Soyama Mining PLC Coal Exploration Project Proposal

ESIA Report: Soyama Mining Plc Coal Exploration
Coal Mining Exploration
Project Proposal
SNNPR, Konta Special Woreda
Proponent:
Soyama Mining Plc
Consultant:
Rekik Development Consultants PLC
October 2021
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Contents
List of Figures..................................................................................................................................v
List of Tables..................................................................................................................................vi
Executive Summary.........................................................................................................................1
1. Introduction..............................................................................................................................2
1.1 Objectives of the study......................................................................................................3
1.2 Methodology used for the study........................................................................................4
1.3 Project Location................................................................................................................4
1.4 Project Objectives.............................................................................................................5
1.5 Description of Proposed Development.............................................................................5
1.5.1 Area Coverage...........................................................................................................5
1.5.2 Land use and land cover............................................................................................5
1.5.3 Climate.......................................................................................................................5
1.5.4 Population and Settlement.........................................................................................6
1.5.5 Physiography.............................................................................................................6
2 General Site Description..........................................................................................................7
2.1 Physical Background.........................................................................................................7
2.1.1 Location.....................................................................................................................7
2.2 Population and Demography.............................................................................................7
2.3 GEOLOGICAL SETTING...............................................................................................8
2.3.1 Regional Geological Setting......................................................................................8
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2.3.2 Local Geological Setting...........................................................................................9
3 Principles, Policy and Legal Framework...............................................................................11
3.1 International Conventions...............................................................................................11
3.2 Policy and Legal Framework..........................................................................................13
3.2.1 Constitution of Ethiopia...........................................................................................13
3.2.2 Environment Policy of Ethiopia...............................................................................13
3.3 Proclamations and Regulations......................................................................................14
3.3.1 Mining Exploration Proclamations.........................................................................14
3.3.2 Mining Exploration Operations Proclamation No. 678/2010..................................15
3.3.3 Mining Exploration Income Tax Proclamation No. 53/1993 As Amended............15
3.3.4 Mining Exploration Regulations No. 182/1994 as Amended..................................16
3.4 Institutional Framework..................................................................................................16
3.4.1 National...................................................................................................................16
4 Biological Environment of the Project Site...........................................................................19
4.1 Overviews of Biological Environment and its Attributes...............................................19
4.2 Environmental Effects of Development Ventures; Need for EIA..................................19
4.3 Describing the Biological Environment of the Project...................................................20
4.3.1 Size and Location of the Project Site.......................................................................20
4.3.2 Land cover in the Project Site.................................................................................20
4.3.3 Endangered /Threatened/ Species and Habitats......................................................20
4.3.4 Protected Areas.......................................................................................................20
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4.4 Project Activities.............................................................................................................20
5 EVALUATION OF IMPACTS.............................................................................................21
5.1 General............................................................................................................................21
5.2 Impacts classification......................................................................................................21
5.3 Identification of Potential Impacts of the project............................................................22
5.3.1 Potential Positive Impacts of the project.................................................................22
5.3.2 Potential Negative Impacts of the project...............................................................22
5.4 Evaluation and analysis of the projects’ impacts............................................................22
5.4.1 Impacts on the human environment.........................................................................23
5.4.2 Impacts on the biophysical environment.................................................................23
6 Analysis of alternatives..........................................................................................................25
7 MITIGATION MEASURES.................................................................................................26
7.1 Air pollution....................................................................................................................26
7.2 Human waste management.............................................................................................26
7.3 Mitigation measures for solid waste...............................................................................26
7.4 Measures to avoid road and on site accidents.................................................................27
8 REHABILITATION PLAN..................................................................................................30
9 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP).......................................................31
10 Effects Evaluation Matrix......................................................................................................33
10.1 Effects Evaluation Matrix before Mitigation Measures..............................................33
10.2 Effects Evaluation Matrix after Mitigation Measures.................................................33
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11 Environmental Monitoring....................................................................................................34
12 Conclusion and Recommendations........................................................................................35
12.1 Conclusion...................................................................................................................35
12.2 Recommendations.......................................................................................................35
Annex................................................................................................................................................i
Annex 1: Certificate of EIA Staff.............................................................................................i
Annex 2: Company Legal Documents...................................................................................v
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List of Figures
Figure 1-1: Location map of project site.........................................................................................6
Figure 2-1: Regional Geology Map of the Exploration Site..........................................................12
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List of Tables
Table 4-1: Activities of the Coal Exploration Project...................................................................20
Table 5-1: Impacts on the human environment during the quarrying and crushing activities......23
Table 5-2: Impacts on biophysical environment during the quarrying of stones..........................23
Table 7-1: Mitigation Measures.....................................................................................................27
Table 9-1: The Environmental Management Plan.........................................................................32
Table 10-1: Effects Evaluation Matrix before Mitigation.............................................................33
Table 10-2: Effects Evaluation Matrix after Mitigation................................................................33
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Executive Summary
This Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was conducted according to
the legal frame work of EIA proclamation of the government of Federal Democratic
Republic of Ethiopia, proclamation No. 299/2002 determining the modalities of
protection, conservation and Promotion of environment in Ethiopia that stipulates every
development project shall be required to undergo an environmental impact assessment
prior to its commencement. With this, nature of project, in view of the severity of project-
associated impacts places it in category II, thus requires a partial Environmental and
Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).
It is in this regards that, the promoter Soyama Mining Plc. commissioned Rekik
Development Consultants Plc to carry out the Environmental and Social Impact
assessment of the Coal exploration project under the study.
The proposed project is located in Southern People National Regional State, Konta
Genet Locality. Soyama Mining Plc. applied for Coal exploration to acquire exploration
license for Coal. The company applied in accordance to the new mineral exploration
directives of 03/2007.
The proponent will conduct the exploration activities by taking the Environmental rules
and regulations in to considerations. The company has applied for Coal exploration
license for 20 km2 and planning to execute for the one year exploration work intensively.
During exploration activities there may be pitting, Line cutting, road construction and
Coal sampling; and this may cause soil erosion, flooding and land instability. In order to
rehabilitate these environmental degradations, pits will be back filled after all the
necessary data are taken.
Moreover, the proposed mineral exploration works will be undertaken in environmentally

friendly manner, with no conforming trace of eco-system imbalance of environment.
Upon executing the project it has potential impact to the local community in creating job
opportunities.
The major mitigation measures planed are backfilling all pits excavations, tree planting,
keeping the camping and working area clean, awareness creation trainings and other
activities. A total Sum of birr 50,000 (Fifty Thousand Birr) is allocated for the twelve
months environmental Rehabilitation works.
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1. Introduction
Ethiopia is among the fastest growing economies in the world. The infrastructure is
growing in the geometric progression speed scale hence for these constructions and
growth the mining sector is contributing vital role in bringing foreign currency by the
production of strategic minerals such as gold, platinum and other related minerals.
Accordingly the new economic policies initiated by the Government have created a much
improved investment climate for mining. The mineral sector was opened up to private
investors in 1991, stimulating large investments, advanced technology and trained
manpower. Liberalized Mining and Income Tax Proclamations in 1993 and supporting
Mineral Operations Regulations in 1994 helped Ethiopia create an environment
conducive to private capital investment by local and foreign companies in the mining
sector.
As an objective to find economic Coal Deposit, Soyama Mining Plc. is developing its
environmental management system (EMS) as a key matter for the exploration project.
Accordingly, a work program and the following Environmental and Social Impact
Assessment (ESIA) report are prepared for Coal deposit Exploration License area
application at Konta Genet locality that covers 2.6 km 2. The report is part of the license
application procedure for an exploration license as indicated in the Mining and
Environmental Laws of the country.
All mineral exploration and mining activities will have different environmental impacts
with different magnitudes. However, the company will try to conduct the exploration
activity as much as possible in non-destructive way, except during drilling/technological
test which might disturb the soil profile. But maximum effort will be exerted to select
drilling/technological test site locations where little impact might happen to the soil and
plant ecology. Moreover all the drilling/technological test work will be conducted away
from villages, roads and agricultural lands. The road clearing and construction will also
be conducted without cutting big trees.

