Permits

This permit is issued to Ms Smith as representative of the Management Authority of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site for the establishment of site safety measures at the National Heritage Site of Cooper's Cave, specifically Cooper's B and the newly discovered deposit at Copper's B prior to the excavation of such deposits. 

Conditions:

1. If Ms Smith is not to be present on the site at all times then SAHRA must be provided with the names and qualifications of the authorised representatives.
2. The activities will be limited to: 
• The establishment of a line of approximately ten 220mm diameter mine poles and pre-stressed headboards in a row parallel to the talus cone, just beyond the edge of the drop-off, for a distance of approximately ten meters to ensure that the length of the drop off up to the excavation area is protected.
• Possibly also the erection of a further row of smaller, more closely packed poles in the excavation area to act as a further barrier against falling rocks.
• The placing of netting or boarding between the larger poles to catch any rolling rocks. The exact placement of the poles will only be agreed upon on the day of installation and must be approved by the scientist, Dr Steininger.
• The possible installation of a high strength wire mesh or boarding between the larger mine poles to act as barrier against rolling rocks.
• The possible installation of a rock motion detector.
3. Before New Concept Mining may commence with the installation, the Cooper’s Cave research team will have to have cleared the floor just beyond the drop-off of all rubble and debris for analysis.
4. Dr Steininger must be consulted before any intervention and should preferably be on site during installation. If this is not possible, she must approve the proposed action in writing and a member of the excavation team must be present on site. Their name must be communicated in writing to SAHRA. 
5. Prior to commencing with the installation, New Concept Mining, together with the research team will determine:
• the placement and exact height of each mine pole, including the possible installation of the smaller set of poles in the excavation area;
• the distance between the poles (and thus the exact number of poles to be installed);
• the extent to which the headboards will have to be pre-stressed (particularly those that might be placed against the cave roof).
6. It is understood that the COHWHS MA will photograph the affected area prior to the installation, and again after the installation has been completed.
7. An interim report on the results of the site safety activities must be submitted to SAHRA on or before the end of November 2014 and November 2015. A final report must be submitted to SAHRA before the end of November 2016. SAHRA reserves the right to withhold further permits if progress is not deemed satisfactory.
8. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to obtain permission from the landowner for each visit, and she is responsible for ensuring that she has an understanding with the landowner concerning: the number of visitors and workers; speed limits on access roads; possible prohibitions on off-road driving; size, type and number of vehicles permitted; possible prohibitions on trespassing beyond the site; disturbing fauna, flora or substrate; appropriate hours of visiting and working on the Site; use of firewood, electricity and water; lighting fires and the prevention of uncontrolled fires and any fencing necessary to protect livestock. Conditions of access imposed by the landowner must be observed.
9. SAHRA shall not be liable for any losses, damages or injuries to persons or properties as a result of any activities in connection with this permit.
10. SAHRA reserves the right to cancel this permit by notice to the permit holder.