In terms of the requirements of the Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act 29 of 1996), as amended, and the Mine Health and Safety Regulations, employers must report certain accidents and dangerous occurrences that occur at a mine to the respective Regional Principal Inspectors of Mines. The data is then captured onto the South African Mines Reportable Accidents Statistical System (SAMRASS) from which the information is analyzed.

Mine accident statistics

Since the first accidents were reported in 1904, more than 54,000 South African mine workers lost their lives in mine accidents: Many more workers have died as a result of exposure to hazardous dust, gas and fumes.

To improve the condition in South African mines, the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate decided to collect detailed data on each accident in order to use information for research purposes. The South African Mines Reportable Accidents Statistical System - SAMRASS – database was therefore established and has been running ever since 1988.

In terms of the requirements of the Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act 29 of 1996) Regulations, employers must report certain accidents and dangerous occurrences that occur at a mine to the regional Principal Inspector of Mines. The data is then captured onto the South African Mines Reportable Accidents Statistical System from which the information is analyzed.

SIMRAC levies

The Department of Mineral Resources is legally empowered to establish a safety research account, the funds of which are to be used for mine safety and health research. In order to administer the fund, the Safety in Mines Research Advisory Committee (SIMRAC), was established. The levies itself are administered by the Mine Health and Safety Council.

Basis for calculating the levy

• The safety risk

The safety risk for each mine is expressed in terms of a severity index, measured in the number of allocated days lost as a result of fatalities and injuries. Besides the normal measurable allocated days lost, a fatality and a permanent disability are rated with a factor of 6 000 man-days.

Note that days are allocated according to the severity of the accident, and NOT according to the actual number of day’s sick leave taken.

• Three year cycle

The safety risk calculations are based upon a three year cycle. The three year period extends from 1 July of the relevant year to 30 June three year later. A mine will therefore be levied for the same accident three years running. In order to include late reported accidents, the date reported and not the date of accident, is used as the basis for the calculation of the levy.

• Generic or health levy

A second levy is imposed on the total number of employees in service at a mine. All mines have to report monthly to the Directorate: Mineral Economics of the Department of Mineral Resources, its production figures, sales and number and earnings of employees in service. An average labour figure over twelve months is used as basis for the levy.

• Calculation of levies payable