Booysendal South Flora & Fauna - Wood PLC

Booysendal South Flora & Fauna

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FLORAL & FAUNAL BASELINE & IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT

BOOYSENDAL SOUTH

Compiled For:

Amec Foster Wheeler South Africa (Pty) Ltd Building 2, Silver Stream Business Park

10 Muswell Road South, Bryanston 2021, South Africa

Tel: (011) 8400-7300

Compiled By:

Natural Scientific Services CC

64A Colleraine Drive Riverclub Ext. 7, Sandton

2191, Johannesburg Tel: (011) 787-7400 Fax: (011) 784-7599

COPYRIGHT WARNING With very few exceptions the copyright of all text and presented information is the exclusive property of Natural Scientific Services. It is a criminal offence to reproduce and/or use, without written consent, any information, technical procedure and/or technique contained in this document. Criminal and civil proceedings will be taken as a matter of strict routine against any person and/or institution infringing the copyright of Natural Scientific Services. Ref. no: 2301 Date: June 2017 – updated March 2018


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Booysendal is one of the mines in the Northam Platinum Limited (Northam) portfolio. Northam acquired the Booysendal Mining Right (MR) from Rustenburg Platinum Limited (Anglo Platinum) in 2008 and thereafter purchased the neighbouring Everest Mining Right (MR) from Aquarius Platinum Proprietary Limited in 2014. Everest Mining right is hereafter referred to as the “Booysendal South” MR. The Booysendal operation, therefore, consists of two mining rights, namely the Booysendal MR (LP 30/5/1/3/2/1 (188) EM); and the Booysendal South MR (MP 30/5/1/2/3/2/1 (127) EM). As part of the environmental process, Amec Foster Wheeler South Africa (AFW) appointed Natural Scientific Services CC (NSS) to perform a Terrestrial Floral and Faunal Baseline and Impact Assessment for two processes: a Section 24G Rectification Application under the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) for the recently commenced, initially unauthorized development of the BS Expansion Project Phase 1; and an Environmental Management Programme (EMP) Amendment and associated Environmental Authorization applications for proposed activities still to commence as part of the BS Expansion Project Phase 2. An earlier version of the present report was submitted by NSS in June 2017 for the Section 24G Application. The Section 24G Record of Decision was issued on 5 January 2018. Presented in this report are the combined methodologies and findings of the assessments for both processes, and separate detailed assessments of potential impacts from proposed activities under the i) Booysendal MR; and ii) the Booysendal South MR and iii) cumulative impacts from all existing, commenced and proposed activities for Booysendal. Proposed activities in the Valley under the Booysendal MR include the development of surface infrastructure for the Booysendal Central Merensky 1 and 2 (BCM1 and BCM2) portal areas, an Emergency Escape Portal, the North Aerial Rope Conveyor (ARC) system, water pipelines between BN and BS1/2, and continued use of an existing 11kV powerline between BN and BS1/2. Proposed activities under the Booysendal South MR include the development of a Backfill Plant with associated water and slurry pipelines and paddocks at BS4. The impact assessments are accompanied by recommended impact management, mitigation and monitoring measures, including some broad offset recommendations for major residual impacts from the BS Expansion Project. The floral assessment involved desktop and field-based investigation of the structure, dominant species composition and condition of local floral communities including alien and invasive plants. An ordination analysis revealed over 16 different floral communities excluding alien bush clumps and other transformed areas. The communities were defined under broad habitats, namely: Bushveld and Thicket, Riparian Areas and Wetlands, Slope Grasslands, Rocky Outcrops and Boulders, and Transformed Areas. Except for the Groot-Dwars River system, the majority of floral communities in the Valley occurred largely in a natural to pristine state. All these communities have now been, and will continue to be significantly impacted upon by commenced and proposed activities for Booysendal. In the


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area proposed for the Booysendal South (BS) MR activities (around BS4), floral communities are largely (over 600ha) transformed and only small patches of natural habitat remain. Most floral communities that remain in a natural state extend beyond the current perimeter fence around BS4. More than 100 conservation important (CI) floral taxa occur in the region, of which NSS and past specialists recorded more than 80 in or near the Booysendal South (BS) Expansion Project, including almost 30 locally endemic, two Vulnerable (VU), several Near Threatened (NT), numerous Declining and ~60 Protected Species (PS). Additional CI floral taxa almost certainly occur. The faunal assessment involved desktop- and field-based investigation of mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, butterflies, odonata (dragonflies and damselflies), scorpions and baboon spiders. Field surveys involved visual observation, sweep-netting, grab-sampling, camera-trapping, live-trapping (only for the Booysendal South MR activities at BS4), acoustic bat detection, and the investigation of selected animal burrows using a small electronic probe. A large number of CI faunal species were found to occur in and around the study area. Wetlands provide important habitat for the African Marsh Harrier (Endangered; EN), Blue Crane (VU), two separate golden mole populations (one possibly representing a new species under description, and the other possibly representing the VU Robust Golden Mole), Serval (NT), African / Cape Clawless Otter (NT), Southern African Python (PS), and the Marsh Sylph butterfly (Rare). Grassy hillslopes and rocky ridges were found to provide important habitat for Mountain Reedbuck (EN) and several geographically restricted butterfly species including the Long Tom Widow, Tite’s Copper, Lydenburg Opal and Steelpoort Spotted-eyed Brown. The cliff face to the west of BS4 and the Backfill Plant area was found to provide important habitat for Verreaux’s Eagle (VU) and potentially Cape Vulture (EN), Southern Bald Ibis (VU), Cohen’s Horseshoe Bat (VU), and the (NT) Geoffroy’s Horseshoe, Natal Long-fingered and Rusty Pipistrelle bats. Sheet rock represents critical habitat for three locally endemic, threatened species: the flat rock scorpion Hadogenes polytrichobothrius (VU) and the Sekhukhune and FitzSimon’s (Platysaurus orientalis) flat lizards (both NT). The Valley bushveld was found to provide important habitat for Leopard (VU), Brown Hyena (NT) and most importantly, the locally endemic Pycna sylvia cicada, which under IUCN Red List assessment criteria might be regarded as globally EN. Various other CI faunal taxa potentially occur in the study area. Based on findings from the baseline floral and faunal assessments, a qualitative assessment of the conservation importance of different areas in and adjacent to the BS Expansion Project area was performed. The “sensitivity” assessment was also informed by applicable legislation, guidelines and plans, multiple relevant specialist studies, and communications with the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA pers. comm. 2016). Buffer zones around specific important features were also prescribed. The sensitivity assessment, which culminated in a sensitivity map, confirmed that the study area is situated in a very conservation important area for flora and fauna, which corresponds, inter alia, with the MTPA’s (2013) Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan and the National 2013 Atlas of


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Sensitive Areas for Mining. The location of the BS Expansion Project across a national Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (FEPA), in the Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism, the EN Sekhukhune Mountainlands Ecosystem, national and provincial biodiversity conservation priority areas, and its close proximity to the De Berg Conservancy (including Davel Private Nature Reserve), the Steenkampsberg global Important Bird Area, and the Verloren Valei Nature Reserve and Ramsar Wetland Site, deserves to be highlighted. The impact assessments and an EMP were completed using the methodology and template prescribed for these by AFW. Impacts on flora and fauna from proposed activities in the BS Expansion Project Phase 2, which are of greatest concern, include: Further permanent destruction and extensive fragmentation of undisturbed and

unique floral communities, which provide critical habitat for certain locally endemic and threatened plant and animal taxa. Of particular concern is the sensitive location of the proposed Escape Portal (to be relocated; Booysendal pers. comm. 2018), the large combined extent of the two proposed Merensky portal areas, the long extent of the proposed North (ARC), and the proposed pipelines adjacent to the dirt service road alongside the Groot-Dwars River. These activities will affect High CI Lydenburgia-Vitex-Kirkia Rocky Thicket, Fauria-Combretum-Halleria Riparian Vegetation and Aloe-Myrothamnus-Xerophyta Sheet Rock, and Moderate-High CI Acacia-Euclea-Hippobromus-Scolopia Thicket, Acacia caffra-Ozoroa-Tristachya Eastern Slope Grassland and Loudetia-Themeda Western Slope Grassland. Affected CI habitats will include e.g. the Groot-Dwars River, its “North Waterfall” tributary and other smaller drainage lines, riparian vegetation, sheet rock and Vitex obovata wilmsii trees (used by the Pycna sylvia cicada). In addition, the recommended 1km buffer around the Groot-Dwars River FEPA (as stipulated in the National FEPA project guidelines, which is supported by DWS), and various Moderate-High CI buffers including the NSS-recommended 500m buffer around the Valley golden mole population, the required 100m buffer around all wetlands (as legislated in Government Notice 704, published on 4 June 1999), and both the NSS-recommended 30m buffer around all sheet rock and 500-600m buffer around all VU Zantedeschia pentlandii, will be affected. Of additional concern is further fragmentation of the aerial space, which represents important avifaunal habitat, between BN and BS1/2 by the North ARC.

