zo-37-part-1-e779634ed4c3fd96.pdf

This Terrestrial Ecology Specialist EIA report, produced by Simon Todd Consulting for SRK Consulting, assesses the ecological impacts of the proposed expansion of the Tormin Mineral Sands Mine on the West Coast of South Africa. The expansion includes ten beach mining areas, an inland 'Strand line' mining area on farm Geelwal Karoo 262, and an infrastructure/plant expansion area. The study concludes that while the project will result in moderate habitat loss, it is environmentally acceptable provided specific mitigation measures—such as rotational mining and topsoil management—are implemented.

• The proposed expansion involves three main components: mining at ten beaches north of the current area (43.7 ha mining and ~6 ha haul road widening), inland 'Strand line' mining on farm Geelwal Karoo 262 (75 ha), and an infrastructure/plant expansion area (64 ha).
• The site exhibits high faunal diversity, including West-Coast endemics and species of conservation concern. Confirmed mammals include Steenbok, Common Duiker, Cape Porcupine, Cape Fox, and African Wild Cat, with rare sightings of Honey Badger, Small Spotted Genet, and Water Mongoose. Reptiles present include the Cape Dwarf Burrowing Skink, Southern Blind Legless Skink, Austen’s Gecko, and Western Dwarf Chameleon, while the Namaqua Sand Frog was the only amphibian observed.
• Significant bird species were identified, including Endangered species such as Ludwig's Bustard, Black Harrier, and the Cape Cormorant. Other notable species include the Vulnerable Southern Black Korhaan, Lanner Falcon, and Secretarybird, as well as the Near-threatened Kori Bustard.
• Vegetation consists of Strandveld plant communities differentiated by soil texture. Fine-textured shallow sands support low and open Strandveld, while deeper coarse sands support moderate and tall Strandveld. The report notes a limitation in the study: the survey period did not include the spring season, meaning annuals, forbs, and geophytes were not adequately represented.
• The majority of the development footprint is located within Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs), posing a potential threat to biodiversity patterns and ecological processes. While the current footprint is not expected to cause highly significant impacts after rehabilitation, further expansion—especially inland—would increase the impact.
• The primary impact on fauna is the loss of 120-140ha of Strandveld habitat. While many impacts can be reduced to a low level, some will remain of moderate significance because the habitat loss cannot be effectively mitigated. However, no 'fatal flaw' impacts of high significance were identified.
• To ensure environmental acceptability, the report recommends rotational mining strategies for topsoil management, maintaining a buffer (greater than the previously recommended 10m) between beach mining and the high water mark to prevent erosion, and developing a conservation management plan for Geelwal Karoo 262.

APA

Centre for Environmental Rights (n.d.). zo-37-part-1-e779634ed4c3fd96.pdf. https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ZO-37-Part-1.pdf?x21779

Chicago

Centre for Environmental Rights. zo-37-part-1-e779634ed4c3fd96.pdf. n.d. https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ZO-37-Part-1.pdf?x21779.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Centre for Environmental Rights |title=zo-37-part-1-e779634ed4c3fd96.pdf |url=https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ZO-37-Part-1.pdf?x21779 |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{centreforenvironmentalrightsndzo37part1e779634ed4c3fd96pdf, author = {{Centre for Environmental Rights}}, title = {{zo-37-part-1-e779634ed4c3fd96.pdf}}, institution = {Centre for Environmental Rights}, url = {https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ZO-37-Part-1.pdf?x21779}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }