Permits

Millenium Heritage Group (Pty)Ltd has been appointed by Baobab Mining and Exploration (Pty) Ltd to facilitate the exhumation and relocation of unknown graves that will be impacted by Makhado Colliery Mine (MCM) operations. MCM Mining obtained environment and heritage authorizations to extract coal on the farms Daru 889MS and Tanga 648 MS. The project area is situated north of Makhado Town, on the foothills of the Soutpansberg range of mountains along the R525 road which goes to the Nzhelele Dam. Topographically, the site of the Makhado Colliery is characterised by calcrete outcrops, sandstone ridges and floodplains of the Mutamba River. Before exploration by MCM Mining, these farms were previously used for agriculture and cattle keeping before being converted into game farming. As part of the environmental authorization process, a heritage study was performed in 2012 (Roodt 2012) and identified several archaeological sites and three burials in an area where the West Pit of the Makhado Colliery will be located. This permit is allocated for the exhumation and relocation of 3 unknown graves that are covered under section 36 of the National Heritage Resources Act (NHRA) 25 of 1999. The following conditions must be adhered to. 

1. If the permit holder is not to be present on the site at all times then the heritage authority must be provided with the names and qualifications of the authorized representatives.
2. Adequate recording methods as specified in the Regulations and Guidelines pertaining to the National Heritage Resources Act must be employed. Note that the position of all excavations and objects collected must be marked on a site plan.
3. A standard site record form must be lodged on SAHRIS.
4. Human remains must at all times be handled with respect and graves should not be disturbed except where unavoidable. The consultation procedures as indicated in the Regulations and the National Heritage Resources Act must be observed as appropriate. The recommendations for removal of graves and exhumations and for re-burial stipulated in SAHRA's Policy 'What to do when graves are uncovered', section 3, must be observed as far as possible.
5. A permit report is due by 30 September 2022.  A preliminary report must be submitted within three months from the date this permit is issued. 
6. All remains recovered, including relics and artefacts must be buried at a local municipal cemetery.
7. Reprints of all published papers or copies of theses and/or reports resulting from this work must be lodged with the relevant provincial heritage authority and SAHRA.
8. If a published report has not appeared within three years of the lapsing of this permit, the report required in terms of the permit will be made available to researchers on request.
9. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to obtain permission from the landowner for each visit, and conditions of access imposed by the landowner must be observed.
10. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to fill in excavations and protect sites during and after excavation to the satisfaction of the heritage authority and the landowner.
11. The heritage authority 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.
12. The heritage authority reserves the right to cancel this permit by notice to the permit holder.