DMR Urged to Strengthen Supervisory Checks on Quarry Operations

The Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) has been advised to intensify its supervisory checks to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) outlined in quarry operations.

Audit Reveals Compliance Issues

A recent audit by the Auditor-General’s Office revealed that only one out of twenty quarry project files reviewed had a two-week notification to the Inspector of Mines prior to the commencement of operations, as required under Section 16 of the Quarries Regulations 1939. The implementation of this section was found to be heavily reliant on quarry owners and agents or foremen-in-charge, which could be beyond the control of the DMR.

Limited Control and Lack of Monitoring

The limited control by the DMR, coupled with a lack of systematic monitoring, could result in non-compliance persisting in future approved quarry developments. The audit highlighted that certified quarryman Foremen-in-Charge (QFICs) are required to be well-versed with the provisions of the Quarries Regulations 1939 and that there is a level of responsibility from quarry owners to abide by the regulations.

DMR Response and Plans for Improvement

The DMR agreed to the audit findings and recommendations, stating that necessary actions would be taken to address the issues raised. The department plans to adopt changes into its SOPs for future quarry development approvals.

Recommendations

The following recommendations were made:

• Include a clause in Quarry Approval Letters stating that operators are mandated to provide a notification letter to the Department two weeks prior to commencement of operations, with penalties clearly outlined for non-compliance.
• Strengthen the monitoring role as custodian of the Quarries Regulations 1939 by establishing a timely and properly structured monitoring system.

Inspectorate Unit Activities

The Inspectorate Unit conducts quarry inspections in all three divisions at least once a quarter, where the quarry setup and site are inspected for OHS compliance, as well as records and files checked. However, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure compliance with regulations governing quarry operations.

By implementing these recommendations, the DMR can strengthen its supervisory checks and ensure compliance with standard operating procedures in quarry operations.