Further severe erosion and sedimentation, especially in the Valley, where vegetation is cleared and earth-moving activities are performed for development of the proposed infrastructure. Already, erosion and sedimentation caused by commenced activities has heavily impacted numerous mountainside streams and the Groot-Dwars River FEPA. Apart from the impact of erosion on the unique vegetation in the Valley, of additional concern is the impact of sedimentation on various sensitive CI taxa. The (MTPA VU) Ledebouria (Resnova) megaphylla, which was recorded along certain drainage lines in the Valley, bears only a few, small leaves that lie flush with the


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ground. If smothered by sedimentation these shade-dwelling plants will struggle to photosynthesize and survive. High risk sediment-sensitive fauna include the recorded VU Marico Barb, (Barbus motebensis), Shortspine Suckermouth (Chiloglanis pretoriae) and Stargazer Mountain Catfish (Amphilius uranoscopus), and the potentially occurring Sawfin Suckermouth (Chiloglanis paratus) and VU Natal Ghost Frog. Furthermore, with time the sedimentation and nutrient loading will cause a change in riparian vegetation structure in affected wetlands and sections of the Groot-Dwars River. Where sedges and other short, fine-leaved flora occur, these will be replaced by taller, more robust flora such as Phragmites, and this change in habitat will affect the assemblage of fauna in the system. More sensitive CI faunal taxa will likely be replaced by common, generalist faunal taxa.

In addition to constructed infrastructure, which will remain permanently unless removed during closure, throughout the Life of Mine there will be risk of environmental contamination from a broad spectrum of hazardous and non-hazardous materials. Of particular concern is the potential contamination of groundwater and nearby wetlands from backfilling, and possible leaks and spills of hazardous materials and waste from PCDs, storage tanks and pipelines. Due to the intersection of infrastructure with multiple drainage lines, and the close proximity of the portals and especially the process water pipeline to the Groot-Dwars River FEPA, a significant contamination event could have a disastrous impact on water quality and wetland and aquatic habitats, biota, processes / functioning and services both underground and aboveground for a long distance in the downstream catchment, depending on flow conditions and the type and volume of contamination.

Further risk of extensive invasion by alien flora in areas disturbed by development of the proposed infrastructure, especially in the Valley, but also in remaining natural areas in and surrounding BS4. Without effective control, invasive aliens could rapidly establish in disturbed areas and present a formidable and costly threat to a large area that supports biodiversity of high conservation importance. One species already encroaching downslope from BS4 is Acacia mearnsii, which requires immediate removal. Around the bridge crossing over the Groot-Dwars River at BS1/2, Datura stramonium is rapidly establishing on disturbed soil, which should be carefully removed using manual methods. Under no circumstance should herbicides or other chemicals be used to control alien flora at this sensitive location.

Further loss of numerous specimens of CI and other flora where vegetation in the proposed infrastructure footprint will be cleared. Around the BS MR activities (near BS4), susceptible CI taxa include those that are listed as occurring in the Heteropogon-Eragrostis Semi-natural Grassland (e.g. MTPA: VU Eucomis autumnalis), Brachiaria-Tristachya Exposed Rock community (e.g. VU Zantedeschia pentlandii) and the Tulbaghia-Eleocharis Sheetrock Wetland. An especially high diversity of flora including numerous CI taxa is present in the Valley. Of particular concern is the loss of specimens representing locally endemic, threatened and/or Protected species such as the VU Zantedeschia pentlandii, Protected and NT


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Lydenburgia cassinoides, NT Merwilla plumbea, NT Jamesbrittenia macrantha, and NT Aloe barbara-jeppeae (which only occurs in the foothills of the Steenkampsberg in northern Mpumalanga extending northwards to Sekhukhuneland).

Further loss of numerous fauna including CI species specimens. Of particular concern is the likely loss of: i) the Valley golden mole population, which will be threatened by development of the Escape Portal, and by vehicle traffic and road maintenance along the dirt service road near the Groot-Dwars River; ii) avifauna, especially CI species such as the EN Cape Vulture, EN African Marsh Harrier, VU Verreaux's Eagle, VU Martial Eagle, VU Crowned Eagle and NT Melodious Lark, due to their possible collision with the ARC; iii) nymphs of the locally endemic Pycna sylvia cicada, which live underground on the roots of Vitex o. wilmsii trees, and which may take many years to mature; iv) specimens of the locally endemic and sheet-rock restricted Sekhukhune and FitzSimon's flat lizards, and the Hadogenes polytrichobothrius flat rock scorpion; v) the immature life stages of recorded Rare or geographically restricted butterfly species; vi) various potentially occurring CI reptile species; and vii) baboon spiders.

Further sensory disturbance of fauna in the study area. Of particular concern is the possible auditory, vibrational and/or visual disturbance of CI fauna such as Cape Vultures (EN), Verreaux’s Eagles (VU), Southern Bald Ibises (VU) and Lanner Falcons (VU) from construction and operation of the Backfill Plant and associated infrastructure near the cliff west of the Backfill Plant and BS4; auditory and vibrational disturbance of multiple CI bird and bat species from operation of the ARC; vibrational disturbance of the Valley golden mole population from blasting for the Escape Portal and from traffic on the dirt service road; possible auditory disturbance of calling adult Pycna sylvia cicadas in the vicinity of regular or continuous loud noise (e.g. from the Crusher); and visual and auditory disturbance of nocturnal CI carnivores and many other fauna from lighting and night time traffic.

Lost scientific knowledge and opportunities with the possible loss of locally endemic or near-endemic taxa that are unknown, undescribed, Data Deficient or extremely rare. Examples include: two newly discovered golden mole populations, two Asclepias plant and a Camponotus ant species, which were recently discovered in or near BS, and which remain undescribed; the recently described, near-endemic VU Cohen’s Horseshoe Bat, which is known to roost near BS, and the near-endemic Critically Endangered Stoffberg Widow butterfly (Dingana fraterna), which is known to currently occur at a single locality ~35km west of BN.

Based on the identified impacts, the following key impact management and mitigation measures have been recommended: Avoid further (especially unnecessary) disturbance of High CI floral communities and

habitats, and recommended Moderate-High CI buffers. Relocate the Escape Portal to a less conservation important area.


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Do not create new roads for the North ARC. Only use the Main Access Road and existing tracks for this.

Volcanization and laydown areas for the ARC should only be placed in recently disturbed areas, such as along the Main Access Road between BN and BS1/2.

Clearing of vegetation for the ARC should, therefore, be limited to the footings and existing tracks.

Ensure that measures are put in place to minimise bird collision risk as a result of the ARC. Consultation from a suitably qualified / experienced ornithologist should be sought in this regard. Input should include, inter alia, monitoring bird collision risk. It is recommended that the principles within The Birds and Wind-Energy Best-Practice Guidelines, South Africa by Jenkins et al. (2015) should be adapted where applicable, and adopted.

Shift the pipeline between the BS4 RWD and PCD ca. 200m south-westwards to minimize the length of its intersection with the High CI Fuirena-Leersia-Phragmites Vlei System.

Shift the proposed process and potable water pipelines alongside the Groot-Dwars River to the recently disturbed verge of the Main Access Road.

Pipelines should be made of metal, and mounted off the ground (preferably at varying height e.g. on concrete blocks).

Elevate pipelines over all wetlands and drainage lines to avoid destruction of these High CI areas.

Construct and maintain carefully engineered crossings to avoid impacting wetland communities, habitats, hydrology, and water quality, wherever a BS road crosses a drainage line. Each crossing will need to be separately assessed as each will have different potential sediment contributions and downstream impacts.

Ensure that any activity within 500m of a delineated watercourse is explicitly approved in a valid water use license. Activities must be assessed on a case by case basis by an appropriately qualified wetland specialist who is also SACNASP registered. This is in accordance with Section 21 (c) and (i) of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998).

Strictly limit vehicle traffic on the dirt service road that runs adjacent to the Groot-Dwars River between BN and BS1/2 by maintaining the existing boom at co-ordinates i) 25° 5'3.90"S and 30° 7'5.27"E, and installing additional locked booms at co-ordinates ii) 25° 6'41.79"S and 30° 7'20.08"E, iii) 25° 7'14.28"S and 30° 7'12.68"E, and iv) 25° 7'41.32"S and 30° 7'8,25"E. Under absolutely no circumstance should vehicle traffic, road grading and other road maintenance work be allowed on the section of road between co-ordinates ii) and iii) where the Valley golden mole population is situated.

Implement and maintain extensive, effective and environmentally-friendly measures to control dust, storm water, erosion and sedimentation throughout BS.

Maintain a large, diverse and productive nursery for the cultivation of locally indigenous flora, especially endemic and CI floral taxa (where feasible) and species


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that will be able to handle storage and translocation. Note that permits will be required by relevant Departments for the collection or removal of specimens of CI taxa.

