Theft of explosives present a headache to the industry-DoL Inspectors workshop told
Moves are afoot to request mines to present security plans to curb the theft of explosives. A Police Explosives Expert told an Inspectors workshop in Polokwane on Tuesday. Colonel Jurie Van Staden was speaking on the topic of explosives control in the light of challenges facing the industry. He said in terms of the Mine and Safety Act, there are certain procedures that must also address security of explosives.
"Before we issue permits to new mines, it will be a prerequisite for them to produce their security plans".
"Only the control of explosives through cooperation from all government departments will the industry be able to make South Africa a safer place".
Annual joint audits are conducted with the Department of Mineral Resources to inspect the control of explosives. Amongst the challenges identified were the unauthorized access to explosives, smuggling of cross border explosives, illicit use of explosives to attack ATM's, safes as well as cash in transit vehicles, implementation of new explosives Act, 2003 as well as recruitment, training and retention of personnel.
He said it is important not only to have competent people, we also want competent regulators. Turning to improve control initiations, Van Staden said there is a need for intergovernmental cooperation to enhance tracking and tracing of explosives.
Occupational Health and Safety Manager Vaatjie Heyneke expressed his concern about the risks to communities resulting from blasting such as noise, dust which triggers asthma attack and air pollution, injuries from equipment that has not been serviced as well as vibrations that result in damage to structures.
Communication in the rural communities remains a critical challenge whereas in town people are informed about the blasting processes.
For more information contact:
Lerato Makomene
Limpopo Provincial Communication Officer
Cell: 082 908 1833
Teboho Thejane
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 082 697 0694