One of the positive potential impacts of the exploration project is creation of job
opportunities for both the local people who are living in and around the concession area,
and for any other qualified professionals.
1.1 Objectives of the study
Reducing the burden of environmental impacts is necessary if development is to become

sustainable. As resources become limited, environmental impacts become more complex,
EIA has become of ever increasing importance as a tool for development and decision
making. This role is formally recognized in principle 17 of the Rio Declaration on
Environment and Development (UNCED 1992).
”Environmental impact assessment, as a national instrument, shall be undertaken for

proposed activities that are likely to have significant adverse impact on the environment
and are subject to a decision of a competent national authority”.
In practice, EIA is applied primarily to prevent or minimize the adverse effects of major
development projects. It is also used as a planning tool to promote sustainable
development by integrating environmental considerations into a wide range of proposed
actions.
The aim and objective of EIA can be divided into two categories. The immediate aim of
EIA is to inform the process of decision making by identifying the potentially significant
environmental effects and risks of development projects. The ultimate (long term) aim of
EIA is to promote sustainable development by ensuring that development projects do not
undermine critical resource and ecological functions or the well being, lifestyle and
livelihood of the communities and people who depend on them.
The main objective of this study consist in carrying out a comprehensive Environmental
and Social Impact Assessment study for the Coal Exploration project on the environment
during the site preparation and operation phase.
The main objectives of the environmental and social impact assessment study are:
- To identify and recognize major potential adverse and positive impact;
- To design management and reclamation plan;
- Allocation of appropriate fund for management plan and reclamation;
- To assess and identify the likely environmental base line studies of the project.

1.2 Methodology used for the study
Based on terms of reference (ToR) prepared by Rekik Development Consultants, the

methodology used by the consultant consisted in the following:
a) Literature review: Documentation on policies, laws, regulations and guidelines

related environmental management, industry sector, waste management, land use
EIA process etc, at the national level as well as the international level have been
done.
b) Interviews: The consultant has interviewed the kebele administration in the area
of the project related to this project.
c) Data collection: Through site visit of the site, required qualitative and quantitative
data have been collected
d) Mapping and zoning of the site
e) Reporting: the data and information collected were organized and compiled in a
report.
1.3 Project Location
The coal exploration area located in south western part of Ethiopia, SNNP’S Regional
State, Konta Wereda, Konta Genet kebele, bounded by Gojeb River from South,
Chebecha River from west and Tingura River from eastern side. The study area has an
extent of about 2.6 km2. The area can be reached by Addis Ababa – Jima-Project site ;
traveling 423 km from Addis, with 355km asphalted road (up to Jima), and 60 to 70 km
gravel road. One also can reach the project area through Addis Ababa-Shashemene-
Wolaita Sodo – Dawuro-Chida-project site driving some 575 km, of which the first
420km, up to Sodo is asphalted while the remaining part is all whether gravel road type
and accessible to four wheel drive cars throughout the year. Moreover a road connecting
chida to wolayeta sodo that has a length of 230 kms is under construction.
The coordinate of the location of the coal deposit is presented and here below show the
exact block address:
Region: Southern Nations and Nationalities and Peoples
Woreda: Konta Special
Locality: Konta Genet;
Target Areal Coverage: 2.6 km2.
The concession area is bounded by a geographical coordinate of: -.
Block Corner Easting Northing Area Special Locality

Name points (sq. Km) woreda
P1 258685.11 805004.19
P2 258666.00 805599.00
P3 258688.64 805727.45
P4 260271.00 804589.05
P5 260142.99 804182.00
P6 259114.00 804222.00
B1 P7 259304.50 803355.48 2.6 Konta Konta Genet

P8 258686.05 803641.56
P9 258209.11 803393.43
P10 257672.00 803498.00
P11 258012.00 803839.00
P12 258056.00 804255.00
P13 258577.00 805010.00
NOTE: Projected Coordinate system: UTM projection, Datum-Adindan, zone-37N.

Figure 1-1: Location map of project site
1.4 Project Objectives
The proposed project is a large scale Mining Exploration for identification of the resource
base and production potential for Coal Mining Exploration.
1.5 Description of Proposed Development
1.5.1 Area Coverage
The proposed Coal Exploration project covers an approximate area of 2.6Km2.
1.5.2 Land use and land cover
Vegetation type and density varies from place to place partly due to the land use variation
(human impact) and partly related to groundwater/surface water availability which is
mainly impacted by geologic variation and variation to the depth of the groundwater. The

vegetation density and specious variation is not high due to human settlement impact but
considerable variation is seen in areas where the water table is shallow, areas where
surface water exists, and in the landforms that are not cultivable. The vegetation pattern
variation in the area is also related to geologic variation and the water bearing property of
the rocks, and land use condition.
1.5.3 Climate and vegetation
The coal exploration area generally have tropical climate. The vegetation cover well
preserved and a lot of tropical rain forest trees are common and many indigenous trees
and these indigenous forests are a home for many wild lives in the area.
The exploration area and its sounding can mainly, be classified as Weina Degaa. The
Kola zone covers smaller region compared to the former. The northern and southern parts
of the study area seem to exercise somewhat different climatic character. The northern
part as it is belongs to Gojeb river basin and is situated at lower altitude compared to
south; its climate is hot and desert. The climate is normally warm, humid and hot from
December to February. The average annual temperature is 20%c. The mean annual
rainfall is greater than 1000mm (Ethiopian Mapping Agency, 1981).
Whereas the southern part (surrounding of Chida village) the climate is mid and wet. Due
to the absence or lack of monthly and annually temperature and rainfall data of the area it
is not presented here. The dominant natural vegetation type covering the area is an
elephant grass .within this background some trees of acacia bush trees are common
especially to the northern and central parts of the region. Big trees are not common. The
main vegetation in the area is olive, eucalyptus, acacia etc. Deforestation is not intensive
compared to other parts of southern region. Vegetation types cultivated by farmers are
corn, sorghum, enset, godere and cash crops such as chat and coffee plantation. Based on
annual and monthly mean of temperature and rain fall, seasonal changes of rain fall and
type of native vegetation associated with them and an altitude of the interest area the
project area falls in two climatic regions of temperate regions for most parts of the areas,
and in Sub tropical regions. However, climate in the area is temperate climate in most
cases as the elevation is mostly above 1600m a.s.l. and has a fair climatic condition in
most of the year.

