SAMRASS
The Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate revisited the entire system of accident reporting and record-keeping in the South African Mines Reportable Accidents Statistical System [SAMRASS] system. In order to produce a good quality statistical product in line with the needs and requirements of the users this system was established in 1988 subject to the conditions embodied in the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 as amended and the relevant regulations.
The correct description of accidents or dangerous occurrences is of utmost importance if the statistics produced from these reports are to be meaningful. It is therefore important that mines:
Contact us: mhsi@dmpr.gov.za
Download resources
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SAMRASS Codebook for Mines
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SAMRASS Codebook for Mines [Appendices]
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SAMRASS 1: Accident and dangerous occurrence report [DMPR 482]
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SAMRASS 2: Injury report [DMPR 483]
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SAMRASS 3A: Addendum on rockburst and FOG (underground) in tubular hard rock mines [DMPR 484A]
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SAMRASS 3B: Addendum on rockburst and FOG accidents in opencast mines [DMPR 484B]
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SAMRASS 3C: Addendum on rockburst and FOG accidents in collieries [DMPR 484C]
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SAMRASS 3D: Addendum on rockburst and FOG accidents in massive ore bodies [DMPR 484D]
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SAMRASS 4: 1-13 day injuries [DMPR 485]
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SAMRASS 5: Addendum on explosives [DMPR 486]
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SAMRASS 6: Addendum on fires [DMPR 487]
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SAMRASS 7: Addendum on subsistences in coal mines [DMPR 488]
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SAMRASS 8: Addendum on heat stroke / heat exhaustion [DMPR 489]
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SAMRASS 8A: Addendum on heat stroke / heat exhaustion (occupational hygiene) [DMPR 489]
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SAMRASS 8B: Addendum on heat stroke / heat exhaustion (occupational medicine) [DMPR 489]
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SAMRASS 9: Report on date resumed work [DMPR 490]
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Fatality and injury rate trends
The fatality and injury frequency rate trends per million hours worked is a number calculated using a rounded-off figure conversion factor of 2 200 as the South African mining industry does not report on the actual hours worked.
The assumption is that each person works for an average of 48.9 weeks in a calendar year, discounting weekends, public holidays and annual leave days. The Basic conditions of Employment Act, 1997 (Act 75 of 1997) requires a person to work not more that 45 hours per week. Therefore, the conversion factor is rounded-off to 2 200 hours per person per year.
The rate is annualised, therefore, for a full year it is calculated as follows:
Contact us: mhsi@dmpr.gov.za
Occupational fatalities and injuries reported
Mining is known as one of the most dangerous occupations in the world with many contributing factors that causes accidents in the mining environment resulting in fatalities and occupational injuries.
South Africa has improved its safety level when compared to international peers but these markets have considerably less-complicated mining sectors than South Africa which has some of the deepest mines in the world.
The Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate continuously examine practices towards achieving a zero harm goal. Compliance with the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 as amended and its regulations is crucial to provide safe and healthy working conditions for miners in the South African mining industry.
The health and safety of any and all mine workers in the South African mining industry remain at the centre of the work the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate do. The Inspectorate is committed to the principle of zero harm and aims to achieve world-class safety performance through close collaboration with its tripartite partners.
Contact us: mhsi@dmpr.gov.za
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2020-2029
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2010-2019
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YEAR
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FATALITIES
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INJURIES
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YEAR
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FATALITIES
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INJURIES
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2029
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2019
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ò
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51
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ñ
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2 452
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2028
|
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2018
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ò
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81
|
ò
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2 426
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2027
|
|
|
|
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2017
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ñ
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90
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ò
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2 668
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2026
|
|
|
|
|
2016
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ò
|
73
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ò
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2 846
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2025
|
|
|
|
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2015
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ò
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77
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ñ
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3 139
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2024
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ò
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42*
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ò
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1 970*
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2014
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ò
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84
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ò
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2 700
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2023
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ñ
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56
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ñ
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2 184
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2013
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ò
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93
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ò
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3 126
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2022
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ò
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49
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ò
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2 065
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2012
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ò
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112
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ñ
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3 367
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2021
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ñ
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74
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ñ
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2 141
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2011
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ò
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123
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ò
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3 299
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2020
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ñ
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60
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ò
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1 813
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2010
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ò
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127
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ò
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3 438
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Disaster-type accidents in mining
Mining tragedies
Administrative fine system
Levies
The South African mining sector has historically played a pivotal role in shaping the national economy and job market. Employment reached its peak in 1987 with over 760,000 workers, but by 2015 the workforce had declined to approximately 490,000.
Today, the Platinum Group Metals (PGM) sector employs the largest share of the workforce, followed by Gold and Coal Mining. For detailed quarterly labour statistics by region, see the Download Resources section below.
For more information, contact mhsi@dmpr.gov.za.
Mine Safety
Mining is one of the world’s most hazardous professions. Ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for miners remains a national priority.
The Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate (MHSI) and the South African mining industry are committed to achieving the vision of Zero Harm through collaboration between Government, Labour, and Employers.
The Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29 of 1996) established this tripartite framework and introduced reforms that continue to guide safety practices across the mining sector.
Compliance with the Act and its regulations, along with safety training and awareness, ensures ongoing improvements in occupational health and safety across all mines.
SIMRAC Levies
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMPR) manages a Safety Research Account through the Safety in Mines Research Advisory Committee (SIMRAC). Funds from this account support essential research and innovation in mine health and safety.
Mine safety risk is expressed using a Severity Index, calculated as allocated days lost due to fatalities and injuries. Fatalities and permanent disabilities are each rated at 6,000 man-days lost.
The levy calculation is based on a three-year cycle from July to June. Mines are levied based on reported accidents and average labour figures over twelve months.
For more information, contact mhsi@dmpr.gov.za.
Surveying Matters
Mine surveying is a specialised discipline within mining science and technology. It involves the measurement, calculation, and mapping of information throughout the mining process—from exploration to exploitation—both underground and on the surface.
Surveyors maintain accurate mine plans, calculate ore production, and monitor surface waste volumes. The MHSI ensures compliance with the Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act 29 of 1996) , and related regulations through inspections and quality control.
- Mapping and draughting services
- Safekeeping of prescribed mine plans and departmental copies for closed mines
To access mine plan information, refer to the 2014 DMR PAIA Manual. Click here to download.