Compile and implement a comprehensive Invasive Alien Eradication and Control Plan for Booysendal, involving environmentally-friendly and preferably mechanical methods. Only apply for Category 2 permits to retain existing invasive alien flora at BS4, which are proven by Booysendal to be critical in mitigating impacts such as dust or ground water contamination.

Compile and implement an effective Waste Management Plan. Ensure that there are effective emergency procedures in place to deal with possible

contamination events. Rehabilitate all disturbed areas in the study area (post-construction and during

closure) using effective, environmentally-friendly methods, until erosion and sedimentation have been effectively halted, and vegetation succession in these areas supports a balance of Decreaser* and Increaser I climax plant taxa, e.g. Andropogon, Cymbopogon, Festuca scabra, Loudetia simplex, Themeda triandra, Schizachyrum, Panicum natalensis Setaria sphacelata and Tristachya on the Valley slopes and rocky areas, and Andropogon Cymbopogon, Themeda triandra, Setaria sphacelata, Cenchrus in the Valley bottom. It should be realised, however, that rehabilitation efforts, as mandatory as they may be, will not restore areas to their reference state due to : o The extent and severity of certain impacts in the study area. o Possible incorrect storage of soil layers, which will alter the soil structure, allow

mixing to occur, and which will affect the soil seedbank. o That rehabilitation of natural areas is, de facto, never completely successfully

even when this has been afforded generous investment. Remove all infrastructure during closure, without causing disturbance to undisturbed

areas. Effectively rehabilitate all disturbed areas. Dispose of hazardous materials and waste at an appropriate licensed facility. Dispose of remaining non-hazardous materials and waste in the most environmentally-friendly means possible.

All significant residual impacts must be appropriately and adequately offset, with approval by relevant authorities.

As activities under both phases of the BS Expansion Project have already and will continue to result in irreversible impacts in an area with unique biodiversity of high national and provincial conservation importance, NSS concludes that activities in the Groot-Dwars River Valley for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the BS Expansion Project should not have occurred. In line with the draft National Biodiversity Offset Policy (GG 40733, GN 276, 31 March 2017), and in addition to the offset conditions that are stipulated in the Record of Decision on the (2017) Booysendal Section 24G Application, NSS recommends:


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The purchase or donation and legal protection of additional offset areas to ensure that all disturbed areas in the BS Expansion Project should be offset in accordance with the 1:30 ratio to be applied in provincial Irreplaceable Critical Biodiversity Areas, as stipulated in the draft Policy.

Extensive rehabilitation of redundant prospecting and temporary roads on all properties owned by Booysendal, until erosion and sedimentation have been effectively halted, and vegetation succession in these areas supports a balance of Decreaser and Increaser I climax plant taxa, as previously described.

Comprehensive rehabilitation of all crossings over the Groot-Dwars River in BS, which are impacting flow, water quality and other aspects of the system.

Effective, long-term and environmentally-friendly control of invasive alien flora from the off-site upstream Groot-Dwars catchment and in the De Berg Conservancy (including Davel Private Nature Reserve).

NSS recommends that for any environmental authorization for BS must: Strictly prohibit disturbances of any area south of BS1/2, to ensure that a maximal

“like-for-like” offset area can be secured in the Valley. Clearly stipulate appropriate and adequate offset measures for all significant residual

impacts, following approval from relevant authorities. Include the proviso, even though Booysendal has mining rights for certain areas, that

explicit offset measures for BS, which are approved by relevant authorities, must be legally binding, as stated in the draft National Biodiversity Offset Policy.

Contain a comprehensive list of impact management, mitigation and monitoring measures.

Be enforced through regular inspections by relevant authorities.


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DECLARATION I, Caroline Lötter, in my capacity as a specialist consultant, hereby declare that I -

Act as an independent consultant; Do not have any financial interest in the undertaking of the activity, other than

remuneration for the work performed in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA; Act 107 of 1998);

Have and will not have vested interest in the proposed activity proceeding; Have no, and will not engage in, conflicting interests in the undertaking of the activity; Undertake to disclose, to the competent authority, any material information that has or

may have the potential to influence the decision of the competent authority or the objectivity of any report, plan or document required in terms of NEMA;

Will provide the competent authority with access to all information at my disposal regarding the application, whether such information is favourable to the applicant or not;

As a registered member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions, will undertake my profession in accordance with the Code of Conduct of the Council, as well as any other societies to which I am a member;

Based on information provided to me by the project proponent and in addition to information obtained during the course of this study, have presented the results and conclusion within the associated document to the best of my professional ability; and

Reserve the right to modify aspects pertaining to the present investigation should additional information become available through ongoing research and/or further work in this field.

Dr Caroline Lötter Pr.Nat.Sci. March 2018 SACNASP reg. no. 400182/09

(Zoological Science) Date


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. SETTING THE SCENE B. FLORAL ASSESSMENT C. FAUNAL ASSESSMENT D. SENSITIVITY ASSESSMENT E. IMPACT ASSESSMENT & EMP F. REFERENCES


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LIST OF ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS ACRONYM/ ABBREVIATION

DESCRIPTION

.wac Wildlife Acoustics compressed file

.wav (Wildlife Acoustics) wave file

.zc zero crossing file ADU Animal Demography Unit – a research unit of the Department of Zoology at the

University of Cape Town AFW Amec Foster Wheeler South Africa (Pty) Ltd (part of the Wood group) ARC Aerial Rope Conveyor system a.s.l. above sea level BN Booysendal North Booysendal Booysendal PGM (Platinum Group Metals) Mine BCM1 and 2 Booysendal Central Merensky 1 and 2 adits / portals / operational areas Br Breeding BS 1/2 and 4 Booysendal South 1/2 and 4 CARA Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act 43 of 1983) CBA Critical Biodiversity Area CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CI conservation important CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and

Flora CL Closure CO Construction CoM Chamber of Mines C-Plan Conservation Plan CR Critically Endangered D Declining population trend DD Data Deficient DEA Department of Environmental Affairs DMR Department of Mineral Resources DWA Department of Water Affairs (previously known as DWAF) DWAF Department of Water Affairs and Forestry DWD Dirty Water Dam DWS Department of Water and Sanitation (previously known as DWA) EA Environmental Authorization EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EM3 Echo Meter 3 (bat call detector) EMP Environmental Management Programme EN Endangered End Endemic ESA Ecological Support Area EW Extinct in the Wild EWT Endangered Wildlife Trust


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ACRONYM/ ABBREVIATION

DESCRIPTION

EX Extinct Ex-Everest Defunct Everest Platinum Mine FEPA Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area G Game GDARD Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development GG Government Gazette GN Government Notice GnorBIG Gauteng and northern regions Bat Interest Group GPG Good practice guidance GPS Global Positioning System I Increasing population trend IA Impact Assessment IAA Invasive Alien Animal IBA Important Bird Area ICMM International Council on Mining and Metals IFC International Finance Corporation IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, based in

Gland, Switzerland IWULA Integrated Water Use License Application JPol Johannesburg Declaration and Plan of Implementation LC Least Concern LDFED Limpopo Department of Finance and Economic Development LEMA Limpopo Environmental Management Act (Act 7 of 2003) LepSoc Lepidopterists’ Society of Africa LO Likelihood of Occurrence of a taxon in an area LP Limpopo Province MA Millennium Ecosystem Assessment MBG Mining and Biodiversity Guideline MBSP Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan MP Mpumalanga Province MTPA Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency NAEHMP National Aquatic Ecosystem Health Monitoring Programme NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan NEM:BA National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) NEM:PAA National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003) NEMA National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) NEPAD New Partnership for Africa’s Development NFA National Forests Act (Act 84 of 1998) NFEPA National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas NGO Non-governmental organization NHRA National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999) NMPRDA National Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (Act 28 of 2002) Northam Northam Platinum Limited NPAES National Protected Areas Expansion Strategy


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DESCRIPTION

NSBA National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment NSS Natural Scientific Services CC NT Near Threatened NVFFA National Veld and Forest Fire Act (Act 101 of 1998) NWA National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) NWRS National Water Resource Strategy OG Ordinary Game OP Operation PA Protected Animal PCD Pollution Control Dam PG Protected Game PGM Platinum Group Metals POSA Plants of Southern Africa (website) Pr.Nat.Sci. Professional Natural Scientist PRECIS The National Herbarium of Pretoria’s Computerized Information System PS Protected Species PWA Protected Wild Animal QDS Quarter Degree Square – the basic unit used by the Surveyor General for

creation of 1:50 000 topographical maps REMP River Eco-status Monitoring Programme RHP River Health Programme Ropecon. Rope conveyor. See ARC RSA Republic of South Africa RWD Return Water Dam S Stable population trend SABAP 1 & 2 First and second Southern African Bird Atlas Projects, managed by the ADU SAMBF South African Mining and Biodiversity Forum SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute SCPE Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism sp. Species SPWA Specially Protected Wild Animal subsp. Subspecies ToPS Threatened or Protected Species TSF Tailings Storage Facility TSP Threatened Species Programme -– a programme managed by SANBI to assess

the Red Data status of South African plants TWQR Target Water Quality Range U Unknown population trend UJ University of Johannesburg UP University of Pretoria var. Variant VU Vulnerable WA Wild Animal WITS University of the Witwatersrand