1.5.4 Population and Settlement
The area is inhabited by people of Southern Nations and Nationalities whose life is
mainly dependent on agriculture. The language spoken in the locality is Kontagna.The
people are Orthodox and Protestant Christians. Amharic is widely spoken in the area for
the communication between different ethnic groups and most of the inhabitants are
settled farmers. The area is less populated and reaches 40 per squar kilometers. The
population number and settlement condition in the studied area has uneven distribution
due to various factors such as Topographic variation, soil fertility; temperature variation
and land use-land cover variations. Land geomorphological suitability has much impact
for the settlement in the area.
1.5.5 Physiography and Drainag
The target area is situated in Gojeb River drainage basin, the southwestern part of
Ethiopian Plateau where the minor stream Chebicha River drains North southerly to join
Gojeb River. Kocho and Chena streams are tributaries of Gojeb River draining the area in
south north and north south direction. The area is mainly characterized by lithologically
controlled topographies. It is formed by low- lying topography about the centre and high
rising uplands in the marginal areas. The climate varies with the altitudes of the
topographies, being relatively colder in high rising lands and getting hotter towards lower
areas, as one approach near Gojeb River. Except at some limited places to the northern
part, the topography of the area by large is mountainous where a gentle and sharp slopes
are common. The highest and lowest topographic points measured are 1750 m.a.s.l at
Hota hill and 1100 m.a.s.l at river bed of Gojeb basin. The biggest river system is Gojeb
River which drains from west to eastern side of the study area. Other big rivers such as
Chepecha and Kuma are tributaries of Gojeb and join the main drainage system after
flowing to north direction. The drainage system of the region by large seem to be
controlled by structural lineaments especially faults. Nevertheless rivers like Yoga look
to be largely controlled by lithological contacts.The area have generally, a rugged
topography dissected by a number of streams. River incision and plateau uplift (tectonic
and/or isostatic) have a more direct coupling for the Ethiopian Plateau, Nahid DS Gani et
al (2007). From the observation in the areas Volcanic eruption/ intrusion, river incision
and other hydrologic signatures have significant roles for the variation of the
geomorphology of the area. Accordingly, the area is one the most rugged areas with
significant elevation variation within small area variation. This geomorphic variation
seems to have good control for the occurrence of coal in the different localities seen in
the concession area. The elevation varies between 1234m to 2140m even within the
relatively low lying areas. The project area is part of the southwestern of Ethiopia and the

altitude ranges from 1500m to 2600m above sea level. Most slopes are dissected by a
dense network of deeply-incised minor creek valleys drainage system. The topography is
undulating with.
1.5.6 Socio economic condition
People residing in the area belong to the Konta tribe, speaking Konta, which is said to be
much similar with the language of the wolayita, Gofa and other similar tribes in the
region. They mainly live on farming and cattle breading. Chida is the village town in the
immediate vicinity of the project area.Ammaya, the district town, is at about 27
kilometers from this village town

2 General Site Description

2.1 Physical Background
2.1.1 Location
The proposed project site is located in the SNNPR, Konta Special Woreda, Konta Genet
Locality.
Konta, previously called Ela, is one of the woredas in the Southern Nations, Nationalities,
and Peoples' Region of Ethiopia. It is named after Konta people who speak the dialect of
Dawro language. Because Konta is not part of any Zone in the SNNPR, it is considered a
Special woreda, an administrative subdivision which is similar to an autonomous area.
This special woreda is bordered on the south by the Omo River which separates it from
the Gamo Gofa Zone and Debub Omo Zone, on the west by the Keffa Zone, on the north
by the Gojeb River which separates it from the Oromia Region, and on the east by the
Dawro Zone; the Denchya River defines the southern part of the boundary with the
Keficho Shekicho Zone. The administrative center is Ameya; other towns include Chida.
2.2 Population and Demography
Based on the 2007 Census conducted by the Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia
(CSA), this woreda has a total population of 90,846, of whom 44,686 are men and 46,160
women. With an area of 2,381.63 square kilometers, Konta has a population density of
38.14; 8,257 or 9.09% are urban inhabitants. A total of 21,854 households were counted
in this woreda, which results in an average of 4.16 persons to a household, and 21,114
housing units. The five largest ethnic groups reported in Konta were the Konta (85.52%),
the Chara (4.07%), the Wolayta (3.75%), the Kaffa (2.19%), and the Amhara (1.13%); all
other ethnic groups made up 3.34% of the population. Konta is spoken as a first language
by 83.39%, 4.21% Kafa, 4.07% Chara, 3.73% Wolaytta, and 1.12% speak Amharic; the
remaining 3.48% spoke all other primary languages reported. 49.11% were Protestants,
43.7% of the population said they were Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, and 4.72%
practiced traditional beliefs.

2.3 GEOLOGICAL SETTING

2.3.1 Regional Geological Setting
Mohr (1963) divided the Cenozoic volcanic rocks of Ethiopia into the Trap series and
Aden series. The term trap series refer to the whole pile of the Tertiary flood basalt
sequence with intercalation of felsic lava and pyroclastic rock (commonly on the upper
part). Aden series is confined to mafic lava flows within the younger Afar depression. At
places the thick volcanic pile of the plateau attains a thickness of up to 3 km. These
names are modified into groups and formations during the later compilation (Mengesha et
al. 1996). As the term, series implies, the time taken to deposit a rock unit. The name
Jima volcanic was given by Merla et al. (1979) to trachybasalt and rhyolites which cover
most part of the southwestern Ethiopia. The Jima volcanics are considered analogues
with the main sequence of Davidson (1983) and form thick successions of basalt and
felsic rocks with basalt dominating the lower part of most section. Davidson (1983) has
reported K/Are age of 42.7 to 30.5 m.y. for the Jima volcanic. Two units (the lower Jima
volcanic Pjb, are mainly basalts and the upper Jima volcanicsPjr, are mainly, trachytes,
rhyolites, ignimbrites and rare tuffs are known which shows a conformable relationship.
The later ones are equivalent to the Magdela Group of Kazmin (1972. The Jima volcanic
almost always rest on the Precambrian basement. Unconformity is being marked by basal
residual sandstone. The basal flows form an unbroken succession several hundred meters
thick in some places. In some areas silicic rocks are intercalated with basalt flows close to
the base or form a thick succession just above the basal basalt.
Nazret Series rocks are younger post-rift rocks. The Nazret series in the area form rift
shoulder deposits. The Nazret series is a name given for thick succession of welded
ignimbrite, minor basalt and rhyolite flows. The isolated peaks of basalt according to the
works of Mengesha et al. 1996) are central basaltic flows. Some basalts are reported to be
equivalent to those central Ethiopian central eruption; the Termaber basalts. These are
younger pre-rift flows. Mursi and Bofa basalts are younger post-rift volcanics. There are
younger valley deposits of Quaternary age (Q). At places they are interlayered with
lacustrine deposits.

