The Chief Inspector of Mines has issued a detailed guideline requiring all South African mining operations to implement mandatory codes of practice for fire prevention. Published in Government Gazette No. 52883 on 20 June 2025, the guideline takes effect from 1 October 2025 and addresses critical fire safety concerns following 584 reported fire incidents between 2019 and 2023.
Key legal requirements and compliance obligations
Employers must prepare and implement a comprehensive Code of Practice (COP) on fire prevention that complies with the Chief Inspector's guidelines. Failure to prepare or implement a compliant COP constitutes a breach of the Mine Health and Safety Act. The COP must include structured fire risk management programmes covering:
- Continuous fire hazard and risk identification.
- Comprehensive risk assessments with specialist input.
- Fire zoning identification and plans to prevent the spread of fire.
- Detailed fire prevention controls.
- Emergency response and fire protection measures.
Comprehensive fire prevention standards
The guideline establishes detailed fire prevention requirements across all mining operations, including:
Fixed Infrastructure: All electrical equipment must comply with applicable SANS standards with over-current, earth leakage, and short circuit protection. Underground workshops are limited to three days' worth of combustible liquids storage, while surface storage requires adequately fire-protected infrastructure.
Mobile equipment: Self-propelled equipment must conform to SANS 868 standards with proper routing of electrical cables, fuel and hydraulic lines to avoid damage and hot surface contact. Large mining vehicles require custom-designed on-board fire suppression equipment.
Conveyor systems: All conveyor belts in confined spaces must be fire retardant and tested per SANS 971-2013, with testing conducted at SABS/SANAS approved facilities. Conveyor installations should be in separate ventilation districts ventilated directly to return airways.
Training and competency requirements
The guideline mandates comprehensive training programmes including:
- Basic fire prevention awareness during mine induction with 12-month refresher training.
- Specialised training for mobile equipment operators, fixed plant operators, maintenance personnel, and electrical workers.
- Competency-based training with proper recording of all training and assessments.
What this means for mining companies
Immediate action required: Mining companies must begin developing compliant COPs immediately to meet the 1 October 2025 effective date. This involves conducting comprehensive fire risk assessments, reviewing existing fire prevention measures, and potentially upgrading equipment and infrastructure to meet new standards.
Compliance costs: Significant investment may be required for equipment upgrades, particularly for conveyor belt fire retardant testing, mobile equipment fire suppression systems, and electrical infrastructure compliance with SANS standards.
Operational impact: The new requirements may affect daily operations through enhanced inspection protocols, modified maintenance procedures, and expanded training programmes. Hot work permit systems must be implemented for activities outside designated areas.
Legal risk: Non-compliance constitutes a breach of the MHSA with potential regulatory enforcement action. Companies should prioritise legal compliance reviews and consider engaging specialist fire safety consultants for risk assessments and COP development.
