Pay Dirt is a trade publication for Southern African surface mining contractors: costs, diesel, haulage, maintenance, safety law and site data.https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/en-zaFri, 25 Sep 2026 12:01:26 GMT© 2026 Pay Dirthttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/logo-144.pnghttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/144144https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/australian-diesel-price/2026-09/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/australian-diesel-price/2026-09/Diesel price in Australia, 25 September 2026: terminal gate 261.9 c/L in Perth to 277.6 c/L in Darwin; national 269.0 c/L, up 24.9 c/L on a month.Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/fuel-australian-diesel-price-2026-09.jpg" alt="Large white domed fuel storage tanks behind a security fence, beside a roundabout on an industrial road" width="1600" height="900" /><figcaption>Photo: Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Diesel price in Australia, 25 September 2026: terminal gate 261.9 c/L in Perth to 277.6 c/L in Darwin; national 269.0 c/L, up 24.9 c/L on a month.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/australian-diesel-price/2026-09/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsLarge white domed fuel storage tanks behind a security fence, beside a roundabout on an industrial roadCalistemonFuel and dieselDiesel pricehttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/bench/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/bench/A bench is one working level of an open pit, dug from its face. Its height follows the loading machine and sets the depth of every blasthole on it.Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/bench.jpg" alt="A pit wall cut into many horizontal benches, with haul trucks travelling along ramps that cross the slope." width="1600" height="1067" /><figcaption>Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>A bench is one working level of an open pit, dug from its face. Its height follows the loading machine and sets the depth of every blasthole on it.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/bench/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA pit wall cut into many horizontal benches, with haul trucks travelling along ramps that cross the slope.Diego DelsoLoad, haul and blastGlossaryhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/burden/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/burden/Burden is the distance from a row of blastholes to the free face, or between rows. Rules of thumb set it at 24 to 39 hole diameters. Methods compared.Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/burden.jpg" alt="A row of blasts erupts along a limestone quarry bench, throwing dust and rock fragments into a blue sky." width="1600" height="1067" /><figcaption>Photo: Siim Roov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Burden is the distance from a row of blastholes to the free face, or between rows. Rules of thumb set it at 24 to 39 hole diameters. Methods compared.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/burden/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA row of blasts erupts along a limestone quarry bench, throwing dust and rock fragments into a blue sky.Siim RoovLoad, haul and blastGlossaryhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/fuel-tax-credits-mining-australia/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/fuel-tax-credits-mining-australia/Fuel tax credits for mining: from 3 August 2026 diesel used off-road on a mine earns 53.7 cents a litre; heavy vehicles on public roads earn 21.3 cents.Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/fuel-tax-credits-mining-australia.jpg" alt="An excavator loading a haul truck on a bench deep in an open pit, with other haul trucks travelling along the benches above" width="1600" height="1200" /><figcaption>Photo: Kgbo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Fuel tax credits for mining: from 3 August 2026 diesel used off-road on a mine earns 53.7 cents a litre; heavy vehicles on public roads earn 21.3 cents.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/fuel-tax-credits-mining-australia/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsAn excavator loading a haul truck on a bench deep in an open pit, with other haul trucks travelling along the benches aboveKgboFuel and dieselRegulationhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/mine-safety-contractors-australia/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/mine-safety-contractors-australia/Mine safety legislation in Australia for contractors: the model WHS Act, then NSW, Queensland and WA mine laws, each needing a contractor safety plan.Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/mine-safety-contractors-australia.jpg" alt="A wide open pit at dusk with a curving haul ramp, stepped benches and small haul trucks and loaders working on the floor" width="1600" height="1200" /><figcaption>Photo: Kgbo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Mine safety legislation in Australia for contractors: the model WHS Act, then NSW, Queensland and WA mine laws, each needing a contractor safety plan.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/mine-safety-contractors-australia/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA wide open pit at dusk with a curving haul ramp, stepped benches and small haul trucks and loaders working on the floorKgboSafety and complianceRegulationhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/load-haul/powder-factor-fragmentation/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/load-haul/powder-factor-fragmentation/Powder factor is explosive mass per bank cubic metre or tonne blasted. The formula, a worked blast pattern, and what fragmentation does to load and haul.Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/powder-factor-fragmentation.jpg" alt="A cloud of dust rising from a benched open pit moments after a production blast" width="1600" height="1200" /><figcaption>Photo: Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Powder factor is explosive mass per bank cubic metre or tonne blasted. The formula, a worked blast pattern, and what fragmentation does to load and haul.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/load-haul/powder-factor-fragmentation/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA cloud of dust rising from a benched open pit moments after a production blastCalistemonLoad, haul and blastGuidehttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/spacing/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/spacing/Spacing is the distance between neighbouring blastholes in a row. It is usually 1 to 2 times the burden. How to set it and what it does to drilling.Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/spacing.jpg" alt="Seen from above, a drill rig works on a pale bench below a tall pit wall, next to a line of freshly drilled hole collars; two light vehicles are parked nearby." width="1600" height="1067" /><figcaption>Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Spacing is the distance between neighbouring blastholes in a row. It is usually 1 to 2 times the burden. How to set it and what it does to drilling.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/spacing/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsSeen from above, a drill rig works on a pale bench below a tall pit wall, next to a line of freshly drilled hole collars; two light vehicles are parked nearby.Diego DelsoLoad, haul and blastGlossaryhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/stemming/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/stemming/Stemming is inert material packed into the top of a blasthole to hold the explosive gases in. Rules of thumb put its length at about 0.7 times the burden.Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/stemming.jpg" alt="Small cones of grey drill cuttings in a row along the edge of a quarry bench, with a blue steel cylinder standing among them and forest behind." width="1600" height="900" /><figcaption>Photo: Wikitarisch, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Stemming is inert material packed into the top of a blasthole to hold the explosive gases in. Rules of thumb put its length at about 0.7 times the burden.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/stemming/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsSmall cones of grey drill cuttings in a row along the edge of a quarry bench, with a blue steel cylinder standing among them and forest behind.WikitarischLoad, haul and blastGlossaryhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/tonne-kilometre/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/tonne-kilometre/A tonne-kilometre is one tonne moved one kilometre. Multiply tonnes by haul distance to see haulage work that tonnes alone hide; tyres use it per hour.Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/tonne-kilometre.jpg" alt="A loaded haul truck approaches along a long, dusty haul road that winds across a mine site, with rock stockpiles and power lines alongside." width="1600" height="1064" /><figcaption>Photo: James St. John, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>A tonne-kilometre is one tonne moved one kilometre. Multiply tonnes by haul distance to see haulage work that tonnes alone hide; tyres use it per hour.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/tonne-kilometre/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA loaded haul truck approaches along a long, dusty haul road that winds across a mine site, with rock stockpiles and power lines alongside.James St. JohnLoad, haul and blastGlossaryhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/grade-resistance/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/grade-resistance/Grade resistance is the force to climb a slope: 10 kg per tonne of gross weight for each 1% of grade. Formula, degrees to percent, a pit ramp example.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/grade-resistance.jpg" alt="Seen from above, a loaded haul truck climbs a wide, steep gravel ramp cut into a rocky pit wall, with a pickup further down the ramp." width="1600" height="1064" /><figcaption>Photo: James St. John, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Grade resistance is the force to climb a slope: 10 kg per tonne of gross weight for each 1% of grade. Formula, degrees to percent, a pit ramp example.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/grade-resistance/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsSeen from above, a loaded haul truck climbs a wide, steep gravel ramp cut into a rocky pit wall, with a pickup further down the ramp.James St. JohnLoad, haul and blastGlossaryhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/match-factor/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/match-factor/Match factor = trucks × loading time per truck ÷ (loaders × truck cycle time). Below 1 the loader waits; above 1 trucks queue. Worked excavator example.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/match-factor.jpg" alt="An electric rope shovel tipping its dipper into the body of a rigid haul truck on the pit floor" width="1600" height="1068" /><figcaption>Photo: Siim Roov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Match factor = trucks × loading time per truck ÷ (loaders × truck cycle time). Below 1 the loader waits; above 1 trucks queue. Worked excavator example.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/match-factor/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsAn electric rope shovel tipping its dipper into the body of a rigid haul truck on the pit floorSiim RoovLoad, haul and blastGlossaryhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/msha-surface-mining-contractors/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/msha-surface-mining-contractors/A contractor at a US mine is an operator under MSHA: it can be cited, needs a contractor ID for most site work, and trains under Part 46 or Part 48.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/msha-surface-mining-contractors.jpg" alt="Terraced benches and haul roads of a very large open-pit copper mine, with a haul truck on a road in the foreground" width="1600" height="1200" /><figcaption>Photo: Farragutful, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>A contractor at a US mine is an operator under MSHA: it can be cited, needs a contractor ID for most site work, and trains under Part 46 or Part 48.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/msha-surface-mining-contractors/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsTerraced benches and haul roads of a very large open-pit copper mine, with a haul truck on a road in the foregroundFarragutfulSafety and complianceRegulationhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/off-highway-diesel-tax-credit-us/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/off-highway-diesel-tax-credit-us/Undyed diesel burned off-highway on a mine earns back $0.243 a gallon of federal excise tax on Form 4136 or Form 8849. What qualifies and how to claim.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/off-highway-diesel-tax-credit-us.jpg" alt="A line of yellow rigid haul trucks queuing to be loaded by a large shovel in a dusty pit, with wheel loaders and a drill rig nearby" width="1600" height="1067" /><figcaption>Photo: Hermann Luyken, CC0 1.