2.3.2 Local Geological Setting
Lithologically the Konta special woreda Konta Genet coal prospect area is underlain by
two major rock types, namely volcanic and sedimentary rocks. Volcanic rocks comprise
basalt and trachyte. These volcanic rocks control the topographic setup of the area,
forming hills and valleys. Sand/silt stone, mud stones inter bedded with coal, oil shale
and carbonaceous shale and minor amount of clay stone and siderites bands. Unlike
volcanic rocks, the sedimentary rocks mainly from lower and medium topography in the
Chida area. At places the sedimentary rocks strata dip gently due NE, S and NW, at an
angle of about 2- 180. The stratigraphic relation of volcanic and sedimentary rocks, from
top to bottom, is trachyte, upper basalt, volcano- clastic sediments middle basalt,
sedimentary unit (sand stone, mudstone with coal, carbonaceous fine sand stone of or silt
stone, oil or organic shale) and lower basalt.
The high rising grounds and seen to be occupied by volcanic rocks while the low laying
eroded areas about the foot of the uplands are formed mainly by the sedimentary rocks,
with some minor volcanic rocks intercalations at places, implying that the sedimentary
got exposed where the overlaying volcanic succession was removed by deeply cutting
erosion. This indicates that the exposed sediments represent windows of wide
sedimentary sequence that is masked by the volcanic layer forming the elevated region.
The main structural features observed in the area are faults and joints. Fault trend N-S-E-
W and NW. the N-S trending faults are older than E-W trending faults, because they
former ones.
.

Figure 2-2: Regional Geology Map of the Exploration Site

3 Principles, Policy and Legal Framework
This section covers the principles, policy, legislative and institutional issues that are most
relevant to Tourism Development Projects. The first part this discussion looks at the
principles of tourism development and relevant international conventions. The second
section deals with sectoral policies and legal framework. The third part focuses on
existing environmental policies and strategies at the national and international levels.
Finally, the fourth section presents the existing institutional framework for environmental
protection and management
3.1 International Conventions
In addition to national environmental legislations, the Federal Democratic Republic of

Ethiopia (FDRE) is also a party to a number of regional and international conventions
and protocols on environment. The government has established an Environmental
Protection Authority, and this Authority is designated as focal point for the
implementation of these conventions and protocols.
Accordingly; Article 9(4) of the constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of

Ethiopia provides that once an international agreement is ratified through the accepted or
established procedure, it automatically becomes an integral part of the law of the land.
Consequently, the convention and the protocol are the laws of this land. Therefore; the
following international conventions and protocols are relevant to the proposed Eco-Hotel
development project:
i. International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Guidance on Performance

Standards on Social & Environmental Sustainability
These Guidance Notes offer helpful guidance on the requirements contained in the
Performance Standards, including reference materials, and on good sustainability
practices to improve project performance.
IFC expects that each client will employ methods best suited to its business to meet the
requirements of the Performance Standards. In assisting the client to meet the
Performance Standards, IFC will take into account variables such as host country context,
the scale and complexity of project impacts, and the associated cost-benefit
considerations, as well as those of project performance beyond the level required in the
Performance Standards.

ii. Convention on Biological Diversity
The convention on biological diversity has three goals. These are:
 Conservation of biodiversity;
 Sustainable use of the components of biodiversity; and
 Fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic
resources.
The convention was ratified by Ethiopia through proclamation No.98/94 on May 31,
1994.
iii. Framework Convention on Climate Change
Ethiopia ratified this convention through proclamation No. 97/1994 on May 2/1994. This
convention takes into account the fact that climate change has trans-boundary impacts.
The basic objective of this convention is to provide for agreed limits on the release of
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere so as to prevent the occurrence of climate change.
It also aims to prepare countries to minimize the impact of climate change, should it
occur.
iv. The United Nations Conventions to Combat Desertification
The objective of the convention is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of
droughts in countries experiencing serious drought and desertification, particularly in
Africa. Ethiopia has ratified the convention through its proclamation No. 80/1997.
v. The Basel Convention
The objective of the Basel convention is to control and regulate the Trans boundary
movement of hazardous wastes. The Bamako convention of 1991 plays a similar role at
the level of the African continent. Ethiopia ratified the Basel convention through its
proclamation No. 357/2002. Its amendment was ratified through proclamation No.
356/2002. The country has also ratified the Bamako convention through proclamation
No. 355/2002.
vi. The Stockholm Convention
In the year 2002, Ethiopia fully accepted and ratified the Stockholm convention on
persistent organic pollutants by proclamation No. 279/2002 designed to ban the use of

persistent organic pollutants. The Environmental protection authority has the full
mandate to implement the convention at the national level.
vii. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora
The objectives of the convention are to control international trade in endangered species
and to ensure that international trade in non-endangered species is carried out in a manner
which ensures stable markets and economic benefits for the exporting countries as well as
to control and regulate illegal trade in such non endangered species, fossils and/ or their
derivatives. Ethiopia ratified the convention through proclamation No.l4/1970. The
mandate to implement the convention at federal level is the responsibility of the
Ethiopian wildlife protection and development organization.
3.2 Policy and Legal Framework
The following issues are assessments of the existing major policy and strategy concerns
associated with culture, tourism and heritages.
3.2.1 Constitution of Ethiopia
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia’s constitution Article 91 sub article 2 states
that Government and all Ethiopian citizens shall have the duty to protect the country’s
natural endowment, historical sites and objects. Besides, the same constitution under
article 41 sub article 9 points out that the State has the responsibility to protect and
preserve historical and cultural legacies and to contribute to the promotion of arts and
sports. However, a lot has to be done in attaining these facts in a planned manner which
can also enhance the growth and development of tourism industry.
3.2.2 Environment Policy of Ethiopia
This policy mentioned the following regarding Cultural and Natural Heritage:
i. To promote the perception of heritage conservation as part of, and integrated with,
Ethiopia's general social and economic development;
ii. To recognize that the country's heritage conservation should not be seen as the
responsibility of government alone and to encourage communities to play a
leading role in assessing and nominating places or items of heritage significance
and in conserving them;

iii. To promote a sustainable heritage conservation and management program that

seek to understand all the elements of the system, their interrelationships and the
ways in which each contributes to social and economic development; and
iv. To ensure that the environment of heritage sites is so managed as to protect the
landscape, the monuments, and the artifacts or the fossils as the case may be.
3.3 Proclamations and Regulations
3.3.1 Mining Exploration Proclamations
The first modern Mining Exploration law in Ethiopia was issued in 1971. However, this
was followed immediately by another law enacted in 1974 that put most Mining
Exploration operations under government control and, as a result, disable the former
laws. Later, after long time studies, the new Mining Exploration and Mining Exploration
income tax laws that envisage the important role of the private sector in capital
generation and technology transfer were put into effect in 1993. The main objectives of
these laws are to improve the legal framework and crate a conducive environment for
both local and foreign investors, and promote the development of the mineral resource of
the country. To this effect the laws have been modified repeatedly in favor of the investor
to better address the interests of investors and accommodate the competitive global
environment.
The Mining Exploration and Mining Exploration income tax laws and regulation
constitute the following particular proclamations and regulations:
1. Mining Exploration Proclamation No 52/1993, with its amendment proclamations

(Proclamations Number 22/1996 and 118/1998),
2. Mining Exploration Income Tax Proclamation No. 53/1993, with its amendment
proclamation No. 23/1996, and
3. Mining Exploration Regulations No. 182/1994, with its amendment i.e. Mining
Exploration (Amendment) Regulations No. 27/1998.
Currently a new Mining Exploration Law called Mining Exploration Operations

Proclamation No. 678/2010 published in August 2004. The associated new Mining
Exploration Regulation is currently under drafting by the Ministry of Mines to ensure
efficient licensing and license administration procedures.
In addition, the Ministry always welcomes progressive ideas and endeavors to ensure fair
and equitable Mining Exploration laws.

The following are the highlights of the new Mining Exploration Operations Proclamation
678/2010.
3.3.2 Mining Exploration Operations Proclamation No. 678/2010.
This Proclamation lays the general framework of rules governing the Mining Exploration
industry of
Ethiopia. Accordingly, it:
 Invites private investment in all kinds of mineral operations,

 Provides not more than 18 months non exclusive reconnaissance license,
 Provides not more than three years exclusive exploration license with two
renewals of one year each,
 Provide not more than three years exclusive retention license with one renewal of
not more than three years if the applicant demonstrates the discovery of
commercial significance deposit and cannot be developed immediately.
 Provides exclusive small scale and large Mining Exploration license for not more
than ten & twenty years respectively with unlimited renewals,
 Requires adequate health, safety and environmental protection,
 Provides inclusion of minerals which were not originally specified in the license
as they are discovered,
 Guarantees the licensees right to sell the minerals locally or abroad,
 Provides exemption from custom duties and taxes on equipment, machinery,
vehicles and spare parts necessary for the mineral operations,
 Provides the opening and operation of a foreign currency account in banks in
Ethiopia; retention of portion of foreign currency earning and remittances of
profits, dividends, principal and interest on a foreign loan etc out of Ethiopia,
 Up to 5% Government free equity on small & large-scale Mining Exploration
operations,
 requires environmental impact assessment study,
 Provides for dispute settlement through negotiation and international arbitration,
3.3.3 Mining Exploration Income Tax Proclamation No. 53/1993 As Amended
The existing Mining Exploration Income Tax Proclamation provides until the new
proclamation issued provides:
 Generous deductions and calculations of expenditures,

 Ten years loss carry forward,
 Write off of investment within four consecutive years,

 35% tax on taxable income generated from Mining Exploration operations,
 10% dividend tax
3.3.4 Mining Exploration Regulations No. 182/1994 as Amended
The existing Mining Exploration Income Tax Proclamation provides until the new
proclamation issued deals with details licensing procedures, fees and fines. The following
are some of the major points addressed in it:
 Contents of applications,
 Procedures for licensing, renewal, transfer or encumbrance and revocations,
 Size of license area; however, without limitation on number of licenses,
 Books, records and reports,
 Royalties and fees,
3.4 Institutional Framework
3.4.1 National
i. Proclamation on Institutional Arrangements
This proclamation establishes the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) as an

autonomous Federal agency with the objective of formulating Environmental policies,
strategies, legislatives, standards and directives. The proclamation also provides for the
establishment of the Environmental council to ensure integration of Environmental
concerns with development policies, strategies and plans, as well as coordination among
sectors.
The Environmental council is chaired by the prime minister (or his designate) and is
composed of the relevant line ministries, heads of other government agencies and
representative of trade associations and NGOs. The executive Director of EPA will serve
as member and secretary of the environmental Council. Furthermore, the proclamation
requires every competent agency to establish or designate its own environmental unit,
which shall ensure collaboration with EPA and be responsible to coordinate and follow
up that activities of the agency are taking place in harmony with this proclamation and
other Environmental requirements.
ii. Environmental Protection Council

The proclamation for the establishment of the Environmental protection Authority

establishes Environmental protection council to ensure the integration of Environmental
concerns with development policies, strategies and plans as well as coordination among
sectors. The council is composed of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Trade and
Industry, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Mines and Energy, the commissioner of Science
and technology, the Ministry of water resources and the general manager of EPA. An
official to be designated by the government chairs the council.
iii. Federal Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
In 1995, the EPA was created by means of the Environmental Protection Authority
Establishment Proclamation (Proclamation No. 9/1995). At the same time, an
Environmental Protection Council (EPC) was established, with representatives from most
of the federal ministries to supervise the EPA’s activities. The Director-General of the
EPA was to serve as the Secretary to the Council and the EPA took on the duties
previously assigned to the Ministry of Natural Resources Development and
Environmental Protection (MoNREP). The mandate and duties of the EPA were
subsequently clarified in the Establishment of Environmental Protection Organs
Proclamation (Proclamation No. 295/2002).
The EPA is an independent authority, acting outside the main ministerial structures and
reporting directly to the prime minister. The federal EPA is the key national level
environmental agency, with a mandate to address environmental issues. The
environmental legislation gives the EPA powers to fulfill its role, support all federal
agencies in establishing environmental units, and develop skills in strategic
environmental analysis of policies and public instruments. The EPA is involved in the
development of environmental policy and legislation, setting environmental quality
standards for air, water and soils, monitoring pollution, establishing EIA procedures and
an environmental information system, and undertaking capacity development in relevant
agencies to ensure the integration of environmental management in policy development
and decision making.
iv. Executive institution of the mineral sector of Ethiopia
Ministry of Mines and Energy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is

representing the Mining Exploration sector development of the country. While Ministry
of Mines and Energy has duties and responsibilities in issuing licenses and regulating
mineral and petroleum operations, the Ethiopian Geological Survey, an autonomous
institution under the Ministry, is responsible to undertake basic geological mapping,

mineral exploration and other related geological activities, and generate basic
geosciences data. The Regional States Mines Bureaus/Agencies have also the mandate to
issue and administer prospecting, exploration and, artisanal and small scale Mining
Exploration for national investors.

4 Biological Environment of the Project Site

4.1 Overviews of Biological Environment and its Attributes
Biological environment includes all form of life prevailing within a given ecosystem. In
general, it encompasses all types of living organisms, both plant and animal species,
ranging from micro to macro in size, pertaining either in terrestrial or aquatic habitat,
playing diverse ecological functions in a given landscape.
Above all, the minute micro organisms living in the soil such as bacteria, protozoa,
nematodes, algae and the like as well as the giant trees, mammals, birds, amphibians,
rodents, reptiles …etc are the elements of biological environment with the respective
ecological roles in the natural ecosystems.
In turn, ecosystems comprise of living organisms, non-living physical environment and

the interactions among them. The living components of an ecosystem and their dynamic
interactions with each other and with their physical environment are the crucial basis for
the healthy and normal functioning of nature. In fact, the perturbation in any attribute an
ecosystem has outreaching effects and may disrupt the overall functional stability of the
environment since the functional processes of an ecosystem are closely interdependent,
working in synergy.
4.2 Environmental Effects of Development Ventures; Need for EIA
People, basically, are compatible with nature to exist and develop in harmony with their
environment as long as their socioeconomic activities are well-matched the natural
system creating little negative impact to the natural environment. The pressure on the
natural equilibrium of the ecosystem is mostly attached to the development activities that
are sightless about the possible ecological problems that may emanate from human
interventions that are launched without adequately planning and analyzing the overall
consequences.
The sustainable development paradigm clearly calls for a more comprehensive,

integrated, systemic approach that takes a long-term view of the development
interventions through preplanning and adequately analyzing the existing economic,
environmental and social settings so as to minimize the anticipated detrimental effects
and to augment the envisioned development goals.
From this, it becomes crucially indispensable to describe the current state of affairs of

biological environment including the vegetation types, fauna and the overall dynamics of
the ecosystem, in the sites and its environs where it is intended to develop and operate the
Coal exploration business.
4.3 Describing the Biological Environment of the Project

