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Mineral Exploration Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Audit Checklist

A comprehensive checklist for auditing health, safety, and environmental practices in mineral exploration programs, focusing on risk mitigation, environmental protection, and stakeholder engagement.

Mineral Exploration Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Audit Checklist

by: audit-now
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About This Checklist

Mineral exploration is a critical phase in the mining lifecycle that requires rigorous health, safety, and environmental management. This comprehensive Mineral Exploration HSE Audit Checklist is designed to evaluate and enhance safety practices, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance during exploration activities. By systematically assessing field operations, drilling practices, sample handling, wildlife interactions, and community engagement, this checklist helps exploration companies minimize risks, protect the environment, and maintain positive relationships with local stakeholders. Regular audits using this checklist can significantly improve the safety culture, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance the overall sustainability of mineral exploration programs.

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Industry

Mining and Metals

Standard

Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) e3 Plus Framework

Workspaces

Exploration Sites

Occupations

Exploration Manager
Field Geologist
HSE Specialist
Drilling Supervisor
Community Relations Officer
1
Is the drilling operation compliant with safety regulations?
2
How many hours of wildlife management training have staff received?
Min: 0
Target: 20
Max: 100
3
Are environmental protection measures in place at the exploration site?
4
Describe the community engagement activities conducted during exploration.
5
What was the date of the last environmental audit?
6
Is the waste management process compliant with environmental regulations?
7
How often is water quality monitored at the site?
Min: 1
Target: Monthly
Max: 30
8
Has a biodiversity impact assessment been conducted for the site?
9
Describe the remediation plans in place for environmental impacts.
10
What was the date of the last environmental compliance audit?
11
Is there a formal process for identifying hazards at the exploration site?
12
How often are risk assessments conducted at the site?
Min: 1
Target: Quarterly
Max: 90
13
Are emergency contact lists updated and accessible to all staff?
14
Describe the mitigation strategies documented for identified risks.
15
When is the next scheduled review of risk management practices?

FAQs

Mineral exploration HSE audits should be conducted at the start of each exploration program, with follow-up audits performed quarterly or when significant changes in activities or locations occur. More frequent spot checks may be necessary for high-risk activities or environmentally sensitive areas.

This checklist covers field safety protocols, emergency response planning, drilling and trenching practices, sample handling and transportation, environmental impact mitigation, wildlife interaction procedures, waste management, water conservation, community consultation, and cultural heritage protection.

The audit should be led by a qualified HSE professional with experience in mineral exploration. The audit team should include exploration geologists, field supervisors, and environmental specialists. For comprehensive audits, it may be beneficial to involve external HSE consultants or representatives from partner organizations.

The checklist includes items specific to remote operations, such as communication systems, medical evacuation plans, wildlife encounter protocols, and self-sufficiency measures for water and power. It also assesses the adequacy of training for field staff in wilderness first aid and survival skills.

Yes, this checklist is designed to be applicable to various types of mineral exploration activities, including early-stage prospecting, geophysical surveys, geochemical sampling, and advanced exploration drilling. However, it may need to be customized to address specific risks and regulatory requirements associated with different exploration methods and geographical locations.

Benefits of Mineral Exploration Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Audit Checklist

Ensures compliance with exploration-specific health and safety regulations

Helps prevent accidents and injuries in remote exploration settings

Minimizes environmental impacts of exploration activities

Improves relations with local communities and indigenous populations

Enhances the company's reputation and social license to explore