Research project: reducing silica dust exposure from backfill in underground gold mines

• For bidding procedure enquiries: Supply Chain Management Department.
• Email: [email protected].
• All queries must be submitted in writing to the above email. Do not approach any other MHSC employees.

• Submit your bid via email to [email protected]. The maximum email attachment size allowed is 150MB.
• Ensure your bid is submitted by the closing date and time: 18 August 2026 at 11:00am. Late bids will not be accepted.
• Use the official tender forms provided (SBD forms). Do not retype or redraft them; photocopies are acceptable but must be signed in original black ink.
• Mandatory returnable documents that must be fully completed and submitted include: SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid), SBD 4 (Bidder's Disclosure), SBD 6.1 (Preference Claim Form), and SBD 3 (Pricing Schedule).
• You must be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) prior to submission. Non-registered bidders will be disqualified.
• Provide your Tax Compliance Status PIN from SARS or your CSD number in the SBD 1. Failure to be tax compliant will disqualify your bid.
• Bids must remain valid for 120 days from the tender closing date.

Mandatory: Occupational hygienist/technologist registration with SAIOH. Tax compliance (SARS PIN or CSD number). Registration on Central Supplier Database (CSD). Submission of all required SBD forms (1, 3, 4, 6.1). Bids must be valid for 120 days. No state employees or directors may bid. Foreign suppliers must answer tax questionnaire.

The service provider must undertake a research project to investigate the reduction of Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) exposure risk from backfill use in underground gold mines.

Key deliverables include:

• Conduct a literature review on RCS exposure risks and control measures.
• Characterise backfill materials (silica content, properties) from selected mines in Gauteng, Free State, and Northwest provinces.
• Identify key tasks contributing to RCS exposure.
• Undertake personal and area monitoring of RCS concentrations in high-risk areas.
• Evaluate effectiveness of existing dust control measures (engineering, administrative, PPE).
• Assess feasibility of alternative backfill materials with lower silica content.
• Develop a draft guidance document with practical control strategies, monitoring approaches, and legislative alignment.
• Conduct a hybrid stakeholder workshop in Gauteng and produce a final guidance document.

Expected outcomes are detailed reports on each of the above components, a draft final report, and a final report.

The project duration is 18 months (15 months for project work, 3 months for MHSC administrative duties).

• Your project proposal must include a clearly defined methodology (design, participants, study sites, instruments, procedures).
• The methodology must be feasible (considering participant accessibility, site access, data collection, sample sizes).
• The proposal must address all items in the project scope and include a project schedule with timelines and costing.
• Attach the project proposal using the provided template. Proposals that merely reproduce the scope text without interpretation will score zero points.

Mandatory team experience:

• The service provider must have at least 5 years' experience in conducting applied research in the South African Mining Industry (SAMI).
• The project team must include members with:

• Minimum 10 years' experience in occupational hygiene, specifically in underground gold mines.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in rock engineering, geotechnical engineering, mining engineering, geology, or related disciplines, with expertise in backfill material composition, characterisation, and handling.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in material science, chemistry, or chemical engineering, with experience in analysing silica content, additives, and material modification.

• Evaluation criteria award points for company experience, reference letters, and the specific experience and qualifications of team members in these areas. Attach company profiles, CVs, and qualification certificates as proof.

• You must submit a detailed pricing schedule (SBD 3.3) as part of your bid.
• The schedule must list costs for each deliverable: project initiation, reports on literature review, backfill material characterisation, exposure tasks, RCS monitoring, control measure evaluation, alternative material feasibility, guidance document development, hybrid workshop, and final reports.
• Provide subtotals excluding VAT, VAT at 15%, and a grand total inclusive of VAT.
• Prices must be fully inclusive of all costs, taxes, and disbursements.
• Price changes due to CPI, PPI, or industry expansions may be allowed per the signed contract.
• The SBD 3 pricing schedule is considered the definitive price; discrepancies with other quotes will not be corrected.

• All prices must be quoted in South African Rand (ZAR), inclusive of VAT and all other applicable taxes and costs.
• Complete the pricing schedule (SBD 3.3) fully, listing costs for each deliverable (e.g., project initiation, reports). Provide a grand total inclusive of VAT.
• If using imported goods/services subject to exchange rate fluctuations, state the currency and exchange rate at bid time.
• Submit the pricing proposal alongside the technical proposal, clearly labelled.
• The bid price must remain valid for 120 days from the tender closing date.
• Payment terms: Within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice after completion of deliverables, as per PFMA regulations.
• Price negotiations may occur if bid prices are not market-related.

Mandatory requirements:

• Registration on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) is compulsory. Non-registered bidders will be disqualified.
• Tax compliance: Submit your Tax Compliance Status PIN from SARS or your CSD number. Bidders with tax matters not in order will be disqualified.
• Occupational hygienist/technologist must be registered with the South African Institute for Occupational Hygiene (SAIOH). Attach a valid certificate of registration.
• Submit a fully completed and signed SBD 1, SBD 4, SBD 6.1 (with supporting B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit), and SBD 3.
• Bidders must comply with the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, its 2022 Regulations, General Conditions of Contract, and any special conditions.
• Bidders must not be in the service of the state, and must disclose any conflicts of interest via SBD 4.
• Fronting practices are prohibited and will lead to disqualification and potential blacklisting.

• The service provider must be fully aware of and comply with the Mine Health and Safety Act and the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, acknowledging their duties as an employer.
• The research focuses on reducing RCS exposure and silicosis risks associated with backfill in underground gold mines.
• Key references include ILO, MSHA, and academic publications on silica dust exposure and control.

• The bid forms must not be retyped; photocopies are acceptable but must be signed in original black ink.
• Bidders must check page numbers to ensure none are missing or duplicated. MHSC accepts no liability for issues arising from missing/duplicated pages.
• Setting counter conditions or amending bid conditions will invalidate your bid.
• MHSC is not liable for any bid preparation costs incurred by bidders.
• MHSC reserves the right to cancel the tender due to insufficient funds, no longer needing the services, no bids meeting specifications, material irregularity, or bidder misrepresentation.
• The contract is governed by South African law.
• MHSC disclaims liability for any incorrect or misleading information in the tender document and warns bidders to be aware of scammers posing as MHSC employees.