December 2025: Key Mining and Minerals Standards You Need to Know

December 2025 ushers in significant developments for the mining and minerals sector, with three critical standards newly published by leading international standards bodies. These standards shape how organizations approach mining method classification, coal preparation equipment performance, and the integrity of natural stone fixings in buildings. In an increasingly complex regulatory and technical environment, staying updated with the latest international standards is essential for maintaining compliance, ensuring safety, and enhancing operational efficiency.

Overview

The mining and minerals industry operates at the intersection of natural resource management, advanced engineering, and stringent regulatory demands. Standards in this sector underpin safe extraction, optimized processing, and the responsible use of natural stone in construction. They ensure that practices are:

• Scientifically validated
• Universally comparable
• Adaptable to local requirements and environmental considerations

In this article, you will discover the key contents and practical implications of the three new standards published in December 2025:

1. ISO 21557:2025 for mining method classification
2. ISO 10752:2025 for coal sizing equipment performance evaluation
3. prEN 13364 for the breaking load determination of natural stone fixings

Detailed Standards Coverage

ISO 21557:2025 – Mining Method Classification and Specification

Mining – Mining methods – Classification and specification

The newly published ISO 21557:2025 offers a comprehensive framework for classifying mining methods, building on critical parameters such as ore grade, recovery rates, infrastructure cost, extraction techniques, machine and labor costs, underground support, and key geotechnical factors.

Scope and Key Requirements

This standard addresses the need for a clear, internationally recognized system to classify mining methods, benefiting:

• Preliminary mine design and planning
• Safety and environmental risk assessments
• Economic evaluations and feasibility studies

It splits mining operations into two primary categories:

• Surface mining: including open-pit mining, quarrying, strip mining, and auger mining
• Underground mining: differentiated by the competency and geometry of the ore and surrounding rock

The standard details essential considerations such as:

• Deposit geometry and topography
• Ore and host rock strength
• Legal, historical, and sociocultural factors
• Environmental implications (e.g., biosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere/hydrosphere impacts)

Who Must Comply?

• Mining companies
• Project engineers and designers
• Regulatory agencies and consultants
• Environmental and health & safety officers

Implementation Impact

ISO 21557:2025 guides:

• Selection of optimal mining methods for specific ore bodies
• Equipment procurement and workforce planning
• Adherence to best practices in safety and sustainability

Key highlights:

• Provides a universal terminology and methodology for mining method classification
• Integrates economic, technical, and environmental criteria for method selection
• Supports regulatory compliance and transparent reporting for stakeholders

Access the full standard: View ISO 21557:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 10752:2025 – Coal Sizing Equipment Performance Evaluation

Coal sizing equipment – Performance evaluation

The revised ISO 10752:2025 sets out principles and methodologies for evaluating the performance of coal sizing equipment—vital for ensuring efficiency, product quality, and safe operations in coal preparation plants.

Scope and Key Requirements

This standard is a must-have for:

• Operators and engineers in coal processing facilities
• Equipment manufacturers and quality assurance teams

It applies to all major types of sizing equipment:

• Screens
• Classifiers
• Other equipment relevant to two-product separations

The standard specifies:

• Definitions and parameters for performance measurement (e.g., feed rate, reference size of separation, misplaced material, sharpness of separation, material placement efficiency)
• Test procedures for collecting reliable data (including sampling methods in line with ISO 13909 and ISO 18283)
• Analytical and reporting processes such as size distribution and partition curve plotting
• Guidance for both mass-based and volume-based measurement, supporting both batch and continuous operations

Who Must Comply?

• Coal preparation plant managers
• Equipment designers and manufacturers
• Compliance and testing labs

Practical Implementation

By following ISO 10752:2025, organizations can:

• Benchmark equipment performance for improvement and procurement decisions
• Optimize separation efficiency and reduce product losses
• Ensure fair comparison between different equipment types or suppliers

Key highlights:

• Comprehensive methodology for evaluating coal sizing equipment
• Updates to normative references and data presentation (now tabular)
• Enhanced analytical and graphical tools for performance visualization

Access the full standard: View ISO 10752:2025 on iTeh Standards

prEN 13364 – Natural Stone: Testing Breaking Load at Dowel Hole and Slot-and-Blade System

Natural stone test methods – Determination of the breaking load at dowel hole and slot-and-blade system

The draft European standard prEN 13364 offers best practice test methods for determining the breaking load of natural stone elements fixed using two common systems—dowel holes and slot-and-blade arrangements. This is critical for evaluating the mechanical stability of stone cladding and lining in buildings.

