APPOINTMENT OF A SERVICE PROVIDER TO UNDERTAKE RESEARCH PROJECT COE 240604 “INVESTIGATE THE REDUCTION OF THE RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA (RCS) EXPOSURE RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF BACKFILL IN UNDERGROUND GOLD MINES FOR SUPPORT”Closed

Overview

Procurement of a service provider to undertake the research project COE 240604 “Investigate the reduction of the respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure risk associated with the use of backfill in underground gold mines for support.” Bidders should be experienced in occupational hygiene, rock/geotechnical/mining engineering, and materials science, with SAIOH registration for the occupational hygienist, and demonstrated capability to conduct literature reviews, field sampling, monitoring, and context-specific guidance development (MHSC_022_2026_2027.pdf).

Requirements

• Occupational hygienist/technologist registered with SAIOH (valid certificate required).
• At least 5 years’ experience in applied research/consulting; project team with:
  • ≥10 years in occupational hygiene (underground gold mines);
  • ≥10 years in rock/geotechnical/mining engineering or geology with backfill knowledge;
  • ≥5 years in material science/chemistry with silica analysis.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in related disciplines; CVs and team composition to be provided.
• Deliverables include literature review, backfill material characterization, exposure task analysis, personal/area monitoring, dust-control assessment, feasibility of alternative backfill formulations, and a draft guidance document.
• Provide 5+ verifiable reference letters; ensure compliance documentation (SBDs, pricing, project proposal).
• Mandatory compliance with CSD and SARS Tax status; separate TCS/Pin for consortia.
• Project duration: 18 months (15 months work, 3 months MHSC admin).
• Evaluation stages: Mandatory technical; Technical/Functionality (≥70%); Price and Specific Goals (80/20).

How to Apply

• Submission deadline: 18 August 2026, 11:00. Questions due by 10 August 2026.
• Briefing: Non-compulsory, 31 July 2026, 11:00, via Microsoft Teams (online).
• Submission method: Email bids to tenders@mhsc.org.za (attachments max 150 MB).
• Required documents (with attachments per the attached forms): SBD 1, SBD 3 (pricing), SBD 4 (B-BBEE/Disclosure), SBD 6.1 (preference claims), SBD 7.2 (Contract). Include the project proposal template and CVs/references as applicable. (MHSC_022_2026_2027.pdf; MHSC Research Proposal template - Final.doc)
• Registrations: CSD registration and SARS Tax Compliance PIN or CSD number; joint ventures require separate TCS/CSD for each party.
• Where documents can be obtained: MHSC website/eTender Portal; bid documents must be complete and on official forms.
• Validity: bids remain open for 120 days post-closure.
• Briefing address and physical contact: listed in MHSC materials (document references may include Section 8, Tuscany Office Park). (MHSC_022_2026_2027.pdf)