• HEALTH AND SAFETY
Balfour emphasised that progress in health outcomes is closely linked to broader systemic improvements, including better data collection, enhanced medical surveillance and stronger integration of health and safety strategies. Her presentation also pointed to the importance of addressing emerging risks and ensuring that gains in areas like TB and silicosis are not reversed.
Looking ahead, the MCSA has outlined a multi-pronged strategy for 2026. Central to this is the deeper embedding of critical control management, a structured approach to identifying and managing key risks. The Council also plans to expand the adoption of leading practices, strengthen visible leadership and enhance knowledge sharing across the sector.
Importantly, the focus is not only on preventing incidents but also on building a proactive safety culture. This includes empowering workers, improving communication and ensuring that safety is integrated into every aspect of mining operations.
Dushendra Naidoo, head of Safety and Sustainable Development, Minerals Council South Africa, Japie Fullard, chairperson of the Minerals Council CEO Zero Harm Forum and Dr Thuthula Balfour, head of Health and Safety.
The emphasis on“ visible-felt leadership” reflects a growing recognition that safety performance is shaped as much by behaviour and culture as by technology and systems. Leaders are expected to demonstrate their commitment through consistent actions, reinforcing the message that safety is a non-negotiable priority.
As the industry navigates the complexities of modern mining, deeper operations, evolving technologies, and increasing regulatory expectations, the challenge will be to maintain momentum while addressing emerging risks.
The 2026 health and safety briefing made it clear that while the sector has made remarkable strides, complacency is not an option. The rise in fall-of-ground fatalities serves as a stark reminder that progress can be fragile.
As Fullard concluded, the industry’ s progress over the past three decades provides a strong foundation. The task now is to build on that foundation, ensuring that every worker returns home safely, every day. •
References: 1. https:// www. mineralscouncil. org. za / component / jdownloads /? task = download. send & id = 2620 & catid = 7 & m = 0 2. https:// www. mineralscouncil. org. za / component / jdownloads /? task = download. send & id = 2621 & catid = 7 & m = 0
3. Watch Dr Dr Thuthula Balfour in conversation with African Mining, incorporating Mining Mirror’ s Sharon Mdaka( https:// www. linkedin. com / posts / african-mining-publication _ drthuthulabalfour-healthan dsafetyinspectoratesannualreport-activity-7426899906176626688- VChK? utm _ source = share & utm _ medium = member _ android & rcm = ACoAAESrcPwBhLFA6TpJhPohOOcbqorGEF2Cmbg).
28 • African Mining • April 2026 www. africanmining. co. za