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Undyed diesel burned off-highway on a mine earns back $0.243 a gallon of federal excise tax on Form 4136 or Form 8849. What qualifies and how to claim.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/off-highway-diesel-tax-credit-us/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA line of yellow rigid haul trucks queuing to be loaded by a large shovel in a dusty pit, with wheel loaders and a drill rig nearbyHermann LuykenFuel and dieselRegulationhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/shift-handover/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/shift-handover/A good shift handover is face to face, two-way and backed by a written record. What a surface mine handover must cover, with a template and checklist.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/shift-handover.jpg" alt="A bucket-wheel excavator with its working lights on in a lignite pit at dusk, with conveyor lines and terraced benches behind it." width="1600" height="1067" /><figcaption>Photo: Anıl Öztaş, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>A good shift handover is face to face, two-way and backed by a written record. What a surface mine handover must cover, with a template and checklist.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/shift-handover/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA bucket-wheel excavator with its working lights on in a lignite pit at dusk, with conveyor lines and terraced benches behind it.Anıl ÖztaşSafety and complianceGuidehttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/technology/telematics-mine-sites/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/technology/telematics-mine-sites/Machine telematics records engine hours, fuel, location, idle time and fault codes. What manufacturers' portals show, ISO 15143-3 and what the data misses.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/telematics-mine-sites.jpg" alt="A mixed fleet at work in an open-cut coal pit: an electric rope shovel loading a haul truck, a second haul truck, a dozer, a wheel loader, two light vehicles and a lighting tower." width="1600" height="1200" /><figcaption>Photo: Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Machine telematics records engine hours, fuel, location, idle time and fault codes. What manufacturers' portals show, ISO 15143-3 and what the data misses.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/technology/telematics-mine-sites/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA mixed fleet at work in an open-cut coal pit: an electric rope shovel loading a haul truck, a second haul truck, a dozer, a wheel loader, two light vehicles and a lighting tower.CalistemonTechnology and dataGuidehttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/load-haul/payload-management/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/load-haul/payload-management/Truck payload under Caterpillar's 10/10/20 policy: no more than 10% of loads over 110% of target, none over 120%, mean at or below target, and the costs.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/payload-management.jpg" alt="A haul truck with a heaped load of broken grey ore travelling along a pit road beside a rock face" width="1600" height="832" /><figcaption>Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped).</figcaption></figure><p>Truck payload under Caterpillar's 10/10/20 policy: no more than 10% of loads over 110% of target, none over 120%, mean at or below target, and the costs.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/load-haul/payload-management/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA haul truck with a heaped load of broken grey ore travelling along a pit road beside a rock faceDiego DelsoLoad, haul and blastGuidehttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/us-diesel-price/2026-09/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/us-diesel-price/2026-09/US on-highway diesel averaged $6.529 a gallon in the week of 21 Sep 2026 (EIA), up $0.877 in four weeks, a series high. Regional prices and cost per ton.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/fuel-us-diesel-price-2026-09.jpg" alt="Aerial view of rows of white fuel storage tanks beside a ship channel, with a jetty and a tanker alongside" width="1600" height="1138" /><figcaption>Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>US on-highway diesel averaged $6.529 a gallon in the week of 21 Sep 2026 (EIA), up $0.877 in four weeks, a series high. Regional prices and cost per ton.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/us-diesel-price/2026-09/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsAerial view of rows of white fuel storage tanks beside a ship channel, with a jetty and a tanker alongsideCarol M. HighsmithFuel and dieselDiesel pricehttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/utilisation/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/utilisation/Utilisation is the share of time a machine is actually used. The GMG model gives four versions with different bases. Formulas and a haul truck month.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/utilisation.jpg" alt="A wide view across an open pit with stepped benches in grey, orange and yellow rock; on the pit floor an electric shovel works beside haul trucks." width="1600" height="1064" /><figcaption>Photo: James St. John, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Utilisation is the share of time a machine is actually used. The GMG model gives four versions with different bases. Formulas and a haul truck month.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/utilisation/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA wide view across an open pit with stepped benches in grey, orange and yellow rock; on the pit floor an electric shovel works beside haul trucks.James St. JohnMaintenance and machinesGlossaryhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/wet-stock/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/wet-stock/Wet stock is the fuel physically in your tanks and bowsers, measured by dip. Compare it with book stock each period; the gap is your stock variance.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/wet-stock.jpg" alt="A row of five large white horizontal fuel storage tanks with hazard placards, standing in a concrete bund under a clear blue sky." width="1600" height="992" /><figcaption>Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Wet stock is the fuel physically in your tanks and bowsers, measured by dip. Compare it with book stock each period; the gap is your stock variance.