231003002204 - The stage 2 expansion of the pilot tin processing plant including bulk sample sorting and testing facility on ML 134 Erongo Region, Namibia

The proposed project involves the phase 1, stage 2 expansion of the pilot tin processing plant on Mining Licence (ML) 134, held by Uis Tin Mining Company (Pty) Ltd, Erongo Region, Namibia. Listed activities triggered by the project include: LISTED ACTIVITY EIA SCREENING FINDING ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION AND STORAGE ACTIVITIES (1.a) The construction of facilities for the generation of electricity; (1.b) The construction of facilities for the transmission and supply of electricity; • External diesel generators are in use on site as emergency back-up power supply sources to skeleton operations only in the event of a power failure. • An existing 66 kilovolt powerline and associated infrastructure located within the Accessory Work Permit area of the ML will continue to be used. No upgrades are needed for the time being. WASTE MANAGEMENT, TREAMENT, HANDLING AND DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES (2.2) Any activity entailing a scheduled process referred to in the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Ordinance, 1976. (2.3) The import, processing, use and recycling, temporary storage, transit or export of waste. The following aspects fall within this provision: (2.2) Any activity entailing a scheduled process referred to in the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Ordinance, 1976. • Mining activities generate dust fallout which is being monitored on a monthly basis. • Potential for noxious gas generation and emission. The following aspects fall within this provision: (2.3) The import, processing, use and recycling, temporary storage, transit or export of waste. • A rudimentary (Clarus Fusion Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP)) sewerage effluent water collection and treatment system exists on site and is maintained by an external service provider and must be upgraded as part of the expansion scope to accommodate additional volumes. Sewage waste is collected on a monthly basis by a local contractor and disposed at the local sewage plant. • Industrial waste collection facility is in use within the processing plant physical boundaries. • Overburden and plant discard material (>6mm) are transported and disposed on the WRD site located within the mining licence footprint. • Solid and Hazardous waste collection points are in use on the site. MINING AND QUARRYING ACTIVITIES (3.1) The construction of facilities for any process or activities which requires a licence, right or other • The current operations are permitted under an approved mining licence (ML form of authorisation, and the renewal of a licence, right or other form of authorisation, in terms of the Minerals (Prospecting and Mining Act), 1992. (3.2) Other forms of mining or extraction of any natural resources whether regulated by law or not. (3.3) Resource extraction, manipulation, conservation, and related activities. 134). • The resource in this case Tin is extracted, then manipulated within the processing plant and refined to tin metal. WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (8.1) The abstraction of ground or surface water for industrial or commercial purposes. (8.2) The abstraction of groundwater at a volume exceeding the threshold authorised in terms of a law relating to water resources. (8.5) Construction of dams, reservoirs, levees and weirs. (8.6) Construction of industrial and domestic wastewater treatment plants and related pipeline systems. (8.8) Construction and other activities in water courses within flood lines. (8.9) Construction and other activities within a catchment area. • Mining operations will continue to utilize groundwater and surface water sources for their processing requirements, dust suppression and human consumption • Currently, there is an abstraction permit that allows for 75 000 cubic meters abstraction threshold per year valid for two years. An amendment application will be submitted to increase abstraction to 150 000 cubic meters per year to supply production needs. • The expansion of the Pilot plant project will entail the installation of a new Clean Water Channel (CWC) stormwater channel and berm around the processing plant as well as an upgrade of the existing settling and evaporation ponds. • The project falls within the Ugab catchment area. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE TREATMENT, HANDLING AND STORAGE (9.1) The manufacturing, storage, handling or processing of a hazardous substance defined in the Hazardous Substances Ordinance, 1974. (9.2) Any process or activity which requires a permit, licence or other form of authorisation, or the modification of or changes to existing facilities for any process or activity which requires an amendment of an existing permit, licence or authorisation or which requires a new permit, licence or authorisation in terms of a law governing the generation or release of emissions, pollution, effluent or waste. (9.4) The storage and handling of a dangerous goods, including petrol, diesel, liquid petroleum gas or paraffin, in containers with a combined capacity of more than 30 cubic meters at any one location. • Explosives are used for blasting purposes and may be stored on site. • Licences will be obtained for all hazardous substances that will need to be stored on the site and will be used in the mining process. Licences will need to be obtained for facilities that will be storing these substances. • Petrol, diesel, liquid petroleum gas or paraffin will be stored for the vehicles and plants to function. • A diesel storage tank is installed onsite.

Prpject status VERIFIED

For further information contact:

Ministry of Environment and Tourism

Department of Environmental Affairs

(+264 -61) 284 2701 (T)

(+264-61) 240 339 (F)

http://www.met.gov.na