Written by Marietjie du Plessis
In the high-stakes world of South African mining, the systems that move people and minerals deep underground are the lifeblood of the operation. However, they also represent some of the most significant risks.
1 December 2025, the regulatory landscape shifted with the issuance of CIOM-INSTR.NOV/2025. This mandate requires all South African mining employers to adopt stringent new requirements for shaft and winding plants with immediate effect.
Here is a breakdown of what these updates mean and the critical responsibilities now resting on the shoulders of Mine-owners.
1. Risk Management: No More “Business as Usual”
The new instruction moves beyond general safety checks. Employers are now required to perform comprehensive, specialized risk assessments on all shafts and winding systems.
The focus isn’t just on mechanical wear and tear – it is about legal alignment. These assessments must prove that the Mine’s current infrastructure and procedures are 100% in compliance with the latest safety laws. If your risk assessment hasn’t been updated since 1 December 2025, you are likely already behind.
2. Engineering Design: The “Stop” Priority
Adherence to Regulation 8.13 of the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) is no longer just a guideline, it is a mandatory operational pillar. The law focuses heavily on the “Stop” priority – ensuring that when something goes wrong, the system fails safely.
- Dual Independent Braking (Reg 8.13.10): Every engine must have two separate braking systems.
- Static vs. Dynamic Testing: Brakes must hold the drum stationery against maximum engine torque (Static) and be able to stop a moving conveyance within a specific “safe” deceleration range (Dynamic), preventing both crashes and “whiplash” rope failures.
- Holding Power: Systems must now be proven to hold twice the maximum allowed load.
3. Prevention of “Cannonball” Scenarios
To prevent the catastrophic event of a conveyance hitting the headframe or the shaft bottom, Regulation 8.13.15 mandates:
- Automatic Retardation: The system must “know” to slow down as it reaches the end of its travel.
- Ultimate Limits: Physical sensors must act as a final “kill switch” to cut power and apply emergency brakes if travel limits are exceeded by even a few centimeters.
4. The Human Element: Training and Controls
Modern mines often lean toward automation, but the new updates place a firm hand on the “manual” lever.
- No “Auto-Pilot” for People: Under Reg 8.13.31, transporting personnel in fully automatic mode is strictly prohibited without a specific exemption. A competent, human driver must remain in control.
- Specialized Training: It is now compulsory for engineers and artisans to undergo training that integrates Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications. Competency is no longer a general term, it must be achieved across three distinct fields: Electrical, Mechanical, and Electronic.
5. Owner & Employer Responsibilities: A Quick Reference
Under the new mandate, the “Employer” (the owner or the legally appointed 4.1 appointee) carries the ultimate weight of compliance.
| Responsibility | Mandatory Action |
| Legal Appointments | No one (including contractors/OEMs) may touch a shaft system without a formal MHSA appointment. |
| Maintenance | Only artisans who have passed the new specialized winding plant training can be appointed to repairs. |
| Interlocks | Employers must ensure systems are physically incapable of moving if shaft gates are open. |
| Statutory Reporting | Any “Dangerous Occurrence” (near misses, rope failures, or minor over-winds) must be reported to the Principal Inspector of Mines (PIOM) immediately. |
Why “Dangerous Occurrences” Matter
Perhaps the most significant shift for owners is the focus on Chapter 23 reporting. It is no longer enough to report accidents where people obtained an injury hurt. You must now report the potential for disaster.
If a rope shows signs of failure, a brake slips during a test, or a conveyance travels just 10cm past its mark, it is a reportable event. The PIOM is looking at these “near misses” to prevent the next major disaster.
Is your Mine ready for an unannounced inspection?
The December 2025 instruction is already in force. Ensuring your technical teams are trained and your braking systems are double tested isn’t just about avoiding fines, it’s about ensuring every miner who goes down the shaft comes back up safely!
