This Guidance Note has been compiled specifically with a view to provide guidance to all relevant stakeholders regarding their roles and responsibilities with regards to medico-legal examinations and investigations of deaths (natural and unnatural) in the South African mining industry . The Guidance Note sets out good practice and must be read and interpreted within the existing legal framework on medico-legal investigations.

This Guidance Note will assist in determining whether the mining related activities may have contributed to the cause of death.