=== PDF PAGE 1 === DECEMBER 2023 04-December-23 STAKEHOLDERS NOTIFICATION AND CONSULTATION PROJECT: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT - FOR THE FOR EXCLUSIVE PROSPECTING LICENSE NO. 8995 IN ARANDIS, ERONGO REGION - NAMIBIA. Dear Sir/ Madam The proponent, Eino E T Shaanika on behalf of Namibia Uranium Pty LTD intends on applying for an Environmental Clearance certificate Mineral Exploration License 8995 for the base and rare metals, nuclear fuel minerals, precious metals on an area covering 42 785.0372 hectares. As such, the proposed activities are required to conduct an environmental Impact Assessment and obtain an Environmental clearance Certificate before they are established. In this respect, you have been identified as a major stakeholder in the proposed development. As per the requirements of the Environmental Management Act (Act No. 7 of 2007), Enviroplan Consultants, hereby requests your comments, opinion, and consent for the proposed exploration project. We will appreciate your contribution to the study of the above-mentioned project. Yours truly, Tendai E. Kasinganeti (EAP) For Enviroplan Consultants === PDF PAGE 2 === DECEMBER 2023 BACKGROUND INFORMATION DOCUMENT (BID) ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) FOR UNDERTAKING MINERAL EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES OF DIMENSION STONE, BASE AND RARE METALS, INDUSTRIAL MINERALS, NUCLEAR MATERIALS AND OTHER PRECIOUS METALS ON EPL 8995, IN ERONGO REGION, NAMIBIA. PROJECT PROPONENT: Eino E T Shaanika P. BOX 87060, Eros -Windhoek ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CONSULTANT: === PDF PAGE 3 === Environmental Impact Assessment for undertaking mineral exploration activities of dimension stone, base and rare metals, industrial minerals, nuclear materials and precious metals on EPL 8995, in Erongo Region, Namibia. BID: ESIA Study 1 1 PROJECT BACKGROUND The proponent, Eino E T Shaanika has identified the economic potential of mineral deposits found in the Erongo Region. The proponent is a holder of a licence to explore a land area of 19975.8 hectares (ha). The area covered by the Exclusive Prospecting Licence (EPL 8995), falls within communal land. Namibia Uranium (NU) (PTY) LTD currently holds access to the mineral rights on EPL 8995, In this respect, NU and the proponent plans to undertake mineral exploration activities, primarily targeting dimension stone, base and rare metals, industrial minerals, nuclear materials such as uranium ore deposits and other precious metals Studies were previously done on the same area under discussion and clearance certificate was issued in the name of EPL 8026, giving the idea to revisit the ESIA process under EPL 8995 which will give birth to exploration of nuclear related materials such as uranium, thorium, zirconium and beryllium. 1.1 Why an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Study As per the requirements of the Namibian environmental legislation (Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2007 and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations of 2012), an EIA is required to obtain an Environmental Clearance Certificate from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) before the project can proceed. This is because under the 2012 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations of the Environmental Management Act (EMA) No. 7 of 2007, mineral exploration is a listed activity that may not be undertaken without an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC). This activity is listed under the following relevant sections: Table 1: Listed Activities -Environmental Management Act No. of 2007 ACTIVITY RELEVANT SECTIONS MINING AND QUARRYING ACTIVITIES - 3.1 The construction of facilities for any process or activities which requires a licence, right or other 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. In this respect EnviroPlan Consulting have been appointed to carry out an Environmental Assessment study to obtain an environmental clearance certificate as per the requirements of the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism in terms of power generation facilities and clearance of land. The study will incorporate biophysical, ecological and socio-economic baseline investigations relating to the proposed project. 1.2 Aims & Objectives of the ESIA Process The aims of this EIA: • To comply with Namibia’s Environmental Assessment Policy, Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2007) with its 2012 EIA Regulations and the; === PDF PAGE 4 === Environmental Impact Assessment for undertaking mineral exploration activities of dimension stone, base and rare metals, industrial minerals, nuclear materials and precious metals on EPL 8995, in Erongo Region, Namibia. BID: ESIA Study 2 • Consult all interested and affected parties such as local residents and Nampower, Ministry of Lands and resettlement and Ministry of Environment Forestry and Tourism to ensure that their inputs are considered; • To set up a grievance redressal system. • To identify Environmental and Social safeguards and concerns prior to project implementation. • To