Industry Ground Control Framework
The Industry Ground Control Framework was developed in response to worsening falls of ground safety performance, particularly incidents related to rockbursts in the South African Mining Industry.
In October 2017, the MOSH Falls of Ground (FOG) Team raised concern about the worsening trend in fall of ground fatalities, particularly related to rockbursts in the South African Mining Industry (SAMI), during a presentation to the CEO Zero Harm Leadership Forum. In response, the forum recommended launching a targeted initiative to address these escalating risks. The initial concept focused on identifying global best practice rockburst management strategies and developing a guideline document for senior leadership at rockburst-prone mines.
However, during the data collection phase, and given the continued decline in safety performance, it became evident that a more comprehensive, industry-led approach to Fall of Ground Management (FOGM) was necessary. As a result, Mr. Chris Sheppard, then Chief Operating Officer at AngloGold Ashanti (AGA), was appointed to lead the initiative, supported by the Minerals Council South Africa (MCSA) and the MOSH FOG Team.
This collaboration aimed to identify, document and promote best practices in Fall of Ground Management, ultimately leading to the development of an FOGM Framework Document. This framework serves as a strategic industry reference, enabling South African mining operations to align and enhance their ground control practices. By adopting this unified approach, the sector collectively strengthens its commitment to reducing rockburst incidents and advancing toward the goal of Zero Harm.