The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has issued a significant new regulatory requirement that will impact all mining operations in South Africa. Effective 1 October 2025, mining employers must implement a comprehensive Code of Practice (COP) for Road and Rail Safety Management under the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA).
Key aspects
Critical compliance requirement:All mining employers must prepare and implement a road and rail safety COP by 1 October 2025. Failure to comply constitutes a breach of the MHSA.
Scope of the code:
The COP must address significant health and safety hazards associated with:
- The design and application of transport systems.
- Organisational work methods and driver competency criteria.
- The provision of personal protective equipment.
- The transportation of mine employees via passenger transport vehicles.
- The transportation of minerals and materials to and from mines.
Key inclusions in the COP
Vehicle specifications and maintenance:
- Design and specification registers for all transport modes.
- Braking system testing and maintenance protocols.
- Pre-use checklists and inspection procedures.
Operational safety measures:
- Route planning with dedicated transport lanes.
- Level crossing management in accordance with SANS 3000-2-2-1 standards.
- Fatigue management programmes for drivers.
- Restrictions on mobile device use while driving.
Personnel requirements:
- Valid driver's licences and professional driving permits.
- Medical fitness declarations for all operators.
- Compliance with alcohol and drug testing policies.
Level crossing safety standards: For operations acting as network operators, train operators, or station operators, the COP must address level crossing safety in accordance with SANS 3000-2-2-1. This includes:
- Design requirements for new and modified level crossings.
- Operational, monitoring and maintenance procedures.
- Incident management protocols.
Key take-away for mining companies
Immediate action required: Mining operations must begin developing the required COP immediately, as the effective date is 1 October 2025.
Compliance obligations: The COP must be developed in consultation with health and safety structures, made readily available for inspection, and supported by training for all relevant employees.
Ongoing requirements: Employers must implement regular auditing and monitoring measures, review and update the COP following transport-related incidents and maintain comprehensive records and supporting documentation.
This regulatory development signals a significant enhancement to transport safety standards across the mining sector. Early preparation and full implementation will be essential for compliance, and, more importantly, for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of mine employees.