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DESCRIPTION

WMA Water Management Area WSA Water Services Act (Act 108 of 1997)


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SECTION A: TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

2. Terms of Reference ............................................................................................................. 3

3. NSS Team ........................................................................................................................... 4

4. Activities in Booysendal South ............................................................................................. 5

5. Limitations ........................................................................................................................... 8

6. Biophysical Environment ...................................................................................................... 8 6.1. Location & Land-use ................................................................................................... 8 6.2. Topography ............................................................................................................... 16 6.3. Climate ..................................................................................................................... 16 6.4. Geology & Soils ........................................................................................................ 20 6.5. Hydrology ................................................................................................................. 20 6.6. Biomes ...................................................................................................................... 22 6.7. Vegetation................................................................................................................. 24 6.8. Centres of Plant Endemism ...................................................................................... 27

7. Appendices ........................................................................................................................ 29 7.1. Curriculum Vitae of Senior NSS team members........................................................ 29

SECTION A: LIST OF TABLES Table 3-1 NSS team with associated areas of specialisation ........................................... 5 Table 6-1 Summarised Comparison of the regional vegetation types ............................ 24 Table 6-2 Composition of the regional vegetation types ................................................ 26

SECTION A: LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1-1 Location of Booysendal ................................................................................... 2 Figure 6-1 Layout of activities for Booysendal South ...................................................... 10 Figure 6-2 Farms in and around Booysendal .................................................................. 11 Figure 6-3 1956 aerial photograph showing scattered farmsteads, and crop cultivation

(BS1/2 and BS4 superimposed) .................................................................... 12 Figure 6-4 1964 aerial photograph showing again farmsteads with crop cultivation (BN,

BS1/2 and BS4 superimposed) ...................................................................... 13 Figure 6-5 2003 satellite imagery showing prominent (kiwi) orchards but no noticeable

mining and human settlement ........................................................................ 14 Figure 6-6 2012 satellite imagery showing the establishment of Everest Platinum Mine

and increasing human settlement to the north-north-east .............................. 14 Figure 6-7 Land cover data for Booysendal South .......................................................... 15


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Figure 6-8 Topography in and around Booysendal South ............................................... 17 Figure 6-9 Monthly average temperature measured at Booysendal Mine (MM5 2018) ... 18 Figure 6-10 Monthly rainfall measured at Booysendal Mine (Booysendal unpubl. data) ... 19 Figure 6-11 Quaternary catchment wherein Booysendal is situated.................................. 21 Figure 6-12 Biomes wherein Booysendal is situated ......................................................... 23 Figure 6-13 Regional vegetation types wherein Booysendal is situated ............................ 25 Figure 6-14 Centres of Plant Endemism in the Booysendal region ................................... 28


Natural Scientific Services CC A-1

SECTION A: SETTING THE SCENE

1. Introduction Booysendal is one of the mines in the Northam Platinum Limited (Northam) portfolio. Northam acquired the Booysendal Mining Right (MR) from Rustenburg Platinum Limited (Anglo Platinum) in 2008 and thereafter purchased the neighbouring Everest Mining Right (MR) from Aquarius Platinum Proprietary Limited in 2014. Everest Mining right is hereafter referred to as the “Booysendal South” MR. The Booysendal operation, therefore, consists of two mining rights, namely the Booysendal MR (LP 30/5/1/3/2/1 (188) EM); and the Booysendal South MR (MP 30/5/1/2/3/2/1 (127) EM). Booysendal straddles the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provincial boundary between formerly Anglo Platinum’s Der Brochen Platinum Mine (part of which is now BN) in the north near Steelpoort, and the old “Everest Mine” in the south near Oshoek (Figure 1-1). Amec Foster Wheeler South Africa (Pty) Ltd (AFW pers. comm. 2016) appointed Natural Scientific Services CC (NSS) to undertake a Terrestrial Floral and Faunal Baseline and Impact Assessment for a Section 24G Rectification Application under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA; Act 107 of 1998) for activities which recently commenced, initially without authorization, for development of the BS Expansion Project Phase 1. Amec Foster Wheeler also appointed NSS to undertake an analogous assessment to inform the Environmental Management Programme (EMP) Amendment and associated Environmental Authorization (EA) applications for proposed activities under the BS Expansion Project Phase 2. An initial biodiversity study for Booysendal Mine by Ecofin Consulting Ecologists was conducted and submitted in August 2016. NSS’s terrestrial floral and faunal field surveys were performed for the BS Expansion Project Phase 1 around BS4 (Figure 1-1) during 9-13 January 2017 (mid-summer), for the Section 24G activities during 23-26 January 2017 (mid-summer), for an area south of BS1/2 during 22-25 May 2017 (autumn), and for additional proposed activities mainly between BN and BS1/2 during 12-15 December 2017 (mid-summer). The NSS Study Area shown in Figure 1-1 represents the area that NSS surveyed for all BS Expansion Project Phase 1 and Phase 2 activities. An earlier version of the present report was submitted by NSS in June 2017 for the Section 24G Application. The Section 24G Record of Decision (RoD) was issued on 5 January 2018. Presented in this report are the combined methodologies and findings for both the Section 24G and the EMP Amendment and EA application processes and, in line with an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, separate detailed assessments of potential impacts from proposed activities and cumulative impacts from all existing, commenced and proposed activities for Booysendal. These are accompanied by recommended impact management, mitigation and monitoring measures, including some broad offset recommendations for major residual impacts.



Figure 1-1 Location of Booysendal and NSS Study Area (in purple)



2. Terms of Reference As agreed between AFW and NSS, in accordance with NEMA (Appendix 6 of Regulation GN R326, 7 April 2017) this report contains: A declaration (by the NSS Project Manager). An executive summary. A glossary of abbreviations, acronyms and key terminology. A table of contents.

Section A: Setting the Scene: An introduction. A (tabulated) description of our specialists’ expertise (curriculum vitaes appended). A description of the Section 24G, and the EMP and EA activities (of particular

relevance to terrestrial flora and fauna). (General) Limitations to the Assessment. A broad description of relevant biophysical attributes of the study area.

Section B: Floral Assessment: Methodology (including limitations specific to the floral assessment). Results and their discussion, including:

o A description of the structure, dominant species composition, and condition of remaining (native) floral communities.

o A description of the nature and extent of floral communities that have been lost.

o A map of the remaining extent of the identified floral communities. o A description of observed invasive alien flora (including their status). o A discussion of Conservation Important (CI) flora that were observed, or

which are highly likely to occur, and also those that have likely been lost due to recent activities.

o A map indicating where CI plant specimens were found. Section C: Faunal Assessment: Methodology (including limitations specific to the faunal assessment). Results and their discussion, including:

o Lists of observed and potentially occurring mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, butterflies, odonata, scorpions and baboon spiders.

o A discussion on the diversity of the afore-mentioned native fauna, especially in relation to different habitats, and also those that have likely been lost due to recent activities.



o A discussion of CI fauna that were observed, or which are highly likely to occur.

o A map indicating where CI animal specimens were found. Section D: Sensitivity Assessment: A list of applicable international, national and provincial legislation, guidelines and

spatial conservation initiatives to be considered. A brief discussion of recommended buffers to protect CI biodiversity features. A qualitative assessment and map highlighting areas of biodiversity conservation

concern including any no-go areas. Section E: Impact Assessment & EMP: A detailed assessment of impacts on flora and fauna (using AFW’s prescribed

methodology) from proposed activities and cumulative impacts from all existing, commenced and proposed activities for the BS Expansion Project Phase 2.

Specific, measurable and auditable recommended impact management, mitigation and monitoring measures for all BS Expansion Project Phase 2 activities.

Broad description of recommended measures to offset major residual impacts. Concluding remarks highlighting any important oversights, constraints, fatal flaws,

authority requirements, knowledge gaps, and conditions for authorization. Section F: References

3. NSS Team All aspects of this Assessment were executed and managed by NSS. The NSS team has extensive experience in completing biodiversity assessments involving floral, faunal, wetland and aquatic work, as well as EIAs, EMPs, EMP Reports, and Strategic Management Plans for the conservation, mining, waste, commercial and industrial sectors. In terms of accreditation and professional registrations the following is applicable to NSS: Senior team members are registered Professional Natural Scientists in the

ecological, environmental, and zoological fields. The senior wetland team member is acknowledged (since 2009) by the Department

of Water and Sanitation (DWS) as a competent wetland delineator. The curriculum vitae of each NSS senior specialist have been appended to this report section.



Table 3-1 NSS team with associated areas of specialisation ROLE NAME QUALIFICATIONS

Project Management & Fauna

Dr Caroline Lötter Ph.D. – Zoology (UP). Pr.Nat.Sci. registered – Zoology.

Project Review & Flora

Susan Abell M.Sc. – Resource Conservation Biology (WITS). Pr.Nat.Sci. registered – Ecology & Environmental Science.

