While large mines have sufficient staff in different roles to ensure compliance with legislation, such as quality management, smaller-scale surface mines often lack some of the resources to ensure compliance, thereby relying on mine owners and managers to undertake such responsibilities.

“Depending on the severity of the infringement, the mine may face legal consequences in the form of fines, criminal proceedings, mine closure or repealed licences,” warns mining industry body the Aggregate and Sand Producers Association of South Africa (Aspasa).

To address these challenges and, consequently, mitigate the consequences, the association collaborates with all levels of government, the private sector and labour to ensure that surface miners are represented.

However, Aspasa has noted an increase in surface mines applying for membership, which has, consequently, resulted in a change of its constitution: it now admits mines other than sand and aggregate quarries, which it was initially founded to represent.

The organisation consists of 33 active mines with members now also including mines in the salt, dimension stone, diamond and clay sectors.

To become a member, mines are required to undergo two compulsory audits in health, safety and environment to ensure compliance with legislation and the statutory requirements.

These audits measure a mine’s compliance and, based on the results, Aspasa provides feedback for the mine to improve its performance, if required.

Aspasa also provides additional audits to measure a mine’s compliance with standards and legal requirements relating to blasting and quality management.

Moreover, the organisation hosts workshops throughout the year at its regional offices or at member sites if organised on request.

The workshops provide an interface between the association and its members to update and upskill the industry on how to respond to changing market requirements.

They provide explanations of best practices that improve members’ business practices and profitability, as well as legal updates and interpretations thereof, which are important tools to ensure compliance, with legal liability training also provided.

The most recent workshop took place last month and focused on the challenges that women face in the mining industry.

Additionally, Aspasa provides technical committees that are chaired and attended by specialists in various fields.

The committees investigate, debate and interact with stakeholders and industry members to gain knowledge and disseminate information about topics such as explosives risk assessment, trackless mobile machinery legislation and road construction.

In terms of global competitivenes Aspasa is a long-established member of the Global Aggregates Information Network which represents surface mining industry associations globally, including those in China, the US, Australia and the UK. This platform enables sharing of information, emerging trends and best practices.

Hence, being a member of Aspasa is necessary to ensure that mining operations comply with all the relevant legislation and operate on a level playing field while accessing and implementing best practices applied worldwide as they become available.

Aspasa’s medium-term aims are to eradicate illegal mining, while its long-term aim is to create a safe, fair and profitable industry that is inclusive and sustainable.

“The association provides services aligned with affiliated on-site plants such as ready-mix and processing plants. When necessary, the association protects and lobbies on behalf of the surface mining industry, and provides appropriate training and literature for members through its various committees,” the organisation concludes.