1. National Union of Mineworkers
Sept,
Submission: Geoscience Amendment Bill [B12 – 2010]
Sibusiso Mimi

2. Introduction
The mining sector in South Africa is experiencing unique problems related to health and safety
The NUM continues to actively engage relevant stakeholders on the best acceptable models to alleviate the Occupational Health and Safety problems in the mining sector

3. Safety in mines
The NUM national congress, May 2009 resolved the following:
“Through the Mine Health and Safety Council force the mining industry to develop more advanced geophones technology capacity for earlier signs of possible seismic events”
Seismic events in mines are amongst the most contributors to fatal accidents in mines

4. DME, 2010 –

5. Safety in mines
Between January and July a total number of 74 mineworkers died on duty
32 (or 43%) of these workers died due to fall of ground accident
In July alone 13 mineworkers died on duty and 8 of these workers died due to fall of ground

6. Safety in mines.

7. Comments on the Bill
The Council is central to safety in mines – the available expertise must be used to ensure no worker dies in the mines again
Funding is key in ensuring that the Council achieves its set of objectives – this Bill must provide for such
The Council must be provided with powers to force the mining industry to invest in safety technology that can detect seismic events early

8. Comments on the Bill cont
Council must improve its relations with Mintek, MHSC and the State-Owned Mining Company
The Council must complement the State-Mining Company – strengthen the role of the State in exploration activities

9. Recommendations
Adequate funding is key for the effective Council – this Bill must provide for this
There needs to be better coordination between the Council, MHSC, Mintek and State-Owned Mining Company
The Council must work with relevant stakeholders in developing technologies to detect seismic events in the mining sector

10. Thank You Any Questions Tel: 021 461 7049