Fauna Tyron Clark M.Sc. - Zoology (WITS) – in progress.

Floral assistance Samantha Bradley >10 year’s in field work experience with NSS.

GIS mapping Tim Blignaut B.Sc. (Honours) – Geography (Wits).

4. Activities in Booysendal South Listed below, and shown where possible in Figure 6-1, are activities (of relevance to terrestrial biodiversity), which have been included under the Section 24G process, or which are proposed and included under the EMP and EA process. 4.1. Booysendal South Expansion Phase 1: Section 24G activities: The “Main Access Road” from BN to BS1/2, and to the processing plant at BS4,

involving construction of a “bridge” over the Groot-Dwars River at BS1/2. According to Booysendal (pers. comm. 2017), the Road is being developed for safety reasons to provincial road specifications. It is 13.2m wide and has 14 culverts and a 30m wide servitude.

Access roads and platforms for 11 towers, which will support an Aerial Rope conveyor System (ARC) to transport ore from BS1/2 to BS4 (hereon referred to as the South ARC).

The BS1/2 Complex including: o Seven adits - of 300m2 each. o Two vent shafts with fans. o An infilled terrace area. o Upstream storm water cut-off drains. o A pollution control dam (PCD) with a capacity of 14 000m³. o A crusher plant. o An overland ore conveyor system to silo for ARC. o Temporary waste rock dump. o A sewage treatment plant with a capacity of 30m³/h. o A potable water treatment plant with a design capacity of 1 m3/h and raw

water storage tanks of 8 500m3 capacity. o Sump capturing dirty water, treated to a potable water tank.



o Evaporation dam with a capacity of 14 000m³. o Storage facilities for hazardous materials. o Mine dewatering. o The diversion of two tributaries of the Groot-Dwars River around the

Complex. Two Booysendal Central Merensky (BCM1 and BCM2) adits - without any surface

infrastructure. A 132kV powerline (and telephone lines) from BN to BS1/2. A PCD at the BS4 Valley Boxcut. Water pipelines between the Valley Boxcut and BS1/2. Reclamation of existing Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) 1 at BS4. Upgrading of storm water management system at BS4 with guidance from

recommendations made by SLR (2011). Decommissioning of a PCD at BS4. Increase in the size of the ore stockpile at BS4. Backfilling at BS4 of the underground workings with tailings.

4.2. Booysendal South Expansion Phase 2 Activities: 4.2.1 Booysendal Mining Right Activities In the Valley between BN and BS1/2: Surface infrastructure associated with BCM1 and BCM2, including workshops,

conveyors, a PCD each, offices, water storage tanks, water treatment plants, ore stockpiles, potential oil and diesel storage bays, change rooms etc. As indicated above, the BCM adits were approved in the Section 24G RoD, but no provision was made for surface infrastructure at that point. In addition, the location of BCM2 has moved slightly from the position approved in the RoD.

A 300m2 Emergency Escape Portal and return airway vent, with upstream storm water diversion drainage lines, north of BS1/2.

Access roads and platforms for six towers to support an ARC between BS1/2 and BN (hereon referred to as the North ARC).

Pipelines for potable water (from the Lebalelo Water User Association) and process water, between BN and BCM1, BCM2 and BS1/2, along the existing dirt road immediately adjacent to the Groot-Dwars River.

Continued use of an existing 11kV powerline between BN and BS1/2.

4.2.2 Booysendal South Mining Right Activities Backfill Plant and storage tanks near BS4 (having a combined capacity of between

80m3 and 500m3) for diesel and other dangerous goods near BS4,



Slurry and process water pipelines between the backfill and process plant, the return water dam (RWD) and the silt trap;

Three emergency paddocks along the tailings pipeline between the backfill and process plant.

4.2.3 Vegetation Units Impacted

Ropecon foot

Ropecon

Main road

Fence

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Terrace

Valley BC

Vents

Roads

Water pipeline

Powerline

Acacia-Hyperthelia Lower Floodplain Grassland x Acacia - Euclea- Hippobromus - Scolopia Thicket x x x x x x x x Acacia caffra - Ozoroa - Tristachya Eastern Slope Grasslands x x x x x x x x x Agriculture - kiwi farming Agriculture - past farming x Aloe - Myrothamnus - Xerophyta Sheet Rock Formations x x x x Brachiaria - Tristachya Exposed Rock x x x x x Cleared areas x x x x x x x x Cleared Areas for Roads x x x x x x x x x x Cliff face & kloof habitat x Current Infrastructure x x x x x x Dams Faurea - Combretum - Halleria Riparian vegetation x x x x x x Fuirena - Agrostis Seep Zones x x x x x x x x Fuirena - Leersia - Phragmites Vlei system x x x Groot Dwars Vlei System x Heteropogon - Eragrostis Semi-natural grassland x x x x Lippia - Eragrostis Transformed (past clearing, some recovery) x x x x x x Loudetia - Themeda Western Slope Grasslands x x x x x x x x Lydenburgia - Vitex - Kirkia Rocky Thicket x x x x x x x x Main Alien Bushclumps (Eucalyptus / Acacia x x x x x



mearnsii) Phragmites - Schoenoplectus Vlei system x x x Protea - Themeda Slope Open Woodland x x Rock & Sediment Fall x x x Searsia- Diospyros - Rhoicissus Rocky outcrops Thicket Transformed vleis Tulbaghia – Eleocharis Sheetrock Wetland x x

5. Limitations The following limitations to this Assessment should be noted: Proposed infrastructure plans for the project changed several times, and in some

significant ways. NSS was unable to perform survey work for two tributaries of the Groot-Dwars River,

which were diverted around BS1/2, prior to the fieldwork. Some species may be present but are difficult to detect because e.g. they are

uncommon, small, migratory, secretive, and/or have unpredictable or brief growth / activity / flowering periods.

6. Biophysical Environment 6.1. Location & Land-use The names and numbers of farms in and around the Booysendal South Expansion Project are shown in Figure 6-2. The towns closest to Booysendal are Steelpoort (~45km north), Lydenburg (~32km east), Oshoek (~6km south-east), Draaikraal (~11km south-west) and Roossenekal (~21km west-south-west). Tar road access to Booysendal was only possible at BN and BS4. Before construction of the BS road network commenced, tar and dirt roads were restricted to BS4. Some severely eroded mine exploration tracks traverse certain slopes in the Valley. Historical aerial photographs show that prior to the 1980s, some (limited) crop cultivation had occurred along the Groot-Dwars River and across the high-lying region where BS4 is now situated (Figure 6-3; Figure 6-4). More recent satellite imagery (Figure 6-5; Figure 6-6) and land cover data (Figure 6-7) show that now there is also: Large (kiwi) orchards (north and east of the existing TSF at BS4).



Expanding platinum mining in the region, now represented by the Two Rivers, Der Brochen, and Booysendal operations.

Increasing human settlement (east and south of BS4), accompanied by subsistence crop cultivation, and livestock grazing (mainly in and around BS4).

Most of the Groot-Dwars Valley south of BN had, however, remained largely undisturbed until activities for the Booysendal South Expansion Project recently commenced.



Figure 6-1 Layout of activities for the Booysendal South Expansion Project Phase 1 and 2



Figure 6-2 Farms in and around Booysendal



Figure 6-3 1956 aerial photograph showing scattered farmsteads, and crop cultivation (BS1/2 and BS4 superimposed)

BS4

BS1/2



Figure 6-4 1964 aerial photograph showing again farmsteads with crop cultivation (BN, BS1/2 and BS4 superimposed)

BS4

BS1/2

BN



Figure 6-5 2003 satellite imagery showing prominent (kiwi) orchards but no noticeable mining and human settlement

Figure 6-6 2012 satellite imagery showing the establishment of Everest Platinum Mine and increasing human settlement to the north-north-east



