages

3. All vehicle and machinery must be well

service to avoid leakages

4. Provide and train on oil spill emergency

response

5. Servicing of vehicles and machinery

Type -VE

Severity Medium





With Mitigation Low

50


must take place at designated sites

agreed with the farm owners

Land Degradation

The uncontrolled movement of heavy

machinery at the project site as well as on

access loads may cause land degradation.

1. Movement of heavy vehicles must be

coordinated and restricted to be on

access roads

2. Normally, farm roads are meant for light

vehicles, exploration vehicles have the

potential to damage the farm access

roads. Hence proper road maintenance

must be implemented to ensure that the

roads are left on good state

Type -VE

Severity Medium





With Mitigation Low

Waste Generation

General household waste management

measures must be put in place.

1. Provide Skip bins to collect waste and be

disposed of at an approved disposal site

2. Do not burry waste on site

3. Excavate a small biodegradable waste site

that would be dump filled at the end of the

project which must first be agreed with

farm owner alternatively, provide mobile

toilets that will be disposed at an

approved municipal site

Type -VE

Severity Medium





With Mitigation Low

51


3. Used oil, grease and lubricants cans

must be collected in appropriate drums

and disposed of at an approved site.

Noise Pollutions

Noise from the aeroplane and heavy vehicles

may disturb wild life and Tourism related

farms

1. The aircraft must fly at heights which

may not cause noise nuisance to animals

2. A fixed wind air craft is recommended

than a helicopter

3. Confirm flying schedules with farmers,

whose operation is tourism related

4. Heavy vehicles must be well serviced

5. Switch off engine for vehicles when not

in use

6. Drive at 30/km while on farm

Type -VE

Severity Medium





With Mitigation Low

52

9. Decommissioning and Rehabilitation

The exploration activities do not necessarily yield into a decommissioning phase, but rather a

rehabilitation phase. The rehabilitation shall include all footprints that were created as a result

of exploration mainly, access roads, trenches and drilled holes. Waste dumps with

biodegradable materials must be backfilled as well as pit latrine toiled if any. In the end, the

rehabilitation must satisfy the farm owners.

10. Conclusions and Recommendations

10.1. Conclusions

Normally, exploration phase does not yield high level bio-physical environmental damage.

Negligible footprint from access roads, and drilling are not expected to cause irreversible

harm to the environment. Trenches, drilled holes and access roads are normally fully

rehabilitated and always re-vegetated after rainfall season. Henceforth, the proposed

exploration activities are expected to be undertaken in an environmental sustainable manner.

In events where this exploration yield into a feasibility mining operation, a comprehensive

environmental impact assessment must be undertaken.

10.2. Recommendations

It is recommended to the approving authority for an issuance of the Environmental

Clearance Certificate for the proposed Exploration activities on EPL 4926.

53

11. Reference

A.L.E. Simmonds and T.J. Smalley 2000., Kalahari aquifers in the Gam area of north-eastern

Namibia, Communs geol. Surv. Namibia, 12 (2000), 469-474

D.B.Nascimento A.Ribeiro R.A.J.Trouw R.S.Schmitt C.W.Passchier C Stratigraphy Of The

Neoproterozoic Damara Sequence In Northwest Namibia: Slope To Basin Sub-Marine

Mass-Transport Deposits And Olistolith Fields, Precambrian Research,Volume 278,

June 2016, P 108-125

Department of Water Affairs., Demarcation of Water Basins on National Level, Namibia

Dr. Martin Pickford and Dr Brigitte Denut 2010., Memoir 21 Karst Geology and

Palaeobiology of Northern Namibia, Ministry of Mines and Energy Geological Survey

of Namibia

Enviro Dynamics 2014., Environmental Assessment for the exploration of base metals on

exclusive prospecting licenses 5606, 4934, 5712 & 5713), Kavango East Region,

Namibia.

Greg Christelis and Wilhelm Struckmeier 2011., Groundwater in Namibia; An Explanation

to the Hydrogeological Map, Ministry of Agriculture Water and Forestry

Mannheimer, C.A, & Curtis, B.A. (eds) 2009. Le Roux and Muller’s Field Guidebto the

Trees and Shrubs of Namibia. Windhoek: Macmillan Education Namibia.

