Frithia humilis was recorded in September 2008 during the collection and removal of medicinal plants within undisturbed natural vegetation prior to future opencast mining operations at Inyanda Coal. Although this species is not listed under the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act as an endangered, vulnerable or protected species, it is listed on the World Conservation Union’s Red Data List as a vulnerable species.

Future opencast mining areas were scanned by officials from the Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency, accompanied by Inyanda personnel. Although this plant was not recorded during the specialist vegetation study in the environmental impact assessment phase of the project due to its seasonal appearance, it was noted that it may occur due to the presence of its preferred habitat – Ecca sandstone rocky outcrops . The habitat is limited to almost the centre of the future opencast pit and only four individuals were recorded.

At the request of Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency, Exxaro investigated the distribution of this species and compiled a strategy to conserve and protect the population. Almost 300 individuals have since been identified on Inyanda property, all in future opencast mining area. Because it had not rained at the time of the first count and because Frithia humilis is a very small succulent which is difficult to observe and tends to disappear below the surface , a follow-up count was conducted in January 2009 when the plants were in flower.

The presence of Frithia humilis was discussed with authorities from the South Africa National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the site visited in December 2008. A multi-faceted relocation strategy was compiled – with inputs from SANBI – prior to submission to Exxaro management, provincial and national authorities. This strategy will be implemented early in 2009, based on the following:

• Communication: proper communication with the relevant internal and external role players
• Distribution and count: to manage, relocate and conserve the population, it is important to determine both the population that needs to be relocated and identify potential off-set areas, given the habitat sensitivity and preferred habitat of Frithia humilis. Two surveys were completed and a third conducted during flowering time (January 2009) when the species is more visible to ensure an accurate count and compile a distribution map within the mining area
• Protection measures: short-term protections measures include barricading identified areas, preventing access of unauthorised people and mobile equipment to restricted areas and inspecting restricted areas bi-weekly to ensure protection measures are met
• Short-term relocation and measures: submissions will be made for permit applications to remove, relocate or donate plants in the one-year mining area; harvest, vacuum pack and store plants and seeds in the immediate areas; compile a best-practices guideline on seed harvesting and storage, relocation of plants and seeding of seeds at off-set areas (compiled by SANBI) and seed storage or donation to approved institutions and individuals such as the national seed bank
• Long-term relocation: long-term relocation and monitoring are required to ensure the survival of this population, using all available tools and approved processes and working with the relevant authorities.

The objective of the strategy is to manage, relocate, conserve and monitor the indigenous Frithia humilis to ensure its survival.