Background Information Document Water Use License Process for

Background Information Document: Water Use License Process for the Coalfields Processing Plant, Dundee, Kwa. Zulu-Natal. Purpose of this Document The purpose of this document is to provide all Interested and Affected parties (I&APs) with information about processing plant at the Coalfields Processing Plant, and to explain the Integrated Water Use License Application (IWULA) process. This Background Information Document (BID) also aims to explain the public participation process that is prescribed by the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA) which governs the Environmental Authorisation (EA) and IWULA processes for mining applications and invites all I&AP’s to comment on issues and concerns related to the project. Project Description Buffalo Coal is a high quality thermal and metallurgical coal producing company with one operational mine, Aviemore and one mine under care and maintenance namely Magdalena. Both mines have substantial coal resources mainly in the form of coal, anthracite and calcined coal which the company supplies to both domestic and export markets. In addition to the two mines, Buffalo Coal has a processing plant which is located at the Coalfields Site. This Water Use License Application (WULA) pertains specifically to the activities being undertaken at the Coalfields site. These activities comprise solely on those associated with the processing of coal resources which have been expanded upon within the Integrated Water and Waste Management Plan (IWWMP), which will be distributed to all registered I&APs. It must be noted that no mineral (coal) resources are being extracted at the Coalfields site. Location of the Development The Coalfields Processing Plant is located on the south-east periphery of the town of Dundee, approximately 2. 4 kilometers from the centre of town, within the Endumeni Local and Umzinyathi District Municipalities, Kwa. Zulu-Natal. This site is situated on portion 269 of the Coalfields Farm 2273 and can be accessed via the R 33. According to the Department of Water and Sanitation (2010) (DWS) dataset, the site falls within the V 32 E quaternary catchment and the Thukela Water Management Area. A site layout plan has been included within this document. Water Use License Application Process An WULA is required for this project in terms of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) due to the following Section 21 water uses being triggered: (a) Taking water from a water resource; (b) Storing water not containing waste, (c) Impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse; (g) Disposing of waste in a manner that may detrimentally impact on a water resource; (i) Altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse; and (j) Removing, discharging or disposing of water found underground if it is necessary for the efficient continuation of an activity or for the safety of people. 1.

Public Participation Process (PPP) The public participation process is an integral part of the WULA process, and continues throughout the life of the project. The key objective of public participation during a WULA is to identify issues of concern to the community and proposed suggestions for enhanced benefits. Steps are as follows: STEP 1: Notify I&APs and Identify Issues q Notify I&APs of the proposed project. q Identify any issues / concerns of I&APs. q Provide (BID) on the map. I&APs with Background Information Documents Project, including a locality q Request I&APs to register their interests in the project to receive further project information. q Copies of the WULA Report will be made available at the local public libraries in the area (to be confirmed) and on the GCS website (www. gcs-sa. biz). STEP 3: Final WULA Report q Include comments received from I&APs during the review process in the compilation of the a Public Participation Report and it is submitted to the Department of Water and Sanitation for a decision. STEP 2: I&AP Review of IWULA Report q. Notify all registered I&APs on the project database of the release of the WULA Report for a 60 day comment period. Environmental Assessment Practitioner: GCS (PTY ) LTD I&AP’s may forward their written interests by 27 th August 2019 along with their name, organisation, contact details, the project managers name, project name and reference number and an indication of any direct business, financial, personal or other interest which they have in the application by post, fax or email to: GCS Pty Ltd Karin Loukes Tel: 031 764 7130 Fax: 031 764 7140 Email public. KZN@gcs-sa. biz Postal Address: PO Box 819 Gillitts 3603 South Africa 2.

Water Use License Process Flow Diagram Pre-Application Phase Notify I&AP’s of the WULA and request them to register – 60 days Advertise WULA in Newspaper Placement of Site Notices Distribute BID Initiate specialist studies Pre-application meetings We are here Application to DWS 10 day Authority Review Acknowledgement of receipt of application from DWS 20 days Confirm arrangements for site inspection with allocated case officer 5 days Confirmation of water uses; determine information requirements 105 days Request I&AP’s To comment on the WULA technical report – 60 days Compilation, consultation and Submission of WULA technical report 10 days Acceptance or Rejection of WULA report by DWS 139 days Assessment of WULA Report by DWS Decision and Communication to Applicant 3.

Coalfields Processing Plant Locality Map 4.

Comments/Response Form IWULA for the coal processing plant at Coalfields, Dundee, Kwazulu-Natal Stakeholder Registration/Comment Form Date Full Name Organisation and Role Postal Address Postal Code Work/Day Tel Work/Day Fax No Cell Phone No. E-Mail Address I would like to receive further information and notifications during this process and request that you please register me on your database as an interested and affected party. Yes No Please give us your comments on the WULA for Coalfields Processing Plant and any issues or concerns you may have which you think should be considered during the WULA process. Please clearly state any interest (business, financial, personal or other) you may have in the proposed project and/or the application for WULA. Please provide details of any other individuals or organisations that should be registered as I&APs.