Mendelsohn, J., Jarvis, A., Roberts, C. & Robertson, T., 2009. Atlas of Namibia. 3rd ed.

Cape Town: Sunbird Publishers.

Ministry of Agriculture Water and Forestry 2000 ., Strategic Water Resources Assessment:

Theme Report

Okitsu, S. (2005). Factors controlling geographical distribution in savanna vegetation in

Namibia. African Study Monographs, Suppl. 30(March), 135–151.

Population Demography for the Kunene Region for 2001 and 2011 (Namibia Population and

Census Report of (2011).

R. Brandt Preliminary Report On The Stratigraphy Of The Damara Sequence And The

Geology And Geochemistry Of Damaran Granites In An Area Between Walvis Bay

And Karibib

S Hapugoda and J R Manuel., A Comparison of Drilling and Sampling Techniques as They

Relate to Base and Precious Metal Exploration in the Mt Isa Inlier of North West

Queensland and the Southern Lachlan Fold Belt in New South Wales.

13Page. lifting the lid14 - 20 May 2020

Health ■ Health education■ Nutrition

■ Diseases and disorders■ Health policy

By Confidente Reporter

THE Ministry of Health and Social Services has expressed concern with increasingly

huge crowds in attendance at funerals since the lifting of the lockdown, warning that attendance is still limited to 10 people per funeral.

According to Deputy Health Minister Esther Muinjangue, they have observed huge crowds at public places and especially at funerals during the first week of phase two of the state of emergency. She noted that since the lockdown phase lapsed, people are not being careful, despite the current stage being one of

the most critical phases.“The impression is that things

have come to normal. We want to warn people that even though the lockdown has been lifted, we are still

in the state of emergency. Stage two, which we are in now, is very critical and we urge Namibians to practice hand hygiene, maintain and practice social distancing while staying safe,” Muinjangue stated.

She further cautioned that although people are allowed to return to work, it does not mean the country is out of danger and that everyone can now start visiting and socialising. According to her, people are expected to go to work and back to their homes and only visit shops to buy critical things.

“We are still not at a situation where we can start socialising, so please adhere to the regulations and the rules so that we can keep the number of confirmed cases at 16 while trying to increase the number of recoveries,” the deputy minister urged.

Giving an update on the country’s current status as of Monday afternoon, Muinjangue confirmed that Namibia has recorded 11 recoveries with only five active cases, who are in stable condition. The country has not recorded any deaths related to Covid-19 and has gone over 34 days without registering any new cases.

She further noted that the total cumulative samples received and administered in the country since the outbreak stands at 1 449 but so far the surveillance team has identified 242 people during the

contact tracing process, which is still ongoing.

Muinjangue said 18 more people were quarantined over the weekend bringing the total number of people to have been quarantined to 1 083. She said of those, 618 persons have been discharged, leaving only 465 people in quarantine facilities across the country. The number of people in quarantine facilities across the country keep changing as people arrive back in the country, especially

Funerals still too largeThe impression is that things have come to normal.

We want to warn people that even though the lockdown has been lifted, we are still in the state of emergency. Stage two, which we are in now, is very

critical and we urge Namibians to practice hand hygiene, maintain and practice social distancing

while staying safe

Esther Muinjangue

We are still not at a situation where we can start socialising, so please adhere

to the regulations and the rules so that we can keep the number of confirmed cases at 16 while trying to increase the

number of recoveries

Photo: Newera

PUBLIC NOTICE:

