Certification and Key Standards for Mining and Minerals: Boosting Productivity, Safety, and Quality
- Valentina Bosenko
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Mining and minerals industries are facing more pressure than ever to maximize efficiency, ensure quality, and operate sustainably. Certification to internationally recognized standards has become a strategic imperative for businesses across the value chain, from extraction to processing and distribution. In this comprehensive guide, we explore four pivotal standards for mining and mineral enterprises—including the latest on coal sizing equipment, sampling precision, mining method classification, and coal bulk density determination. Implementing these standards can unlock enhanced productivity, robust operational security, and the scalable frameworks that modern organizations demand.
Overview / Introduction
The mining and minerals sector is at the foundation of countless industries, supplying raw materials essential for energy, construction, manufacturing, and technology. As regulation tightens and global competition rises, companies must do more than just meet local laws—they must attain certification against respected standards to prove operational excellence.
Why do standards matter?
They offer clear, consistent criteria for safety, quality, environmental management, and process optimization.
Compliance reduces operational risk, lowers costs, and improves marketability.
Certification demonstrates diligence to buyers, investors, and regulators, facilitating global trade.
In this article, we’ll break down the content, applications, and practical benefits of four cornerstone standards in this space. Whether you’re a manager, engineer, or investor, mastering these requirements is your key to smarter, safer, and more productive operations.
Detailed Standards Coverage
ISO 10752:2025 - Coal Sizing Equipment Performance Evaluation
Coal sizing equipment — Performance evaluation
ISO 10752:2025 defines the methods and best practices for expressing and evaluating the performance of sizing equipment used in coal preparation. It encompasses various equipment types such as screens, classifiers, and purpose-built sorting devices involved in separating coal by particle size.
The standard offers precise procedures for:
Designing and executing performance tests.
Measuring feed and product streams.
Calculating and presenting key performance metrics such as sharpness of separation, yield, misplaced material, and efficiency indices.
Who should comply? Anyone operating or certifying coal preparation plants, maintenance engineers, laboratory staff, and quality assurance teams involved in product sizing. The procedures apply whether handling two-product separations or multiproduct systems (through staged two-product analysis).
Implementation insights: Uniform test conditions are emphasized for accurate comparison of equipment. Sample handling aligns with leading ISO procedures to ensure representative results and facilitate benchmarking.
Key highlights:
Standardizes performance reporting for screens, classifiers, and other sizing devices.
Requires consistent sampling and moisture correction.
Supplies graphical/tabular formats for robust data presentation.
Access the full standard: View ISO 10752:2025 on iTeh Standards
ISO 13909-7:2025 - Mechanical Sampling: Precision and Quality Verification
Coal and coke — Mechanical sampling — Part 7: Methods for determining the precision of sampling, sample preparation and testing
ISO 13909-7:2025 provides the framework for assessing and enhancing the precision of mechanical sampling systems—vital for coal and coke quality control. It specifies mathematical methods for estimating variability in sampling, sample preparation, and analysis. Users are guided in designing, verifying, and adjusting sampling schemes to achieve targeted precision levels, supporting compliance and data credibility.
This standard applies to:
Operating coal and coke sampling systems.
Laboratories and quality assurance units.
Facilities seeking to optimize or validate sampling precision as part of certification.
Implementation insights: The provisions walk users through formulae for calculating increment variances, precision indices, and adjustment methods. Replicate and duplicate sampling techniques, along with variance estimation, enable ongoing precision checks. Adaptations are available for varying operational scales.
Key highlights:
Systematic approach to monitoring and improving sampling precision.
Enables data-driven adjustments to sampling schemes to meet required quality targets.
Cross-references to other ISO sampling and preparation standards for seamless integration.
Access the full standard: View ISO 13909-7:2025 on iTeh Standards
ISO 21557:2025 - Mining Methods: Classification and Specification
Mining — Mining methods — Classification and specification
ISO 21557:2025 introduces a universal classification for mining methods based on a range of critical factors: ore grade, recovery rate, infrastructure and extraction costs, machine and labor expenses, underground support requirements, and geological conditions.
It divides methods into two broad families: surface and underground mining, with further subdivisions grounded in deposit geometry and ground stability. The standard functions as both a guide for method selection and a reference for evaluating mine design decisions in feasibility studies and regulatory reporting.
Who benefits from this standard? Mining engineers, project managers, consulting geologists, regulatory agencies, and anyone involved in preliminary mine selection and design.
Notable features: Uniformity in method classification boosts transparency, facilitates international project comparability, and enhances safety and economic evaluation by ensuring the right mining technique is selected for specific site conditions.
Key highlights:
Provides comprehensive framework for method selection and reporting.
Addresses economic, technical, and environmental factors.
Promotes global harmonization for mining project planning and certification.
Access the full standard: View ISO 21557:2025 on iTeh Standards
ISO 23499:2026 - Bulk Density Determination for Industrial Coal Handling
Coal — Determination of bulk density of coal as it is handled in industrial practices
ISO 23499:2026 details two practical methods for measuring the uncompacted bulk density of coal as typically handled in the field. Method 1 covers crushed coal up to 45 mm top size—commonly for coke oven charging. Method 2 addresses very fine, dry powdered coal used in power generation and industrial processes.
Accurately determining bulk density is essential for:
Equipment calibration and capacity assessment.
Efficient transportation and storage.
Process control, conversion calculations, and blending.
Laboratories, process engineers, logistics teams, and operators engaged in handling, shipping, and processing coal must utilize these procedures for reliable test results and compliance.
Key highlights:
Dual-method approach for both coarse and fine industrial coal.
Standard apparatus and sample handling techniques prescribed.
Critical to inventory management, quality assurance, and safety protocols.
Access the full standard: View ISO 23499:2026 on iTeh Standards
Industry Impact & Compliance
Mining and minerals operations face high stakes: volatile markets, strict safety rules, and the need for environmental stewardship. Certification against ISO and other international standards signals a company’s maturity in risk management, operational discipline, and a commitment to best practice.
Benefits of adopting and certifying to these standards include:
Demonstrated product quality and process reliability.
Streamlined audits and easier access to international markets.
Enhanced transparency and trust among stakeholders.
Reduced sampling and testing errors, avoiding costly rework or disputes.
Greater insights through standardized data collection and analysis.
Risks of non-compliance:
Disputes with buyers and authorities over quality or process claims.
Loss of certification and market access.
Increased operational hazards and unscheduled downtime.
Exposure to regulatory penalties and liabilities.
Staying ahead by implementing these standards keeps organizations within legal frameworks and makes them more competitive in a global industry.
Implementation Guidance
Adopting international standards in mining and minerals is a stepwise process requiring buy-in across the organization.
Common Implementation Approaches
Gap Analysis:
Review current practices against the standard’s requirements.
Identify strengths, weaknesses, and immediate compliance gaps.
Stakeholder Training:
Technical personnel and leadership should be trained on the new requirements.
Develop SOPs and checklists tailored to your operation.
Pilot Testing:
Run initial performance tests or sampling campaigns according to the relevant standard.
Analyze results and tweak procedures as necessary.
Documentation and Record-Keeping:
Use the standard’s templates and prescribed formats (tables, figures) for consistency.
Document deviations and corrective actions.
Third-Party Review or Certification:
Engage accredited bodies for certification or independent verification for added credibility.
Best Practices
Engage cross-functional teams (operations, quality, safety, compliance) early in the process.
Integrate standard procedures with existing ISO management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001) for leaner workflows.
Maintain regular review cycles for procedures and update training as new editions of standards are published.
Use digital tools for data handling and performance monitoring.
Resources:
ISO and iTeh Standards platforms for purchasing and studying standards.
In-house or external training workshops.
Industry forums and professional associations for shared experiences.
Conclusion / Next Steps
Mastering and certifying against key mining and mineral standards such as ISO 10752, ISO 13909-7, ISO 21557, and ISO 23499 is now essential for modern business success. These frameworks help organizations drive productivity, enhance safety, and open new markets. A proactive implementation strategy—supported by leadership, technical training, and robust documentation—positions operations for future growth and resilience, at any scale.
Recommendations:
Regularly review iTeh Standards and other leading platforms for the most up-to-date versions of key standards.
Prioritize certification and continuous improvement as strategic business objectives.
Leverage these standards as a catalyst for operational excellence, risk reduction, and long-term competitiveness.
Start your standards journey today—explore each ISO document for complete methodologies, case examples, and global best practices.
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