[Video] Understanding the New Mandatory Code of Practice for Change Management in Mining
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has published a Mandatory Code of Practice (MCOP) for Change Management, applicable to all South African mines, with implementation required from 1 October 2025.
This new Code provides a structured framework to help mines manage organisational, technical, and operational transitions safely, responsibly, and in line with legal and environmental obligations.
To support implementation, a guideline was published on 20 June 2025, offering a practical structure and risk-based approach to help mines compile and embed the required elements of the MCOP.
Watch the full video below for an overview of the MCOP and what it means for your organisation.
To learn more about how Shangoni can assist with implementation and compliance, contact our specialists today.
Understanding the Key Terms
1. Change Management
Change Management focuses on understanding and managing the human and cultural side of change. It is a structured approach used to guide individuals and teams through organisational shifts such as new processes, systems, or structures.
Its key elements include:
- Communication and engagement planning
- Training and competency development
- Leadership alignment
- Stakeholder management
- Performance measurement and feedback
The goal is to ensure successful adoption of change while minimising resistance and maintaining employee trust.
2. Management of Change (MoC)
Management of Change focuses on ensuring that change does not introduce unacceptable risks to health, safety, or the environment.
It involves a formal process to identify, assess, and control risks that arise when physical, technical, or operational changes occur—whether to equipment, materials, processes, or personnel.
The primary elements of MoC include:
- Hazard identification and risk assessment
- Documenting proposed changes
- Approvals and authorisations
- Implementation and verification
- Post-change evaluation
The Structure of the Guideline
The published guideline comprises three parts, providing mines with:
- Guidance on what to include in their own MCOP,
- An implementation plan to aid in establishing and embedding the required tools, and
- Two annexures explaining the key differences between Change Management and Management of Change, as well as access to leading practices that can support effective implementation.
Purpose and Benefits of the MCOP
The MCOP and accompanying guideline give employers a structured, risk-based framework for managing all forms of change—whether organisational, technological, operational, or market-driven.
Key benefits include:
- Encouraging active employee participation to address concerns and foster support for new initiatives.
- Aligning change management processes with legal, safety, and environmental obligations, reducing the risk of non-compliance and operational disruption.
- Promoting organisational resilience, enabling mines to adapt to technological and market shifts effectively.
- Ensuring early identification of significant changes to implement timely control measures that protect health and safety throughout all stages of transition.
Risk Management and Governance
Risk management lies at the heart of the MCOP. The Code requires each mine to define how Management of Change is integrated into existing risk assessment systems. Risks identified during change must be managed according to the hierarchy of controls—starting with elimination, followed by control at the source, reduction or minimisation, and, lastly, the use of personal protective equipment.
Strong governance, accountability, and leadership are also essential. Employers must:
- Designate a senior leader to champion and oversee all change initiatives.
- Establish a governance structure appropriate to the mine’s size and complexity.
- Clearly define roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders to ensure alignment.
- Provide continuous training and development to maintain competency and confidence among those leading change.
Implementing Change Effectively
Each mine must adopt a structured change management methodology aligned with its culture, goals, and operational realities. This should include the use of standardised tools and templates such as:
- Impact assessments
- Communication plans
- Risk registers
- Stakeholder analyses
Clear and transparent performance measures must also be defined to evaluate the success of change initiatives, ensuring they meet both health and safety requirements and drive continuous improvement.
In Summary
The new Mandatory Code of Practice for Change Management represents an important step towards safer, more resilient, and better-managed mining operations across South Africa. By taking a proactive, structured approach, mines can not only achieve compliance but also strengthen organisational culture, reduce risk, and enhance long-term sustainability.