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES &

INVITATION TO A PUBLIC MEETINGS

In accordance with the Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2007) and its regulation, notice is hereby given to all possible Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) that an application will be made to the Environmental Commissioner for environmental clearance as follows: Project: Exploration Activities for Base & Rare Metals, Dimension Stones, Precious Metals & Industrial Minerals on EPL 4926 Affected Farms: Ombujomaere South, Okanapehuri, Wilhelmstal, Fahlwater, Okakuakondu South, Erora, Erora West, Okondura North, Kaliombo, Okondura South, Onjossa_Ombujondindi, Onjossa_Springbok, Okamahoro, Otjozondu, Okomitundu, Otjua, Uitdraai. Proponent: Epangelo Mining Pty Ltd Location: Wilhelmstal and Otjimbingwe area, Karibib District, Erongo Region Public Meeting Date: Tuesday 19th May 2020 Venue: Farmer’s Association Office in Wilhelmstal Time: 10H00-13H00 Deadline for submission of comments: 3rd June 2020 Register as I&Aps @: [email protected] or Call +264 81 147 7889 PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS (COVD-19) PANDEMIC, a public meeting will be conducted under the guidelines of COVID-19 by observing social distancing and 10 people per session.

Vacancy

The Road Fund Administration (RFA) invites applications from suitably qualifi ed and experienced Namibians for the following position:

Senior Internal Auditor(Paterson Job Grade D2)

Interested candidates are invited to visit the RFA website for more information. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Closing date: Friday 15, May 2020 at 16h00

All applications should be addressed to the Manager: Human Capital, P/Bag 13372, Windhoek, via email to [email protected] or hand delivered to the RFA Head Offi ce at, 21 Feld Street, Windhoek, by the date and time shown above.

Visit our website for more information, www.rfanam.com.na

those who went abroad for medical assistance and check-ups.

Over the weekend, Health Minister Kalumbi Shangula also warned that although the country is making strides, the authorities and citizens cannot let down their guards, as the rate of infection around the world is not levelling off, especially in Europe and America, that continue to lead in terms of infections and Covid-19 deaths.

He emphasised that the wearing of masks during the current phase is mandatory but is no substitute for other measures, such as handwashing and social distancing, aimed at preventing the transmission of the virus.

“Stage two is most critical as we migrated from lockdown to free movement within the country. We continue to be vigilant to avoid new cases and to manage cases we have under our care,” Shangula stated, adding that the effects of how Namibians conduct themselves during this period will only become evident in the next weeks to come.

3Newsmonday 18 may 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE:

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES

INVITATION TO PUBLIC MEETINGS

In accordance with the Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2007) and its regulation, notice is hereby given to all possible Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) that an application will be made to the Environmental Commissioner for environmental clearance as follows:

PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS (COVD-19) PAN-DEMIC, a public meeting will be conducted under the guidelines of COVID-19 by observing social distancing and 10 people per session.

Register as as I&Aps :@ [email protected] or call +264 81 147 7889

&

Project: Exploration Activities for Base & Rare Metals, Dimension Stones, Precious Metals & Industrial Minerals on EPL 4926Affected Farms: Ombujomaere South, Okanapehuri, Wilhelmstal, Fahlwater, Okakuakondu South, Erora, Erora West, Okondura North, Kaliombo, Okondura South, Onjossa_Ombujondindi, Onjossa_Springbok, Okamahoro, Otjozondu, Okomitundu, Otjua, Uitdraai.Proponent: Epangelo Mining Pty LtdLocation: Wilhelmstal and Otjimbingwe area, Karibib District, Erongo RegionPublic Meeting Date: Tuesday 19th May 2020Venue: Farmer’s Association Office in WilhelmstalTime: 10H00-13H00Deadline for submission of comments: 3rd June 2020

Tjongarero makes U-turn on NYC boardJEMIMA BEUKES WINDHOEK

The minister of sport, youth and national ser-vice Agnes Tjongarero has extended the National Youth Council’s board of directors’ term by one month due to the coronavirus outbreak.

This after she last Friday wrote to the board, whose term expires today, that its term would not be ex-tended.

The ministry is scheduled to meet the board today.The reason for the term extension, Tjongarero

said, is “so that they can round off whatever must be rounded off”.

“And then we will put an interim board [in place] to arrange for the upcoming elections.

“We will meet with them in the afternoon, to dis-cuss something they said is not very clear to them,” she added.

extension requestedIn a letter to board vice-chairperson Elsarien Katiti, who asked that the board’s term be extended to De-cember 2020 or until such time that the elective gen-eral assembly is convened, Tjongarero said the board must submit an exit report within 30 days from today.

Katiti wrote to the minister on 11 May to explain that the coronavirus pandemic makes it impossi-ble for the council’s general assembly to elect a new board.

