1986 Ed.]
Mines (Safety) Regulations
[CAP. 285
B 13
PART VI
[Subsidiary]
MINING: PROTECTION OF SURFACE
34. Where mining operations have caused subsidence or cavities on the surface, or where they are likely to occur, such places shall be securely fenced in and conspicuous notice boards inscribed “WARNING” shall be erected and maintained thereabouts as long as the danger exists.
35. (1) For the protection of ground and any surface objects which it is necessary to protect in the interests of personal safety or public traffic, and the removal of which may be inexpedient, the veins, beds or other mineral deposits shall be left intact not only vertically below them, but also for such a distance beyond as a mines officer may consider necessary. An appeal shall lie from the direction of the officer to the Superintendent of Mines.
(2) Permission for the entire or partial excavation of the ground beneath such surface objects may be obtained from the Superintendent of Mines to the extent and under such precautions and conditions as he may prescribe in each separate case.
(3) The driving of tunnels not exceeding 1.8 metres in width through the safety pillars for the purpose of connecting 2 separate mines or parts of a mine may be allowed with the written permission of the Superintendent of Mines and upon due observance of the safety precautions prescribed by him.
36. All excavations made contrary to the provisions of regulations 34 and 35 shall be immediately filled up with loose rock debris or earth by the person or persons responsible for such excavations, failing which they shall be filled up by Government at the expense of the licensee or lessee of the mine.
37. (1) In digging prospecting trenches the ground shall be thrown out so as to form approximately equal ridges on each side, and in sinking prospecting pits the ground shall be thrown out so as to surround the pit and all necessary precautions shall be taken, either by filling up or fencing them, to prevent persons inadvertently falling into or entering such trenches or pits:
Provided that nothing in this regulation shall prevent the removal of excavated ground for sampling purpose.
(2) If in the opinion of the Superintendent of Mines disused prospecting or mining excavations are dangerous to life, or likely to endanger public traffic, he may order them to be filled in to the level of the surface or securely fenced in by the prospector, holder or lessee.
(3) Any person who contravenes the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2) hereof shall be guilty of an offence, and Government shall in any event have the right to fill up or otherwise protect such trenches or other excavations at the expense of such person.
Duty to protect surface where subsidence or cavities occur.
Power to give directions, and duty to comply with them.
L.N. 87/86.
Duty to fill in illegal excavations.
Duty in respect of prospecting trenches and pits.