Figure 6-7 Land cover data for Booysendal Mine



6.2. Topography Elevation across Booysendal varies dramatically as depicted in Figure 6-8. Situated on the western side of the Groot-Dwars River is BN at an elevation of 1 322m a.s.l., and BS1/2 at an elevation of 1 213m a.s.l. BS4 is situated on the eastern side of the Groot-Dwars at an elevation of 1 706m a.s.l. The region’s topography has a pronounced impact on climatic conditions and biodiversity. In the valleys where there is greater moisture and warmer temperatures, floral communities are generally representative of bushveld. On the higher plateaus where conditions are drier and cooler, the vegetation is dominated by grassland. Certain grassland fauna are, consequently, restricted to the plateaus, while certain bushveld fauna occur only in the valleys. 6.3. Climate The Sekhukhune Montane Grassland vegetation type, wherein BS4 is situated, is characterized by 600-720mm annual precipitation in the form of thunderstorms in summer from November to January. Mean daily temperature ranges from a minimum of 2.8°C in winter to a maximum of 24.9°C in summer (Mucina & Rutherford 2006). The Sekhukhune Mountain Bushveld vegetation type, wherein BN, the Valley Boxcut and BS1/2 are situated and BCM1, BCM2 and the Emergency Escape Portal are proposed, also features summer rainfall with very dry winters. Annual precipitation is 500-700mm, but local topography influences rainfall patterns over short distances. Daily temperatures vary considerably at different localities, with highest temperatures in lower-lying areas and lowest temperatures on southern aspects of mountains. Temperatures below freezing point rarely occur in the region, even at higher altitudes (Siebert et al. 2003). During the past three years, regional monthly average ambient temperature has ranged between approximately 16°C-19°C during summer to 9°C -11°C during winter (Figure 6-9). At Booysendal, mean annual rainfall is approximately 688mm (Booysendal unpubl. data). Rainfall data from the Mine, depicted in Figure 6-10, indicate that between the start of the 2016/2017 summer season on 1 October 2016, and our first visit during 23-26 January 2017, Booysendal had received >600mm rain, representing ~90% of the average annual amount of precipitation in only four months. Prior to our surveys, during December 2016 alone, 278mm rain had been received, which is the highest amount of total monthly rainfall measured at Booysendal since at least 2010. The exceptional rainfall favoured the floral and faunal survey work in January and May 2017, but greatly aggravated erosion and sedimentation in BS, especially where vegetation had recently been cleared in the Valley. The exceptional rainfall in December 2016 also contributed to the above average amount of >1000mm annual rainfall that preceded and favoured our survey work in December 2017.



Figure 6-8 Topography in and around Booysendal Mine



Figure 6-9 Monthly average temperature measured at Booysendal Mine (MM5 2018)

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6.4. Geology & Soils The main regional geological feature is known as the Eastern Limb of the Bushveld Complex. The Complex comprises a suite of layered ultramafic/mafic rocks up to 9km thick (known as the Rustenburg Layered Suite), roofed by Rooiberg Group felsitic volcanics and granophyres and a suite of late Bushveld Granites. The Rustenburg Layered Suite, which ranges in composition, is subdivided into four zones referred to as the Lower, Critical, Main and Upper zones. Sekhukhuneland is positioned within the Critical and Lower zones, and is known for its concentric belts or layers of norite1, anorthosite and pyroxenite (ultramafic substrates) which have given rise to the Leolo and other mountains in the region. High concentrations of heavy metals occur in metalliferous or serpentiniferous soils derived from ultramafic rock (Kent 1980), and the norite, anorthosite and pyroxenite ultramafic substrates show a significant positive correlation with percentage plant endemism (Siebert 1998). Soils in the region are mainly red or black montmorillonitic clays and are rich in ions such as Calcium, Potassium, Sodium and Magnesium (Siebert 2001). Prominent soil types include the Arcadia, Bonheim, Hutton, Mayo, Milkwood, Mispah and Steendal forms. The soils generally have a low agricultural potential with only certain small portions containing a soil depth of up to 750mm. Erosion is severe in places, as is clearly evident in the study area, where old exploration tracks are severely eroded, and newly disturbed areas have rapidly started eroding in the wake of rainfall events during the 2016/2017 summer season. 6.5. Hydrology Booysendal is situated on a major watershed between the Olifants and Pongola river basins, in the upper reaches of quaternary catchment B41G (Figure 6-11) in the Upper Olifants River catchment area, within the Olifants Water Management Area. Numerous non-perennial and perennial streams drain into the Groot-Dwars River. Booysendal activities for the Booysendal South Expansion Project Phase 1 and 2 are found on both sides of this river system, upstream of its confluence with the Klein-Dwars River. These tributaries feed into the Steelpoort River, and eventually the Olifants River, which flows through the Kruger National Park before its confluence with the Limpopo River in Mozambique. The Olifants River is heavily impacted upon by coal mining, power generation, heavy industry, sewerage pollution and large-scale commercial agriculture (Dabrowski & De Klerk 2013). The Olifants exhibits high heavy metal concentrations due to acid mine drainage, and high E. coli, nitrate and phosphate concentrations from inflows of partially treated and untreated sewage (Water Wheel 2010). Pollution in the catchment has resulted in the mortality of fish, crocodiles and other wildlife between Loskop Dam and the Kruger National Park. It is critical that any form of pollution from Booysendal is carefully managed to prevent further contamination, loss of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in the Olifants River catchment.

1 A granular crystalline rock consisting essentially of a triclinic feldspar (as labradorite) and hypersthene.



Figure 6-11 Quaternary catchment wherein Booysendal is situated



6.6. Biomes Booysendal is situated in the transition zone between South Africa’s Grassland and Savanna biomes (Figure 6-12). The Grassland Biome has extremely high biodiversity, second only to the Fynbos Biome. At a 1km2 scale the average species richness of the Grassland Biome is even higher than that of most Fynbos communities, being surpassed only by Renosterveld (Cowling et al. 1997; Van Wyk 2002). As many rare and threatened plant species in the summer rainfall region of South Africa are restricted to grassland, this vegetation is in urgent need of protection. The majority of plant species within grasslands are non-grassy herbs (forbs), most of which are perennial plants with large underground storage structures. Tree species are limited due to frost, fire and grazing, which maintains the herbaceous grass and forb layer and ultimately prevents the establishment of tall woody plants (Tainton 1999). “Grasslands also provide many essential ecosystem services, underpinned by rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystem processes. It is difficult to put a price on the benefits that South African society derives from these ecosystem services, but their contribution to economic activities has been estimated at some R9.7 million per annum. Some of the most important ecosystem services provided by grasslands include: Water production, water purification and flood attenuation. Good quality forage for animal production. Nutrient-cycling and carbon sequestration and storage. Pollination services. Support for livelihoods such as thatching and weaving. Medicinal and food plants. Cultural, heritage and recreational amenities, often with significant tourism value. Deep, nutrient-rich soils” (SANBI 2013).

The Savanna Biome covers 33% of South Africa where it generally occurs at lower altitudes compared to Grassland. In most savannas there is an unstable relationship between the herbaceous grass layer and the discontinuous tree layer, which is affected by fire, herbivory and other factors. The structure of the tree layer is important to animals as it affects the availability of browse, shade and shelter. Soil fertility affects the nutritional status of savanna, and animals tend to prefer nutrient-rich savanna where trees have smaller leaves, and there is less woody biomass, higher grass palatability, less leaf litter, and a lower diversity of soil fauna that is dominated by ants (not termites). The Savanna Biome is not nearly as threatened as the Grassland Biome, and future climate change is predicted to expand the Savanna Biome at the expense of the Grassland Biome (Mucina & Rutherford 2006).



Figure 6-12 Biomes wherein Booysendal is situated



6.7. Vegetation The regional vegetation types wherein the Booysendal South Expansion Project is situated (Figure 6-13) are referred to as Gm19 Sekhukhune Montane Grassland and SVcb28 Sekhukhune Mountain Bushveld (Mucina & Rutherford 2006). A basic comparison of these is presented in Table 6-1, and their diagnostic flora are listed in Table 6-2. Table 6-1 Summarised Comparison of the regional vegetation types VEGETATION TYPE

STRUCTURE TOPOGRAPHY

ENDEMISM STATUS THREATS

Sekhukhune Montane Grassland

Dense grassland on rocky slopes and boulder fields, with scattered dense thickets on sheltered rocky outcrops

Steep hillsides and deep river valleys, with occasional level plains and plateaus

High proportion to Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism. Four endemics in vegetation type

Vulnerable; Endemic to Mpumalanga

Mining

Sekhukhune Mountain Bushveld

Open to closed microphyllous and broad-leaved savanna, often with a well-developed herb layer

Steep hillsides and mountain slopes, as well as gentle foot slopes

High proportion to Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism. Three endemics in vegetation type

Least Threatened

Increasing pressure from mining developments

Sekhukhune Montane Grassland is a dense, sour type of grassland that occurs on undulating hills and mountain slopes in the region. Within this grassland vegetation type, scattered shrubs and tree clumps occur where e.g. large norite boulders provide shelter and protection from fire. Dense, tall Hyparrhenia hirta- and Hyparrhenia tamba-dominated grassland is found on lower hillslopes, and encroachment by indigenous Acacia karroo, or invasion by alien Acacia mearnsii, is common in disturbed places. Vast areas within the vegetation type have been transformed by mining, and approximately 30% is under commercial or subsistence cultivation. Sekhukhune Montane Grassland is listed as Vulnerable, and the national target is to conserve 24% of this vegetation type. Although many farmers in the region have embarked on ecotourism initiatives, there is no formal conservation of this vegetation type (Mucina & Rutherford 2006). Sekhukhune Mountain Bushveld comprises dry, open and closed microphyllous and broad-leaved savanna (including a high diversity of edaphic specialist plant species) especially where ultramafic soils occur on the southern aspects of hills and mountain slopes in the region. Bushveld on mountain slopes is generally taller than in the valleys, with a well-developed herb layer. Bushveld in the valleys and on the dry northern aspects of slopes is usually dense like thicket, with a herb layer comprising many short-lived perennials. Drier bushveld patches contain a number of species with xerophytic adaptations, such as succulence and underground storage organs. Both man-made and natural erosion dongas occur along foot slopes where clayey soils are rich in heavy metals (Mucina & Rutherford 2006). There is no formal conservation of this vegetation type (Mucina & Rutherford 2006).



