Mining Industry: NCD and Mental Health Management Guidelines Gazetted

Posted 22 July 2025 Written by Acts Online
Category Health

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: New guidelines have been gazetted under the Mine Health & Safety Act, No. 29 of 1996, concerning the management of non-communicable diseases and mental health disorders.

Issued under the Mine Health & Safety Act, No. 29 of 1996, the guidelines establish a formal framework for the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health disorders within the South African mining industry. These guidelines require industry employers to develop and implement specific protocols to address health issues that significantly impact the safety and well-being of the workforce.

The guidelines apply to all mines and employers subject to the Act and necessitate the following actions:

  • The establishment of screening and monitoring programs for NCDs, including hypertension and diabetes.
  • The implementation of formal mental health disorder management and support systems.
  • The integration of these health management protocols into the mine’s existing mandatory Codes of Practice and health and safety management systems.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual obligations; impact is channelled through firm-level compliance and occupational health reporting requirements.
  • For your business: Mining houses must update their mandatory Codes of Practice (COP) to align with these new guidelines and ensure internal health policies are compliant with the gazetted standards.
  • For your clients: Mining sector clients must be advised of the potential increase in compliance costs related to mandatory health screenings and the provision of mental health support infrastructure.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/mining-industry-non-communicable-disease-mental-health-disorder-management-guidelines-gazetted

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