Aspasa introduces Blasting Audit

Explosives experts William Mlanje (left) and Corrie Rautenbach will conduct explosives audits on behalf of Aspasa.

To assist members with compliance to the mining charter, technical and quality requirements, Aspasa is further extending its strategic service to members with the introduction of a new Blasting Audit.

According to director Nico Pienaar, Aspasa has decided to offer Blasting Audits to members due to the numerous legal challenges faced by the sector since the Mine Health and Safety Act’s (MHSA) new explosives regulations came into effect on 14 December 2018.  There have been various demands made by affected communities and Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) officials.

“While some of the demands are not provided for in legislation and others are simply impractical, they are having an impact on the running of mining operations. A Blasting Audit that’s in line with all new requirements of the MHSA is a positive step toward in clarifying the legal parameters of mining operations, and particularly when it comes to the use of explosives,” says Pienaar.

To develop the audit, Aspasa has tasked an explosives solutions company that manages explosives related legal challenges, blasting engineering improvement initiatives and independent investigations to undertake audits of members’ sites.