Figure 6-13 Regional vegetation types wherein Booysendal is situated



Table 6-2 Composition of the regional vegetation types GROWTH FORM SEKHUKHUNE MOUNTAIN BUSHVELD Dominant Taxa Small Trees: Acacia senegal var. leiorhachis; Combretum apiculatum; Kirkia wilmsii; Terminalia

prunioides; Vitex obovata subsp. wilmsii; Ziziphus mucronata Tall Shrubs: Dichrostachys cinerea; Euclea crispa subsp. crispa Low Shrubs: Elephantorrhiza praetermissa; Grewia vernicosa Succulents: Aloe castanea; Aloe cryptopoda Graminoids: Aristida canescens; Heteropogon contortus; Panicum maximum; Setaria

lindenbergiana; Themeda triandra Herbs: Berkheya insignis; Commelina africana Biogeographically Important Taxa Small Trees: Lydenburgia cassinoides Tall Shrub: Searsia sekhukhuniensis Low Shrubs: Euclea sekhukhuniensis; Pentalidium oblongifolium; Plectranthus venteri; Searsia

batophylla Woody Climbers: Asparagus sekhukhuniensis; Rhoicissus sekhukhuniensis Geophytic Herbs: Chlorophytum cyperaceum; Raphionacme chimanimaniana Endemic Taxa Small Tree: Acacia ormocarpoides Succulent Tree: Euphorbia sekhukhuniensis Soft Shrub: Plectranthus porcatus GROWTH FORM SEKHUKHUNE MONTANE GRASSLAND Small Trees: Protea caffra subsp. caffra (d), Acacia caffra, Apodytes dimidiata subsp. dimidiata,

Canthium suberosum, Cussonia transvaalensis Woody Climbers: Rhoicissus tridentata(d), Jasminum quinatym, Triaspis glaucophyila Tall Shrubs: Euclea crispa subsp. crispa (d), Brachylaena ilicifolia, Diospyros austro-africana,

Euclea linearis, Pavetta zeyheri. Low Shrubs: Gnidia caffra (d), Senecio microglossus (d), Dyschoriste rogersii, Elephantorrhiza

praetermissa, Leonotis leonurus, Polygala uncinata, Searsia discolor, S. tumuiicola Graminoids: Aristida junciformis subsp. galpinii (d), Diheteropogon amplectens (d), Elionurus

muticus (d), Eragrostis chloromelas (d), E. racemosa (d), Heteropogon contortus (d), Microchloa caffra (d), Monocymbium ceresilforme (d), Setaria sphacelata (d), Themeda triandra (d), Tristachya leucothrix (d)

Herbs: Acalypha punctata (d), Berkheya setifera (d), Rotheca hirsuta (d), Senecio latifolius (d), Tephrosia purpurea subsp. leptostachya (d), Berkheya insignis, Gerbera jamesonii, Helichrysum nudifolium var. nudifolium

Geophytic Herbs: Hypoxis rigidula var. pilosissima (d), Cheilanthes hirta, Eucomis montana, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Pachycarpus transvaalensis

Biogeographically Important Taxa Trees: Euclea sekhukhuniensis, Lydenburgia cassinoides, Rhus sekhukhuniensis Tall Shrubs: Vitex obovata subsp. wilmsii Low Shrubs: Dyschoriste perrottetiis, Grewia vernicosa, Helichrysum uninervium, Jamesbrittenia

macrantha, Melhania randi. Woody Climbers: Rhoicissus sekhukhuniensis Succulent Shrub: Aloe castanea Herbs: Berkheya densifolia, Cyanotis.pachyrrhiza, Graderia linearifolia, Ipomoea bathycolpos

var. sinuatodentata, Rhynchosia rudolfii, Tetraselago wilmsii Succulent Herb: Huernia insigniflora Geophytic Herbs: Gladiolus sekukuniensis, Zantedeschia pentlandii Endemic Taxa Succulent Shrubs: Aloe reitzii var. reitzii, Delosperma dellanthoides, Geophytic Herbs: Resnova sp. Nov, Zantedeschia pentlandii



6.8. Centres of Plant Endemism Two Centres of Plant Endemism are recognized in the Booysendal region (Figure 6-14; Van Wyk & Smith 2001; Lötter et al. 2002). The Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism (SCPE) harbours an estimated 2 200 plant species, of which >100 species (4.5%) are endemic to the Centre. The Lydenburg Centre of Plant Endemism is home to an estimated 2 266 plant species, of which 51 (2.5%) are endemic to the Centre. The Sekhukhuneland Centre remains unprotected, and only 2% of the Lydenburg Centre is (provincially) protected. Within these Centres, smaller Subcentres are recognized. The Steenkampsberg Subcentre harbours 15 taxa that are strictly endemic to it. The Roossenekal Subcentre has a total of 67 endemic and near-endemic, and nine Red List taxa (Siebert 1998). Six taxa are exclusively endemic to this sub-centre. The Steelpoort Subcentre comprises mountain bushveld, which is uniquely dominated by the Mountain Seringa (Kirkia wilmsii), and harbours approximately 90 endemic and near-endemic and 16 Red List floral taxa. Twenty taxa are strictly endemic to this sub-centre (Siebert 1998).



Figure 6-14 Centres of Plant Endemism in the Booysendal region



7. Appendices 7.1. Curriculum Vitae of Senior NSS team members (The CVs of remaining team members can be provided on request.)

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: SUSAN ABELL (neé BRADLEY) Position: Senior Ecologist and Co-Owner of Natural Scientific

Services Date of Birth: 29 March 1976 Nationality: South African Languages: English (mother tongue), Afrikaans

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

MSc Resource Conservation Biology (Ecology) (2000 – 2001) B Sc Hons (Botanical) University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (1999) B Sc University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (1998)

KEY EXPERIENCE

Environmental Impact Assessment: Compiled numerous Environmental Impact Assessments, Scoping Reports and Environmental Management Programmes as required by the Environment Conservation Act (Act No. 73 of 1989) and the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998).

Specialist Biodiversity Assessments:

Over 15 years performing ecological and vegetation surveys within Southern Africa. Expertises are strong in the Savanna, Grasslands and Shrubveld within Gauteng, North West, Limpopo, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, Lesotho and Botswana. Further experience lies within the Karoid Shrub, Kalahari and Fynbos Areas. Assistance with CREW (Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers) expeditions GIS Mapping, Database management, GIS Modelling undertaken within specialist projects

Strategic / Spatial Planning:

Co-ordinated and managed strategic spatial planning projects in Gauteng, North West

Province and Mpumalanga including the:

• State of Environment Reports • Gauteng Agricultural Potential Atlas (GAPA) • North West Biodiversity Site Inventory and Database Development Atlas • Tshwane Macro Open Space Policy • Blyde River Strategic Management Plan



• Biodiversity Database for Optimum Collieries (BHP Billiton)

Conference Presentations: Undertaken numerous presentations at conferences (SAAB; IAIA)

Educational Training: Education training for organisations such as Wits University and Induction Training in Biodiversity Conservation for Mining Operations

Skills • Vegetation identification, description, analysis and mapping using Twinspan and Juice • Advanced microscopy (Transmission and scanning electron microscopy) • Statistics (e.g. ANOVA chi-squared tests) • Presenting and communication / networking skills

Additional Courses Completed: • 2013: First aid Level 1 and 2 (Wilcare Safety Solutions) • 2013: Off Road Driving (Proactive Driving for Sasol Botswana) • 2010: Wild Flowers Course with Elsa Pooley • 2010: Carbon Analyst Certification • 2010: EIA Regulations Course • 2007: LBJ Bird Course with Geoff Lockwood.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Member & Senior Ecologist: Natural Scientific Services. Johannesburg (November 2004-Present)

• Project management and administration • Project management and compilation of biodiversity assessments within savanna, karoid,

fynbos and grassland systems including: Vegetation/Habitat assessments; Ecological assessments; Red Data Scans; Ecological Screening, Opinions & Statements; Wetland Assessments.

• Ecological Sensitivity Mapping; • Project management and compilation of Biodiversity Management & Action Plans (BMAPS); • Reserve Management Plans (examples below):

Blyde River Reserve Strategic Management Plan Monate Reserve Management Plan

• Alien Invasive Management Plans; • Project Management for Rehabilitation and Land-Use Plans; • Management and specialist input into Green Star Rating Projects (Ecological Component); • Environmental Impact Assessments and Scoping Reports; • Project management and compilation of a number of Environmental Impact Control Reports

(EICR) for waste management projects; • Compilation of Conceptual Closure Plans for a number of mining operations; • Tender and proposal compilation; • Marketing; • Liaison with clients and government officials; and • Involvement in Specific GIS-related projects (examples below):

Blyde Strategic Management Plan Visual Assessment for Natalspruit Hospital Biodiversity Database – Optimum Collieries



Project Manager: Strategic Environmental Focus (SEF) (November 2003-October 2004)

• Project management and administration • Project Management of and input into Ecological Assessments • Tender and proposal compilation • Marketing • Liaison with clients and government officials • Involvement in GIS-related projects.

