Heritage Cases

The HIA (Steyn, 2022) recorded 23 heritage resource sites in total, 16 of which are archaeological sites, one a confirmed grave and 6 that may possibly be graves. Two of the sites (NKM21/31, an archaeological site and NKM21/33, a confirmed grave) are not affected by the Block L development but fall under another extension that will not be mined in the foreseeable future. The following sites need to be mitigated as per the HIA and SAHRA’s comments: • Two (2) sites (NKM21/6 and NKM/21/15) consist of only archaeological midden deposits. • Nine (9) sites (NKM/21/2, NKM/21/4, NKM/21/6, NKM/21/16, NKM/21/18, NKM/21/20, NKM.21/21 and NKM/21/24) consist of sites characterised by cattle kraal/midden deposit. • Five (5) sites (NKM/21/1, NKM/21/3, NKM/21/5, NKM/21/8, and NKM/21/12) consist of cattle kraal/midden deposit with a very high probability of unmarked graves. • Six (6) sites (NKM/21/9, NKM/21/10, NKM/21/11, NKM/21/19, NKM/21/23 and NKM/21/20) consist of features indicative of possible graves. Important to note is the prevalence of unmarked burials in similar sites mitigated in the first phase of the mine’s expansion (Section 36 - PermitID: 3230 [CaseID: 17686] and Section 35 - PermitID: 3264 [CaseID: 16286]). An unusually large number of very shallow burials occurred on these sites, and this will have an impact on the proposed methodology for the mitigation of the sites noted in this application. Stakeholder engagement to identify the historical and more recent occupants of Block L has been undertaken. The identified stakeholders have subsequently completed affidavits confirming their historic residence in the area. Preliminary engagements revealed that the area was occupied since the mid-1800’s by groups who migrated from the KZN area. The prevalence of late Tsonga cultural material on the archaeological sites is not explained by this migration and may indicate a multi-phase occupation of the area. Should any burials be uncovered, it will be exhumed under the applied for S35 permit and as per agreement with the previous occupants of the area (refer to the included affidavits). The applicant will also inform the relevant government stakeholders and permitting authorities about the proposed relocation.