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/wet-stock/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA row of five large white horizontal fuel storage tanks with hazard placards, standing in a concrete bund under a clear blue sky.Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United StatesFuel and dieselGlossaryhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/berm/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/berm/A haul road berm is a bank of material along the road edge or centre. Thompson sets height at 50% to 66% of truck wheel diameter, sides at 1.5V:1H.Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/berm.jpg" alt="A loaded haul truck drives along a winding pit road lined on both sides by windrows of broken rock, with high benched walls behind." width="1600" height="1200" /><figcaption>Photo: Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>A haul road berm is a bank of material along the road edge or centre. Thompson sets height at 50% to 66% of truck wheel diameter, sides at 1.5V:1H.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/berm/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA loaded haul truck drives along a winding pit road lined on both sides by windrows of broken rock, with high benched walls behind.CalistemonLoad, haul and blastGlossaryhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/fatigue-management/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/fatigue-management/Fatigue management on SA mines runs on a mandatory code of practice written to guideline DMR 16/3/2/4-B2. What it requires, roster risks, a checklist.Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/fatigue-management.jpg" alt="An open-cast coal mine at night: floodlit draglines on the benches, tipper trucks at a lit dump area and light trails from vehicles on the haul roads in the foreground." width="1600" height="1068" /><figcaption>Photo: Rosehubwiki, Kuber Patel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Fatigue management on SA mines runs on a mandatory code of practice written to guideline DMR 16/3/2/4-B2. What it requires, roster risks, a checklist.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/fatigue-management/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsAn open-cast coal mine at night: floodlit draglines on the benches, tipper trucks at a lit dump area and light trails from vehicles on the haul roads in the foreground.Rosehubwiki, Kuber PatelSafety and complianceGuidehttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/maintenance/engine-hours-smr-hour-meters/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/maintenance/engine-hours-smr-hour-meters/Service on engine hours from the hour meter, where OEM intervals are set. Bill on the hours your hire terms name, and reconcile the two weekly.Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/engine-hours-smr-hour-meters.jpg" alt="Close-up of an analogue tachometer on a dusty machine dashboard, with a mechanical hour meter counter in the dial and oil and charge warning lamps above." width="1600" height="1200" /><figcaption>Photo: NSEasternShoreChemist, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Service on engine hours from the hour meter, where OEM intervals are set. Bill on the hours your hire terms name, and reconcile the two weekly.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/maintenance/engine-hours-smr-hour-meters/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsClose-up of an analogue tachometer on a dusty machine dashboard, with a mechanical hour meter counter in the dial and oil and charge warning lamps above.NSEasternShoreChemistMaintenance and machinesGuidehttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/job-card/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/job-card/A job card records one maintenance job on one machine: hour meter, fault, work done, parts, labour, lockout and sign-off. The fields a workshop needs.Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/job-card.jpg" alt="A large front-end loader raised on yellow stands in a mine workshop, with a trolley of used filters and a toolbox in the foreground and a parts stand beside the machine." width="1600" height="1134" /><figcaption>Photo: Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped).</figcaption></figure><p>A job card records one maintenance job on one machine: hour meter, fault, work done, parts, labour, lockout and sign-off. The fields a workshop needs.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/job-card/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA large front-end loader raised on yellow stands in a mine workshop, with a trolley of used filters and a toolbox in the foreground and a parts stand beside the machine.CalistemonMaintenance and machinesGlossaryhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/mining-in-botswana/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/mining-in-botswana/Botswana mining: about 13 million carats of gem diamonds in 2025 and a copper expansion. Citizen rules, permits, tax and border posts for SA contractors.Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/mining-in-botswana.jpg" alt="A vast, dusty open pit with stepped walls and haul roads, seen from the rim on a hazy day" width="1600" height="1067" /><figcaption>Photo: Cretep, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Botswana mining: about 13 million carats of gem diamonds in 2025 and a copper expansion. Citizen rules, permits, tax and border posts for SA contractors.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/mining-in-botswana/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA vast, dusty open pit with stepped walls and haul roads, seen from the rim on a hazy dayCretepSouthern African miningBriefinghttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/mining-in-namibia/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/mining-in-namibia/Namibia mining: uranium output rose 20.8% in 2025 as diamonds fell. Where contractors work, ownership policy, permits, tax and border posts for SA firms.Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/mining-in-namibia.jpg" alt="Aerial view of a large open pit in pale desert, with dark haul roads and waste dumps spreading out around it" width="1600" height="1067" /><figcaption>Photo: Hp.Baumeler, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Namibia mining: uranium output rose 20.8% in 2025 as diamonds fell. Where contractors work, ownership policy, permits, tax and border posts for SA firms.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/mining-in-namibia/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsAerial view of a large open pit in pale desert, with dark haul roads and waste dumps spreading out around itHp.BaumelerSouthern African miningBriefinghttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/mining-in-zambia/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/mining-in-zambia/Mining in Zambia: 824,425 tonnes of copper in 2024. Where it is mined, the 2026 local content rules, permits, tax basics and logistics for SA contractors.Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/mining-in-zambia.jpg" alt="A large yellow rigid haul truck crossing a tarred road at a mine, with dust, power lines and traffic lights around it." width="1600" height="1067" /><figcaption>Photo: BlueSalo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Mining in Zambia: 824,425 tonnes of copper in 2024. Where it is mined, the 2026 local content rules, permits, tax basics and logistics for SA contractors.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/mining-in-zambia/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA large yellow rigid haul truck crossing a tarred road at a mine, with dust, power lines and traffic lights around it.BlueSaloSouthern African miningBriefinghttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/mining-in-zimbabwe/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/mining-in-zimbabwe/Zimbabwe mining: a record 50.5 tonnes of gold in 2025, Great Dyke PGMs and a lithium export ban. Rules, permits, tax and Beitbridge for SA contractors.Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/mining-in-zimbabwe.jpg" alt="A hillside scarred by old open workings above a pale tailings dump and a small mine village among trees" width="1600" height="1096" /><figcaption>Photo: Kevin Walsh, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Zimbabwe mining: a record 50.5 tonnes of gold in 2025, Great Dyke PGMs and a lithium export ban. Rules, permits, tax and Beitbridge for SA contractors.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/mining-in-zimbabwe/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA hillside scarred by old open workings above a pale tailings dump and a small mine village among treesKevin WalshSouthern African miningBriefinghttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/rolling-resistance/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/rolling-resistance/Rolling resistance is the force a haul truck overcomes to roll, as a % of gross weight: 1% is 10 kg per tonne. Formulas, typical values, a ramp example.Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/rolling-resistance.jpg" alt="A loaded rigid-frame haul truck climbing a gravel ramp between rock walls in an open pit" width="1600" height="1067" /><figcaption>Photo: Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped).</figcaption></figure><p>Rolling resistance is the force a haul truck overcomes to roll, as a % of gross weight: 1% is 10 kg per tonne. Formulas, typical values, a ramp example.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/rolling-resistance/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA loaded rigid-frame haul truck climbing a gravel ramp between rock walls in an open pitCalistemonLoad, haul and blastGlossaryhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/strip-ratio/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/strip-ratio/Strip ratio is the waste removed for each unit of ore or coal mined. SA opencast coal often quotes it in BCM of waste per tonne. Formula and examples.Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/generated/hero-coal-strip.jpg" alt="An opencast coal strip with a dark coal seam under brown overburden and a dragline in the distance (AI-generated illustration)" width="1600" height="892" /><figcaption>Illustration: AI-generated for Pay Dirt with Qwen-Image. It does not show a real site.</figcaption></figure><p>Strip ratio is the waste removed for each unit of ore or coal mined. SA opencast coal often quotes it in BCM of waste per tonne. Formula and examples.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/strip-ratio/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsAn opencast coal strip with a dark coal seam under brown overburden and a dragline in the distance (AI-generated illustration)Qwen-ImageContractor economicsGlossaryhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/maintenance/availability-and-utilisation/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/maintenance/availability-and-utilisation/Availability is the share of required time a machine was fit to work; utilisation, the share it worked. Formulas, a worked month and why figures differ.Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/availability-and-utilisation.jpg" alt="A large white hydraulic excavator working on a muddy coal bench, with a water cart parked alongside and a light tower and utility vehicle behind." width="1600" height="1200" /><figcaption>Photo: Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Availability is the share of required time a machine was fit to work; utilisation, the share it worked. Formulas, a worked month and why figures differ.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/maintenance/availability-and-utilisation/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA large white hydraulic excavator working on a muddy coal bench, with a water cart parked alongside and a light tower and utility vehicle behind.CalistemonMaintenance and machinesGuidehttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/africa-diesel-price/2026-09/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/africa-diesel-price/2026-09/Official diesel prices for September 2026: South Africa R29.11/l wholesale, Zambia K26.86, Zimbabwe US$2.08 and Mozambique MT116.25 a litre.Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/fuel-africa-diesel-price-2026-09.jpg" alt="A row of large fuel storage tanks of various sizes on open grassland, with a fence in the foreground and a hill behind" width="1600" height="1200" /><figcaption>Photo: Carl-Johan Roos, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Official diesel prices for September 2026: South Africa R29.11/l wholesale, Zambia K26.86, Zimbabwe US$2.08 and Mozambique MT116.25 a litre.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/africa-diesel-price/2026-09/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA row of large fuel storage tanks of various sizes on open grassland, with a fence in the foreground and a hill behindCarl-Johan RoosFuel and dieselDiesel pricehttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/diesel-refund-eligible-activities/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/diesel-refund-eligible-activities/Which mining activities earn the diesel refund under Schedule 6 Note 6(f), which do not, and a checklist for mines and contractors on dry and wet work.Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/diesel-refund-eligible-activities.jpg" alt="A large wheel loader lifting a bucket of red iron ore material beside a conical stockpile fed by a conveyor, with plant buildings and cranes behind" width="1600" height="1071" /><figcaption>Photo: Graeme Williams, Media Club, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Which mining activities earn the diesel refund under Schedule 6 Note 6(f), which do not, and a checklist for mines and contractors on dry and wet work.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/diesel-refund-eligible-activities/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA large wheel loader lifting a bucket of red iron ore material beside a conical stockpile fed by a conveyor, with plant buildings and cranes behindGraeme Williams, Media ClubFuel and dieselRegulationhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/diesel-theft-mine-site/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/diesel-theft-mine-site/Fuel theft is one of several ways diesel leaves a mine site's record, at six points from delivery to machine. How to find each loss and reconcile a month.Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/diesel-theft-mine-site.jpg" alt="Weathered steel fuel tank on skids in long grass, with padlocked covers over the filler and dispensing hose" width="1600" height="1111" /><figcaption>Photo: W.carter, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Fuel theft is one of several ways diesel leaves a mine site's record, at six points from delivery to machine. How to find each loss and reconcile a month.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/diesel-theft-mine-site/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsWeathered steel fuel tank on skids in long grass, with padlocked covers over the filler and dispensing hoseW.carterFuel and dieselGuidehttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/load-factor/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/load-factor/Load factor converts loose cubic metres to bank cubic metres: LF = 100% ÷ (100% + % swell). Formula, handbook values and a truck load example.Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/load-factor.jpg" alt="Rear view of a large haul truck driving along a pit road beside a rock wall, its body heaped with pale broken ore." width="1600" height="1032" /><figcaption>Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Load factor converts loose cubic metres to bank cubic metres: LF = 100% ÷ (100% + % swell). Formula, handbook values and a truck load example.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/load-factor/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsRear view of a large haul truck driving along a pit road beside a rock wall, its body heaped with pale broken ore.Diego DelsoContractor economicsGlossaryhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/economics/month-end-contract-mining/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/economics/month-end-contract-mining/Month-end in contract mining turns loads, hours and delays into a signed invoice: survey against truck counts, standing time, sign-off and a checklist.Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/month-end-contract-mining.jpg" alt="Long rows of grey and red iron ore stockpiles served by stackers and reclaimers on rails, with conveyors, a small articulated truck and a train in the background." width="1600" height="1071" /><figcaption>Photo: Graeme Williams, Media Club, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Month-end in contract mining turns loads, hours and delays into a signed invoice: survey against truck counts, standing time, sign-off and a checklist.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/economics/month-end-contract-mining/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsLong rows of grey and red iron ore stockpiles served by stackers and reclaimers on rails, with conveyors, a small articulated truck and a train in the background.Graeme Williams, Media ClubContractor economicsGuidehttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/pre-start-checks/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/pre-start-checks/Pre-start checks on SA mines: regulation 8.10.24 requires operators to inspect trackless mobile machines before use and complete a checklist each shift.Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/pre-start-checks.jpg" alt="Two large rigid-frame haul trucks parked side by side on a levelled gravel site, with farmland, a town and a range of hills behind under a cloudy sky." width="1600" height="1067" /><figcaption>Photo: Matty, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Pre-start checks on SA mines: regulation 8.10.24 requires operators to inspect trackless mobile machines before use and complete a checklist each shift.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/pre-start-checks/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsTwo large rigid-frame haul trucks parked side by side on a levelled gravel site, with farmland, a town and a range of hills behind under a cloudy sky.MattySafety and complianceGuidehttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/swell-factor/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/swell-factor/Swell factor is the % by which rock or soil grows in volume once dug. Sandstone swells about 67%. Formula, material table and a site check.Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/swell-factor.jpg" alt="A loaded haul truck crosses a pale pit floor behind a heap of loose, blocky broken rock in the foreground." width="1600" height="1200" /><figcaption>Photo: James St. John, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Swell factor is the % by which rock or soil grows in volume once dug. Sandstone swells about 67%. Formula, material table and a site check.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/swell-factor/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA loaded haul truck crosses a pale pit floor behind a heap of loose, blocky broken rock in the foreground.James St. JohnContractor economicsGlossaryhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/tkph/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/tkph/TKPH is a tyre's heat limit in tonne-kilometres per hour. Site TKPH = mean tyre load × average speed × K1 × K2; it must stay below the tyre's rating.Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/tkph.jpg" alt="Close view of the large off-the-road tyres and raised body of a retired orange two-axle haul truck" width="1600" height="1172" /><figcaption>Photo: Cjp24, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>TKPH is a tyre's heat limit in tonne-kilometres per hour. Site TKPH = mean tyre load × average speed × K1 × K2; it must stay below the tyre's rating.