Role of the Commissioner for Mine Safety and Health

The Commissioner for Mine Safety and Health is an independent advisor to the government and is appointed by the Governor in Council.

The current Commissioner is Kate du Preez. She has more than 20 years experience in the mining industry across Africa and Australia, including working in underground coal mines and in management positions.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering and was the first woman in South Africa to hold a mine manager's certificate of competency in coal mining. As a miner herself, Mrs du Preez is passionate about the mining industry and is a strong advocate for mining safety and health issues.

Functions of the Commissioner

The Commissioner's main functions are to:

• advise the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy on mine safety and health matters generally
• monitor and report to the Minister and Parliament on the administration of safety and health provisions under the:
• Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999
• Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999
• chair the Coal Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee and the Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee
• conduct prosecutions under the:
• Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999
• Explosives Act 1999
• Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999
• Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004.

Annual reports

The Commissioner provides an annual performance report on the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy.

• Annual performance report of the Commissioner

As the chair of the advisory committees, the Commissioner also reports on the operations of the committees.

• Annual reports of the committees