Abstract:
Despite the significant socioeconomic contributions of mining, it remains a hazardous industry.
While proper fire safety management practices have been shown to improve safety goals in coal
mines, this has not been studied enough in the gold mining industry. To fill this gap, this study
aims to assess the fire safety management practices and their impact on fire safety performance
at Africa Mining Services (AMS) in Senegal. Using structural equation modelling (SEM) and
data from 270 AMS employees, the study finds that regulations and enforcement, and fire
protection measures, are the most influential factors of fire safety management at AMS Mako
Mines. Contrary to common belief, the study found that fire safety training did not mediate the
relationship between fire safety management practices and fire safety performance.
Additionally, hypothesis H3, concerning the direct relationship between FSM and FSP, was
rejected due to insufficient evidence to conclude a significant impact of fire safety management
practices on fire safety performance at AMS Mako Mines. However, Mine Design and Structure
(MSD) fully mediated this relationship. This study adds to existing literature by confirming the
mediating role of MSD in the FSM-FSP relationship and further highlights the importance of
regulations, enforcement, and fire protection measures in fire safety management at AMS Mako
Mine. Recommendations include establishing robust mechanisms for enforcement and
compliance monitoring to foster a safety culture, integrating fire safety training programs, and
considering the role of mine design structure in enhancing fire safety performance in the mining
industry.