According to her, failure to extend their term would lead to political instability because young people would have lost an important platform where they can raise, discuss and coordinate youth development.

Corona impact“On 20 February 2020, the council received an au-thorisation by the ministry to the amount of N$3 mil-lion from the N$15 million which is earmarked for youth development projects and to use it for the re-newal of mandates of structures.

“The council scheduled restructuring of constitu-encies and regional youth forums to take place on 28 March and 4 to 5 April, but it did not material-ise due to the same emergency caused by Covid-19,” Katiti wrote.

[email protected]

NOT CONVINCED: Youth minister Agnes Tjongarero. PHOTO: FILE

Police gatecrash Sunny Boy’s concertFollowing arrest reports of popular musician Sunny Boy at Funky Lab on Saturday night, authorities have con-firmed the names of other public figures arrested at the same event.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE WINDHOEK

A police report yesterday revealed that 31 revellers were arrested at Funky Lab in Windhoek on Satur-

day night, with well-known personalities Sunny Boy, Top Cheri and Jossy Joss as well as night club owner Thomas Naka-sole among those detained.

The incident took place at about 22:30 at the club situated in Independence Av-enue.

The celebs and other partygoers were arrested for contravening the regulations of the coronavirus state of emergency, which prohibits public gatherings and the selling of alcohol.

“The suspects were arrested, charged and given admission of guilt of N$2 000 each,” the police statement read.

Some suspects released on Saturday night were re-arrested yesterday morning for being unprocedurally released and had to be formally charged.

From bad to worseA few days ago, Sunny Boy made head-lines for an alleged cheating scandal which threatened his long-time relationship with

fiancé Nelaolange Iyambo.At the time, the musician an-

nounced that he would share his side of the story at Saturday night’s event.

Don’t panicScreenshot evidence seen by Namib-ian Sun confirmed that Top Cheri was among the arrested.

“Hey guys, yes, I’m arrested and I’m still currently here. But I am okay. As soon as I am out, I will communicate with you guys. But please don’t panic,” read a message by the Hangover hitmaker in a fans WhatsApp group.

Attempts to reach Jossy Joss for com-ment proved unsuccessful as the radio personality’s phone remained unreach-able.

CHARGED: Sunny Boy, Jossy Joss and Top Cheri were among those arrested on Saturday night at Funky Lab for contravening the coronavi-rus state of emergency regulations. PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

KENYA KAMBOWEKARANAWA

Many residents of the Kavango West and Kavango East regions remain at the periphery of government’s pover-ty reduction initiatives, such as social grants, because they do not possess national identity documents.These residents are often originally foreigners from mostly the poverty-stricken southern parts of Angola, who crossed the Okavango River into Na-mibia decades ago in search of better opportunities.Without identity documents, people from these communities also find it dif-ficult to find jobs.Their minor dependents also face ex-clusion from schemes such as month-ly grants for orphans and vulnerable children as they cannot be registered for such services due to lack of crucial identity documents.With schools also requiring some form of identity before registering learners, children also face the prospects of not going to school.The few lucky children who obtained identity documents with the assistance of schools still do not qualify for the grants because their parents do not have the required documents.Under these conditions, poverty be-comes a vicious cycle over generations in these communities. Dire situationKaranawa informal settlement in the Kavango West’s Nkurenkuru constitu-ency is a classic example of this situa-tion.One resident, Helena Mukoveka, ar-

rived in the area from Angola 30 years ago. According to her health passport, she is 42 years old.Mukoveka lives with her partner Mi-cheal Kasera Petrus, a farmworker.Sixteen people live in the compound they share with their children, the eld-est being 27, and grandchildren. ‘Life is not easy’The unemployed Mukoveka narrated her ordeal, saying life is difficult in Karanawa as her only source of income or survival comes from doing odd jobs in the community.“Life is not easy for us here as I am struggling to raise my children,” she said. She explained that her young-er children, aged 10, nine, three and 10 months, are not recipients of the monthly social grant because she does not have Namibian identity documents which would allow her to register her children for assistance.While Petrus is a Namibian citizen and is in possession of a national document, their challenge is securing N$400

which they, along with a witness, will use as transport fare to travel to Rundu to obtain a marriage certificate from the Catholic church. This would allow Mukoveka to apply for a Namibian ID.

