Mine owners will face stiffer fines and harsher terms of imprisonment for breaches of mine health and safety rules under a new Bill tabled in Parliament on Friday.
The maximum fine that can be imposed by the inspector of mines will be R1-million up from R200 000, and the maximum term of imprisonment rises to five years.
The objects of the Mine Health and Safety Amendment Bill are — according to a memorandum circulated with the Bill — to simplify the system, tighten offences as well as to strengthen penalties.
It will also harmonise the law with the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act and with the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act. — I-Net Bridge