Mining plays a central role in South Africa’s economy, contributing significantly to jobs, exports, and GDP. But it’s also one of the most challenging sectors when it comes to safety and operational risks. Every day, mining crews work in harsh environments – often underground, in confined spaces, with heavy equipment and physical tools. In these conditions, equipment failure is a potential safety hazard that can result in serious injuries or costly downtime.

This is why it’s so important to use tools that are built to do the job properly. In South Africa, that means choosing tools that meet the standards set by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). These tools are tested for strength, safety, and performance. They’re certified to hold up under tough conditions and to keep your workforce safe.

Why SABS-certified tools matter in mining

Mining is one of the most tightly regulated industries in South Africa, and for good reason. The sector has a long history of serious injuries and fatalities, with safety now firmly prioritised by regulators, unions, and operators alike. Under the Mine Health and Safety Act, mine owners and managers have a legal duty to ensure safe working environments. That responsibility extends to every tool and piece of equipment used on site.

Choosing SABS-certified tools is one of the simplest and most effective ways to meet these obligations. Certification gives assurance that the tools have been properly tested and meet national safety and quality standards. This is especially important in mining, where tools are often subjected to extreme conditions, such as digging through hard rock, working under intense pressure, or exposed to moisture, dust and vibration.

A tool that fails mid-use doesn’t just break. It can lead to injuries from flying debris, loss of control, or sudden stops in production. Even if no one is physically harmed, the interruption caused by equipment failure can quickly add up. Production schedules in mining are typically tight, with little room for delays. Having to pause operations because of broken or unreliable tools can mean missed targets and increased costs.

The alternative is investing upfront in tools that are proven to last. SABS certification helps companies avoid the false economy of buying cheaper, uncertified equipment that wears out faster or fails under strain. Instead of regularly replacing tools and dealing with the consequences of poor performance, mines can focus on productive work, knowing the equipment in use is fit for purpose.

In short, SABS-certified tools support three key goals that are non-negotiable in mining:

• Worker safety
• Operational reliability
• Regulatory compliance.

Looking for SABS Approved tools? Download our catalogue for options.

What is SABS certification, and why is it critical?

The SABS is the national standards authority responsible for developing and maintaining the South African National Standards (SANS). These standards cover a wide range of products and services, including hand tools used in mining and other heavy industries.

When a tool carries the SABS Approved mark, it means the product has passed independent testing against these standards.

The certification process looks at several key areas:

• The strength and durability of the materials used.
• The design and construction of the tool.
• Safety features, including ergonomic considerations and the ability to withstand normal and extreme use.

But SABS certification is not a once-off process. It includes ongoing checks on the manufacturing process to ensure that the same high standards are maintained across every production run. Regular audits and random product testing form part of this system, making sure that the tools sold under the SABS mark continue to meet requirements long after the initial approval.

This is where SABS certification differs from a basic test report. A test report might confirm that one sample tool met a certain standard at one point in time. But it does not guarantee that every other unit from that supplier will do the same. Full SABS certification means the manufacturing process itself has been evaluated and approved. It gives buyers confidence that every tool produced under that certification meets the same standard.

For mining operations, this assurance is vital. It means procurement managers and safety officers can be confident they are sourcing tools that comply with legal safety requirements. It also simplifies internal audits and external inspections; the SABS mark provides clear evidence that the business is using certified equipment.

It’s about managing risk, protecting workers, and ensuring that the equipment used on site will stand up to the demands of the job.

Common pain points in the mining sector

Mining professionals face daily challenges when it comes to tools and equipment. Here are some of the most common issues on the ground, and how SABS-certified tools help to address them.

Tool failure and short lifespan

The physical demands of mining are hard on tools. Whether it’s a shovel being used to move heavy material, a hammer striking solid rock, or a spade working through packed earth, these tools are under constant stress. Over time, poorly made tools bend, crack, or snap, often without warning.

When a tool fails mid-task, the result can be serious. There’s the immediate safety risk to the person using it. There’s the potential for damage to surrounding equipment. And there’s the cost of work grinding to a halt while replacements are sourced.

Certified tools, by contrast, are designed to last longer. They are tested for strength, durability, and performance, with quality controls in place to make sure that each tool produced meets these standards. This reduces the frequency of failures and the need for replacement tools, saving money over time and keeping operations running smoothly.

Compliance headaches and regulatory risk

South Africa’s mining laws require strict compliance with safety standards, including the use of approved equipment. But not every tool on the market meets these standards – and the responsibility for ensuring compliance sits with the mine operator, not the supplier.

Sourcing uncertified tools, or relying on a supplier’s verbal claims about quality, puts businesses at risk of non-compliance. This can lead to penalties, forced shutdowns, and damaged reputation.

By choosing SABS-certified tools, companies have clear, independent proof that their equipment meets the required standards. Certification documentation provides easy-to-check evidence for audits and inspections, helping avoid disputes and giving peace of mind to safety teams.

Difficulty sourcing reliable, compliant tools locally

Many mining operations in South Africa work in remote areas, where access to high-quality tools can be limited. Importing tools may seem like a solution, but it comes with lead time delays, high shipping costs, and uncertainty about whether the products meet local safety standards.

Local manufacturers like Lasher Tools offer a reliable supply of SABS-certified mining tools backed by strong distribution networks. This makes it easier for mining companies to get the right equipment quickly, with the assurance that it meets national standards. Buying local also supports faster turnaround times on orders, simpler returns, and access to customer support when needed.

Worker safety and injury risk

Hand tools may seem simple, but they play a direct role in worker safety. A handle that splinters or a head that loosens unexpectedly can cause lacerations, crush injuries, or even serious hand trauma.

SABS standards include design and material guidelines that help reduce these risks. For example:

• Proper bonding between handles and tool heads.
• Use of materials that resist wear and corrosion.
• Ergonomic design to reduce user fatigue and improve grip.

Providing workers with the right tools builds trust between the workforce and management by showing that the company takes safety seriously.

Lack of clear, trustworthy product information

Not all tools are created equal – but not all suppliers provide the detailed specifications and compliance information buyers need. Without access to accurate product data, procurement teams may end up making decisions based on price alone, rather than quality or suitability for the task.

Reputable manufacturers make compliance clear by marking their SABS-certified ranges and providing detailed product information. This helps buyers make informed decisions, avoiding costly mistakes or the purchase of tools that aren’t fit for mining environments.

Why local, certified tools make business sense

Tools may be small compared to heavy equipment like trucks or crushers, but they are essential to day-to-day work. Every pick, shovel, or hammer needs to perform reliably, because the safety of workers and the success of the operation depend on it.

Choosing SABS-certified mining tools from local, trusted suppliers provides:

• Proven quality: Tools tested to handle real-world mining conditions.
• Compliance confidence: Certification that simplifies legal obligations and safety checks.
• Reliable access: A local supply chain that reduces wait times and offers ongoing support.

Companies like Lasher Tools have built their reputation on delivering exactly this. With nearly a century of experience in the South African market, Lasher focuses on consistent, uncompromising quality across its product range — including mining essentials like hammers, shovels, forks, and wheelbarrows, all available in SABS-certified options.

For more on compliant tool options for mining, visit Lasher’s mining hand tools category.