Lack of honestyWhen contacted for comment, Nkuren-kuru constituency councillor Damian Nakambare said many people living at Karanawa and other informal settle-ments are mostly from Angola and are, in most cases, not honest with officials as far as their identities are concerned.Nakambare said a number of people in the communities lie, claiming to have lived in Namibia for years, yet they only recently moved to Namibia from An-gola. This lie, he said, is detected when the affected persons can’t express them-selves in local languages.However, Nakambare called on foreign nationals who want to acquire Namib-ian citizenship to follow the right pro-cedures by approaching the relevant stakeholders.

Lack of IDs exacerbates poverty in Kavangos

IDENTITY-LESS: Helena Mukoveka and her children pound mahangu. PHOTO: KENYA KAMBOWE

• EntErtainErs, businEssman chargEd and finEd n$62 000

6 Tuesday 17 December 2019 NEW ERANEWS

PUBLIC NOTICE:ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES

& INVITATION TO A PUBLIC MEETINGS

Affected Farms: Morester 299 Truidia 300, Weltvrede 293, Uitsig 301, Winkelhaak 286, Dankbaar 253, Kameelpan 285, Leeulaagte 284, Urumbe 287, Bergtoppe 883, Dorsland 295, Sproenkop 296, Olifanthoek 297, Sandrivier 304

In accordance with the Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2007) (EMA) and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (Government Notice No 4878 of 2012), notice is hereby given to all possible Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) that an application will be made to the Environmental Commissioner for environmental clearance as follows:

Project: Exploration Activities for Base and Rare Metals, Precious Metals & Industrial Minerals on EPL 4816Proponent: JG Investment Sixteen PTY LTDLocation: Kamanjab Area, Kunene RegionPublic Meeting Date: 20 December 2019Venue: FARM URUMUBE 287Time: 09H00-13H00Deadline for submission of comments: 8th January 2019Register as I&Aps @: [email protected] or Call +264 81 147 7889

The Social Security Commission is transforming its technology and business processes to enhance service delivery to all Namibians. We invite suitably qualified and high performing individuals to apply for the managerial role of Company Secretary. Interested candidates must apply on our SkillsMap portal via the link provided below.

COMPANY SECRETARY (PATERSON JOB GRADE D4)

https://ssc.jb.skillsmapafrica.com/Job/Index/36050_NewEra

No email and paper documents will be acceptedDeadline for applications: Friday, 27 December 2019 For inquiries contact the Human Resources department (Marcelino Ochurub - OE Practitioner at telephone number: +26461 280 7019

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

“EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER”

n Albertina Nakale

WINDHOEK - A total of 20 605 candidates, comprising of 18 649 full-time and 1 956

part-time candidates, were registered for the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) higher level subjects.

The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture spokesperson Absalom Absalom said the number of higher-level candidates increased by 2 637 (12.8%) when compared to 2018.

Absalom noted the ministry has made good progress with the marking and processing of the examination data and will be able to officially release the provisional Grade 12 NSSC results for full-time and part-time candidates, as well as Grade 10 (JSC) for part-time candidates on Thursday.

Last year, 17 968 candidates comprising of 16 932 full-time and 1 036 part-time candidates were registered for NSSC higher

level subjects.In 2018, the number of higher-level

candidates increased by 1 672 (10.3%) when compared to 2017.

This year is the last year for the Junior Secondary Certificate (JSC) (Grade 10) examination on part-time level.

This year, 9 566 part-time candidates were registered for JSC examination. The number of Grade 10 part-time candidates decreased by 1 656 (14.8%) when compared to 2018 entries for part-time candidates.

Absalom explained this means all learners who sat for Grade 10 full-time did not write national examinations as has been the norm over the past years.

Since the beginning of this year (2019), there was no more Grade 10 external examinations, following a cabinet decision during 2014 that approved the curriculum reform for basic education. However, learners sat for semi-external examinations at the end of the junior secondary phase (in this case, at the end of Grade 9). The semi-

external examinations have been set at the national level and marked in the regions but will be moderated at national level.

