Abstract
D.Ing. (Engineering Management)
In order to more efficiently manage and track progress, large projects are divided into three main steps, namely: Initiation, Implementation, Termination.
Using systematic, empirically based, scientific procedures, the aim of this research is to identify, examine and explain how a grave relocation project impacts a typical mining project through each of the three project steps. By means of a case study, it will then examine the interventions required to successfully integrate a grave relocation project as part of an operating mining project. In addition, it will also examine the inter-relationships between the project, the local communities and present legislation in regard to executing a grave relocation project following the steps that were captured during the case study. In this way, reliable and replicable data will be generated, which can, in turn, be added to, interpreted and or implemented in other projects of a similar nature in the sensitive South African mining environment.
Until very recently, grave relocation would not have been considered to be a necessary part of a normal mining project.
However, due to increasing urbanisation (Giraut F, 2009) and the fluidity of the political and financial situation of South Africa, the dynamics in the relationship between new mining projects and surrounding local communities have undergone many changes and have become more complex. This includes matters such as grave relocation. Consequently, it has become necessary for the mining industry not only to more fully understand the legislation in regard to matters such as grave relocation, but also to take cognizance of the wider issues and potential impacts, on both present and future mining activities. Experience has indicated that project planning, time and cost control, communication within the local community, monitoring and control of on-site and off-site work and quality control can all be directly affected...