Wednesday, 30th January 2008 (1112 views)

Over 50 mines across South Africa have now been inspected under the legal component of a national safety audit initiated by President Thabo Mbeki, it has been reported.

South Africa-based industry magazine Mining Weekly says the legal element of the audits includes inspections of mine design and maintenance, occupational health and safety issues, training, explosives control and water management.

Legal audits are expected to be completed at every mine in the country across all sectors, including diamond, coal and gold mining, within in next five months.

Thabo Gazi, chief inspectorate of mines at South Africa's Department of Minerals and Energy (DME), told Mining Weekly that every mine could expect a feedback report within two or three days of its audit. The DME will then seek meetings with mine owners to discuss and resolve any issues.

The findings of each safety audit will also be available to the public.

A round of follow-up technical audits is expected to start in the near future. These will examine mine shafts and associated infrastructure, transport equipment and records on rockfalls and rock bursts.

The DME is responsible for maximising safety in mineral exploitation in South Africa.

 

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