During 2018, a total number of 56 112 candidates, comprising of 44 890 full-time and 11 222 part-time candidates, were registered for the Junior Secondary Certificate (Grade 10) examination at 731 junior secondary schools and 143 part-time tuition centres.

The results will be available on the ministry of education’s website, www.moe.gov.na, and will also be accessible via an SMS service. Both services will become active on Friday at 00:15.

Absalom said all candidates who were registered for the 2019 national examinations are reminded to have their candidate numbers nearby to be able to access their results.

The ministry will ensure regional offices supply the results from the broadsheets to candidates and relatives who personally visit the regional offices.

Grandfather faces rape chargen Staff Reporter

WINDHOEK - A minor girl was reportedly raped by her grandfather at Grootfontein last week Tuesday. According to this week’s police crime report, the suspect lured the 12-year-old to his residence, with a promise of giving her N$5.

Although the matter happened on Tuesday, it was only reported on Saturday. No arrest has been made yet and police investigations continue.

In an unrelated matter, a two-year-old boy died after he was stung by a scorpion while playing with other children at their homestead at Enongo village in Omusati.

The deceased is identified as Silas Natangwe Ankonga.

The police crime report stated that no foul play is suspected and next of kin were informed.

A 22-year-old man was arrested after he stabbed his biological mother with a knife on her left arm on Sunday early morning.

Police opened a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm against the suspect.

The incident happened at Ombili location in Otjiwarongo.

“The victim was taken to Otjiwarongo State hospital for treatment and was discharged thereafter, “read the report. The suspect was expected to appear before Otjiwarongo Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Police in Oranjemund opened a rape case after a 40-year-old man entered a room of 24-year-old woman and raped her.

“It is further alleged that both the victim and the suspect were under the influence of alcohol and they both reside at the same flats but different rooms. The suspect was arrested and police investigations continue.”

Police in Tsumeb opened a case of murder after a 17-year-old boy died on the spot on

Saturday morning when he was run over by a vehicle following an alleged altercation over a lady at a local bar between two groups.

The deceased is identif ied as Therence Augumeb.

“It is further alleged the deceased and the suspect had an altercation over a lady at the local bar and the two groups started throwing stones at each other,” read the report.

It i s fur ther alleged the deceased and his friends fled from the bar on foot but the suspect persuaded them by car, found Augumeb in the street and ran him over with a car, causing his instant death. The report states the 25-year-old male fled the scene but was later arrested at his residence. The next of kin is informed and police investigations continue.

Exam results out this week Empowered…

Rehoboth High School’s Grade 12

learners receive their certificates at a valedictory

ceremony last year.

Photo: Nampa

7Friday 13 December 2019 NEW ERA NEWS

only are small businesses affected but also the larger corporations and all those dependent on a successful business community,” reads the statement.

Te a m N a m i b i a a d d e d t hat cor r upt ion was not only undermining efforts to secure sustainable economic development, but it was also counterproductive to other national ef forts, including poverty eradication and ensuring prosperity for all Namibians.

“Even though all citizens are affected, the poor are bearing the brunt even more. Stealing of national wealth and resources and squandering of taxpayers’ money, and therefore limited access to effective services for Namibians, undermines every effort to maintain and secure a peaceful and prosperous future for all.”

Te am Nam ibi a f u r t he r called for greater transparency in government, that public decisions be based on fairness and accountability as well as placing a huge premium on adhering to systems, processes

and institutions. “Every effort should be made by our leadership to ensure that legal processes are sped up. Investigations need to take place to determine if and where individuals, networks or organisations for illicit gains have manipulated systems.

“ T h e A n t i - C o r r u p t i o n Commission must be effectively resourced immediately to speed up all investigations, independently, also in order to address possible negative perceptions of our government and our country, domestically and internationally, to

rebuild trust and instil confidence,” the organisation said.