4.3.1 Size and Location of the Project Site
The proposed site is about 2.6Km2 of land and the company has planned to conduct
exploration of Coal and establish its Coal manufacturing operation.
4.3.2 Land cover in the Project Site

The Land cover of the proposed project site is classified under sparse tree vegetation and
Bush land and savannah grassland. The dominant natural vegetation type covering the
area is an elephant grass. Within this background some trees of Acacia and Bush tree are
common; otherwise big trees are not common. Vegetation types commonly cultivated by
farmers are maize, sorghum, Enset ventricosum, Godere and cash crops such as chat and
coffee plantations.
4.3.3 Endangered /Threatened/ Species and Habitats

There are no endangered or threatened species or habitats in the site selected for the
exploration project.
4.3.4 Protected Areas

There are no designated protected areas in the site and vicinity selected for the
development of the project.
4.4 Project Activities

The proposed Coal Exploration project will cover an approximate area of 2.6Km 2 for the
exploration activity.
The detailed exploration activities that will be undertaken are presented in Table 5.1
below.
Table 4-1: Activities of the Coal Exploration Project
No Activities Unit Total Volume
1 Geological mapping at 1:10,000 Km2

& 5,000 scales 2.6
2 Coal seam sampling pcs 5
3 Pitting m 60
4 Trenching m 40
5 sampling pcs 10
6 Lab analysis pcs 5
5 EVALUATION OF IMPACTS
5.1 General
During conducted site visits, we noted that there is no settlement with in 10 kms of the
proposed exploration site.
There is a scattered acacia tress and low growing bush natural vegetation. The project
would definitely have some impacts (positive and negative) on the surrounding
environment in both direct and indirect ways, as will be direct and indirect interactions
between project activities and the environment. This will have different effects on the
environment and on the project itself.
This chapter identifies analyses and classifies these impacts that could arise from the
activities of the project, either during the extraction phase, crushing or transportation The
impacts apply as well on the socioeconomic environment (health, security, economic
activities, finances, etc) and on the biophysical environment (fauna, flora, water, air, soil,
energy).
These impacts can also be positive or negative, direct or indirect and they are described in
this study.
5.2 Impacts classification
The impacts are classified and their range varies in space and time. The intensity of
theses impacts is classified according to the following criteria:
 Effects on the health species

 Effects on endangered species
 Reduction of the diversity of species
 Loss of habitats
 Transformation of natural landscapes
 Impacts on the human health
 Effects on the present use of available natural resources
 Abandonment of either use or future production of natural resources
The criteria of classification of the impacts as being important, middle or weak are

according to:
 Size and geographical extent

 Duration and Frequency
 Irreversibility
 Ecological context
5.3 Identification of Potential Impacts of the project
The Major impacts that are expected to arise as a result of the implementation of the
project are the following:
5.3.1 Potential Positive Impacts of the project
 Supply good quality Coal (Industrial energy source) at a reasonable price;

 Job creation and employment opportunities for those who will be employed by the
project, either in the extraction or transportation;
 Improvement of general welfare for the local population as a result of increased
infrastructural development and income;
 Increased economic activities directly or indirectly related to the project;
 Increase in the income of the population working on the site and development of
small businesses that will serve the employee of the staff;
 Possibility of meeting the fundamental social needs for the employees and their
families (health care, schooling children, etc);
 Possibility of savings for the local population and employee of the factory.
 Payment of taxes to the local and central government
5.3.2 Potential Negative Impacts of the project
- Loss of habitat for some fauna and flora species and biodiversity reduction as a
consequence of migrating species due to vegetation clearing of the exploration pit
excavation;
- Risk of accidents during the exploration phase;
- Effects of pollution from human waste employed;
- Effects of generated solid wastes;
5.4 Evaluation and analysis of the projects’ impacts
In this section, the impacts of Coal Exploration related activities on the human and
biophysical environment are evaluated and analyzed.
5.4.1 Impacts on the human environment
Table 5-2: Impacts on the human environment during the quarrying and crushing
activities
# Impacts Classification
Employment opportunities to the
population of the zone directly
1 Positive, important and long term
concerned with the works and to the
people in the vicinity.
Increase in the income of the
population working on the site and
development of small businesses that
will serve the employee of the plant
Possibility of meeting the fundamental
social needs for the employees and
their families (health care, schooling
children,) etc.
Possibility of savings for the local
4 population and employee of the stone Positive, important and long term
crushing plant.
Risk of the increase of HIV/AIDS and
other Sexually Transmitted Diseases Negative, middle and temporary
5
due to the increase in income which impact
may cause unsafe behaviors.
Risk of the accidents on the personnel
of the site. Some of the workforce may
not be familiar to quarrying techniques
Negative, middle and temporary
6 which can be a cause of accidents. If
impact
the protection equipment is not
adequate accidents are most likely to
occur.
Provision of all the needed aggregate Positive, important and permanent
7
for the construction activity in the area impact
5.4.2 Impacts on the biophysical environment
Table 5-3: Impacts on biophysical environment during the quarrying of stones
# Impacts Classification
Air pollution by the dust emitted
1 Negative, middle and long term
during crushing.

Risk of excess soil being eroded down Negative, middle and temporary
2
from the quarrying site impact
Loss of habitat for some fauna and
flora species and biodiversity
Negative, middle and permanent
3 reduction as a consequence of
impact
migrating species due to vegetation
clearing of the quarrying site;
Soil erosion due to exposure of the soil Negative, middle and temporary
4
after removal of ground cover; impact
Negative, middle and permanent
5 Effects of generated solid wastes;
impact
Risk of noise pollution of machinery
6 and vehicles and its related impacts Negative, weak and permanent impact
like air pollution increased in the area;
Risk of increase in road accidents
resulting from increase in road traffic
7 Negative, weak and permanent impact
especially due to big trucks that come
to by stones;

6 Analysis of alternatives
This chapter analyzes the possible alternatives besides the methods and other parameters
already considered in the design of the project.
Bearing in mind the critical need for the protection of environmental ecosystems and the
core role that the coal mining exploration will play in the social and economic
development of the country, it’s imperative to analyze and balance the need for planet,
people and profit in the context of the sustainable development.
In the scenario where Coal Exploration is not permitted in the site in question, soil
erosion will still be evident. The neighboring population will not benefit from the natural
resource available.
The activities to be conducted by the exploration project are pitting, trenching and
drilling; currently there are no acceptable alternatives to either pitting/trenching. If these
activities were not conducted, the mineral prospects would not progress beyond soil
sampling and geological interpretations based on ground mapping.