Scope and Key Requirements

The standard covers:

• Preparation and specification of test specimens (sampling, bedding, surface finish, dimensioning)
• Accurate drilling of holes and cutting of slots
• Use of calibrated machinery and precise force application
• Detailed reporting of breaking load results

It specifies two fixing methods:

• Dowel-hole method: Force applied perpendicular via a dowel
• Slot-blade method: Force transmission via a metallic slot system

The update incorporates a new method for slot-blade fixings, addressing industry needs for more robust specification and conformity assessment.

Who Must Comply?

• Manufacturers and installers of natural stone panels
• Testing laboratories and construction engineers
• Material and QA/QC specialists

Practical Impact

This standard allows:

• Objective, reproducible assessment of mechanical performance for stone fixings
• Compliance with façade safety mandates and building codes
• Safer installations and reduced risk of in-service failure

Key highlights:

• Expands on earlier methodology to include slot-blade systems
• Detailed procedures support accurate, reproducible laboratory testing
• Ensures stone cladding meets conformity and durability requirements

Access the full standard: View prEN 13364 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

Adoption of these new or revised standards brings:

• Increased safety: By promoting universal classification, robust equipment testing, and reliable material performance, organizations mitigate operational and structural risks.
• Regulatory compliance: Updated frameworks align operations with global best practices and region-specific mandates, supporting both tendering and certification.
• Operational efficiencies: Streamlined processes for equipment selection and performance assessment boost productivity and reduce downtime.
• Market competitiveness: Adhering to updated standards demonstrates commitment to quality, enhancing supplier and client confidence.

Compliance Considerations:

• Updated training for engineering and operations teams
• Integration of new testing protocols in QA/QC plans
• Timely documentation for regulatory filings and customer assurance
• Transition periods may vary; check regional regulatory bodies

Risks of Non-Compliance:

• Increased liability for safety incidents
• Project delays and cost overruns
• Loss of business due to certification failure

Technical Insights

Common Technical Themes

• Precision in classification: ISO 21557:2025 emphasizes universal, well-defined mining method categories, reducing ambiguity in project planning.
• Quantitative performance measurement: ISO 10752:2025 drives deep analysis of equipment capability, pushing the field toward data-driven plant optimization.
• Mechanical reliability: prEN 13364 ensures that fastening methods for stone are stringently tested, underpinning both safety and long-term durability.

Best Practices for Implementation

1. Early Integration: Embed standard requirements into feasibility assessments and tender documents.
2. Staff Training: Upskill technical and operational teams on revisions and new procedures.
3. Equipment Calibration: Schedule regular equipment calibration and verification to align with test procedures.
4. Data-Driven Analysis: Leverage standard-recommended data collection and analysis methods for root cause investigations and continuous improvement.
5. Robust Documentation: Maintain detailed records to evidence compliance and traceability during audits.

Testing and Certification Considerations

• Use only accredited laboratories and calibrated instrumentation
• Follow sample preparation and reporting guidance exactly as prescribed (especially for product type certification)
• Reference updated standards in contract specifications and compliance declarations

Conclusion & Next Steps

The December 2025 publication of ISO 21557:2025, ISO 10752:2025, and prEN 13364 marks a pivotal update for industry professionals in mining and minerals. These standards reinforce the pillars of efficiency, safety, and robust engineering across extraction, processing, and construction applications.

Key takeaways:

• Incorporate updated classifications and specifications into project and technical documentation
• Update staff training and QA/QC procedures to reflect new testing and reporting requirements
• Leverage standard-backed data for transparent stakeholder communication and reporting

Organizations are encouraged to:

• Access the full text of each standard via iTeh Standards (see links above) for detailed guidance
• Review compliance gaps against current practices
• Stay alert to further regulatory and normative developments impacting the sector

For continual professional growth and risk management, bookmark iTeh Standards as your trusted resource for the latest in international standards.