Tshwane Open Space Project Numerous State of the Environment Reports

Environmental Manager: SEF, Pretoria (April 2001- November 2003)

• Project management and administration • Compilation of environmental assessments and scoping reports including: • Tourism & Recreational developments • Residential developments • Commercial and industrial developments • Liaison with government officials • Management and input into GIS-related projects:

Gauteng Agricultural Potential Atlas (GAPA ) Gauteng Open Space Plan (GOSP) North West Biodiversity Database Development

• Ecological Assessments / vegetation surveys / opinions/ Red Data Scans for various industries – mining, industrial, business, residential and sampling

• Sensitivity mapping

University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) 1999 – 2001 • Teaching Assistant: • Mammalian surveys within Wits Rural Facility, Mpumalanga • Vegetation sampling for SAFARI 2000- Kruger National Park

Scientific Paper: Koedoe Journal 44/1 2001 • Vegetation sampling Nylsvley Nature Reserve (2000) • Monitoring and growth experiments (1998-1999) Electron and Transmission microscopy

MEMBERSHIPS IN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY

South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (Pr.Sci.Nat) Botanical Society of South Africa International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA)

PUBLICATIONS PUBLISHED

Koedoe Journal 44/1 2001 Proceedings: Microscopy Society of South Africa, 1999

PUBLICATIONS PRESENTED

Proceedings of the Microscopy Society of Southern Africa, 1999 Population dynamics and regeneration ecology of Acacia nilotica and Acacia tortilis in

Nylsvley Nature Reserve, SAAB Conference 2000 Tools for Cooperative Governance: North West Biodiversity Site Inventory And Database

Development, IAIA Conference 2003



CURRICULUM VITAE Name: CAROLINE ANGELA LöTTER (YETMAN) Position: Senior Zoologist and Project Manager Date of Birth: 6 November 1979 Nationality: South African, British Languages: English, Afrikaans EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

PhD Zoology (2012). Conservation biology of the Giant Bullfrog, Pyxicephalus adspersus. (University of Pretoria).

MSc African Mammalogy (2002). Effects of body size on the activity budgets of African browsing ruminants. (University of Pretoria).

BSc Honours Zoology (2001). Terrain ruggedness and forage patch use by African browsing ungulates. (University of Pretoria).

BSc Ecology (2000). (University of Pretoria). KEY EXPERIENCE

Specialist Biodiversity Assessments • International Experience

• Terrestrial faunal assessments in Sierra Leone (2011 & 2012). • Terrestrial faunal assessment in Lesotho (2012).

• Local Experience • Biodiversity Management Plans in Gauteng Province (2014-present). • Terrestrial faunal assessments in the Free State, Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Limpopo,

Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and North-West provinces (2011-present). • Long-term bat monitoring for wind farm developments in the Western, Eastern, Northern Cape

and Kwa-Zulu Natal provinces (2012-2013). • Giant Bullfrog assessments in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North-West provinces

(2004-2011).

Research • Analysis of acoustic bat data using AnalookW (2013). • Species distribution modelling in MaxEnt (2008-2013). • Geographic Information Systems (in ArcView and ArcGIS) (2001-2013). • DNA sequencing and analysis (2003-2011). • Histology (2003-2011). • Amphibian and mammal radio- and spool-tracking (2003-2010). • Amphibian and mammal mark-recapture (2001-2010). • Extensive data analysis in Statistica (2001-2013). • Vegetation sampling (1999-2001). • Cricket behavioural studies (1999-2001).

Applied Conservation • Biodiversity Management Plans for large gold mines in Gauteng Province (2014-present). • Monitoring and mitigating impacts on bats at wind farms in South Africa, NSS (2012-2013). • Giant Bullfrog conservation in South Africa, Endangered Wildlife Trust (2004-2007). • Captive animal care at the National Zoological Gardens (1993-1998).

Lecturing • Third year Animal Physiology (2007).



• First year Amphibian Practicals (2007-2012). • Giant Bullfrogs (2003-2012). EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Natural Scientific Services, Johannesburg (November 2011 – present) • Project Management

• Biodiversity Management Plans in Gauteng Province (2014-present). • Biodiversity Assessments in Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces (2012-present). • Long-term bat monitoring studies in the Western and Northern Cape provinces (2012-2013).

• Field work, data analysis and report writing • Terrestrial faunal assessments in Sierra Leone, Lesotho, and South Africa (2011-present). • Long-term bat monitoring for wind farm developments in the Western, Eastern, Northern Cape

and Kwa-Zulu Natal provinces (2012-2013).

University of Pretoria, Pretoria (1999-2011) • Government Environmental Inspectorate exam invigilation and marking (2009-2011). • Lecturing (2007-2011). • Academic Programme Organizer for Dartmouth College, U.S.A. (2003-2007). • Editorial Assistant for The Kruger Experience (2005) by Du Toit. • Research Assistant for behavioural and evolution studies on crickets (1999-2001).

Endangered Wildlife Trust, Johannesburg (2004-2008) • Project Executant of the Giant Bullfrog Project.

Biodiversity Foundation of Africa, Zimbabwe (December 2001) • Insect and amphibian collecting expedition on the Barotse Floodplain, Zambia.

National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria (1993-1998) • Public Educator. • Assistant Nature Conservator. • Junior Nature Conservator. MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES

International Association for Impact Assessment: 2014-present. Gauteng and Northern Regions Bat Interest Group: 2014-present. South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions: 2008-present. Herpetological Association of Africa: 2004-present. Zoological Society of Southern Africa: 2003-present.

PUBLICATIONS Yetman, C.A., Clark, T. & Dippenaar-Schoeman, A. (2017). Pyxicephalidae Pyxicephalus adspersus

Tschudi, 1838 Giant Bullfrog Predation. African Herp News 65: 19-22. Sowler, S., Stoffberg, S. MacEwan, K., Aronson, J., Ramalho, R., Forssman, K. & Lötter, C. (2016).

South African Good Practice Guidelines for Surveying Bats at Wind Energy Facility Developments - Pre-construction. 4th Edition. South African Bat Assessment Association.

Yetman, C.A., Verburgt, L. & S.D. Laurence (2015). Geographical distributions Pyxicephalidae Pyxicephalus adspersus Tschudi, 1838 Giant Bullfrog. African Herp News 62: 50-53.

Scott, E., Visser, J.D., Yetman, C.A. & Oliver, L. (2013). Revalidation of Pyxicephalus angusticeps Parry, 1982 (Anura: Natatanura: Pyxicephalidae), a bullfrog endemic to the lowlands of eastern Africa. Zootaxa 3599: 201–228.

Verburgt, L. & Yetman, C.A. (2012). Geographical Distributions: Amphibia: Anura: Pyxicephalidae: Pyxicephalus adspersus Tchudi, 1838 Giant Bullfrog. African Herp News 57: 18-20.



Yetman, C.A., P. Mokonoto & J.W.H. Ferguson (2012). Conservation implications of the age/size distribution of Giant Bullfrogs (Pyxicephalus adspersus) at three peri-urban breeding sites. Herpetological Journal 22: 23-32.

Yetman, C.A., P. Mokonoto & J.W.H. Ferguson (2012). Conservation implications of the age/size distribution of Giant Bullfrogs (Pyxicephalus adspersus) at three peri-urban breeding sites. Herpetological Journal 22: 23-32.

Yetman, C.A. & J.W.H. Ferguson (2011). Conservation implications of spatial habitat use by adult Giant Bullfrogs (Pyxicephalus adspersus). Journal of Herpetology 45: 56-62.

Yetman, C.A. & J.W.H. Ferguson (2011). Spawning and non-breeding activity of adult Giant Bullfrogs (Pyxicephalus adspersus). African Journal of Herpetology 60: 13-29.

Bateman, P.W., J.W.H. Ferguson & C.A. Yetman (2006). Courtship and copulation, but not ejaculates, reduce the longevity of female field crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus). Journal of Zoology, London 268: 341-346.

Du Toit, J.T. & C.A. Yetman (2005). Effects of body size on the diurnal activity budgets of African browsing ruminants. Oecologia 143: 317-325.

AWARDS 2010-2013: Podium positions for various 10km, 21km, 42km and +50km road and trail-running races

in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North-West provinces. 2012: PhD, Academic Honorary Colours, University of Pretoria. 2009: Best PhD Student Presentation, AGM, Dept. of Zoology & Entomology, University of

Pretoria. 2005: Nominated: Science & Technology Category, Shoprite Checkers SABC 2 Woman of the

Year. 2003: Best Student Presentation, Conference, Zoological Society of Southern Africa. 2003: MSc, Academic Honorary Colours, University of Pretoria.

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