assess the significance of issues and concerns raised; • Review the legal and policy framework and its relevance to this project; • To determine the environmental and social impacts of the development and assess site suitability. • To identify all environmental and social sensitivities that may be affected by the proposed development and monitoring requirements during construction thereto. • Develop a clear, concise and practical Environmental Management Plan (EMP) which includes recommendations and methods to minimize the identified negative environmental impacts of the proposed project. • To institute processes for Environmental monitoring and management for compliance to the developed Environmental and Social Management Plan. 1.3 1.3 PROJECT LOCATION EPL 8995 block is located in western Namibia, Erongo Region as part of the Brandberg-Erongo mining district (Fig 1).Table 1 below shows the proposed site coordinated and overleaf is the proposed project site map. Point number Latitude Longitude A -21.986608°, 14.869297°. === PDF PAGE 5 === Environmental Impact Assessment for undertaking mineral exploration activities of dimension stone, base and rare metals, industrial minerals, nuclear materials and precious metals on EPL 8995, in Erongo Region, Namibia. BID: ESIA Study 3 Figure 1: === PDF PAGE 6 === Environmental Impact Assessment for undertaking mineral exploration activities of dimension stone, base and rare metals, industrial minerals, nuclear materials and precious metals on EPL 8995, in Erongo Region, Namibia. BID: ESIA Study 4 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Explorations comprise various phases. For this EIA, the phase-based activities were categorized to enable impact assessment and analysis. The different project sections are as follows: 2.1.1. Construction Phase (Site Preparation) Access agreements will guide the working relationship between landowners and exploration team. The exploration team will undertake initial site visits to identify appropriate sites for the establishment of field camps. The field camps are for the safe keep of exploration equipment and vehicles before use. No employees will be housed in the EPLs. Site preparation activities will begin once surface drainage and ground water conditions are understood by. Exploration will only commence after ecological sensitive areas are known and agreed jointly with landowners. Land clearing: Small land parcels will be cleared for the establishment of base or field camps and staging areas. Proponent shall ensure that areas identified are those that present minimal disturbance to the natural environment and wildlife. Creation of access routes and haul tracks: Apart from the existing farm roads network leading to target areas, additional tracks (extensions from farm roads) may be created. Additional roadways may be considered for the purposes of accessing target sites. Where deemed necessary, graveling, and compaction of vehicle track’s surfaces may be considered to allow for less track maintenance and seam less flow of traffic. No roads of bitumen standard exist in the EPL area. No permanent structures will be built for exploration works. Fencing: Where deemed feasible, fences will be erected around field camps and target areas. Fencing will serve to keep out livestock from target sites 2.1.2. Operational Phase The phase typifies an advance level of exploration. Sampling will serve to validate prior exploration results of the mineral deposits. The appropriateness of bulk sample will be related to the deposit morphology. neral exploration drilling methods – auger, air-core and diamond core drilling. Drilling is used to obtain detailed information about rock types, mineral content, rock fabric and the relationship between the rock layers close to the surface and at depth. The following exploration methods will be considered: Air-core drilling is a specialized reverse circulation drilling where a small, annular bit is used to cut a solid core of rock from relatively soft or easily broken material. The bit produces short sections of core which are recovered, along with broken rock chips, up the centre of the drill stem in the manner of a standard reverse circulation rig. The system is often capable of penetrating and coring soft sticky clays with might bind a normal blade bit. === PDF PAGE 7 === Environmental Impact Assessment for undertaking mineral exploration activities of dimension stone, base and rare metals, industrial minerals, nuclear materials and precious metals on EPL 8995, in Erongo Region, Namibia. BID: ESIA Study 5 Diamond core drilling uses an annular, diamond-impregnated bit mounted on the end of a rotating string of rods. Interestingly, these diamonds are not useful as jewellery but are used in the drill bits for their hardness and the bit is suitable for the hardest rocks. The rod cuts a solid core which passes up inside the drill rods as the bit advances. The bit is lubricated with water and drilling fluid or water/mud mixture which is pumped to the cutting face down the inside of the rods. It then returns to the surface between the rods and the sides of