MEM Issues HSE Guidelines for Oman’s Minerals Sector

The Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) on Tuesday introduced a Guide on occupational health, safety and environment (HSE) standards for the minerals sector in Oman. Held under the auspices of H E Mohsin bin Hamad al Hadhrami, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, the launch ceremony saw the participation of various representatives of government entities, mining companies and health and safety specialists.

Delivering his opening speech, H E Hadrami emphasized the imperative need for a profound transformation in the management of mining projects, especially at the leadership level. He stressed the significance of adopting work mechanisms that prioritize health and safety of workers and the neighboring communities while also safeguarding the environment.

H E Hadhrami provided examples of practices and standards applied in the oil and gas sectors, which have had a positive impact in reducing accidents and protecting individuals and facilities. The ministry is committed to elevating the application of HSE standards in the mining sector, similar to the standards applied in the oil and gas sector, according to carefully developed plans.

The ministry’s HSE Guide aims to assist mining companies, service providers, and operators in identifying and managing health and safety risks across their diverse operations. The ultimate objective is to achieve the desired goal of zero fatal accidents and serious injuries at work sites, taking into account environmental aspects. The Guide also aims to ensure that mining operations are conducted in a safe and sustainable manner. It includes the minimum requirements that must be met in the work areas.

Moreover, this Guide refers to the legal framework for occupational HSE that must be complied with. It considers the potential impact of mining operations on workers, the environment and local communities. This encompasses risks related to health, safety, and the environment for workers and society, as well as the environmental consequences of mining operations, the welfare and livelihood of workers, and the repercussions of non-compliance with the law.

According to a MEM statement, mining companies shall assume responsibility to ensure the establishment of a high system of occupational HSE management in their projects. This system shall also be maintained to ensure its continuity by identifying the types of risks, health injuries and diseases that workers may be exposed to, as well as those that might affect the local community due to mining activities.

Furthermore, the system shall address concerns related to waste management, operational risks (electrical and mechanical hazards, etc.), road safety (on-site and off-site), air and waterborne pollutants, psychosocial and social hazards, besides corporate social responsibility and training requirements.

The ministry will follow up the commitment of these companies to implement the guidelines contained therein in order to ensure the safety of workers from the risks and causes of accidents at work sites and to ensure the safety of the work environment at mining sites. As per the ministry, licensed companies shall submit two separate reports in this regard.

The first report shall identify the types and nature of risks at work sites and a plan shall be submitted to reduce these risks by the end of March 2024. As for the second report, it shall include a plan to rectify any deficiencies in occupational health, safety and environmental practices at mining sites in accordance with the Guide to meet all the standards and guidelines required, by the Guide by the end of September 2024.