7 MITIGATION MEASURES
This section provides measures envisaged to avoid, reduce minimize present or

compensate negative impacts of the project. Considering the project design, most of the
mentioned impacts are not likely to happen. The following mitigation measures which
consider policy, engineering and social-economic interventions, have been
recommended.
7.1 Air pollution
During stone extraction and crushing, it is anticipated that the surrounding air might be
polluted by the dust emitted during crushing. For this it would be important to constantly
water the site so as to reduce the amount of dust emitted in the air. Also appropriate
machines should be used for crushing as well as the appropriate stones i.e the hard ones
which produce less dust. The water to be used will be delivered by a tank from the
Commercial water supply system of the area during the dry season and stored in a plastic
tank at the project site. During the wet/rainy season, rain water harvesting will be
maximized which will reduce the cost of buying water but also reduce the problems by
storm water from upstream to neighboring population. Detention basins will have to be
established at the lower side of the plot/site to allow catchment of water run-off from the
site.
To avoid the risk of excessive soil erosion, radical terraces should be constructed at the
lower part of the site and also plant grass preferably elephant grass and trees so as to
stabilize the soil.
7.2 Human waste management
Toilets will be set up. The best system is to use the Ventilated Improved Pit latrine (VIP).
This is a sanitation system that does not require any water to function. Not only does it
save on water use, but it is entirely isolated from the surrounding environment and cannot
contaminate underground water resources. The system utilizes a natural biological
process to break down human waste into a dehydrated odorless compost-like material.
7.3 Mitigation measures for solid waste
Solid waste from the Coal Exploration is mainly organic waste produced by the
employees of the plant. All these wastes must be separated after their production,

collected and managed according to their nature. The principle of waste prevention,
minimization/reduction will be implemented in the Plant. Waste, will be minimized,
recycled or reused. There is a possibility of the project giving rise to metal scrap expected
to originate from old parts of the machines. They will be collected and sold periodically
to the steel rolling factory which collects scrap all over the country.
7.4 Measures to avoid road and on site accidents
The major stone crushing operation will be carried out in the workshop. Condition for
acceptable working environment will be respected, i.e. sufficient acceptable level of
noise, permanent availability of drinking clean water… Moreover, as safety measures for
staff / workers during operation, employees will be equipped with adequate equipment;
 Protective uniform
 Dust Masks
 Helmets
 Eye goggles with a dark shade so as to protect the workers from the bright sun
shine
First aid equipments should be available at the site at all time, and several individuals
among the permanent personnel on the site should have the skills necessary to use the
equipment.
A contract should be signed between management of the Coal Exploration and the
nearest dispensary or hospital for taking care of injured staff in case of accident.
Workers will be regularly trained on the use of the equipment as well as on the safety
measures and procedures so as to limit the risk of accidents due to the ignorance in the
equipment use as well as the importance of the safety procedures.
Table 7 below summarizes all the proposed mitigation measures in line with the
anticipated impacts
Table 7-4: Mitigation Measures

# Impacts Mitigation measures
Air pollution by the fugitive emission • Soil watering when soil works are
1 generated during drilling, excavation, being executed and where dust is
breaking and loading of the Coal emitted.
2 Risk of excess soil being eroded • Construction of radical terraces and
downstream of the site planting of grass and trees on those
terraces.
• Maximization of storm water

harvesting and used during the dry
season.
• During land clearing, to maintain a
Loss of habitat for some fauna and flora
maximum of vegetation
3 species and biodiversity reduction due
• Implementation of agro forestry
to vegetation clearing of the site;
techniques well adapted to the site
Risk of the accidents on the personnel • Provide all staff on quarrying site
of the site. Some of the workforce may with protective equipments (helmets,
not be familiar to quarrying techniques gloves, coats and boots where
5
which can be a cause of accidents. If the applicable).
protection equipment is not adequate • To teach the workers how to use
accidents are most likely to occur. adequately these equipments
Risk of the increase of HIV/AIDS and • The biggest workforce will be
other Sexually Transmitted Diseases recruited from the region, and they
due to the increase in income which normally return to their homes.
6
may cause unsafe behaviors. • Sensitization campaign to the staff
on HIV/AIDS and other STDs, and
avail condoms on site, free of charge.
• The garbage will be sorted on site
and 5 categories of wastes will be
treated separately.
• Regular inspection of the site
• Remove the soil degraded
7 Effects of generated solid wastes;
• Efforts will be made to utilize the
solid waste to the extent possible. The
non usable part would be
appropriately dumped in an officially
designated area.
• Regular inspection of the machines
• Used oil will be collected, stored in
water tight recipients and taken to
Contamination of ground water by reuse or recycling plants
8 generated by used oil from the • Maintain storage and disposal area to
maintenance of the machines; prevent accidental release
• Provide spill mitigation equipment,
double wall tanks and / or diking
storage tanks
9 Risk of increase in road accidents • Regular maintenance of the road
• Humps added where needed.

resulting from increase in road traffic;
• Use of traffic signs
• Technology to be used is that that
does not emit noise
• Whenever the project expects to
Risk of noise pollution to surrounding
10 have an increase in noise emitted, the
population
developer will use a mobile public
address system to prepare the
population around 3 days before.

8 REHABILITATION PLAN
The aim of rehabilitation is to provide a reshaped landform to allow for residential

subdivision. Earthworks involving cut and fill, will b required to shape and rehabilitate
the land form at the end of the project. It is expected there will be a balance of cut and fill
across the entire project site and therefore it is unlikely that fill would need to be
imported into the site.
The exploration pits will be filled by the soil from the site and leveled. Tree species that
are environmental friendly will be planted as well as grass preferably elephant grass will
be planted so as to stabilize the soil. It is believed that after this the plot will be ready for
re utilization as the relevant authority deems it necessary.

9 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)
This section describes the modalities provided in the project for the implementation of
the proposed mitigation measures to its potential negative impacts. It proposes the
institutional responsibilities for the implementation of the mitigation measures, the
implementation indicators, the time frame for monitoring and follow-up and also the
estimated cost for the implementation activities. The Environmental Management Plan of
the Coal Exploration is summarized in a table below.
Detailed description of the modalities to implement the proposed mitigations

measures is given below.