the hole. At the surface, the return water is collected in a sump where fine suspended ground rock material can settle. n. Site Rehabilitation: Dug out trenches will be back filled with waste rock (gangue). Stockpiled top soil will be returned to the backfilled areas. Sites will also be re-vegetated and returned to a pre-exploration state. Boreholes will be sealed and rehabilitation will be done concurrently with exploration (ore removal etc). Water requirements: Water will be sourced from existing boreholes. About 80,000 liters (80 m3) per day would be required. This amount of water is aimed at suppressing dust around tipping areas and vehicle tracks. Approximately 200 liters of domestic water will be needed per day. Waste management: Waste material generated will be in the form of rock material (non-mineral) and derived from trenching activities. Insignificant amounts of domestic waste will be generated by the exploration team. Domestic or general waste will be transported out of the EPL area on a daily basis and disposed at an approved land fill site. There are no licensed waste disposal sites in the project area. Sewage Management: During exploration, sufficient portable chemical toilets will be provided for workers and appropriately emptied according to their manufacturer's operational standards and legislated occupational sanitary provisions. Licensed waste contractors will provide sewage removal services. Exploration equipment, Materials and Services: Construction equipment will be sourced from contractors proximate to the project site. Were deemed essential, equipment will need to be sourced from elsewhere in the country and/or abroad as per the required and approved operating standards. Labor sourcing: Temporary employment opportunities will be created during the duration of exploration activities. Housing: Personnel will be accommodated at an identified exploration camp area. Before use of a camp, an environmental risk assessment will be conducted and submitted together with the biannual report of the exploration activities. 2.1.3. Decommissioning/Closure Phase This phase will involve the removal of equipment and dismantling of facilities and safe closure. All trenches will be backfilled. The surface affected by exploration will be rehabilitated and re-vegetated in accordance with applicable standards 2.1.4. Environmentally sensitive areas identified The proposed exploration activities are not in any sensitive protected areas such as community forests, conservancies, and areas with memorial sites. A Specialist Heritage and Archaeological impact Assessment was commissioned for the project area. === PDF PAGE 8 === Environmental Impact Assessment for undertaking mineral exploration activities of dimension stone, base and rare metals, industrial minerals, nuclear materials and precious metals on EPL 8995, in Erongo Region, Namibia. BID: ESIA Study 6 3 THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS AND CONSULTATION The Public Participation Process (PPP) is an integral part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment process by providing for a platform to all Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) to obtain information about the proposed project, to review project documentation, to provide input and voice any concerns concerning the project. A public meeting will be conducted and this meeting will avail an opportunity to comment, ask questions and raise any concerns regarding the project implementation. All comments will be recorded and considered in the Environmental Management Plan that will be submitted to the Ministry of Environment for review. In addition, conditions for environmental compliance monitoring will also be derived from the public meeting and stakeholders’ recommendations. . 3.1 Public Participation Modes: Consultation Meetings This Public Consultation process forms an important component of the Environmental Assessment process. It is defined in the EIA Regulations (2012), as a “process in which potential interested and affected parties are given an opportunity to comment on, or raise issues relevant to, specific matters”. As a Stakeholder or I&AP, you can participate through the following: • Providing comments and concerns and or suggestions in response to the newspaper adverts, public printed notices and in the public consultation meetings • A public meeting will be conducted at the meeting tree Klein Spitzkoppe where ALL registered and Affected parties are welcome to meet with the local community on the 15th December 2023. I&APs and identified stakeholders are welcome to raise their opinions within the registration period not later than 17 December. To register or request documents submit your details in writing to the Environmental Consultant. 