Pieter van Niekerk, chairperson of Team Namibia added: “We need to ask ourselves do we want to be a prosperous nation? High level of uncertainty has a direct impact on consumer spending and business investment. It is critical that immediate and concerted action is taken to resolve some of these issues. We simply cannot just be bystanders and observe the current developments, we have a responsibility to our children to leave them a nation we can be proud of.”

n Martha Gabriel

WINDHOEK – The Khomas and Oshikoto regions have the highest number of reported rape cases, police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga said during the observation of International Human Rights Day earlier this week.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by Major-General for Administration Anne-Marie Nainda, Ndeitunga said of the 711 rape cases reported thus far this year, 345 involved adult female victims. Both Khomas and Oshikoto recorded the highest number of rape cases with a total of 102 cases each.

He further noted that Ohangwena had the third highest, with 89 rape cases, while Omusati reported 63. The Oshana and Otjozondjupa regions both recorded a total of 62 rape cases this year.

Ndeitunga added that gender-based violence has a huge impact on survivors, society as well as the Namibian economy. “If we

are to improve the livelihood and well-being of women and girls in our country, preventing sexual violence in particular has to be a critical task for all stakeholders,” Ndeitunga noted.

He added that the Namibian Police’s specialised units dealing with GBV cases would continue operating in close collaboration with other government agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure that women and children’s rights, as well as human rights, are protected too at all times.

Khomas, Oshikoto have highest number of reported rape cases

Action… Police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga. Photo: Nampa

Team Namibia enters Fishrot fray… calls for decisive action to tackle corruptionn Staff Reporter

WINDHOEK – Team Namibia this week added its voice to the unfolding

international fishing massive kickback scandal implicating Namibian politicians and local business people. In a statement, Team

Namibia called for decisive action in dealing with corruption.

“A recessionary environment, corruption scandals, acute election fever, followed by post-election uncertainty, have a direct impact on business. In an uncertain environment businesses find it hard to thrive, or indeed to survive. Not

Say no to graft… Namibians demonstrate against corruption.Photo: Emmency Nuukala

PUBLIC NOTICE:ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES

& INVITATION TO A PUBLIC MEETINGS

Affected Farms: Morester 299 Truidia 300, Weltvrede 293, Uitsig 301, Winkelhaak 286, Dankbaar 253, Kameelpan 285, Leeulaagte 284, Urumbe 287, Bergtoppe 883, Dorsland 295, Sproenkop 296, Olifanthoek 297, Sandrivier 304

In accordance with the Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2007) (EMA) and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (Government Notice No 4878 of 2012), notice is hereby given to all possible Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) that an application will be made to the Environmental Commissioner for environmental clearance as follows:

Project: Exploration Activities for Base and Rare Metals, Precious Metals & Industrial Minerals on EPL 4816Proponent: JG Investment Sixteen PTY LTDLocation: Kamanjab Area, Kunene RegionPublic Meeting Date: 20 December 2019Venue: FARM URUMUBE 287Time: 09H00-13H00Deadline for submission of comments: 8th January 2019Register as I&Aps @: [email protected] or Call +264 81 147 7889

Presenter:Mr. Ipeinge Mundjulu

Red-Dune Consulting CC

[email protected]

+264 81 1477 889

Environmental Impact Assessment for the Proposed

Exploration Activities of Base & Rare & Precious Metal,

Dimension Stones and Industrial Minerals On Exclusive

Prospecting Licenses 4926 between Wilhelmstal and

Otjimbingwe area, in Karibib District, Erongo Region

03 July 2020

mailto:[email protected]

• To Inform public, land owners, and interested stakeholder on the

proposed Exploration Activities

• Issues to be raised includes;

i. The Environmental Impact Assessment Process

ii. Environmental Protection,

iii. Site / farm access agreement

iv.Project Operation

Purpose of the meeting

• Mineral Exploration is a widely practised method of searching forminerals

• There are several techniques used

I. Geological studies and field mapping (Aerial photographs)

II. Soil surveys (Air, Radar, magnetic and electromagnetic)

III. Geophysical surveys (Magnetic and electromagnetics)

IV. Drilling (The only evasive process of collecting geochemical samplesfrom target sites)

Background

Statutory Requirements

Activity Applicability

3.1 The construction of facilities for any process or activities

which requires a license, right or other form of authorization,

and the renewal of a license, right or other form of

authorization, in terms of the Minerals (Prospecting and

Mining Act), 1992.

