Mine Audit Review – Problems Identified
February 13th, 2009Mine Audit Review – Problems Identified
South Africa. After the release of the Mine Audit Report ordered by former President Thabo Mbeki, the Minister of Minerals and Energy, Buyelwa Sonjica followed up with commendations and commentary.
To recount, the critical issues that stood out with undesirable results in the report were: mine design, interventions with regard to safer shaft design, communication systems, and, backup power and secondary outlets.
The Chamber of Mines vice president Robbie Lazare noted that they would not necessarily close the mines because of design issues. Adding to that, Lazare mentioned that there were smaller mine design issues that had to be taken into account, for example, design to minimize seismic activity impact.
With specific regard to Health and Safety, the feedback was that training of Health and safety representatives was a particular problem area and better training of managers in Occupational Health and Safety, as well as inspectors and OHS representatives was necessary.
The minister also noted that with regard to regulation, the Parliament needed to strengthen mine H&S legislation and enforcement..
Souces:www.miningweekly.com
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