Table 9-5: The Environmental Management Plan
Negative Mitigation Implementatio Estimated cost

Site Timeframe Responsibility
Impacts measures n indicators (ETB)
Coal • Provide all staff
Exploration on with protective
• Number of
Risk of the equipments
accidents on site
accidents on (helmets, gloves, Throughout the Soyama Mining
• Availability of 45,000.00
the personnel coats and boots project cycle Plc
protective
of the site where applicable).
equipments
• Use adequately
these equipments
Risk of the • The biggest
increase of workforce will be
• Number or %
HIV/AIDS and recruited from the
of workforce
other Sexually region, and they
recruited
Transmitted normally return to
• Number of
Diseases their homes. - Soyama
Sensitization
(STD) • Sensitization All the project Mining Plc
campaigns on 5,000.00
campaign to the life -Local
HIV/AIDS and
staff on Authorities
other STDs, and
HIV/AIDS and
avail condoms
other STDs, and
on site free of
avail condoms on
charge
site, free of
charge.
Pollution of
surface and • Oil servicing of Number of times To be included
All the project Soyama Mining
ground water machines will be when service is in the
life Plc
from due to oil made in garages. done investment plan
from machines

10 Effects Evaluation Matrix

10.1 Effects Evaluation Matrix before Mitigation Measures
Table 10-6: Effects Evaluation Matrix before Mitigation

Land Location of Business Disposal of Disposal of Overall
Environmental Components Civil Work
Acquisition Building Operation Solid waste Liquid Waste Impact
Fauna 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Biological Flora -1 -1 -1 0 0 0 -1
Environment Unique habitat 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ecosystem -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1
10.2 Effects Evaluation Matrix after Mitigation Measures
Table 10-7: Effects Evaluation Matrix after Mitigation

Land Civil Location of Business Disposal of Solid Disposal of Overall
Environmental Components
Acquisition Work Building Operation Waste Liquid Waste Impact
Fauna 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Flora -1 0 0 +1 0 0 0
Biological
Unique
Environment 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Habitat
Ecosystem 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Description of the Rating /Score
scor Description
e
-3 Severely high negative impact
-2 Moderate negative impact
-1 Low negative impact

0 Negligible negative impact

11 Environmental Monitoring
Responsibility/ Informatio
Ecological Monitoring Aspects Frequency Verifiable Indicators
n Sources
Damage to vegetation cover Agriculture Office Annually Damage incidences
Ecosystem EPA, Agriculture Office Annually Soil erosion, exotic plant species
Waste Management EPA Quarterly Collection and disposal of wastes
During Construction
Noise Pollution EPA Noise level
and Operation

12 Conclusion and Recommendations

12.1 Conclusion
Coal exploration over an area of 2.6 km 2 is not expected to create much environmental problems
as most of the work involves geological mapping, pitting and other exploration activity including
road construction.
According to the year geological program, during the period 12 pits will be dug with an average
depth of 5m and 6 trenches were dug with a average length of 5m, in the Konta Genet block area,
10 chip samples and 5 Coal seam samples will be collected and analyzed for Coal and it will be
back filled immediately.
The project exploration works create insignificant damages to the environment if holes created
and excavations are re-filled immediately. The company has to try to avoid cutting trees while
conducting geological and topographic works and replanting trees where ever cuttings has been
happened.
If these mitigation and rehabilitation measures are taken, Coal exploration and its end outcome
bears fruit mining will create a great wealth to the community and solves their economic and
social problems. It will also contribute to raise income to the local Government in terms of land
rentals and labor tax.
To this end the company should assist the local community by offering employment
opportunities as well as should develop environmental management system at its company level
and introduce proper environmental management plan by allocating adequate budget and
appropriate experts.
12.2 Recommendations
These following recommendations have been made by the study team.
- It is apparent that, some activities that will be carried out during exploration may have
impact, so every members of the project team should conduct their activities in
responsible manner for the environmental protection;
- Environmental mitigation plan of the project has to be implemented with the appropriate
budget allocated for it immediately after pitting, trenching and drilling or technological
test has been completed;
- The exploration project should make the local people beneficiary and let them to be part
of the project;
- The stuff members of the project have to be disciplined and respectful for the cultures
and tradition of the local people;
- Proper environmental management plan implementation report of the project area shall
be submitted regularly.

Annex

Annex 1: Certificate of EIA Staff

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Annex 2: Company Legal Documents
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Prepared by Rekik Development Consultants PLC Page v

Prepared by Rekik Development Consultants PLC Page vi

Prepared by Rekik Development Consultants PLC Page vii

Prepared by Rekik Development Consultants PLC Page viii

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ESIA Report: Soyama Mining Plc Coal Exploration

Coal Mining Exploration

SNNPR, Konta Special Woreda

Rekik Development Consultants PLC

Prepared by Rekik Development Consultants PLC Page a

1.1 Objectives of the study......................................................................................................3

1.2 Methodology used for the study........................................................................................4

1.3 Project Location................................................................................................................4

1.4 Project Objectives.............................................................................................................5

1.5 Description of Proposed Development.............................................................................5

1.5.1 Area Coverage...........................................................................................................5

1.5.2 Land use and land cover............................................................................................5

1.5.4 Population and Settlement.........................................................................................6

2 General Site Description..........................................................................................................7

2.1 Physical Background.........................................................................................................7

2.2 Population and Demography.............................................................................................7

2.3 GEOLOGICAL SETTING...............................................................................................8

2.3.1 Regional Geological Setting......................................................................................8

Prepared by Rekik Development Consultants PLC Page i

2.3.2 Local Geological Setting...........................................................................................9

3 Principles, Policy and Legal Framework...............................................................................11

3.1 International Conventions...............................................................................................11

3.2 Policy and Legal Framework..........................................................................................13

3.2.1 Constitution of Ethiopia...........................................................................................13

3.2.2 Environment Policy of Ethiopia...............................................................................13

3.3 Proclamations and Regulations......................................................................................14

3.3.1 Mining Exploration Proclamations.........................................................................14

3.3.2 Mining Exploration Operations Proclamation No. 678/2010..................................15

3.3.3 Mining Exploration Income Tax Proclamation No. 53/1993 As Amended............15

3.3.4 Mining Exploration Regulations No. 182/1994 as Amended..................................16

3.4 Institutional Framework..................................................................................................16

4 Biological Environment of the Project Site...........................................................................19

4.1 Overviews of Biological Environment and its Attributes...............................................19

4.2 Environmental Effects of Development Ventures; Need for EIA..................................19

4.3 Describing the Biological Environment of the Project...................................................20

4.3.1 Size and Location of the Project Site.......................................................................20

4.3.2 Land cover in the Project Site.................................................................................20

4.3.3 Endangered /Threatened/ Species and Habitats......................................................20

4.3.4 Protected Areas.......................................................................................................20

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4.4 Project Activities.............................................................................................................20

5.2 Impacts classification......................................................................................................21

5.3 Identification of Potential Impacts of the project............................................................22

5.3.1 Potential Positive Impacts of the project.................................................................22

5.3.2 Potential Negative Impacts of the project...............................................................22

5.4 Evaluation and analysis of the projects’ impacts............................................................22

5.4.1 Impacts on the human environment.........................................................................23

5.4.2 Impacts on the biophysical environment.................................................................23

7.1 Air pollution....................................................................................................................26

7.2 Human waste management.............................................................................................26

7.3 Mitigation measures for solid waste...............................................................................26

7.4 Measures to avoid road and on site accidents.................................................................27

9 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP).......................................................31

10 Effects Evaluation Matrix......................................................................................................33

10.1 Effects Evaluation Matrix before Mitigation Measures..............................................33

10.2 Effects Evaluation Matrix after Mitigation Measures.................................................33

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12 Conclusion and Recommendations........................................................................................35

Annex 1: Certificate of EIA Staff.............................................................................................i