The projects shall include the

prospecting of Mineral

3.2 Other forms of mining or extraction of any natural

resources whether regulated by law or not.

Mining activities shall involve,

drilling and digging to extract

natural resource.

3.3 Resource extraction, manipulation, conservation and

related activities.

The project shall extract resource

sample for manipulations /

analysis.

LOCATION

FARMS AFFECTED

Ombujomaere South Kaliombo

Okanapehuri Okondura South

Wilhelmstal Onjossa_Ombujondindi

Fahlwater Onjossa_Springbok

Okakuakondu South Okamahoro

Erora Otjozondu

Erora West Okomitundu

Okondura North Uitdraai

• Geological studies and field mapping

• Geological data for the area are to be collected from different sources, to analyse andstudy available information of the area. This information is derived from aerial photo and itis these information that will generate target point where geochemical soil sampling will takeplace

• Soil surveys

• Soil survey is used to classify soil types and other soil properties in target area. The collectionof is done by air (fixed wind airplane) or ground (conducted on foot from shallow soilsampling pit) or through sensors such as radar, magnetic and electromagnetic to detect anymineralization in the area.

• Geophysical surveys

• Geophysical surveys uses various method to gather geological information such as magneticand electromagnetics. A Magnetometer is used to measure local magnetic field characteristicof the generated targets from geological mapping. On ground, a Magnetometer is carriedby a person on the surveyed areas to collect samples. While in air, aerial magnetic data theMagnetometer is mounted on a helicopter / fixed wing airplane especially at difficult terrainand on large terrains

Project activities

• Drilling

• This is done at the final stage of exploration to evaluate the prospect of minerals anddetermine the feasibility of mining. Drill rods are used to collect geological samples from theearth’s subsurface. The targets grid patterns may range from 200mx50m grid spacing togrids of 100mx50m and in some instances on a 50mx20m grid spacing during detailedsampling. Exploration activities mainly use two types of drilling; Reverse Circulation (RC) andDiamond Core drilling. Reverse circulation gained prominence due to its effectives andconservative when it comes to water use

• Reverse Circulation

• ‘RC’ drilling uses rods (shafts) with inner and outer tubes with drill bit attached to an air-filledinterchanging piston known as a hammer. The hammer produces drill cuttings that arereturned to the surface inside the rods. RC drill are carried on drill rigs, which are mostlypowerful heavy truck.

Project activities

• Site Access Conflict: Farm entry permission

• Human Health: COVID-19 transmission

• Safety Risk: Employees

• Soil and Ground Water pollution: Fuel, Oil, and Lubricants

• Biodiversity Loss: Clearing of vegetation for site access

• Human Wildlife conflict and Poaching

• Drilling activities: Wild life disturbances, Dust & Noise, Spill of

Hydraulic Fluids & Ground water

• Land Degradation: Use of heavy vehicle on farm roads

• Pollutions: Solid waste generated by workers, ablution facilities

Potential Environmental and Social Impacts

The EIA Process

PHASE 1. Scoping

Determine the Scope of the EIA

PHASE 2. Environmental and Social

Assessment

Analyse Impacts

Determine mitigation measures

(Conduct Specialist, if necessary)

PHASE 3. Submission of EIA to

Competent Authority

PHASE 4. Competent Authority

makes comment and forward

application to MET

Project Not

Approved

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Background Information Document

Project

Approved

Implementation of Project

APPOINTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTITIONER BY THE

PROPONENT

Appeal to Minister

of Environment and

Tourism

Public Feedback

•The Draft Scoping Report (DSR) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) will be circulated to registered parties for comments and inputs

•The comments will be incorporated in the DSR and EMP

•After public feedback, the Final Report will be submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism for review

Way Forward

Thank you for participating

Please email your comments / Inputs / Concerns

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or

Call us at: +264 81 1477 889

END

Documents

Application No: APP-001418eia.met.gov.na/screening/1418_scoping_report_for_epl_4926.pdf · Exploration Activities of Base & Rare & Precious Metal, Dimension Stones and Industrial