July 2011

Is our Inspectorate competent?

That question has to be asked, because it seems pretty clear that not all mines are treated the same by certain inspectors, and that findings are inconsistent throughout the various inspectorate regions. In some cases it seems as if the bigger operations are targeted by the DMR with the issuing of Section 54/55s, while independents are treated with a softer touch.

There are some independents that really should be classified as illegal operations, but which have never been fined or stopped, and in other cases Section 54s are issued for a situation where one tail pulley is not sufficient guarded. How is this possible?

The Western Cape Inspectorate seems to have stepped up its act in the last few months, where some inspectors are doubling up on their visits and being extremely harsh on findings - which is quite a change, bearing in mind that they have been fairly laid back in the past. Let us hope that their findings are based on a sound knowledge of the Act.

Why is the Inspectorate not attending the Aspasa ISHE audits as much as it should be doing. I've heard it said that possibly the reason is that they are not allowed to attend these meetings during working hours on DME finances. Is this true?

It also seems as if the DMR is using scare tactics to threaten operations in certain areas of closure, but when these measures are questioned by the quarries, the inspectors are unable to relate their findings to any specific section or regulation in the Act.

Yes, I have been picking on the DME lately, because it seems as if nothing has improved over the last couple of years. Any comments?

Dale Kelly

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