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/tkph/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsClose view of the large off-the-road tyres and raised body of a retired orange two-axle haul truckCjp24Load, haul and blastGlossaryhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/coal-mining-south-africa/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/coal-mining-south-africa/Coal mining in South Africa: about 236 million tonnes a year, mostly in Mpumalanga. Where it is mined, Eskom and exports, rail, rehabilitation and risks.Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/coal-mining-south-africa.jpg" alt="A large white walking dragline with its long lattice boom raised, standing on overburden, with coal and spoil dumps behind" width="1600" height="1236" /><figcaption>Photo: D. Gallop, via Bob Adams, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped).</figcaption></figure><p>Coal mining in South Africa: about 236 million tonnes a year, mostly in Mpumalanga. Where it is mined, Eskom and exports, rail, rehabilitation and risks.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/coal-mining-south-africa/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA large white walking dragline with its long lattice boom raised, standing on overburden, with coal and spoil dumps behindD. Gallop, via Bob AdamsSouthern African miningBriefinghttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/dmre-dmpr-what-changed/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/dmre-dmpr-what-changed/The DMRE is now the DMPR. Mining law, the Inspectorate and SAMRAD stayed with it; electricity moved to a new department on 1 April 2025.Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/dmre-dmpr-what-changed.jpg" alt="Sandstone steps leading up through the gardens to a curved colonnaded government building with two domed towers" width="1600" height="1067" /><figcaption>Photo: PHParsons, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>The DMRE is now the DMPR. Mining law, the Inspectorate and SAMRAD stayed with it; electricity moved to a new department on 1 April 2025.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/dmre-dmpr-what-changed/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsSandstone steps leading up through the gardens to a curved colonnaded government building with two domed towersPHParsonsSafety and complianceRegulationhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/load-haul/haul-truck-cycle-time/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/load-haul/haul-truck-cycle-time/Haul truck cycle time is queue, spot, load, haul, dump and return, plus delays. How to measure each part, with a worked trucks and tonnes per hour example.Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/haul-truck-cycle-time.jpg" alt="Two haul trucks and a grader on a haul road ramp inside an open-cut coal mine" width="1600" height="900" /><figcaption>Photo: Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped).</figcaption></figure><p>Haul truck cycle time is queue, spot, load, haul, dump and return, plus delays. How to measure each part, with a worked trucks and tonnes per hour example.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/load-haul/haul-truck-cycle-time/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsTwo haul trucks and a grader on a haul road ramp inside an open-cut coal mineCalistemonLoad, haul and blastGuidehttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/idle-time-mining/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/idle-time-mining/Idle time in mining is engine hours with no work done: 30% to 60% of running time on earthmoving machines in published data. How to measure and cost it.Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/idle-time-mining.jpg" alt="Aerial view of a line of empty haul trucks queued on a pit road, waiting for a rope shovel at the face" width="1600" height="1082" /><figcaption>Photo: Conleth Brady / IAEA Imagebank, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Idle time in mining is engine hours with no work done: 30% to 60% of running time on earthmoving machines in published data. How to measure and cost it.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/idle-time-mining/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsAerial view of a line of empty haul trucks queued on a pit road, waiting for a rope shovel at the faceConleth Brady / IAEA ImagebankFuel and dieselGuidehttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/mttr/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/mttr/MTTR is total repair time divided by the number of repairs. Which clock to start and stop on a mine breakdown, with a worked example.Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/mttr.jpg" alt="A large haul truck under repair inside a mine workshop, with a rear wheel removed, a wheel motor component on a stand, a parts bench and a forklift in the foreground." width="1600" height="1200" /><figcaption>Photo: Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>MTTR is total repair time divided by the number of repairs. Which clock to start and stop on a mine breakdown, with a worked example.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/mttr/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA large haul truck under repair inside a mine workshop, with a rear wheel removed, a wheel motor component on a stand, a parts bench and a forklift in the foreground.CalistemonMaintenance and machinesGlossaryhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/collision-avoidance-pds/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/collision-avoidance-pds/PDS in mining: on SA pits with significant collision risk, diesel machines must warn, then slow and brake by themselves (reg 8.10.2.1(b), since Dec 2022).Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/collision-avoidance-pds.jpg" alt="Seen from above, three large haul trucks travel along a wide pit road while pickups and a van share the same road and bench, looking tiny beside them, with a drill rig working at the far end." width="1600" height="1067" /><figcaption>Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>PDS in mining: on SA pits with significant collision risk, diesel machines must warn, then slow and brake by themselves (reg 8.10.2.1(b), since Dec 2022).</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/compliance/collision-avoidance-pds/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsSeen from above, three large haul trucks travel along a wide pit road while pickups and a van share the same road and bench, looking tiny beside them, with a drill rig working at the far end.Diego DelsoSafety and complianceRegulationhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/platinum-mining-south-africa/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/platinum-mining-south-africa/Platinum mining in South Africa: about 256 tonnes of PGMs in 2024 and most world reserves. Where, how, rules, logistics and risks for surface contractors.Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/platinum-mining-south-africa.jpg" alt="Aerial view of a mine plant with green roofed buildings, silos and a tailings pond, set in bushveld with mountains behind." width="1600" height="898" /><figcaption>Photo: Ryanj93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Platinum mining in South Africa: about 256 tonnes of PGMs in 2024 and most world reserves. Where, how, rules, logistics and risks for surface contractors.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/platinum-mining-south-africa/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsAerial view of a mine plant with green roofed buildings, silos and a tailings pond, set in bushveld with mountains behind.Ryanj93Southern African miningBriefinghttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/standing-time/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/standing-time/Standing time is when a contractor's machine is on site and ready but cannot work for a reason it does not control. What it means and what to record.Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/standing-time.jpg" alt="A long line of yellow rigid haul trucks parked side by side on a gravel pad in dry, rocky hills under a clear blue sky." width="1600" height="1065" /><figcaption>Photo: Chris Hunkeler from Carlsbad, California, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Standing time is when a contractor's machine is on site and ready but cannot work for a reason it does not control. What it means and what to record.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/standing-time/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA long line of yellow rigid haul trucks parked side by side on a gravel pad in dry, rocky hills under a clear blue sky.Chris Hunkeler from Carlsbad, California, USAContractor economicsGlossaryhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/bank-cubic-metre/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/bank-cubic-metre/A bank cubic metre (BCM) is one cubic metre of rock or soil in the ground, before it is dug. How swell, load factor and density convert BCM to tonnes.Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/bank-cubic-metre.jpg" alt="A white electric rope shovel digs into a face of broken grey rock on a bench, next to a loaded yellow rigid haul truck, with two light vehicles parked below." width="1600" height="1200" /><figcaption>Photo: Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>A bank cubic metre (BCM) is one cubic metre of rock or soil in the ground, before it is dug. How swell, load factor and density convert BCM to tonnes.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/glossary/bank-cubic-metre/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA white electric rope shovel digs into a face of broken grey rock on a bench, next to a loaded yellow rigid haul truck, with two light vehicles parked below.CalistemonContractor economicsGlossaryhttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/chrome-mining-south-africa/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/chrome-mining-south-africa/Chrome mining in South Africa: 22.9 million tonnes of chromite in 2024, more than any country. Where and how it is mined, the rules, logistics and risks.Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/chrome-mining-south-africa.jpg" alt="A steel processing plant with inclined conveyors and a dark ore stockpile, with a dry bushveld hill behind under a clear blue sky." width="1600" height="1062" /><figcaption>Photo: Hansueli Krapf, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Chrome mining in South Africa: 22.9 million tonnes of chromite in 2024, more than any country. Where and how it is mined, the rules, logistics and risks.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/markets/chrome-mining-south-africa/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA steel processing plant with inclined conveyors and a dark ore stockpile, with a dry bushveld hill behind under a clear blue sky.Hansueli KrapfSouthern African miningBriefinghttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/economics/cost-per-tonne/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/economics/cost-per-tonne/Cost per tonne is the hourly cost of a fleet divided by the tonnes it moves in that hour. What goes into the hourly cost, with a worked example in rand.Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/cost-per-tonne.jpg" alt="A large open pit with stepped benches and a ramp, loaded haul trucks climbing the ramp, excavators and drill rigs working on the lower benches and broken rock stockpiled on the floor." width="1600" height="1045" /><figcaption>Photo: Rr2000, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>Cost per tonne is the hourly cost of a fleet divided by the tonnes it moves in that hour. What goes into the hourly cost, with a worked example in rand.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/economics/cost-per-tonne/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsA large open pit with stepped benches and a ramp, loaded haul trucks climbing the ramp, excavators and drill rigs working on the lower benches and broken rock stockpiled on the floor.Rr2000Contractor economicsGuidehttps://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/diesel-price/2026-09/https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/diesel-price/2026-09/South Africa's wholesale 0.05% diesel price from 2 September 2026: 2,911.11 c/l in Gauteng, 2,823.91 c/l at the coast, up 293.90 c/l. 2026 history.Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT<figure><img src="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/images/articles/2026-09.jpg" alt="Oil refinery with distillation columns and chimney stacks beyond scrubland, with Table Mountain in the background" width="1600" height="1066" /><figcaption>Photo: Discott, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</figcaption></figure><p>South Africa's wholesale 0.05% diesel price from 2 September 2026: 2,911.11 c/l in Gauteng, 2,823.91 c/l at the coast, up 293.90 c/l. 2026 history.</p><p><a href="https://www.paydirtmagazine.com/fuel/diesel-price/2026-09/">Read the full piece on Pay Dirt</a></p>Pay Dirt editorsOil refinery with distillation columns and chimney stacks beyond scrubland, with Table Mountain in the backgroundDiscottFuel and dieselDiesel price