Heritage Cases

Lower Orange River Diamonds (LOR-D) having been ceded the Mining Right by Trans Hex Group (THG) is now the Holder of the Right in coordination with its operational company Plateaux Diamonds (Pty) Ltd who engages with numerous Joint Venture (JV) Companies who conduct the mining operations of the Right. Accordingly, the Mining Right has the same area and definition of Rights as previously held by Trans Hex Group (THG). The change of ownership with new company structure and the following fundamental changes at LOR Mine require an Amendment/Update of the EMP: - A general shift of mining emphasis from Proto to Meso terraces, - An emphasis on reprocessing mine residue dumps (coarse and fine tailings of THG); and - Amongst others a new approach to processing plants from existing large central fixed Dense Medium Separation (DMS) ferrosilicon plants to dispersed in-field pan-type or direct recovery Bourevestnik (Diagram 3) semi-mobile processing plants to match the redefined target reserve distribution and the management structure of LOR-D/Plateaux Diamonds (Pty) Ltd with Joint Venture (JV) partners (not a central THG operation). Accordingly, during December 2019, LOR-D accepted the quotation and job schedule submitted and appointed Site Plan Consulting (SPC) to conduct an EMP update/revision of the Lower Orange River Mine for LOR-Diamonds (Pty) Ltd. Given the variations across the vast area, the nature of ore deposits, variation in grades, environmental settings and processing options, a pragmatic approach (refer para 4.3.3 a)) is taken to such large alluvial diamond mine EMPs on the Orange River and the West Coast. This EMP Amendment/Update is now initiated through LOR-D/Plateaux Diamonds and Joint Venture Partners in: i. Formally redefining the target reserves (sizes and distribution). ii. Defining the new management structure through Joint Venture Partners and their individual “geographic areas” of operation/reserve targets within the LOR-D Mining Right area. iii. Mine Plans of each JV in consultation with LOR-D’s technical staff (Mine Engineer, Geologist and Surveyor) developing a Mine Plan within each respective Geographic Area. iv. Defining the nature of each JV’s processing plants and the management of process water, tailings from such plants operational rehabilitation and mainly mobile logistical facilities required in such plant areas. v. Updating the LOR Mining Work Program (MWP) within the above considerations (under separate cover). vi. Definition of the decommissioning of remaining main THG plants and their plant area rehabilitation requirements.