4 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS AND SOCIAL IMPACTS Potential Impacts Assessment to be Undertaken Negative Impacts Land Use Change (Aesthetic value) Baseline Assessment and Sensitive Receptors Mapping Impacts on fauna and Flora Vertebrate fauna (wildlife) and flora (vegetation) baseline assessment. Impacts on surface and groundwater resources Surface and Groundwater Assessment Health and Safety hazards Baseline assessment === PDF PAGE 9 === Environmental Impact Assessment for undertaking mineral exploration activities of dimension stone, base and rare metals, industrial minerals, nuclear materials and precious metals on EPL 8995, in Erongo Region, Namibia. BID: ESIA Study 7 Cumulative impacts of the project Operation Construction Environmental Compliance Monitoring and Reporting Positive Impacts Employment creation Business Linkages Land tenure formalization Infrastructure development 5 Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Reporting 5.1 Environmental and Social Scoping/Impact Assessment Report After the baseline assessment to identify the potential impacts relevant to the assessment/study has been completed, an Environmental Scoping Report (ESR) will be compiled. The extent or depth of assessment will be (based on legislative requirements, international conventions, expert knowledge and public involvement), to identify alternative solutions that avoid, mitigate or compensate adverse impacts on biodiversity (including the option of not proceeding with the development). The ESR will include the findings of alternative designs or project route(s) which avoid the impacts, as well as safeguards and incorporating grievance redressal mechanisms in the design of the project, or providing compensation for adverse impacts. The ESR will also detail proposed mitigation options for all identified impacts. The final ESR with inputs from relevant government authorities will be shared with public, I&APs and stakeholders for review and commenting. The finalised ESR will determine the need for further specialist assessments, and where there is no need for further assessments (Specialists) a detailed practical and concise ESMP will be developed. 5.2 Environmental and Social Management Plan Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) is a tool utilised to mitigate and/ or enhance the potential impacts of the proposed water supply scheme. Therefore, a project specific and practical Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) will be developed by Environmental Assessment Practitioner after the consultation and public participation process. The objective of the ESMP will be to ensure compliance with the EMA No. 7 of 2007, AfDB Environmental and Social Safeguards, Equator Principles, the IFC Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability. To ensure that the ESMP is effectively implemented and full compliance of the ESMP, an Environmental Control and Monitoring (ECM) will also be developed The final ESR/ESIA Report, ESMP and specialist assessment reports (if any) will be submitted to the Environmental Commissioner at the Ministry of Environment, Forestry & Tourism (MEFT). The process of the ESIA process (or simply EIA process in Namibia) is presented in Figure 2 overleaf. === PDF PAGE 10 === Environmental Impact Assessment for undertaking mineral exploration activities of dimension stone, base and rare metals, industrial minerals, nuclear materials and precious metals on EPL 8995, in Erongo Region, Namibia. BID: ESIA Study 8 Figure 2: The EIA Process in Namibia to be followed for the project ESIA Study === PDF PAGE 11 === Environmental Impact Assessment for undertaking mineral exploration activities of dimension stone, base and rare metals, industrial minerals, nuclear materials and precious metals on EPL 8995, in Erongo Region, Namibia. BID: ESIA Study 9 5.3 Mode of Communication for Participation and Submitting Comments Should you wish to send us your inputs, concerns and/or comments to be considered in the ESIA Report, please send them to EnviroPlan Consulting in writing before or on the 17th December 2023 using the contact details below: Contact Persons: Mr Tendai E Kasinganeti Phone: +264813634904 via WhatsApp or +26814087482 via SMS for recording purposes Fax: +264 61 255 207 Email: tendai@enviroplanconsult.com === PDF PAGE 12 === YES / NO YES / NO REGISTRATION AND COMMENTS FORM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR UNDERTAKING MINERAL EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES OF DIMENSION STONE, BASE AND RARE METALS, INDUSTRIAL MINERALS, NUCLEAR MATERIALS AND PRECIOUS METALS ON EPL 8995, IN ERONGO REGION, NAMIBIA. Kindly complete this Form in Detail and return to: EnviroPlan Consulting Contact Persons: Mr Tendai E Kasinganeti Phone: +264813634904 (via WhatsApp or SMS for recording purposes) Fax: +264 61 255 207 Email: tendai@enviroplanconsult.com PERSONAL DETAILS Name & Surname………………………………………………………………………………………… Postal Address: …………………………………………………Email: ………….….…………………… Town or Village Name: ………….….………………………………… Mobile No: ………………………………….. Does the proposed project affect you in any way? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Do you have any points of concern or support regarding the proposed projects? If “yes”, please briefly list these in point format: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… === PDF PAGE 13 === YES / NO ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Do you wish this project to proceed? SIGNATURE: